efc7-2356_6262225s1a.htm
As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 27,
2007
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
__________________
Amendment
No. 2
to
FORM
S-1
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
__________________
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
|
6770
(Primary
Standard Industrial
Classification
Code Number)
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
(914)
272-8067
|
26-0500600
(I.R.S.
Employer
Identification
Number)
|
(Address,
including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s
principal executive offices)
____________________________
Richard
A. Baker, Chief Executive Officer
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
(914)
272-8067
(Name,
address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of agent
for service)
____________________________
Copies
to:
Samir
A. Gandhi, Esq.
|
Floyd
I. Wittlin, Esq.
|
Sidley
Austin LLP
|
Bingham
McCutchen LLP
|
787
Seventh Avenue
|
399
Park Avenue
|
New
York, New York 10019
|
New
York, New York 10022
|
(212)
839-5300
|
(212)
705-7000
|
(212)
839-5599—Facsimile
|
(212)
702-3625—Facsimile
|
________________________________
|
Approximate
date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If
any of
the securities being registered on this Form are being offered on a delayed
or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check
the
following box. x
If
this
Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to
Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. o
If
this
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the
Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If
this
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the
Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
Title
of Each Class of
Security
to be Registered
|
Amount
being Registered
|
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price per Security(1)
|
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(1)
|
Amount
of Registration Fee
|
Units,
each consisting of one share of Common
Stock,
$.0001 par value, and one Warrant(2)
|
34,500,000
Units
|
$10.00
|
$345,000,000
|
$10,592
|
Shares
of Common stock included as part of the Units
|
34,500,000
Shares
|
---
|
---
|
---
(3)
|
Warrants
included as part of the Units
|
34,500,000
Warrants
|
---
|
---
|
---
(3)
|
Shares
of Common Stock underlying the Warrants included in the Units(4)
|
34,500,000
Shares
|
$7.50
|
$258,750,000
|
$7,944
|
Total
|
|
|
$603,750,000
|
$18,536(5)
|
(1)
|
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the registration
fee.
|
(2)
|
Includes
4,500,000 Units and 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock and 4,500,000
Warrants underlying such Units which may be issued on exercise of
a 30-day
option granted to the Underwriters to cover over-allotments, if
any.
|
(3)
|
No
fee required pursuant to Rule
457(g).
|
(4)
|
Pursuant
to Rule 416, there are also being registered such additional securities
as
may be issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock
dividends or similar transactions as a result of the anti-dilution
provisions contained in the
Warrants.
|
The
Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as
may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a
further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective
on
such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.
The
Information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is declared
effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these
securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in
any state
where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject
to Completion, dated September 27,
2007
PROSPECTUS
$300,000,000
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
30,000,000
Units
___________________________________
NRDC
Acquisition Corp. is a recently organized blank check company formed to acquire
one or more operating businesses through a merger, capital stock exchange,
stock
purchase, asset acquisition or similar business combination. Our
efforts in identifying a prospective target business will not be limited to
a
particular industry or geographic location. We do not have any
specific business combination under consideration or
contemplation. We have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, contacted
or been contacted by, any potential target business or had any discussions,
formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction.
This
is
an initial public offering of our securities. Each unit will be
offered at a price of $10.00 per unit and will consist of:
• one
share of our common stock; and
• one
warrant.
Each
warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a
price
of $7.50. Each warrant will become exercisable on the later of our
consummation of an initial business combination or ___________, 2008 and will
expire on _________, 2011 or earlier upon redemption of the warrants by
us.
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC, an entity indirectly owned and controlled by our
executive officers, has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants
from us at a price of $1.00 per warrant for an aggregate purchase price of
$8,000,000 in a private placement immediately prior to the completion of
this
offering. All of the proceeds we receive from this purchase will be
placed in the trust account described below. The “private placement
warrants” to be purchased will be identical to the warrants underlying the units
being offered by this prospectus except that the private placement warrants
are
exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the original
purchaser or its permitted transferees. NRDC Capital Management, LLC
has agreed that, with certain exceptions described herein, the private placement
warrants will not be sold or transferred until after we have consummated
our
initial business combination. None of the shares purchased by NRDC
Capital Management, LLC prior to the completion of this offering will have
any
right to liquidating distributions in the event we fail to consummate a business
combination. The holders of our common stock on the date of this
prospectus, whom we refer to as our existing stockholders, including our
executive officers and directors, have agreed that they will vote all shares
of
common stock owned by them prior to the completion of this offering with
respect
to a business combination in the same manner that the majority of the shares
of
common stock offered hereby are voted by our public stockholders, other than
our
existing stockholders, and they will not have any conversion rights with
respect
to such shares.
In
addition, NRDC Capital Management, LLC has agreed to purchase from us an
aggregate of 2,000,000 of our units, which we refer to as the co-investment,
at
a price of $10.00 per unit for an aggregate purchase price of $20,000,000 in
a
private placement that will occur immediately prior to our consummation of
our
initial business combination. These co-investment units will be
identical to the units sold in this offering except that the common stock and
the warrants included in the co-investment units, and the common stock issuable
upon exercise of those warrants, with certain limited exceptions, may not be
transferred or sold for one year after the consummation of our initial business
combination. Additionally, the warrants included in the co-investment
units are (1) exercisable only after the date on which the last sales price
of
our common stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other national securities
exchange on which our common stock may be traded, equals or exceeds $14.25
per
share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading-day period beginning at
least 90 calendar days after the consummation of our initial business
combination, (2) exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by
the
original purchaser or its permitted transferees and (3) not subject to
redemption by us.
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners
and our executive officers and directors have also entered into a right of
first
offer agreement under the terms of which they have agreed, subject to the
respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of our executive officers and
directors, to submit opportunities to enter into a business combination with
an
operating business to us before any other entity.
We
have
granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional
units solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The over-allotment
option will be used only to cover the net short position resulting from the
initial distribution.
There
is
currently no public market for our units, common stock or
warrants. We anticipate that the units will be listed on the American
Stock Exchange under the symbol NAQ.U on or promptly after the date of this
prospectus. The common stock and warrants each will begin separate
trading five trading days after the earlier to occur of the termination of
the
underwriters’ over-allotment option or the exercise in full by the underwriters
of that option. Once the securities comprising the units begin
separate trading, we anticipate that the common stock and warrants will be
listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols NAQ and NAQ.WS,
respectively. We cannot assure you, however, that our securities will
be or will continue to be listed on the American Stock Exchange.
___________________________________
Investing
in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors”
beginning on page 20 of this prospectus for a discussion of
information that should be considered in connection with an investment in
our
securities.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission
has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus
is
truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
|
Per
Unit
|
Total(1)
|
Public
Offering Price
|
$ 10.00
|
$300,000,000
|
Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions(2)(3)
|
$ 0.70
|
$21,000,000
|
Proceeds,
Before Expenses, to Us
|
$ 9.30
|
$279,000,000
|
|
(1)
|
The
underwriters have an option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000
units at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and
commissions, within 30 days of the date of this prospectus to cover
any
over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this option in
full, the total public offering price, underwriting discounts and
commissions and proceeds, before expenses, to us, will be $345,000,000,
$24,150,000 and $320,850,000, respectively. See the section
entitled “Underwriting” on page 105 of this
prospectus.
|
|
(2)
|
Includes
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions equal to 3.5% of
the gross
proceeds, or $10,500,000 ($12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full), or $0.35 per unit, which will be deposited
in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained by Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee, and which the underwriters
have agreed to defer until the consummation of our initial business
combination. However, the underwriters have waived their right
to the deferred discounts and commissions with respect to those units
as
to which the component shares have been converted into cash by public
stockholders who voted against the business combination and exercised
their conversion rights. See “Underwriting—Discounts and
Commissions.”
|
|
(3)
|
Of
the net proceeds we receive from this offering and in the private
placement, including deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
of
$10,500,000 ($12,075,000, if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full), or $0.35 per unit, $296,450,589 ($339,875,589
if the
underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), or
approximately $9.88 per unit, will be deposited in a trust account
at
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained by Continental Stock Transfer
&
Trust Company, as trustee. The underwriters are not receiving
any discounts or commissions with respect to the warrants to be purchased
in the private placement.
|
We
are
offering the units for sale on a firm-commitment basis. Banc of
America Securities LLC is acting as the sole manager of this offering and
expects to deliver our securities to investors in the offering on or about
_________, 2007.
Banc
of America Securities LLC
The
date
of this prospectus is _____________, 2007.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
|
1
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
20
|
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
|
44
|
USE
OF PROCEEDS
|
45
|
CAPITALIZATION
|
50
|
DILUTION
|
51
|
DIVIDEND
POLICY
|
53
|
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
54
|
PROPOSED
BUSINESS
|
57
|
MANAGEMENT
|
80
|
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
|
85
|
PRINCIPAL
STOCKHOLDERS
|
89
|
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
|
91
|
UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
|
99
|
UNDERWRITING
|
105
|
LEGAL
MATTERS
|
111
|
EXPERTS
|
111
|
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
111
|
You
should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We
have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you
with
different or additional information. If such information is provided
to you, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this
prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover
of
this prospectus, as our business, financial condition, results of operations
and
prospects may have changed since that date.
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This
summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus. For a more complete understanding of this offering you
should read the entire prospectus carefully including the risk factors and
the
financial statements and the related notes and schedules
thereto. Unless we tell you otherwise, the information in this
prospectus assumes that the underwriters have not exercised their over-allotment
option. In making your decision whether to invest in our securities,
you should take into account not only the backgrounds of the members of our
management team, but also the special risks we face as a blank check company
and
the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule
419
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer
to as
the Securities Act. You will not be entitled to protection normally
afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. You should
carefully consider these and the other risks set forth in the section below
entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on
page of this prospectus. Unless
otherwise stated in this prospectus,
•
|
references
to “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to NRDC Acquisition
Corp.;
|
•
|
the
term “business combination” as used in this prospectus means an
acquisition by us through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock
purchase, asset acquisition, or other similar business combination
with one or more operating
businesses;
|
•
|
the
term “existing stockholders” refers to those persons who owned shares of
our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering
and
includes all of our executive officers and
directors;
|
•
|
the
term “sponsor” refers to NRDC Capital Management, LLC, one of our existing
stockholders;
|
•
|
the
term “public stockholder” refers to those persons who purchase securities
offered by this prospectus in this offering or in the secondary market,
including any of our existing stockholders;
and
|
•
|
the
information in this prospectus reflects a 6 for 5 stock split of
our
common stock to be effected prior to this
offering.
|
However,
our existing stockholders’ status as a “public stockholder” shall exist only
with respect to those securities offered pursuant to this
prospectus.
We
were
organized and are sponsored by NRDC Capital Management, LLC, a recently
organized Delaware limited liability company. All of the interests in
our sponsor are owned by NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC, which, in turn,
is
wholly-owned by William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee
S.
Neibart, our four executive officers. NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC
and its affiliate, NRDC Equity Partners, which also is wholly-owned by our
four
executive officers, are referred to herein, collectively, as
NRDC. Our sponsor will provide administrative services to us, but
otherwise has no business activities other than sponsoring
us.
We
are a
recently organized blank check company formed to complete a business combination
with one or more operating businesses. Our efforts in identifying a
prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or
geographic location, but will focus on those opportunities that our management
believes provide opportunities for growth. We intend to initially
focus our search on businesses in the United States, but will also explore
opportunities internationally.
We
do not
have any specific business combination under consideration and we have not,
nor
has anyone on our behalf, contacted any prospective target business or had
any
discussions, formal or otherwise,
with
respect to such a transaction. We have not, nor have any of our
agents or affiliates, been approached by any prospective target business,
or
representatives of any prospective target business, with respect to a possible
business combination with us. Additionally, we have not, nor has
anyone on our behalf, taken any action, directly or indirectly, to identify
or
locate a specific target business, and we have not engaged or retained any
agent
or representative to identify or locate a specific target business.
Given
our
management team’s expertise in the real estate sector, we will initially focus
our search for an initial business combination on operating businesses where
we
believe we can increase the value of the overall enterprise by altering the
structure of or relationship between the operating business and its real estate
and/or improving, expanding or repositioning the real estate underlying the
operating business. We believe we can benefit from the expertise of
the members of our management team in investing in and managing operating
companies and that their skills in valuation, financial structuring, due
diligence, governance and financial and management oversight will be valuable
in
our efforts to identify a business target.
We
intend
to use some or all of the following criteria to evaluate acquisition
opportunities. However, we may enter into a business combination with
a target business that does not meet any or all of these criteria if we believe
such target business has the potential to create significant shareholder
value.
•
|
An
Established Business with a Proven Operating Track
Record. We will seek established businesses with records
of strong financial performance and sound operating results, or ones
which
our management team believes have the potential for positive operating
cash flow. It is not our intention to acquire a start-up
company.
|
•
|
Strong
Industry Position. We will seek to acquire strong
competitors in industries with appealing prospects for future growth
and
profitability. We will examine the ability of these target businesses
to
defend and improve their advantages in areas such as customer base,
branding, intellectual property, vendor relationships, working capital
and
capital investments.
|
•
|
Experienced
Management Team. We will concentrate on target businesses
with an experienced management team that has created an effective
corporate culture and utilized best business practices in areas such
as
customer service, vendor relationships, recruiting and
retention.
|
•
|
Ability
For Us To Add Value. We will seek a target company where
our management team has identified opportunities to improve the operating
business through the implementation of marketing, operational, growth
and
management strategies to augment the company’s existing
capabilities.
|
•
|
Underlying
Real Estate Value. Given the inherent skills and
experience of our management team, we will focus initially on operating
businesses where we have the opportunity to create value from the
real
estate underlying the business.
|
We
believe that the skills and experience of our management team will be crucial
to
consummating a successful business combination. Our executive
officers and directors have built and maintain extensive networks of
relationships that we plan to use to identify and generate acquisition
opportunities. These relationships include, among other sources,
executives and board members at public and private companies, brokers, private
equity and venture capital firms, consultants, investment bankers, attorneys
and
accountants. Our executive officers and directors have an average of
over 30 years of experience acquiring, building, operating, advising and selling
public and private companies. Our management team
includes:
William
L. Mack – Chairman. Mr. Mack is a founder of NRDC Real
Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. He is also a founder
and Senior Partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors and is the President of the
corporate general partners of the Apollo real estate funds. Mr. Mack
is also a Senior Partner of the Mack Organization, a national owner of
industrial buildings and other income-producing real estate
investments. Mr.
Mack serves as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mack-Cali
Realty Corporation, a publicly traded real estate investment trust.
Robert
C. Baker – Vice-Chairman. Mr. Baker
is a founder of NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity
Partners. He is also the founder, Chairman and CEO of National Realty
& Development Corporation, a private real estate development company owned
by him and Richard A. Baker. Since 1978, National Realty &
Development Corporation has amassed a property portfolio in excess of 18
million
square feet, consisting of shopping centers, corporate business centers and
residential communities in 20 states.
Richard
A. Baker – Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Baker is a
founder and President and Chief Executive Officer of NRDC Real Estate Advisors,
LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. Mr. Baker is also vice chairman of
National Realty & Development Corporation. Richard Baker is
Chairman of Lord & Taylor Holdings, LLC.
Lee
S. Neibart –
President. Mr. Neibart is
a founder of NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity
Partners. He is also a Senior Partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors,
where he has worked since 1993. Mr. Neibart oversees the global
day-to-day activities of Apollo Real Estate Advisors including portfolio
company
and fund management, strategic planning and new business
development. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Neibart worked at the Robert
Martin Company, a commercial real estate development management
firm.
For
additional information on the background of our executive officers and
directors, please see the sections in this prospectus entitled “Proposed
Business—Experienced Executive Management Team” and
“Management.”
Our
executive officers currently intend to stay involved in our management following
our initial business combination. The roles that they will fulfill
will depend on the type of business with which we combine and the specific
skills and depth of the target’s management. If one or more of our
executive officers remain with us in a management role following our initial
business combination, we may enter into employment or other compensation
arrangements with them, the terms of which have not been
determined.
We
have
entered into a business opportunity right of first offer agreement with
our
sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners and with
our
executive officers and directors. This right of first offer provides
that, subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of our executive
officers and directors, from the date of this prospectus until the earlier
of
the consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation,
we will
have a right of first offer if any of these parties becomes aware of, or
involved with, a business combination opportunity with any operating
business. Subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of
our executive officers and directors, these parties to the right of first
offer
agreement will, and will cause companies or entities under their management
or
control, to first offer any such business opportunity to us and they will
not,
and will cause each other company or entity under their management or control
not, to pursue any such business opportunity unless and until our board
of
directors, including a majority of our disinterested independent directors,
has
determined that we will not pursue such opportunity.
We
recognize that each of our executive officers and directors may be deemed
an
affiliate of any company for which such executive officer or director serves
as
an officer or director or for which such executive officer or director otherwise
has a pre-existing fiduciary duty and that a conflict of interest could arise
if
an opportunity is appropriate for one of such companies. As part of
this right of first offer, we have established procedures with respect to
the
sourcing of a potential business combination by our executive officers and
directors to eliminate such conflict for our executive officers and directors,
whereby a potential business combination that must be presented to any company
for which such executive officer or director, as the case may be, serves
as an
officer or director or otherwise has a pre-existing fiduciary duty (other
than
our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners) will
not
be presented to us until after
such
executive officer or director has presented the opportunity to such company
and
such company has determined not to proceed.
While
we
may seek to consummate business combinations with more than one target business,
our initial business combination must be with one or more operating businesses
whose fair market value is at least equal to 80% of the balance in the trust
account (less the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes
payable) at the time of such acquisition. As a result, we expect that
an initial public offering of $300,000,000 will enable us to consummate an
initial business combination with a business whose fair market value is at
least
$228,760,471. The actual amount of consideration which we will be
able to pay for the initial business combination will depend on whether we
choose, and are able, to pay a portion of the initial business combination
consideration with shares of our common stock or to finance a portion of
the
consideration by issuing debt or equity securities or increasing
indebtedness. No financing arrangements have been entered into or
contemplated with any third parties to raise any additional funds, whether
through the sale of securities or otherwise, that we may need if we decide
to
consummate an initial business combination for consideration in excess of
our
available assets at the time of acquisition.
We
are a Delaware corporation formed on
July 10, 2007. Our offices are located at 3 Manhattanville Road,
Purchase, NY 10577 and our telephone number is (914) 272-8067.
The
Private Placement
Our
sponsor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants from
us at a
price of $1.00 per warrant for an aggregate purchase price of $8,000,000
in a
private placement immediately prior to the completion of this
offering. The private placement warrants will be identical to the
warrants included in the units being offered by this prospectus, except
that our
sponsor or its permitted transferees will have the right to exercise those
private placement warrants on a cashless basis so long as such warrants
are held
by our sponsor, its members or former members, members of their immediate
families or controlled affiliates of our sponsor, which we refer to as
permitted
transferees. Exercising warrants on a “cashless basis” means that in
lieu of paying the aggregate exercise price for the shares of common stock
being
purchased upon exercise of the warrant in cash, the holder will forfeit
a number
of shares underlying the warrants with a market value equal to such aggregate
exercise price. Accordingly, we would not receive additional proceeds
to the extent these warrants are exercised on a cashless
basis. Warrants included in the units sold in this offering are not
exercisable on a cashless basis, and the exercise price with respect to
the
warrants will be paid in cash directly to us. The private placement
warrants will not be exercisable at any time unless a registration statement
covering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the public
warrants is effective and a prospectus is available for use by the public
warrant holders. Our sponsor has agreed, and any permitted transferee
prior to any transfer will agree, that, with certain exceptions described
under
the section entitled “Underwriting – Lock-up Agreement”, the private placement
warrants will not be sold or transferred until after we have consummated
our
initial business combination. Additionally, because our executive
officers are the sole members in NRDC Real Estate Advisors, the sole member
of
our sponsor, these executive officers have agreed not to sell or otherwise
transfer their ownership interests in NRDC Real Estate Advisors until we
have
consummated our initial business combination, subject to the same exceptions
described with respect to the private placement warrants under the section
entitled “Underwriting – Lock-up Agreement.”
The
Offering
Securities
Offered:
|
30,000,000
units, at $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of:
|
|
|
|
•
one
share of common stock; and
|
|
|
|
•
one warrant.
|
|
|
|
The
units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this
prospectus. |
|
|
Trading
Commencement and
|
|
Separation
of Common Stock
|
|
and
Warrants:
|
The
common stock and warrants will begin trading separately five
trading days
after the earlier to occur of the termination of the underwriters’ option
to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional units to cover over-allotments
and
the exercise in full of that option. In no event will separate
trading of the common stock and warrants commence until we
have filed an
audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the proceeds
of this
offering and issued a press release announcing when separate
trading will
begin. We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an
audited balance sheet, promptly after the completion of this
offering. The audited balance sheet will include proceeds we
receive from the exercise of the over-allotment option if the
over-allotment option is exercised prior to the filing of the
Current
Report on Form 8-K and, if such over-allotment option is exercised
after
such time, we will file an additional Current Report on Form
8-K including
a balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the proceeds from
the exercise
of the over-allotment. For more information, see the section in
this prospectus entitled “Description of
Securities—Units.”
|
Common
Stock:
|
|
|
|
Number
of shares outstanding
|
|
before
the date of this prospectus:
|
7,500,000
shares (does not include 1,125,000 shares sold to our sponsor
that are
subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters do not
exercise their
over-allotment option but gives effect to a 6 for 5 stock split
of our
common stock effected on September 4, 2007)
|
|
|
Number
of shares to be outstanding
|
|
after
completion of this offering:
|
37,500,000
shares (does not include 1,125,000 shares sold to our sponsor
that are
subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters do not
exercise their
over-allotment option but gives effect to a 6 for 5 stock split
of our
common stock effected on September 4, 2007)
|
Warrants:
|
|
|
|
Number
of warrants outstanding before
|
|
the
date of this prospectus:
|
0
warrants
|
Number
of warrants to be outstanding
|
|
after
completion of this offering and
|
|
the
private placement:
|
38,000,000
warrants
|
|
|
Exercisability:
|
Each
warrant is exercisable for one share of common stock.
|
|
|
Exercise
price:
|
$7.50
|
|
|
Exercise
period:
|
The
warrants will become exercisable on the later of the consummation
of our
initial business combination and _______, 2008 on the terms described
in
this prospectus; provided that a registration statement covering
the
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants
is effective
and a current prospectus is available for use.
|
|
|
|
The
warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on __________,
2011
or earlier upon redemption of the warrants by
us.
|
Redemption:
|
We
may redeem the outstanding warrants (excluding the warrants
included in
the co-investment units) at any time after the warrants become
exercisable:
|
|
•
in whole and not in part;
|
|
|
|
•
at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
|
|
|
|
•
upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice; and
|
|
|
|
•
only if the last sales price of our common stock on the American
Stock
Exchange, or other national securities exchange on which our
common stock
may be traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20
trading days
within a 30-trading-day period ending three business days before
we send
the notice of redemption, a registration statement under the
Securities
Act relating to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise
of the
warrants is effective and expected to remain effective to and
including
the redemption date, and a prospectus relating to the shares
of common
stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is available for
use by the
public warrant holders and remains available for use to and including
the
redemption date.
|
|
|
|
We
established the last criterion to provide warrant holders with
a premium
to the initial warrant exercise price, as well as a degree of
liquidity to
cushion the market reaction, if any, to our election to redeem
the
warrants. If the above conditions are satisfied and we call the
warrants for redemption, the warrant holders will then be entitled
to
exercise their warrants before the date scheduled for
redemption. However, there can be no assurance that the price
of the common stock will exceed $14.25 or the warrant exercise
price after
the redemption call is made. We do not need the consent
of
|
|
the
underwriters or our stockholders to redeem the outstanding
warrants.
|
|
|
Initial
shares:
|
In
July 2007, our sponsor purchased 8,625,000 shares of our common
stock
(after giving effect to a 6 for 5 stock split of our common
stock effected
on September 4, 2007) for an aggregate purchase price of
$25,000. The initial shares are identical to the shares
included in the units being sold in this offering, except
that:
|
|
|
|
•
the initial shares are subject to transfer
restrictions;
|
|
|
|
•
our existing stockholders have agreed to vote the initial shares
in the
same manner as a majority of the public stockholders in connection
with
the vote required to approve our initial business
combination;
|
|
|
|
•
our existing stockholders will not be able to exercise conversion
rights
(as described below) with respect to their initial shares;
and
|
|
|
|
•
our existing stockholders have agreed to waive their rights
to participate
in any liquidation distribution with respect to their initial
shares if we
fail to consummate a business combination.
|
|
|
|
Of
the 8,625,000 shares of common stock originally purchased by
our sponsor,
1,125,000 shares will be forfeited to us to the extent the
underwriters do
not exercise their over-allotment option. After giving effect
to such forfeiture and assuming no purchase of units by our
existing
shareholders in this offering, the number of shares of common
stock owned
by our existing stockholders will be 20% of the total number
of shares of
common stock outstanding after completion of this
offering.
|
|
|
Private
placement:
|
Our
sponsor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants
from us
at a price of $1.00 per warrant, for an aggregate purchase
price of
$8,000,000, in a private placement immediately prior to the
completion of
this offering. With certain exceptions, the private placement
warrants may not be sold or transferred until after we have
consummated
our initial business combination. The private placement
warrants will be identical to the warrants underlying the units
offered by
this prospectus except that the private placement warrants
are exercisable
on a cashless basis so long as they are held by our sponsor
or its
permitted transferees.
|
|
|
|
Our
sponsor and its permitted transferees will have the right to
exercise the
private placement warrants on a cashless basis, after delivery
of a notice
of redemption by us. Warrants included in the units issued in
this offering are not exercisable on a cashless
basis.
|
|
Our
sponsor will be permitted to transfer its private placement
warrants to
its members, former members, members of their immediate families
or controlled affiliates of our sponsor, which we refer to as
“permitted transferees.” Our sponsor and its permitted
transferees may make transfers of these private placement warrants
to
charitable organizations and trusts for estate planning purposes,
to our
other officers and directors, pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations
order and in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange,
stock
purchase, asset acquisition or other similar transaction which
results in
all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their
shares of
common stock or other securities for cash, securities or other
property
subsequent to our consummation of our initial business
combination.
|
|
|
Co-Investment
units purchased
|
|
through
private placement:
|
Our
sponsor has agreed to purchase from us an aggregate of 2,000,000
of our
units at a price of $10.00 per unit for an aggregate purchase
price of $20,000,000 in a private placement that will occur
immediately
prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination. Our initial business combination will not occur
until after the signing of a definitive business combination
agreement and
the approval of that business combination by our stockholders,
provided
that holders of less than 30% of the shares of common stock
sold in this
offering both vote against our initial business combination
and exercise
their conversion rights as described in this prospectus, and
a majority of
the outstanding shares of our common stock are voted in favor
of an
amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
to
provide for our perpetual existence. Each unit will consist of
one share of common stock and one warrant. We refer to this
private placement as the co-investment and these private placement
units,
shares of common stock and warrants as the co-investment units,
co-investment common stock and co-investment warrants, respectively,
throughout this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
The
co-investment units will be identical to the units sold in this
offering
except that the common stock and the warrants included in the
co-investment units, and the common stock issuable upon exercise
of those
warrants, with certain limited exceptions, may not be transferred
or sold
for one year after the consummation of our initial business
combination. Additionally, the warrants included in the
co-investment units are (1) exercisable only after the date on
which the
last sales price of our common stock on the American Stock Exchange,
or
other national securities exchange on which our common stock may
be
traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days
within
any 30-trading-day period beginning at least 90 calendar days after
the
consummation of our initial business combination, (2) exercisable
on a
cashless basis so long as they are held by the original purchaser
or its
permitted transferees and (3) not subject to redemption by
us. |
|
|
|
Upon
consummation of the co-investment, our sponsor would own approximately
24.1% of our outstanding common stock,
assuming |
|
that
no additional shares are otherwise issued as consideration for
our initial
business combination and that our sponsor does not purchase any
additional
shares of our common stock in this offering or in the secondary
market. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, the
holder of our co-investment units and the common stock and the
warrants
included therein will be entitled to certain registration rights
one year
after the consummation of our initial business combination, or
such later
time as when such securities become transferable or
exercisable. |
|
|
|
As
the proceeds from the sale of the co-investment units will not
be received
by us until immediately prior to our consummation of a business
combination, these proceeds will not be deposited into the trust
account
and will not be available for distribution to our public stockholders
in
the event of a liquidating distribution. Our sponsor will not
receive any additional carried interest (in the form of additional
units,
common stock, warrants or otherwise) in connection with the
co-investment. |
|
|
|
Our
sponsor has agreed, subject to certain exceptions described below,
not to
transfer, assign or sell any of its co-investment units, the
co-investment
common stock or co-investment warrants (including the common
stock to be
issued upon exercise of the co-investment warrants) until one
year after
we consummate a business combination. |
|
|
|
Our
sponsor will be permitted to transfer its co-investment units,
the
co-investment common stock or co-investment warrants (including
the common
stock to be issued upon exercise of the co-investment warrants)
to its
permitted transferees. Our sponsor and its permitted
transferees may make transfers of these securities to charitable
organizations and trusts for estate planning purposes, to our
other
officers and directors, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order
and in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results
in all of our
stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common
stock or
other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent
to our
consummation of our initial business combination. |
|
|
|
The
business purpose of the co-investment is to provide additional
capital to
us and to demonstrate our sponsor’s further commitment to our completion
of a business combination. In the event that the co-investment
units are not purchased immediately prior to our consummation
of our
initial business combination, each person that has a co-investment
obligation has agreed to forfeit all of the shares and private
placement
warrants that such person purchased from us prior to the completion
of
this offering. |
|
|
Proposed
American Stock Exchange symbols for our securities:
|
|
|
Offering
proceeds to be held in
|
|
the
trust account:
|
$296,450,589
of the proceeds from this offering and the private placement
(approximately $9.88 per unit) will be deposited in a trust account
at
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained by Continental Stock Transfer
&
Trust Company, as trustee, pursuant to an agreement to be signed
prior to
the date of this prospectus. Of the proceeds held in the trust
account, $10,500,000, representing deferred underwriting discounts
and
commissions, will be paid to the underwriters upon consummation
of our
initial business combination (subject to a $0.35 per share reduction
for
public stockholders who vote against the initial business combination
and
exercise their conversion rights as described below). The
proceeds held in the trust account will not be released until
the earlier
of (x) the consummation of our initial business combination on
the terms
described in this prospectus or (y) our liquidation. There can
be released to us from the trust account (i) interest income
earned on the
trust account balance to pay any income taxes on such interest
and (ii)
interest income earned, after taxes payable, on the trust account
of up to
an aggregate amount of $2,250,000 to fund our working capital
requirements, including, in such an event, the costs of our
liquidation. See “Use of Proceeds.” All remaining
interest earned on the trust account (after taxes payable) will
remain in
the trust account for our use in consummating an initial business
combination and for payment of the deferred underwriting compensation
or
released to the public stockholders upon their exercise of conversion
rights or upon our liquidation. Unless and until
an initial business combination is consummated, the proceeds
held in the
trust account will not be available for our use for any expenses
related
to this offering or any expenses which we may incur related to
the
investigation and selection of a target business or the negotiation
of an
agreement to consummate an initial business combination, including
to make
a down payment or deposit or fund a lock-up or “no-shop” provision with
respect to a potential business combination. These expenses may
be paid prior to an initial business combination only from the
$250,000 of
net proceeds from this offering not held in the trust account
plus
interest earned on the trust account of up to $2,250,000, after
tax, as
set forth above.
|
|
Although
we do not know the exact rate of interest to be earned on the trust
account, we believe that the recent historical interest rates of
U.S.
Treasury Bills with less than six months maturities are indicative
of the
interest to be earned on the funds in the trust
account. According to the Federal Reserve Statistical Release
dated September 24, 2007, referencing historical interest rate
data which
appears on the Federal Reserve website, U.S. Treasury Bills with
four
week, three month and six month maturities were yielding, as of
the week
ended September 21, 2007, 3.52%, 3.82% and 3.99% per annum,
respectively. However, the actual interest rates that we
|
|
receive
on the funds in the trust account may be different than these
rates. |
|
None
of the warrants may be exercised until after the consummation of
our
initial business combination. Thus, after the proceeds of the
trust account have been disbursed, upon the exercise of any warrants,
the
warrant exercise price will be paid directly to
us. |
Payments
to executive officers and |
|
directors
and existing stockholders: |
There
will be no compensation, fees or other payments paid to our executive
officers, directors and existing stockholders or any of their respective
affiliates prior to, or for any services they render in order to
effectuate, the consummation of our initial business combination
other
than: |
|
•
|
repayment
of a $200,000 interest-free loan made by our sponsor to cover expenses
relating to the offering contemplated by this
prospectus;
|
|
•
|
payment
to our sponsor or its assignee of a monthly fee of $7,500 for general
and
administrative services, including office space, utilities, and
secretarial support. We believe that, based on rents and fees
for similar services in Purchase, New York, the fees charged by
our
sponsor are at least as favorable as we could have obtained from
unaffiliated third parties; and
|
|
•
|
reimbursement
of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by our executive officers and
directors
in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying
and
investigating target businesses for our initial business
combination.
|
Right
of first offer:
|
We
have entered into a business opportunity right of first offer
agreement
with our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity
Partners
and with our executive officers and directors. This right of
first offer provides that, subject to the respective pre-existing
fiduciary duties of our executive officers and directors, from
the date of
this prospectus until the earlier of the consummation of our
initial
business combination or our liquidation, we will have a right
of first
offer if any of these parties becomes aware of, or involved with,
a
business combination opportunity with any operating
business. Subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary
duties of our executive officers and directors, these parties
to the right
of first offer agreement will, and will cause companies or entities
under
their management or control, to first offer any such business
opportunity
to us and they will not, and will cause each other company or
entity under
their management or control not, to pursue any such business
opportunity
unless and until our board of directors, including a majority
of our
disinterested independent directors, has determined that we will
not
pursue such opportunity.
|
|
We
recognize that each of our executive officers and directors may
be deemed
an affiliate of any company for which such executive officer or
director
serves as an officer or director or for which such executive officer
or
director otherwise has a pre-existing fiduciary duty and that a
conflict
of interest could arise if an opportunity is appropriate for one
of such
companies. As part of this right of first offer, we have
established procedures with respect to the sourcing of a potential
business combination by our executive officers and directors to
eliminate
such conflict for our executive officers and directors, whereby
a
potential business combination that must be presented to any company
for
which such executive officer or director, as the case may be, serves
as an
officer or director or otherwise has a pre-existing fiduciary duty
(other
than our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity
Partners)
will not be presented to us until after such executive officer
or director
has presented the opportunity to such company and such company
has
determined not to proceed.
|
The
stockholders must approve |
|
our
initial business combination:
|
We
will seek stockholder approval before we consummate our initial
business
combination, even if the nature of the acquisition would
not ordinarily
require stockholder approval under applicable state law. In
connection with any vote required for our initial business
combination,
our executive officers, directors and existing stockholders
have agreed to
vote all of the shares of common stock owned by them prior
to the
completion of this offering with respect to our initial business
combination in the same manner that the majority of the shares
of common
stock offered hereby are voted by our public stockholders
other than our
existing stockholders. Our executive officers, directors and
existing stockholders also have agreed that if they acquire
shares of
common stock in or following completion of this offering,
they will vote
all such acquired shares in favor of our initial business
combination. We will proceed with our proposed initial business
combination only
if:
|
|
•
|
a
majority of the shares of common stock voted by the public stockholders
are voted in favor of the initial business
combination;
|
|
•
|
public
stockholders owning less than 30% of the shares sold in this offering
both
vote against our initial business combination and exercise their
conversion rights as described below;
and
|
|
•
|
a
majority of our outstanding shares of common stock are voted in
favor of
an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
to
provide for our perpetual existence, as described
below.
|
|
Voting
against the initial business combination alone will not result
in an
election to exercise a stockholder’s conversion rights. A
stockholder must also affirmatively exercise such conversion
rights at or
prior to the time an initial business combination is voted
upon
|
|
by
the stockholders. We view the procedures governing the approval
of our initial business combination, each of which are set forth
in our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as obligations
to our
stockholders, and neither we nor our board of directors will propose,
or
seek stockholder approval of, any amendment of these
procedures. For more information, see the section entitled
“Proposed Business—Consummating an Initial Business
Combination—Stockholder Approval of Our Initial Business
Combination.” |
Conversion
rights for stockholders
voting
to reject our initial business
|
|
combination:
|
Public
stockholders voting against our initial business combination will
be
entitled to convert their stock into a pro rata share of the
aggregate amount then in the trust account (including the amount
held in
the trust account representing the deferred portion of the underwriting
discounts and commissions), including any interest earned on their
pro
rata share (net of taxes payable on such interest income and after
release of an aggregate amount up to $2,250,000 of interest income,
after
tax, to fund working capital requirements), if the initial business
combination is approved and consummated. Public stockholders
who convert their stock into a pro rata share of the trust
account will continue to have the right to exercise any warrants
they may
hold. Our existing stockholders will not have any conversion
rights with respect to shares of common stock held by them prior
to the
completion of this offering or with respect to any of the shares
sold in
this offering that they may acquire and there will be no conversion
rights
with respect to the 2,000,000 shares of common stock included in
the
co-investment units.
|
|
This
conversion could have the effect of reducing the amount distributed
to us
from the trust account by up to approximately $85,785,167 (assuming
conversion of the maximum of up to 8,999,999 of the eligible shares
of
common stock) (or up to approximately $98,340,167 assuming the
over-allotment option is exercised in full). We intend to structure
and
consummate any potential business combination in a manner such that
our
public stockholders holding up to 8,999,999 of our shares voting
against
our initial business combination could convert their shares of common
stock for a pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit
in the
trust account, and the business combination could still go
forward. |
|
An
eligible stockholder may request conversion at any time after the
mailing
to our stockholders of the proxy statement and prior to the vote
taken
with respect to a proposed business combination at a meeting held
for that
purpose, but the request will not be granted unless the stockholder
votes
against the initial business combination and the initial business
combination is approved and consummated. In addition, no later
than the business day immediately preceding the vote on the business
combination, the stockholder must present written instructions to
our
transfer agent stating that the stockholder wishes to convert its
shares
into a pro rata share of the trust account |
|
and
confirming that the stockholder has held the shares since the record
date
and will continue to hold them through the stockholder meeting and
the
closing of our initial business combination. We may also
require public stockholders to tender their certificates to our transfer
agent or to deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically
using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At
Custodian) System no later than the business day immediately preceding
the
vote on the business combination. There is a nominal cost
associated with the above-referenced tendering process and the act
of
certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC system.
The
transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker approximately
$35 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this
cost on
to the converting holder. |
The
proxy
solicitation materials that we will furnish to stockholders in connection
with
the vote for any proposed business combination will indicate whether we are
requiring stockholders to satisfy such certification and delivery
requirements. Accordingly, a stockholder would have from the time we
send out our proxy statement up until the business day immediately preceding
the
vote on the business combination to deliver his shares if he wishes to seek
to
exercise his conversion rights. This time period varies depending on
the specific facts of each transaction. However, as the delivery
process is within the stockholder’s control and, whether or not he is a record
holder or his shares are held in “street name,” can be accomplished by the
stockholder in a matter of hours simply by contacting the transfer agent
or his
broker and requesting delivery of his shares through the DWAC System, we
believe
this time period is sufficient for investors generally. However,
because we do not have any control over the process, it may take significantly
longer than we anticipated and investors may not be able to seek conversion
in
time. Accordingly, we will only require stockholders to deliver their
certificates prior to the vote if, in accordance with the America Stock
Exchange’s proxy notification recommendations, the stockholders receive the
proxy solicitation materials at least twenty days prior to the
meeting.
Any
request for conversion, once made, may be withdrawn at any time prior to
the
vote taken with respect to a proposed business combination at the meeting
held
for that purpose. Furthermore, if a stockholder delivers his certificate
for
conversion and subsequently withdraws his request for conversion, he may
simply
request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or
electronically).
Certificate
of Incorporation: |
As
discussed below, there are specific provisions in our amended and
restated
certificate of incorporation that may not be amended prior to the
consummation of our initial business combination, including our
requirements to seek stockholder approval of such a business combination
and to allow our stockholders to seek conversion of their shares
if they
do not approve of such a business combination. While we have
been advised that such provisions |
|
limiting
our ability to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
may not be enforceable under applicable Delaware law, we view these
provisions, which are contained in Article Sixth of our amended
and
restated certificate of incorporation, as obligations to our stockholders
and our officers and directors have agreed that they will not recommend
or
take any action to amend or waive these
provisions.
|
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that we will
continue in existence only until ___________, 2009. If we have not
completed a business combination by such date, our corporate existence will
automatically cease except for the purposes of winding up our affairs and
liquidating, pursuant to Section 278 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law. This has the same effect as if our board of directors and
stockholders had formally voted to approve our dissolution pursuant to Section
275 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Accordingly, limiting
our corporate existence to a specified date as permitted by Section 102(b)(5)
of
the Delaware General Corporation Law removes the necessity to comply with
the
formal procedures set forth in Section 275 (which would have required our
board
of directors and stockholders to formally vote to approve our liquidation
and to
have filed a certificate of dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of
State). In connection with any proposed initial business combination,
we will submit to stockholders a proposal to amend our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual existence, thereby
removing the 24-month limitation on our corporate life. We will only
consummate a business combination if stockholders vote both in favor of such
business combination and our amendment to provide for our perpetual
existence. The approval of the proposal to amend our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual existence
would require the affirmative vote of a majority of our outstanding shares
of
common stock. Our executive officers, directors and existing
stockholders have agreed to vote all of the shares of stock owned by them
in
favor of this amendment. We view this provision terminating our
corporate life by __________, 2009 as an obligation to our stockholders and
our
officers and directors have agreed that they will not take any action to
amend
or waive this provision to allow us to survive for a longer period of time
except upon the consummation of our initial business combination.
Liquidation
if no
business
combination:
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If
we are unable to complete a business combination prior to the date
24
months after completion of this offering, our corporate existence
will
cease except for the purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating
pursuant to Section 278 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, in
which case we will as promptly as practicable thereafter adopt
a plan of
distribution in accordance with Section 281(b) of the Delaware
General Corporation Law. Section 278 provides that our existence will
continue for at least three years after its expiration for the
purpose of
prosecuting and defending suits, whether civil, criminal or
administrative, by
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or
against us, and of enabling us gradually to settle and close our
business,
to dispose of and convey our property, to discharge our liabilities
and to
distribute to our stockholders any remaining assets, but not for
the
purpose of continuing the business for which we were organized.
Our
existence will continue automatically even beyond the three-year
period
for the purpose of completing the prosecution or defense of suits
begun
prior to the expiration of the three-year period, until such time
as any
judgments, orders or decrees resulting from such suits are fully
executed.
Section 281(b) will require us to pay or make reasonable provision
for all then-existing claims and obligations, including all contingent,
conditional, or unmatured contractual claims known to us, and to
make such
provision as will be reasonably likely to be sufficient to provide
compensation for any then-pending claims and for claims that have
not been
made known to us or that have not arisen but that, based on facts
known to
us at the time, are likely to arise or to become known to us within
10
years after the date of dissolution. Under Section 281(b), the plan
of distribution must provide for all of such claims to be paid
in full or
make provision for payments to be made in full, as applicable,
if there
are sufficient assets. If there are insufficient assets to provide
for all
such claims, the plan must provide that such claims and obligations
be
paid or provided for according to their priority and, among claims
of
equal priority, ratably to the extent of legally available assets.
These
claims must be paid or provided for before we make any distribution
of our
remaining assets to our stockholders. While we intend to pay such
claims,
if any, from the $250,000 of proceeds held outside of the trust
account
and from the $2,250,000 of interest income, after taxes, earned
on amounts
in the trust account available to us, we cannot assure you those
funds
will be sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims. Although
we will seek to have all third parties (including any vendors or
other
entities we engage after this offering) and any prospective target
businesses enter into valid and enforceable agreements with us
waiving any
right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies
held in
the trust account, there is no guarantee that they will execute
such
agreements. We have not engaged any such third parties or asked
for or
obtained any such waiver agreements at this time. There is no guarantee
that the third parties would not challenge the enforceability of
these
waivers and bring claims against the trust account for monies owed
them.
In addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree
to waive
any claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising
out of,
any negotiations, contracts or agreements with us and will not
seek
recourse against the trust account for any reason. Our sponsor
and each of
our executive officers has agreed that they will be personally
liable on a
joint and several basis to ensure that the proceeds in the trust
account
are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or claims of
vendors or
other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered
or
contracted for or products sold to
us.
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We
estimate that, in the event we liquidate the trust account, a public
stockholder will receive approximately $9.88 per
share,
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without
taking into account interest earned on the trust account that remains
in
the trust account at such time (net of taxes payable on such interest
income and after release of up to $2,250,000 of interest income,
after
tax, to fund our working capital requirements, including the costs
of our
liquidation).
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We
expect that all costs associated with implementing our plan of
liquidation
as well as payments to any creditors will be funded out of the
$250,000 of
proceeds of this offering not held in the trust account and the
up to
$2,250,000 of interest income, after taxes, on amounts in the trust
account that may be released to us. We estimate that our total
costs and expenses for implementing and completing our liquidation
will be
in the range of $15,000 to $25,000. This amount includes all
costs and expenses relating to our winding up. We believe that
there should be sufficient funds available from the proceeds not
held in
the trust account, plus interest earned on the trust account available
to
us as working capital, to fund these expenses, although we cannot
give you
assurances that these will be sufficient funds for such
purposes. If these funds are insufficient to cover the costs of
our liquidation, our sponsor and our executive officers have each
agreed,
on a joint and several basis, to indemnify us for our direct,
out-of-pocket costs associated with such liquidation and winding-up,
including litigation that would result from claimants disputing
the
validity of waivers that they have delivered, pertaining to such
liquidation.
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For
more
information regarding the liquidation and winding-up procedures and the factors
that may impair our ability to distribute our assets, or cause distributions
to
be less than $9.88 per share, please see the sections entitled “Risk
Factors—Risks Relating to the Company and the Offering—If third parties bring
claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account could be reduced
and
the per share liquidation price received by our public stockholders would
be
less than approximately $9.88 per share,” “—Risks Relating to the Company and
the Offering—Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties
against us to the extent of distributions received by them in our liquidation,”
and “Proposed Business—Consummating an Initial Business Combination—Liquidation
if No Business Combination.”
Audit
Committee:
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We
have established and will maintain an Audit Committee which initially
will
be composed of a majority of independent directors and will be
within one
year composed entirely of independent directors to, among other
things,
monitor compliance with the terms described above and the other
terms
relating to this offering and review and approve any affiliated
transactions involving our company. If any noncompliance is
identified, then the Audit Committee will be charged with responsibility
to immediately take all action necessary to rectify such noncompliance
or
otherwise to cause compliance with the terms of this
offering. For more information, see the section entitled
“Management—Committees of the Board of Directors—Audit
Committee.”
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Risks
In
making
your decision whether to invest in our securities you should take into account
not only the business experience of our executive officers and directors,
but
also the special risks we face as a blank check
company. Additionally, this offering is not being conducted in
compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act and, therefore,
you will not be entitled to the protections normally afforded to investors
in
Rule 419 blank check offerings. Further, our existing stockholders’
initial equity investment is less than that which is required by the North
American Securities Administrators Association, Inc., and we do not satisfy
such
association’s Statement of Policy Regarding Unsound Financial
Condition. You should carefully consider these and the other risks
set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 20 of this
prospectus.
Summary
Financial Data
The
following table summarizes the relevant financial data for our business and
should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, and the notes
and
schedules related thereto, which are included in this prospectus. To
date, our efforts have been limited to organizational activities and activities
related to this offering, so only balance sheet data is presented
below. The historical financial information gives retroactive effect
to a 6 for 5 stock split of our common stock.
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Balance
Sheet Data:
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Working
capital
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$ |
5,232
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$ |
286,224,858
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Total
assets
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244,037
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296,724,858
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Total
liabilities
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219,768
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10,500,000 |
(1) |
Value
of common stock that may be converted to cash (2)
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-
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85,785,167
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Total
stockholders’ equity
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$ |
24,269
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$ |
200,439,691
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(1)
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Represents
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions being held in the
trust
account ($12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full) which is payable to the underwriters upon completion
of
a business combination less $0.35 per share that the underwriters
have
agreed to forego with respect to shares public stockholders have
elected
to convert into cash pursuant to their conversion
rights.
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(2)
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If
the initial business combination is approved and consummated, public
stockholders who voted against the combination will be entitled
to convert
their stock for cash of approximately $9.88 per share (or up to
$88,935,167 in the aggregate), which amount represents approximately
$9.53
per share (or $85,785,167 in the aggregate) representing the net
proceeds
of the offering and $0.35 per share (or $3,150,000 in the aggregate)
representing deferred underwriting discounts and commissions which
the
underwriters have agreed to deposit into the trust account and
to forego
to pay converting stockholders, and does not take into account
interest
earned on and retained in the trust
account.
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The
“as
adjusted” information gives effect to the sale of the units we are offering
pursuant to this prospectus and the sale of the private placement warrants,
including the application of the estimated net proceeds.
The
working capital (as adjusted) and total assets (as adjusted) amounts include
the
$285,950,589 that will be held in the trust account following the completion
of
this offering and will be available to us only upon the consummation of a
business combination within 24 months after the completion of this offering
but
the working capital (as adjusted) excludes the deferred underwriting discounts
and commissions of $10,500,000 ($12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full) that will be held in the trust account and payable
to the underwriters upon the consummation of an initial business combination,
less $0.35 per share that the underwriters have agreed to forego with respect
to
shares public stockholders have elected to convert into cash pursuant to
their
conversion rights. If an initial business combination is not
consummated
within
24
months after the completion of this offering, we will be required to liquidate
and the proceeds held in the trust account will be distributed solely to
our
public stockholders after satisfaction of all our then-outstanding
liabilities.
We
will
not proceed with an initial business combination that has been approved by
a
majority of shares of common stock voted by our public stockholders if (i)
public stockholders owning 30% or more of the shares sold in this offering
both
vote against the business combination and exercise their conversion rights
or
(ii) the amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
providing for our perpetual existence is not approved by the affirmative
vote of
a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock. We will not
propose to our stockholders any transaction that is conditioned on holders
of
less than 30% of the shares held by the public stockholders exercising their
conversion rights. Accordingly, we may consummate an initial business
combination only if (i) a majority of the shares of common stock voted by
the
public stockholders are voted in favor of the initial business combination,
(ii)
public stockholders owning less than 30% of the shares sold in this offering
both vote against the initial business combination and exercise their conversion
rights and (iii) a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock
are
voted in favor of the amendment to our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation to provide for our perpetual existence. If this
occurred, we would be required to convert to cash up to 8,999,999 of the
30,000,000 shares of common stock included in the units sold in this offering
at
an initial per share conversion price of approximately $9.88, without taking
into account interest earned on the trust account remaining in the trust
account
at such time. The actual per share conversion price will be equal to
the amount in the trust account, including all accrued interest income (net
of
taxes payable on such interest income and after release of up to $2,250,000
of
interest income, after tax, to fund working capital requirements), as of
two
business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination,
divided by the number of shares of common stock sold in this
offering.
In
connection with any vote required for our initial business combination, our
existing stockholders, including our executive officers and directors, have
agreed to vote all of the shares of common stock held by them prior to the
completion of this offering either for or against a business combination
in the
same manner that the majority of the shares of common stock are voted by
our
public stockholders. Our existing stockholders will not have
conversion rights with respect to those shares. Our existing
stockholders, including our executive officers and directors, also have agreed
that if they acquire shares of common stock in or following the completion
of
this offering, they will vote all such acquired shares in favor of our initial
business combination and that they will vote all shares owned by them in
favor
of amending our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to provide
for
our perpetual existence, thereby removing the 24-month limitation on our
corporate life. By virtue of this agreement, our existing
stockholders, including our executive officers and directors, will not have
any
conversion rights in respect of those shares acquired in or following the
completion of this offering.
RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You
should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with
the
other information contained in this prospectus, before making a decision
to
invest in our securities. If any of the following risks occur, our
business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely
affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could
decline, and you could lose all or a part of your investment.
Risks
Relating to the Company and the Offering
We
are a development stage company with no operating history and, accordingly,
you
will have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business
objective.
We
are a
recently incorporated development stage company with no operating results
to
date. Therefore, our ability to begin operations is dependent upon
obtaining financing through the public offering of our
securities. Because we do not have an operating history, you will
have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business
objective, which is to consummate an initial business combination with one
or
more operating businesses. We do not have any specific business
combination under consideration, and we have neither identified, nor been
provided with the identity of, any prospective target
businesses. Neither we, nor any representative acting on our behalf,
have had any contacts or discussions with any prospective target business
regarding an initial business combination or taken any direct or indirect
measures to locate a specific target business or consummate an initial business
combination. As a result, you have a limited basis to evaluate
whether we will be able to identify an attractive target business. We
will not generate any revenues (other than interest income on the proceeds
from
this offering and the private placement) until, if at all, after the
consummation of an initial business combination. We cannot assure you
as to when, or if, our initial business combination will occur.
We
may not be able to consummate an initial business combination within the
required time frame, in which case we will be required to liquidate our
assets.
We
must
consummate a business combination with one or more operating businesses with
a
collective fair market value at least equal to 80% of the balance in the
trust
account (less the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions of
$10,500,000, or $12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full, and taxes payable) at the time of the acquisition within
24
months after the completion of this offering. If we fail to
consummate an initial business combination within the required time frame,
in
accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation our
corporate existence will terminate, except for purposes of liquidation and
winding-up. Because we do not have any specific business combination
under consideration and we have neither identified nor been provided with
the
identity of any specific target business or taken any measures to locate
a
specific target business or consummate an initial business combination, we
may
not be able to find suitable target businesses within the required time
frame. In addition, our negotiating position and our ability to
conduct adequate due diligence on any potential target may be reduced as
we
approach the deadline for the consummation of an initial business
combination.
If
we are required to liquidate without consummating an initial business
combination, our public stockholders will receive less than $10.00 per share
upon distribution of the funds held in the trust account and our warrants
will
expire with no value.
If
we are
unable to consummate an initial business combination within 24 months from
the
date of this prospectus and are required to liquidate our assets, the per-share
liquidation amount may be less than $10.00 because of the expenses related
to
this offering, our general and administrative expenses, and the anticipated
costs associated with seeking an initial business
combination. Furthermore, there will be no distribution with respect
to our outstanding warrants, which will expire with no value if we liquidate
before the consummation of our initial business combination.
If
we are unable to consummate our initial business combination, our public
stockholders will likely be forced to wait the full 24 months before receiving
liquidation distributions.
We
have
24 months after the completion of this offering in which to complete a business
combination. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior
to such date unless we consummate our initial business combination prior
thereto
and only then to those investors that have both voted against the business
combination and requested conversion of their shares at or prior to the
stockholder vote. Only after the expiration of this full time
period will public stockholders be entitled to liquidation distributions
if we
are unable to complete a business combination. Accordingly,
investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until such date.
You
will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of blank
check companies.
Because
the net proceeds of this offering are intended to be used to complete a business
combination with a target business that has not been identified, we may be
deemed to be a “blank check” company under United States securities
laws. However, because we expect that our securities will be listed
on the American Stock Exchange, a national securities exchange, and we will
have
net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful consummation
of
this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC promptly
following completion of this offering including an audited balance sheet
demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, to protect
investors in blank check companies, such as Rule 419 under the Securities
Act. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or
protections of those rules. Because we are not subject to those
rules, including Rule 419, our units will be immediately tradable and we
have a
longer period of time to complete a business combination than we would if
we
were subject to those rules. For a more detailed comparison of our
offering to offerings under Rule 419, see the section entitled “Proposed
Business – Comparison of This Offering to Those of Blank Check Companies Subject
to Rule 419.”
Under
Delaware law, the requirements and restrictions relating to this offering
contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be
amended, which could reduce or eliminate the protection afforded to our
stockholders by such requirements and restrictions.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains certain requirements
and restrictions relating to this offering that will apply to us until the
consummation of an initial business combination. Specifically, our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides, among other things,
that:
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upon
completion of this offering, a total of $296,450,589 (or $339,875,589,
if
the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) from the
proceeds from the offering, deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions and the proceeds of the private placement, will be
deposited
into the trust account, which proceeds may not be disbursed from
the trust
account until the earlier of (i) an initial business combination
or (ii)
our liquidation;
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prior
to consummating our initial business combination, we must submit
such
business combination to our stockholders for
approval;
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we
may consummate our initial business combination if (i) stockholders
owning
a majority of the shares of our common stock approve the business
combination; (ii) public stockholders owning less than 30% of the
shares
sold in this offering both vote against the business combination
and
exercise their conversion rights and (iii) our stockholders approve
an
amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
to
provide for our perpetual
existence;
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•
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if
our initial business combination is approved and consummated, public
stockholders who voted against the initial business combination
and who
exercised their conversion rights will receive their pro rata share
of
amounts in the trust account;
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if
an initial business combination is not consummated within the 24
months
after the completion of this offering, then our corporate purposes
and
powers will immediately thereupon be limited to winding up our
affairs,
including liquidation of our assets, which will include funds in
the trust
account, and we will not be able to engage in any other business
activities; and
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•
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we
may not consummate any other merger, acquisition, capital stock
exchange,
stock purchase, asset purchase or other similar transaction other
than a
business combination that meets the conditions specified in this
prospectus, including the requirement that our initial business
combination be with one or more operating businesses whose fair
market
value, collectively, is at least equal to 80% of the balance in
the trust
account (less the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and
taxes payable) at the time of such business
combination.
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Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires that we obtain
the
unanimous consent of our stockholders to amend certain of the above
provisions. However, the validity of unanimous consent provisions
under Delaware law has not been settled. A court could conclude that
the unanimous consent requirement constitutes a practical prohibition on
amendment in violation of the stockholders’ implicit rights to amend the
corporate charter. In that case, some or all of the above provisions
could be amended without unanimous consent and any such amendment could reduce
or eliminate the protection afforded to our stockholders. However, we
view the foregoing provisions as obligations to our stockholders and our
officers and directors have agreed that they will not recommend or take any
action to waive or amend any of these provisions that would take effect prior
to
the consummation of our initial business combination.
Because
of our limited resources and the significant competition for business
combination opportunities, we may not be able to consummate an attractive
business combination.
Identifying,
executing and realizing attractive returns on business combinations is highly
competitive and involves a high degree of uncertainty. We expect to
encounter intense competition for potential target businesses from other
entities having a business objective similar to ours, including venture capital
funds, leveraged buyout funds, operating businesses, and other entities and
individuals, both foreign and domestic. Many of these competitors are
well established and have extensive experience in identifying and consummating
business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these
competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources than we
do, and
our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those
of
many of these competitors. Furthermore, over the past several years,
other “blank check” companies have been formed, and a number of such companies
have grown in size. Additional investment funds and blank check
companies with similar investment objectives as ours may be formed in the
future
by other unrelated parties and these funds and companies may have substantially
more capital and may have access to and utilize additional financing on more
attractive terms. While we believe that there are numerous potential
target businesses with which we could combine using the net proceeds of this
offering, the private placement and the co-investment, together with additional
financing, if available, our ability to compete in combining with certain
sizeable target businesses will be limited by our available financial
resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an
advantage in pursuing a business combination with certain target
businesses. In addition:
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the
requirement that we obtain stockholder approval of a business combination
may delay or prevent the consummation of an initial business combination
within the 24-month time period;
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the
requirement that we prepare a proxy statement and notice of special
meeting of stockholders in accordance with the requirements of
Delaware
law and the federal securities laws, which proxy statement will
be
required to be submitted to and reviewed by the Securities and
Exchange
Commission, in connection with such business combination may delay
or
prevent the completion of a
transaction;
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the
requirement that we prepare audited and perhaps interim-unaudited
financial information to be included in the proxy statement to
be sent to
stockholders in connection with such business combination may delay
or
prevent the consummation of a
transaction;
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the
conversion of common stock held by our public stockholders into
cash may
reduce the resources available to us to fund our initial business
combination;
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the
existence of our outstanding warrants, and the dilution they potentially
represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses;
and
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the
requirement to acquire assets or an operating business that have
a fair
market value at least equal to 80% of the balance in the trust
account
(less the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes
payable) at the time of the initial business combination (i) could
require
us to acquire several assets or closely related operating businesses
at
the same time, all of which sales would be contingent on the closings
of
the other sales, which could make it more difficult to consummate
our
initial business combination and (ii) together with our ability
to proceed
with a business combination if public stockholders owning less
than 30% of
the shares sold in this offering vote against our business combination
and
exercise their conversion rights, may require us to raise additional
funds
through the private sale of securities or incur indebtedness in
order to
enable us to effect such a business
combination.
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Any
of
these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in consummating
an
initial business combination on favorable terms or at all.
To
the
extent that our initial business combination entails the contemporaneous
combination with more than one operating business, we may not have sufficient
resources, financial or otherwise, to effectively and efficiently conduct
adequate due diligence and negotiate definitive agreements on terms most
favorable to our stockholders. In addition, because our initial
business combination may be with different sellers, we will need to convince
such sellers to agree that the purchase of their businesses is contingent
upon
the simultaneous closings of the other acquisitions.
Because
there are numerous “blank check” companies similar to ours seeking to consummate
an initial business combination, it may be more difficult for us to consummate
an initial business combination.
Based
upon publicly available
information, as of August 31, 2007, approximately 115 similarly structured
“blank check” companies have completed initial public offerings in the United
States since the start of 2004 and 45 others have filed registration
statements. Of the “blank check” companies that have completed
initial public offerings, 30 companies have consummated a business
combination, while 24 other companies have announced that they have entered
into definitive agreements or letters of intent with respect to potential
business combinations but have not yet consummated such business
combinations. Five companies have failed to complete previously
announced business combinations and have announced their pending dissolution
and
return of trust proceeds to stockholders. Accordingly, the
remaining 56 “blank check” companies that we estimate to have raised
approximately $5.7 billion that is currently held in trust accounts, and
potentially an additional 45 “blank check” companies that have filed
registration statements to raise approximately $6.9 billion, will be seeking
to
enter into business combinations. As a result, we may be subject to
competition from these and other companies seeking to consummate a business
combination which, in turn, will result in an increased demand for target
businesses. Further, the fact that 30 “blank check” companies
have consummated a business combination, 24 other companies have entered
into definitive agreements or letters of intent with respect to potential
business combinations, and five companies have failed to complete a business
combination, may be an indication that there are a limited number of attractive
target businesses available or that many target businesses may not be inclined
to enter into a business combination with a publicly held “blank check”
company. Because of this competition, we cannot assure you that we
will be able to consummate an initial business combination within the required
time periods. If we are unable to find a
suitable
target operating business within the required time period, the terms of our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation will require us to
liquidate.
We
may have insufficient resources to cover our operating expenses and the expenses
of consummating an initial business combination.
We
believe that the $250,000 available to us outside of the trust account upon
consummation of this offering and interest earned of up to $2,250,000, after
tax, on the balance of the trust account that we expect to be available to
us
will be sufficient to cover our working capital requirements for the next
24
months, including expenses incurred in connection with an initial business
combination, based upon our executive officers’ estimate of the amount required
for these purposes. This estimate may prove inaccurate, especially if
a portion of the available proceeds is used to make a down payment or pay
exclusivity or similar fees in connection with an initial business combination
or if we expend a significant portion of the available proceeds in pursuit
of a
business combination that is not consummated. If we do not have
sufficient proceeds available to cover our expenses, we may be required to
obtain additional financing from our executive officers, our directors, our
existing stockholders or third parties. Such additional financing may
include loans from third parties to cover the costs associated with the search
for and consummation of an initial business combination, although we currently
have no intention of obtaining third party loans. We would seek to
have any third party lenders waive any claim to any monies held in the trust
account for the benefit of the public stockholders. Our sponsor and
each of our executive officers have agreed to be jointly and severally liable
to
reimburse the trust account for any claims made by such lenders to the extent
that the payment of any debts or obligations owed to such lenders actually
reduces the amount in the trust account. We may not be able to obtain
additional financing. None of our executive officers, directors or
existing stockholders are obligated to provide any additional
financing. If we do not have sufficient proceeds and are unable to
obtain additional financing, we may be required to liquidate prior to
consummating an initial business combination.
The
ability of our stockholders to exercise their conversion rights may not allow
us
to effectuate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital
structure.
When
we
seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, we will offer
each public stockholder (but not our existing stockholders) the right to
have
his, her or its shares of common stock converted to cash if the stockholder
votes against the initial business combination and the initial business
combination is approved and completed. Such holder must both vote against
such
business combination and exercise his, her or its conversion rights to receive
a
pro rata portion of the trust account. Accordingly, if our business combination
requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price,
because we will not know how many stockholders may exercise such conversion
rights, we may either need to reserve part of the trust account for possible
payment upon such conversion, or we may need to arrange third party financing
to
help fund our business combination in case a larger percentage of stockholders
exercise their conversion rights than we expect. Since we have no specific
business combination under consideration, we have not taken any steps to
secure
third party financing. Therefore, we may not be able to consummate an initial
business combination that requires us to use all of the funds held in the
trust
account as part of the purchase price, or we may end up having a leverage
ratio
that is not optimal for our business combination. This may limit our ability
to
effectuate the most attractive business combination available to
us.
A
decline in interest rates could limit the amount available to fund our search
for a target business or businesses and complete a business combination since
we
will depend on interest earned on the trust account to pay our tax obligations,
to fund our search and to consummate our initial business
combination.
Of
the
net proceeds of this offering, only $250,000 will be available to us initially
outside the trust account to fund our working capital
requirements. We will depend on sufficient interest being earned on
the proceeds held in the trust account to provide us with additional working
capital in order to identify one or more target businesses and to complete
our
initial business combination, as well as to pay any tax obligations that
we may
owe. Although we do not know the exact rate of interest to be earned
on the trust account, we believe
that
the
recent historical interest rates of U.S. Treasury Bills with less than
six month
maturities are indicative of the interest to be earned on the funds in
the trust
account. According to the Federal Reserve Statistical Release dated
September 24, 2007, referencing historical interest rate data which appears
on
the Federal Reserve website, U.S. Treasury Bills with four week, three
month and
six month maturities were yielding, as of the week ended September 21,
2007,
3.52%, 3.82% and 3.99% per annum, respectively. While we cannot
assure you the balance of the trust account will be invested to yield these
rates, we believe such rates are representative of those we may receive
on the
balance of the trust account.
While
we
are entitled to have released to us for such purposes certain interest earned
on
the funds in the trust account, a substantial decline in interest rates may
result in our having insufficient funds available with which to structure,
negotiate and close an initial business combination. In such event,
we may need to borrow funds from our existing stockholders to operate or
may be
forced to liquidate. Our existing stockholders are under no
obligation to advance funds in such circumstances.
Our
determination of the offering price of our units and of the aggregate amount
of
proceeds we are raising in this offering was more arbitrary than typically
would
be the case if we were an operating company rather than an acquisition
vehicle.
Prior
to
this offering, we had no operating history and there was no public market
for
any of our securities. The public offering price of the units, the
terms of the warrants, the aggregate proceeds we are raising and the amount
to
be placed in a trust account were the products of negotiations between the
underwriters and us. The factors that were considered in making these
determinations included:
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the
history and prospects of companies whose principal business is
the
acquisition of other businesses;
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prior
offerings of those companies;
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our
prospects for acquiring an operating
business;
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•
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an
assessment of our executive officers and their experience in identifying
acquisition targets and structuring
acquisitions;
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general
conditions of the securities markets at the time of the
offering;
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the
likely competition for target
businesses;
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•
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the
likely number of potential targets;
and
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our
executive officers’ estimate of our operating expenses for the next 24
months.
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We
expect
that an initial public offering of $300,000,000 will enable us to consummate
an
initial business combination with a business whose fair market value is at
least
$228,760,471. The actual amount of consideration which we will be
able to pay for the initial business combination will depend on whether we
choose, or are able, to pay a portion of the business combination consideration
with shares of our common stock or if we are able to finance a portion of
the
consideration with shares of our common stock or with debt
financing. Although these factors were considered, the determination
of our per unit offering price and aggregate proceeds was more arbitrary
than
typically would be the case if we were an operating company, as it is based
on
our executive officers’ estimate of the amount needed to fund our operations for
the next 24 months and to consummate an initial business combination, since
we
have no operating history or financial results. In addition, because
we have not identified any specific target businesses, management’s
assessment
of
the
financial requirements necessary to consummate an initial business combination
may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may not have sufficient funds
to
consummate an initial business combination and we will be required to either
find additional financing or liquidate.
A
stockholder who abstains from voting will lose the ability to receive a pro
rata
share of the funds in the trust account if we consummate an initial business
combination.
Prior
to
the consummation of our initial business combination, we will submit the
transaction to our stockholders for approval, even if the nature of the
acquisition is such as would not ordinarily require stockholder approval
under
applicable state law. If we achieve a quorum for the meeting, only
stockholders who exercise their right to vote will affect the outcome of
the
stockholder vote. Abstentions are not considered to be voting “for”
or “against” the transaction. Any stockholder who abstains from
voting would be bound by the decision of the majority of stockholders who
do
vote. As a result, an abstaining shareholder will lose the ability to
receive a pro rata share of the trust account, including accrued interest
(net
of taxes payable on such interest income and after release of up to $2,250,000
of interest income, after tax, to fund working capital requirements), which
would be available to a shareholder that votes against the initial business
combination and exercises its conversion rights.
We
may require stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with
a
proposed business combination to comply with specific requirements for
conversion that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their conversion
rights prior to the deadline for exercising their
rights.
We
may
require public stockholders who wish to exercise their conversion rights
regarding their shares in connection with a proposed business combination
to
either tender their certificates to our transfer agent or to deliver their
shares to the transfer agent electronically using the Depository
Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System at any time
up until the business day immediately preceding the vote taken at the
stockholder meeting relating to such business combination. In order
to obtain a physical stock certificate, a stockholder’s broker and/or clearing
broker, DTC and our transfer agent will need to act to facilitate this
request. It is our understanding that stockholders should generally
allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer
agent. However, because we do not have any control over the process, it may
take
significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate
and
you may not be able to convert your shares in time. While we have been advised
that it takes a short time to deliver shares through the DWAC System, we
cannot
assure you of this fact. Accordingly, we will only require
stockholders to deliver their certificates prior to the vote if, in accordance
with the American Stock Exchange’s proxy notification recommendations,
stockholders receive the proxy solicitation materials at least twenty days
prior
to the meeting. However, if it takes longer than we anticipate for
stockholders to deliver their shares, stockholders who wish to exercise their
conversion rights may be unable to meet the deadline for exercising their
conversion rights and thus may be unable to convert their shares.
We
will proceed with a business combination even if public stockholders owning
in
the aggregate one share less than 30% of the shares sold in this offering
exercise their conversion rights.
We
will
proceed with a business combination only if public stockholders owning at
most
an aggregate of one share less than 30% of the shares sold in this offering
exercise their conversion rights. Accordingly, the public stockholders owning
in
the aggregate one share less than 30% of the shares sold in this offering
may
exercise their conversion rights and we could still consummate a proposed
business combination. We have increased the conversion percentage (from the
20%
that is customary in similar offerings to 30%) in order to reduce the likelihood
that a small group of investors holding a block of our stock will be able
to
stop us from completing a business combination that may otherwise be approved
by
a large majority of our public stockholders. As a result of this change,
it may
be easier for us to complete a business combination even in the face of a
strong
stockholder dissent, thereby negating some of the protections of having a
lower
conversion threshold to public stockholders. Furthermore, the ability to
consummate a transaction despite shareholder disapproval in excess of what
would
be permissible in a traditional blank check offering may be viewed
negatively
by potential investors seeking shareholder protections consistent with
traditional blank check offerings.
Our
business combination may require us to use substantially all of our cash
to pay
the purchase price. In such a case, because we will not know how many
stockholders may exercise their conversion rights, we may need to arrange
third
party financing to help fund our business combination in case a larger
percentage of stockholders exercise their conversion rights than we expect.
Additionally, even if our business combination does not require us to use
substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, if a significant
number
of stockholders exercise their conversion rights, we will have less cash
available to use in furthering our business plans following a business
combination and may need to arrange third party financing. We have not taken
any
steps to secure third party financing for either situation, and we cannot
assure
you that we would be able to obtain such financing on terms favorable to
us or
at all.
If
third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in the trust account
could be reduced and the per share liquidation price received by our public
stockholders would be less than approximately $9.88 per
share.
Placing
the funds in a trust account may not protect those funds from third-party
claims
against us. Although we will seek to have all vendors, providers of
financing, if any, prospective target businesses and other entities with
whom we
execute agreements waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public
stockholders, we are not obligated to obtain a waiver from any potential
creditor or potential target business and there is no guarantee that they
will
agree to provide such a waiver, which is not a condition to our doing business
with anyone. Examples of possible instances where we may engage a
third party that refuses to execute a waiver include the engagement of a
third
party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by our
executive officers and directors to be significantly superior to those of
other
consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or if our executive officers
and directors are unable to find a provider of required services willing
to
provide the waiver. In any event, our executive officers and
directors would perform an analysis of the alternatives available to us and
would enter into an agreement with a third party that did not execute a waiver
only if they believed that such third party’s engagement would be significantly
more beneficial to us than any alternative. We will seek to secure
waivers that we believe are valid and enforceable, but it is possible that
a
waiver may later be found to be invalid or unenforceable. In
addition, there is no guarantee that such entities will agree to waive any
claims they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any
negotiations, contracts, or agreements with us and will not seek recourse
against the trust account for any reason. Accordingly, the proceeds
held in the trust account could be subject to claims that would take priority
over the claims of our public stockholders and the per share liquidation
price
could be less than approximately $9.88, plus interest, due to claims of such
creditors or other entities. If we are unable to consummate an
initial business combination and are required to liquidate, our sponsor and
each
of our executive officers have agreed, on a joint and several basis, to
reimburse us for our debts to any vendor for services rendered or products
sold
to us, potential target businesses or to providers of financing, if any,
in all
cases only to the extent necessary to ensure that such claims do not reduce
the
amount in the trust account. Based on representations made to us by
our sponsor and each of our executive officers, we currently believe that
they
are of substantially means and capable of funding a shortfall in our trust
account to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification
obligations. However, we have not asked them to reserve for such an
eventuality. We cannot assure you that our sponsor and our executive
officers will be able to satisfy those obligations or that the proceeds in
the
trust account will not be reduced by such claims. In the event that
the proceeds in the trust account are reduced and our sponsor and our executive
officers assert that they are unable to satisfy their obligations or that
they
have no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our
independent directors would determine whether we would take legal action
against
our sponsor and our executive officers to enforce their indemnification
obligations. Furthermore, creditors may seek to interfere with the
distribution of the trust account pursuant to federal or state creditor and
bankruptcy laws, which could delay the actual distribution of such funds
or
reduce the amount ultimately available for distribution to our public
stockholders. If we are required to file a bankruptcy case or an
involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us that is not dismissed, the
funds
held in the trust account will be subject to applicable bankruptcy
law
and
may
be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties
with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any
bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, the per share liquidation
distribution would be less than the initial $9.88 per share held in the trust
account.
Our
independent directors may decide not to enforce our sponsor’s and our executive
officers’ indemnification obligations, resulting in a reduction in the amount of
funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public
stockholders.
Our
sponsor and our executive officers have agreed to reimburse us for our debts
to
any vendor for services rendered or products sold to us, potential target
businesses or to providers of financing, if any, in each case only to the
extent
necessary to ensure that such claims do not reduce the amount in the trust
account. In the event that the proceeds in the trust account are
reduced and our sponsor and our executive officers assert that they are unable
to satisfy their obligations or that they have no indemnification obligations
related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine
whether
we would take legal action against our sponsor to enforce its indemnification
obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors
would take action on our behalf against our sponsor and our executive officers
to enforce their indemnification obligations, it is possible that our
independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not
to do
so in a particular instance. If our independent directors choose not
to enforce our sponsor’s and our executive officers’ indemnification
obligations, the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution
to our public stockholders may be reduced and the per share liquidation
distribution could be less than the initial $9.88 per share held in the trust
account.
Our
stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to
the
extent of distributions received by them in our
liquidation.
If
we are
unable to complete an initial business combination within 24 months after
the
completion of this offering, our corporate existence will cease except for
the
purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating pursuant to Section 278
of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, in which case we will, as promptly
as
practicable thereafter, adopt a plan of distribution in accordance with Section
281(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 278 provides that
our
existence will continue for at least three years after its expiration for
the
purpose of prosecuting and defending suits, whether civil, criminal or
administrative, by or against us, and of enabling us gradually to settle
and
close our business, to dispose of and convey our property, to discharge our
liabilities and to distribute to our stockholders any remaining assets, but
not
for the purpose of continuing the business for which we were organized. Our
existence will continue automatically even beyond the three-year period for
the
purpose of completing the prosecution or defense of suits begun prior to
the
expiration of the three-year period, until such time as any judgments, orders
or
decrees resulting from such suits are fully executed. Section 281(b) will
require us to pay or make reasonable provision for all then-existing claims
and
obligations, including all contingent, conditional, or unmatured contractual
claims known to us, and to make such provision as will be reasonably likely
to
be sufficient to provide compensation for any then-pending claims and for
claims
that have not been made known to us or that have not arisen but that, based
on
facts known to us at the time, are likely to arise or to become known to
us
within 10 years after the date of dissolution. Accordingly, we would be required
to provide for any creditors known to us at that time or those that we believe
could be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years prior
to
distributing the funds held in the trust account to stockholders. However,
because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and
our
operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses
to
acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors that we
engage after the consummation of this offering (such as accountants, lawyers,
investment bankers, etc.) and potential target businesses. We intend to have
all
vendors that we engage after the consummation of this offering and prospective
target businesses execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest
or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account. Accordingly,
we believe the claims that could be made against us should be limited, thereby
lessening the likelihood that any claim would result in any liability extending
to the trust account. However, we cannot assure you that we will properly
assess
all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our
stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent
of
distributions
(but not more) received by them in a liquidation and any liability of our
stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such
liquidation.
If
we are
required to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed
against us which is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders
could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as
either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a
bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our
stockholders. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the
proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders promptly after
_________, 2009, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to
our
public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to
or
distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our directors may be
viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or
may
have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing themselves and us to claims of
punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior
to
addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure that claims will
not be brought against us for these reasons.
Because
we have not selected any specific target businesses, you will be unable to
ascertain the merits or risks of any particular target business’s
operations.
Because
we have not yet identified or approached any specific target business with
respect to a business combination, there is no basis to evaluate the possible
merits or risks of any particular target business’s operations, financial
condition, or prospects. To the extent we consummate an initial
business combination, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the
business operations with which we combine. For example, if we combine
with a financially unstable business or an entity lacking an established
record
of sales or earnings, we may be affected by the risks inherent in the business
and operations of a financially unstable or a development stage
entity. Although our executive officers and directors will endeavor
to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot
assure
you that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk
factors, or that we will have adequate time to complete due
diligence. Furthermore, some of these risks may be outside of our
control, meaning that we can do nothing to control or reduce the chances
that
those risks will adversely impact a target business. We also cannot
assure you that an investment in our units will ultimately prove to be more
favorable to investors than a direct investment, if such opportunity were
available, in an acquisition target. Except for the limitation that
an acquisition target have a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance
in
the trust account (excluding the amount held in the trust account representing
the deferred underwriting discount and commissions and taxes payable) at
the
time of the acquisition, we will have virtually unrestricted flexibility
in
identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition target. For a
more complete discussion of our selection of target businesses, see the section
entitled “Proposed Business—Consummating an Initial Business
Combination—Selection of a Target and Structuring of an Initial Business
Combination.”
A
significant portion of working capital could be expended in pursuing business
combinations that are not consummated.
It
is
anticipated that the investigation of each specific target business and the
negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure
documents, and other instruments will require substantial management time
and
attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys and
others. In addition, we may opt to make down payments or pay
exclusivity or similar fees in connection with structuring and negotiating
a
business combination. If a decision is made not to consummate a
specific business combination, the costs incurred up to that point in connection
with the abandoned transaction, potentially including down payments or
exclusivity or similar fees, will not be recoverable. Furthermore,
even if an agreement is reached relating to a specific target business, we
may
fail to consummate an initial business combination for any number of reasons
including those beyond our control, such as if our public stockholders holding
30% or more of our common stock vote against an initial business combination
even though a majority of our public stockholders approve the
transaction. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the
related costs incurred, which could materially adversely affect subsequent
attempts to locate and combine with another business.
We
may issue additional shares of our capital stock, including through convertible
debt securities, to consummate an initial business combination, which would
reduce the equity interest of our stockholders and may cause a change in
control
of our ownership.
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance
of up
to 106,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 5,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Immediately
after this offering, there will be 16,375,000 authorized but unissued shares
of
our common stock available for issuance (after appropriate reservation of
shares
issuable upon full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option, all
outstanding warrants and the warrants included in the co-investment units)
and
all of the 5,000 shares of preferred stock available for
issuance. Although we have no commitments as of the date of this
offering to issue any additional securities, we may issue a substantial number
of additional shares of our common stock, preferred stock or a combination
of
both, including through convertible debt securities, as consideration for
or to
finance a business combination. The issuance of additional shares of
our common stock or any number of shares of preferred stock, including upon
conversion of any debt securities may:
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significantly
reduce the equity interest of investors in this
offering;
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may
subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if preferred
stock is
issued with rights senior to those afforded to our common
stock;
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cause
a change in control which may affect, among other things, our ability
to
use our net operating loss carryforwards, if any, and result in
the
resignation or removal of our current executive officers and directors;
and
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adversely
affect prevailing market prices for our common stock and
warrants.
|
Our
agreement with the underwriters prohibits us, prior to an initial business
combination, from issuing additional units, additional common stock, preferred
stock, additional warrants, or any options or other securities convertible
or
exchangeable into common stock or preferred stock which participates in any
manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or which votes as a class with
the
common stock on a business combination.
We
may issue additional shares of our common stock as consideration for or to
finance an initial business combination, which may dilute the equity interest
of
our stockholders.
We
may
acquire all or part of a target business through a share for share exchange
or
to finance a portion of the initial business combination consideration by
issuing additional shares of our common stock. Such additional equity
may be issued at a price below the then current trading price for shares
of our
common stock, resulting in dilution of the equity interest of our then current
public stockholders. At this time, no financing arrangements have
been entered into or are contemplated with any third parties to raise any
additional funds to finance an initial business combination through the sale
of
additional equity or otherwise.
We
may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to consummate
an
initial business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the
target
business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business
combination.
Although
we believe that the net proceeds of this offering will be sufficient to allow
us
to consummate a business combination, because we have not yet identified
or
approached any prospective target businesses, we cannot ascertain the capital
requirements for any particular business combination. If the net
proceeds of this offering prove to be insufficient, because of the size of
the
initial business combination, the depletion of the available net proceeds
in
search of target businesses, or because we become obligated to convert into
cash
a significant number of shares from dissenting stockholders, we may be required
to seek additional financing
through
the issuance of equity or debt securities or other financing
arrangements. We cannot assure you that such financing will be
available on acceptable terms, if at all.
Although
we have no current plans to do so, if we were to incur a substantial amount
of
debt to finance a business combination, such incurrence of debt
could:
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lead
to default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues
after a
business combination are insufficient to pay our debt
obligations;
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cause
an acceleration of our obligation to repay the debt, even if we
make all
principal and interest payments when due, if we breach the covenants
contained in the terms of any debt documents, such as covenants
that
require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves,
without a
waiver or renegotiation of such
covenants;
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create
an obligation to repay immediately all principal and accrued interest,
if
any, upon demand to the extent any debt securities are payable
on
demand;
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require
us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal
and
interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for
dividends
on our common stock, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions
and other general corporate
purposes;
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limit
our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our
business
and in the industry in which we
operate;
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make
us more vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, industry,
and
competitive conditions and adverse changes in government
regulation;
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limit
our ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution
of our
strategy or other purposes; and
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place
us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who have less
debt.
|
To
the
extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to
consummate a particular business combination, we may be compelled to restructure
or abandon that particular business combination and seek alternative target
businesses. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we
may require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the
target
business or businesses. The failure to secure additional financing
could have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth
of
our combined business or businesses. None of our executive officers,
directors or stockholders is required to provide any financing to us in
connection with or after the consummation of an initial business
combination.
The
desire of our current executive officers and directors to remain with us
following an initial business combination may result in a conflict of interest
in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a
business combination and in the public stockholders’ best
interests.
Messrs. Mack,
Robert Baker, Richard Baker and Neibart currently intend to continue to be
involved in our management following our initial business
combination. If any or all of them decide to do so, the personal and
financial interests of our current executive officers and directors may
influence them to condition a business combination on their retention by
us and
to view more favorably target businesses that offer them a continuing role,
either as an officer, director, consultant, or other third-party service
provider, after the business combination. Messrs. Mack, Robert Baker,
Richard Baker and Neibart, in their capacity as our executive officers,
could be
negotiating the terms and conditions of the business combination on our
behalf
at the same time that they, as individuals, were negotiating the terms
and
conditions related to an employment,
consulting
or other agreement with representatives of the potential business combination
candidate. As a result, there may be a conflict of interest in the
negotiation of the terms and conditions related to such continuing relationships
as our executive officers and directors may be influenced by their personal
and
financial interests rather than the best interests of our public
stockholders.
If
we
acquire a target business in an all-cash transaction, it would be more likely
that our current executive officers and directors would remain with us, if
they
choose to do so. If our initial business combination were structured
as a merger in which the owners of the target business were to control us
following a business combination, it may be less likely that our current
management would remain with us because control would rest with the owners
of
the target business and not our current management, unless otherwise negotiated
as part of the transaction in the acquisition agreement, an employment agreement
or other arrangement.
Our
executive officers and directors will allocate their time to other businesses,
thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much
time
to devote to our affairs. This could have a negative impact on our
ability to consummate a business combination.
Our
executive officers and directors are not required to, and will not, commit
their
full time to our affairs, which may result in a conflict of interest in
allocating their time between our operations and other businesses. We
do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation
of an
initial business combination. Each of our executive officers and
directors is engaged in several other business endeavors and they are not
obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our
affairs. Mr. Mack continues to serve as senior partner of Apollo Real
Estate Advisors, or Apollo, and is president of the corporate partners
of the
Apollo Real Estate Funds, Inc. Mr. Robert Baker continues to serve as
the Chairman of National Realty & Development Corporation and a founder of
NRDC Equity Partners. Richard Baker continues to serve as president
and chief executive officer of NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC
Equity
Partners. Mr. Neibart is a partner of Apollo. Our outside
directors also serve as officers and board members for other entities,
including, without limitation, Amalgamated Bank, PBS Realty Advisors LLC,
Ethan
Allen Inc., the Jim Pattison Group, National Cinemedia, LLC, Harman
International Industries, Inc., The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc., Bowne
and
Company, Inc., Cablevision, Inc., Gabelli Asset Management, Intercontinental
Exchange, Inc., E.W. Scripps Company and Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce. If our executive officers’ and directors’ other business
affairs require them to devote substantial amounts of time to such affairs
in
excess of their current commitment levels, it could limit their ability
to
devote time to our affairs which may have a negative impact on our ability
to
consummate an initial business combination.
Our
executive officers and directors are, and may in the future become, affiliated
with entities and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining
to
which entity a particular business opportunity should be
presented.
Following
the completion of this offering and until we consummate an initial business
combination, we intend to engage in the business of identifying and combining
with one or more operating businesses. Our executive officers and
directors are, or may in the future become, affiliated with entities that
are
engaged in a similar business. For example, Messrs. Mack and Neibart
continue to serve as executives of Apollo. Apollo and its affiliated
funds may compete with us for certain investment and acquisition opportunities
in the real estate industry. In each case, our executive officers’
and directors’ existing directorships may give rise to fiduciary obligations
that take priority over any fiduciary obligation owed to us.
We
have
entered into a business opportunity right of first offer agreement with
our
sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners and with
our
executive officers and directors. This right of first offer provides
that, subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of our executive
officers and directors, from the date of this prospectus until the earlier
of
the consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation,
we will
have a right of first offer if any of these parties becomes aware of, or
involved with, a business combination opportunity with any operating
business. Subject to the respective pre-
existing
fiduciary duties of our executive officers and directors, these parties
to the
right of first offer agreement will, and will cause companies or entities
under
their management or control, to first offer any such business opportunity
to us
and they will not, and will cause each other company or entity under their
management or control not, to pursue any such business opportunity unless
and
until our board of directors, including a majority of our disinterested
independent directors, has determined that we will not pursue such
opportunity.
We
recognize that each of our executive officers and directors may be deemed
an
affiliate of any company for which such executive officer or director serves
as
an officer or director or for which such executive officer or director otherwise
has a pre-existing fiduciary duty and that a conflict of interest could arise
if
an opportunity is appropriate for one of such companies. As part of
this right of first offer, we have established procedures with respect to
the
sourcing of a potential business combination by our executive officers and
directors to eliminate such conflict for our executive officers and directors,
whereby a potential business combination that must be presented to any company
for which such executive officer or director, as the case may be, serves
as an
officer or director or otherwise has a pre-existing fiduciary duty (other
than
our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners) will
not
be presented to us until after such executive officer or director has presented
the opportunity to such company and such company has determined not to
proceed.
None
of our executive officers or directors has ever been associated with a publicly
held blank check company.
None
of
our executive officers or directors has ever served as an officer or director
of
a development stage public company with the business purpose of raising funds
to
acquire an operating business. Accordingly, you may not be able to
adequately evaluate their ability to successfully consummate an initial business
combination through a blank check company or a company with a structure similar
to ours.
Because
each of our executive officers and directors directly or indirectly owns
shares
of our common stock that will not participate in liquidating distributions,
they
may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target
business is appropriate for an initial business
combination.
Messrs.
Mack, Robert Baker, Richard Baker and Neibart, each indirectly owns shares
of
our common stock through ownership in our sponsor. In addition, our
other directors own shares of our common stock. Each of our sponsor
and our executive officers and directors have agreed to waive their right
to
receive distributions from the trust account upon our liquidation with respect
to shares of our common stock they acquired prior to the completion of this
offering, and it and they would lose its and their entire investment in us
were
this to occur. Therefore, our executive officers’ and directors’
personal and financial interests may influence their motivation in identifying
and selecting target businesses and consummating an initial business combination
in a timely manner. This may also result in a conflict of interest
when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular
business combination are appropriate and in our stockholders’ best
interest.
Our
executive officers’ and directors’ interests in obtaining reimbursement for any
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them may lead to a conflict of interest
in
determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a business
combination and in the public stockholders’ best
interest.
Our
executive officers and directors will not receive reimbursement for any
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them to the extent that such expenses
exceed
the amount of available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, unless
the
initial business combination is consummated. The amount of available
proceeds is based upon our executive officers’ estimate of the amount needed to
fund our operations for the next 24 months and consummate an initial business
combination. This estimate may prove to be inaccurate, especially if
a portion of the available proceeds is used to make a down payment in connection
with an initial business combination or pay exclusivity or similar fees or
if we
expend a significant portion of the available proceeds in
pursuit
of an initial business combination that is not consummated. The
financial interest of our executive officers and directors could influence
their
motivation in selecting a target and thus, there may be a conflict of interest
when determining whether a particular business combination is in our public
stockholders’ best interest.
We
may engage in a business combination with one or more target businesses that
have relationships with entities that may be affiliated with our executive
officers, directors or existing stockholders which may raise potential conflicts
of interest.
In
light
of our executive officers’, directors’ and existing stockholders’ involvement
with other companies and our intent to consummate an initial business
combination, we may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated
with our
executive officers, directors or existing stockholders. Certain of
our executive officers and directors, identified below, are affiliated
with the
following entities that may compete with us for combination with target
businesses: Mr. Mack with Apollo and its affiliated real estate funds and
portfolio companies and Mack-Cali Realty Corporation; Mr. Richard Baker
with
Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay Company; Mr. Neibart with Apollo and its
affiliated real estate funds and portfolio companies and Linens ‘N Things; and
our other directors with companies including, without limitation, Amalgamated
Bank, PBS Realty Advisors LLC, Ethan Allen Inc., the Jim Pattison Group,
National Cinemedia, LLC, Harman International Industries, Inc., The Bear
Stearns
Companies, Inc., Bowne and Company, Inc., Cablevision, Inc., Gabelli Asset
Management, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., E.W. Scripps Company and Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce. Our executive officers, directors and
existing stockholders are not currently aware of any specific opportunities
to
consummate a business combination with any entities with which they are
affiliated, and there have been no preliminary discussions concerning a
business
combination with any such entity or entities. Although we will not be
specifically focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any affiliated
entities, we would consider such a transaction if we determined that such
affiliated entity met our criteria for a business combination as set forth
in
“Proposed Business—Consummating an Initial Business Combination—Selection of a
Target and Structuring of an Initial Business Combination.” Despite
our agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking
firm
regarding the fairness to our stockholders from a financial point of view
of a
business combination with one or more businesses affiliated with our existing
stockholders, or our current executive officers and directors, potential
conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a result, the terms of the
initial
business combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders
as
they would be absent any conflicts of interest.
We
will not generally be required to obtain a determination of the fair market
value of a target business or target businesses from an unaffiliated,
independent investment banking firm.
Our
initial business combination must
be with one or more operating businesses whose fair market value is at
least
equal to 80% of the balance in the trust account (less the deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions and taxes payable) at the time of such
combination. The fair market value of such business or businesses
will be determined by our board of directors based upon standards generally
accepted by the financial community, such as actual and potential sales,
earnings, cash flow and book value. If our board of directors is not
able to independently determine that the target business has a sufficient
fair
market value to meet the threshold criterion or if one of our executive
officers, directors or existing stockholders is affiliated with that target
business, we will obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent investment
banking firm which is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA) with respect to the fair market value of the target
business. In all other instances, we will have no obligation to
obtain or provide our stockholders with a fairness opinion.
The
American Stock Exchange may delist our securities from trading on its exchange
which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and
subject us to additional trading restrictions.
We
intend
that our units, and, after the date of separation, shares of common stock
and
warrants, which we refer to, collectively, as our securities, will be listed
on
the American Stock Exchange on or
promptly
after the date of this prospectus. We cannot assure you that our
securities will be, or will continue to be, listed on the American Stock
Exchange in the future, prior to a business
combination. Additionally, in connection with our initial business
combination, it is likely that the American Stock Exchange may require us
to
file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements
as opposed to its more lenient continued listing requirements. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing
requirements at that time.
If
the
American Stock Exchange delists our securities from trading on its exchange
and
we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange,
we expect our securities could be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or the
“pink
sheets.” As a result, we could face significant material adverse consequences
including:
•
|
a
limited availability of market quotations for our
securities;
|
•
|
a
determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require
brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent
rules and
possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary
trading market for our securities;
|
•
|
a
limited amount of news and analyst coverage;
and
|
•
|
a
decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional
financing in the future.
|
The
National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute,
prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities,
which are referred to as “covered securities.” Since we expect that our units,
and eventually our common stock and warrants will be listed on the American
Stock Exchange, our units, common stock and warrants will be covered
securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the
sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate
companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and if there is a finding of
fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered
securities in a particular case. While we are not aware of a state
having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued
by blank check companies, certain state securities regulators view blank
check
companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these
powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their
states. Further, if we were no longer listed on the American Stock
Exchange, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be
subject
to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.
If
our common stock becomes subject to the SEC’s penny stock rules, broker-dealers
may experience difficulty in completing customer transactions and trading
activity in our securities may be adversely affected.
If
at any
time our securities are no longer listed on the American Stock Exchange or
another exchange or we have net tangible assets of $5,000,000 or less or
our
common stock has a market price per share of less than $5.00, transactions
in
our common stock may be subject to the “penny stock” rules promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities
Exchange Act. Under these rules, broker-dealers who recommend such
securities to persons other than institutional accredited investors
must:
•
|
make
a special written suitability determination for the
purchaser;
|
•
|
receive
the purchaser’s written agreement to a transaction prior to
sale;
|
•
|
provide
the purchaser with risk disclosure documents that identify certain
risks
associated with investing in “penny stocks” and that describe the market
for these “penny stocks,” as well as a purchaser’s legal remedies;
and
|
•
|
obtain
a signed and dated acknowledgment from the purchaser demonstrating
that
the purchaser has actually received the required risk disclosure
document
before a transaction in “penny stock” can be
completed.
|
If
our
common stock becomes subject to these rules, broker-dealers may find it
difficult to effect customer transactions and trading activity in our securities
may be adversely affected. As a result, the market price of our
securities may be depressed, and you may find it more difficult to sell our
securities.
We
may only be able to consummate one business combination, which may cause
us to
be solely dependent on a single business and a limited number of services
or
products.
The
net
proceeds from this offering and the private placement, after reserving $250,000
of the proceeds for our operating expenses, will provide us with approximately
$285,950,589 (or $327,800,589 if the over-allotment option is exercised in
full), excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, which we
may
use to consummate our initial business combination. Although we are
permitted to consummate our initial business combination with more than one
target business, we currently intend to consummate our initial business
combination with a single operating business whose fair market value is at
least
equal to 80% of the balance in the trust account (less the deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions and taxes payable) at the time of the initial business
combination. If we acquire more than one target business, additional
issues would arise, including possible complex accounting issues, which would
include generating pro forma financial statements reflecting the operations
of
several target businesses as if they had been combined, and numerous logistical
issues, which would include attempting to coordinate the timing of negotiations,
proxy statement disclosure and closing, with multiple target
businesses. In addition, we would be exposed to the risk that
conditions to closings with respect to the initial business combination with
one
or more of the target businesses would not be satisfied, bringing the fair
market value of the initial business combination below the required threshold
of
80% of the balance in the trust account (less the deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions and taxes payable). As a result, we are
likely to consummate an initial business combination with only a single
operating business, which may have only a limited number of services or
products. The resulting lack of diversification may:
•
|
result
in our being dependent upon the performance of a single operating
business;
|
•
|
result
in our being dependent upon the development or market acceptance
of a
single or limited number of services, processes or products;
and
|
•
|
subject
us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments,
any or
all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular
industry in which we may operate subsequent to an initial business
combination.
|
In
this
case we will not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the
possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities
that
may have the resources to consummate several business combinations in different
industries or different areas of a single industry so as to diversify risks
and
offset losses. Further, the prospects for our success may be entirely
dependent upon the future performance of the initial target business or
businesses we acquire.
Any
attempt to consummate more than one transaction as our initial business
combination will make it more difficult to consummate our initial business
combination.
In
the
event that we are unable to identify a single operating business with which
to
consummate an initial business combination, we may seek to combine
contemporaneously with multiple operating businesses whose collective fair
market value is at least equal to 80% of the balance in the trust account
(less
the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable) at
the
time of those combinations. Business combinations involve a number of
special risks, including diversion of management’s attention,
legal,
financial,
accounting and due diligence expenses, and general risks that transactions
will
not be consummated. To the extent we try to consummate more than one
transaction at the same time, all of these risks will be exacerbated, especially
in light of our limited financial and other resources. Consummating
our initial business combination through more than one transaction likely
would
result in increased costs as we would be required to conduct a due diligence
investigation of more than one business and negotiate the terms of the initial
business combination with multiple entities. In addition, due to the
difficulties involved in consummating multiple business combinations
concurrently, our attempt to consummate our initial business combination
in this
manner would increase the chance that we would be unable to successfully
consummate our initial business combination in a timely manner. In
addition, if our initial business combination entails simultaneous transactions
with different entities, each entity will need to agree that its transaction
is
contingent upon the simultaneous closing of the other transactions, which
may
make it more difficult for us, or delay our ability, to consummate the initial
business combination. As a result, if we attempt to consummate our
initial business combination in the form of multiple transactions, there
is an
increased risk that we will not be in a position to consummate some or all
of
those transactions, which could result in our failure to satisfy the
requirements for an initial business combination and force us to
liquidate.
We
may combine with a target business with a history of poor operating performance
and there is no guarantee that we will be able to improve the operating
performance of that target business.
Due
to
the competition for business combination opportunities, we may combine with
a
target business with a history of poor operating performance if we believe
that
target business has attractive attributes that we believe could be the basis
of
a successful business after consummation of our initial business
combination. A business with a history of poor operating performance
may be characterized by, among other things, several years of financial losses,
a smaller market share than other businesses operating in a similar geographical
area or industry or a low return on capital compared to other businesses
operating in the same industry. In determining whether one of these
businesses would be an appropriate target, we would base our decision primarily
on the fair market value of such a business. We would consider, among
other things, its operating income, its current cash flows and its potential
to
generate cash in the future, the value of its current contracts and our
assessment of its ability to attract and retain new
customers. However, combining with a target business with a history
of poor operating performance can be extremely risky and we may not be able
to
improve operating performance. If we cannot improve the operating
performance of such a target business following our business combination,
then
our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely
affected. Factors that could result in our not being able to improve
operating performance include, among other things:
•
|
inability
to predict changes in technological
innovation;
|
•
|
competition
from superior or lower priced services and
products;
|
•
|
lack
of financial resources;
|
•
|
inability
to attract and retain key executives and
employees;
|
•
|
claims
for infringement of third-party intellectual property rights and/or
the
availability of third-party licenses;
and
|
•
|
changes
in, or costs imposed by, government
regulation.
|
If
we effect an initial business combination with a business located outside
of the
United States, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that
may
negatively impact our operations.
We
may
effect an initial business combination with a business located outside of
the
United States. If we do, we would be subject to any special considerations
or
risks associated with businesses operating in the target’s home jurisdiction,
including any of the following:
|
•
|
rules
and regulations or currency conversion or corporate withholding
taxes on
individuals;
|
|
• |
tariffs
and trade barriers; |
|
• |
regulations
related to customs and import/export
matters; |
|
•
|
tax
issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared
to
the United States;
|
|
• |
currency
fluctuations and exchange controls; |
|
• |
challenges
in collecting accounts receivable; |
|
• |
cultural
and language differences; |
|
• |
employment
regulations; |
|
• |
crime,
strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and wars;
and |
|
• |
deterioration
of political relations with the United
States. |
We
cannot
assure you that we would be able to adequately address these additional risks.
If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer.
If
we effect an initial business combination with a business located outside
of the
United States, the laws applicable to such business will likely govern all
of
our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal
rights.
If
we
effect an initial business combination with a business located outside of
the
United States, the laws of the country in which such business operates will
govern almost all of the material agreements relating to its operations.
We
cannot assure you that the target business will be able to enforce any of
its
material agreements or that remedies will be available in this new jurisdiction.
The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws in such jurisdiction
may
not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States.
The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements
could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or
capital. Additionally, if we acquire a business located outside of the United
States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets would be located
outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might
reside
outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors
in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of
process
upon our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts
predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our directors
and
officers under Federal securities laws.
Our
existing stockholders control a substantial interest in us and thus may
influence certain actions requiring a stockholder
vote.
Upon
completion of our offering, our existing stockholders will beneficially
own
approximately 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock
and, at
the time of our initial business combination, this percentage will increase
as a
result of the co-investment. In addition, there is no restriction on
the ability of our executive officers, directors and existing stockholders
to
purchase units or shares of our common stock either in this offering or
in the
market after completion of this offering. If they were to do so, the
percentage of our outstanding common stock held by our executive officers,
directors and existing stockholders would increase. Any common stock
acquired by our sponsor or our executive officers and directors in this
offering
or in the secondary market will be considered part of the holdings of public
stockholders. As a result of their
substantial
beneficial ownership through their indirect control of NRDC Capital Management,
LLC, Mr. Mack, our Chairman, Mr. Robert Baker, our Vice Chairman, Mr. Richard
Baker, our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Neibart, our President, each
may
exert considerable influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, including
the election of executive officers and directors, amendments to our amended
and
restated certificate of incorporation, the approval of benefit plans, mergers
and similar transactions (other than approval of the initial business
combination).
Our
staggered board may entrench management and discourage unsolicited stockholder
proposals that may be in the best interests of
stockholders.
Our
board
of directors will be divided into three classes, each of which generally
will
serve for a term of three years, with only one class of directors being
elected
in each year. There may not be an annual meeting of stockholders to
elect new directors prior to the consummation of an initial business
combination, in which case, all of the current directors will continue
in office
at least until the consummation of the initial business
combination. If there is an annual meeting, as a consequence of this
“staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors would
be considered for election. Moreover, except to the extent
stockholder proposals are properly and timely submitted, our directors
will
determine which matters, including prospective business combinations, to
submit
to a stockholder vote. As a result, they will exert substantial
control over actions requiring a stockholder vote both before and following
an
initial business combination.
Our
existing stockholders paid approximately $0.003 per share for their shares,
and
accordingly, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution from
the
purchase of our common stock.
The
difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock
and
the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock after
this
offering is dilutive to you and the other investors in this
offering. The fact that our existing stockholders acquired their
shares of common stock at a nominal price has significantly contributed to
this
dilution. Assuming the offering is completed, you and the other new
investors will incur an immediate and substantial dilution of 29.7% or $2.97
per
share (the difference between the pro forma net tangible book value per share
of
$7.03 and the initial offering price of $10.00 per unit).
Our
outstanding warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of common
stock and make it more difficult to consummate an initial business
combination.
In
connection with this offering, as part of the units, we will be issuing warrants
to purchase 30,000,000 shares of common stock. In addition, in
connection with the private placement, we will be issuing warrants to our
sponsor to purchase 8,000,000 shares of common
stock. Contemporaneously with the consummation of our initial
business combination, as part of the co-investment units to be purchased
by our
sponsor, we will issue 2,000,000 warrants to purchase 2,000,000 shares of
our
common stock. To the extent we issue shares of common stock to
consummate an initial business combination, the potential for the issuance
of
substantial numbers of additional shares upon exercise of these warrants
could
make us a less attractive partner for a business combination in the eyes
of a
target business, as such securities, when exercised, will increase the number
of
issued and outstanding shares of our common stock and the potential for such
issuance could reduce the value of the shares that may be issued to consummate
the initial business combination. Accordingly, the existence of our
warrants may make it more difficult to consummate an initial business
combination or may increase the cost of a target business if we are unable
to
consummate an initial business combination solely with
cash. Additionally, the sale, or potential sale, of the shares
underlying the warrants could have an adverse effect on the market price
for our
securities or on our ability to obtain future public financing. If
and to the extent these warrants are exercised, you may experience dilution
to
your holdings.
Our
existing stockholders’ exercise of their registration rights may have an adverse
effect on the market price of our common stock, and the existence of these
rights may make it more difficult to consummate an initial business
combination.
Our
sponsor is entitled to demand on up to three occasions that we register the
resale of its shares of common stock and private placement warrants and its
co-investment units, including the co-investment shares of common stock,
the
co-investment warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the
co-investment warrants. Our sponsor and our directors also have
certain “piggyback” registration rights and the right to unlimited registration
on Form S-3 to the extent that we are eligible to use Form S-3. If
our sponsor and our directors exercise their registration rights with respect
to
all of their shares of common stock and warrants, then there will be an
additional 20,625,000 shares (including 1,125,000 shares sold to our sponsor
that are subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters do not exercise
their over-allotment option) of common stock eligible for trading in the
public
market. This potential increase in trading volume may have an adverse
effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, the
existence of these rights may make it more difficult to consummate an initial
business combination or may increase the cost of a target business in the
event
that we are unable to consummate an initial business combination solely with
cash, as the stockholders of a particular target business may be discouraged
from entering into a business combination with us or will request a higher
price
for their securities as a result of these registration rights and the potential
future effect their exercise may have on the trading market for our common
stock.
Failure
to maintain an effective registration statement and a prospectus available
for
use relating to the common stock underlying our warrants may deprive our
warrants of value and the market for our warrants may be
limited.
No
warrants will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares
of
common stock unless at the time of exercise a registration statement relating
to
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective
and a
prospectus relating to shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the
warrants is available for use and those shares of common stock have been
registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws
of the
state of residence of the holder of our warrants. The private
placement warrants will not be exercisable at any time when a registration
statement relating to the shares of common stock underlying the public warrants
is not effective and a prospectus relating to those shares is not available
for
use by the public warrant holders. So long as any of the public
warrants remain outstanding, the co-investment warrants will not be exercisable
at any time when a registration statement relating to the shares of common
stock
underlying the public warrants is not effective and a prospectus relating
to
those shares is not available for use by the public warrant
holders. Holders of the warrants are not entitled to net cash
settlement and the warrants may only be settled by delivery of shares of
our
common stock and not cash. Under the terms of a warrant agreement
between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and
us, we have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to maintain an effective
registration statement and prospectus available for use relating to common
stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants,
and
to take such action as is necessary to qualify the common stock issuable
upon
exercise of the warrants for sale in those states in which this offering
was
initially qualified. However, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to do so. We have no obligation to settle the warrants for cash,
in any event, and the warrants may not be exercised and we will not deliver
securities therefore in the absence of an effective registration statement
or a
prospectus available for use. The warrants may never become
exercisable if we never comply with these registration requirements and,
in any
such case, the total price paid for each unit would effectively have been
paid
solely for the shares of common stock included therein. In any case,
the warrants may be deprived of value and the market for the warrants may
be
limited if a registration statement relating to the common stock issuable
upon
the exercise of the warrants is not effective, a prospectus relating to the
common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is not available
for use
or if the common stock is not qualified or exempt from qualification in the
jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants reside.
If
we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute
burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted,
which
may make it difficult for us to consummate an initial business combination
or
operate over the near term or long term in our intended
manner.
We
do not
plan to operate as an investment fund or investment company, or to be engaged
in
the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Our
plan is to acquire, hold, operate and grow for the long term one or more
operating businesses. We do not plan to operate as a passive investor
or as a merchant bank seeking dividends or gains from purchases and sales
of
securities. Our principals are experienced as officers and directors
of operating companies.
Companies
that fall within the definition of an “investment company” set forth in Section
3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the regulations
thereunder, which we refer to as the 1940 Act, are subject to registration
and
substantive regulation under the 1940 Act. Companies that are subject
to the 1940 Act that do not become registered are normally required to liquidate
and are precluded from entering into transactions or enforceable contracts
other
than as an incident to liquidation. The basic definition of an
“investment company” in the 1940 Act and related SEC rules and interpretations
includes a company (1) that is, proposes to be, or holds itself out as being
engaged primarily in investing, reinvesting or trading in securities; or
(2)
that has more than 40% of its assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities
and cash items) in “investment securities,” or (3) that is a “special situation
investment company” (such as a merchant bank or private equity
fund).
For
example, if we were deemed to be an investment company under the 1940 Act,
we
would be required to become registered under the 1940 Act (or liquidate)
and our
activities would be subject to a number of restrictions, including, among
others:
•
|
corporate
governance requirements and requirements regarding mergers and
share
exchanges;
|
•
|
restrictions
on the nature of our investments;
|
•
|
restrictions
on our capital structure and use of multiple classes of securities;
and
|
•
|
restrictions
on our use of leverage and
collateral;
|
each
of
which may make it difficult for us to consummate an initial business
combination.
In
addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements,
including:
•
|
registration
as an investment company;
|
•
|
adoption
of a specific form of corporate structure;
and
|
•
|
reporting,
record keeping, voting, proxy, and disclosure requirements, and
other
rules and regulations;
|
compliance
with which would reduce the funds we have available outside the trust account
to
consummate our initial business combination.
In
order
not to be regulated as an investment company under the 1940 Act, unless we
can
qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in
an
initial business other than investing, reinvesting or trading of securities
and
that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding
or
trading “investment securities.” Our business will be to identify and consummate
a business combination and thereafter to operate the acquired business or
businesses for the long term. We do not plan to buy operating
businesses with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We do
not plan to buy unrelated
businesses
or to be a passive investor. We do not believe that our anticipated
principal activities will subject us to the 1940 Act. To this end,
the proceeds held in the trust account may only be invested by the trustee
in
U.S. government securities and in assets that are considered “cash items” for
purposes of Section 3(a)(2) of the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the trust
agreement, the trustee is not permitted to invest in securities or assets
that
are considered “investment securities” within the meaning of Section 3(a) of the
1940 Act. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these
instruments, and by having a business plan targeted at acquiring, growing
and
operating businesses for the long term (rather than on buying and selling
businesses in the manner of a merchant bank or private equity fund) we intend
to
avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the 1940
Act. This offering is not intended for persons who are seeking a
return on investments in government securities or investment
securities. The trust account and the purchase of government
securities for the trust account is intended as a holding place for funds
pending the earlier to occur of either: (i) the consummation of our primary
business objective, which is a business combination, or (ii) absent a business
combination, our return of the funds held in the trust account to our public
stockholders as part of our plan of liquidation. If we do not invest
the proceeds as discussed above, we may be deemed to be subject to the 1940
Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the 1940 Act, compliance with
these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expense for
which
we have not accounted.
Our
directors, including those we expect to serve on our Audit Committee, may
not be
considered “independent” under the policies of the North American Securities
Administrators Association, Inc., and, therefore, may take actions or incur
expenses that are not deemed to be independently approved or independently
determined to be in our best interest.
Under
the
policies of the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc.,
an
international organization devoted to investor protection, because all of
our
directors may receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
them
in connection with activities on our behalf, such as attending meetings of
the
board of directors, identifying potential target businesses and performing
due
diligence on suitable business combinations, and all of our directors, directly
or indirectly, own shares of our securities, state securities administrators
could take the position that such individuals are not “independent.” If this
were the case, they would take the position that we would not have the benefit
of independent directors examining the propriety of expenses incurred on
our
behalf and subject to reimbursement. There is no limit on the amount
of out-of-pocket expenses that could be incurred, and there will be no review
of
the reasonableness of the expenses by anyone other than our board of directors,
which would include persons who may seek reimbursement, or a court of competent
jurisdiction if such reimbursement is challenged. To the extent such
out-of-pocket expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the
trust
account, such out-of-pocket expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless
we
consummate an initial business combination. Although we believe that
all actions taken by our directors on our behalf will be in our best interests,
whether or not they are deemed to be “independent,” we cannot assure you that
this will actually be the case. If actions are taken or expenses are
incurred that actually are not in our best interests, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business and operations and the price of our stock
held by
the public stockholders.
There
is currently no market for our securities and a market for our securities
may
not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our
securities.
There
is
currently no market for our securities. Investors therefore have no access
to
information about prior market history on which to base their investment
decision. Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never
develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell
your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.
Compliance
with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require substantial financial and
management resources and may increase the time and costs of completing an
acquisition.
Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we evaluate and report
on
our system of internal controls and requires that we have such system of
internal controls audited beginning with our Annual
Report
on
Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2008. If we fail to maintain the
adequacy of our internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny,
civil or criminal penalties and/or stockholder litigation. Any inability
to
provide reliable financial reports could harm our business. Section 404 of
the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act also requires that our independent registered public
accounting firm report on management’s evaluation of our system of internal
controls. A target business may not be in compliance with the provisions
of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The
development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance
with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to
complete any such acquisition. Furthermore, any failure to implement required
new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation
of
adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future,
could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting
obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose
confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative
effect on the trading price of our securities.
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
prospectus contains “forward-looking statements,” which include information
relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies,
expectations, competitive environment and regulation. These
forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding
our:
•
|
expectations
regarding competition for business combination
opportunities;
|
•
|
beliefs
regarding the types of businesses that we can purchase with the
proceeds
from this offering;
|
•
|
expectations
regarding the prioritization of the fiduciary duties of our executive
officers and directors with respect to the allocation of business
opportunities and the consummation of any business
combination;
|
•
|
expectations
regarding the involvement of our executive officers following a
business
combination;
|
•
|
estimate
regarding the operating expenses of our business before and after
the
consummation of an initial business combination and our expectation
that
we may require additional financing to fund the operations or growth
of
the target business or businesses;
|
•
|
expectations
regarding the waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of
any kind in
or to any monies held in the trust account by all vendors, prospective
target businesses or other entities we do business
with;
|
•
|
belief
that upon completion of the private placement and this offering,
we will
have sufficient funds to operate for at least the next 24 months,
assuming
that an initial business combination is not consummated during
that
time;
|
•
|
expectations
regarding the timing of generating any
revenues;
|
•
|
expectations
regarding the trading of the units, common stock and warrants on
the
American Stock Exchange;
|
•
|
intention
to make liquidating distributions to our stockholders as soon as
reasonably possible if we have not consummated our initial business
combination and we are obligated to terminate our corporate existence
24
months after the completion of this offering;
and
|
•
|
plan
to seek stockholder approval before we consummate our initial business
combination.
|
These
forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events
and are
subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We wish to caution
readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the
future
affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ significantly
from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
estimate that the net proceeds of this offering and the private placement
will
be used as set forth in the following table:
|
|
Without
Over-Allotment Option
|
|
|
With
Over-Allotment Option
|
|
Gross
Proceeds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering
|
|
$ |
300,000,000
|
|
|
$ |
345,000,000
|
|
Private
placement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Gross Proceeds
|
|
$ |
308,000,000
|
|
|
$ |
353,000,000
|
|
Offering
expenses (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
discount (7% of gross proceeds of the offering) (2)
|
|
|
21,000,000
|
|
|
|
24,150,000
|
|
Legal
fees and expenses
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
Printing
and engraving expenses
|
|
|
90,000
|
|
|
|
90,000
|
|
Accounting
fees and expenses
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
SEC
registration fee
|
|
|
18,536
|
|
|
|
18,536
|
|
FINRA
filing fee
|
|
|
60,875
|
|
|
|
60,875
|
|
AMEX
listing fee
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
offering expenses
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
proceeds after offering expenses
|
|
|
286,200,589
|
|
|
|
328,050,589
|
|
Net
offering proceeds not held in the trust account
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
proceeds held in the trust account for our benefit
|
|
$ |
285,950,589
|
|
|
$ |
327,800,589
|
|
Deferred
underwriting discounts held in the trust account
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
amount in the trust account
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage
of the gross proceeds of the offering held in the trust
account
|
|
|
98.8 |
% |
|
|
98.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use
of net proceeds not held in the trust account and amounts available
from
interest income earned after tax on the trust
account
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal,
accounting and other expenses attendant to the structuring and
negotiation
of a business combination
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
800,000
|
|
Due
diligence and investigation of prospective target business
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
Legal
and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
Administrative
fees relating to office space and administrative services ($7,500
per
month for 2 years)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,000
|
|
Director
and officer insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
Corporate
franchise taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
Working
capital to cover potential deposits, down payments, exclusivity
fees,
finder’s fees, or similar fees or compensation, reserves, costs and
expenses associated with our liquidation , and other miscellaneous
expenses not yet identified (4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
(1) |
A
portion of the offering expenses have been paid from the funds we
received
in the form of a loan from NRDC Capital Management, LLC as described
below. This loan will be repaid out of the proceeds of this
offering. |
(2)
|
Includes
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions equal to 3.5% of
the gross
proceeds from the sale of the units to the public stockholders,
or
$10,500,000 ($12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full), which will be deposited in the trust account
and which
the underwriters have agreed to defer until the consummation of
our
initial business combination. If we consummate an initial
business combination, $10,500,000 ($12,075,000 if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be paid to the
underwriters as deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
(subject
to a $0.35 per share reduction for public stockholders who exercise
their
conversion rights). See the section entitled
“Underwriting—Discounts and
Commissions.”
|
(3)
|
These
expenses include any reimbursements to be made to our executive
officers
and directors for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in performing
due diligence and activities in connection with the evaluation
of a
potential business combination, as well as any potential fees that
we may
pay to third parties, such as market research firms and other consultants,
that perform due diligence of a target business on our behalf (other
than
to the extent such fees are paid by our executive officers and
directors
on our behalf and such persons are reimbursed in the amount and
to the
extent of such fees).
|
(4)
|
The
not yet identified miscellaneous expenses include, without limitation,
the
reimbursement of our executive officers and directors for out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with this offering, such as roadshow expenses
and
advances for offering costs made by them and not covered by the
amounts
set aside for offering expenses set forth on the table above and
costs and
expenses associated with our
liquidation.
|
After
non-deferred expenses of this offering and the private placement, $296,450,589
(or $339,875,589 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in
full) will be deposited in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as
trustee. Except for payment of taxes and interest income earned of up
to $2,250,000 to fund our working capital requirements, the proceeds will
not be
released from the trust account until the earlier of the consummation of
an
initial business combination or our liquidation . We expect to use
the proceeds held in the trust account to acquire one or more domestic or
foreign operating businesses. Interest earned on the trust account
(net of taxes payable) will be held in the trust account for use in consummating
an initial business combination or released to investors upon exercise of
their
conversion rights or upon our liquidation, as the case may
be. However, we may not use all of the funds remaining in the trust
account in connection with a business combination, either because the
consideration for the initial business combination is less than the proceeds
in
the trust account or because we finance a portion of the consideration with
our
capital stock or debt securities. In that event, the remaining
proceeds held in the trust account, as well as any other net proceeds not
expended, will constitute working capital for our business after our initial
business combination. While it is difficult to determine what the
specific operating expenses of our business after consummation of an initial
business combination may be, we expect that they may include some or all
of the
following: capital expenditures, general ongoing expenses, including overhead,
payroll and costs involved in expanding markets and in developing strategic
acquisitions or alliances. In addition, we may use any remaining
proceeds held in the trust account to satisfy any unpaid reimbursable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by our executive officers and directors,
as well
as any unpaid finder’s fees or similar fees or compensation to the extent such
expenses, fees or compensation exceed the available proceeds not deposited
in
the trust account. If we consummate an initial business combination,
$10,500,000 (or $12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full) will be paid to the underwriters as deferred underwriting
discounts and compensation, as set forth in this prospectus (subject to a
$0.35
per share reduction for public stockholders who exercise their conversion
rights).
Net
proceeds of this offering and the private placement in the amount of $250,000
will not be held in the trust account and may be used to fund our operations
up
to the next 24 months, as described below.
We
expect
to use approximately $800,000 for legal, accounting and other expenses
attendant
to the structuring and negotiation of an initial business combination,
$800,000
for expenses related to due diligence and investigation of prospective
target
businesses, and $50,000 for legal and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting
obligations. We expect that due diligence of prospective target
businesses will be performed by some or all members of our executive officers
and directors and may include engaging market research and valuation firms
as
well as other third-party consultants. None of our executive officers
or directors will receive any compensation for any due diligence efforts,
other
than reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses they may incur on our
behalf
while performing due diligence of prospective target businesses. Any
reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses would occur at our
discretion. To the extent such out-of-pocket expenses exceed the
available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such out-of-pocket
expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless and until we consummate a
business
combination.
We
have
agreed to pay NRDC Capital Management, LLC a monthly fee of $7,500 for general
and administrative services, including office space, utilities and secretarial
support. We believe that, based on rents and fees for similar
services in Purchase, New York, the fees charged by NRDC Capital Management,
LLC
are at least as favorable as we could have obtained from unaffiliated third
parties.
We
expect
to use approximately $300,000 for premiums for director and officer insurance
for a 24-month period. In addition, we have reserved approximately
$120,000 for the payment of corporate franchise taxes. We intend to
use the excess working capital (approximately $250,000) for other expenses
incurred in structuring and negotiating an initial business combination and,
if
necessary, to cover the costs and expenses associated with our liquidation
and
winding-up (which we estimate would be in the range of $15,000 to
$25,000). For example, we may opt to make a deposit or down payment
or pay exclusivity or similar fees in connection with structuring and
negotiating our initial business combination. While we do not
presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms that specialize
in business acquisitions, we may do so in the future to assist us in locating
suitable target businesses, in which event we may pay a finder’s fee, or other
compensation. We have not reserved any specific amounts for a
deposit, down payment, exclusivity fees, finder’s fees or similar fees or
compensation, each of which may have the effect of reducing the available
net
proceeds not deposited in the trust account for payment of our ongoing expenses
and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred on our
behalf. To the extent that any such fees or compensation exceeds the
available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, we would not be able
to
pay such fees or compensation unless we consummate an initial business
combination. In addition, the excess working capital will be used to
cover miscellaneous expenses that we have not yet identified, which may include,
without limitation, the reimbursement of our executive officers and directors
for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this offering, such as roadshow
expenses and advances for offering costs made by them and not covered by
the
amounts set aside for offering expenses described above.
We
believe that, upon consummation of this offering and the private placement,
we
will have sufficient available funds to operate at least for the next 24
months,
assuming that an initial business combination is not consummated during that
time. The amount of available proceeds is based on our executive
officers’ and directors’ estimate of the amount needed to fund our operations
for the next 24 months and to consummate a business combination. This
belief is based on the fact that in-depth due diligence will be undertaken
only
after we have negotiated and signed a letter of intent or other preliminary
agreement that addresses the terms of an initial business
combination. Although we do not know the rate of interest to be
earned on the trust account and are unable to predict an exact amount of
time it
will take to complete any initial business combination, we believe that
following the completion of this offering, it will take a significant amount
of
time to find a prospective target business and take all of the steps necessary
to complete an initial business combination. We anticipate that, even at
an
interest rate of 3.0% per annum, the interest that will accrue on the trust
account during the time it will take to identify a target and complete an
acquisition will be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements.
Given
the limited amount of time it will take to generate $2,250,000 million of
interest on the trust account, we anticipate receiving such interest income
generally shortly after we incur working capital expenses. However, if our
estimate of the costs of undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating
an
initial business combination is less than the actual amount necessary to
do so,
or
if
interest payments are not available to fund the expenses at the time we incur
them, we may be required to raise additional capital, the amount, availability
and cost of which is currently unascertainable. In this event, we could seek
such additional capital through loans or additional investments from members
of
our management team, but such members of our management team are not under
any
obligation to advance funds to, or invest in, us. To the extent that our
expenses exceed the amounts not held in the trust account and the interest
income of up to $2,250,000 million that may be released to us from the trust
account subject to the tax holdback (as described in more detail in this
prospectus), such out-of-pocket expenses could not be reimbursed by us unless
we
consummate an initial business combination. Although our executive officers
currently intend to continue to be involved in the management of the combined
company after our initial business combination, because the role of our officers
and directors after an initial business combination is uncertain, we have
no
current ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to current
officers and directors after our initial business combination. Our officers
and
directors may, as part of any such combination, negotiate the repayment of
some
or all of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them that have not been
reimbursed by us prior to the closing of our initial business combination.
If
the owners of the target business do not agree to such repayment, this could
cause our officers and directors to view such potential initial business
combination unfavorably and result in a potential conflict of
interest.
However,
if we do not have sufficient proceeds available to cover our expenses, we
may be
required to obtain additional financing, either from our executive officers
and
directors, NRDC Capital Management, LLC or third parties. We may not
be able to obtain additional financing, and none of our management, including
our executive officers and directors, our existing stockholders or NRDC Capital
Management, LLC is obligated to provide any additional financing. If
we do not have sufficient proceeds not held in the trust account and cannot
find
additional financing, we may be required to dissolve and liquidate prior
to
consummating an initial business combination.
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC has loaned a total of $200,000 to us for the payment
of
offering expenses. The loan is interest free and will be repaid upon
the completion of this offering out of the gross proceeds.
The
net
proceeds of this offering that are not immediately required for the purposes
set
forth above will be held in the trust account and invested only in money
market
funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the 1940
Act,
or securities issued by the United States so that we are not deemed to be
an
investment company under the 1940 Act.
Other
than (i) the repayment of the $200,000 loan described above and (ii)
administrative services arrangement for services rendered to us, no compensation
of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid to any of our
executive officers, directors, or existing stockholders or any of their
respective affiliates prior to or in connection with the initial business
combination. However, our executive officers and directors will
receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in
connection with activities on our behalf, such as participating in the offering
process, identifying potential target businesses, and performing due diligence
on suitable business combinations. Although our executive officers
currently intend to continue to be involved in the management of the combined
company after our initial business combination, because the role of our current
executive officers and directors after an initial business combination is
uncertain, we have no current ability to determine what remuneration, if
any,
will be paid to current officers and directors after an initial business
combination.
A
public
stockholder will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account, including
interest earned on its pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account
(net
of taxes payable and after release of up to $2,250,000 of interest income,
after
tax, to fund working capital requirements, including the costs of our
liquidation), only in the event of our liquidation upon our failure to
consummate an initial business combination or if that public stockholder
were to
seek to convert shares into cash in connection with our initial business
combination that the public stockholder previously voted against and which
we
actually consummate.
In
no other circumstances will a public stockholder
have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.
CAPITALIZATION
The
following table sets forth our capitalization as of July 13, 2007 and as
adjusted to give effect to the sale of our units in this offering and the
sale
of warrants in the private placement, the application of the estimated net
proceeds derived from the sale of such securities, the repayment of a $200,000
loan payable to NRDC Capital Management, LLC and to a 6 for 5 stock split
of our
common stock. This table should be read in conjunction with our
selected financial data and the financial statements included elsewhere in
this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
debt (1)
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, $0.0001 par value, 0 and 8,999,999 shares which are subject
to
possible conversion, shares at conversion value (2)
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’
equity (deficit):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000 shares authorized; none issued
or
outstanding
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, $0.0001 par value, 106,000,000 shares authorized; 8,625,000
shares
issued and outstanding – actual; 28,500,001 shares issued and outstanding
– as adjusted (excluding 8,999,999 shares subject to possible
conversion)
|
|
$ |
862
|
|
|
$ |
2,850 |
(3) |
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
24,138
|
|
|
|
200,437,572
|
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(731 |
) |
|
|
(731 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
capitalization
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Assumes
payment of, and therefore excludes, deferred underwriting discounts
and
commissions equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds, or $10,500,000
($12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in
full), which will be deposited in the trust account and which the
underwriters have agreed to defer until the consummation of our
initial
business combination. See the section entitled
“Underwriting—Discounts and
Commissions.”
|
(2)
|
If
we consummate an initial business combination, the conversion rights
afforded to our public stockholders, other than our executive officers,
directors and existing stockholders, may result in the conversion
into
cash of up to 8,999,999 shares sold in this offering at a per share
conversion price equal to the amount in the trust account (including
the
amount representing the deferred portion of the underwriting discounts
and
commissions), inclusive of any interest thereon (net of taxes payable
on
such interest income and after release of up to $2,250,000 of interest
income, after tax, to fund working capital requirements), as of
two
business days prior to the proposed consummation of a business
combination, divided by the number of shares sold in this
offering.
|
(3)
|
Assumes
that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised and that
1,125,000 shares sold to our sponsor that are subject to forfeiture
to the
extent the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option
have
been forfeited.
|
DILUTION
The
difference between the public offering price per share of common stock, assuming
no value is attributed to the warrants included in the units, and the pro
forma
net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering
constitutes the dilution to investors in this offering. Net tangible
book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value,
which is our total tangible assets less total liabilities (including the
value
of common stock that may be converted into cash), by the number of outstanding
shares of our common stock.
As
of
July 13, 2007, after giving effect to a 6 for 5 stock split of our common
stock,
our net tangible book value was $5,232, or approximately $0.00 per share
of
common stock. After giving effect to the sale of 30,000,000 shares of
common stock included in the units (but excluding shares underlying the warrants
included in the units) in this offering and from the private placement, the
deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses
of
this offering and after giving effect to a 6 for 5 stock split of our common
stock, our pro forma net tangible book value (as decreased by the value of
8,999,999 shares of common stock which may be converted into cash and the
potential forfeiture of 1,125,000 shares to the extent the underwriters’
over-allotment option is not exercised) as of July 13, 2007 would have been
$200,439,691 or approximately $7.03 per share, representing an immediate
increase in net tangible book value of approximately $7.03 per share to our
existing stockholders and an immediate decrease in net tangible book value
of
approximately $2.97 per share or approximately 29.7% to new investors not
exercising their conversion rights.
The
following table illustrates the dilution to the new investors on a per share
basis, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants included in the
units:
Initial
public offering price
|
|
$
10.00
|
Net
tangible book value (deficit) before this offering and the private
placement
|
$ 0.00
|
|
Increase
attributable to new investors in this offering and the private
placement
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro
forma net tangible book value after this offering and the private
placement
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilution
to new investors
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
purposes of presentation, our pro forma net tangible book value after this
offering has been reduced by $85,785,167 because, if we consummate an initial
business combination, the conversion rights of our public stockholders, other
than our executive officers, directors and existing stockholders may result
in
the conversion into cash of up to 8,999,999 shares of the 30,000,000 shares
included in the units sold in this offering, at a per share conversion price
equal to the amount in the trust account (including the amount representing
the
deferred portion of the underwriting discounts and commissions) calculated
as of
two business days prior to the consummation of the proposed business
combination, inclusive of any interest income (net of taxes payable on such
interest income and after release of up to $2,250,000 of interest income,
after
tax, to fund working capital) divided by the number of shares sold in this
offering. In addition, our pro forma net tangible book value after
this offering has been reduced by $10,500,000, representing the deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions payable on consummation of an initial
business combination.
The
pro
forma net tangible book value per share after this offering and the private
placement is calculated as follows:
Numerator:
|
|
Net
tangible book value before this offering and the private
placement
|
$ 5,232
|
Offering
costs incurred in advance and excluded from net tangible book
value
|
19,037
|
Net
Proceeds from this offering and the private placement including
deferred
underwriting costs
|
296,700,589
|
Less: Deferred
underwriting costs excluded from net tangible book value before
this
offering and the private placement(1)
|
(10,500,000)
|
Less:
Proceeds held in the trust account subject to conversion to
cash
|
|
|
|
Total
net tangible book value after this offering and the private
placement
|
|
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
Shares
of common stock outstanding prior to this offering and the private
placement(2)
|
7,500,000
|
Shares
of common stock included in the units offered in this offering
and the
private placement
|
30,000,000
|
Less:
Shares subject to conversion(3)
|
|
|
|
Total
shares of common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions are subject to
a $0.35 per
share reduction for stockholders who exercise their conversion
rights.
|
(2)
|
Does
not include 1,125,000 shares sold to our sponsor that are subject
to
forfeiture to the extent the underwriters do not exercise their
over-allotment option.
|
(3)
|
This
table notes that we may be required to convert up to a maximum
of
8,999,999 shares to cash in connection with our initial business
combination.
|
The
following table sets forth information with respect to our existing stockholders
and the public stockholders after giving effect to a 6 for 5 stock split
of our
common stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Existing
stockholders(2)
|
7,500,000
|
20%
|
$25,000
|
0.01%
|
$ 0.003
|
Public
Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
$10.000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
37,500,000
|
100%
|
$300,025,000
|
100.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Total
consideration includes consideration paid for warrants as well
as shares
of common stock, included in the units issued in the
offering.
|
(2)
|
Does
not include 1,125,000 shares sold to our sponsor that are subject
to
forfeiture to the extent the underwriters do not exercise their
over-allotment option.
|
DIVIDEND
POLICY
We
have
not paid any dividends on our common stock to date. Prior to
consummating an initial business combination, which is subject to approval
by
our public stockholders, substantially all of our earnings will consist of
interest accrued on funds in the trust account that are required to be
maintained therein until consummation of an initial business combination
or our
liquidation, except as set forth in the next sentence. There can be
released to us from the trust account (i) interest income earned on the trust
account balance to pay any income taxes on such interest and (ii) interest
income earned, after tax, on the trust account of up to $2,250,000 to fund
our
working capital requirements, including, in such an event, the costs of our
liquidation. Subsequent to our initial business combination, our
board of directors intends to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our
business operations. Accordingly, our board of directors does not
anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. The
payment of dividends, if any, after an initial business combination, will
be
contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements,
and
general financial condition and will be within the discretion of our then
board
of directors.
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
We
were
formed on July 10, 2007, as a blank check company for the purpose of acquiring,
through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or
other similar business combination, one or more operating
businesses. We do not have any specific merger, capital stock
exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar business
combination under consideration and neither we, nor any representative acting
on
our behalf, has had any contacts or discussions with any prospective target
business with respect to such a transaction or taken any direct or indirect
measures to locate a specific target business or consummate an initial business
combination. We intend to use cash derived from the proceeds of this
offering, our capital stock, debt, or a combination of cash, capital stock,
and
debt, to consummate an initial business combination.
The
issuance of additional capital stock or the incurrence of debt, could have
material consequences on our business and financial condition. The
issuance of additional shares of our capital stock (including, upon conversion,
of convertible debt securities):
•
|
may
significantly reduce the equity interest of our
stockholders;
|
•
|
will
likely cause a change in control if a substantial number of our
shares of
common stock or voting preferred stock are issued which may affect,
among
other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards,
if
any, and also may result in the resignation or removal of one or
more of
our current executive officers and
directors;
|
•
|
may
subordinate the rights of holders of common stock if we issue preferred
stock with rights senior to those afforded to our common
stock;
|
•
|
may
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of
us by
diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of a person seeking
to
obtain control of us; and
|
•
|
may
adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common
stock.
|
Similarly,
our incurrence of debt may:
•
|
lead
to default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues
after a
business combination are insufficient to pay our debt
obligations;
|
•
|
cause
an acceleration of our obligations to repay the debt, even if we
make all
principal and interest payments when due, if we breach the covenants
contained in the terms of the debt documents, such as covenants
that
require the maintenance of certain financial ratios, without a
waiver or
renegotiation of such covenants;
|
•
|
create
an obligation to repay immediately all principal and accrued interest,
if
any, upon demand to the extent any debt securities are payable
on demand;
and
|
•
|
hinder
our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, to the
extent
any debt securities contain covenants restricting our ability to
obtain
additional financing while such security is outstanding, or to
the extent
our existing leverage discourages other potential
investors.
|
To
date,
our efforts have been limited to organizational activities. We have
neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to
date.
We
estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the units in this offering
and
the sale of warrants in the private placement will be $286,200,589 (or
$328,050,589 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised
in full), after deducting offering expenses of approximately $800,000 and
underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $21,000,000 (or
$24,150,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in
full). As a result of the deferral of underwriting discounts and
commissions of $10,500,000 (or $12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is exercised in full), $296,450,589 (or $339,875,589 if the underwriters’
over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be held in the trust account
and $250,000 will not be held in the trust account and will be used by us
as
working capital. If we consummate an initial business combination, we
will use $10,500,000 (or $12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option
is exercised in full) of the net proceeds held in the trust account to pay
the
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions (subject to a $0.35 per share
reduction for public stockholders who exercise their conversion
rights). We expect to use the remaining net proceeds of this offering
and the private placement in the trust account, after the payment of deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions, to acquire one or more operating
businesses. However, we may not use all of the proceeds in the trust
account in connection with an initial business combination, either because
the
consideration for the initial business combination is less than the proceeds
in
a trust account or because we finance a portion of the consideration with
our
capital stock or debt securities. In that event, the proceeds held in
the trust account as well as any other net proceeds of this offering not
expended will be used to finance the operations of the combined business
or
businesses.
We
expect
to use $250,000 of the proceeds not held in the trust account and interest
earned on the trust account of up to $2,250,000, after tax, to fund our working
capital requirements pending a business combination, including identifying
and
evaluating prospective target businesses, selecting one or more operating
businesses, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the initial business
combination. We believe that, upon the completion of this offering,
the funds available to us outside of the trust account will be sufficient
to
allow us to operate for at least the next 24 months, assuming that an initial
business combination is not consummated during that time. We
anticipate that, even at an interest rate of 3.0% per annum, the interest
that
will accrue on the trust account during the time it will take to identify
a
target and complete an acquisition will be sufficient, together with the
$250,000 held outside the trust, to fund our working capital requirements.
Given
the limited amount of time it will take to generate $2,250,000 of interest
on
the trust account, we anticipate receiving such interest income shortly after
we
incur working capital expenses. Over this time period, we anticipate
making the following expenditures:
•
|
approximately
$800,000 of expenses for legal and accounting fees relating to
the
structuring and negotiating of our initial business
combination;
|
•
|
approximately
$800,000 of expenses and fees relating to the due diligence investigation
of potential target businesses;
|
•
|
approximately
$50,000 of expenses in legal and accounting fees relating to our
SEC
reporting obligations;
|
•
|
approximately
$180,000 of expenses in fees relating to our office space and certain
general and administrative
expenses;
|
•
|
approximately
$300,000 for director and officer
insurance;
|
•
|
approximately
$120,000 for corporate franchise taxes;
and
|
•
|
approximately
$250,000 for general working capital that will be used for other
expenses,
including costs and expenses associated with our liquidation (which
we
estimate will be in the range of $15,000 to $25,000), if necessary,
and
reserves.
|
We
do not
anticipate that we will need additional financing following this offering
in
order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business pending
an
initial business
combination. However,
we may need to obtain additional financing to the extent such financing is
required to consummate an initial business combination, in which case we
may
issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business
combination.
On
July
13, 2007 our sponsor made us an interest-free loan of $200,000 for payment
of
offering expenses. The loan will be repaid out of the proceeds of
this offering.
PROPOSED
BUSINESS
Overview
We
are a
recently organized blank check company formed for the purpose of acquiring,
through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or
other similar business combination, one or more assets or control of one
or more
operating businesses, which we refer to as our “initial business
combination.” Our efforts in identifying a prospective acquisition
target will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic
location. We intend to initially focus our search on businesses in
the United States, but will also explore opportunities
internationally. We do not have any initial business combination
under consideration or contemplation. To date, our efforts have been
limited to organizational activities as well as activities related to this
offering. We have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, contacted or
been contacted by, any potential acquisition target or had any discussions,
formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction.
We
expect
to evaluate target businesses in various industries that may provide significant
opportunities for growth and value creation. Although the nature and
scope of the ultimate roles of our executive officers after an initial business
combination will depend upon the structure of the business combination we
consummate, the employment arrangements they negotiate and the skills and
depth
of our target business’ management team, we expect that our executive officers
will continue to be actively involved in our business after the consummation
of
an initial business combination.
Given
our
management team’s expertise in the real estate sector, we will initially focus
our search for an initial business combination on operating businesses where
we
believe we can increase the value of the overall enterprise by altering the
structure of or relationship between the operating business and its real
estate
and/or improving, expanding or repositioning the real estate underlying the
operating business. We believe we can benefit from the expertise of
the members of our management team in investing in and managing operating
companies and that their skills in valuation, financial structuring, due
diligence, governance and financial and management oversight will be valuable
in
our efforts to identify a business target.
We
intend
to use some or all of the following criteria to evaluate acquisition
opportunities. However, we may enter into a business combination with
a target business that does not meet any or all of these criteria if we believe
such target business has the potential to create significant shareholder
value.
•
|
An
Established Business with a Proven Operating Track
Record. We will seek established businesses with records
of strong financial performance and sound operating results, or
ones which
our management team believes have the potential for positive operating
cash flow. It is not our intention to acquire a start-up
company.
|
•
|
Strong
Industry Position. We will seek to acquire strong
competitors in industries with appealing prospects for future growth
and
profitability. We will examine the ability of these target businesses
to
defend and improve their advantages in areas such as customer base,
branding, intellectual property, vendor relationships, working
capital and
capital investments.
|
•
|
Experienced
Management Team. We will concentrate on target businesses
with an experienced management team that has created an effective
corporate culture and utilized best business practices in areas
such as
customer service, vendor relationships, recruiting and
retention.
|
•
|
Ability
For Us To Add Value. We will seek a target company where
our management team has identified opportunities to improve the
operating
business through the implementation of marketing, operational,
growth and
management strategies to augment the company’s existing
capabilities.
|
•
|
Underlying
Real Estate Value. Given the inherent skills and
experience of our management team, we will focus initially on operating
businesses where we have the opportunity to create value from the
real
estate underlying the business.
|
These
factors are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation of a
particular business combination will be based, to the extent relevant, on
the
above factors as well as other considerations deemed relevant by our executive
officers and directors. In evaluating a prospective target business,
we expect to conduct an extensive due diligence review which will encompass,
among other things, meetings with incumbent management and employees, document
reviews, interviews of customers and suppliers, inspection of facilities,
as
well as review of financial and other information.
Competitive
Advantages
We
believe that we have several competitive advantages over other entities with
similar business objectives.
Experienced
Executive Management Team
Our
executive officers are William Mack, Robert Baker, Richard Baker and Lee
Neibart. William Mack and Lee Neibart are also Senior Partners of
Apollo Real Estate Advisors. Robert Baker and Richard Baker are also
the principals of National Realty & Development Corporation. All
four of our executive officers together founded and own NRDC Real Estate
Advisors, LLC, a private equity company that acquires businesses in the retail,
luxury brand, lodging, leisure, and real estate industries. Our
sponsor, NRDC Capital Management, LLC, is an affiliate of NRDC Real Estate
Advisors, LLC. Our four executive officers have over 30 years
experience acquiring, building, operating, selling and advising public and
private companies.
William
L. Mack– Chairman. Mr. Mack is a founder of
NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. He is also a
founder and Senior Partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors since its inception
in
1993 and the President of the corporate general partners of the Apollo real
estate funds. Since 1993, Apollo has overseen the investment of 16
real estate funds and numerous joint ventures, through which it has invested
over $7 billion in more than 350 transactions. The Apollo real estate
funds target a broad range of opportunistic, value-added and debt investments
in
real estate assets and portfolios throughout the United States, Europe and
Japan. Mr. Mack is also a Senior Partner of the Mack Organization, a
national owner of industrial buildings and other income-producing real estate
investments. Mr. Mack serves as non-executive Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, a publicly traded real estate
investment trust. He has been a Director of Mack-Cali since the 1997
merger of the Mack Organization’s office portfolio into Mack-Cali.
Robert
C. Baker–Vice-Chairman. Mr. Baker is
a founder of NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity
Partners. He also has been the Chairman and CEO of National Realty
& Development Corporation since its founding in 1978. National
Realty & Development Corporation owns and manages a real estate portfolio in
excess of 18 million square feet, which includes shopping centers, corporate
business centers and residential communities in 20 states. The
company’s tenants include prominent retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Lowe’s,
Toys ‘R Us, The Home Depot, Sears, Staples, Supervalu, and T.J. Maxx among
others. National Realty & Development Corporation remains one of
the largest privately owned development companies in the United
States. Mr. Baker has over 46 years experience in real estate
acquisition, construction, financing and management. Robert Baker is
the father of Richard Baker, our Chief Executive Officer.
Richard
A. Baker –Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Richard
A. Baker is a founder and President and Chief Executive Officer of NRDC Real
Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. Mr. Baker is also
Vice-Chairman of National Realty & Development Corporation, a real estate
development company owned by him and Robert C. Baker. Richard Baker
is Chairman of Lord & Taylor Holdings, LLC, and a director of
the
Hudson’s
Bay Company and Brunswick School. Richard Baker is the son of Robert
Baker, our Vice-Chairman.
Lee
S. Neibart – President. Mr. Neibart is a
founder of NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity
Partners. He is also a Senior Partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors,
where he has been employed since 1993. Mr. Neibart oversees the
global day to day activities of Apollo Real Estate Advisors including portfolio
company and fund management, strategic planning and new business
development. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Neibart worked at the Robert
Martin Company, a real estate development and management firm. Mr.
Neibart is a director of Linens ‘N Things as well as a director on various
boards relating to Apollo’s investment portfolio.
NRDC’s
investments include Lord & Taylor Holdings, LLC, a specialty department
store acquired in October 2006 for approximately $1.2 billion. In
connection with the acquisition of Lord & Taylor, NRDC created separate real
property and operating companies, which lowered financing costs and increased
the value of the entire enterprise. In partnership with Apollo
Management L.P., NRDC purchased Linens ‘N Things Inc., a home goods specialty
chain, in February 2006 for approximately $1.3 billion. NRDC
estimated that the standalone value of Linens ‘N Things’ real estate presented
an alternative exit strategy, mitigating the risk of its turnaround plan
for the
operating business. In July of 2007 Mr. Mack, and Messrs. Richard and
Robert Baker sold City & Suburban Federal Savings Bank to Ridgewood Savings
Bank. City & Suburban Federal Savings Bank was a New York
metropolitan area community bank that they had acquired in 1990.
Assistance
from Senior Managers of NRDC and Apollo Real Estate
Advisors
In
addition to Messrs. Mack, Neibart, Robert Baker and Richard Baker, our executive
officers and directors, the following senior managers of NRDC and Apollo
Real
Estate Advisors, as applicable, will be involved in helping us to source,
analyze and execute our initial business combination. None of these individuals
are required to commit any specified amount of time to our
affairs. Our sponsor and its affiliates and Apollo Real Estate
Advisors have agreed to make these individuals available at no cost to
us. Pursuant to this agreement, supporting us is part of the
employment duties of such individuals to our sponsor and their affiliates
and
Apollo Real Estate Advisors.
Francis
Casale. As a Managing Partner of NRDC Equity Partners
since 2005, Mr. Casale is responsible for the identification, evaluation,
acquisition, and ongoing management of the NRDC investment
portfolio. Before joining NRDC Equity Partners, Mr. Casale was the
Managing Director of Private Equity at S.A.C. Capital Advisors, LLC from
1997
until 2002. There he was responsible for the research, analysis,
negotiation, transaction execution and stewardship of more than 20 operating
company investments domestically and abroad. From 1993 until 1997,
Mr. Casale was a portfolio manager at Axe-Houghton Associates, Inc., a $4
billion investment management company, where he focused on investing in
undervalued businesses in all capitalization ranges. He advises the
boards and managers of all of the portfolio companies of NRDC Equity
Partners. Mr. Casale is the corporate secretary of NRDC Capital
Management, LLC. He is a member of the board of directors of
Intraprise Solutions Inc. and a Managing Partner of Quotient Partners,
LLC. Mr. Casale received his MBA from the Olin School at Babson
College and his BA from the College of the Holy Cross.
Brian
Pall. As a Managing Partner of NRDC Real Estate
Advisors, LLC since 2005, Mr. Pall is responsible for analyzing potential
acquisitions from a real estate perspective and strategic planning for the
real
estate portfolios underlying NRDC operating companies. Mr. Pall
joined NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC after 17 years with The Great Atlantic
& Pacific Tea Co., Inc., or A&P, where he most recently served as Senior
Vice President and Chief Development Officer and served on the Management
Executive Committee. He was responsible for all real estate
activities of A&P, including store development, design, construction,
location research, equipment procurement, real estate law, property disposition
and store/shopping center leasing. Mr. Pall is a director of Linens
‘N Things Inc. Mr. Pall received his Law Degree from Brooklyn Law
School and a BS in Business and Economics from the State University of New
York
at Oswego.
Donald
Watros. Prior to joining NRDC as a Managing Director
in 2006, Mr. Watros spent 18 years in the retail industry. He is
responsible for analyzing the retail operations of potential
acquisitions. He started his career with The May Department Stores
Company and held various financial positions. Most recently, he
served as Chief Administrative Officer for Saks Fifth Avenue. In this
role he was responsible for finance, planning, information technology, logistics
and the outlet division. Mr. Watros received his MBA from Binghamton
University and his BS from Cornell University.
Brian
M. Earle. Mr. Earle is a Partner at Apollo Real Estate
Advisors and is responsible for new investments and investment
management. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Earle was Vice President of
Charlesbank Capital Partners/Harvard Private Capital Group making investments
on
behalf of the Harvard University Endowment. From 1993 to 1996, Mr.
Earle was an associate at Copley Real Estate Advisors on the Developmental
Properties Account. Mr. Earle graduated with a BS in Business
Administration, concentrating in finance, from Boston University.
Established
Deal Sourcing Network
We
believe that the extensive contacts and relationships of our executive officers
and directors who average more than 30 years of experience finding and executing
business, investment and acquisition transactions will enable us to source,
evaluate and execute initial business combination opportunities
successfully. Our executive officers and directors have strong
reputations in the marketplace and long-term relationships with senior
executives and decision-makers. We believe that these relationships
with executives employed with, and consultants engaged by, public and private
businesses in potential target industries, and with other boards in which
our
executive officers and directors participate, will provide us with an important
advantage in sourcing and structuring potential business
combinations. Additionally, our executive officers and directors have
extensive contacts with consultants, investment bankers, attorneys, and
accountants, among others. While the past successes of our executive
officers and directors do not guarantee that we will successfully identify
and
consummate an initial business combination, they will play an important role
in
assisting us in finding potential targets and negotiating an agreement for
our
initial business combination.
Right
of First Offer
We
have
entered into a business opportunity right of first offer agreement with
our
sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners and with
our
executive officers and directors. This right of first offer provides
that, subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of our executive
officers and directors, from the date of this prospectus until the earlier
of
the consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation,
we will
have a right of first offer if any of these parties becomes aware of, or
involved with, a business combination opportunity with any operating
business. Subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of
our executive officers and directors, these parties to the right of first
offer
agreement will, and will cause companies or entities under their management
or
control, to first offer any such business opportunity to us and they will
not,
and will cause each other company or entity under their management or control
not, to pursue any such business opportunity unless and until our board
of
directors, including a majority of our disinterested independent directors,
has
determined that we will not pursue such opportunity.
We
recognize that each of our executive officers and directors may be deemed
an
affiliate of any company for which such executive officer or director serves
as
an officer or director or for which such executive officer or director otherwise
has a pre-existing fiduciary duty and that a conflict of interest could arise
if
an opportunity is appropriate for one of such companies. As part of
this right of first offer, we have established procedures with respect to
the
sourcing of a potential business combination by our executive officers and
directors to eliminate such conflict for our executive officers and directors,
whereby a potential business combination that must be presented to any company
for which such executive officer or director, as the case may be, serves
as an
officer or director or otherwise has a pre-existing fiduciary duty (other
than
our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners) will
not
be presented to us until after
such
executive officer or director has presented the opportunity to such company
and
such company has determined not to proceed.
Consummating
an Initial Business Combination
General
We
intend
to utilize the net proceeds after expenses of this offering and private
placement as well as the co-investment, our capital stock, debt, or a
combination of these as the consideration to be paid in an initial business
combination. While substantially all of the net proceeds after
expenses of this offering are allocated to consummating an initial business
combination, the proceeds are not otherwise designated for more specific
purposes. Accordingly, prospective investors will not, at the time of
their investment in us, be provided an opportunity to evaluate the specific
merits or risks of one or more target businesses. If we consummate an
initial business combination with a target business using our capital stock
and/or debt financing as the consideration to fund the initial business
combination, proceeds from this offering then will be used to undertake
additional acquisitions or to fund the operations of the combined
business. We may enter into a business combination with an operating
business that does not require significant additional capital but is seeking
a
public trading market for its shares and which wants to merge with a company
that already is public in order to avoid the uncertainties associated with
undertaking its own initial public offering. These uncertainties may
include time delays, compliance and governance issues, significant expense,
and
the risk that market conditions will not be favorable for an offering at
the
time the offering is ready to be sold. Alternatively, we may seek to
consummate an initial business combination with an operating business that
is
financially unstable or in the development stage. We may seek to
consummate an initial business combination with more than one target business,
although our limited resources may serve as a practical limitation on our
ability to do so.
Prior
to
consummation of an initial business combination we will seek to have all
vendors, providers of financing, if any, prospective target businesses, or
other
entities, execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest,
or
claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit
of our public stockholders. However, we are not obligated to obtain a
waiver from any potential vendor, creditor target business or other
entity. In the event that a potential contracted party were to refuse
to execute such a waiver, we will execute an agreement with that entity only
if
our executive officers and directors first determine that we would be unable
to
obtain, on a reasonable basis, substantially similar services or opportunities
from another entity willing to execute such a waiver. Examples of
possible instances where we may engage a third party that refuses to execute
a
waiver include the engagement of a third-party consultant whose particular
expertise or skills are believed by the executive officers and directors
to be
significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to
execute
a waiver or a situation in which our executive officers and directors are
unable
to find a provider of required services willing to provide the
waiver. We will seek to secure waivers that we believe are valid and
enforceable, but it is possible that a waiver may later be found to be invalid
or unenforceable. Our sponsor and our executive officers have agreed,
on a joint and several basis, to reimburse us for our debts to any vendor
for
services rendered or products sold to us, to a potential target business
or to
providers of financing, if any, in each case only to the extent necessary
to
ensure that the amounts in the trust account are not reduced by claims made
by
such party to the extent that the payment of such debts or obligations actually
reduces the amount in the trust account payable to our public stockholders
in
the event of our liquidation. The warrant agreement under which our
sponsor has agreed to purchase warrants in the private placement includes
an
irrevocable waiver to any right, title, interest, or claim of any kind to
monies
held in the trust account.
None
of
our executive officers, directors, promoters, or other affiliates or any
representatives acting on our behalf has had any contact or discussions with
any
prospective target business regarding an initial business combination or
has
taken any direct or indirect measures to locate a specific target business
or
consummate an initial business combination.
Subject
to the requirement that our initial business combination must be with an
operating business whose fair market value is at least equal to 80% of the
balance in the trust account (less the deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions and taxes payable) at the time of such business combination,
we have
virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting one or more
prospective target businesses. Accordingly, there is no current basis
for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible merits or risks of
any
target business with which we may ultimately consummate an initial business
combination. If we combine with a financially unstable business or an
entity in the development stage, including an entity lacking an established
record of sales or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent
in
the business and operations of a financially unstable or development stage
entity. Although our executive officers and directors will endeavor
to assess the risks inherent in a particular target business with which we
may
combine, we cannot assure you that this assessment will result in our
identifying all risks that a target business may
encounter. Furthermore, some of those risks may be outside of our
control, meaning that we can do nothing to control or reduce the chances
that
those risks will adversely impact a target business.
We
cannot
assure you that we will identify, secure a definitive agreement with, or
consummate an initial business combination with one or more target
businesses. In addition, no financing arrangements have been entered
into or are contemplated with any third parties to raise any additional funds,
whether through the sale of securities or otherwise, that we may need if
we
decide to consummate our initial business combination for consideration in
excess of our available assets at the time of the business
combination.
Sources
of Targets
We
may
identify a target business through our executive officers’ and directors’
current and previous business contacts or through our public relations and
marketing efforts. Our executive officers and directors have long
standing business relationships, have seats on the boards of various companies
and are involved in several charitable organizations and industry associations
in their respective fields. Our executive officers and directors have
on average, over 30 years of professional experience. This breadth of
experience, and tenure, may be a valuable basis with which to source business
targets.
In
addition to utilizing our experience and relationships within our executive
officers and directors we anticipate that target businesses may also be brought
to our attention from various unaffiliated parties such as brokers, private
equity and venture capital firms, consultants, investment bankers, attorneys,
and accountants, among other sources.
Our
executive officers have committed to spending a significant portion of their
time on our business but are not required to devote any specific amount of
time
to our affairs. Our directors have no commitment to spend a specified
amount of time in identifying or performing due diligence on potential target
businesses. Our executive officers and directors believe that the
relationships they have developed over their careers, in combination with
the
possible sources discussed above, will generate a number of potential target
businesses that will warrant further investigation.
We
may
pay fees or compensation to third parties for their efforts in introducing
us to
potential target businesses. Such payments are typically, although
not always, calculated as a percentage of the dollar value of the
transaction. We have not anticipated use of a particular percentage
fee, but instead will seek to negotiate the smallest reasonable percentage
fee
consistent with the attractiveness of the opportunity and the alternatives,
if
any, that are then available to us. We may make such payments to
entities we engage for this purpose or entities that approach us on an
unsolicited basis. Payment of finders’ fees is customarily tied to
completion of a transaction and certainly would be tied to a completed
transaction in the case of an unsolicited proposal. Although it is
possible that we may pay finders’ fees in the case of an uncompleted
transaction, we consider this possibility to be remote. In no event
will we pay our sponsor or any of our executive officers, directors, or existing
stockholders or any entity with which they are affiliated any finder’s fee or
other compensation for services rendered to us prior to or in connection
with
the consummation of an initial business combination. In addition,
neither our sponsor or any of our executive officers, directors, or existing
stockholders will receive
any
finder’s fee, consulting fees, or any similar fees from any person or entity
prior to or in connection with any business combination involving us other
than
any compensation or fees that may be received for any services provided
following such business combination.
Selection
of a Target and Structuring of an Initial Business
Combination
Subject
to the requirement that our initial business combination must be with one
or
more operating businesses whose fair market value is at least equal to 80%
of
the balance in the trust account (less the deferred underwriting discounts
and
commissions and taxes payable) at the time of such business combination,
our
executive officers and directors will have virtually unrestricted flexibility
in
identifying and selecting a prospective target business.
Consistent
with our objectives, we will endeavor to structure an initial business
combination so as to achieve the most favorable tax treatment to us and our
stockholders, while also taking into consideration that favorable tax treatment
to the target businesses and their stockholders could enable us to negotiate
a
lower purchase price or preserve our cash. We cannot assure you,
however, that the Internal Revenue Service or appropriate state or local
tax
authorities will agree with our tax treatment of the initial business
combination.
The
time
required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and
consummate the initial business combination, and the costs associated with
this
process, are not currently ascertainable with any degree of
certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to the identification and
evaluation of a prospective target business with which an initial business
combination is not ultimately consummated will result in our incurring losses
and will reduce the funds we can use to consummate another business
combination. We will not pay any finders or consulting fees to our
existing stockholders, or any of their respective affiliates, for services
rendered to or in connection with an initial business combination.
Fair
Market Value of Target Business or Businesses
Our
initial business combination must be with one or more operating businesses,
or
the portion of such business or businesses that we acquire, having a fair
market
value that is at least equal to 80% of the balance in the trust account (less
the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable) at
the
time of such business combination. As a result, we expect that an
initial public offering of $300,000,000 will enable us to consummate an initial
business combination with an operating business with a fair market value
of at
least $228,760,471. The actual amount of the consideration which we
will be able to pay for the initial business combination will depend on whether
we choose, or are able, to pay a portion of the initial business combination
consideration with shares of our common stock or if we are able to finance
a
portion of the consideration with debt financing. If we choose to
acquire all or part of a target business through a share for share exchange
or
to finance a portion of the initial business combination consideration by
issuing additional shares of our common stock, such additional equity may
be
issued at a price below the then current trading price for shares of our
common
stock, resulting in dilution of the equity interest of our then current public
stockholders. No financing arrangements have been entered into or are
contemplated with any third parties to raise any additional funds, whether
through the sale of securities or otherwise, that we may need to consummate
an
initial business combination for consideration in excess of our available
assets
at the time of such business combination.
In
contrast to many other companies with business plans similar to ours where
the
minimum fair market value of the target businesses for the initial business
combination is based on 80% of the acquiror’s net assets, our minimum fair
market value is based on 80% of the balance in the trust account (less the
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable) at the
time
of such business combination. We have used this criterion to provide
investors and our management team with greater certainty as to the fair market
value that a target business or businesses must have in order to qualify
for a
business combination with us. The determination of net assets
requires an acquiror to have deducted all liabilities from total assets to
arrive at the balance of net assets. Given the on-going nature of
legal, accounting, stockholder meeting and
other
expenses that will be incurred immediately before and at the time of a business
combination, the balance of an acquiror’s total liabilities may be difficult to
ascertain at a particular point in time with a high degree of
certainty. Accordingly, we have determined to use the valuation
threshold of 80% of the amount in the trust account (less deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions and taxes payable) for the minimum fair market
value
of the target business or businesses with which we combine so that our
management team will have greater certainty when selecting, and our investors
will have greater certainty when voting to approve or disapprove a proposed
combination with, a target business or businesses that will meet the minimum
valuation criterion for our initial business combination.
The
fair
market value of a target business or businesses will be determined by our
board
of directors based upon standards generally accepted by the financial community,
such as actual and potential sales, the values of comparable businesses,
earnings and cash flow, and book value. Our executive officers and
directors will consult with and engage such experts as they deem necessary
and
useful to evaluate the fair market value of the target business. Our
board of directors will determine the fair market value of a target business
or
businesses and whether a proposed business combination is in the best interests
of the stockholders and, in making that determination, will do so in accordance
with the requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law and consistent
with their fiduciary obligations in the context of a business
combination. We will not be required to obtain an opinion from an
investment banking firm as to the fair market value of the target if our
board
of directors independently determines that the target meets the threshold
criterion unless one of our executive officers, directors or existing
stockholders is affiliated with the target business. If our board of
directors is not able to independently determine that the target business
has a
sufficient fair market value to meet the threshold criterion or one of
our
executive officers, directors or existing stockholders is affiliated with
that
target business, we will obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent
investment banking firm which is a member of the FINRA with respect to
the fair
market value of the target business. Any such opinion will be
included in our proxy soliciting materials furnished to our stockholders
in
connection with our initial business combination. We will not be
required to obtain an opinion from an investment banking firm as to the
fair
market value of the business if (i) our board of directors independently
determines that the target business has sufficient fair market value to
meet the
threshold criterion, and (ii) none of our executive officers, directors
or
existing stockholders is affiliated with that target
business.
Lack
of Business Diversification
Our
initial business combination must be with one or more target businesses whose
fair market value is at least equal to 80% of the balance in the trust account
(less the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable)
at
the time of such acquisition. We expect to consummate only a single
business combination, although to satisfy the 80% test, we may need to
consummate a simultaneous combination with more than one operating businesses
at
the same time. At the time of our initial business combination, we
may not be able to acquire more than one target business because of various
factors, including complex accounting or financial reporting
issues. For example, in the proxy solicitation materials we
distribute to our stockholders in connection with our initial business
combination, we may need to present pro forma financial statements reflecting
the operations of several target businesses as if they had been combined
historically. Consummating our initial business combination through
more than one acquisition would likely result in increased costs as we would
be
required to conduct a due diligence investigation of more than one business
and
negotiate the terms of the acquisition with multiple sellers. A
simultaneous combination with several target businesses also presents logistical
issues such as the need to coordinate the timing of negotiations, proxy
statement disclosure and closings. Our attempt to consummate our
initial business combination in this manner would increase the chance that
we
would be unable to successfully consummate our initial business combination
in a
timely manner. In addition, if conditions to closings with respect to
one or more of the target businesses are not satisfied, the fair market value
of
the business could fall below the required fair market value threshold of
80% of
the balance in the trust account (less the deferred underwriting discounts
and
commissions and net of taxes payable). Furthermore, the success of a
business formed through the combination of smaller businesses will depend
on our
ability to integrate disparate organizations and achieve expected
synergies. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Company and the
Offering—Any
attempt
to consummate more than one transaction as our initial business combination
will
make it more difficult to consummate our initial business
combination.”
Accordingly,
while it is possible that we may attempt to consummate our initial business
combination with more than one target business, we are more likely to choose
a
single target business if all other factors appear equal. This means
that for an indefinite period of time, the prospects for our success may
depend
entirely on the future performance of a single business. Unlike other
entities that have the resources to consummate business combinations with
multiple entities in one or several industries, it is probable that we will
not
have the resources to diversify our operations and mitigate the risks of
being
in a single line of business. By consummating a business combination
with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:
•
|
subject
us to negative economic, competitive, and regulatory developments,
any or
all of which may have a substantial adverse impact on the particular
industry in which we operate after an initial business
combination;
|
•
|
cause
us to depend on the marketing and sale of a single service or product
or
limited number of services or products;
and
|
•
|
result
in our dependency upon the performance of a single operating
business.
|
If
we
consummate an initial business combination structured as a merger in which
the
consideration is our stock, we would have a significant amount of cash available
to make add-on acquisitions following our initial business
combination. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Company and the
Offering—We may only be able to consummate one business combination, which may
cause us to be solely dependent on a single business and a limited number
of
services or products.”
Limited
Ability to Assess the Target’s Management
Although
we intend to closely scrutinize the management of a prospective target business
when evaluating the desirability of consummating our initial business
combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of the target’s management
will prove to be correct. In addition, we cannot assure you that the
future management will have the necessary skills, qualifications, or abilities
to manage a public company. Furthermore, although our executive
officers’ current intention is to continue to be involved in the management of
the combined company after our initial business combination, the future role
of
our executive officers and directors, if any, in the target business cannot
presently be stated with any certainty. Moreover, our current
executive officers and directors will only be able to remain with us after
the
consummation of our initial business combination if they are able to negotiate
the same in connection with any such combination. While it is
possible that one or more of our directors will remain associated in some
capacity with us following our initial business combination, it is unlikely
that
any of them will devote their full efforts to our affairs subsequent to our
initial business combination. Moreover, we cannot assure you that our
executive officers and directors will have significant experience or knowledge
relating to the operations of the particular target business.
Following
our initial business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers
to
supplement the incumbent management of the target business. We cannot
assure you that we will have the ability to recruit additional managers,
or that
additional managers will have the requisite skills, knowledge, or experience
necessary to enhance the incumbent management. Although the current
intention of our current executive officers is to remain actively involved
in
our business after consummation of our initial business combination, our
executive officers only will be able to remain with us if they are able to
negotiate mutually agreeable employment terms as a part of any such combination,
which terms would be disclosed to our stockholders in any proxy statement
relating to such transaction. If we acquired a target business in an
all-cash transaction, it would be more likely that the current members of
management would remain with us, if they chose to do so. If a
business combination were structured as a merger in which the owners of the
target
business
were to control us following an initial business combination, it may be less
likely that our current executive officers and directors would remain with
us
because control would rest with the owners of the target business and not
our
current executive officers and directors unless otherwise negotiated as part
of
the transaction in the acquisition agreement, employment agreements or other
arrangement. If our current executive officers and directors choose
to remain with us after our initial business combination, they will negotiate
the terms of the initial business combination as well as the terms of their
employment arrangements, and may have a conflict of interest in negotiating
the
terms of the initial business combination while, at the same time, negotiating
terms of their employment arrangements.
Stockholder
Approval of Our Initial Business Combination
Prior
to
the consummation of our initial business combination, we will submit the
proposed transaction to our stockholders for approval, even if the nature
of the
acquisition is such as would not ordinarily require stockholder approval
under
Delaware law. Pursuant to our by-laws, holders of a majority of our
issued and outstanding shares of common stock who are entitled to vote, or
a
quorum, must vote on our initial business combination. Abstentions
are not considered to be voting “for” or “against” a transaction and will have
no effect on the outcome of the vote to approve our initial business
combination. The American Stock Exchange, or AMEX, recommends that
stockholders receive notice of any shareholder meeting a minimum of 20 days
prior to the meeting. Therefore, if shares of our common stock are
listed on AMEX, we will mail the notice at least 23 days prior to the meeting
date to allow time for mailing. If shares of our common stock are not
listed on AMEX, we will abide by our by-laws and Delaware law, which require
us
to provide at least ten days’ written notice, measured from the certification
date of the mailing, before the date of any shareholders meeting. We
will conduct any vote on our initial business combination, whether by a
shareholder meeting or written consent, in accordance with the SEC’s proxy rules
and the requirements of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
and by-laws. In addition, even if our shareholders vote in favor of a
business combination, under the terms of our amended and restated certificate
of
incorporation, we will not consummate a business combination if public
stockholders owning 30% or more of the shares sold in this offering both
vote
against the business combination and exercise their conversion
rights. See “—Conversion Rights.” If a majority of the
shares of common stock voted by the public stockholders are not voted in
favor
of a proposed initial business combination, we may continue to seek other
target
businesses with which to consummate our initial business combination that
meet
the criteria set forth in this prospectus until the expiration of 24 months
from
completion of this offering. In connection with seeking stockholder
approval of an initial business combination, we will furnish our stockholders
with proxy solicitation materials prepared in accordance with the Securities
Exchange Act, which, among other matters, will include a description of the
operations of the target business and audited historical financial statements
of
the target business based on United States generally accepted accounting
principles.
In
connection with the vote required for any business combination, our executive
officers, directors and existing stockholders have agreed to vote the shares
of
common stock acquired by them prior to the completion of this offering, either
for or against an initial business combination in the same manner as the
majority of the shares of common stock are voted by our public
stockholders. Our existing stockholders have also agreed that they
will not be eligible to exercise conversion rights with respect to those
shares. In addition, our executive officers, directors and existing
stockholders have agreed that they will vote any shares they purchase in
the
open market in or after this offering in favor of an initial business
combination. As a result, an officer, director or existing
stockholder who acquires shares in or after this offering must vote those
shares
in favor of the proposed initial business combination with respect to those
shares, and will therefore not be eligible to exercise conversion rights
for
those shares if our initial business combination is approved by a majority
of
our public stockholders. We will proceed with the initial business
combination only if (i) a majority of the shares of common stock voted by
the
public stockholders are voted in favor of the initial business combination,
(ii)
public stockholders owning less than 30% of the shares sold in this offering
vote against the proposed business combination and exercise their conversion
rights and (iii) our stockholders approve an amendment to our amended and
restated certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual
existence. Voting against the initial business combination alone will
not result in conversion of a
stockholder’s
shares into a pro rata share of the trust account. To do so, a
stockholder must have also exercised the conversion rights described
below.
After
the
consummation of our initial business combination, unless required by Delaware
law, the federal securities laws, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, or the rules and regulations of an exchange upon which our
securities are listed, we do not presently intend to seek stockholder approval
for any subsequent acquisitions.
Conversion
Rights
At
the
time we seek stockholder approval of any business combination, we will offer
each public stockholder the right to have such stockholder’s shares of common
stock converted to cash if the stockholder votes against the initial business
combination and the initial business combination is approved and
consummated. The actual per share conversion price will be equal to
the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including accrued
interest income (net of taxes payable on such interest and after release
of up
to $2,250,000 of interest income, after tax, to fund working capital
requirements), as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial
business combination, divided by the number of shares of common stock sold
in
this offering. The initial per share conversion price would be
approximately $9.88 before interest, or $0.12 less than the per-unit offering
price of $10.00.
An
eligible stockholder may request conversion at any time after the mailing
to our
stockholders of the proxy statement and prior to the vote taken with respect
to
a proposed business combination at a meeting held for that purpose, but the
request will not be granted unless the stockholder votes against the initial
business combination and the initial business combination is approved and
consummated. In addition, no later than the business day immediately
preceding the vote on the business combination, the stockholder must present
written instructions to our transfer agent stating that the stockholder wishes
to convert its shares into a pro rata share of the trust account and confirming
that the stockholder has held the shares since the record date and will continue
to hold them through the stockholder meeting and the closing of our initial
business combination. We may also require public stockholders to
tender their certificates to our transfer agent or to deliver their shares
to
the transfer agent electronically using The Depository Trust Company’s DWAC
(Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System no later than the business day
immediately preceding the vote on the business combination. The proxy
solicitation materials that we will furnish to stockholders in connection
with
the vote for any proposed initial business combination will indicate whether
we
are requiring stockholders to satisfy such certification and delivery
requirements. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to
the
stockholder meeting is two-fold. First, it ensures that a converting
stockholders holder’s election to convert is irrevocable once the business
combination is approved. Second, it ensures that we will know the
amount of proceeds that we will able to use to consummate the business
combination. Traditionally, in contrast to the requirement for physical or
electronic delivery prior to the stockholder meeting, in order to perfect
conversion rights in connection with a blank check company’s initial business
combination, a holder could simply vote against a proposed business combination
and check a box on the proxy card indicating such holder was seeking to exercise
his conversion rights. After the business combination was approved, the company
would contact such stockholder to arrange for him to deliver his certificate
to
verify ownership. As a result, the stockholder then had an “option window” after
the consummation of the business combination during which he could monitor
the
price of the stock in the market. If the price rose above the conversion
price,
he could sell his shares in the open market before actually delivering his
shares to the company for cancellation in consideration for the conversion
price. Thus, the company would not have any control over the process and
the
conversion right, to which stockholders were aware they needed to exercise
before the stockholder meeting, would become a continuing right surviving
past
the consummation of the business combination until the converting holder
delivered his certificate for conversion at the conversion price.
The
proxy
solicitation materials that we will furnish to stockholders in connection
with
the vote for any proposed business combination will indicate whether we are
requiring stockholders to satisfy such certification and delivery
requirements. Accordingly, a stockholder would have from the time we
send out our
proxy
statement up until the business day immediately preceding the vote on the
business combination to deliver his shares if he wishes to seek to exercise
his
conversion rights. This time period varies depending on the specific
facts of each transaction. However, as the delivery process is within
the stockholder’s control and, whether or not he is a record holder
or his shares are held in “street name,” can be accomplished by the stockholder
in a matter of hours simply by contacting the transfer agent or his broker
and
requesting delivery of his shares through the DWAC System, we believe this
time
period is sufficient for investors generally. However, because we do
not have any control over the process, it may take significantly longer than
we
anticipated and investors may not be able to seek conversion in
time. Accordingly, we will only require stockholders to deliver their
certificates prior to the vote if, in accordance with the American Stock
Exchange’s proxy notification recommendations, the stockholders receive the
proxy solicitation materials at least twenty days prior to the
meeting.
In
the
event a stockholder tenders his or her shares and decides prior to the
stockholder meeting that he or she does not want to convert his or her shares,
the stockholder may withdraw the tender. In the event that a stockholder
tenders
shares and our initial business combination is not completed, these shares
will
not be converted into cash and the physical certificates representing these
shares will be returned to the stockholder.
There
is
a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced tendering process and
the
act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC system.
The
transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker approximately $35
and
it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the
converting holder. However, this fee would be incurred regardless of
whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise conversion rights to
tender their shares prior to the meeting as the need to deliver shares is
a
requirement of conversion regardless of the timing of when such delivery
must be
effectuated. Accordingly, this would not result in any increased cost to
shareholders when compared to the traditional process.
The
steps
outlined above will make it more difficult for our stockholders to exercise
their conversion rights. In the event that it takes longer than anticipated
to
obtain a physical certificate, stockholders who wish to convert may be unable
to
obtain physical certificates by the deadline for exercising their conversion
rights and thus will be unable to convert their shares. If a
stockholder votes against the initial business combination but fails to properly
exercise its conversion rights, such stockholder will not have its shares
of
common stock converted to its pro rata distribution of the trust
account. Any request for conversion, once made, may be withdrawn at
any time up to the date of the meeting. It is anticipated that the
funds to be distributed to stockholders who properly elect conversion will
be
distributed promptly after consummation of our initial business
combination. Public stockholders who convert their stock into their
share of the trust account will still have the right to exercise the warrants
that they received as part of the units. We will not consummate our
proposed initial business combination if public stockholders owning 30% or
more
of the shares sold in this offering both vote against the business combination
and exercise their conversion rights. We will not propose to our
stockholders any transaction that is conditioned on holders of less than
30% of
the public shares exercising their conversion rights.
If
a vote
on our initial business combination is held and the business combination
is not
approved, we may continue to try to consummate a business combination with
a
different target until 24 months from the completion of this
offering. If the initial business combination is not approved or
completed for any reason, then public stockholders voting against our initial
business combination who exercised their conversion rights would not be entitled
to convert their shares of common stock for a pro rata share of the
aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account. In such case, if we
have
required public stockholders to tender their certificates prior to the meeting,
we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public
stockholder. Public stockholders would be entitled to receive their
pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit in the trust account
only in the event that the initial business combination they voted against
was
duly approved and subsequently completed, or in connection with our liquidation,
whether or not they have previously delivered their shares for conversion
without any further action on their part.
We
will
not complete our proposed initial business combination if public stockholders
owning 30% or more of the shares sold in this offering exercise their conversion
rights. We intend to structure and consummate any potential business combination
in a manner such that public stockholders holding up to in the aggregate
one
share less than 30% of our shares issued in this offering voting against
our
initial business combination could convert their shares of common stock into
a
pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust
account, and the business combination could still go forward. As a
result, we will be able to complete a business combination even in the face
of
strong stockholder dissent. Furthermore, the ability to consummate a transaction
despite shareholder disapproval in excess of what would be permissible in
a
traditional blank check offering may be viewed negatively by potential investors
seeking shareholder protections consistent with traditional blank check
offerings. However, we believe the benefit of approving a transaction
with a large majority outweighs these potential negatives.
The
initial conversion price will be approximately $9.88 per share. As this amount
is lower than the $10.00 per unit offering price and it may be less than
the
market price of the common stock on the date of conversion, there may be
a
disincentive on the part of public stockholders to exercise their conversion
rights.
Liquidation
if No Business Combination
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we will continue
in existence only until __________, 2009, 24 months from the completion of
this
offering. This provision may not be amended except in connection with
the consummation of our initial business combination. If we have not
completed a business combination by such date, our corporate existence will
cease except for the purposes of liquidating and winding up our affairs,
pursuant to Section 278 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This
has the same effect as if our board of directors and stockholders had formally
voted to approve our dissolution pursuant to Section 275 of the Delaware
General
Corporation Law. Accordingly, limiting our corporate existence to a
specified date as permitted by Section 102(b)(5) of the Delaware General
Corporation Law removes the necessity to comply with the formal procedures
set
forth in Section 275 (which would have required our board of directors and
stockholders to formally vote to approve our liquidation and to have filed
a
certificate of dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of
State). Instead, we will notify the Delaware Secretary of State in
writing on the termination date that our corporate existence has ended, with
any
franchise tax due or assessable by the State of Delaware. We view
this provision terminating our corporate life by _______, 2009 as an obligation
to our stockholders, and our executive officers and directors have agreed
that
they will not take any action to amend or waive this provision to allow us
to
survive for a longer period of time except in connection with the consummation
of our initial business combination.
If
we are
unable to complete an initial business combination within 24 months after
the
completion of this offering, as soon as practicable thereafter, we will adopt
a
plan of distribution in accordance with Section 281(b) of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Section 278 provides that our existence will continue for
at
least three years after our expiration for the purpose of prosecuting and
defending suits, whether civil, criminal or administrative, by or against
us,
and of enabling us gradually to settle and close our business, to dispose
of and
convey our property, to discharge our liabilities and to distribute to our
stockholders any remaining assets, but not for the purpose of continuing
the
business for which we were organized. Our existence will continue automatically
even beyond the three-year period for the purpose of completing the prosecution
or defense of suits begun prior to the expiration of the three-year period,
until such time as any judgments, orders or decrees resulting from such suits
are fully executed. Section 281(b) will require us to pay or make reasonable
provision for all then-existing claims and obligations, including all
contingent, conditional, or unmatured contractual claims known to us, and
to
make such provision as will be reasonably likely to be sufficient to provide
compensation for any then-pending claims and for claims that have not been
made
known to us or that have not arisen but that, based on facts known to us
at the
time, are likely to arise or to become known to us within 10 years after
such
date. Payment or reasonable provision for payment of claims will be made
in the
discretion of the board of directors based on the nature of the claim and
other
factors deemed relevant by the board of directors. Claims may be satisfied
by
direct negotiation and payment, purchase of insurance to cover the claim(s),
setting aside money as a reserve for future claims, or otherwise as determined
by the board of
directors
in its discretion. Under Section 281(b), the plan of distribution must provide
for all of such claims to be paid in full or make provision for payments
to be
made in full, as applicable, if there are sufficient assets. If there are
insufficient assets, the plan must provide that such claims and obligations
be
paid or provided for according to their priority and, among claims of equal
priority, ratably to the extent of legally available assets. Any remaining
assets will be available for distribution to our stockholders. However, because
we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our
operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses
to
acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors and service
providers (such as accountants, lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) and potential
target businesses. We will seek to have all vendors, service providers and
prospective target businesses execute agreements with us waiving any right,
title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held
in
the trust account. As a result, the claims that could be made against us
will be
limited, thereby lessening the likelihood that any claim would result in
any
liability extending to the trust. We therefore believe that any necessary
provision for creditors will be reduced and should not have a significant
impact
on our ability to distribute the funds in the trust account to our public
stockholders. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you of this fact as there is
no
guarantee that vendors, service providers and prospective target businesses
will
execute such agreements. Nor is there any guarantee that, even if they execute
such agreements with us, they will not seek recourse against the trust account.
A court could also conclude that such agreements are not legally enforceable.
As
a result, if we liquidate, the per-share distribution from the trust account
could be less than $9.88 (or $9.85 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is
exercised in full) due to claims or potential claims of creditors. We will
distribute to all of our public stockholders, in proportion to their respective
equity interests, an aggregate sum equal to the amount in the trust account,
inclusive of any interest, plus any remaining net assets (subject to our
obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors as described
below).
We
will
notify the trustee of the trust account to begin liquidating such assets
promptly after such date and anticipate it will take no more than 10 business
days to effectuate such distribution. Our existing stockholders have waived
their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect
to
their initial shares of common stock. There will be no distribution from
the
trust account with respect to our warrants, which will expire
worthless.
We
will
pay the costs of liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the trust
account. If such funds are insufficient, our sponsor has agreed to
advance us the funds necessary to complete such liquidation (currently
anticipated to be between $15,000 and $25,000) and has agreed not to seek
repayment of such expenses.
If
we
were unable to consummate an initial business combination and expended all
of
the net proceeds of this offering, other than the proceeds deposited in the
trust account, and without taking into account interest income, if any (and
net
of taxes payable on such interest income and release of up to $2,250,000
of
interest income, after tax, available to us to fund working capital
requirements), earned on the trust account, the per share liquidation price
would be approximately $9.88, plus interest, or approximately $0.12 less
than
the per-unit offering price of $10.00. The proceeds deposited in the
trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of our creditors
which will be prior to the claims of our public stockholders. Our
sponsor and our executive officers have agreed, on a joint and several basis,
that, if we liquidate prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination, they will reimburse the trust account for our debts to any vendor
for services rendered, products sold or financing provided to us, to a potential
target business or to providers of financing, if any, in each case only to
the
extent necessary to ensure that such claims do not reduce the amount in the
trust account available for payment to our stockholders in the event of a
liquidation. We currently believe that our sponsor and our executive
officers are capable of funding a shortfall in our trust account to satisfy
their foreseeable indemnification obligations. However, we cannot
assure you that our sponsor and our executive officers will be able to satisfy
those obligations. In order to protect the amounts held in the trust
account. NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC, the parent of our sponsor,
has separately agreed with our sponsor to provide to our sponsor any funds
required to meet these obligations. In the event that the proceeds in
the trust account are reduced and our sponsor or our executive officers assert
that they are unable to satisfy their obligations or that they have no
indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our
independent
directors
would determine whether we would take legal action against our sponsor or
our
executive officers to enforce their indemnification
obligations. While we currently expect that our independent directors
would take action on our behalf against our sponsor and our executive officers
to enforce its indemnification obligations to us, it is possible that our
independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not
to do
so in any particular instance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that
due to claims of creditors the actual per share liquidation price will not
be
less than approximately $9.88.
We
will
seek to obtain agreements from third parties waiving their rights or claims
to
the trust account. However, there is no guarantee that vendors,
prospective target businesses, or other entities will execute such agreements,
or even if they execute such agreements that they would be prevented from
bringing claims against the trust account, including but not limited to
fraudulent inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility and other similar
claims, as well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in
each
case in order to gain an advantage with a claim against our assets, including
the funds held in the trust account which could have higher priority than
the
claims of our public stockholders. Our sponsor and our executive
officers have agreed, on a joint and several basis, pursuant to agreements
with
us and Banc of America Securities, LLC that, if we liquidate prior to the
consummation of our initial business combination, they will be liable to
ensure
that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced by claims of target
businesses or entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or
contracted for or products sold to us. We cannot assure you, however,
that they would be able to satisfy those obligations. Accordingly,
the actual per-share liquidation price could be less than $9.88. We
currently believe that our sponsor is capable of funding a shortfall in our
trust account to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification obligations and,
based on representations made to us by each of our executive officers, we
currently believe that they are of substantial means and capable of funding
a
shortfall in our trust account to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification
obligations, but we have not asked them to reserve for such an
eventuality. Despite our belief, we cannot assure you that our
sponsor and our executive officers will be able to satisfy those
obligations. The indemnification obligations may be substantially
higher than our sponsor and our executive officers currently foresee or expect
and/or their financial resources may deteriorate in the future. As a
result, the steps outlined above may not effectively mitigate the risk of
creditors’ claims reducing the amounts in the trust account.
Furthermore,
creditors may seek to interfere with the distribution of the trust account
pursuant to federal or state creditor and bankruptcy laws which could delay
the
actual distribution of such funds or reduce the amount ultimately available
for
distribution to our public stockholders. If we are forced to file a
bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which
is
not dismissed, the funds held in our trust account will be subject to applicable
bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject
to
claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our public
stockholders. To the extent bankruptcy claims deplete the trust
account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public
stockholders the liquidation amounts they might otherwise receive.
We
expect
that our total costs and expenses associated with the implementing and
completing our liquidation will be in the range of $15,000 to
$25,000. This amount includes all costs and expenses related to our
winding up and liquidation. We believe that there should be
sufficient funds available from interest income, after tax, earned on the
trust
account available to us as working capital to fund the $15,000 to $25,000
of
expenses, although we cannot give you assurances that there will be sufficient
funds for such purposes.
If
we are
forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed
against us which is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders
could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as
either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a
result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by
our
stockholders. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the
proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders promptly after
________, 2009, 24 months from the completion of this offering, this may
be
viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over
any
potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our
assets. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached their
fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and
thereby exposing itself and us to claims of punitive damages, by paying
public
stockholders
from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of
creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought
against us for these reasons.
Our
public stockholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account
only in the event of the expiration of our corporate existence and liquidation
or if the stockholders seek to convert their respective shares into cash
upon a
business combination which the stockholder voted against and which is actually
consummated by us. In no other circumstances shall a stockholder have
any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.
Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires that we obtain
unanimous consent of our stockholders to amend certain provisions of our
amended
and restated certificate of incorporation. However, the validity of
unanimous consent provisions under Delaware law has not been
settled. A court could conclude that the unanimous consent
requirement constitutes a practical prohibition on amendment in violation
of the
stockholders’ implicit rights to amend the corporate charter. In that
case, certain provisions of the restated certificate would be amendable without
unanimous consent and any such amendment could reduce or eliminate the
protection afforded to our stockholders. However, we view the
foregoing provisions as obligations to our stockholders, and we will not
take
any action to waive or amend any of these provisions.
Neither
we nor our board of directors will propose any amendment to these provisions,
or
support, endorse or recommend any proposal that stockholders amend any of
these
provisions at any time prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination (subject to any fiduciary obligations our management or board
may
have). In addition, we believe we have an obligation in every case to structure
our initial business combination so that not less than 8,999,999 of our shares
sold in this offering have the ability to be converted to cash by public
stockholders exercising their conversion rights and that, despite such
conversions, the business combination may still proceed.
Competition
In
identifying, evaluating, and selecting a target business for an initial business
combination, we may encounter intense competition from other entities having
a
business objective similar to ours including other blank check companies,
private equity groups and leveraged buyout funds, and operating businesses
seeking acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and
have extensive experience identifying and consummating business combinations
directly or through affiliates. Moreover, many of these competitors
possess greater financial, technical, human, and other resources than
us. While we believe there are numerous potential target businesses
with which we could combine, our ability to acquire larger target businesses
will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent
limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing an initial business combination
with a target business. In addition:
•
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the
requirement that we obtain stockholder approval of our initial
business
combination and that audited and perhaps interim-unaudited financial
information be included in the proxy statement to be sent to stockholders
in connection with such business combination may delay or prevent
the
consummation of a transaction;
|
•
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the
conversion of common stock held by our public stockholders into
cash may
reduce the resources available to us to fund an initial business
combination;
|
•
|
our
outstanding warrants, the private placement warrants and the co-investment
securities and the dilution they potentially represent, may not
be viewed
favorably by certain target businesses;
and
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•
|
the
requirement to acquire assets or an operating business that has
a fair
market value at least equal to 80% of the balance in the trust
account
(less the deferred underwriting discounts
and
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|
commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of the initial business combination
could
require us to acquire several assets or closely related operating
businesses at the same time, all of which sales would be contingent
on the
closings of the other sales, which could make it more difficult
to
consummate the initial business
combination.
|
Any
of
these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully
negotiating an initial business combination. Our executive officers
and directors believe, however, that a privately held target business may
view
our status as a well-financed public entity as offering advantages over other
entities that have a business objective similar to ours.
Facilities
We
currently maintain our executive offices at 3 Manhattanville Road, Purchase,
New
York 10577. The cost for this space is included in the $7,500
per-month fee our sponsor will charge us for general and administrative services
commencing on the effective date of this offering pursuant to a letter agreement
between us and our sponsor. The agreement provides for a term of up
to two years, commencing on the effective date of this offering, until the
earlier of our consummation of an initial business combination or our
liquidation . We believe that based on rents and fees for similar
services in the Purchase, New York area, that the fee which will be charged
by
our sponsor is at least as favorable as we could have obtained from an
unaffiliated party. We consider our existing office space adequate
for our current operations.
Employees
We
currently have four executive officers, all of whom are also members of our
board of directors. Although our executive officers are not obligated
to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our business, following
this offering, we anticipate that our executive officers will devote a portion
of their working time to our business. As noted earlier, each
of our executive officers is affiliated with other entities,
including NRDC and Apollo, and the amount of time each of them will devote
to us
in any time period will vary based on the availability of suitable target
businesses to investigate, the course of negotiations with target businesses,
and the due diligence preceding and accompanying a possible business
combination. We do not intend to have any employees prior to the
consummation of an initial business combination.
Periodic
Reporting and Financial Information
We
have
registered our securities under the Securities Exchange Act, as amended,
and
after this offering will have public reporting obligations, including the
filing
of annual and quarterly reports with the SEC. In accordance with the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act, our annual report will contain
financial statements audited and reported on by our independent registered
public accounting firm and our quarterly reports will contain unaudited
financial statements.
We
will
not acquire our initial target business if we cannot obtain current audited
financial statements based on United States generally accepted accounting
principles for such target business. We will provide these financial
statements in the proxy solicitation materials sent to stockholders for the
purpose of seeking stockholder approval of our initial business
combination. Our executive officers and directors believe that the
need for target businesses to have, or be able to obtain, three years of
audited
financial statements may limit the pool of potential target
businesses available for an initial business combination.
Legal
Proceedings
To
the
knowledge of management, there is no litigation currently pending or
contemplated against us or any of our executive officers or directors in
their
capacity as such.
Comparison
of This Offering to Those of Blank Check Companies Subject to Rule
419
The
following table compares the terms of this offering to the terms of an offering
by a blank check company subject to the provisions of Rule 419. This
comparison assumes that the gross proceeds, underwriting discounts, and
underwriting expenses of our offering would be identical to those of an offering
undertaken by a company subject to Rule 419, and that the underwriters will
not
exercise their over-allotment option. None of the provisions of Rule
419 apply to our offering.
|
|
|
Terms
Under a
Rule
419 Offering
|
Escrow
of offering proceeds
|
$296,450,589
of the net proceeds from this offering and the private placement
will be
deposited in a trust account at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained
by
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as
trustee. These proceeds consist of $277,950,589 from the net
proceeds of the offering, $10,500,000 of proceeds attributable
to the
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and $8,000,000
of proceeds
from the private placement.
|
|
$251,100,000
of the offering proceeds would be required to be deposited into
either an
escrow account with an insured depositary institution or in a separate
bank account established by a broker-dealer in which the broker-
dealer
acts as trustee for persons having the beneficial interests in
the
account.
|
Investments
of net proceeds
|
The
$296,450,589 of net proceeds from this offering and the private
placement
held in the trust account will only be invested in United States
“government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the 1940
Act with a maturity of 180 days or less or in a money market funds
meeting
conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act.
|
|
Proceeds
could be invested only in specified securities such as a money
market fund
meeting conditions of the 1940 Act or in securities that are direct
obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest
by,
the United States.
|
Stockholder
right to receive interest earned from funds held in the trust
account
|
Interest
earned on funds held in the trust account (net of taxes payable
on such
interest income and after release of up to $2,250,000 of interest
income,
after tax, to fund working capital requirements, including the
costs of
our liquidation in such an event) will be held in the trust account
for
use in consummating an initial business combination or released
to
investors upon exercise of their conversion rights or upon liquidation
.
|
|
Interest
or dividends earned on the funds, if any, shall be held in the
escrow or
trust account until the funds are released in accordance with Rule
419. Proceeds held in the escrow account would not be released
until the earlier of the consummation of an initial business combination
or the failure to consummate an initial business combination within
the
allotted time. If funds held in the escrow or trust account are
released to a purchaser of the securities, the purchaser shall
receive
interest or dividends earned, if any, on such funds up to the date
of
release. If
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a
Rule
419 Offering
|
|
|
|
funds
held in the escrow or trust account are released to the registrant,
interest or dividends earned on such funds up to the date of release
may
be released to the registrant.
|
Limitation
on fair value or net assets of target business
|
The
target for our initial business combination must have a fair market
value
equal to at least 80% of the balance in the trust account (less
the
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and taxes payable)
at the
time of such business combination. If we acquire less than 100%
of one or more target businesses in our initial business combination,
the
aggregate fair market value of the portion or portions we acquire
must
equal at least 80% of the balance in the trust account (excluding
deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions as described above) at the
time of
such initial business combination. The fair market value of a portion
of a
target business will be calculated by multiplying the fair market
value of
the entire business by the percentage of the target business we
acquire.
|
|
The
fair value or net assets of a target business must represent at
least 80%
of the maximum offering proceeds.
|
Trading
of securities issued
|
The
units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this
prospectus. The common stock and warrants comprising the units
will begin trading separately five (5) business days following
the earlier
to occur of termination of the underwriters’ over-allotment option or its
exercise in full.
|
|
No
trading of the units or the underlying common stock and warrants
would be
permitted until the consummation of an initial business
combination. During this period, the securities would be held
in the escrow or trust account.
|
|
In
no event will the common stock and warrants be traded separately
until we
have filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC containing
an audited
balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds of this
offering, including proceeds from exercise of the over-allotment
option if
such option has
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a
Rule
419 Offering
|
|
then
been exercised. We will file this Form 8-K upon the completion
of this offering. If the over-allotment option is exercised
following the initial filing of such Form 8-K, an additional Current
Report on Form 8-K will be filed to provide updated financial information
to reflect the exercise of the over-allotment option.
|
|
|
Exercise
of the warrants
|
The
warrants (excluding the co-investment warrants) cannot be exercised
until
the later of the consummation of an initial business combination
or one
year from the completion of this offering (assuming in each case
that
there is an effective registration statement covering the shares
of common
stock underlying the warrants in effect) and, accordingly, will
only be
exercised after the trust account has been terminated and
distributed.
|
|
The
warrants could be exercised prior to the consummation of an initial
business combination, but securities received and cash paid in
connection
with the exercise would be deposited in the escrow or trust
account.
|
Election
to remain an investor
|
Stockholders
will have the opportunity to vote on the initial business
combination. Each stockholder will be sent a proxy statement
containing information required by the SEC. If our shares are
listed on AMEX, the meeting to vote on the initial business combination
will take place not less than 23 days after mailing the proxy
statement. If our shares are not listed on AMEX, the meeting to
vote on the initial business combination will take place not less
than 10
days after the certification date of mailing the proxy
statement. A stockholder following the procedures described in
this prospectus is given the right to convert his, her or its shares
into
a pro rata share of the trust account, including accrued interest
(net of
taxes payable on such interest income and after release of up to
$2,250,000 of interest income, after tax, to fund working capital
requirements). However, a
|
|
A
prospectus containing information required by the SEC would be
sent to
each investor. Each investor would be given the opportunity to
notify the company in writing, within a period of no less than
20 business
days and no more than 45 business days from the effective date
of a
post-effective amendment to the company’s registration statement, to
decide if he, she, or it elects to remain a stockholder of the
company or
require the return of his, her, or its investment. If the
company has not received the notification by the end of the 45th
business
day, funds and interest or dividends, if any, held in the trust
or escrow
account are automatically returned to the stockholder. Unless a
sufficient number of investors elect to remain investors, all funds
on
deposit in the escrow account must be returned to all of the investors
and
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a
Rule
419 Offering
|
|
stockholder
who does not follow these procedures or a stockholder who does
not take
any action, including abstaining from the vote, would not be entitled
to
the return of any funds from the trust account. A quorum of our
stockholders must vote on the initial business
combination. Abstentions are not considered to be voting “for”
or “against” a transaction and will have no effect on the outcome of the
vote to approve our initial business combination. If a majority
of the shares of common stock voted by the public stockholders
are not
voted in favor of a proposed initial business combination but 24
months
have not yet passed since the completion of this offering, we may
seek
other target businesses that meet the criteria set forth in this
prospectus with which to consummate our initial business
combination. If at the end of such 24 month period we have not
obtained stockholder approval for an alternate initial business
combination, we will liquidate and promptly distribute the proceeds
of the
trust account, including accrued interest (net of taxes payable
on such
interest income, and after release of up to $2,250,000 of interest
income,
after tax, to fund working capital requirements).
|
|
none
of the securities are issued.
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a
Rule
419 Offering
|
Initial
business combination deadline
|
Pursuant
to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our corporate
existence will cease 24 months from the completion of this offering
except
for the purposes of winding up our affairs and we will
liquidate. However, if we complete our initial business
combination within this time period, we will amend this provision
to allow
for our perpetual existence following such business
combination.
If
we are unable to complete a business combination within 24 months
after
the completion of this offering, our existence will automatically
terminate and as promptly as practicable thereafter the trustee
will
commence liquidating the investments constituting the trust account
and
distribute the proceeds to our public stockholders, including any
interest
earned on the trust account not used to cover liquidation expenses,
net of
income taxes payable on such interest and after distribution to
us of
interest income on the trust account balance as described in this
prospectus.
|
|
If
an initial business combination has not been consummated within
18 months
after the effective date of the company’s registration statement, funds
held in the trust or escrow account are returned to
investors.
|
Release
of funds held in the trust account
|
Except
with respect to interest income earned on the trust account balance
released to us to pay any income taxes on such interest and interest
income of up to $2,250,000 million on the balance in the trust
account
released to us to fund our working capital requirements (subject
to the
payment of taxes on such interest), the proceeds held in the trust
account
will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion
of our
initial business combination or the failure to complete our initial
business combination within the allotted time.
|
|
The
proceeds held in the escrow account are not released until the
earlier of
the consummation of an initial business combination or the failure
to
consummate an initial business combination within the allotted
time. Liquidation will require stockholder approval
of a plan of liquidation approved by our board of directors prior
to
releasing the proceeds held in the escrow account. However,
since all securities are required to be held in the escrow or trust
account, liquidation will not require solicitation of public stockholders
or compliance with the SEC proxy rules. In the event an initial
business combination is not consummated within 18 months,
|
|
|
|
Terms
Under a
Rule
419 Offering
|
|
|
|
proceeds
held in the trust account would be returned within 5 business days
of such
date.
|
MANAGEMENT
Our
executive officers and directors, their ages and positions are as
follows:
|
|
|
William
L. Mack
|
67
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
Robert
C. Baker
|
72
|
Vice-Chairman
of the Board
|
Richard
A. Baker
|
41
|
Chief
Executive Officer and Director
|
Lee
Neibart
|
57
|
President
and Director
|
Michael
J. Indiveri
|
56
|
Director
|
Edward
H. Meyer
|
80
|
Director
|
Laura
Pomerantz
|
60
|
Director
|
Vincent
Tese
|
64
|
Director
|
Ronald
W. Tysoe
|
54
|
Director
|
Below
is
a summary of the business experience of each of our executive officers and
directors.
William
L. Mack – Chairman. Mr. Mack is a founder of NRDC Real
Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. He is also a founder
and Senior Partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors since its inception in
1993
and the President of the corporate general partners of the Apollo real estate
funds. Since 1993, Apollo has overseen the investment of 16 real
estate funds and numerous joint ventures, through which it has invested over
$7
billion in more than 350 transactions. The Apollo real estate funds
target a broad range of opportunistic, value-added and debt investments in
real
estate assets and portfolios throughout the United States, Europe and
Japan. Mr. Mack is also a Senior Partner of the Mack Organization, a
national owner of industrial buildings and other income-producing real estate
investments. Mr. Mack serves as non-executive Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, a publicly traded real estate
investment trust. He has been a Director of Mack-Cali since the 1997
merger of the Mack Organization’s office portfolio into
Mack-Cali. Mr. Mack also serves as a Trustee of the University of
Pennsylvania, as an Overseer of the Wharton School of Business, as Vice Chairman
of the Board and as an Executive Committee Member of the North Shore Long
Island
Jewish Health System and as the Chairman of the Solomon R. Guggenheim
Foundation. Mr. Mack attended the University of Pennsylvania’s
Wharton School of Business and received a B.S. in Business Administration
from
the New York University School of Business.
Robert
C. Baker – Vice-Chairman. Mr. Baker is a founder of
NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. He is also
the Chairman and CEO of National Realty & Development Corporation and has
been since its founding in 1978. National Realty & Development
Corporation has amassed a real estate portfolio in excess of 18 million square
feet, which includes shopping centers, corporate business centers and
residential communities in 20 states. The company’s tenants include
prominent retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Toys ‘R Us, The Home
Depot, Sears, Staples, Supervalu, and T.J. Maxx, among
others. National Realty & Development Corporation remains one of
the largest privately owned development companies in the United
States. Mr. Baker has over 46 years experience in land acquisition,
construction, financing and management. Mr. Baker is a graduate of
Yale University and Yale Law School. He has recently
funded the Dean’s Discretionary Fund at Yale Law School and is a
member of the Yale Law School Executive Committee. Mr. Baker is a
Trustee of the Guggenheim Museum and is a member of the Executive Committee
and the Real Estate and Development Committee. Mr. Baker is also a
member of the Board of Directors of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Mr.
Robert Baker is the father of Mr. Richard Baker, our Chief Executive
Officer.
Richard
A. Baker – Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Baker is a
founder and President and Chief Executive Officer of NRDC Real Estate Advisors,
LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. Mr. Baker is also vice chairman of
National Realty & Development Corporation, a privately owned real estate
development company owned by him and Mr. Robert Baker. Mr. Baker is
Chairman of Lord & Taylor Holdings, LLC, and a director of the Hudson’s Bay
Company and Brunswick School. Mr. Baker is a graduate of Cornell
University and
serves
on
the Dean’s Advisory Board of the hotel and real estate program. Mr.
Richard Baker is the son of Mr. Robert Baker, our Vice-Chairman.
Lee
S. Neibart – President. Mr. Neibart is a founder of
NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners. He has been
a Senior Partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors since 1993. Mr.
Neibart oversees the global day-to-day activities of Apollo Real Estate
Advisors, including portfolio company and fund management, strategic planning
and new business development. From 1989 to 1993, most recently as
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Neibart worked
at the
Robert Martin Company, a real estate development and management
firm. Mr. Neibart is a director of Linens ‘N Things. He
also serves as a director on various boards relating to Apollo’s investment
portfolio. Mr. Neibart serves on the Advisory Boards of both The
Enterprise Foundation and The Real Estate Institute of New York
University. He is a past President of the New York Chapter of the
National Association of Industrial and Office Parks. Mr. Neibart
graduated with a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from
New
York University.
Michael
J. Indiveri – Director. Michael J.
Indiveri currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Amalgamated Bank
in New
York. From 1997 until July 2007, Mr. Indiveri served as the Executive
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of City & Suburban Federal
Savings Bank, where he was also a director. Mr. Indiveri served as
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of New York Federal Savings
Bank from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Indiveri received a B.A. in Political
Science from Rutgers University and an M.B.A. from Fordham
University.
Edward
H. Meyer – Director. Edward H. Meyer
was Chairman and CEO of the advertising firm Grey Global Group from 1970
until
2006. Prior to becoming Chairman, he was President of Grey from 1968
until 1970. Prior to Grey, he was an associate at
Bloomingdales. He also served as a director of the May Department
Stores for 17 years. Since leaving Grey in 2006, Mr. Meyer has acted
as a director for a number of companies. He is currently on the board
of Ethan Allen Inc., the Jim Pattison Group, National Cinemedia, LLC, and
Harman
International Industries, Inc. Mr. Meyer serves as Treasurer and
Trustee of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and as a Trustee of the New York
University Medical Center. Mr. Meyer received a B.A. in Economics
from Cornell University.
Laura
Pomerantz – Director. Laura Pomerantz
is a Principal at PBS Realty Advisors LLC. Prior to joining PBS in
2001, Ms. Pomerantz was a Senior Managing Director at Newmark & Company Real
Estate. Prior to joining Newmark in 1996, Ms. Pomerantz was Executive
Managing Director of S.L. Green and prior to that she was the Executive Vice
President of The Leslie Fay Companies, Inc., having responsibility for
supervising several of its upscale fashion divisions. She was with
Leslie Fay for over 18 years and served on the company’s Board of
Directors. Ms. Pomerantz is a member of the Carnegie Hall Board of
Trustees. She graduated from Miami Dade Community
College.
Vincent
Tese – Director. Mr. Tese co-founded
Cross Country Cable, Inc. in 1976 and served as its Chairman until its
sale to
Pacific Telesis in 1995. Since 1995, Mr. Tese has been managing
personal investments. Mr. Tese served as New York State Superintendent
of Banks
from 1983 to 1985, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development
Corporation from 1985 to 1994, director of economic development for New
York
State from 1987 to 1994 and Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Port
Authority
of New York and New Jersey from 1991 to 1995. Mr. Tese also served as
a partner in the law firm of Tese & Tese, a partner in the Sinclair Group, a
commodities trading and investment management company, and a co-founder
of Cross
Country Cable TV. Mr. Tese is a director of The Bear Stearns
Companies, Inc., Bowne and Company, Inc., Cablevision, Inc., Gabelli Asset
Management, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and Mack-Cali Realty
Corporation. In addition, he is Trustee of New York University School
of Law and The New York Presbyterian Hospital. Mr. Tese received a
B.S. in Accounting from Pace University and received a J.D. from Brooklyn
Law
School and an L.L.M. in Taxation from New York University School of
Law.
Ronald
W. Tysoe – Director. Mr. Tysoe was a
Senior Advisor at Perella Weinberg Partners LP, a boutique investment banking
firm, from October 2006 until September 2007. Prior to that he was
Vice
Chairman
of Federated Department Stores, Inc., a position he held since April of
1990. Mr. Tysoe served as Chief Financial Officer of Federated from
1990 to 1997 and served on the Federated board of directors from 1988 until
May
2005. Mr. Tysoe is currently a member of the board of directors of
the E.W. Scripps Company, and of Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce. Mr. Tysoe received both his Bachelor of Commerce and
Bachelor of Law degrees at the University of British
Columbia.
Number
and Terms of Directors
Our
board
of directors has nine directors who are divided into three classes with
only one
class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a
three-year term. The term of office of the first class of directors,
consisting of Michael J. Indiveri, Edward H. Meyer and Laura Pomerantz
will
expire at our first annual meeting of stockholders. The term of
office of the second class of directors, consisting of William L. Mack,
Ronald
W. Tysoe and Vincent Tese will expire at the second annual
meeting. The term of office of the third class of directors,
consisting of Richard A. Baker, Robert C. Baker and Lee Neibart, will expire
at
the third annual meeting.
Our
directors will play a key role in identifying and evaluating prospective
target
businesses, selecting the target business, and structuring, negotiating and
consummating its combination with us. None of our directors has been
a principal of or affiliated with a public blank check company that executed
a
business plan similar to our business plan and none of our directors is
currently affiliated with such an entity.
Director
Independence
The
American Stock Exchange listing standards require that a majority of our
board
of directors be independent. Our board of directors has determined
that Michael J. Indiveri, Edward H. Meyer, Laura Pomerantz, Vincent Tese
and
Ronald W. Tysoe are “independent directors” as defined in the American Stock
Exchange listing standards and applicable SEC rules. Our independent
directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent
directors are present. In addition, the independent directors will monitor
compliance on a quarterly basis with the terms of this offering. If
any noncompliance is identified, then the independent directors will be
charged
with the responsibility to immediately take all necessary action to rectify
such
noncompliance or otherwise cause compliance with the terms of this
offering. The independent directors’ approval will be required for
any affiliated party transaction.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Audit
Committee
Our
board
of directors has an Audit Committee that reports to the board of
directors. Michael J. Indiveri, Vincent Tese and Ronald W. Tysoe
serve as members of our Audit Committee. Under the American Stock
Exchange listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to
have
three members of the Audit Committee, all of whom must be
independent. All of the members of our Audit Committee are
independent.
Michael
J. Indiveri, serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Each
member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and our board of directors
has determined that Michael J. Indiveri qualifies as an “audit committee
financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.
The
Audit
Committee is responsible for:
•
|
meeting
with our independent accountants regarding, among other issues,
audits,
and adequacy of our accounting and control
systems;
|
•
|
monitoring
the independence of the independent
auditor;
|
•
|
verifying
the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having
primary
responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible
for
reviewing the audit as required by
law;
|
•
|
inquiring
and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws
and
regulations;
|
•
|
pre-approving
all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed
by our
independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services
to be
performed;
|
•
|
appointing
or replacing the independent
auditor;
|
•
|
determining
the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor
(including resolution of disagreements between management and the
independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose
of
preparing or issuing an audit report or related
work;
|
•
|
establishing
procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
received
by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports
which
raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting
policies;
|
•
|
monitoring
compliance on a quarterly basis with the terms of this offering
and, if
any noncompliance is identified, immediately taking all action
necessary
to rectify such noncompliance or otherwise causing compliance with
the
terms of this offering; and
|
•
|
reviewing
and approving all payments made to our existing stockholders, sponsors,
officers or directors and their respective affiliates, other than
a
payment of an aggregate of $7,500 per month to our sponsor for
office
space and administrative services. Any payments made to members
of our
Audit Committee will be reviewed and approved by our board of directors,
with the interested director or directors abstaining from such
review and
approval.
|
Compensation
Committee
Our
board
of directors has a Compensation Committee that reports to the board of
directors. Edward H. Meyer, Laura Pomerantz and Ronald W. Tysoe, each
of whom is “independent” as defined in the rules of the American Stock Exchange
and the SEC, serve as members of our Compensation Committee. Ronald
W. Tysoe serves as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The
functions of our Compensation Committee include:
•
|
Establishing
overall employee compensation policies and recommending to our
board of
directors major compensation
programs;
|
•
|
Subsequent
to our consummation of a business combination, reviewing and approving
the
compensation of our officers and directors, including salary and
bonus
awards;
|
•
|
Administering
our various employee benefit, pension and equity incentive
programs;
|
•
|
Reviewing
officer and director indemnification and insurance matters;
and
|
•
|
Following
the completion of this offering, preparing an annual report on
executive
compensation for inclusion in our proxy
statement.
|
Governance
and Nominating Committee
We
do not
currently have a Governance and Nominating Committee. The independent
members of our board of directors perform the functions of a Governance and
Nominating Committee.
Executive
Officer and Director Compensation
No
compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid
to any of our executive officers, directors, or existing stockholders, or
any of
their respective affiliates (except as otherwise set forth in this prospectus),
for services rendered prior to or in connection with an initial business
combination. However, our executive officers and directors will be
reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities
on our behalf, such as attending board of directors meetings, participating
in
the offering process, identifying potential target businesses and performing
due
diligence on suitable business combinations. There is no limit on the
amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us and there will be no
review
of the reasonableness of the expenses by anyone other than our board of
directors, which includes persons who may seek reimbursement, or a court
of
competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement is challenged. To the
extent such out-of-pocket expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited
in the trust account, such out-of-pocket expenses would not be reimbursed
by us
unless we consummate an initial business combination.
In
addition, our current executive officers and directors may or may not remain
with us following an initial business combination, depending on the type
of
business acquired and the industry in which the target business
operates. If they do remain with our company, we may enter into
employment or other compensation arrangements with them following an initial
business combination, the terms of which have not yet been
determined. We cannot assure you that our current executive officers
and directors will be retained in any significant role, or at all, and have
no
ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to them if they
are
retained following an initial business combination.
Code
of Ethics
We
have
adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our officers, directors and
employees. We have filed a copy of our Code of Ethics as an exhibit
to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You
will be able to review this document by accessing our public filings at the
SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Code of
Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us. We
intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of
our
Code of Ethics in a Form 8-K.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Prior
Share Issuances
On
July
13, 2007, we issued 8,625,000 shares of our common stock (including 1,125,000
shares that are subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters do not
exercise their over-allotment option) to our sponsor for $25,000 in cash
at a
purchase price of approximately $0.003 per share, after giving effect to
a 6 for
5 stock split of our common stock on September 4, 2007. NRDC Capital
Management, LLC is a single member limited liability company, whose sole
member
is NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC, the sole members of which are our executive
officers. Our sponsor will transfer to each of our independent
directors an equal number of shares on the same conditions and for the same
price per share as those we extended to our sponsor.
On
[ ], 2007, we entered into an agreement
with our sponsor pursuant to which it has agreed to purchase an aggregate
of
8,000,000 warrants at a purchase price of $1.00 per warrant. These
warrants will be purchased in a private placement pursuant to an exemption
from
registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The
private placement will occur immediately prior to completion of this
offering.
Our
sponsor will be entitled to make up to three demands that we register these
securities pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the date
of this
prospectus. Our sponsor can elect to exercise these registration
rights at any time beginning three months prior to the date on which the
transfer restriction period applicable to such shares expires. In
addition, our sponsor has certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect
to these shares on registration statements filed subsequent to such
date. Our other existing stockholders have piggy-back registration
rights with respect to their shares on registration statements filed following
the date three months prior to the date on which they become available for
resale. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection
with the filing of any such registration statements.
Co-investment
Units
Our
sponsor has agreed to purchase 2,000,000 co-investment units in connection
with
our initial business combination at a purchase price of 10.00 per unit for
an
aggregate purchase price of $20,000,000, from us in a private placement that
will occur immediately prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination. This will not occur until the execution of a definitive
business combination agreement and the approval of our initial business
combination by our stockholders. These co-investment units will be
identical to the units sold in this offering except that the common stock
and
the warrants included in the co-investment units, and the common stock issuable
upon exercise of those warrants, with certain limited exceptions, may not
be
transferred or sold for one year after the consummation of our initial business
combination. Additionally, the warrants included in the co-investment
units are (1) exercisable only after the date on which the last sales price
of
our common stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other national securities
exchange on which our common stock may be traded, equals or exceeds $14.25
per
share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading-day period beginning
at
least 90 calendar days after the consummation of our initial business
combination, (2) exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held
by the
original purchaser or its permitted transferees and (3) not subject to
redemption by us. As the proceeds from the sale of the co-investment
units will not be received by us until immediately prior to our consummation
of
a business combination, these proceeds will not be deposited into the trust
account and will not be available for distribution to our public stockholders
in
the event of a liquidating distribution. Our sponsor will not receive
any additional carried interest (in the form of additional units, common
stock,
warrants or otherwise) in connection with the co-investment. The
business purpose of the co-investment is to provide additional capital to
us and
to demonstrate our sponsor’s further commitment to our completion of a business
combination. We have agreed with our sponsor that if any person that
has a co-investment obligation does not consummate the co-investment when
required to do so, that person will forfeit all of the shares and private
placement warrants that such person purchased prior to the completion of
this
offering.
Conflicts
of Interest
Potential
investors should be aware of the following potential conflicts of
interest:
•
|
None
of our executive officers and directors is required to commit his
full
time to our affairs and, accordingly, they may have conflicts of
interest
in allocating management time among various business
activities. Each of our executive officers and directors is
engaged in several other business endeavors. Our executive
officers and directors are not obligated to contribute any specific
number
of hours per week to our affairs.
|
•
|
In
the course of their other business activities, our executive officers
and
directors may become aware of investment and business opportunities
that
may be appropriate for presentation to us as well as the other
entities
with which they are affiliated. They may have conflicts of
interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity
should be presented. For a complete description of our
executive officers’ and directors’ other affiliations, see the section
entitled “Management.” We and they have determined to deal with these
potential conflicts as discussed
below.
|
•
|
Our
executive officers and directors are, and may in the future become,
affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar
to those
intended to be conducted by us but have agreed not to become affiliated
with any other blank check companies until the earlier of our consummation
of an initial business combination or our
liquidation.
|
•
|
We
may decide to acquire one or more businesses affiliated with our
executive
officers, directors or existing stockholders. Despite our
agreement to obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking
firm
that a business combination with one or more businesses affiliated
with
our executive officers, directors or existing stockholders is fair
to our
stockholders from a financial point of view, potential conflicts
of
interest may still exist, and as a result, the terms of our initial
business combination may not be as advantageous to our public stockholders
as it would be absent any conflicts of
interest.
|
•
|
The
personal and financial interests of our executive officers and
directors
may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting target
businesses and consummating an initial business combination in
a timely
manner. These interests include membership interests held by
our executive officers, all of whom are also directors, in our
sponsor,
and through those interests an indirect ownership in our common
stock,
private placement warrants and co-investment securities held
by our
sponsor. Our executive officers, directors and existing
stockholders have entered into a lock-up agreement with the underwriters.
Under the terms of this agreement, our executive officers, directors
and
existing stockholders have agreed not to enter into any agreement
to sell
or transfer any of their common stock held prior to the completion
of this
offering, if any, until one year after the consummation of our
initial
business combination, and any of their private placement warrants,
if any,
until after the consummation of our initial business combination,
subject
to certain exceptions described under the section entitled “Underwriting –
Lock-up Agreement.”
|
•
|
It
is possible that Messrs Mack, Robert Baker, Richard Baker and Neibart,
as
our executive officers, could be negotiating the terms and conditions
of
the business combination on our behalf at the same time that they,
as
individuals, were negotiating the terms and conditions related
to an
employment, consulting or other agreement with representatives
of the
potential business combination
candidate.
|
•
|
Our
sponsor has agreed that, commencing on the effective
date of this prospectus it will make available to us office space
and
certain general and administrative services, as we may
require
|
|
from
time to time. We have agreed to pay our sponsor, $7,500 per
month for these services. As a result of this agreement, our
executive officers will benefit from the transaction to the extent
of
their indirect interest in our sponsor. However, these
arrangements are solely for our benefit and are not intended to
provide
any of our executive officers or directors compensation in lieu
of a
salary. We believe, based on rents and fees for similar office
space and services in the Purchase, New York area, that the fees
charged
by our sponsor, are at least as favorable as we could have obtained
from
unaffiliated third-parties.
|
In
general, executive officers and directors of a corporation incorporated under
the laws of the State of Delaware are required to present business opportunities
to a corporation if:
•
|
the
corporation could financially undertake the
opportunity;
|
•
|
the
opportunity is within the corporation’s line of business;
and
|
•
|
it
would not be fair to the corporation and its stockholders for the
opportunity not to be brought to the attention of the
corporation.
|
As
a
result of multiple business affiliations, our executive officers and directors
may have similar legal obligations relating to presenting business opportunities
meeting the above-listed criteria to other entities. In
addition, conflicts of interest may arise when our board of directors evaluates
a particular business opportunity with respect to the above-listed
criteria. Thus, our executive officers and directors may present
business combination opportunities to the other entities to which they
owe a
pre-existing fiduciary duty before presenting such opportunities to
us. In this connection, we have entered into a business opportunity
right of first offer agreement with our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors,
LLC
and NRDC Equity Partners and with our executive officers and
directors. This right of first offer provides that, subject to the
respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of our executive officers and
directors, from the date of this prospectus until the earlier of the
consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation, we
will
have a right of first offer if any of these parties becomes aware of, or
involved with, a business combination opportunity with any operating
business. Subject to the respective pre-existing fiduciary duties of
our executive officers and directors, these parties to the right of first
offer
agreement will, and will cause companies or entities under their management
or
control, to first offer any such business opportunity to us and they will
not,
and will cause each other company or entity under their management or control
not, to pursue any such business opportunity unless and until our board
of
directors, including a majority of our disinterested independent directors,
has
determined that we will not pursue such opportunity.
We
recognize that each of our executive officers and directors may be deemed
an
affiliate of any company for which such executive officer or director serves
as
an officer or director or for which such executive officer or director otherwise
has a pre-existing fiduciary duty and that a conflict of interest could arise
if
an opportunity is appropriate for one of such companies. As part of
this right of first offer, we have established procedures with respect to
the
sourcing of a potential business combination by our executive officers and
directors to eliminate such conflict for our executive officers and directors,
whereby a potential business combination that must be presented to any company
for which such executive officer or director, as the case may be, serves
as an
officer or director or otherwise has a pre-existing fiduciary duty (other
than
our sponsor, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC Equity Partners) will
not
be presented to us until after such executive officer or director has presented
the opportunity to such company and such company has determined not to
proceed.
Our
existing stockholders have waived their rights to participate in any liquidating
distributions occurring upon our failure to consummate an initial business
combination with respect to the shares of common stock that they acquire
prior
to this offering. Our existing stockholders will participate in any
liquidating distributions with respect to any shares of common stock acquired
by
them in connection with or following this offering. In addition, in
connection with any vote required for our initial business
combination,
our
existing stockholders have agreed to vote all of the shares of common stock
owned by them immediately before the completion of this offering either for
or
against an initial business combination and amending our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual existence in the
same
manner that the majority of the shares of common stock are voted by our public
stockholders. Our executive officers, directors and existing
stockholders also have agreed that if they acquire shares of common stock
in or
following completion of this offering, they will vote all such acquired shares
in favor of our initial business combination and in favor of amending our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual
existence. Accordingly, our existing stockholders will not have any
conversion rights with respect to those shares acquired in or following
completion of this offering. A stockholder is eligible to exercise
its conversion rights only if it votes against an initial business combination
that is ultimately approved and consummated.
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC, our sponsor and an existing stockholder, made us
an
interest-free loan of $200,000 for the payment of offering
expenses. The loan will be repaid upon the completion of this
offering out of the proceeds of this offering.
We
will
reimburse our executive officers and directors for any out-of-pocket business
expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on our behalf
such as identifying and investigating possible target businesses and business
combinations. There is no limit on the amount of accountable
out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us, which will be reviewed only by
our
board of directors or a court of competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement
is
challenged. To the extent such out-of-pocket expenses exceed the
available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such out-of-pocket
expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business
combination.
Other
than the repayment of the $200,000 interest-free loan described above, the
payment of $7,500 per month to our sponsor in connection with the office
space
and certain general and administrative services rendered to us and reimbursement
for out-of-pocket expenses payable to our executive officers and directors,
no
compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid
to any of our executive officers, directors, or existing stockholders or
any of
their respective affiliates prior to or in connection with our initial business
combination.
All
ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our executive officers
and
directors or their respective affiliates, including loans by our executive
officers and directors, will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable
than are available from unaffiliated third parties and such transactions
or
loans, including any forgiveness of loans, will require prior approval in
each
instance by a majority of our uninterested “independent” directors (to the
extent we have any) or the members of our board of directors who do not have
an
interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at our expense,
to
our attorneys or independent legal counsel.
We
consider Messrs. William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee
S.
Neibart to be our “promoters” and our sponsor to be our “parent” as these terms
are defined under the federal securities laws.
PRINCIPAL
STOCKHOLDERS
The
following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership
of our
common stock as of the date of this prospectus after giving effect to a 6
for 5
stock split of our common stock and as adjusted to reflect the sale of our
common stock included in the units offered by this prospectus, (assuming
no
purchase of units in this offering) by:
•
|
each
person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of
our
outstanding shares of common stock;
|
•
|
each
of our executive officers and directors;
and
|
•
|
all
of our executive officers and directors as a
group.
|
|
|
|
As
Adjusted for the Public Offering
|
|
|
|
No
Exercise of
Over-allotment
Option
|
Full
Exercise of
Over-allotment
Option
|
Name
of Beneficial Owners(1)
|
Number
of Shares before Offering and Private
Placement
|
Percentage
of Outstanding Common Stock
|
|
Percentage
of Outstanding Common Stock
|
|
Percentage
of Outstanding Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC(2)(6)
|
8,400,000
|
100.00%
|
7,275,000
|
20.00%
|
8,400,000
|
20.00%
|
William
L. Mack(2)(3)(5)
|
8,400,000
|
100.00%
|
7,275,000
|
20.00%
|
8,400,000
|
20.00%
|
Robert
C. Baker(2)(3)(4)(5)
|
8,400,000
|
100.00%
|
7,275,000
|
20.00%
|
8,400,000
|
20.00%
|
Richard
A. Baker(2)(3)(4)(5)
|
8,400,000
|
100.00%
|
7,275,000
|
20.00%
|
8,400,000
|
20.00%
|
Lee
Neibart(3)(5)
|
8,400,000
|
100.00%
|
7,275,000
|
20.00%
|
8,400,000
|
20.00%
|
Michael
J. Indiveri
|
45,000
|
0.52%
|
45,000
|
*
|
45,000
|
*
|
Edward
H. Meyer
|
45,000
|
0.52%
|
45,000
|
*
|
45,000
|
*
|
Laura
Pomerantz
|
45,000
|
0.52%
|
45,000
|
*
|
45,000
|
*
|
Vincent
Tese
|
45,000
|
0.52%
|
45,000
|
*
|
45,000
|
*
|
Ronald
W. Tysoe
|
45,000
|
0.52%
|
45,000
|
*
|
45,000
|
*
|
All
Directors and Officers as a Group (9 persons)
|
8,625,000
|
100.00%
|
7,500,000
|
20.00%
|
8,625,000
|
20.00%
|
*
represents less than 1%.
(1)
|
Unless
otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following
is 3
Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York
10577.
|
(2)
|
NRDC
Real Estate Advisors, LLC, as the sole member of our sponsor, may
be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock
held by
our sponsor. William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker
and Lee S. Neibart, as the members of NRDC Real Estate Advisors,
LLC, may
be deemed to be the beneficial owners of the shares of common stock
held
by NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC. Includes 1,125,000 shares of
common stock that are subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters
do not exercise their over-allotment
option.
|
(3)
|
Includes
shares issued to our sponsor. See footnote (2)
above.
|
(4)
|
Mr.
Robert C. Baker and Mr. Richard A. Baker are father and son, but
do not
share the same residence.
|
(5)
|
Upon
consummation of the co-investment, our sponsor would own approximately
24.1% of our outstanding common stock, assuming that no additional
shares
are otherwise issued as consideration for our initial business
combination
and that our sponsor does not purchase any additional shares
of our common
stock in this offering or after completion of this
offering.
|
In
addition, in connection with any vote required for our initial business
combination, our existing stockholders have agreed to vote all of the shares
of
common stock held by them prior to the completion of this offering either
for or
against a business combination and amending our amended and restated certificate
of incorporation to provide for our perpetual existence in the same manner
that
the majority of the shares of common stock are voted by our public
stockholders. Our executive officers, directors and existing
stockholders also have agreed that if they acquire shares of common stock
in or
following completion of this offering, they will vote all such acquired shares
in favor of our initial business combination and in favor of amending our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual
existence.
Our
executive officers, directors and existing stockholders have entered into
a
lock-up agreement with the underwriters. Under the terms of this
agreement, and other than in respect of the co-investment units, we may
not
issue any new units, shares of common stock or warrants, or publicly announce
the intention to do any of the foregoing, without the prior written consent
of
Banc of America Securities LLC, until or in connection with the consummation
of
our initial business combination. Additionally, subject to certain
limited exceptions described under the section entitled “Underwriting – Lock-up
Agreement”, our executive officers, directors and existing stockholders have
agreed not to enter into any agreement to sell or transfer any of their
common
stock held prior to the completion of this offering, if any, until one
year
after the consummation of our initial business combination, and any of
their
private placement warrants, if any, until after the consummation of our
initial
business combination. This consent may be given at any time without
public notice. However, if (1) during the last 17 days of the
applicable lock-up period, we issue material news or a material event relating
to us occurs or (2) before the expiration of the applicable lock-up period,
we
announce that material news or a material event will occur during the 16-day
period beginning on the last day of the applicable lock-up period, the
applicable lock-up period will be extended for up to 18 days beginning
on the
issuance of the material news or the occurrence of the material
event.
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
General
We
are
authorized to issue 106,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001
per
share, and 5,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per
share. As of the date of this prospectus, 8,625,000 shares of common
stock are outstanding, held by one record holder, and no shares of preferred
stock are outstanding. If the underwriters do not exercise the
over-allotment option in full, up to 1,125,000 of such shares are subject
to
forfeiture. The underwriting agreement prohibits us, prior to an initial
business combination, from issuing additional units, additional common stock,
preferred stock, additional warrants, or any options or other securities
convertible or exchangeable into common stock or preferred stock which
participates in any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or which
votes
as a class with the common stock on a business combination.
Units
Each
unit
consists of one share of common stock and one warrant. Each warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock. Each of
the common stock and warrants will begin trading separately on the earlier
to
occur of the termination of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to 4,500,000
additional units to cover over-allotments or the exercise by the underwriters
of
such option. In no event may the common stock and warrants be traded
separately until we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K
that
includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds
of this offering. We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K that
includes this audited balance sheet upon the completion of this offering,
which
is anticipated to take place three business days after the date of this
prospectus. The audited balance sheet will reflect proceeds we
receive from the exercise of the over-allotment option, if the over-allotment
option is exercised prior to the filing of the Current Report on Form 8-K,
and
if such over-allotment option is exercised after such time, we will file
an
additional Current Report on Form 8-K including an audited balance sheet
reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds from such exercise of the
over-allotment option. Following the date the common stock and the
warrants are eligible to trade separately, the units will continue to be
listed
for trading and any stockholder may elect to trade the common stock and the
warrants separately or as a unit. Even if the component parts of the
units are broken apart and traded separately, the units will continue to
be
listed as a separate security and any stockholder of our common stock and
warrants may elect to combine them and to trade them as a
unit. Stockholders will have the ability to trade our securities as
units until such time as the warrants expire or are redeemed.
Common
Stock
Our
stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all
matters to be voted on by stockholders. In connection with any vote
required for our initial business combination, our executive officers, directors
and existing stockholders have agreed to vote all of the shares of common
stock
owned by them prior to the completion of this offering either for or against
an
initial business combination in the same manner that the majority of the
shares
of common stock are voted by our public stockholders. Our executive
officers, directors and existing stockholders also have agreed that if they
acquire shares of common stock in or following the completion of this offering,
they will vote all such acquired shares in favor of our initial business
combination. However, our executive officers, directors and existing
stockholders will vote all of their shares in any manner they determine,
in
their sole discretion, with respect to any other items that come before a
vote
of our stockholders.
We
will
proceed with the initial business combination only if a majority of the shares
of common stock voted by the public stockholders are voted in favor of the
initial business combination, public stockholders owning less than 30% of
the
shares sold in this offering both vote against the proposed initial business
combination and exercise their conversion rights as discussed above and a
majority of the outstanding
shares
of
our common stock are voted in favor of an amendment to our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation to provide for our perpetual
existence.
Pursuant
to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, if we do not
consummate our initial business combination within 24 months after the
completion of this offering, our corporate existence will cease except
for the
purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating. If we are forced to
liquidate prior to our initial business combination, our public stockholders
are
entitled to share ratably in the trust account, inclusive of any interest
not
previously released to us to fund working capital requirements and net
of any
income taxes due on such interest, which income taxes, if any, shall be
paid
from the trust account, and any assets remaining available for distribution
to
them. If we do not complete our initial business combination and the trustee
must distribute the balance of the trust account, the underwriters have
agreed
that: (i) they will forfeit any rights or claims to their deferred underwriting
discounts and commissions, including any accrued interest thereon, then
in the
trust account, and (ii) the deferred underwriting discounts and commission
will
be distributed on a pro rata basis among the public stockholders, together
with
any accrued interest thereon, net of income taxes payable on such
interest. Our existing stockholders, including our executive officers
and directors, have waived their right to participate in any liquidating
distributions occurring upon our failure to consummate an initial business
combination with respect to shares of common stock acquired by them prior
to
this offering. However, our existing stockholders will participate in
any liquidating distributions with respect to any other shares of common
stock
acquired by any of them in connection with or following this
offering.
Our
stockholders have no conversion, preemptive, or other subscription rights
and
there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the common
stock, except that public stockholders, other than our existing stockholders,
have the right to have their shares of common stock converted to cash equal
to
their pro rata share of the trust account if they vote against the initial
business combination and the initial business combination is approved and
consummated. Public stockholders who convert their stock into their
share of the trust account still have the right to exercise the warrants
that
they received as part of the units.
Preferred
Stock
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance
of
5,000 shares of blank check preferred stock with such designation, rights
and
preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of
directors. No shares of preferred stock have been or are being issued
or registered in this offering. Accordingly, our board of directors
is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with
dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights which could adversely
affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of common
stock. We may issue some or all of the preferred stock to consummate
a business combination. In addition, the preferred stock could be
utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in
control
of us. However, the underwriting agreement prohibits us, prior to an
initial business combination, from issuing preferred stock which participates
in
any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or which votes as a class
with
the common stock on a business combination. Although we do not
currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure
you
that we will not do so in the future.
Warrants
No
warrants are currently outstanding. Each warrant entitles the
registered holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of
$7.50
per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time, unless
we
earlier redeem the warrants, commencing on the later of:
•
|
the
consummation of the initial business combination;
or
|
•
|
one
year from the completion of this
offering.
|
•
|
The
warrants will expire four years from the completion of this offering
at
5:00 p.m., New York City time. We may call the warrants for
redemption at any time after the warrants become
exercisable:
|
•
|
in
whole and not in part;
|
•
|
at
a price of $0.01 per warrant;
|
•
|
upon
a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice to each warrant holder;
and
|
•
|
if,
and only if, the last sales price of our common stock on the American
Stock Exchange, or other principal market on which our common stock
may be
traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days
within
a 30 trading day period ending three business days before we send
the
notice of redemption to warrant holders, and a registration statement
under the Securities Act relating to shares of common stock issuable
upon
exercise of the warrants is effective and expected to remain effective
and
a prospectus is available for use to and including the redemption
date.
|
We
have
established this last criterion to provide warrant holders with a premium
to the
initial warrant exercise price as well as a degree of liquidity to cushion
the
market reaction, if any, to our redemption call. If the foregoing
conditions are satisfied and we call the warrants for redemption, each warrant
holder will then be entitled to exercise his warrants prior to the scheduled
redemption date. There can be no assurance that the price of the
common stock will exceed either the redemption price of $14.25 per share
of
common stock or the warrant exercise price of $7.50 per share of common stock
after we call the warrants for redemption. Our right to redeem the
outstanding warrants includes the private placement warrants.
The
right
to exercise the warrants will be forfeited unless they are exercised before
the
date specified in the notice of redemption. From and after the
redemption date, the record holder of a warrant will have no further rights
except to receive, upon surrender of the warrants, the redemption
price.
The
warrants will be issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and
us. You should review a copy of the warrant agreement, which has been
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a
part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to
the
warrants.
The
exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise
of the
warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event
of a
stock dividend, or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or
consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for
issuances of common stock at a price below their respective exercise
prices.
The
warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or
prior
to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise
form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed
as
indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified
check
payable to us, for the number of warrants being exercised. The
warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common
stock
and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares
of
common stock. After the issuance of shares of common stock upon
exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each
share held of record on all matters to be voted on by
stockholders. The private placement warrants may be exercised on a
cashless basis so long as they are held by our sponsor or its permitted
transferees.
No
warrants will be exercisable unless at the time of exercise a registration
statement relating to shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the
warrants is effective and a prospectus relating to shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants is available for use and the common
stock
has been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities
laws of the state of residence of the holder
of
the
warrants. Holders of the warrants are not entitled to net cash
settlement and the warrants may only be settled by delivery of shares of
our
common stock and not cash. Under the terms of the warrant agreement,
we have agreed to meet these conditions and use our best efforts to maintain
an
effective registration statement and a current prospectus relating to common
stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the
warrants. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do
so. We have no obligation to settle the warrants in the absence of an
effective registration statement or a prospectus available for use. The warrants
may never become exercisable if we never comply with these registration
requirements. The warrants may be deprived of any value and the
market for the warrants may be limited if an effective registration statement
and the prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon the exercise
of
the warrants is not current or if the common stock is not qualified or exempt
from qualification in the jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants
reside and we will not be required to cash settle any such warrant
exercise. Warrants included in the units issued in this offering will
not be exercisable on a cashless basis. The private placement
warrants will not be exercisable at any time unless a registration statement
is
effective and a prospectus is available for the public warrant
holders.
No
fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. If,
upon exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a
fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round up to the nearest
whole number the number of shares of common stock to be issued to the warrant
holder.
Initial
Shares and Co-investment Shares
Our
sponsor and other holders of shares of our common stock issued prior to
the
consummation of this offering have the same rights as public stockholders,
except that they will not participate in any distribution of amounts in
the
trust account in the event that we fail to consummate our initial business
combination within 24 months after the date of this prospectus and are
not
entitled to conversion rights in the event of our initial business
combination. Holders of the co-investment shares, if and when issued,
will be entitled to the same rights as our public stockholders. The
initial shares and the co-investment shares are not transferable or saleable,
with limited exceptions described under the section entitled “Underwriting –
Lock-up Agreement”, until one year after the consummation of our initial
business combination. Additionally, because our executive officers
are the sole members in NRDC Real Estate Advisors, the sole member of our
sponsor, these executive officers have agreed not to sell or otherwise
transfer
their ownership interests in NRDC Real Estate Advisors until we have consummated
our initial business combination, subject to the same limitation as noted
above.
Private
Placement Warrants
The
warrants issued in the private placement will be identical to the warrants
included in the units to be sold and issued in this offering, except that
our
sponsor or its permitted transferees will have the right to exercise those
warrants on a cashless basis. If a holder of the private placement
warrants elects to exercise them on a cashless basis, that holder would pay
the
exercise price by surrendering his, her or its warrants for that number of
shares of common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the
product of the number of shares of common stock underlying the warrants,
multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and
the
“fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair
market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the common
stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the
date
on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants. The
reason
that we have agreed that these warrants will be exercisable on a cashless
basis
so long as they are held by our the sponsor and its permitted transferees
is
because it is not known at this time whether they will be affiliated with
us
following a business combination. If they remain affiliated with us, their
ability to sell our securities in the open market will be significantly limited.
We expect to have policies in place that prohibit insiders from selling our
securities except during specific periods of time. Even during such periods
of
time when insiders will be permitted to sell our securities, an insider cannot
trade in our securities if he or she is in possession of material non-public
information. Accordingly, unlike public stockholders who could exercise their
warrants and sell the shares of common stock received upon such exercise
freely
in the open market in order to recoup the cost of such exercise, the insiders
could be significantly restricted from selling such
securities.
As a result, we believe that allowing the holders to exercise such warrants
on a
cashless basis is appropriate. We would not receive additional
proceeds to the extent the warrants are exercised on a cashless
basis. Warrants included in the units issued in this offering will
not be exercisable on a cashless basis.
Our
sponsor has agreed not to sell or
otherwise transfer the private placement warrants until after consummation
of
our initial business combination. However, our sponsor will be
permitted to transfer its private placement warrants to its permitted
transferees. Our sponsor and its permitted transferees may make
transfers of these private placement warrants to charitable organizations
and
trusts for estate planning purposes, to our other officers and directors,
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order and in the event of a
merger,
capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar
transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to
exchange their shares of common stock or other securities for cash, securities
or other property subsequent to our consummation of our initial business
combination.
Dividends
We
have
not paid any dividends on our common stock to date. It is the present
intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use
in
our business operations and, accordingly, our board of directors does not
anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. The
payment of dividends, if any, will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings,
if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. We do
not intend to pay any dividends prior to the consummation of our initial
business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to an
initial business combination will be within the discretion of our then board
of
directors.
Our
Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent
The
transfer agent for our securities and warrant agent for our warrants is
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 17 Battery Place, New York, New
York 10004.
Certain
Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Staggered
board of directors
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will be in effect
upon
consummation of this offering, will provide that our board of directors will
be
classified into three classes of directors of approximately equal size. As
a
result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of our board only
by
successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual
meetings.
Special
meeting of stockholders
Our
bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only
by a
majority vote of our board of directors, by our chief executive officer,
our
chairman or secretary or at the request in writing of stockholders owning
a
majority of our issued and outstanding capital stock entitled to
vote.
Advance
notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director
nominations
Our
bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual
meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors
at
our annual meeting of stockholders, must provide timely notice of their intent
in writing. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to our
principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th
day
and not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the
first
anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. For the
first annual meeting of stockholders after the closing of this offering,
a
stockholder’s notice shall be timely if delivered to our principal executive
offices not later than the 90th day prior to the scheduled date of
the
annual meeting of stockholders or the 10th day following the day on which
public
announcement of the date of our annual meeting of stockholders is first made
or
sent by us. Our bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and
content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our
stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders
or
from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of
stockholders.
Limitation
on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors
and officers will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by
Delaware law as it now exists or may in the future be amended. In addition,
our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors
will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of
their
fiduciary duty as directors, unless they violated their duty of loyalty to
us or
our stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated
the
law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases
or
unlawful redemptions, or derived an improper personal benefit from their
actions
as directors.
Our
bylaws permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director or
employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless
of
whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. We will purchase a policy
of
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and
officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment
in
some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify the
directors and officers.
These
provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our
directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have
the
effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors
and
officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit
us
and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely
affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against
directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. We believe
that these provisions, the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary
to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and
officers.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to
the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion
of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Shares
Eligible For Future Sale
Immediately
after the completion of this offering, we will have 38,625,000 shares of
common
stock (including 1,125,000 shares that are subject to forfeiture to the extent
the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised) outstanding (or
43,125,000 shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in
full). Of these shares, the 30,000,000 shares sold in this offering
(or 34,500,000 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full)
will be
freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities
Act, except for any shares purchased by one of our affiliates within the
meaning
of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of the remaining 8,625,000
shares (7,500,000 shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not
exercised) are restricted securities under Rule 144, in that they were issued
in
private transactions not involving a public offering. None of these
shares will be eligible for sale under Rule 144 prior to July 13,
2008. Notwithstanding this restriction, except in limited
circumstances, (i) the private placement warrants will not be transferable
until
after the consummation of our initial business combination and (ii) the shares
of common stock issued to the existing stockholders will not be transferable
until one year following the consummation of our initial business
combination. For more information about these exceptions, see the
section entitled “Principal Stockholders.”
In
addition, immediately prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination, our sponsor will purchase 2,000,000 co-investment units at
a
purchase price of $10.00 per unit ($20,000,000 in the aggregate). The
co-investment units, co-investment common stock and co-investment warrants,
with
limited exceptions, will not be transferable for one year after the date
of our
initial business combination. Our sponsor will be permitted to
transfer its co-investment units, the co-investment common stock or
co-investment warrants (including the common stock to be issued upon exercise
of
the co-investment warrants) to its permitted transferees. Our sponsor and
its
permitted transferees may make transfers of these securities to charitable
organizations and trusts for estate planning purposes, to our other officers
and
directors, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order and in the
event of
a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or
other
similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the
right to
exchange their shares of common stock or other securities for cash, securities
or other property subsequent to our consummation of our initial business
combination. Additionally, the warrants included in the co-investment
units are (1) exercisable only after the date on which the last sales price
of
our common stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other national securities
exchange on which our common stock may be traded, equals or exceeds $14.25
per
share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading-day period beginning
at
least 90 calendar days after the consummation of our initial business
combination, (2) exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held
by the
original purchaser or its permitted transferees and (3) not subject to
redemption by us.
Rule
144
In
general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially
owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least one year would be
entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does
not
exceed the greater of either of the following:
•
|
1%
of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which
will equal
375,000 shares immediately after this offering (or 431,250 if the
underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full);
and
|
•
|
the
average weekly trading volume of the common stock during the four
calendar
weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect
to the
sale.
|
Sales
under Rule 144 are also limited by manner of sale provisions and notice
requirements and to the availability of current public information about
us.
Rule
144(k)
Under
Rule 144(k), a person who is not
deemed to be one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during
the
three months preceding, a sale and who has beneficially owned the restricted
shares proposed to be sold for at least two years, including the holding
period
of any prior owner other than an affiliate, is entitled to sell those shares
without complying with the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation
or notice provisions of Rule 144.
SEC
Position on Rule 144 Sales
The
SEC
has taken the position that a promoter or affiliate of a blank check company
and
any of its transferees, both before and after a business combination, would
act
as an “underwriter” under the Securities Act when reselling the
securities of a blank check company acquired prior to the completion of its
initial public offering. Accordingly, the SEC believes that those
securities can be resold only through a registered offering and that Rule
144
would not be available for those resale transactions despite technical
compliance with the requirements of Rule 144.
Registration
Rights
Our
sponsor will be entitled to make up to three demands that we register the
8,625,000 shares of common stock (including 1,125,000 shares of common stock
that are subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters’ over-allotment
option is not exercised), the 8,000,000 private placement warrants and the
shares for which they are exercisable, and the 2,000,000 co-investment shares
and the 2,000,000 co-investment warrants and the shares of common stock for
which they are exercisable, pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to
the
date of this prospectus. Our sponsor may elect to exercise its
registration rights at any time beginning on the date three months prior
to the
expiration of the applicable transfer restrictions. The restricted
transfer period for the shares and the co-investment shares of common stock
expires on the date that is one year after the consummation of the initial
business combination, and the restricted transfer period for the private
placement warrants and the shares for which they are exercisable expires
on the
consummation of our initial business combination. Our directors will
have “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to the share of common stock
that they own prior to the completion of this offering, subject to the same
limitations with respect to the transfer restriction period. In addition,
our
sponsor and our directors each have certain “piggy-back” registration rights
with respect to the shares held by them on registration statements filed
by us
on or subsequent to the expiration of the applicable transfer restriction
period
and unlimited registration rights with respect to a registration statement
on
Form S-3. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the
filing of any registration statement. Pursuant to the registration
rights agreement, our sponsor and our executive officers and directors will
waive any claims to monetary damages for any failure by us to comply with
the
requirements of the registration rights agreement.
Listing
We
have
applied to have our units listed on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol
“NAQ.U” and, once the common stock and warrants begin separate trading, to have
our common stock and warrants listed on the American Stock Exchange under
the
symbols “NAQ” and “NAQ.WS,” respectively.
Based
upon the proposed terms of this offering, after giving effect to this offering
we expect to meet the minimum initial listing standards set forth in Section
101(c) of the American Stock Exchange Company Guide, which consist of the
following:
•
|
Stockholders
equity of at least $4.0 million;
|
•
|
Total
market capitalization of at least $50.0
million;
|
•
|
Aggregate
market value of publicly held shares of at least $15.0
million;
|
•
|
Minimum
public distribution of at least 1,000,000 units with a minimum
of 400
public holders; and
|
•
|
A
minimum market price of $2.00 per
unit.
|
UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The
following is a general discussion of material United States federal tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our units,
common
stock and warrants purchased pursuant to this offering. This
discussion assumes that holders will hold our securities issued pursuant
to this
offering as capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code
of
1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code. This discussion does
not address all aspects of United States federal taxation that may be relevant
to a particular investor in light of the investor’s individual investment or tax
circumstances. In addition, this discussion does not address (a)
United States gift or estate tax laws except to the limited extent set
forth
below, (b) state, local or non-United States tax consequences, (c) the
special
tax rules that may apply to certain investors, including without limitation
banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, broker-dealers, taxpayers
that have elected mark-to-market accounting, taxpayers that are subject
to the
alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies,
real estate investment trusts, taxpayers whose functional currency is not
the
United States dollar, or United States expatriates or former long-term
residents
of the United States, or (d) the special tax rules that may apply to an
investor
that acquires, holds, or disposes of our securities as part of a straddle,
hedge, wash sale (except to the limited extent described below), constructive
sale, or conversion transaction or other integrated
investment. Additionally, the discussion does not consider the tax
treatment of partnerships (including entities treated as partnerships for
United
States federal income tax purposes) or pass-through entities or persons
who hold
our units, common stock or warrants through such entities.
This
discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, final, temporary
and
proposed United States Treasury Regulations, judicial opinions, and published
positions of the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS,
all as
in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to differing
interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. We have
not sought, and will not seek, any ruling from the IRS or any opinion of
counsel
with respect to the tax consequences discussed herein, and there can be
no
assurance that the IRS will not take a position contrary to the tax consequences
discussed below or that any position taken by the IRS would not be
sustained.
As
used
in this discussion, the term “United States person” means a person that is, for
United States federal income tax purposes (i) an individual citizen or
resident
of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a
corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized
in the United States or under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof,
or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject
to
United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv)
a trust
if (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision
over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons
have
the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B)
it has
in effect a valid election to be treated as a United States
person. As used in this prospectus, the term “United States holder”
means a beneficial owner of our securities that is a United States person
and
the term “non-United States holder” means a beneficial owner of our securities
(other than a partnership or other entity treated as a partnership or as
a
disregarded or pass-through entity for United States federal income tax
purposes) that is not a United States person.
The
tax
treatment of a partnership and each partner thereof will generally depend
upon
the status and activities of the partnership and such partner. A holder
that is
treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes
should
consult its own tax advisor regarding the United States federal income
tax
considerations applicable to it and its partners of the purchase, ownership
and
disposition of our units, common stock and warrants.
This
discussion is only a summary of material United States federal income and
estate
tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our
securities. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors
with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of our securities, including the effect of any
United
States federal tax laws other than income and estate tax laws, any state,
local
or non-United States tax laws, and any applicable tax treaty.
General
There
is
no authority addressing the treatment, for United States federal income
tax
purposes, of securities with terms substantially the same as the units,
and,
therefore, such treatment is not entirely clear. We intend to treat each
unit
for United States federal income tax purposes as an investment unit consisting
of one share of our common stock and a warrant to acquire one share of
our
common stock. Pursuant to this treatment, each holder of a unit must allocate
the purchase price paid by such holder for such unit between the share
of common
stock and the warrant based on their respective relative fair market values.
In
addition, pursuant to this treatment, a holder’s initial tax basis in the common
stock and the warrant included in each unit should equal the portion of
the
purchase price of the unit allocated thereto.
Our
view
of the characterization of the units described above and a holder’s purchase
price allocation are not, however, binding on the IRS or the courts. Because
there are no authorities that directly address instruments that are similar
to
the units, no assurance can be given that the IRS or the courts will agree
with
the characterization described above or the discussion below. Accordingly,
prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding
the
United States federal tax consequences of an investment in a unit (including
alternative characterizations of a unit) and with respect to any tax
consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-United States
taxing jurisdiction. Unless otherwise stated, the following discussions
are
based on the assumption that the characterization of the units and the
allocation described above are accepted for United States federal tax
purposes.
Tax
Consequences of an Investment in our Common Stock
Dividends
and Distributions
If
we pay
cash distributions to holders of shares of our common stock, such distributions
generally will constitute dividends for United States federal income tax
purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, as determined under United States federal income tax
principles. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated
earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital that will be applied
against and reduce (but not below zero) the holder’s adjusted tax basis in our
common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as gain realized
on the sale or other disposition of the common stock and will be treated
as
described under “—Gain or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of
Common Stock” below.
Any
dividends we pay to a United States holder that is a taxable corporation
generally will qualify for the dividends received deduction if the requisite
holding period is satisfied. With certain exceptions (including but
not limited to dividends treated as investment income for purposes of investment
interest deduction limitations), and provided certain holding period
requirements are met, qualified dividends received by a non-corporate United
States holder generally will be subject to tax at the maximum tax rate
accorded
to capital gains for taxable years beginning on or before December 31,
2010,
after which the rate applicable to dividends is scheduled to return to
the tax
rate generally applicable to ordinary income. There is substantial
uncertainty, however, as to whether the conversion rights with respect
to the
common stock, described above under “Proposed Business—Consummating an Initial
Business Combination—Conversion Rights”, may prevent a United States holder from
satisfying the applicable holding period requirements with respect to the
dividends received deduction or the capital gains tax rate, as the case
may
be.
Dividends
paid to a non-United States holder that are not effectively connected with
the
non-United States holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States
generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal income
tax at
the rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable
income
tax treaty. A non-United States holder who wishes to claim the benefit
of an
applicable income tax treaty withholding rate and avoid backup withholding,
as
discussed below, for dividends will be required to (1) complete IRS Form
W-8BEN (or other applicable form) and certify under penalties of perjury
that
such holder is not a United States person as defined under the Code and
is
eligible for the benefits of the applicable
income
tax treaty or (2) if our common stock is held through certain foreign
intermediaries, satisfy the relevant certification requirements of applicable
Treasury Regulations. These forms must be periodically updated. Non-United
States holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement
to
benefits under an applicable income tax treaty and the manner of claiming
the
benefits of such treaty (including, without limitation, the need to obtain
a
United States taxpayer identification number). In addition, if we determine
that
we are likely to be classified as a “United States real property holding
corporation” (see “—Gain or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition
of Common Stock” below), we currently intend to withhold 10% of any distribution
that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, which withheld
amount may be claimed by the non-United States holder as a credit against
the
non-United States holder’s United States federal income tax
liability.
Dividends
that are effectively connected with a non-United States holder’s conduct of a
trade or business in the United States and, if provided in an applicable
income
tax treaty, that are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed
base
maintained by the non-United States holder in the United States are subject
to
United States federal income tax on a net income basis at generally applicable
United States federal income tax rates and are not subject to the United
States
withholding tax, provided that the non-United States holder establishes
an
exemption from such withholding by complying with certain certification
and
disclosure requirements. Any effectively connected dividends or dividends
attributable to a permanent establishment received by a non-United States
holder
that is treated as a foreign corporation for United States federal income
tax
purposes may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate, or
such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax
treaty.
A
non-United States holder eligible for a reduced rate of United States
withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of
any
excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund
with
the IRS.
Gain
or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common
Stock
In
general, a United States holder must treat any gain or loss recognized
upon a
sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a share of our common stock
(which would include a liquidation in the event we do not consummate a
business
combination within the required timeframe) as capital gain or
loss. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or
loss if the United States holder’s holding period with respect to the common
stock so disposed of exceeds one year. There is substantial
uncertainty, however, as to whether the conversion rights with respect
to the
common stock, described above under “Proposed Business—Consummating an Initial
Business Combination—Conversion Rights”, may prevent a United States holder from
satisfying the applicable holding period requirements. In general, a
United States holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to
the
difference between (i) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market
value
of any property received in such disposition (or, if the common stock is
held as
part of a unit at the time of disposition of the unit, the portion of the
amount
realized on such disposition that is allocated to the common stock based
upon
the then fair market value of such common stock) and (ii) the United States
holder’s adjusted tax basis in the share of common stock. A United
States holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock generally will equal the
United States holder’s acquisition cost (that is, as discussed above, the
portion of the purchase price of a unit allocated to that common stock)
less any
prior return of capital. Long-term capital gain realized by a
non-corporate United States holder generally will be subject to a maximum
rate
of 15% for tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, after which
the
maximum long-term capital gains tax rate is scheduled to increase to
20%. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations, as is
the deduction for losses upon a taxable disposition by a United States
holder of
our common stock (whether or not held as part of a unit) if, within a period
beginning 30 days before the date of such disposition and ending 30 days
after
such date, such United States holder has acquired (by purchase or by an
exchange
on which the entire amount of gain or loss was recognized by law), or has
entered into a contract or option so to acquire, substantially identical
stock
or securities.
Any
gain
realized by a non-United States holder upon a sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of our common stock (whether or not held as part of a unit
at the
time of the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition) generally will
not be
subject to United States federal income tax unless: (1) the gain is
effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-United States
holder
in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty,
is
attributable to a United States permanent establishment or fixed base of
the
non-United States holder), (2) the non-United States holder is an
individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in
the
taxable year of that disposition, and certain other conditions are met,
or
(3) we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation”
for United States federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter
of
the five-year period ending on the date of disposition or the period that
the
non-United States holder held the common stock, and, in the case where
the
shares of our common stock are regularly traded on an established securities
market, the non-United States holder owns or has owned, or is treated as
owning,
more than 5% of our common stock at any time during the five-year period
ending
on the date of disposition. Special rules may apply to the
determination of the 5% threshold described in clause (3) of the preceding
sentence in the case of a holder of a warrant (whether or not held as part
of a
unit). As a result, holders of warrants are urged to consult their
own tax advisors regarding the effect of holding the warrants on the calculation
of such 5% threshold.
Net
gain
realized by a non-United States holder described in clauses (1) and (3) of
the preceding paragraph will be subject to tax at generally applicable
United
States federal income tax rates. Any gains of a foreign corporation non-United
States holder described in clause (1) of the preceding paragraph may also
be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate, or such lower
rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. Gain realized
by an
individual non-United States holder described in clause (2) of such
paragraph (which may be offset by United States source capital losses)
will be
subject to a flat 30% tax, even though the individual is not considered
a
resident of the United States. The gross proceeds from transactions that
generate gains described in clause (3) of the preceding paragraph may be
subject to a 10% withholding tax, which may be claimed by the non-United
States
holder as a credit against the non-United States holder’s United States federal
income tax liability.
We
do not
believe that we currently are a “United States real property holding
corporation.” Moreover, we cannot yet determine whether we will be a “United
States real property holding corporation” for United States federal income tax
purposes, and will be unable to do so until we effect a business combination.
A
corporation is a “United States real property holding corporation” if the fair
market value of its United States real property interests equals or exceeds
50%
of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests
plus its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business.
Conversion
of Common Stock
In
the
event that a holder converts common stock into a right to receive cash
pursuant
to the exercise of a conversion right, the transaction will be treated
for
United States federal income tax purposes as a redemption of the common
stock. If the conversion qualifies as a sale of common stock by a
holder under Section 302 of the Code, the holder will be treated as described
under “—Gain or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common
Stock” above. If the conversion does not qualify as a sale of common
stock under the Code, a holder will be treated as receiving a corporate
distribution with the tax consequences described below. Whether the
conversion qualifies for sale treatment will depend largely on the total
number
of shares of our common stock treated as held by the holder (including
any
common stock constructively owned by the holder as a result of, among other
things, owning warrants). The conversion of common stock generally
will be treated as a sale or exchange of the common stock (rather than
as a
corporate distribution) if the receipt of cash upon the conversion (1)
is
“substantially disproportionate” with respect to the holder, (2) results in a
“complete termination” of the holder’s interest in us or (3) is “not essentially
equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the holder. These tests are
explained more fully below.
In
determining whether any of the foregoing tests are satisfied, a holder
takes
into account not only stock actually owned by the holder, but also shares
of our
stock that are constructively owned by it. A holder
may
constructively own, in addition to stock owned directly, stock owned by
certain
related individuals and entities in which the holder has an interest or
that
have an interest in such holder, as well as any stock the holder has a
right to
acquire by exercise of an option, which would generally include common
stock
which could be acquired pursuant to the exercise of the warrants. In
order to meet the substantially disproportionate test, the percentage of
our
outstanding voting stock actually and constructively owned by the holder
immediately following the conversion of common stock must, among other
requirements, be less than 80% of the percentage of our outstanding voting
stock
actually and constructively owned by the holder immediately before the
conversion. There will be a complete termination of a holder’s
interest if either (1) all of the shares of our stock actually and
constructively owned by the holder are converted or (2) all of the shares
of our
stock actually owned by the holder are converted and the holder is eligible
to
waive, and effectively waives in accordance with specific rules, the attribution
of stock owned by certain family members and the holder does not constructively
own any other stock. The conversion of the common stock will not be
essentially equivalent to a dividend if a holder’s conversion results in a
“meaningful reduction” of the holder’s proportionate interest in
us. Whether the conversion will result in a meaningful reduction in a
holder’s proportionate interest will depend on the particular facts and
circumstances. However, the IRS has indicated in a published ruling
that even a small reduction in the proportionate interest of a small minority
stockholder in a publicly held corporation who exercises no control over
corporate affairs may constitute such a “meaningful reduction.”
If
none
of the foregoing tests are satisfied, then the conversion will be treated
as a
corporate distribution and the tax effects will be as described above under
“—Dividends and Distributions.” After the application of those rules,
any remaining tax basis of the holder in the converted common stock will
be
added to the holder’s adjusted tax basis in his remaining common stock, or, if
it has none, to the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its warrants or possibly in
other common stock constructively owned by it.
Persons
who actually or constructively own 5% or more of our stock (by vote or
value)
may be subject to special reporting requirements with respect to a conversion
of
common stock.
Exercise
of a Warrant
Upon
its
exercise of a warrant, a holder will not be required to recognize taxable
gain
or loss with respect to the warrant. The holder’s tax basis in the
share of our common stock received by such holder generally will be an
amount
equal to the sum of the holder’s initial investment in the warrant (i.e., the
portion of the holder’s purchase price for a unit that is allocated to the
warrant, as described above under “—General”) and the exercise price (i.e.,
initially, $7.50 per share of our common stock). The holder’s holding
period for the share of our common stock received upon exercise of the
warrant
should begin on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the
date of
exercise) of the warrant and will not include the period during which the
holder
held the warrant.
Sale,
Exchange, Redemption or Expiration of a Warrant
Upon
a
sale, exchange (other than by exercise) or redemption of a warrant, a United
States holder will be required to recognize taxable gain or loss in an
amount
equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized upon such disposition
(or, if the warrant is held as part of a unit at the time of the disposition
of
the unit, the portion of the amount realized on the disposition of the
unit that
is allocated to the warrant based on the then fair market value of the
warrant)
and (ii) the United States holder’s tax basis in the warrant (that is, the
portion of the United States holder’s purchase price for a unit that is
allocated to the warrant, as described above under “—General”). Upon
the expiration of a warrant (whether or not held as part of a unit at the
time
of such expiration), a United States holder will be required to recognize
a
taxable loss in an amount equal to the United States holder’s tax basis in the
warrant. Such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain
or loss and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the warrant
was
held by the United States holder for more than one year at the time of
such
disposition or expiration. As discussed above, the deductibility of
capital losses is subject to certain limitations, as is the deduction for
losses
upon a taxable disposition by a United States holder of a warrant (whether
or
not held as part of a unit) if, within a period beginning 30 days
before
the date of such disposition and ending 30 days after such date, such United
States holder has acquired (by purchase or by an exchange on which the
entire
amount of gain or loss was recognized by law), or has entered into a contract
or
option so to acquire, substantially identical stock or securities.
The
United States federal income tax treatment of a non-United States holder’s gains
recognized on a sale, exchange, redemption, or expiration of a warrant
will
generally correspond to the United States federal income tax treatment
of a
non-United States holder’s gains recognized on a taxable disposition of our
common stock, as described under “—Gain or Loss on Sale, Exchange or Other
Taxable Disposition of Common Stock” above.
Federal
Estate Tax
Shares
of
our common stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not
a United
States citizen or resident of the United States (as specially defined for
United
States federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death will be included
in the
individual’s gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes unless
an applicable estate tax or other treaty provides otherwise, and therefore
may
be subject to United States federal estate tax. The foregoing will
also apply to warrants.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
Under
United States Treasury Regulations, we must report annually to the IRS
and to
each holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder on our common stock
and
the tax withheld with respect to those dividends, regardless of whether
withholding was required. In the case of a non-United States holder,
copies of the information returns reporting those dividends and withholding
may
also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the
non-United States holder is a resident under the provisions of an applicable
income tax treaty or agreement.
The
gross
amount of dividends paid to a holder that fails to provide the appropriate
certification in accordance with applicable United States Treasury Regulations
generally will be reduced by backup withholding at the applicable rate
(currently 28%).
A
non-United States holder is required to certify its foreign status under
penalties of perjury or otherwise establish an exemption in order to avoid
information reporting and backup withholding on disposition proceeds where
the
transaction is effected by or through a United States office of a
broker. Such information reporting and backup withholding generally
will not apply to a payment of proceeds of a disposition of common stock
where
the transaction is effected outside the United States through a foreign
office
of a foreign broker. However, information reporting requirements, but
not backup withholding, generally will apply to such a payment if the broker
is
(i) a United States person, (ii) a foreign person that derives 50% or more
of
its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business
in
the United States, (iii) a controlled foreign corporation as defined in
the
Code; or (iv) a foreign partnership with certain United States connections,
unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder
is a
non-United States holder and certain conditions are met or the holder otherwise
establishes an exemption.
Backup
withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts that we withhold under
the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the holder’s
United States federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain
required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Holders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding application of backup
withholding in their particular circumstance and the availability of and
procedure for obtaining an exemption from backup withholding under current
United States Treasury Regulations.
We
intend
to offer the units described in this prospectus through the underwriters.
Banc
of America Securities LLC is acting as sole manager of this offering and
as
representative of the underwriters. We have entered into a firm commitment
underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and
conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the
underwriters, and each underwriters has agreed to purchase, the number
of units
listed next to its name in the following table:
|
|
Number of Units
|
Banc
of America Securities LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
30,000,000
|
The
underwriting agreement is subject to a number of terms and conditions and
provides that the underwriters must buy all of the units if they buy any
of
them. The underwriters will sell the units to the public when and if the
underwriters buy the units from us.
The
underwriters initially will offer the units to the public at the initial
public
offering price specified on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters
may allow a concession of not more than [$0.__] per unit to selected dealers.
The underwriters may also allow, and the dealers may re-allow, a concession of
not more than [$0.__] per unit to some other dealers. If all the units
that the
underwriters have committed to purchase from us are not sold at the initial
public offering price, the underwriters may change the public offering
price and
the concession and discount to broker/dealers. The units are offered subject
to
a number of conditions, including:
•
|
receipt
and acceptance of the units by the underwriters;
and
|
•
|
the
underwriters’ right to reject orders in whole or in
part.
|
Option
to Purchase Additional Units
We
have
granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional
units
at the same price per unit as they are paying for the units shown in the
table
above. These additional units would cover sales by the underwriters that
exceed
the total number of units shown in the table above. The underwriters may
exercise this option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in
part,
within 30 days after the date of this prospectus. To the extent that the
underwriters exercise this option, each underwriter will purchase additional
units from us in approximately the same proportion as it purchased the
units
shown in the table above. We will pay the expenses associated with the
exercise
of this option.
Discounts
and Commissions
The
following table shows the per unit and total underwriting discounts and
commissions to be paid to the underwriters by us. The amounts are shown
assuming
no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional
units.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
Unit (1)
|
|
$0.35
|
|
$0.35
|
Total
(1)
|
|
$10,500,000
|
|
$12,075,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
total underwriting discount as a percentage of the gross offering
proceeds
is equal to 4.0%. This amount excludes deferred underwriting
discounts and
commissions equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds, or $10,500,000
($12,075,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in
full), or $0.35 per unit, which will be deposited in the trust
account and
which the underwriters have agreed to defer until the consummation
of our
initial business combination. These funds (less the amounts the
underwriters have agreed to forego with respect to any shares
public
stockholders convert into cash pursuant to their conversion rights)
will
be released to the underwriters upon consummation of our initial
business
combination. If we do not consummate an initial business combination,
the
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions will not be paid
to the
underwriters and the full amount plus the retained interest thereon
will
be included in the amount available to our public stockholders
upon our
liquidation.
|
We
estimate that the expenses of the offering to be paid by us, not including
the
underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately
$750,000.
Listing
There
is
currently no market for our units, common stock or warrants. We anticipate
that
the units will be listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol
NAQ.U
on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. Upon separate trading
of the
securities comprising the units, we anticipate that the common stock and
the
warrants will be listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols
NAQ and
NAQ.WS, respectively.
Stabilization
In
connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in activities
that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our units,
including:
•
|
stabilizing
transactions;
|
•
|
syndicate
covering transactions;
|
•
|
imposition
of penalty bids; and
|
•
|
purchases
to cover positions created by short
sales.
|
Stabilizing
transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing
or
retarding a decline in the market price of our units while this offering
is in
progress. Stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of our
units,
which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of units
than
they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing units from
us or
on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales
may be
“covered” shorts, which are short positions in an amount
not
greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units referred to
above, or may be “naked” shorts, which are short positions in excess of that
amount. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of our common
stock in
the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover
syndicate short positions.
The
underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising
their
option to purchase additional units, in whole or in part, or by purchasing
units
in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will
consider, among other things, the price of units available for purchase
in the
open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase
units
through the over-allotment option.
A
naked
short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned
that there may be downward pressure on the price of the units in the open
market
that could adversely affect investors who purchased in this offering. To
the
extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase
units in the open market to cover the position.
The
representative also may impose a penalty bid on underwriters and dealers
participating in the offering. This means that the representative may reclaim
from any syndicate members or other dealers participating in the offering
the
underwriting discount or selling concession on units sold by them and purchased
by the representative in stabilizing or short covering
transactions.
These
activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price
of our
units or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our units.
As
a result of these activities, the price of our units may be higher than
the
price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters
commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The
underwriters may carry out these transactions on the American Stock Exchange,
in
the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Pursuant
to Regulation M promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act, the distribution
of the units will end and this offering will be completed when all of the
units,
including any over-allotted units, have been distributed. Because the
underwriters have agreed that they may only exercise the over-allotment
option
to cover any short position that they may have, exercise of the
over-allotment option by the underwriters will not affect the completion
of the
distribution of the units.
Discretionary
Accounts
The
underwriters have informed us that they do not expect to make sales to
accounts
over which they exercise discretionary authority in excess of 5% of the
units.
IPO
Pricing
Prior
to
this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The
initial
public offering price was negotiated between us and the underwriters. Among
the
factors considered in these negotiations were:
•
|
the
history of, and prospects for companies whose principal business
is the
acquisition of other businesses;
|
•
|
prior
offerings of those companies;
|
•
|
our
prospects for acquiring an operating business at attractive
values;
|
•
|
an
assessment of our executive officers and their experience in
identifying
target businesses and structuring
acquisitions;
|
•
|
general
conditions of the securities markets at the time of the
offering;
|
•
|
the
likely competition for target
businesses;
|
•
|
the
likely number of potential targets;
and
|
•
|
our
executive officers’ estimate of our operating expenses for the next 24
months.
|
Lock-up
Agreement
Our
executive officers, directors and existing stockholders have entered
into a
lock-up agreement with the underwriters. Under the terms of this agreement,
and
other than in respect of the co-investment units, we may not issue any
new
units, shares of common stock or warrants, or publicly announce the intention
to
do any of the foregoing, without the prior written consent of Banc of
America
Securities LLC, until or in connection with the consummation of our initial
business combination. Additionally, subject to certain limited
exceptions, our executive officers, directors and existing stockholders
have
agreed not to enter into any agreement to sell or transfer any of their
common
stock held prior to the completion of this offering, if any, until one
year
after the consummation of our initial business combination, and any of
their
private placement warrants, if any, until after the consummation of our
initial
business combination. These exceptions include transfers to permitted
transferees, charitable organizations and trusts for estate planning
purposes,
transfers to our other officers and directors, transfers pursuant to
a qualified
domestic relations order and in the event of a merger, capital stock
exchange,
stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar transaction which
results in
all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of
common
stock or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent
to
our consummation of our initial business combination. This consent
may be given at any time without public notice. However, if (1) during
the last
17 days of the applicable lock-up period, we issue material news or a
material
event relating to us occurs or (2) before the expiration of the applicable
lock-up period, we announce that material news or a material event will
occur
during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the applicable
lock-up
period, the applicable lock-up period will be extended for up to 18 days
beginning on the issuance of the material news or the occurrence of the
material
event.
Selling
Restrictions
Each
underwriter intends to comply with all applicable laws and regulations
in each
jurisdiction in which it acquires, offers, sells or delivers securities
or has
in its possession or distributes this prospectus.
In
relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has
implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), with
effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is
implemented in that Relevant Member State an offer of the securities to
the
public may not be made in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication
of
a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the
competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate,
approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent
authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus
Directive, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State
of
any securities may be made at any time under the following exemptions under
the
Prospectus Directive if they have been implemented in the Relevant Member
State:
(a) to
legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial
markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose
is solely
to invest in securities;
(b) to
any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250
employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of
more than
€43,000,000; and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown
in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or
(c) in
any other circumstances falling within Article 3 (2) of the Prospectus
Directive,
provided
that no such offer of securities shall result in a requirement for the
publication by us or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article
3 of
the Prospectus Directive.
For
the
purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the
public” in relation to any securities in any Relevant Member State means the
communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on
the
terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an
investor
to decide to purchase or subscribe the securities, as the same may be varied
in
that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive
in that
Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC
and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member
State.
No
prospectus (including any amendment, supplement or replacement thereto)
has been
prepared in connection with the offering of the securities that has been
approved by the Autorité des marchés financiers or by the competent authority of
another State that is a contracting party to the Agreement on the European
Economic Area and notified to the Autorité des marchés financiers; no securities
have been offered or sold and will be offered or sold, directly or indirectly,
to the public in France except to permitted investors (“Permitted Investors”)
consisting of persons licensed to provide the investment service of portfolio
management for the account of third parties, qualified investors (investisseurs
qualifiés) acting for their own account and/or investors belonging to a limited
circle of investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs) acting for their own
account, with “qualified investors” and “limited circle of investors” having the
meaning ascribed to them in Articles L. 411-2, D. 411-1, D. 411-2, D. 411-4,
D.
734-1, D. 744-1, D. 754-1 and D. 764-1 of the French Code Monétaire et Financier
and applicable regulations thereunder; none of this prospectus or any
other materials related to the offering or information contained therein
relating to the securities has been released, issued or distributed to
the
public in France except to Permitted Investors; and the direct or
indirect resale to the public in France of any securities acquired by any
Permitted Investors may be made only as provided by Articles L. 411-1,
L. 411-2,
L. 412-1 and L. 621-8 to L. 621-8-3 of the French Code Monétaire et Financier
and applicable regulations thereunder.
In
addition:
|
•
|
an
invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within
the
meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act
2000 (the
“FSMA”)) has only been communicated or caused to be
communicated and will only be communicated or caused to be communicated
)
in connection with the issue or sale of the securities in circumstances
in
which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us;
and
|
|
•
|
all
applicable provisions of the FSMA have been complied with and
will be
complied with, with respect to anything done in relation to the
securities in, from or otherwise involving the United
Kingdom.
|
This
document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons
who
are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling
within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial
Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth entities, and other
persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article
49(2)(a)
to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant
persons”). The securities are only available to, and any invitation,
offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities
will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not
a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its
contents.
The
offering of the units has not been cleared by the Italian Securities Exchange
Commission (Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa, the “CONSOB”)
pursuant to Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, the units
may not
and will not be offered, sold or delivered, nor may or will copies of the
prospectus or any other documents relating to the units be distributed
in Italy,
except (i) to professional investors (operatori qualificati), as
defined in Article 31, second paragraph, of CONSOB Regulation No. 11522
of July
1, 1998, as amended, (the “Regulation No. 11522”), or (ii) in other
circumstances which are exempted from the rules on solicitation of investments
pursuant to Article 100 of Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998
(the
“Financial Service Act”) and Article 33, first paragraph, of CONSOB Regulation
No. 11971 of May 14, 1999, as amended.
Any
offer, sale or delivery of the units or distribution of copies of the prospectus
or any other document relating to the units in Italy may and will be effected
in
accordance with all Italian securities, tax, exchange control and other
applicable laws and regulations, and, in particular, will be: (i) made
by an
investment firm, bank or financial intermediary permitted to conduct such
activities in Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, Legislative
Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, as amended (the “Italian Banking Law”),
Regulation No. 11522, and any other applicable laws and regulations; (ii)
in
compliance with Article 129 of the Italian Banking Law and the implementing
guidelines of the Bank of Italy; and (iii) in compliance with any other
applicable notification requirement or limitation which may be imposed
by CONSOB
or the Bank of Italy.
Any
investor purchasing the units in the offering is solely responsible for
ensuring
that any offer or resale of the units it purchased in the offering occurs
in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
This
prospectus and the information contained herein are intended only for the
use of
its recipient and, unless in circumstances which are exempted from the
rules on
solicitation of investments pursuant to Article 100 of the “Financial Service
Act” and Article 33, first paragraph, of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of May
14,
1999, as amended, is not to be distributed, for any reason, to any third
party
resident or located in Italy. No person resident or located in Italy other
than
the original recipients of this document may rely on it or its
content.
Italy
has
only partially implemented the Prospectus Directive and the provisions
regarding
“European Economic Area” above shall apply with respect to Italy only to the
extent that the relevant provisions of the Prospectus Directive have already
been implemented in Italy.
Insofar
as the requirements above are based on laws which are superseded at any
time
pursuant to the implementation of the Prospectus Directive, such requirements
shall be replaced by the applicable requirements under the Prospectus
Directive.
Conflicts/Affiliates
The
underwriters and their affiliates have provided, and may in the future
provide,
various investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services
for
certain of our affiliates for which services they have received, and may
in the
future receive, customary fees.
Indemnification
We
will
indemnify the underwriters against some liabilities, including liabilities
under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and state securities legislation.
If we
are unable to provide this indemnification, we will contribute to payments
the
underwriters may be required to make in respect of those
liabilities.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Sidley
Austin LLP
will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this prospectus
for
us. Certain legal matters with respect to this offering will be
passed upon for the underwriters by Bingham McCutchen LLP.
EXPERTS
The
financial statements of NRDC Acquisition Corp. as of July 13, 2007 and
for the
period from July 10, 2007 (date of inception) through July 13, 2007 appearing
in
this prospectus and in the registration statement have been included in
this
prospectus and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report
of
Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP , independent registered public accounting
firm,
given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing
in
giving said reports.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We
have
filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1, which includes
exhibits, schedules and amendments, under the Securities Act, with respect
to
this offering of our securities. Although this prospectus, which
forms a part of the registration statement, contains all material information
included in the registration statement, parts of the registration statement
have
been omitted as permitted by rules and regulations of the SEC. We
refer you to the registration statement and its exhibits for further information
about us, our securities and this offering. The registration
statement and its exhibits, as well as our other reports filed with the
SEC, can
be inspected and copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information about
the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site at
http://www.sec.gov which contains the Form S-1 and other reports, proxy
and
information statements and information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the SEC.
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Index
to
Financial Statements
|
|
Page
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
F-2
|
|
|
|
Financial
Statements
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
Sheet as of July 13, 2007
|
|
F-3
|
|
|
|
Statement
of Operations for the period from July 10, 2007 (inception) to
July 13,
2007
|
|
F-4
|
|
|
|
Statement
of Stockholders’ Equity for the period from July 10, 2007 (inception) to
July 13, 2007
|
|
F-5
|
|
|
|
Statement
of Cash Flows for the period from July 10, 2007 (inception) to
July 13,
2007
|
|
F-6
|
|
|
|
Notes
to Financial Statements for the period from July 10, 2007 (inception)
to
July 13, 2007
|
|
F-7
|
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the
Board of Directors and Stockholder
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
We
have
audited the accompanying balance sheet of NRDC Acquisition Corp., a corporation
in the development stage, (the Company) as of July 13, 2007, and the related
statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash flows for the period
from July 10, 2007 (inception) to July 13, 2007. These financial statements
are
the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that
we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all
material respects, the financial position of NRDC Acquisition Corp. as
of July
13, 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
period
from July 10, 2007 (inception) to July 13, 2007 in conformity with United
States
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/
Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP
GOLDSTEIN
GOLUB KESSLER LLP
New
York,
New York
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Balance
Sheet
July
13, 2007
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Current
asset - Cash
|
|
$
|
225,000
|
|
Deferred
offering costs
|
|
|
19,037
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholder’s Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
$
|
731
|
|
Accrued
offering costs
|
|
|
19,037
|
|
Note
payable to affiliate
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
219,768
|
|
|
Commitments
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholder’s
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
authorized;
none issued and outstanding
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common
Stock, $0.0001 par value, 106,000,000 shares
|
|
|
|
|
authorized;
8,625,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
862
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
24,138
|
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(731
|
)
|
Total
stockholder’s equity
|
|
|
24,269
|
|
Total
liabilities and stockholder’s equity
|
|
$
|
244,037
|
|
See
notes
to financial statements.
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Statement
of Operations
For
the period from July 10, 2007 (inception) to July 13, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
Formation
costs
|
|
$
|
731
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(731
|
)
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding – basic and diluted
|
|
|
8,625,000
|
|
See
notes
to financial statements.
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Statement
of Stockholder’s Equity
For
the period from July 10, 2007 (Inception) to July 13, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
|
Additional
Paid-In
|
|
|
During
the Development
|
|
|
Stockholder’s
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Stage
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
Sale
of shares at approximately $0.003 per share on July 13,
2007
|
|
8,625,000
|
|
|
$
|
862
|
|
|
$
|
24,138
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(731
|
)
|
|
|
(731
|
)
|
Balances
at July 13, 2007
|
|
8,625,000
|
|
|
$
|
862
|
|
|
$
|
24,138
|
|
|
$
|
(731
|
)
|
|
$
|
24,269
|
|
|
See
notes
to financial statements.
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Statement
of Cash Flows
For
the period from July 10, 2007 (Inception) to July 13, 2007
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(731
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss
to net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
in accrued
expenses
|
|
|
731
|
|
Net
cash used in operating
activities
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from note payable to
affiliate
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Proceeds
from sale of
stock
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing
activities
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
Net
increase in cash
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
Cash
at beginning of period
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cash
at end of period
|
|
$
|
225,000
|
|
Supplemental
schedule of non-cash financing activities
Accrual
of deferred offering costs
|
|
$
|
19,037
|
|
See
notes
to financial statements.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Notes
to Financial Statements
Note
1 — Organization and Nature of Business Operations
NRDC
Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated on July
10, 2007 for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange,
stock
purchase, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with
one or
more existing operating businesses.
At
July
13, 2007, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity through
July 13, 2007 relates to the Company’s formation and of the proposed public
offering described below. The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal
year end.
The
Company’s ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate
financial resources through a proposed public offering (“Proposed Offering”)
which is discussed in Note 3. The Company’s management has broad discretion with
respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of this Proposed
Offering, although substantially all of the net proceeds of the Proposed
Offering are intended to be applied toward effecting a merger, capital
stock
exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar business
combination. As used herein, a “Business Combination” shall mean the acquisition
of one or more businesses that at the time of the Company’s initial business
combination has a fair market value of at least 80.0% of the Company’s assets
held in the trust account excluding the deferred underwriting discounts
and
commissions from the proposed offering of $10,500,000 ($12,075,000 if the
over-allotment option is exercised in full) and taxes payable.
Upon
closing of the Proposed Offering, approximately 98.5% of the proceeds ($296.5
million, or $339.9 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in
full) of
this offering will be placed in a trust account invested until the earlier
of
(i) the consummation of the Company’s first Business Combination or (ii) the
liquidation of the Company. The proceeds in the trust account include the
deferred underwriting discount of $10,500,000 ($12,075,000 if the over-allotment
option is exercised in full) that will be released to the underwriters
on
completion of a Business Combination (subject to a $0.35 per share reduction
for
public stockholders who exercise their conversion rights). Interest (after
taxes) earned on assets held in the trust account will remain in the trust
account. However, up to $2.25 million of the after tax interest earned
on the
trust account may be released to the Company to cover a portion of the
Company’s
operating expenses.
The
Company will seek stockholder approval before it will effect any Business
Combination. “Public Stockholders” is defined as the holders of common stock
sold as part of the units in the Proposed Offering or in the aftermarket.
The
Company will proceed with a Business Combination only if a majority of
the
shares of common stock voted by the Public Stockholders are voted in favor
of
the Business Combination and Public Stockholders owning less than 30% of
the
shares sold in the Public Offering vote against the Business Combination
and
exercise their right to convert their shares into a pro rata share of the
aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account and a majority of
the
outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock vote in favor of an amendment
to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to provide
for its perpetual existence.
If
a
Business Combination is approved and completed, Public Stockholders voting
against a Business Combination will be entitled to convert their stock
into a
pro rata share of the total amount on deposit in the trust account including
the
deferred underwriters’ discount, and including any interest earned on their
portion of the trust account, net of up to $2.25 million of the after tax
interest earned on the trust account which may be released to the Company
to
cover a portion of the Company’s operating expenses. Public Stockholders who
convert their stock into their share of the trust account will continue
to have
the right to exercise any warrants they may hold.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Notes
to Financial Statements
The
Company will liquidate and promptly distribute only to its Public Stockholders
the amount in the trust account, less any income taxes payable on interest
income, plus any remaining net assets if the Company does not effect a
Business
Combination within 24 months after consummation of the Proposed Offering.
In the
event of liquidation, it is likely that the per share value of the residual
assets remaining available for distribution (including trust account assets)
will be less than the initial public offering price per share in the Proposed
Offering (assuming no value is attributed to the Warrants contained in
the units
to be offered in the Proposed Offering discussed in Note 3.)
Note
2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Loss
per Common Share
Loss
per
share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders
by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
period.
Concentration
of credit risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit
risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which at times
exceeds
the Federal depository insurance coverage of $100,000. The Company
has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the
Company
is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management
to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income
taxes
Deferred
income taxes are provided for the differences between the bases of assets
and
liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A
valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax
assets
to the amount expected to be realized. The Company has recorded a
deferred tax asset for the tax effect of temporary differences of
$249. In recognition of the uncertainty regarding the ultimate amount
of income tax benefits to be derived, the Company has recorded a full valuation
allowance at July 13, 2007.
The
effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 34% due to the increase
in
the valuation allowance.
Deferred
offering costs
Deferred
offering costs consist of legal costs of $19,037 incurred through the balance
sheet date that are related to the Proposed Offering and that will be charged
to
capital upon completion of the Proposed Offering or charged to expense
if the
Proposed Offering is not completed.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Notes
to Financial Statements
Recently
issued accounting pronouncements
The
Company does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective,
accounting pronouncements if currently adopted would have a material effect
on
the accompanying financial statements.
Note
3 — Proposed Public Offering
The
Proposed Offering calls for the Company to offer for public sale 30,000,000
units (“Units”) at a price of $10.00 per unit. Each Unit consists of one share
of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, and one warrant. Each warrant
will entitle the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common
stock
at an exercise price of $7.50, commencing the later of the completion of
a
Business Combination or one year from the date of this prospectus and expiring
four years from the date of this prospectus, unless earlier redeemed. The
warrants will be redeemable at the Company’s option, at a price of $0.01 per
warrant upon 30 days’ written notice after the warrants become exercisable, only
in the event that the last sale price of the common stock is at least $14.25
per
share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending on
the third
business day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is
given.
In
accordance with the warrant agreement relating to the warrants to be sold
and
issued in the Proposed Offering, the Company is only required to use its
best
efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement covering
the
warrants. The Company will not be obligated to deliver securities,
and there are no contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities,
if a
registration statement is not effective at the time of
exercise. Additionally, in the event that a registration is not
effective at the time of exercise, the holder of such warrant shall not
be
entitled to exercise such warrant and in no event (whether in the case
of a
registration statement not being effective or otherwise) will the Company
be
required to net cash settle the warrant exercise. Consequently, the
warrants may expire unexercised and unredeemed.
The
Company will pay the underwriters in the Proposed Offering an underwriting
discount of 7% of the gross proceeds of the Proposed
Offering. However, the underwriters have agreed that 3.5% of the
underwriting discounts will not be payable unless and until the Company
completes a Business Combination and have waived their right to receive
such
payment upon the Company’s liquidation if it is unable to complete a Business
Combination.
Note
4 — Note Payable to Affiliate and Related Party
Transactions
The
Company issued an aggregate $200,000 unsecured promissory note to NRDC
Capital
Management, LLC on July 13, 2007. The note is non-interest bearing and
is
payable on the earlier of the consummation of the offering by the Company
or
July 13, 2009. As of July 13, 2007, NRDC Capital Management, LLC, owned
all of
the outstanding equity interests in the Company.
Note
5 — Commitments
The
Company has agreed to pay up to $7,500 a month in total for office space
and
general and administrative services to NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC,
the
parent and sole member of NRDC Capital Management, LLC. Services will commence
on the effective date of the offering and will terminate upon the earlier
of (i)
the completion of the Business Combination, or (ii) the Company’s
liquidation.
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC, the Company’s sole stockholder, has agreed to acquire
warrants to purchase 8,000,000 shares of common stock from the Company
at a
price of $1.00 per warrant for a total of $8,000,000 in a private placement
prior to the completion of this offering. NRDC Capital Management, LLC
has
further agreed that it will not sell or transfer these warrants until after
the
Company consummates a
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
(a
corporation in the development stage)
Notes
to Financial Statements
Business
Combination. The purchase price of the private placement
warrants approximates the fair value of such warrants.
Our
sponsor has agreed to purchase from us an aggregate of 2,000,000 of our
units at
a price of $10.00 per unit for an aggregate purchase price of $20,000,000
in a
private placement that will occur immediately prior to the consummation
of our
initial business combination. Each unit will consist of one share of
common stock and one warrant.
Note
6 — Common Stock
As
of
July 13, 2007, 8,625,000 shares of common stock are outstanding, held by
one
stockholder, NRDC Capital Management, LLC. On July 13, 2007, the Company
issued
8,625,000 shares to NRDC Capital Management, LLC for $25,000 in cash, at
an
average purchase price of approximately $0.003 per share. If the over-allotment
option is not exercised in full, NRDC Capital Management, LLC will forfeit
the
number of shares necessary to cause NRDC Capital Management, LLC to maintain
a
20% ownership of the common shares after the Proposed Offering. NRDC Capital
Management, LLC will forfeit 1,125,000 shares to the extent that the
underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised.
Note
7 — Preferred Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 5,000 shares of preferred stock with such
designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined
from
time to time by the Board of Directors.
Note
8 — Subsequent Events
On
September 4, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a 6 for 5 stock
split with respect to all outstanding shares of the Company’s common
stock. On September 4, 2007, the Company’s Certificate of
Incorporation was amended to increase the authorized shares of common stock
from
70,000,000 to 106,000,000 shares of common stock. All references in the
accompanying financial statements to the number of shares of stock have
been
retroactively restated to reflect these transactions.
In
September 2007, the Company and underwriters amended certain terms of the
Proposed Offering. All disclosures herein reflect the amended
terms.
Until
[ ], 2007, all dealers that
effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating
in this
offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in
addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or
subscriptions.
No
dealer, salesperson, or any other person is authorized to give any information
or make any representations in connection with this offering other than
those
contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, the information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by
us. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any jurisdiction
in
which the offer or solicitation is not authorized or is
unlawful.
$300,000,000
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
30,000,000
Units
______________________________
Prospectus
[ ]
, 2007
______________________________
Banc
of America Securities LLC
PART II
INFORMATION
NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other
Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The
estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the offering described
in
this registration statement (other than underwriting discounts and commissions)
will be as follows:
Initial
Trustee’s fee
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
(1) |
SEC
Registration Fee
|
|
|
18,536
|
|
FINRA
filing fee
|
|
|
60,875
|
|
American
Stock Exchange filing and listing fee
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
Accounting
fees and expenses
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
Printing
and engraving expenses
|
|
|
90,000
|
|
Directors
and Officers liability insurance premiums
|
|
|
300,000 |
(2) |
Legal
fees and expenses
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
100,000 |
(3) |
Total
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
In
addition to the initial acceptance fee that is charged by Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee, the registrant will be
required to pay to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company annual
fees of $_______ for acting as trustee, as transfer agent of
the
registrant’s common stock, as warrant agent for the registrant’s
warrants.
|
(2)
|
This
amount represents the approximate amount of director and officer
liability
insurance premiums the registrant anticipates paying over two
years
following the consummation of its initial public offering and
until it
consummates a business combination.
|
(3)
|
This
amount represents additional expenses that may be incurred by
the
registrant in connection with the offering over and above those
specifically listed above, including distribution and mailing
costs.
|
Item 14. Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
Our
second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that
all
directors, officers, employees and agents of the registrant shall be entitled
to
be indemnified by us to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law.
Section 145
of the Delaware
General Corporation Law concerning indemnification of officers, directors,
employees and agents is set forth below.
“Section 145. Indemnification
of officers, directors, employees and agents; insurance.
A
corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason
of the
fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as
a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding
if the
person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed
to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect
to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the
person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or
proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of
nolo
contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption
that
the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation,
and,
with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause
to
believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful.
A
corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
or
suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its
favor by
reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee
or
agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with
the
defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good
faith
and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to the
best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall
be
made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall
have
been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent
that
the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability
but
in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery
or such other court shall deem proper.
To
the
extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has
been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or
in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in connection therewith.
Any
indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless
ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized
in the
specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present
or former
director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because
the
person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections
(a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be
made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time
of such
determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties
to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or
(2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such
directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such
directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel
in a
written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
Expenses
(including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding
may
be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such
action,
suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such
director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined
that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as
authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees)
incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents
may be
so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems
appropriate.
The
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant
to,
the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other
rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses
may be
entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and
as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
A
corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf
of any
person who is or was director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation,
or
is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust
or
other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and
incurred
by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as
such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify
such
person against such liability under this section.
For
purposes of this section, references to “the corporation” shall include, in
addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including
any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger
which,
if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority
to
indemnify
its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who
is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation,
or
is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this
section
with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would
have
with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence
had
continued.
For
purposes of this section, references to “other enterprises” shall include
employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes
assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references
to “serving at the request of the corporation” shall include any service as a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties
on,
or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with
respect
to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person
who
acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to
be in the
interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan
shall
be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation” as referred to in this section.
The
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant
to,
this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified,
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee
or
agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators
of such a person.
The
Court
of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine
all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under
this
section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily
determine a corporation’s obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys’
fees).”
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may
be
permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant
to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion
of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
of
expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person
in a
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being
registered, we will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has
been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to the court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
Paragraph A
of Article Ninth of our second amended and restated certificate of
incorporation provides:
“The
Corporation, to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the GCL, as
amended
from time to time, shall indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant
thereto. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer
or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative
action, suit or proceeding for which such officer or director may be entitled
to
indemnification hereunder shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of
the
final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount
if
it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified
by
the Corporation as authorized hereby.”
Pursuant
to the Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration
Statement, we have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and the underwriters
have agreed to indemnify us against certain civil liabilities that may
be
incurred in connection with this offering, including certain liabilities
under
the Securities Act.
Item 15. Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Since
our
inception on July 10, 2007, we sold 8,625,000 shares of common stock (after
giving effect to our 6 for 5 stock split effected on September 4, 2007)
without
registration under the Securities Act:
|
Stockholders
|
|
Number
of Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
|
|
8,625,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Such
shares were issued on July 13, 2007 in connection with our organization
pursuant
to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities
Act as they were sold to sophisticated, accredited entities. The
shares issued to the entity above were sold for an aggregate offering price
of
$25,000 at an average purchase price of approximately $0.003 per
share. Of these shares, 1,125,000 are subject to forfeiture to the
extent the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment
option.
In
addition, our officers and directors have committed to purchase from us
8,000,000 warrants at $1.00 per warrant (for an aggregate purchase price
of
$8,000,000). These purchases will take place on a private placement
basis immediately prior to the consummation of our initial public
offering. These issuances will be made pursuant to the exemption from
registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The
obligation to purchase the warrants undertaken by the above individuals
was made
pursuant to a Subscription Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2007 (the form
of
which was filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1). Such obligation was made prior to the filing of the
Registration Statement, and the only conditions to the obligation undertaken
by
such individuals are conditions outside of the investor’s
control. Consequently, the investment decision relating to the
purchase of the warrants was made prior to the filing of the Registration
Statement relating to the public offering and therefore constitutes a “completed
private placement.”
No
underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such
sales.
Item 16. Exhibits
and Financial Statement Schedules.
The
following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration
Statement:
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
Form
of Underwriting Agreement
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Second
Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation*
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
By-Laws*
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen
Unit Certificate
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Specimen
Common Stock Certificate*
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Specimen
Warrant Certificate
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Form
of Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company and the Registrant
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Opinion
of Sidley Austin LLP
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and William
L. Mack
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Robert
C. Baker
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Richard
A. Baker
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Lee S.
Neibart
|
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Michael
J. Indiveri
|
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Edward
H. Meyer
|
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Laura
Pomerantz
|
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Vincent
Tese
|
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Ronald
W. Tysoe
|
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Form
of Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental
Stock
Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
Form
of Letter Agreement between NRDC Capital Management, LLC and
the
Registrant regarding office space and administrative
services*
|
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
Promissory
Note issued by the Registrant to NRDC Capital Management,
LLC*
|
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant and
NRDC Capital
Management, LLC
|
|
|
|
10.15
|
|
Subscription
Agreement between the Registrant and NRDC Capital Management,
LLC*
|
|
|
|
10.16
|
|
Private
Placement Warrant Purchase Agreement between the Registrant
and NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
|
|
|
|
10.17
|
|
Form
of Right of First Offer Agreement among the Registrant and
NRDC Capital
Management, LLC, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC, NRDC Equity
Partners,
William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker, Lee S.
Neibart,
Michael J. Indiveri, Edward H. Meyer, Laura Pomerantz, Vincent
Tese and
Ronald W. Tysoe
|
|
|
|
10.18
|
|
Co-investment
Agreement between the Registrant and NRDC Capital Management,
LLC
|
|
|
|
10.19
|
|
Letter
Agreement between the Registrant and Apollo Real Estate
Advisors
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
Code
of Ethics*
|
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
Consent
of Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP
|
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
Consent
of Sidley Austin LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
Power
of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration
statement)
|
|
|
|
99.1
|
|
Audit
Committee Charter*
|
|
|
|
99.2
|
|
Nominating
Committee Charter*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
Previously filed
|
|
Item
17. Undertakings.
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
To
file,
during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement:
To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act
of
1933;
To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
date
of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change
in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the
low or
high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the
form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change
in
the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of
Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
and
To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
to
such information in the registration statement.
That,
for
the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
To
remove
from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
That,
for
the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities
Act
of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities, the
undersigned registrant understands that in a primary offering of securities
of
the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless
of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser,
if the
securities are
offered
or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications,
the
undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered
to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
Any
preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating
to
the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
Any
free
writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of
the
undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned
registrant;
The
portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing
material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities
provided
by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
Any
other
communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned
registrant to the purchaser.
The
undersigned hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing
specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations
and
registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt
delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has
been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
For
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or
497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
For
the
purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
each
post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial
bona fide offering thereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the
requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in The City of New York, NY, on the 27th day of September,
2007.
|
NRDC
ACQUISITION
CORP. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ Richard
A.
Baker
|
|
|
|
Richard
A.
Baker
|
|
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
(Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
POWER
OF ATTORNEY
KNOW
ALL
MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Richard A. Baker his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and
in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement (and
to any
registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities
Act of
1933, as amended), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority
to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done,
as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his
substitute, each acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
and
on the date indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
William
L. Mack
|
|
Chairman
of the Board
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Robert
C. Baker
|
|
Vice
Chairman of the Board
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Richard
A. Baker
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer,
principal
accounting officer and principal financial officer)
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Lee
S. Neibart
|
|
President
and Director
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Michael
J. Indiveri
|
|
Director
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Edward
H. Meyer
|
|
Director
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Laura
Pomerantz
|
|
Director
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Vincent
Tese
|
|
Director
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
Ronald
W. Tysoe
|
|
Director
|
|
September
27, 2007
|
*By:
|
/s/ Richard
A.
Baker
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard
A. Baker
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attorney-in-Fact
|
|
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EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
No.
|
Description
|
|
|
1.1
|
Form
of Underwriting Agreement
|
|
|
3.1
|
Second
Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation*
|
|
|
3.2
|
By-Laws*
|
|
|
4.1
|
Specimen
Unit Certificate
|
|
|
4.2
|
Specimen
Common Stock Certificate*
|
|
|
4.3
|
Specimen
Warrant Certificate
|
|
|
4.4
|
Form
of Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company and the Registrant
|
|
|
5.1
|
Opinion
of Sidley Austin LLP
|
|
|
10.1
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
|
|
|
10.2
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and William
L. Mack
|
|
|
10.3
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Robert
C. Baker
|
|
|
10.4
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Richard
A. Baker
|
|
|
10.5
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Lee S.
Neibart
|
|
|
10.6
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Michael
J. Indiveri
|
|
|
10.7
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Edward
H. Meyer
|
|
|
10.8
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Laura
Pomerantz
|
|
|
10.9
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Vincent
Tese
|
|
|
10.10
|
Letter
Agreement among the Registrant, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Ronald
W. Tysoe
|
|
|
10.11
|
Form
of Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental
Stock
Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant
|
|
|
10.12
|
Form
of Letter Agreement between NRDC Capital Management, LLC and
the
Registrant regarding office space and administrative
services*
|
|
|
10.13
|
Promissory
Note issued by the Registrant to NRDC Capital Management,
LLC*
|
|
|
10.14
|
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant and
NRDC Capital
Management, LLC
|
|
|
10.15
|
Subscription
Agreement between the Registrant and NRDC Capital Management,
LLC*
|
|
|
10.16
|
Private
Placement Warrant Purchase Agreement between the Registrant
and NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
|
|
|
10.17
|
Form
of Right of First Offer Agreement among the Registrant and
NRDC Capital
Management, LLC, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC, NRDC Equity
Partners,
William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker, Lee S.
Neibart,
Michael J. Indiveri, Edward H. Meyer, Laura Pomerantz, Vincent
Tese and
Ronald W. Tysoe
|
|
|
10.18
|
Co-investment
Agreement between the Registrant and NRDC Capital Management,
LLC*
|
|
|
10.19
|
Letter
Agreement between the Registrant and Apollo Real Estate
Advisors
|
|
|
14
|
Code
of Ethics*
|
|
|
23.1
|
Consent
of Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP
|
|
|
23.2
|
Consent
of Sidley Austin LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
|
|
|
24
|
Power
of Attorney (included on the signature page of this registration
statement)
|
|
|
99.1
|
Audit
Committee Charter*
|
|
|
99.2
|
Nominating
Committee Charter*
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Previously
filed
|
efc7-2356_6309388ex11.htm
Exhibit
1.1
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
30,000,000
Units
UNDERWRITING
AGREEMENT
dated
[___]
Banc
of America Securities LLC
Underwriting
Agreement
[Date]
BANC
OF
AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
9
West
57th
Street
New
York
, NY 10019
As
Representative of the several Underwriters
Ladies
and Gentlemen:
Introductory. NRDC
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to
issue and sell to the several underwriters named in Schedule A (the
“Underwriters”) an aggregate of 30,000,000 units (the “Firm
Units”). In addition, the Company has granted to the Underwriters
an option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 units (the “Optional
Units”), as provided in Section 2. The Firm Units and, if and to
the extent such option is exercised, the Optional Units are collectively
called
the “Units.” Banc of America Securities LLC (“BAS”) has
agreed to act as representative of the several Underwriters (in such capacity,
the “Representative”) in connection with the offering and sale of the
Units. To the extent there are no additional Underwriters listed on
Schedule A other than BAS, the terms Representative and Underwriters as
used herein shall mean BAS, as Underwriters. The terms Representative
and Underwriters shall mean either the singular or plural as the context
requires.
Each
Unit
consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
(the “Common Stock”), and one warrant to purchase one share of Common
Stock (the “Warrant(s)”). The Units, the Common Stock and the
Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the
“Securities.” Each Warrant entitles its holder, upon exercise,
to purchase one share of Common Stock for $7.50 during the period commencing
on
the later of the consummation of an initial Business Combination (as defined
herein) or [·],
2008, and terminating on [·], 2011
or earlier
upon redemption of such Warrants by the Company or the Company’s Liquidation (as
defined herein). As used herein, (i) the term “Business
Combination” (as described more fully in the Prospectus) shall mean an
acquisition by the Company, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock
purchase, asset acquisition or other similar business combination, of one
or
more operating businesses, and (ii) the term “Liquidation” (as described
more fully in the Prospectus) shall mean the Company’s winding up of its affairs
and liquidation if the Company has not consummated an initial Business
Combination prior to the date that is 24 months from the date of the Prospectus
(as defined in Section 1(A)(a) below).
The
Company has entered into an Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated
as of
[·], 2007,
with
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“CST&T”), as trustee,
in the form of Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement (the “Trust
Agreement”), pursuant to which $296,450,589 of the proceeds ($339,875,589 if
the Underwriters exercise their option to purchase the Optional Units in
full)
received by the Company for the Units (including deferred underwriting discounts
and commissions of $10,500,000, or $12,075,000 if the Underwriters exercise
their option to purchase the Optional Units in full) and in connection with
the
Warrant Private Placement Agreement (as defined herein) will be deposited
and
held in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) for the benefit of holders
of any of the Securities offered to the public pursuant to this
Agreement.
The
Company has entered into a Warrant Agreement, dated as of [·], 2007,
with
respect to the Warrants, the Sponsor’s Warrants (as defined herein) and the
Co-Investment Warrants (as defined herein) with CST&T, as warrant agent, in
the form of Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration Statement (the “Warrant
Agreement”), pursuant to which CST&T will act as warrant agent in
connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange, redemption,
and
exercise of the Warrants, the Sponsor’s Warrants and the Co-Investment
Warrants.
The
Company has entered into a Subscription Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2007,
with NRDC Capital Management, LLC (the “Sponsor”), in the form of Exhibit
10.15 to the Registration Statement (the “Subscription Agreement”),
pursuant to which the Sponsor has purchased an aggregate of 8,625,000 (after
giving effect to a 6 for 5 stock split of the Company’s Common Stock effected on
September 4, 2007) shares of Common Stock (the “Sponsor Common Stock”),
for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. The Sponsor Common Stock
is identical to the Common Stock included in the Units except (i) the Sponsor
has agreed (and its Permitted Transferees (as defined herein) shall agree)
not
to sell or otherwise transfer the Sponsor Common Stock, other than to Permitted
Transferees until one (1) year following the consummation of the Company’s
initial Business Combination; (ii) the Sponsor will be entitled to certain
registration rights with respect to the Sponsor Common Stock pursuant to
the
Registration Rights Agreement (as defined herein); (iii) the Sponsor has
agreed
to vote the Sponsor Common Stock in the same manner as the shares cast by
a
majority of the public stockholders in connection with the vote required
to
approve the Company’s initial Business Combination and to amend the Company’s
charter to provide for the Company’s perpetual existence; (iv) the Sponsor will
not be able to exercise conversion rights (as described more fully in the
Prospectus) with respect to the Sponsor Common Stock; and (v) the Sponsor
has
agreed to waive its rights to participate in any liquidating distributions
with
respect to the Sponsor Common Stock in the event of a Liquidation. As
used herein, the term “Permitted Transferees” shall mean the Sponsor’s
members or former members and members of their immediate families or their
controlled affiliates.
The
Company has entered into a Warrant Private Placement Agreement, dated as
of [•],
2007, with the Sponsor, in the form of Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration
Statement (the “Warrant Private Placement Agreement”), pursuant to which
the Sponsor has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants, each
entitling the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock (the “Sponsor’s
Warrants”), for $1.00 per Sponsor’s Warrant, for an aggregate purchase price
of $8,000,000. The Sponsor’s Warrants are identical to the Warrants
included in the Units, except (i) the Sponsor’s Warrants are exercisable on a
cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its Permitted
Transferees; (ii) the Sponsor has agreed (and its Permitted Transferees shall
agree) not to sell or otherwise transfer the Sponsor’s Warrants, other than to
Permitted Transferees, until after the Company consummates its initial Business
Combination; (iii) the Sponsor’s Warrants will not be exercisable unless a
registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the Warrants sold in the public offering is effective and a
prospectus is available for use by the public Warrant holders; and (iv) the
Sponsor will be entitled to certain registration rights with respect to the
Sponsor’s Warrants and the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Sponsor’s
Warrants pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.
The
Company has entered into a Co-Investment Agreement, dated as of [•], 2007, with
the Sponsor, in the form of Exhibit 10.18 to the Registration Statement (the
“Co-Investment Agreement”), pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed to
purchase an aggregate of 2,000,000 units (the “Co-Investment Units”),
each consisting of one share of Common Stock (the “Co-Investment Common
Stock”) and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (the
“Co-Investment Warrants”), for $10.00 per Co-Investment Unit, for an
aggregate purchase price of $20,000,000. The Co-Investment Units,
Co-Investment Common Stock and Co-Investment Warrants are identical to the
Units, Common Stock and Warrants, respectively, except (i) the proceeds from
the
sale of the Co-Investment Units will
not
be
received by the Company until immediately prior to the consummation of the
initial Business Combination and, therefore, will not be deposited into the
Trust Account or available for distribution to the public stockholders in
the
event of a liquidating distribution; (ii) the Sponsor has agreed (and its
Permitted Transferees shall agree) not to sell or otherwise transfer the
Co-Investment Units, Co-Investment Common Stock, Co-Investment Warrants and
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Co-Investment Warrants, other
than to Permitted Transferees, until one (1) year after the Company consummates
its initial Business Combination; (iii) the Co-Investment Warrants may be
exercised only (A) after the date on which the last sales price of the Common
Stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other national securities exchange
on
which the Common Stock may be traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share
for any
20 trading days within any 30-trading-day period beginning at least 90 days
after the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, and (B) so
long as any of the Co-Investment Warrants remains outstanding, a registration
statement relating to the shares of Common Stock underlying the Co-Investment
Warrants is effective and a prospectus relating to those shares is available
for
use by the Co-Investment Warrant holders; (iv) the Co-Investment Warrants
(A)
will be exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor
or its Permitted Transferees, and (B) are not redeemable by the Company;
(v) the
Sponsor will be entitled to certain registration rights with respect to the
Co-Investment Units, Co-Investment Common Stock, Co-Investment Warrants and
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Co-Investment Warrants pursuant
to the Registration Rights Agreement; and (vi) there will be no conversion
rights with respect to the shares of Co-Investment Common Stock.
The
Company has entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of [·], 2007,
with the
Sponsor, in the form of Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement (the
“Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company has
granted certain registration rights in respect of: (i) the Sponsor’s Common
Stock, (ii) the Sponsor’s Warrants and the Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of the Sponsor’s Warrants, and (iii) the Co-Investment Units, the
Co-Investment Common Stock, the Co-Investment Warrants and the Common Stock
issuable upon the exercise of the Co-Investment Warrants.
The
Company has caused to be duly executed and delivered letters by the Sponsor,
William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker, Lee Neibart (the foregoing
parties are each, a “Founder,” and, collectively, the “Founders”),
and each of Michael J. Indiveri, Edward H. Meyer, Laura Pomerantz, Vincent
Tese
and Ronald W. Tysoe (the foregoing parties are each, an “Independent
Director,” and, collectively, the “Independent Directors”), each in
the forms of Exhibits 10.1 - 10.10 to the Registration Statement (the
“Insider Letters”). Collectively, the Founders and the
Independent Directors are sometimes referred to herein as the “Initial
Stockholders.”
The
Company has entered into a Right of First Offer Agreement, dated as of [·], 2007,
with the
Founders, the Independent Directors, NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC and NRDC
Equity Partners, in the form of Exhibit 10.17 to the Registration Statement
(the
“Right of First Offer Agreement”), pursuant to which, from the date of
the Prospectus until the earlier of the Company’s consummation of an initial
Business Combination or Liquidation, subject to the pre-existing fiduciary
obligations of the Founders and the Independent Directors, the Company will
have
a right of first offer with respect to business combination opportunities
with
any operating business.
The
Company has entered into a letter
agreement, dated as of [·], 2007,
with the
Sponsor, in the form of Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement (the
“Services Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will pay the
Sponsor, subject to the terms of the Services Agreement, an aggregate monthly
fee of $7,500 for general and administrative services, including office space,
utilities and secretarial support from the date hereof until the earlier
of the
Company’s consummation of an initial Business Combination or
Liquidation.
The
Company hereby confirms its agreements with the Underwriters as
follows:
Section
1. Representations and Warranties of the
Company.
The
Company hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, each Underwriter
as follows:
(a) The
Company has prepared
and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”)
a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-144871), which contains
a
form of prospectus to be used in connection with the public offering and
sale of
the Securities. Such registration statement, as amended, including
the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto, in the form in
which
it was declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933,
as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively,
the
“Securities Act”), including any required information deemed to be a part
thereof at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities
Act, is called the “Registration Statement.” Any registration
statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities
Act
is called the “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement”, and from and after
the date and time of filing of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement the
term
“Registration Statement” shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement. Any preliminary prospectus included in the Registration
Statement is hereinafter called a “preliminary
prospectus.” The term “Prospectus” shall mean the final
prospectus relating to the Units that is first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)
under the Securities Act after the date and time that this Agreement is executed
and delivered by the parties hereto (the “Execution Time”) or, if no
filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act is required, shall
mean
the form of final prospectus relating to the Units included in the Registration
Statement at the effective date. Any reference herein to the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall
be
deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein
pursuant to General Instruction VII of Form S-1 under the Securities Act,
if
any. All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement,
the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, a preliminary prospectus, the
Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing, shall
include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic
Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”).
(b) Compliance
with Registration Requirements. The Registration
Statement has been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities
Act. The Company has complied to the Commission’s satisfaction with
all requests of the Commission for additional or supplemental
information. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, or notice objecting to its use, is in effect, the
Commission has not issued any order or notice preventing or suspending the
use
of the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus
and
no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to
the
best knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the
Commission.
Each
preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied in all material
respects with the Securities Act. Each of the Registration Statement
and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective
and at
the date hereof complied and will comply in all material respects with the
Securities Act and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or
necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. The
Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as of its date, at the date hereof,
at
the time of any filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act,
at the
Closing Date (as defined herein) and at any Subsequent Closing Date (as defined
herein), did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or
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. The representations and warranties set forth in the two
immediately preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions
from
the
Registration
Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, or the Prospectus, or
any
amendments or supplements thereto, based upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the
Representative expressly for use therein; it being understood and agreed
that
the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the
information described as such in Section 8 hereof. There is no
contract or other document required to be described in the Prospectus or
to be
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement that has not been described
or
filed as required.
The
documents incorporated by reference
in the Prospectus, if any, when they became effective or were filed with
the
Commission, as the case may be, conformed in all material respects to the
requirements of the Securities Act.
(c) Disclosure
Package. The term “Disclosure Package” shall mean (i) the
preliminary prospectus, if any, as amended or supplemented, and (ii) a schedule
indicating the number of Units being sold and the price at which the Units
will
be sold to the public. As of ____:00 [a/p].m. (New York time) on the
date of execution and delivery of this Agreement (the “Applicable Time”),
the Disclosure Package did not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact
or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or
omissions from the Disclosure Package based upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the
Representative expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed
that
the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the
information described as such in Section 8 hereof.
(d) Intentionally
Omitted.
(e) Free
Writing Prospectuses. The Company has not prepared or used a
Free Writing Prospectus. The term “Free Writing Prospectus”
shall mean a free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 405 under
the
Securities Act.
(f) Accuracy
of Statements in Prospectus. The statements in the Registration
Statement under Item 14 and the statements in the Disclosure Package and
the
Prospectus under the headings “Description of Securities” and “United States
Federal Income and Estate Tax Considerations,” in each case insofar as such
statements summarize legal matters, agreements, documents or proceedings
discussed therein, are accurate and fair summaries of such legal matters,
agreements, documents or proceedings.
(g) Distribution
of Offering Material By the Company. The Company has
not distributed and will not distribute, prior to the later of the last
Subsequent Closing Date and the completion of the Underwriters’ distribution of
the Units, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale
of the
Units other than a preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, in each case as
supplemented or amended, or the Registration Statement.
(h) The
Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(i) Validity
of Agreements. Each of the Trust Agreement, the Warrant
Agreement, the Subscription Agreement, the Warrant Private Placement Agreement,
the Co-Investment Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Insider
Letters, the Right of First Offer Agreement and the Services Agreement has
been
duly and validly authorized by the Company and, assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery of the other parties thereto, constitutes the valid
and
binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms,
except (i) as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally, (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution
provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and
(iii)
that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of
equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
(j)
Authorization
and Description
of the Units. The Units to be purchased by the
Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and
sale
pursuant to this Agreement and, the shares of Common Stock included in the
Units, when issued and delivered by the Company to the Underwriters pursuant
to
this Agreement on the Closing Date or any Subsequent Closing Date, will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Each of the Securities
conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained
in
the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and the descriptions thereof conform
to the rights set forth in the instruments defining the same; no holder of
the
Common Stock will be subject to personal liability solely by reason of being
such a holder; and the issuance of the Units is not subject to preemptive
or
other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.
(k) No
Transfer Taxes. There are no transfer taxes or other similar
fees or charges under federal law or the laws of any state, or any political
subdivision thereof, required to be paid in connection with the execution
and
delivery of this Agreement or the issuance by the Company or sale by the
Company
of the Units.
(l) No
Applicable
Registration or Other Similar Rights. There are no
persons with registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt
securities registered for sale under the Registration Statement or included
in
the offering contemplated by this Agreement.
(m) No
Material Adverse Change. Except as otherwise disclosed in the
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, subsequent to the respective dates
as of
which information is given in each of the foregoing: (i) there has been no
material adverse change, or any development that could reasonably be expected
to
result in a material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise,
or in the earnings, business, properties or operations, whether or not arising
from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Company (any
such
change is called a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) the Company has not
incurred any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent,
nor entered into any material transaction or agreement; and (iii) there has
been
no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company
on
any class of capital stock.
(n)
Independent Accountants. Goldstein Golub Kessler
LLP, who have expressed their opinion with respect to the financial statements
(which term as used in this Agreement includes the related notes thereto)
and
supporting schedules filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration
Statement and included in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are
independent public accountants with respect to the Company as required by
the
Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange
Act”).
(o)
Preparation of the Financial Statements. The
financial statements filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration
Statement and included in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present
fairly the financial position of the Company as of and at the dates indicated
and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods
specified. The supporting schedules included in the Registration
Statement present fairly the information required to be stated
therein. Such financial statements and supporting schedules comply as
to form with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act
and
have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved,
except as may be expressly
stated
in
the related notes thereto. No other financial statements or
supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration
Statement. The financial data set forth in the preliminary prospectus
and the Prospectus under the captions “Prospectus Summary—Summary Financial
Data,” “Capitalization” and “Dilution” fairly present the information set forth
therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements
contained in the Registration Statement.
(p)
Incorporation
and Good Standing
of the Company. The Company has been duly incorporated
and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws
of the
State of Delaware and has the corporate power and authority to own or lease,
as
the case may be, and operate its properties and to conduct its business as
described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into
and
perform its obligations under this Agreement. The Company is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing
in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by
reason
of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except
for
such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing
would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse
effect, on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the earnings, business,
properties, operations or prospects, whether or not arising from transactions
in
the ordinary course of business, of the Company (a “Material Adverse
Effect”). The Company has no subsidiaries.
(q)
Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters. The
authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set
forth
in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption “Capitalization”
(other than for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to this Agreement,
the
Warrant Private Placement Agreement, the Co-Investment Agreement and any
employee benefit plans described in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus
or
upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants described in the Disclosure
Package and the Prospectus, as the case may be). All of the issued
and outstanding Securities have been duly authorized and validly issued,
are
fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with federal
and
state securities laws. None of the outstanding Securities were issued
in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar
rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company. There
are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive rights, rights
of
first refusal or other rights to purchase, or equity or debt securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any capital stock of
the
Company other than those accurately described in the Disclosure Package and
the
Prospectus. The Company has not granted any stock options, and does
not have any stock option, stock bonus or other stock plans or
arrangements.
(r)
Listing. The Units have been approved for listing
on the American Stock Exchange, subject only to official notice of
issuance. There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company
or any of the Company’s officers or directors, in their capacities as such, to
comply with (as and when applicable), and immediately following the effective
date of the Registration Statement, the Company will be in compliance with,
(a)
Part 8 of the American Stock Exchange’s “AMEX Company Guide,” as amended and (b)
all other provisions of the American Stock Exchange corporate governance
requirements set forth in the AMEX Company Guide, as amended.
(s)
Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations
or
Approvals Required. The Company is not (i) in violation
or in default (or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, would be in
default) (“Default”) under its charter or by-laws, (ii) in Default under
any indenture, mortgage, loan or credit agreement, deed of trust, note,
contract, franchise, lease or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant
or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it may be bound,
or to
which any of the Company’s properties or assets is subject (each, an
“Existing Instrument”), or (iii) in violation of any statute, law, rule,
regulation, judgment, order or decree of any court, regulatory body,
administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority having
jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties, except with respect
to
clause (ii) only, for such Defaults as would not,
individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company’s
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and consummation of
the
transactions contemplated hereby, by the Disclosure Package and by the
Prospectus (including the issuance and sale of the Units and the use of proceeds
from the sale of the Units and the Warrants to be sold pursuant to the Warrant
Private Placement Agreement as described in the Prospectus under the caption
“Use of Proceeds”) and the Company’s compliance with its obligations hereunder
and under the Subscription Agreement, the Warrant Private Placement Agreement
and the Co-Investment Agreement (A) have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action and will not result in any Default under the charter or
by-laws
of the Company, (B) will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or
Default
under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or
encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to, or require
the consent of any other party to, any Existing Instrument, and (C) will
not
result in any violation of any statute, law, rule, regulation, judgment,
order
or decree applicable to the Company of any court, regulatory body,
administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator or other authority
having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its
properties. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or
registration or filing with, any court or other governmental or regulatory
authority or agency is required for the Company’s execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, by the Disclosure Package and by the Prospectus, except such as have
been obtained or made by the Company and are in full force and effect under
the
Securities Act, applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (the “FINRA”).
(t)
No Material Actions or Proceedings. There are no
legal or governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best
of
the Company’s knowledge, threatened (i) against or affecting the Company, (ii)
which has as the subject thereof any officer or director of, or property
owned
or leased by, the Company, or (iii) relating to environmental or employment
matters, where in any such case, (A) there is a reasonable possibility that
such
action, suit or proceeding might be determined adversely to the Company,
or any
officer or director of, or property owned or leased by, the Company and (B)
any
such action, suit or proceeding, if so determined adversely, could have a
Material Adverse Effect or adversely affect the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(u)
Labor Matters. No labor problem or dispute with the
employees of the Company exists or is threatened or imminent, and the Company
is
not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees
of any
of its principal suppliers, contractors or customers, that could have a Material
Adverse Effect.
(v)
Intellectual
Property
Rights. The Company owns, possesses, licenses or has
other rights to use, on reasonable terms, all patents, patent applications,
trade and service marks, trade and service mark registrations, trade names,
copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, know-how and
other
intellectual property (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”)
necessary for the conduct of the Company’s business as now conducted or as
proposed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus to be
conducted. Additionally, (i) no party has been granted an exclusive
license to use any portion of such Intellectual Property owned by the Company;
(ii) to the Company’s best knowledge, there is no material infringement by third
parties of any such Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed
to
the Company; (iii) there is no pending or, to the Company’s best knowledge,
threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s
rights in or to any material Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware
of any facts that would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (iv)
to the
Company’s best knowledge, there is no pending or threatened action, suit,
proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such
Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts that would
form a
reasonable basis for any such claim; and (v) there is no pending or, to the
Company’s best knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others
that the
Company’s
business as now conducted infringes or otherwise violates any patent, trademark,
copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights of others, and the Company
is unaware of any other fact that would form a reasonable basis for any such
claim.
(w)
All
Necessary Permits,
etc. The Company possesses such valid and current licenses,
certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the appropriate state,
federal
or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct its businesses,
and the Company has not received any notice of proceedings relating to the
revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such license,
certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if
the
subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, could have a Material
Adverse Effect.
(x)
Title to Properties. The Company has good and
marketable title to all the properties and assets reflected as owned in the
financial statements referred to in Section 1(A)(o) above (or elsewhere in
the
Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), in each case free and clear of any
security interests, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, equities, claims and
other
defects, except such as do not materially and adversely affect the value
of such
property and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to
be
made of such property by the Company. The real property,
improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the Company
are held under valid and enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are
not
material and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to
be
made of such real property, improvements, equipment or personal property
by the
Company.
(y)
Tax Law Compliance. The Company has filed all
necessary federal, state, local and foreign income and franchise tax returns
in
a timely manner and has paid all taxes required to be paid by it and, if
due and
payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against
it,
except for any taxes, assessments, fines or penalties as may be being contested
in good faith and by appropriate proceedings. The Company has made
appropriate provisions, if any, in the applicable financial statements referred
to in Section 1(A)(o) above in respect of all federal, state, local and foreign
income and franchise taxes for all current or prior periods as to which the
tax
liability of the Company has not been finally determined.
(z)
Company Not an “Investment Company”. The Company
has been advised of the rules and requirements under the Investment Company
Act
of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
(collectively, the “Investment Company Act”). The Company is
not, and after receipt of payment for the Units and the application of the
proceeds thereof as contemplated under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the
preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus will not be, an “investment company”
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and will conduct its business
in a manner so that it will not become subject to the Investment Company
Act.
(aa)
Insurance. The Company is insured by recognized,
financially sound and reputable institutions with policies in such amounts
and
with such deductibles and covering such risks as are generally deemed adequate
and customary for its businesses including, but not limited to, policies
covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company against
theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism and earthquakes. All
policies of insurance and fidelity or surety bonds insuring the Company or
its
businesses, assets, employees, officers and directors are in full force and
effect; the Company is in compliance with the terms of such policies and
instruments in all material respects; and there are no claims by the Company
under any such policy or instrument as to which any insurance company is
denying
liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; and the Company
has
not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for. The
Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able (i) to renew its
existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain
comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate
to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not have
a
Material Adverse Effect.
(bb)
No
Price Stabilization or
Manipulation. Neither the Company nor any affiliate has
taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or
that
might be reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation
of the price of the Units, the Common Stock or the Warrants to facilitate
the
sale or resale of the Units.
(cc)
Related Party Transactions. There are no business
relationships or related-party transactions involving the Company or any
other
person required to be described in the preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus
that have not been described as required.
(dd)
Internal
Controls and
Procedures. The Company maintains (i) effective internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act),
and
(ii) a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with
management’s general or specific authorizations; (B) transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (C) access to
assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific
authorization; and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared
with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is
taken
with respect to any differences.
(ee) No
Material Weakness in Internal Controls. Since the Company’s
inception, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (ii) no
change
in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
(ff)
Disclosure
Controls. The Company maintains an effective system of
“disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the
Exchange Act) that is designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, including controls and procedures
designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated
to the
Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure. The Company has carried out evaluations of the
effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rule
13a-15 under the Exchange Act.
(gg)
Accuracy
of
Exhibits. There are no contracts or documents which are required
to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be
filed
as exhibits thereto which have not been so described and filed as
required.
(hh) D&O
Questionnaires. All information contained in the questionnaires (the
“Questionnaires”) completed by the Founders (other than the Sponsor) and
the Company’s other officers, directors and special advisors and provided to the
Underwriters as an exhibit to his or her Insider Letter is true and correct,
and
the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the
information disclosed in any of the Questionnaires to become inaccurate,
misleading or incomplete.
(ii)
Absence
of Non-Competition
Agreements. To the knowledge of the Company, no Initial
Stockholder, employee, officer or director of the Company is subject to any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement with any current or prior
employer.
(jj) No
Contemplation of
a Business Combination. Prior to the date hereof, neither the
Company, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its officers and
directors, the Initial Stockholders or their
respective
affiliates, or any other party acting, directly or indirectly, on behalf
of the
Company, had, and as of the Closing Date, the Company, and to the knowledge
of
the Company, such parties will not have had: (a) any specific Business
Combination under consideration or contemplation or (b) any substantive
interactions or discussions with any target business regarding a possible
Business Combination.
(kk) Finder’s
Fees. Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the
Prospectus, there are no claims, payments, arrangements, agreements or
understandings relating to the payment of a finder’s, consulting or origination
fee by the Company or any of the Initial Stockholders with respect to the
sale
of the Units hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements or understandings
of the Company or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any of the Initial
Stockholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by
the FINRA.
(ll) Brokers. Except
as disclosed in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there is no broker,
finder or other party that is entitled to receive from the Company any brokerage
or finder’s fee or other fee or commission as a result of any transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(mm) Insiders’
FINRA
Affiliation. Based on questionnaires distributed to such
persons, no officer, director or any beneficial owner of the Company’s
unregistered securities has any direct or indirect affiliation or association
with any FINRA member.
(nn) No
Unlawful Contributions
or Other Payments. Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of
the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company
is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result
in a violation by such Persons of the FCPA, including, without limitation,
making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce
corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization
of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or
authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as
such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official
thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of
the
FCPA, and the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, its affiliates
have
conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted
and
maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably
expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance
therewith. “FCPA” shall mean the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(oo) No
Conflict with Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the
Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable
financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign
Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, 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, the “Money Laundering
Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or
governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company
with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge
of the Company, threatened.
(pp) No
Conflict with OFAC Laws. Neither the Company nor, to the
knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate
of
the Company is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the
Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department
(“OFAC”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the
proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available
such
proceeds, to any joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the
purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any
U.S.
sanctions administered by OFAC.
(qq) Compliance
with Environmental Laws. The Company (i) is in
compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local
laws
and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety, the
environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or
contaminants (“Environmental Laws”), (ii) is not required to obtain any
certificate, permit, license or other approvals pursuant to applicable
Environmental Laws in order to conduct its business, and (iii) has not
received notice of any actual or potential liability under any environmental
law. The Company has not been named as a “potentially responsible
party” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
(rr) No
Outstanding Loans or Other Indebtedness. There are no
outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses
in the
ordinary course of business) or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company
to or
for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company or any
of the
members of any of them, except as disclosed in the Disclosure Package and
the
Prospectus.
(ss) Lending
Relationship. The Company (i) does not have
any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending
affiliate of any Underwriter and (ii) does not intend to use any of the
proceeds from the sale of the Units hereunder to repay any outstanding debt
owed
to any affiliate of any Underwriter.
(tt) Sarbanes-Oxley
Compliance. There is and has been no failure on the part of the
Company and any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as
such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and
the
rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the
“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 related to loans and
Sections 302 and 906 related to certifications.
(uu) Statistical
and Market Related Data. Nothing has come to the attention of
the Company that has caused the Company to believe that the statistical and
market-related data included in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus
is not
based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material
respects.
Any
certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the
Representative or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a
representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the
matters
set forth therein.
Section
2. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the
Units.
(a) The
Firm Units. The Company agrees to issue and sell to the
several Underwriters the Firm Units upon the terms herein set
forth. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements
herein contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein
set
forth, the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase from
the
Company the respective number of Firm Units set forth opposite their names
on
Schedule A. The purchase price per Firm Unit to be paid by the
several Underwriters to the Company shall be $9.30 per Unit.
(b) The
Closing Date. Delivery of certificates for the Firm
Units to be purchased by the Underwriters and payment therefor shall be made
at
the offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP, 399 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
(or
such other place as may be agreed to by the Company and the Representative)
at
9:00 a.m. New York time, on [typically, insert the fourth full business day
after the date of this Agreement, unless the pricing occurs at a time earlier
than 4:30 p.m., East Coast time, in which case insert the third full business
day after the date of this Agreement], or such other time and date not
later than 1:30 p.m. New York time, on [insert a date ten (10) business days
following the original
contemplated
Closing Date], as the Representative shall designate by notice to the
Company (the time and date of such closing are called the “Closing
Date”).
(c) The
Optional Units; the Subsequent Closing Date. In
addition, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements
herein
contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth,
the Company hereby grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase,
severally and not jointly, up to an aggregate of 4,500,000 Optional Units
from
the Company at the purchase price per Unit to be paid by the Underwriters
for
the Firm Units. The option granted hereunder may be exercised at any
time and from time to time upon notice by the Representative to the Company,
which notice may be given at any time within 30 days from the date of this
Agreement. Such notice shall set forth (i) the aggregate number of
Optional Units as to which the Underwriters are exercising the option, (ii)
the
names and denominations in which the certificates for the Optional Units
are to
be registered, and (iii) the time, date and place at which such certificates
will be delivered (which time and date may be simultaneous with, but not
earlier
than, the Closing Date; and in such case the term “Closing Date” shall
refer to the time and date of delivery of certificates for the Firm Units
and
the Optional Units). Each time and date of delivery, if subsequent to
the Closing Date, is called a “Subsequent Closing Date” and shall be
determined by the Representative and shall not be earlier than three (3)
nor
later than five (5) full business days after delivery of such notice of
exercise. If any Optional Units are to be purchased, each Underwriter
agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Optional Units
(subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional Units as the Representative
may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Optional
Units to be purchased as the number of Firm Units set forth on Schedule A
opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm
Units.
(d) Public
Offering of the Units. The Representative hereby
advises the Company that the Underwriters intend to offer for sale to the
public, as described in the Prospectus, their respective portions of the
Units
as soon after this Agreement has been executed and the Registration Statement
has been declared effective as the Representative, in its sole judgment,
has
determined is advisable and practicable.
(e) Payment
for the Units. Payment for the Units shall be made at
the Closing Date (and, if applicable, at any Subsequent Closing Date) by
wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the
Company.
It
is
understood that the Representative has been authorized, for its own account
and
the accounts of the several Underwriters, to accept delivery of and receipt
for,
and make payment of the purchase price for, the Firm Units and any Optional
Units the Underwriters have agreed to purchase. BAS, individually and
not as the Representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated
to) make payment for any Units to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds
shall not have been received by the Representative by the Closing Date or
any
Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, for the account of such
Underwriter, but any such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from
any of
its obligations under this Agreement.
(f) Delivery
of the Units. Delivery of the Firm Units and the
Optional Units shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust
Company unless the Representative shall otherwise instruct. Time
shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified in
this
Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of the
Underwriters.
(g) Delivery
of Prospectus to the Underwriters. Not later than 3:00 p.m. on
the first business day in New York City following the date of this Agreement,
the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered, copies of the Prospectus
in
such quantities and at such places as the Representative shall
request.
Section
3. Covenants of the
Company.
The
Company covenants and agrees with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) Review
of Proposed Amendments and Supplements. During the
period beginning on the Applicable Time and ending on the later of the Closing
Date or such date as, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, the
Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with
sales
by an Underwriter or dealer, including in circumstances where such requirement
may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act (the
“Prospectus Delivery Period”), prior to amending or supplementing the
Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, subject
to
Section 3(e), the Company shall furnish to the Representative for review
a copy
of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not
file or
use any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representative
reasonably objects.
(b) Securities
Act Compliance. After the date of this Agreement, the
Company shall promptly advise the Representative in writing (i) when the
Registration Statement, if not effective at the Execution Time, shall have
become effective, (ii) of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for
additional or supplemental information from, the Commission, or any request
by
the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment
or supplement to the Prospectus, (iii) of the time and date of any filing
of any
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or
supplement to any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, (iv) of the time
and
date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes
effective, (v) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or notice objecting to its
use,
or of any order or notice preventing or suspending the use of the Registration
Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any proceedings
to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Units, the
Common
Stock or the Warrants from any securities exchange upon which it is listed
for
trading or included or designated for quotation, or of the threatening or
initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination
pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Securities Act concerning the Registration
Statement, and (vi) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under
Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the offering of the
Units. The Company shall use its best efforts to prevent the issuance
of any such stop order, or notice objecting to its use, or notice of prevention
or suspension of such use. If the Commission shall enter any such
stop order or issue any such notice at any time, the Company will use its
best
efforts to obtain the lifting or reversal of such order or notice at the
earliest possible moment, or, subject to Section 3(a), will file an amendment
to
the Registration Statement or will file a new registration statement and
use its
best efforts to have such amendment or new registration statement declared
effective as soon as practicable. Additionally, the Company agrees
that it shall comply with the provisions of Rules 424(b) and 430A, as
applicable, under the Securities Act, including with respect to the timely
filing of documents thereunder, and will use its reasonable efforts to confirm
that any filings made by the Company under such Rule 424(b) under the Securities
Act were received in a timely manner by the Commission.
(c) Exchange
Act Compliance. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the
Company will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15 of the Exchange Act in the manner and within
the time periods required by the Exchange Act.
(d) Amendments
and Supplements to the Registration Statement, Disclosure Package and Prospectus
and Other Securities Act Matters. If, during the
Prospectus Delivery Period, any event or development shall occur or condition
exist as a result of which the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as then
amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material
fact or
omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein in the light of the circumstances under
which
they were made or then prevailing, as the case may be, not misleading, or
if it
shall be necessary to amend or supplement the Disclosure Package or the
Prospectus, or to file under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by
reference in the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made
or then prevailing, as the case may be, not misleading, or if in the opinion
of
the Representative it is otherwise necessary or advisable to amend or supplement
the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or
to file
under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference in the Disclosure
Package or the Prospectus, or to file a new registration statement containing
the Prospectus, in order to comply with law, including in connection with
the
delivery of the Prospectus, the Company agrees to (i) notify the Representative
of any such event or condition and (ii) promptly prepare (subject to Section
3(a) and 3(e) hereof), file with the Commission (and use its best efforts
to
have any amendment to the Registration Statement or any new registration
statement to be declared effective) and furnish at its own expense to the
Underwriters and to dealers, amendments or supplements to the Registration
Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or any new registration
statement, necessary in order to make the statements in the Disclosure Package
or the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made or then prevailing, as the case
may be,
not misleading or so that the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package
or
the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law.
(e)
Free
Writing
Prospectuses. The Company will not make any offer relating to
the Units that constitutes or would constitute a Free Writing Prospectus
or a
portion thereof required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or
retained by the Company under Rule 433 of the Securities Act.
(f)
Filing
of Amendments. The
Company will give the Representative notice of its intention to file or prepare
any amendment to the Registration Statement (including any filing under Rule
462(b)) or any amendment, supplement or revision to either the prospectus
included in the Registration Statement at the time it became effective or
to the
Prospectus.
(g) Copies
of any Amendments and Supplements to the
Prospectus. The Company agrees to furnish the
Representative, without charge, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, as
many
copies of the Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto (including
any documents incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference therein) and
the
Disclosure Package as the Representative may request. The Prospectus
and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Representative
will
be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with
the
Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation
S-T.
(h) Copies
of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. The Company
will furnish to the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters signed
copies of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and, so
long
as delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by
the
Securities Act, as many copies of each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus
and any supplement thereto and the Disclosure Package as the Representative
may
reasonably request. The copies of the Registration Statement and each
amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the
electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant
to
EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(i) Blue
Sky Compliance. The Company shall cooperate with the
Representative and counsel for the Underwriters to qualify or register the
Units
for sale under (or obtain exemptions from the application of) the state
securities or blue sky laws or Canadian provincial Securities laws of those
jurisdictions designated by the Representative, shall comply with such laws
and
shall continue such qualifications, registrations and exemptions in effect
so
long as required for the distribution of the Units. The Company
shall
not
be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to take any action that
would
subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it
is
not presently qualified or where it would be subject to taxation as a foreign
corporation, other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the
Units
in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject. The Company will
advise the Representative promptly of the suspension of the qualification
or
registration of (or any such exemption relating to) the Units for offering,
sale
or trading in any jurisdiction or any initiation or threat of any proceeding
for
any such purpose, and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending
such
qualification, registration or exemption, the Company shall use its best
efforts
to obtain the withdrawal thereof at the earliest possible moment.
(j) Use
of Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds
from the sale of the Units sold by it in the manner described under the caption
“Use of Proceeds” in the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(k) Transfer
Agent; Warrant Agent. The Company shall engage and
maintain, at its expense, (i) a registrar and transfer agent for the Units
and
the Common Stock, and (ii) a warrant agent for the Warrants.
(l) Earnings
Statement. As soon as practicable, the Company will
make generally available to its security holders and to the Representative
an
earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering the twelve-month
period
ending [insert the date of the end of the Company’s first quarter ending
after one year following the effective date of the Registration Statement]
that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and
Rule
158 under the Securities Act.
(m) Periodic
Reporting Obligations. During the Prospectus Delivery
Period the Company shall file, on a timely basis, with the Commission and
the
American Stock Exchange all reports and documents required to be filed under
the
Exchange Act. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of
proceeds from the issuance of the Units as may be required under Rule 463
under
the Securities Act.
(n) Listing. The
Company will use its best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance,
the
Securities on the American Stock Exchange.
(o) Agreement
Not to Offer or Sell Additional Units. During the
period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the 180th day following
the
date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent
of the Representative (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion
of
the Representative), directly or indirectly, sell, offer, contract or grant
any
option to sell, pledge, transfer or establish an open “put equivalent position”
or liquidate or decrease a “call equivalent position” within the meaning of Rule
16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (or
enter
into any transaction that is designed to, or might reasonably be expected
to,
result in the disposition of), or announce the offering of, or file any
registration statement under the Securities Act in respect of, any shares
of
Common Stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of the Common Stock or
securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into shares of
Common
Stock (other than as contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the
Units). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) during the last 17 days
of the 180-day restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (ii)
prior
to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, the Company announces
that
it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the
last
day of the 180-day period, the restrictions imposed in this clause shall
continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on
the
date of the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material
news or material event. The Company will provide the Representative
and any co-managers and each individual subject to a lock-up restricted period
pursuant to an Insider Letter, or
otherwise,
with prior notice of any such announcement that gives rise to an extension
of
the restricted period.
(p)
Restriction
on Sale of
Securities. The Company agrees that until the earlier of the
consummation of the initial Business Combination or the distribution of the
funds in the Trust Account, it shall not issue any Units, shares of Common
Stock
or preferred stock, Warrants, or any options or other securities convertible
or
exchangeable into Common Stock or preferred stock, in each case which would
participate in any manner in liquidating distributions of the Trust Account
or
vote as a class with the Common Stock on the initial Business
Combination. Except for registration statements covering securities
to be issued upon, or in connection with, a Business Combination or which
shall
become effective upon or after the Business Combination, the Company
shall not file any registration statements under the Securities Act with
respect
to any of its securities prior to the initial Business Combination.
(q) Compliance
with Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company will comply with all applicable
securities and other laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation,
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and use its best efforts to cause the Company’s
directors and officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with such
laws,
rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the provisions of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(r) Future
Reports to Stockholders. The Company will furnish to its
stockholders as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year an
annual
report (including a balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders’ equity
and cash flows of the Company certified by independent public accountants)
and,
as soon as practicable after the end of each of the first three quarters
of each
fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal quarter ending after the effective
date
of the Registration Statement), to make available to its stockholders summary
financial information of the Company for such quarter in reasonable
detail.
(s) Future
Reports to the Representative. During the period of
five years hereafter the Company will furnish to the Representative at 9
West
57th Street, New York, NY 10019; Attention: Scott Flaherty: (i) as soon as
practicable after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Annual Report
of
the Company containing the balance sheet of the Company as of the close of
such
fiscal year and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for
the year then ended and the opinion thereon of the Company’s independent public
or certified public accountants; (ii) as soon as practicable after the filing
thereof, copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other report filed by
the
Company with the Commission, the FINRA or any securities exchange; and (iii)
as
soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the Company mailed
generally to holders of any class of its securities.
(t) No
Manipulation of Price. The Company will not take,
directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or that
has
constituted or might reasonably be expected to constitute, under the Exchange
Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any
securities of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the
Units.
(u) Existing
Lock-Up Agreement. The Company will enforce all
existing agreements between the Company and any of its security holders that
prohibit the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation of any of
the
Company’s securities in connection with the Company’s initial public
offering. In addition, the Company will direct the transfer agent to
place stop transfer restrictions upon any such securities of the Company
that
are bound by such existing “lock-up” agreements for the duration of the periods
contemplated in such agreements.
(v) Fee
on Business
Combination. Upon the consummation of the Company’s initial Business
Combination, the Company agrees that it will pay to the Underwriters out
of
funds in the Trust Account delivered to the Company the deferred underwriting
discount and commission deposited on the Closing Date into the Trust Account
in
an amount equal to (i) three and a half percent (3.5%) of the gross proceeds
from the sale of Units, minus (ii) $0.35 for each share of Common Stock
converted to cash (as described in the preliminary prospectus included in
the
Registration Statement at the time effectiveness).
(w)
Business
Combination. The
Company will not consummate its initial Business Combination with any entity
which is affiliated with any of the Initial Stockholders or any of the Company’s
other officers or directors unless (i) such Business Combination has been
approved by a majority of the Company’s independent directors, or (ii) the
Company obtains an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that
such
Business Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective. The Company shall not pay any of the Initial
Stockholders or any of the Company’s other officers or directors or any of their
respective affiliates any fees or compensation, for services rendered to
the
Company prior to, or in connection with, the consummation of the initial
Business Combination; provided that the Initial Stockholders, any of the
Company’s other officers or directors or any of their respective affiliates
shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for their reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company.
(x) Notice
to
FINRA. For a period of ninety (90) days after the date of the
Prospectus, in the event any person or entity (regardless of any FINRA
affiliation or association but excluding attorneys, accountants, engineers,
environmental or labor consultants, investigatory firms, technology consultants
and specialists and similar service providers that are not affiliated with
or
associated with the FINRA and are not brokers or finders) is engaged, in
writing, to assist the Company in its search for a merger candidate or to
provide any other merger and acquisition services, the Company will provide
the
following to the FINRA and the Underwriters prior to the consummation of
the
Business Combination: (i) reasonably complete details of all services
and copies of agreements governing such services (which may be appropriately
redacted to account for privilege or confidentiality concerns); and (ii)
justification as to why the person or entity providing the merger and
acquisition services should not be considered an “underwriter and related
person” with respect to the Company’s initial public offering, as such term is
defined in Rule 2710 of the NASD’s Conduct Rules. The Company also
agrees that, if required by law, proper disclosure of such arrangement or
potential arrangement will be made in the proxy statement which the Company
will
file for purposes of soliciting stockholder approval for the Business
Combination. Further, the Company agrees to promptly advise the FINRA
and the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters if it learns that any
officer, director or owner of at least 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of
Common Stock becomes an affiliate or associated person of an FINRA member
participating in the distribution of the Securities. The Company will
not engage any FINRA member to assist the Company in identifying a merger
partner or a business opportunity in connection with the Company’s initial
Business Combination without submitting to FINRA a copy of any agreements
relating to the services to be provided and a statement as to the compensation
to be received by such member for providing such services.
(y) Investment
of Net Proceeds and Investment Company. The Company shall cause
the proceeds of the offering to be held in the Trust Account to be invested
only
in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the
Investment Company Act or securities issued or guaranteed by the United States.
The Company will conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become
subject to the Investment Company Act. Once the Company consummates a
Business Combination, it will be engaged in a business other than that of
investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading securities.
(z) Form
8-K. The Company shall, on the date hereof, instruct its
independent public accountants to audit the financial statements of the Company
as of the Closing Date (the “Audited Financial Statements”) reflecting
the receipt by the Company of the proceeds of the initial public
offering. As soon as such Audited Financial Statements become
available, the Company shall promptly file a Current Report on Form 8-K with
the
Commission in accordance with applicable rules under the Securities Act,
which
report shall contain such Audited Financial Statements. Additionally,
upon the Company’s receipt of the proceeds from the exercise of all or any
portion of the Optional Units, the Company shall immediately file a Current
Report on Form 8-K with the Commission, which report shall disclose the
Company’s sale of the Optional Units and its receipt of the proceeds
therefrom.
(aa) Trust
Account
Waiver Acknowledgment. The Company hereby agrees that it will not commence
its due diligence investigation of any operating business which the Company
seeks to acquire (the “Target Business”) unless and until such Target
Business acknowledges in writing, whether through a letter of intent, memorandum
of understanding or other similar document (and subsequently acknowledges
the
same in any definitive document replacing any of the foregoing), that (a)
it has
read the Prospectus and understands that the Company has established a Trust
Account, initially in an amount of $296,450,589 ($339,875,589 if the
Underwriters exercise their option to purchase the Optional Units in full),
including deferred underwriting discounts and commissions of $10,500,000
($12,075,000 if the Underwriters exercise their option to purchase the Optional
Units in full), for the benefit of the public stockholders and that the Company
may disburse monies from the Trust Account only (i) to the public stockholders
in the event they elect to convert their IPO Units (as defined in Section
3(ff)
below) or the Company liquidates or (ii) to the Company after it consummates
a
Business Combination, and (b) for and in consideration of the Company agreeing
to evaluate such Target Business for purposes of consummating a Business
Combination with it, such Target Business agrees that it does not have any
right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust
Account (the “Claims”) and waives any Claim it may have in the future as
a result of, or arising out of, any negotiations, contracts or agreements
with
the Company and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account for any
reason
whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event any Target
Business refuses to acknowledge in writing that it does not have any rights,
title, interest or claims of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account,
the Company may nonetheless commence its due diligence investigations of
such
Target Business if and only if the Company’s management determines in good faith
that the Company would be unable to obtain, on a reasonable basis, substantially
similar opportunities from another entity willing to execute such a
waiver.
(bb) Insider
Letters;
Right of First Offer Agreement. The Company will not allow any
amendments to, or waivers of, any of the Insider Letters or the Right First
Offer Agreement without the prior written consent of the Representative,
which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(cc)
Charter
and
Bylaws. The Company shall not take any action or omit to take
any action that would cause the Company to be in breach or violation of its
charter or by-laws. Prior to the consummation of a Business
Combination or the distribution of the amounts in the Trust Account, the
Company
will not amend its charter without the prior written consent of the
Representative, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned
or
delayed.
(dd) Proxy
Information;
Blue Sky Requirements. The Company shall provide counsel to the
Underwriters with ten (10) copies of all proxy information and all related
material filed with the Commission in connection with a Business Combination
concurrently with such filing with the Commission. In addition, the
Company shall furnish any state in which its initial public offering was
registered such information as may be requested by such state.
(ee)
Acquisition/Liquidation Procedure. The
Company agrees: (i) that, prior to the consummation of its initial Business
Combination, it will submit any proposed Business Combinations to the Company’s
stockholders for their approval (the “Business Combination Vote”) even if
the nature of the acquisition is such as would not ordinarily require
stockholder approval under applicable state law; and (ii) that, in the event
that the Company does not consummate a Business Combination within twenty-four
(24) months from the date of the Prospectus, the Company will promptly liquidate
and will distribute to all holders of IPO Units (as defined herein) an aggregate
sum equal to the Company’s Liquidation Value (as defined herein). The
Company’s “Liquidation Value” shall be the Company’s book value, as
determined by the Company and approved by its independent
accountant. In no event, however, will the Company’s Liquidation
Value be less than the amount of funds in the Trust Account, inclusive of
any
net interest income (net of taxes payable on such interest income and after
release to the Company of an aggregate amount up to $2,250,000 of interest
income, after taxes payable, to fund the Company’s working capital requirements)
thereon except to the extent there are creditors’ claims not satisfied by
amounts outside the Trust Account. Only holders of IPO Units shall be
entitled to receive liquidating distributions and the Company shall pay no
liquidating distributions with respect to any other shares of capital stock
of
the Company. There will be no distribution from the Trust Account
with respect to the Warrants, which will expire worthless if the Company
is
liquidated. In addition, in connection with the Business Combination
Vote and the vote required to amend the Company’s charter to provide for the
Company’s perpetual existence, the Company shall cause the Initial Stockholders
to vote the shares of Common Stock owned by them immediately prior to the
consummation of the offering in accordance with the vote of the holders of
a
majority of the IPO Units present, in person or by proxy, at a meeting of
the
Company’s stockholders called for such purposes. At any time when the
Company seeks approval of its initial Business Combination, the Company will
offer each holder of the Company’s Common Stock issued in this offering (the
“IPO Units”) that votes against such Business Combination the right to
convert such holder’s IPO Units at a per Unit price (the “Conversion
Price”) equal to the amount in the Trust Account, including all accrued
interest income (net of taxes payable on such interest income and after release
to the Company of up to $2,250,000 of interest income, after taxes payable,
to
fund the Company’s working capital requirements), as of two business days prior
to the consummation of the initial Business Combination, divided by the total
number of IPO Units. If holders of less than 30% in interest of the
Company’s IPO Units elect to convert their IPO Units into cash at the Conversion
Price and the other conditions in the Prospectus are satisfied, the Company
may
proceed with such Business Combination. In the event that the
Business Combination is consummated, for each holder of IPO Units who
affirmatively requested that such Units be converted and who voted against
the
Business Combination, the Company will convert such holder’s IPO Units into cash
at the Conversion Price. If holders of 30% or more in interest of the
IPO Units vote against approval of a potential Business Combination and elect
to
convert their IPO Units into cash at the Conversion Price, the Company will
not
proceed with such Business Combination and will not convert such IPO
Units.
(ff) Rule
419. The Company agrees that it will use its best efforts to
prevent the Company from becoming subject to Rule 419 under the Securities
Act
prior to the consummation of any Business Combination, including but not
limited
to using its best efforts to prevent any of the Company’s outstanding securities
from being deemed to be a “penny stock” as defined in Rule 3a-51-1 under the
Exchange Act during such period.
(gg) Target
Value
Requirement. The Company agrees that the initial Target Business
or Businesses that it acquires must have a fair market value equal, in the
aggregate, to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account at the time
of
such acquisition (excluding the amount held in the Trust Account that is
potentially payable to the Underwriters pursuant to Section 3(v)
hereof). The fair market value of such business must be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company based upon standards generally accepted
by
the financial community, such as actual and potential sales, earnings and
cash
flow
and book value. If the Board of Directors of the Company is not able
to independently calculate that the Target Business or Businesses have, in
the
aggregate, a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the Trust
Account at the time of such acquisition (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account that is potentially payable to the Underwriters pursuant to Section
3(v)
hereof), the Company will obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent
third party appraiser which may be a member of the FINRA with respect to
the
satisfaction of such criteria. The Company is not required to obtain
an opinion from an investment banking firm as to the fair market value if
the
Company’s Board of Directors independently determines that the Target Business
or Businesses have sufficient fair market value.
Section
4. Payment of Expenses. The Company
agrees to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
performance of its obligations hereunder and in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, including without limitation (a) all expenses incident
to
the issuance and delivery of the Units (including all printing and engraving
costs), (b) all fees and expenses of (i) the registrar and transfer agent
of the
Units and the Common Stock, and (ii) the warrant agent of the Warrants, (c)
all
necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance
and sale of the Units to the Underwriters, (d) all fees and expenses of the
Company’s counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other
advisors, (e) all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Registration
Statement (including financial statements, exhibits, schedules, consents
and
certificates of experts), each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus,
and
all amendments and supplements thereto, and this Agreement, (f) all filing
fees,
attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with
qualifying or registering (or obtaining exemptions from the qualification
or
registration of) all or any part of the Units for offer and sale under the
state
securities or blue sky laws or the provincial securities laws of Canada,
and, if
requested by the Representative, preparing and printing a “Blue Sky Survey” or
memorandum, and any supplements thereto, advising the Underwriters of such
qualifications, registrations and exemptions, (g) the filing fees incident
to,
and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters in
connection with, the FINRA’s review and approval of the Underwriters’
participation in the offering and distribution of the Units, (h) the fees
and
expenses associated with the listing of the Units, the Common Stock and the
Warrants on the American Stock Exchange, (i) all transportation and other
expenses incurred in connection with presentations to prospective purchasers
of
the Units, except that the Company and the Underwriters will each pay 50%
of the
cost of privately chartered airplanes used for such purposes, and (j) all
other
fees, costs and expenses referred to in Item 13 of Part II of the Registration
Statement. Except as provided in this Section 4, Section 6, Section 8
and Section 9 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay their own expenses, including
the fees and disbursements of their counsel.
Section
5. Conditions of the Obligations of the
Underwriters. The obligations of the several
Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Units as provided herein on the
Closing
Date and, with respect to the Optional Units, any Subsequent Closing Date,
shall
be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part
of
the Company set forth in Section 1 hereof as of the date hereof and as of
the
Closing Date as though then made and, with respect to the Optional Units,
as of
any Subsequent Closing Date as though then made, to the accuracy of the
statements of the Company made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions
hereof, to the timely performance by the Company of its covenants and other
obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional
conditions:
(a) Accountants’
Comfort Letter. On the date hereof, the Representative
shall have received from Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP, independent public
accountants for the Company, a letter dated the date hereof addressed to
the
Underwriters, the form of which is attached as Exhibit A.
(b) Compliance
with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order; No Objection from
FINRA. For the period from and after effectiveness of
this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional
Units, any Subsequent Closing Date:
(i) the
Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission (including the
information required by Rule 430A under the Securities Act) in the manner
and
within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule
424(b)(8)) under the Securities Act; or the Company shall have filed a
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement containing the
information required by such Rule 430A under the Securities Act, and such
post-effective amendment shall have become effective;
(ii) the
Registration Statement, including any 462(b) Registration Statement, shall
have
become effective;
(iii) no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or
notice
objecting to its use, or any post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement, shall be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall have
been instituted or threatened by the Commission; and
(iv) the
FINRA shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of
the
underwriting terms and arrangements.
(c) No
Material Adverse Change. For the period from and after
the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date and, with respect
to
the Optional Units, any Subsequent Closing Date:
(i) in
the sole judgment of the Representative there shall not have occurred any
Material Adverse Change; and/or
(ii) there
shall not have been any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters
referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section 5 which is, in the sole judgment
of
the Representative, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or
inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Units as
contemplated by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(d) Opinion
of Counsel for the Company. On the Closing Date and any
Subsequent Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received the favorable
opinion of Sidley Austin LLP, counsel for the Company, dated as of such Closing
Date or Subsequent Closing Date, the form of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit B.
(e) Opinion
of Counsel for the Underwriters. On the Closing Date
and any Subsequent Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received the
favorable opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP, counsel for the Underwriters,
dated
as of such Closing Date or Subsequent Closing Date, in form and substance
satisfactory to, and addressed to, the Representative, with respect to the
issuance and sale of the Units, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus
(together with any supplement thereto), the Disclosure Package and other
related
matters as the Representative may reasonably require, and the Company shall
have
furnished to such counsel such documents as they request for the purpose
of
enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(f) Officers’
Certificate. On the Closing Date and any Subsequent
Closing Date, the Representative shall have received a written certificate
executed by each of (x) the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
or
President of the Company, and (y) the Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Accounting
Officer or principal financial officer of the Company, dated as of such Closing
Date or Subsequent Closing Date, to the effect that the signers of such
certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Prospectus
and any amendment or supplement thereto, and this Agreement, to the effect
set
forth in subsection (b) of this Section 5, and further to the effect
that:
(i) for
the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to such Closing
Date or Subsequent Closing Date, there has not occurred any Material Adverse
Change;
(ii) the
representations, warranties and covenants of the Company set forth in Section
1
of this Agreement are true and correct on and as of such Closing Date or
Subsequent Closing Date with the same force and effect as though expressly
made
on and as of such Closing Date or Subsequent Closing Date; and
(iii) the
Company has complied with all the agreements hereunder and satisfied all
the
conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior
to
such Closing Date or Subsequent Closing Date.
(g) Bring-down
Comfort Letter. On the Closing Date and any Subsequent
Closing Date, the Representative shall have received from Goldstein Golub
Kessler LLP, independent public accountants for the Company, a letter dated
such
date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, to the effect
that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished by them pursuant
to subsection (a) of this Section 5, except that the specified date referred
to
therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three business
days prior to such Closing Date or Subsequent Closing Date.
(h) Listing
of
Units. The Units shall have been listed and admitted and
authorized for trading on the American Stock Exchange, and satisfactory evidence
of such actions shall have been provided to the Representative.
(i) Additional
Documents. On or before the Closing Date and any
Subsequent Closing Date, the Representative and counsel for the Underwriters
shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may
reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance
and sale of the Units as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the
accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction
of
any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained and such other matters
as
may be reasonably requested by the Underwriters or their counsel.
If
any
condition specified in this Section 5 is not satisfied when and as required
to
be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice
to the Company at any time on or prior to the Closing Date and, with respect
to
the Optional Units, at any time prior to the applicable Subsequent Closing
Date,
which termination shall be without liability on the part of any party to
any
other party, except that Section 4, Section 6, Section 8 and Section 9 shall
at
all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
Section
6. Reimbursement of Underwriters’
Expenses. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 5, Section 7, Section 10, or Section 11, or if the sale to the
Underwriters of the Units on the Closing Date or on any Subsequent Closing
Date
is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part
of
the Company to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision
hereof, the Company agrees to reimburse the Representative and the other
Underwriters (or such Underwriters as have terminated this Agreement with
respect to themselves), severally, upon demand for all out-of-pocket expenses
that shall have been reasonably incurred by the Representative and the
Underwriters in connection with the proposed purchase and the offering and
sale
of the Units, including
but
not
limited to fees and disbursements of counsel, printing expenses, travel
expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges.
Section
7. Effectiveness of this Agreement. This
Agreement shall not become effective until the later of (a) the execution
of
this Agreement by the parties hereto and (b) notification by the Commission
to
the Company and the Representative of the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement under the Securities Act.
Prior
to
such effectiveness, this Agreement may be terminated by any party by notice
to
each of the other parties hereto, and any such termination shall be without
liability on the part of (i) the Company to any Underwriter, except that
the
Company shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representative
and
the Underwriters pursuant to Sections 4 and 6 hereof, or (ii) any Underwriter
to
the Company.
Section
8. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification
of the Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless each Underwriter, its directors, officers, employees and
agents, and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the
meaning
of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage,
liability or expense, as incurred, to which such Underwriter, director, officer,
employee, agent or controlling person may become subject, insofar as such
loss,
claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as
contemplated below) arises out of or is based (i) upon any untrue statement
or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration
Statement, or any amendment thereto, including any information deemed to
be a
part thereof pursuant to Rule 430A, Rule 430B or Rule 430C under the Securities
Act, 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 (ii) upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact
contained in any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment
or
supplement thereto) or any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433 under the
Securities Act), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material
fact, in each case, necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and
to
reimburse each Underwriter, its officers, directors, employees, agents and
each
such controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and
disbursements of counsel chosen by the Representative) as such expenses are
reasonably incurred by such Underwriter, or its officers, directors, employees,
agents or such controlling person in connection with investigating, defending,
settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability,
expense or action; provided, however, that the foregoing
indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, claim, damage, liability
or
expense to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or based upon
any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company
by any Underwriter through the Representative expressly for use in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any
amendment or supplement thereto), or any road show, it being understood and
agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists
of
the information described as such in Section 8(b) hereof. The
indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 8(a) shall be in addition to
any
liabilities that the Company may otherwise have.
(b) Indemnification
of the Company, its Directors and Officers. Each
Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the
Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company
within
the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any loss,
claim,
damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which the Company, or any such
director, officer or controlling person may
become
subject, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions
in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon
any
untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any
amendment or supplement thereto) or any road show, or arises out of or is
based
upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any
amendment or supplement thereto) or any road show, in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the
Representative expressly for use therein; and to reimburse the Company, or
any
such director, officer or controlling person for any legal and other expense
reasonably incurred by the Company, or any such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising
or
paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or
action. The Company hereby acknowledges that the only information
that the Underwriters have furnished to the Company expressly for use in
the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any
amendment or supplement thereto) or any road show are the statements set
forth
in the paragraphs entitled “Stabilization” and “Discretionary Accounts” under
the caption “Underwriting” in the Prospectus. The indemnity agreement
set forth in this Section 8(b) shall be in addition to any liabilities that
each
Underwriter may otherwise have.
(c) Notifications
and Other Indemnification Procedures. Promptly after
receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of the
commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 8,
notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof, but
the
failure to so notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from
liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent it did
not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture
by
the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses
and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from
any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification
obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. In case any
such action is brought against any indemnified party and such indemnified
party
seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying
party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall
elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by
written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving
the
aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof
with
counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, if the
defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party
and
the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that
there
may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties that
are
different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party,
the
indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel
to
assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of
such
action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt
of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such
indemnifying party’s election so to assume the defense of such action and
approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will
not be
liable to such indemnified party under this Section 8 for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
the
defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate
counsel in accordance with the proviso to the preceding sentence (it being
understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for
the
expenses of more than one separate counsel (other than local counsel),
reasonably approved by the indemnifying party (or by the Representative in
the
case of Section 8(b)), representing the indemnified parties who are parties
to
such action) or (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel
satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party
within
a
reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action, in each of which
cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the
indemnifying party.
(d) Settlements. The
indemnifying party under this Section 8 shall not be liable for any settlement
of any proceeding effected without its written consent, which shall not be
withheld unreasonably, but if settled with such consent or if there is a
final
judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the
indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by
reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing
sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an
indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses
of
counsel as contemplated by Section 8(c) hereof, the indemnifying party agrees
that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without
its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days
after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii)
such
indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance
with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No
indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified
party, effect any settlement, compromise or consent to the entry of judgment
in
any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which
any
indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity was or could
have
been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement,
compromise or consent (x) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified
party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action,
suit or proceeding and (y) 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.
Section
9. Contribution. If the indemnification
provided for in Section 8 is for any reason unavailable to or otherwise
insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then each
indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount paid or payable
by
such indemnified party, as incurred, as a result of any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses referred to therein (a) 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 Units
pursuant to this Agreement or (b) if the allocation provided by clause (a)
above
is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate
to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (a) above but
also
the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters,
on the
other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions or inaccuracies
in
the representations and warranties herein which resulted in such losses,
claims,
damages, liabilities 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 Units pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in
the
same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of
the
Units pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by
the
Company, and the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters,
in
each case as set forth on the front cover page of the Prospectus bear to
the
aggregate initial public offering price of the Units 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 or any such
inaccurate or alleged inaccurate representation or warranty relates to
information supplied by the Company, on the one hand, or 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
amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject
to the limitations set forth in Section 8(c),
any
legal
or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection
with
investigating or defending any action or claim.
The
Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable
if
contribution pursuant to this Section 9 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 in this Section 9.
Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 9, no Underwriter shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting commissions
received by such Underwriter in connection with the Units underwritten by
it and
distributed to the public. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities
Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to
contribute pursuant to this Section 9 are several, and not joint, in proportion
to their respective underwriting commitments as set forth opposite their
names
in Schedule A. For purposes of this Section 9, each director,
officer, employee and agent of an Underwriter and each person, if any, who
controls an Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange
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 the Securities Act or the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as the Company.
Section
10. Default of One or More of the Several
Underwriters. If, on the Closing Date or a Subsequent
Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the several Underwriters
shall fail or refuse to purchase Units that it or they have agreed to purchase
hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Units which such defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase does
not
exceed 10% of the aggregate number of the Units to be purchased on such date,
the other Underwriters shall be obligated, severally, in the proportions
that
the number of Firm Units set forth opposite their respective names on
Schedule A bears to the aggregate number of Firm Units set forth opposite
the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions
as may be specified by the Representative with the consent of the non-defaulting
Underwriters, to purchase the Units which such defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date. If, on
the
Closing Date or a Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or
more
of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Units and the aggregate
number of Units with respect to which such default occurs exceeds 10% of
the
aggregate number of Units to be purchased on such date, and arrangements
satisfactory to the Representative and the Company for the purchase of such
Units are not made within 48 hours after such default, this Agreement shall
terminate without liability of any party to any other party except that the
provisions of Section 4, Section 6, Section 8 and Section 9 shall at all
times
be effective and shall survive such termination. In any such case
either the Representative or the Company shall have the right to postpone
the
Closing Date or a Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no
event
for longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to
the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements
may be effected.
As
used
in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” shall be deemed to include any person
substituted for a defaulting Underwriter under this Section 10. Any
action taken under this Section 10 shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter
from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this
Agreement.
Section
11. Termination of this Agreement. Prior
to the Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Units, any Subsequent
Closing Date, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative
by
notice
given to the Company if at any time (i) trading or quotation in any of the
Company’s securities shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission or
by the American Stock Exchange, or trading in securities generally on the
New
York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange shall have been suspended
or
limited, or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established
by
the Commission or the FINRA or on any such stock exchange; (ii) a general
banking moratorium shall have been declared by federal or New York authorities
or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or
clearance services in the United States has occurred; (iii) there shall have
occurred any outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities
or
declaration of a national emergency or war by the United States or any crisis
or
calamity, or any change in the United States or international financial markets,
or any substantial change or development involving a prospective substantial
change in United States’ or international political, financial or economic
conditions, as in the judgment of the Representative is material and adverse
and
makes it impracticable or inadvisable to market the Units in the manner and
on
the terms described in the Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale
of
securities; or (iv) there has been, since the time of execution of this
Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given
in the
Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, any Material Adverse
Change. Any termination pursuant to this Section 11 shall be without
liability on the part of (a) the Company to any Underwriter, except that
the
Company shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representative
and
the Underwriters pursuant to Sections 4 and 6 hereof, or (b) any Underwriter
to
the Company.
Section
12. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. The
Company acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the purchase and sale of the
Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the
initial public offering price of the Securities and any related discounts
and
commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on
the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand, and the Company
is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the
terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(ii) in connection with each transaction contemplated hereby and the process
leading to such transaction each Underwriter is and has been acting solely
as a
principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary of the Company
or
its affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other party;
(iii)
no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary
responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to any of the transactions
contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether
such
Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters)
and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company with respect to the
offering contemplated hereby except the obligations expressly set forth in
this
Agreement; (iv) the several Underwriters and their respective affiliates
may be
engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ
from
those of the Company and that the several Underwriters have no obligation
to
disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary
relationship; and (v) 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.
This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written
or
oral) between the Company and the several Underwriters, or any of them, with
respect to the subject matter hereof. The Company hereby waives and
releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company
may have against the several Underwriters with respect to any breach or alleged
breach of agency or fiduciary duty.
Section
13. Research Analyst Independence. The
Company acknowledge that the Underwriters’ 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’ research analysts may hold views and make statements
or investment recommendations
and/or
publish research reports with respect to the Company and/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 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 independent research analysts and
research departments may be different from or inconsistent with the views
or
advice communicated to the Company by such Underwriters’ 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 companies that may be the subject of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section
14. Representations and Indemnities to Survive
Delivery. The respective indemnities, agreements,
representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, of its
officers, and of the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to
this
Agreement (a) will remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless
of
any (i) investigation, or statement as to the results thereof, made by or
on
behalf of any Underwriter, the officers or employees of any Underwriter,
or any
person controlling the Underwriter, the Company, the officers or employees
of
the Company, or any person controlling the Company, as the case may be or
(ii)
acceptance of the Units and payment for them hereunder, and (b) will survive
delivery of and payment for the Units sold hereunder and any termination
of this
Agreement.
Section
15. Notices. All communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, hand delivered or telecopied
and confirmed to the parties hereto as follows:
If
to BAS
or to the Representative:
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th
Street
New
York, NY 10019
Facsimile: (212)
933-2217
Attention: Syndicate
Department
with
a
copy to:
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Facsimile: (212)
[ - ]
Attention: Priya
Velamoor, Esq.
and
Bingham
McCutchen LLP
399
Park
Avenue
New
York,
NY 10022
Facsimile: (212)
702-3625
Attention: Floyd
Wittlin, Esq.
If
to the
Company:
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
NY 10577
Facsimile: (212)
933-2217
Attention: Richard
A. Baker
with
a
copy to:
Sidley
Austin LLP
787
Seventh Avenue
New
York,
NY 10019
Facsimile: (212)
839-5599
Attention: Samir
A. Gandhi, Esq.
Any
party
hereto may change the address for receipt of communications by giving written
notice to the others.
Section
16. Successors and Assigns. This
Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto,
including any substitute Underwriters pursuant to Section 10 hereof, and
to the
benefit of (a) the Company, its directors, any person who controls the Company
within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and any officer
of
the Company who signs the Registration Statement, (b) the Underwriters, the
officers, directors, employees and agents of the Underwriters, and each person,
if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act or
the Exchange Act , and (c) the respective successors and assigns of any of
the
above, all as and to the extent provided in this Agreement, and no
other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this
Agreement. The term “successors and assigns” shall not include a
purchaser of any of the Units from any of the several Underwriters merely
because of such purchase.
Section
17. Partial Unenforceability. The
invalidity or unenforceability of any Section, paragraph or provision of
this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other Section,
paragraph or provision hereof. If any Section, paragraph or provision
of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable,
there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor
changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
Section
18. Governing Law Provisions; Consent to
Jurisdiction. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.
Any
legal
suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or
the
transactions contemplated hereby (“Related Proceedings”) may be
instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located
in the
City and County of New York, Borough of Manhattan, or the courts of the State
of
New York in each case located in the City and County of New York, Borough
of
Manhattan (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each
party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction (except for proceedings
instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court (a
“Related Judgment”), as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of
such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any
process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s address set forth
above shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other
proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and
unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action
or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and
unconditionally
waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit,
action or other proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in
an
inconvenient forum.
Section
19. General Provisions. This Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes
all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements,
understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter
hereof. 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. This
Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the
parties
hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless
waived
in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit. The
Section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall
not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Each
of
the parties hereto acknowledges that it is a sophisticated business person
who
was adequately represented by counsel during negotiations regarding the
provisions hereof, including, without limitation, the indemnification provisions
of Section 8 and the contribution provisions of Section 9, and is fully informed
regarding said provisions. Each of the parties hereto further
acknowledges that the provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereto fairly allocate
the
risks in light of the ability of the parties to investigate the Company,
its
affairs and its business in order to assure that adequate disclosure has
been
made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus and the
Prospectus (and any amendments and supplements thereto), as required by the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
If
the
foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, kindly
sign
and return to the Company the enclosed copies hereof, whereupon this instrument,
along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a binding agreement in
accordance with its terms.
|
Very
truly yours,
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
By:____________________________________
Richard
A. Baker, Chief Executive Officer
|
The
foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted by the
Representative as of the date first above written.
BANC
OF
AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
Acting
as
Representative of the
several
Underwriters named in
the
attached Schedule A.
By:
|
Banc
of America Securities LLC
|
By:
|
______________________________
|
SCHEDULE
A
|
Number
of Firm Units to be Purchased
|
Banc
of America Securities
LLC
|
[___]
|
[___]
|
[___]
|
[___]
|
[___]
|
|
|
Total
|
[___]
|
EXHIBIT
A
Form
of Accountants’ Comfort Letter
EXHIBIT
B
Form
of Opinion of Counsel for the Company
efc7-2356_6292177ex41.htm
Exhibit
4.1
SPECIMEN
UNIT CERTIFICATE1
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
UNITS
CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND
ONE
WARRANT TO PURCHASE ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
SEE
REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
THIS
CERTIFIES THAT
is the owner of
Units.
Each
Unit
(“Unit”) consists of one (1) share of common stock, par value $.0001
per share (“Common Stock”), of NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation (the “Corporation”), and one (1) warrant (the
“Warrant”) of the Corporation. The Warrant entitles the holder to
purchase one (1) share of Common Stock for $7.50 per share (subject to
adjustment). The Warrant will become exercisable on the later of (i) the
Corporation’s completion of an acquisition of one or more operating businesses
through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or
other similar business combination, and
(ii) ,
2008, and will expire unless exercised before 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on
,
2011, or earlier upon redemption (the “Expiration Date”). The Common
Stock and Warrants comprising the Units represented by this certificate
are not
transferable separately until five (5) trading days after the earlier to
occur of the termination of the underwriters’ over-allotment option in
connection with the Corporation’s initial public offering (the “IPO”) or
the exercise in full by the underwriters of that option. In no event will
the
separate trading of the Common Stock and the Warrants comprising the Units
represented by this certificate begin until the Corporation has filed a
Current
Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission containing
an
audited balance sheet reflecting the Corporation’s receipt of the proceeds of
its IPO and the Corporation has issued a press release announcing when
such
separate trading will begin. The terms of the Warrant are governed by a
Warrant
Agreement, dated as of
,
2007, between the Corporation and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, as Warrant Agent, and are subject to the terms and provisions
contained
therein, all of which terms and provisions the holder of this certificate
consents to by acceptance hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on
file at
the office of the Warrant Agent at 17 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004,
and are
available to any Warrant holder on written request and without
cost.
This
certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and
Registrar of the Corporation.
1
See Exhibit A to
the Co-Investment Agreement for the Specimen Co-Investment Unit Certificate
applicable to the co-investment units to be sold by the Company to NRDC
Capital
Management, LLC pursuant to the terms of the Co-Investment
Agreement.
Witness
the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signature of its duly
authorized officers.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
CORPORATE
DELAWARE
SEAL
2007
By: |
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Chief
Executive Officer
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President
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Countersigned
By |
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Transfer
Agent
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
The
Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests,
a
statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of
the
Corporation and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such
preferences and/or rights.
The
following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM
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as
tenants in common
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UNIF GIFT MIN ACT
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______ Custodian
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TEN
ENT
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as
tenants by the entireties
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(Cust) (Minor)
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JT
TEN
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as
joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common
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under
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act _____
(State)
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Additional
Abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED,
HEREBY SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER UNTO
PLEASE
INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(PLEASE
PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
____________________________________________________________
UNITS REPRESENTED BY THE WITHIN CERTIFICATE, AND DO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT _____________ ATTORNEY TO TRANSFER THE SAID UNITS ON
THE
BOOKS OF THE WITHIN NAMED CORPORATION WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION IN THE
PREMISES.
DATED:
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NOTICE:
The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written
upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatsoever.
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Signature(s)
Guaranteed: |
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THE
SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
(BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM,
PURSUANT
TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15).
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efc7-2356_6288838ex43.htm
Exhibit
4.3
[SUBJECT
TO THE TERMS SET FORTH HEREIN, THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE (I) CANNOT BE
TRANSFERRED OR EXCHANGED UNTIL FIVE (5) TRADING DAYS AFTER THE EARLIER TO
OCCUR
OF THE TERMINATION OF THE UNDERWRITERS’ OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION TO PURCHASE UP TO
4,500,000 ADDITIONAL UNITS TO COVER OVER-ALLOTMENTS OR THE EXERCISE IN FULL
BY
THE UNDERWRITERS OF SUCH OPTION (THE “DETACHMENT DATE”) UNLESS
INCLUDED WITH A SHARE OF COMMON STOCK OF NRDC ACQUISITION CORP. AS PART OF
A
UNIT AND (II) CANNOT BE EXERCISED IN WHOLE OR IN PART UNTIL THE LATER OF
THE COMPANY’S CONSUMMATION OF A BUSINESS COMBINATION OR [___________],
2008.]1
EXERCISABLE
ONLY IF COUNTERSIGNED BY THE WARRANT
AGENT
AS
PROVIDED HEREIN.
Warrant
Certificate evidencing
Warrants
to Purchase Common Stock, par value $.0001, as described herein.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
No. ___________ |
CUSIP
No. [________]
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VOID
AFTER 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON [_________],
2011,
OR
UPON EARLIER REDEMPTION (IF APPLICABLE)
This
certifies that ________________________, or its registered assigns, is the
registered holder of _____________________ warrants to purchase certain
securities (each a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles
the holder thereof, subject to the provisions contained herein and in the
Warrant Agreement (as defined below), to purchase from NRDC Acquisition Corp.,
a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), one (1) share of the
Company’s Common Stock (each a “Share”), at the Exercise Price
set forth below. The exercise price of each Warrant (the
“Exercise Price”) shall be $7.50 initially, subject to
adjustments as set forth in the Warrant Agreement.
Subject
to the terms of the Warrant Agreement (as defined below), each Warrant evidenced
hereby may be exercised in whole, but not in part, at any time, as specified
herein, on any Business Day (as defined below) occurring during the period
(the
“Exercise Period”) commencing on the later of the Company’s
consummation of a Business Combination (as defined below) or [_________], 2008
and ending at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the earlier to occur of
[___________], 2011 or the Redemption Date, if applicable (the
“Expiration Date”). Each Warrant remaining
unexercised after 5:00 P.M., New York City time on the Expiration Date
shall become void, and all rights of the holder of this Warrant Certificate
evidencing such Warrant shall cease.
Notwithstanding
the above, Warrants issued as part of the co-investment units sold by the
Company to NRDC Capital Management, LLC (the “Co-Investment
Warrants”) may only be exercised after the date on which the last sales
price of the Company’s common stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other
national securities exchange on which the Company’s common stock may be traded,
equals or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within any
30-trading-day period beginning at least 90 calendar days after the Company’s
consummation of a Business Combination (as defined below). Co-Investment
Warrants are not redeemable by the Company.
1
To be included only in Warrant Certificates representing Warrants sold in
the
Company’s public offering.
The
holder of the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate may exercise
any
Warrant evidenced hereby by delivering, not later than 5:00 P.M., New York
City time, on any Business Day during the Exercise Period (the “Exercise
Date”) to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the
“Warrant Agent”, which term includes any successor warrant
agent under the Warrant Agreement described below) at its corporate trust
department at 17 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004, (i) this Warrant
Certificate, (ii) an election to purchase (“Election to
Purchase”), properly executed by the holder hereof on the reverse of
this Warrant Certificate (the “Participant”) substantially in
the form included on the reverse of this Warrant, as applicable and
(iii) the Exercise Price for each Warrant to be exercised in lawful money
of the United States of America by certified or official bank check or by
bank
wire transfer in immediately available funds[; provided,
however, that with
respect to Warrants issued and sold in a private placement prior to the
completion of the Company’s Initial Public Offering (as defined in the Warrant
Agreement) and the Co-Investment Warrants, so long as any such Warrants are
held
by their original purchaser or its permitted transferrees, the
holder of this Warrant Certificate may, in lieu of payment of the Exercise
Price, surrender its Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal
to
the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares
of
Common Stock underlying the surrendered Warrants, multiplied by the difference
between the Fair Market Value (defined below) and
the
Exercise Price by (y) the Fair Market Value. The “Fair Market
Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common
Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the 3rd trading day prior to the
date on
which the Election to Purchase is sent to the Warrant
Agent]2. If
any of (a) this Warrant Certificate, (b) the Election to Purchase, or (c)
the Exercise Price therefor [or surrendered
Warrants], is received by the Warrant Agent after
5:00 P.M., New York City time, the Warrants will be deemed to be received
and exercised on the Business Day next succeeding the date such items are
received and such date shall be the Exercise Date for purposes
hereof. If the date such items are received is not a Business Day,
the Warrants will be deemed to be received and exercised on the next succeeding
day which is a Business Day and such date shall be the Exercise
Date. If the Warrants to be exercised are received or deemed to be
received after the Expiration Date, the exercise thereof will be null and
void
and any funds delivered to the Warrant Agent will be returned to the holder
as
soon as practicable. In no event will interest accrue on funds
deposited with the Warrant Agent in respect of an exercise or attempted exercise
of Warrants. The validity of any exercise of Warrants will be
determined by the Warrant Agent in its sole discretion and such determination
will be final and binding upon the holder of the Warrants and the
Company. Neither the Warrant Agent nor the Company shall have any
obligation to inform a holder of Warrants of the invalidity of any exercise
of
Warrants.
As
used
herein, the term “Business Day” means any day that is not a
Saturday or Sunday and is not a United States federal holiday or a day on which
banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law or regulation
to close in New York City.
As
used
herein, the term “Business Combination” shall mean the initial
acquisition by the Company of one or more operating businesses through a merger,
capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar
business combination having collectively, a fair market value (as calculated
in
accordance with the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time) of at least 80%
of
the amount in the trust account established by the Company at the completion
of
its initial public offering (excluding the Underwriters’ (as defined in the
Warrant Agreement) deferred discount) at the time of such
acquisition.
Warrants
may be exercised only in whole numbers of Warrants. No fractional
shares of Common Stock are to be issued upon the exercise of any Warrant, but
rather the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued shall be rounded up
to
the nearest whole number. If fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced
by this Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new Warrant Certificate for the
number of Warrants remaining unexercised shall be executed by the Company and
countersigned by the Warrant Agent as provided in Section 2 of the Warrant
Agreement, and delivered to the holder of this Warrant Certificate at the
address specified on the books of the Warrant Agent or as otherwise specified
by
such Registered Holder.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to deliver any Shares pursuant
to the exercise of a Warrant and shall have no obligation to settle a Warrant
exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933,
as
amended (the “Securities Act”), with respect to the Shares is
effective and a
2
To be included only in Warrant Certificates representing (i) Warrants issued
in
the private placement or (ii) the Co-Investment Warrants, in both instances
only
so long as held by the original holder or a permitted transferee.
current
prospectus is on file with the Commission. In
the event that a registration statement with respect to the Shares underlying a Warrant is not effective under the
Securities Act or
a current prospectus is not on file with the Commission, the holder of such
Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in the Warrant Agreement (as defined below) and this Warrant
Certificate, under no circumstances will the Company be required to net cash
settle a Warrant exercise. Warrants may not be exercised by, or Shares issued
to, any registered holder in any state in which such exercise or issuance would
be unlawful. For the avoidance of doubt, as a result of Section 3.3.4 of the
Warrant Agreement and the foregoing, any or all of the Warrants may expire
unexercised.
This
Warrant Certificate is issued under and in accordance with the Warrant
Agreement, dated as of [________], 2007 (the “Warrant
Agreement”), between the Company and the Warrant Agent and is subject
to the terms and provisions contained in the Warrant Agreement, to all of which
terms and provisions the holder of this Warrant Certificate and the beneficial
owners of the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate consent by
acceptance
hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file and can be
inspected at the above-mentioned office of the Warrant Agent and at the office
of the Company at 3 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, NY 10577.
At
any
time during the Exercise Period, the Company may, at its option, redeem all
(but
not part) of the then outstanding Warrants upon giving notice in accordance
with
the terms of the Warrant Agreement (the “Redemption Notice”),
at the price of $0.01 per Warrant (the “Redemption Price”);
provided, that the last sales price of the Common Stock on
the American
Stock Exchange, or other principal market on which the Common Stock may be
traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share (subject to adjustment as provided
in
the Warrant Agreement) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period
ending three business days prior to the date on which the Redemption Notice
is
given, and a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to shares
of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is effective and expected
to remain effective to and including the Redemption Date (as defined below)
and
a prospectus relating to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of
the Warrants is available for use to and including the Redemption
Date. In the event the Company shall elect to redeem all of the then
outstanding Warrants, the Company shall fix a date for such redemption (the
“Redemption Date”); provided, that such date shall occur
prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period. The Warrants may be
exercised in accordance with the terms of this Agreement at any time after
a
Redemption Notice shall have been given by the Company; provided,
however, that no Warrants may be exercised subsequent to the expiration
of the Exercise Period; provided, further, that all rights
whatsoever with respect to the Warrants shall cease on the Redemption Date,
other than to the right to receive the Redemption Price. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Co-Investment Warrants are not redeemable by the
Company.
The
accrual of dividends, if any, on the Shares issued upon the valid exercise
of
any Warrant will be governed by the terms generally applicable to such
Shares. From and after the issuance of such Shares, the former holder
of the Warrants exercised will be entitled to the benefits generally available
to other holders of Shares and such former holder’s right to receive payments of
dividends and any other amounts payable in respect of the Shares shall be
governed by, and shall be subject to, the terms and provisions generally
applicable to such Shares.
The
Exercise Price and the number of Shares purchasable upon the exercise of each
Warrant shall be subject to adjustment as provided pursuant to Section 4 of
the
Warrant Agreement.
Prior
to
the Detachment Date, the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate may
be
exchanged or transferred only together with the Shares to which such Warrant
is
attached (together, a “Unit”), and only for the purpose of
effecting, or in conjunction with, an exchange or transfer of such
Unit. Additionally, prior to the Detachment Date, each transfer of
such Unit on the register of the Units shall operate also to transfer the
Warrants included in such Units. From and after the Detachment Date,
the above provisions shall be of no further force and effect. Upon
due presentment for registration of transfer or exchange of this Warrant
Certificate at the stock transfer division of the Warrant Agent, the Company
shall execute, and the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver, as provided
in Section 5 of the Warrant Agreement, in the name of the designated transferee
one or more new Warrant Certificates of any authorized denomination evidencing
in the aggregate a like number of unexercised Warrants, subject to the
limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement.3
3 To
be included
only in Warrant Certificates representing Warrants sold in the Company’s public
offering.
Neither
this Warrant Certificate nor the Warrants evidenced hereby shall entitle
the
holder hereof or thereof to any of the rights of a holder of the Shares,
including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, if any, or
payments upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or
to
exercise voting rights, if any.
The
Warrant Agreement and this Warrant Certificate may be amended as provided
in the
Warrant Agreement including, under certain circumstances described therein,
without the consent of the holder of this Warrant Certificate or the Warrants
evidenced hereby.
THIS
WARRANT CERTIFICATE AND ALL RIGHTS HEREUNDER AND UNDER THE WARRANT AGREEMENT
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND INTERPRETED AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS FORMED AND TO BE PERFORMED
ENTIRELY WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD
TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF TO THE EXTENT SUCH PRINCIPLES
OR
RULES WOULD REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER
JURISDICTION.
This
Warrant Certificate shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Warrant
Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, and no Warrant evidenced
hereby may be exercised, unless this Warrant Certificate has been countersigned
by the manual or facsimile signature of the Warrant Agent.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed.
Dated
as
of __________, 2007
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NRDC
Acquisition Corp. |
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By:
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Authorized
Officer
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Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
By: _________________________________
[REVERSE]
Instructions
for Exercise of Warrant
To
exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby, the holder or Participant must, by
5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the specified Exercise Date, deliver to
the Warrant Agent at the office of the Warrant Agent, or at the office of its
successor as Warrant Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York cash,
a certified or official bank check or a wire transfer in immediately available
funds, in each case payable to the Warrant Agent at Account No. ____, in an
amount equal to the Exercise Price in full for the Warrants
exercised[; provided, however, that the holder of
this Warrant Certificate may, in lieu of payment of the Exercise Price for
the
Warrants, surrender its Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock
equal
to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares
of
Common Stock underlying the surrendered Warrants, multiplied by the difference
between the Fair Market Value and the Exercise Price by (y) the Fair Market
Value]4. In addition,
the Warrant holder or Participant must provide the information required below
and deliver this Warrant Certificate to the Warrant Agent at the address set
forth below. The Warrant Certificate and this Election to Purchase
must be received by the Warrant Agent by 5:00 P.M., New York time, on the
specified Exercise Date.
ELECTION
TO PURCHASE
TO
BE
EXECUTED IF WARRANT HOLDER DESIRES
TO
EXERCISE THE WARRANTS EVIDENCED HEREBY
The
undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise, on __________, ____ (the
“Exercise Date”), _____________ Warrants, evidenced by this
Warrant Certificate, to purchase, _________________ of the shares of Common
Stock (each a “Share”) of NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”), and represents that, on or before
the Exercise Date, such holder has tendered payment for such Shares by cash,
certified or official bank check or bank wire transfer in immediately available
funds to the order of the Company c/o Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, 17 Battery Place, New York, New York 10004, in the amount of
$_____________ in accordance with the terms hereof[ or, at the
election of the holder, so long as such holder is the original purchaser of
such
Warrants or its permitted transferees, the holder (in lieu of payment of the
Exercise Price for the Warrants) has surrendered Warrants for that number of
shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the
product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the surrendered
Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Fair Market Value and the
Exercise Price by (y) the Fair Market Value in accordance with the terms
hereof]5. The undersigned
requests that said
number of Shares be in fully registered form, registered in such names and
delivered, all as specified in accordance with the instructions set forth
below.
If
said
number of Shares is less than all of the Shares purchasable hereunder, the
undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the remaining
balance of the Warrants evidenced hereby be issued and delivered to the holder
of the Warrant Certificate unless otherwise specified in the instructions
below.
4 To
be included only in Warrant Certificates representing (i) Warrants issued
in the
private placement or (ii) the Co-Investment Warrants, in both instances
only so long as held by the original holder or a permitted
transferee.
5 To
be included only in Warrant Certificates representing (i) Warrants issued in
the
private placement or (ii) the Co-Investment Warrants, in both instances only
so
long as held by the original holder or a permitted transferee.
Dated:
______________ __, ____ |
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Name:
______________________________ |
(Please
Print) |
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/ / / /
- / / /-
/ / / / / |
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(Insert
Social Security
or
Other Identifying
Number
of Holder)
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Address |
________________________________________
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Signature_____________________
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This
Warrant may only be exercised by presentation to the Warrant Agent at one of
the
following locations:
The
method of delivery of this Warrant Certificate is at the option and risk of
the
exercising holder and the delivery of this Warrant Certificate will be deemed
to
be made only when actually received by the Warrant Agent. If delivery
is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured,
is
recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to
assure timely delivery.
(Instructions
as to form and delivery of Shares and/or Warrant Certificates)
Name
in which Shares are
to be registered if other than in
the name of the registered holder of
this Warrant Certificate: |
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Address
to which Shares are
to be mailed if other than to the address
of the registered holder of this
Warrant Certificate as shown on the
books of the Warrant Agent: |
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___________________________________ |
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(Street
Address) |
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___________________________________
(City
and State) (Zip Code)
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Name
in which Warrant Certificate evidencing
unexercised Warrants, if any, are
to be registered if other than in the name
of the registered holder of this Warrant
Certificate: |
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___________________________________ |
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Address
to which certificate representing unexercised
Warrants, if any, are to be mailed
if other than to the address of the
registered holder of this Warrant |
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Certificate
as shown on the books of the
Warrant Agent: |
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___________________________________ |
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(Street
Address) |
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___________________________________
(City
and State) (Zip Code)
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Dated: |
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___________________________________ Signature |
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Signature
must conform in all respects to the name of the holder as specified
on the
face of this Warrant Certificate. If Shares, or a Warrant
Certificate evidencing unexercised Warrants, are to be issued in a
name
other than that of the registered holder hereof or are to be delivered
to
an address other than the address of such holder as shown on the books
of
the Warrant Agent, the above signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Guarantor Institution (as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). |
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SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE |
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Name
of Firm ___________________________
Address
_______________________________
Area
Code
and
Number ___________________________
Authorized
Signature
_____________________________
Name
_________________________________
Title
__________________________________
Dated: __________________________,
20___
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ASSIGNMENT
(FORM
OF
ASSIGNMENT TO BE EXECUTED IF WARRANT HOLDER
DESIRES
TO TRANSFER WARRANTS EVIDENCED HEREBY)
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED, _________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and Transfer(s) unto
(Please print name and address including zip
code of
assignee) |
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(Please insert social security or other
identifying number of assignee) |
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the
rights represented by the within Warrant Certificate and does hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint ____________ Attorney to transfer
said
Warrant Certificate on the books of the Warrant Agent with full power
of
substitution in the premises. |
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Dated: |
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Signature |
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(Signature
must conform in all respects to the name of the holder as specified
on the
face of this Warrant Certificate and must bear a signature guarantee
by an
Eligible Guarantor Institution (as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15
of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). |
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SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE |
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Name
of Firm ___________________________
Address
_______________________________
Area
Code
and
Number ___________________________
Authorized
Signature
_____________________________
Name
_________________________________
Title
__________________________________
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efc7-2356_6276440ex44.htm
Exhibit
4.4
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
WARRANT
AGREEMENT
THIS
WARRANT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of [•],
2007, between NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation,
with offices at 3 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, NY 10577 (the
“Company”), and Continental Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, a New York corporation, with offices
at 17 Battery
Place, New York, NY 10004 (the “Warrant Agent”).
WHEREAS,
the Company is engaged in a public offering (“Public Offering”)
of up to 30,000,000 Units (the “Units”), consisting of one
share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
(“Common Stock”) and one warrant (“Public
Warrants”), each of such Public Warrants evidencing the right of the
holder thereof to purchase one share of Common Stock for $7.50, subject to
adjustment as described herein;
WHEREAS,
immediately prior to the completion of the Public Offering, the Company shall
sell and issue 8,000,000 Warrants (the “Private Warrants”),
each of such Private Warrants evidencing the right of the holder thereof to
purchase one share of Common Stock for $7.50, subject to adjustment as described
herein;
WHEREAS,
immediately prior to the consummation of an initial Business Combination (as
defined in Section 3.2), the Company shall sell and issue, for an aggregate
purchase price of $20,000,000, 2,000,000 Co-Investment Units at $10.00 per
unit,
each unit consisting of one share of Common Stock and one warrant to purchase
one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per share
(“Co-Investment Warrants”, which together with the Public
Warrants and the Private Warrants are referred to herein as
“Warrants”);
WHEREAS,
the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“Commission”) a Registration Statement, No. 333-144871, on Form
S-1 (as amended, the “Registration Statement”) for the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities
Act”), of, among other securities, the Units, Public Warrants and the
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants;
WHEREAS,
the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and
the
Warrant Agent is willing to so act, in connection with the issuance,
registration, transfer, exchange, redemption, exercise and cancellation of
the
Warrants;
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to provide for the form and provisions of the Warrants,
the
terms upon which they shall be issued and exercised, and the respective rights,
limitation of rights, and immunities of the Company, the Warrant Agent, and
the
holders of the Warrants; and
WHEREAS,
all acts and things have been done and performed which are necessary to make
the
Warrants, when executed on behalf of the Company and countersigned by or on
behalf of the Warrant Agent, as provided herein, the valid, binding and legal
obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of
this
Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.
APPOINTMENT OF WARRANT AGENT. The Company hereby appoints the Warrant
Agent to act as agent for the Company with respect to the Warrants, and the
Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same
in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
2.
WARRANTS.
2.1
Form of Warrant. Each Warrant shall be issued in registered form only,
shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, the provisions of
which are incorporated herein and shall be signed by, or bear the facsimile
signature of, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or President.
In the event the person whose facsimile signature has been placed upon any
Warrant shall have ceased to serve in the capacity in which such person signed
the Warrant before such Warrant is issued, it may be issued with the same effect
as if he or she had
not
ceased to be such at the date of issuance. All of the Warrants shall initially
be represented by one or more book-entry certificates (each a “Book
Entry Warrant Certificate”).
2.2
Effect of Countersignature. Unless and until countersigned by the Warrant
Agent in accordance with this Agreement, a Warrant shall be invalid and of
no
effect and may not be exercised by the holder thereof.
2.3
Detachability of Warrants. The securities comprising the Units will not
be separately transferable until five (5) trading days after the earlier to
occur of (a) the termination of the Underwriter’s over-allotment option or
(b) the exercise in full by the Underwriter of such option (the
“Detachment Date”). Further, in no event will separate trading
of the securities comprising the Units commence until the Company files a
Current Report on Form 8-K with the Commission containing an audited balance
sheet reflecting the Company’s receipt of the gross proceeds of the Public
Offering including the proceeds received by the Company from the exercise of
the
Underwriter’s over-allotment option.
2.4
Registration.
2.4.1
Warrant Register. The Warrant Agent shall maintain books
(“Warrant Register”) for registration of original issuance and
the registration of transfer of the Warrants. Upon the initial issuance of
the
Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall issue and register the Warrants in the names
of the respective holders thereof in such denominations and otherwise in
accordance with instructions delivered to the Warrant Agent by the Company.
All
of the Warrants shall initially be represented by one or more Book-Entry Warrant
Certificates deposited with the Depository Trust Company (the
“Depository”) and registered in the name of Cede &
Co., a nominee of the Depository. Ownership of beneficial
interests in the
Warrants shall be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership shall be effected
through, records maintained by (i) the Depository or its nominee for each
Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, or (ii) institutions that have accounts
with the Depository (such institution, with respect to a Warrant in its account,
a “Participant”).
If
the
Depository subsequently ceases to make its book-entry settlement system
available for the Warrants, the Company may instruct the Warrant Agent regarding
making other arrangements for book-entry settlement. In the event that the
Warrants are not eligible for, or it is no longer necessary to have the Warrants
available in, book-entry form, the Warrant Agent shall provide written
instructions to the Depository to deliver to the Warrant Agent for cancellation
each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, and the Company shall instruct the Warrant
Agent to deliver to the Depository definitive Warrant Certificates in physical
form evidencing such Warrants. Such definitive Warrant Certificates shall be
in
the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A with appropriate insertions,
modifications and omissions, as provided above.
2.4.2
Beneficial Owner; Registered Holder. The term “beneficial
owner” shall mean, on or after the Detachment Date, any person in whose
name ownership of a beneficial interest in the Warrants evidenced by a
Book-Entry Warrant Certificate is recorded in the records maintained by the
Depository or its nominee, and prior to the Detachment Date, the person in
whose
name the Unit to which such Warrant Certificate was initially attached as
registered upon the register relating to such Units. Prior to due presentment
for registration or transfer of any Warrant, the Company and the Warrant Agent
may deem and treat the person in whose name such Warrant shall be registered
upon the Warrant Register (a “Registered Holder”) as the
absolute owner of such Warrant and of each Warrant represented thereby
(notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing on the Warrant
Certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Warrant Agent) for
the
purpose of any exercise thereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the
Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the
contrary.
3.
TERMS AND EXERCISE OF WARRANTS.
3.1
Warrant Price. Each Warrant shall, when countersigned by the Warrant
Agent, entitle the Registered Holder thereof, subject to the provisions of
(a) such Public Warrant, Private Warrant or Co-Investment Warrant, as the
case may be, and (b) this Warrant Agreement, to purchase from the Company
the number of shares of Common Stock stated therein, at the price of $7.50
per
whole share, subject to the adjustments provided in Section 4 hereof and in
the last sentence of this Section 3.1. The term “Warrant
Price” as used in this Warrant Agreement refers to the price per whole
share at which Common Stock may be purchased at the time a Warrant is exercised.
The Company in its sole discretion may lower the Warrant Price at any time
prior
to the Expiration Date; provided, however, that any change in the
Warrant Price must apply equally to all of the Warrants, and provided,
further, that any reduction in Warrant Price must remain in effect
for at
least (20) business days.
3.2
Duration of Warrants.
3.2.1
Public Warrants and Private Warrants. Public Warrants and Private
Warrants may be exercised only during the period (“Exercise
Period”) commencing on the later of (a) the consummation of an
acquisition by the Company of one or more operating businesses through a merger,
capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar
business combination having, collectively, a fair market value (as calculated
in
accordance with the requirements set forth in the Company’s Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended) of at least 80% of the balance of the Trust Account
(as defined in Section 8.6 below), excluding the Underwriter’s deferred
discount, at the time of such acquisition (a “Business
Combination”), or (b) [•], and terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York
City time on the earlier to occur of (i) [•], or (ii) the date fixed for
redemption of the Public Warrant and Private Warrant as provided in
Section 6 of this Agreement (subject to extension in limited circumstances)
(the date on which the exercise period terminates, the “Expiration
Date”). Except with respect to the right to receive the Redemption
Price (as set forth in Section 6 hereunder), each Public Warrant and
Private Warrant not exercised on or before the Expiration Date shall become
void, and all rights thereunder and all rights in respect thereof under this
Agreement shall cease at the close of business on the Expiration Date. The
Company in its sole discretion may extend the duration of the Public Warrants
and Private Warrants by delaying the Expiration Date; provided,
however, that any extension of the duration of the Public Warrants
and
Private Warrants must apply equally to all of the Public Warrants and Private
Warrants. Should the Company wish to extend the Expiration Date of the Public
Warrants and Private Warrants, the Company shall provide advance notice to
the
American Stock Exchange as required by the American Stock Exchange.
3.2.2
Co-Investment Warrants. A Co-Investment Warrant may be exercised only
during the period (“Co-Investment Exercise
Period”) commencing after the date on which the last sales price of the
Company’s Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other national
securities exchange on which the Company’s Common Stock may be traded, equals or
exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading-day
period beginning at least 90 calendar days after the consummation of the
Company’s initial Business Combination, and terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York
time on [●].
3.3
Terms and Exercise of Warrants.
3.3.1
Method of Exercise. A Registered Holder may exercise a Warrant by
delivering, not later than 5:00 P.M., New York time, on any business day during
the applicable Exercise Period (the “Exercise Date”) to the
Warrant Agent at its corporate trust department (i) the Warrant Certificate
evidencing the Warrants to be exercised, or, in the case of a Book-Entry Warrant
Certificate, the Warrants to be exercised (the “Book-Entry
Warrants”) free on the records of the Depository to an account of the
Warrant Agent at the Depository designated for such purpose in writing by the
Warrant Agent to the Depository from time to time, (ii) an election to
purchase (“Election to Purchase”) any shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant (the “Shares”), properly
completed and executed by the Registered Holder on the reverse of the Warrant
Certificate or, in the case of a Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, properly
delivered by the Participant in accordance with the Depository’s procedures, and
(iii) the Warrant Price for each Warrant to be exercised in lawful money of
the United States of America by certified or official bank check or by bank
wire
transfer in immediately available funds; provided, however,
that solely with respect to the Private Warrants and Co-Investment Warrants
so
long as such Warrants are held by their original purchaser or its permitted
transferees the holder thereof may, in lieu of payment of the Warrant Price,
surrender its Private Warrants or Co-Investment Warrants, as the case may be,
for that number of Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing
(x) the product of the number of Shares underlying the surrendered Private
Warrants or Co-Investment Warrants, as the case may be, multiplied by the
difference between the Fair Market Value (defined below) and the Warrant Price
by (y) the Fair Market Value. For avoidance of doubt, in no event may a
Registered Holder expect or compel the Company to deliver any consideration
under a Warrant other than Shares as described immediately above. “Fair
Market Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the
Common Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior
to
the date on which the Election to Purchase by a holder of Private Warrants
or
Co-Investment Warrants, as the case may be, is sent to the Warrant
Agent.
If
any of
(A) the Warrant Certificate or the Book-Entry Warrants, (B) the
Election to Purchase, or (C) the Warrant Price therefor, is received by the
Warrant Agent after 5:00 P.M., New York time, on the specified Exercise Date,
the Warrants will be deemed to be received and exercised on the Business Day
next
succeeding
the Exercise Date. If the date specified as the Exercise Date is not a Business
Day, the Warrants will be deemed to be received and exercised on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day. If the Warrants are received or deemed
to
be received after the Expiration Date, the exercise thereof will be null and
void and any funds delivered to the Warrant Agent will be returned to the
Registered Holder or Participant, as the case may be, as soon as practicable.
In
no event will interest accrue on funds deposited with the Warrant Agent in
respect of an exercise or attempted exercise of Warrants. The validity of any
exercise of Warrants will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion
and such determination will be final and binding upon the Registered Holder
and
the Warrant Agent. Neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall have any
obligation to inform a Registered Holder of the invalidity of any exercise
of
Warrants.
The
Warrant Agent shall deposit all funds received by it in payment of the Warrant
Price in the account of the Company maintained with the Warrant Agent for such
purpose and shall advise the Company at the end of each day on which funds
for
the exercise of the Warrants are received of the amount so deposited to its
account. The Warrant Agent shall promptly confirm such telephonic advice to
the
Company in writing.
The
Warrant Agent shall, by 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time on the Business Day following
the Exercise Date of any Warrant, advise the Company and the transfer agent
and
registrar in respect of (a) the Shares issuable upon such exercise as to
the number of Warrants exercised in accordance with the terms and conditions
of
this Agreement, (b) the instructions of each Registered Holder or
Participant, as the case may be, with respect to delivery of the Shares issuable
upon such exercise, and the delivery of definitive Warrant Certificates, as
appropriate, evidencing the balance, if any, of the Warrants remaining after
such exercise, (c) in case of a Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, the
notation that shall be made to the records maintained by the Depository, its
nominee for each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, or a Participant, as
appropriate, evidencing the balance, if any, of the Warrants remaining after
such exercise and (d) such other information as the Company or such
transfer agent and registrar shall reasonably require.
The
Company shall, by 5:00 P.M., New York time, on the third Business Day next
succeeding the Exercise Date of any Warrant and the clearance of the funds
in
payment of the Warrant Price, execute, issue and deliver to the Warrant Agent,
the Shares to which such Registered Holder or Participant, as the case may
be,
is entitled, in fully registered form, registered in such name or names as
may
be directed by such Registered Holder or the Participant, as the case may be.
Upon receipt of such Shares, the Warrant Agent shall, by 5:00 P.M., New York
time, on the fifth Business Day next succeeding such Exercise Date, transmit
such Shares to or upon the order of the Registered Holder or Participant, as
the
case may be.
In
lieu
of delivering physical certificates representing the Shares issuable upon
exercise, provided the Company’s transfer agent is participating in the
Depository Fast Automated Securities Transfer program, the Company shall use
its
reasonable best efforts to cause its transfer agent to electronically transmit
the Shares issuable upon exercise to the Registered Holder or the Participant
by
crediting the account of the Registered Holder’s prime broker with the
Depository or of the Participant through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission
system. The time periods for delivery described in the immediately preceding
paragraph shall apply to the electronic transmittals described
herein.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to deliver any securities
pursuant to the exercise of any of the Warrants unless a registration statement
under the Act with respect to the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Public Warrants is effective and the prospectus contained therein is available
for use by the holders of the Public Warrants. Warrants may not be exercised
by,
or securities issued to, any Registered Holder in any state in which such
exercise would be unlawful. The exercise of the Warrants may only be settled
by
delivery of Shares and the Registered Holders shall not be entitled to payment
of cash in lieu of Shares (net cash settlement) upon exercise of the Warrants
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Warrants regardless of whether
the Common Stock underlying the Warrants is registered pursuant to an effective
registration statement and a prospectus relating to those Shares is available
for use by the holders of the Public Warrants.
The
accrual of dividends, if any, on the Shares issued upon the valid exercise
of
any Warrant will be governed by the terms generally applicable to the Shares.
From and after the issuance of such Shares, the former holder of the Warrants
exercised will be entitled to the benefits generally available to other holders
of Shares and such former holder’s right to receive payments of dividends and
any other amounts payable in respect of the Shares shall be governed by, and
shall be subject to, the terms and provisions generally applicable to such
Shares.
Warrants
may be exercised only in whole numbers of Shares. No fractional Shares are
to be
issued upon the exercise of the Warrant, but rather the number of Shares to
be
issued shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. If fewer than all of
the
Warrants evidenced by a Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new Warrant
Certificate for the number of unexercised Warrants remaining shall be executed
by the Company and countersigned by the Warrant Agent as provided in
Section 2 of this Agreement, and delivered to the holder of this Warrant
Certificate at the address specified on the books of the Warrant Agent or as
otherwise specified by such Registered Holder. If fewer than all the Warrants
evidenced by a Book-Entry Warrant Certificate are exercised, a notation shall
be
made to the records maintained by the Depository, its nominee for each
Book-Entry Warrant Certificate, or a Participant, as appropriate, evidencing
the
balance of the Warrants remaining after such exercise.
The
Company shall not be required to pay any stamp or other tax or governmental
charge required to be paid in connection with any transfer involved in the
issue
of the Shares upon the exercise of Warrants; and in the event that any such
transfer is involved, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver
any
Shares until such tax or other charge shall have been paid or it has been
established to the Company’s satisfaction that no such tax or other charge is
due.
3.3.2.
Payment. Subject to the provisions of the Warrant (including, but not
limited to, the cashless exercise provisions applicable to the Private Warrants
and the Co-Investment Warrants) and this Warrant Agreement, a Warrant, when
countersigned by the Warrant Agent, may be exercised by the registered holder
thereof by surrendering it, at the office of the Warrant Agent, or at the office
of its successor as Warrant Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State
of New York, with the subscription form, as set forth in the Warrant, duly
executed, and by paying in full, in lawful money of the United States, in cash,
good certified check or good bank draft payable to the order of the Company
(or
as otherwise agreed to by the Company), the Warrant Price for each whole share
of Common Stock as to which the Warrant is exercised and any and all applicable
taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Warrant, the exchange of the
Warrant for the Common Stock, and the issuance of the Common Stock.
3.3.3.
Issuance of Certificates. As soon as practicable after the exercise of
any Warrant and the clearance of the funds in payment of the Warrant Price,
the
Company shall issue to the registered holder of such Warrant a certificate
or
certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock to which he is
entitled, registered in such name or names as may be directed by him, her or
it,
and if such Warrant shall not have been exercised in full, a new countersigned
Warrant for the number of shares as to which such Warrant shall not have been
exercised. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated
to
deliver any securities pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant unless a
registration statement under the Act with respect to the Common Stock is
effective.
3.3.4.
Limitations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be
obligated to deliver any Shares and shall have no obligation to settle the
Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act,
with
respect to the Shares is effective and a current prospectus is on file with
the
Commission. In the event that a registration statement with respect to the
Shares underlying a Warrant is not effective under the Securities Act or a
current Prospectus is not on file with the Commission, the holder of such
Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in this Warrant Agreement, and other than with respect to the
cashless exercise provisions applicable to the Private Warrants and the
Co-Investment Warrants, under no circumstances will the Company be required
to
net cash settle the Warrant exercise. Warrants may not be exercised by, or
Shares issued to, any registered holder in any state in which such exercise
or
issuance would be unlawful. For the avoidance of doubt, as a result of this
Section 3.3.4, any or all of the Warrants may expire unexercised. In no
event shall the registered Holder of a Warrant be entitled to receive any
monetary damages if the Common Stock underlying the Warrants have not been
registered by the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement or
if
a current prospectus is available for delivery by the Warrant Agent,
provided the Company has fulfilled its obligation to use its best efforts
to effect such registration and ensure a current prospectus is available for
delivery by the Warrant Agent.
3.4
Valid Issuance. All shares of Common Stock issued upon the proper
exercise of a Warrant in conformity with this Agreement shall be validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.
3.5
Date of Issuance. Each person in whose name any such certificate for
shares of Common Stock is issued shall for all purposes be deemed to have become
the holder of record of such shares on the date on which the Warrant was
surrendered and payment of the Warrant Price was made, irrespective of the
date
of delivery of such
certificate,
except that, if the date of such surrender and payment is a date when the stock
transfer books of the Company are closed, such person shall be deemed to have
become the holder of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding
date on which the stock transfer books are open.
4.
ADJUSTMENTS.
4.1
Stock Dividends – Split-Ups. If after the date hereof, and subject to the
provisions of Section 4.7 below, the number of outstanding shares of Common
Stock is increased by a stock dividend payable in shares of Common Stock, or
by
a split-up of shares of Common Stock, or other similar event, then, on the
effective date of such stock dividend, split-up or similar event, the number
of
shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be increased
in proportion to such increase in outstanding shares of Common
Stock.
4.2
Extraordinary Dividend. If the Company, at any time while the Warrants
are outstanding and unexpired, shall pay a dividend or make a distribution
in
cash, securities or other assets to the holders of Common Stock (or other shares
of the Company’s capital stock into which the Warrants are convertible), other
than (a) as described in Sections 4.1, 4.3 or 4.5, (b) regular
quarterly or other periodic dividends, (c) in connection with the
conversion rights of the holders of Common Stock upon consummation of the
Company’s initial Business Combination, or (d) in connection with the
Company’s liquidation and the distribution of its assets upon its failure to
consummate a Business Combination (any such non-excluded event being referred
to
herein as an “Extraordinary Dividend”), then the Warrant Price
shall be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such
Extraordinary Dividend, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value
(as
determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, in good faith) of any securities
or other assets paid on each share of Common Stock in respect of such
Extraordinary Dividend.
4.3
Aggregation of Shares. If after the date hereof, and subject to the
provisions of Section 4.7, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock
is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse stock split or
reclassification of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on
the
effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse stock split,
reclassification or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable
on exercise of each Warrant shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease
in
outstanding shares of Common Stock.
4.4
Adjustments in Warrant Price. Whenever the number of shares of Common
Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants is adjusted, as provided
in
Section 4.1 and 4.3 above, the Warrant Price shall be adjusted (to the
nearest cent) by multiplying such Warrant Price immediately prior to such
adjustment by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants immediately
prior to such adjustment, and (b) the denominator of which shall be the
number of shares of Common Stock so purchasable immediately
thereafter.
4.5
Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc. In case of any
reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
(other than a change covered by Section 4.1 or 4.3 hereof or that solely
affects the par value of such shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any
merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other
than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any sale or
conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property
of
the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with
which the Company is dissolved, the Warrant holders shall thereafter have the
right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions
specified in the Warrants and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock of the
Company immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise
of
the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other
securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification,
reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any
such sale or transfer, that the Warrant holder would have received if such
Warrant holder had exercised his, her or its Warrant(s) immediately prior to
such event; and if any reclassification also results in a change in shares
of
Common Stock covered by Section 4.1 or 4.3, then such adjustment shall be
made pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 and this Section 4.5. The
provisions of this Section 4.5 shall similarly apply to successive
reclassifications, reorganizations, mergers or consolidations, sales or other
transfers.
4.6
Notices of Changes in Warrant. Upon every adjustment of the Warrant Price
or the number of shares issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, the Company shall
give written notice thereof to the Warrant Agent, which notice shall state
the
Warrant Price resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease,
if
any, in the number of shares purchasable at such price upon the exercise of
a
Warrant, setting forth in reasonable detail the method of calculation and the
facts upon which such calculation is based. Upon the occurrence of any event
specified in Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 or 4.5, then, in any such event, the
Company shall give written notice to the Warrant holder, at the last address
set
forth for such holder in the warrant register, of the record date or the
effective date of the event. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein,
shall not affect the legality or validity of such event.
4.7
No
Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Warrant
Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not issue fractional shares upon
exercise of Warrants. If, by reason of any adjustment made pursuant to this
Section 4, the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise
of such Warrant, to receive a fractional interest in a share, the Company shall,
upon such exercise, round up to the nearest whole number the number of the
shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Warrant holder.
4.8
Form of Warrant. The form of Warrant need not be changed because of any
adjustment pursuant to this Section 4, and Warrants issued after such
adjustment may state the same Warrant Price and the same number of shares as
is
stated in the Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement. However,
the
Company may at any time in its sole discretion make any change in the form
of
Warrant that the Company may deem appropriate and that does not affect the
substance thereof, and any Warrant thereafter issued or countersigned, whether
in exchange or substitution for an outstanding Warrant or otherwise, may be
in
the form as so changed.
5.
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF WARRANTS.
5.1
Transfer of Warrants. Prior to the Detachment Date, the Public Warrants
may be transferred or exchanged only together with the Unit in which such
Warrant is included, and only for the purpose of effecting, or in conjunction
with, a transfer or exchange of such Unit. Furthermore, each transfer of a
Unit
on the register relating to such Units shall operate also to transfer the
Warrants included in such Unit. From and after the Detachment Date this
Section 5.1 will have no further force and effect.
5.2
Registration of Transfer. The Warrant Agent shall register the transfer,
from time to time, of any outstanding Warrant upon the Warrant Register, upon
surrender of such Warrant for transfer, properly endorsed with signatures
properly guaranteed and accompanied by appropriate instructions for transfer.
Upon any such transfer, a new Warrant representing an equal aggregate number
of
Warrants shall be issued and the old Warrant shall be cancelled by the Warrant
Agent. The Warrants so cancelled shall be delivered by the Warrant Agent to
the
Company from time to time upon request.
5.3
Procedure for Surrender of Warrants. Warrants may be surrendered to the
Warrant Agent, together with a written request for exchange or transfer, and
thereupon the Warrant Agent shall issue in exchange therefor one or more new
Warrants as requested by the registered holder of the Warrants so surrendered,
representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants; provided,
however, that except as otherwise provided herein or in any Book-Entry
Warrant Certificate, each Book-Entry Warrant Certificate may be transferred
only
in whole and only to the Depository, to another nominee of the Depository,
to a
successor depository, or to a nominee of a successor depository; provided
further, however, that in the event that a Warrant surrendered for
transfer bears a restrictive legend, the Warrant Agent shall not cancel such
Warrant and issue new Warrants in exchange therefor until the Warrant Agent
has
received an opinion of counsel for the Company stating that such transfer may
be
made and indicating whether the new Warrants must also bear a restrictive
legend. Upon any such registration of transfer, the Company shall execute,
and
the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver, in the name of the designated
transferee a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of any authorized
denomination evidencing in the aggregate a like number of unexercised
Warrants.
5.4
Fractional Warrants. The Warrant Agent shall not be required to effect
any registration of transfer or exchange which will result in the issuance
of a
Warrant Certificate for a fraction of a Warrant.
5.5
Service Charges. No service charge shall be made for any exchange or
registration of transfer of Warrants.
5.6
Warrant Execution and Countersignature. The Warrant Agent is hereby
authorized to countersign and to deliver, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, the Warrants required to be issued pursuant to the provisions of
this
Section 5, and the Company, whenever required by the Warrant Agent, will
supply the Warrant Agent with Warrants duly executed on behalf of the Company
for such purpose.
6.
REDEMPTION.
6.1
Redemption. Subject to Sections 6.4 and 6.5 hereof, not less than
all of the outstanding Warrants may be redeemed, at the option of the Company,
at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration (subject
to the requirements of Section 6.2), at the office of the Warrant Agent,
upon the notice referred to in Section 6.2, at the price of $0.01 per
Warrant (“Redemption Price”), provided that the last
sales price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other
principal market on which the Common Stock may be traded, equals or exceeds
$14.25 per share (subject to proportionate adjustment to reflect adjustment
to
the Warrant Price as provided in Section 4.4) for any 20 trading days
within a 30 trading day period ending three business days prior to the date
on
which notice of redemption is given, and a registration statement under the
Securities Act relating to shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the
Warrants is effective and expected to remain effective to and including the
Redemption Date (as defined below) and a prospectus relating to the shares
of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is available for use to
and
including the Redemption Date.
6.2
Date Fixed for, and Notice of, Redemption. In the event the Company shall
elect to redeem all of the Warrants (other than the Co-Investment Warrants),
the
Company shall fix a date for the redemption, which date shall be prior to the
expiration of the Warrants (the “Redemption Date”). Notice of
redemption shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, by the Company
not less than 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the Registered
Holders of the Warrants to be redeemed at their last addresses as they shall
appear on the Warrant Register (the “Redemption Notice”). Any
notice mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed
to
have been duly given on the date sent whether or not the Registered Holder
received such notice.
6.3
Exercise After Notice of Redemption. The Warrants may be exercised in
accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement at any time after the
Redemption Notice shall have been given by the Company pursuant to
Section 6.2 hereof and prior to the time and date fixed for redemption. On
and after the Redemption Date, the record holder of the Warrants shall have
no
further rights except to receive, upon surrender of the Warrants, the Redemption
Price.
6.4
Outstanding Warrants Only. The Company understands that the redemption
rights provided for by this Section 6 apply only to outstanding Warrants.
To the extent a person holds rights to purchase Warrants, such purchase rights
shall not be extinguished by redemption. However, once such purchase rights
are
exercised, the Company may redeem the Warrants issued upon such exercise
provided that the criteria for redemption are met.
6.5
Co-Investment Warrants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Co-investment
Warrants are not redeemable by the Company.
7.
OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF WARRANTS.
7.1
No
Rights as Stockholder. A Warrant does not entitle the Registered Holder
thereof to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including, without
limitation, the right to receive dividends, or other distributions, exercise
any
preemptive rights to vote or to consent or to receive notice as stockholders
in
respect of the meetings of stockholders or the election of directors of the
Company or any other matter.
7.2
Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Warrants. If any Warrant is lost,
stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the Company and the Warrant Agent may on such
terms as to indemnity or otherwise as they may in their discretion impose (which
shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include the surrender thereof),
issue
a new Warrant of like denomination, tenor, and date as the Warrant so lost,
stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. Any such new Warrant shall constitute a
substitute contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the allegedly
lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed Warrant shall be at any time enforceable
by anyone.
7.3
Reservation of Common Stock. The Company shall at all times reserve and
keep available a number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock
that will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding
Warrants issued pursuant to this Agreement.
7.4
Registration of Common Stock. Prior to the commencement of the Exercise
Period, the Company shall use its best efforts to prepare and file with the
Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, or a new
registration statement, for the registration under the Securities Act of, and
it
shall use its best efforts to take such action as is necessary to qualify for
sale, in those states in which the Warrants were initially offered by the
Company, the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The Company shall
use its best efforts to cause the same to become effective on or prior to the
commencement of the Exercise Period and shall use its best efforts to maintain
the effectiveness of such registration statement and ensure that a current
prospectus is on file with the Commission until the expiration of the Warrants
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided,
however, that the Company shall not be obligated to deliver Shares,
and
shall not have penalties nor be liable to the Warrant holder for failure to
deliver Shares pursuant to Section 3, if a registration statement is not
effective or a current prospectus is not on file with the Commission at the
time
of exercise of the Warrant by the holder. For the avoidance of doubt, the
Company may be liable to a Warrant holder for failure to fulfill its obligations
to use best efforts pursuant to this Section 7.4.
7.5
Delivery of Prospectus or Notice. Upon the exercise of any Warrant, if
the Company requests, the Warrant Agent shall deliver to the Holder of such
Warrant, prior to or concurrently with the delivery of the Shares issued upon
such exercise, in accordance with the Company’s request, either (a) a
prospectus relating to the Shares deliverable upon exercise of Warrants and
complying in all material respects with the Securities Act, or (ii) the
notice referred to in Rule 173 under the Securities Act.
8.
CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT AND OTHER MATTERS.
8.1
Payment of Taxes. The Company will from time to time promptly pay all
taxes and charges that may be imposed upon the Company or the Warrant Agent
in
respect of the issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise
of Warrants, but the Company shall not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes
in
respect of the Warrants or such shares.
8.2
Resignation, Consolidation, or Merger of Warrant Agent.
8.2.1
Appointment of Successor Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent, or any
successor to it hereafter appointed, may resign its duties and be discharged
from all further duties and liabilities hereunder after giving sixty
(60) days’ prior written notice to the Company. If the office of the
Warrant Agent becomes vacant by resignation or incapacity to act or otherwise,
the Company shall appoint in writing a successor warrant agent in place of
the
Warrant Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a
period of 30 days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation
or
incapacity by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of the Warrant (who shall,
with
such notice, submit his Warrant for inspection by the Company), then the holder
of any Warrant may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York for
the
County of New York for the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent at the
Company’s cost.
Any
successor warrant agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such court,
shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
New
York, in good standing and having its principal office in the Borough of
Manhattan, City and State of New York, and authorized under such laws to
exercise corporate trust powers and subject to supervision or examination by
federal or state authority. After appointment, any successor warrant agent
shall
be vested with all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and
obligations of its predecessor warrant agent with like effect as if originally
named as warrant agent hereunder, without any further act or deed; but if for
any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate, the predecessor warrant agent
shall execute and deliver, at the expense of the Company, an instrument
transferring to such successor warrant agent all the authority, powers, and
rights of such predecessor warrant agent hereunder; and upon request of any
successor warrant agent the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge, and
deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually
vesting in and confirming to such successor warrant agent all such authority,
powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations.
8.2.2
Notice of Successor Warrant Agent. In the event a successor warrant
agent shall be appointed, the Company shall give notice thereof to the
predecessor warrant agent and the transfer agent for the Common Stock not later
than the effective date of any such appointment.
8.2.3
Merger or Consolidation of Warrant Agent. Any corporation into which
the Warrant Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or any
corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation
to
which
the Warrant Agent shall be a party shall be the successor warrant agent under
this Agreement without any further act.
8.3
Fees And Expenses Of Warrant Agent.
8.3.1
Remuneration. The Company agrees to pay the Warrant Agent $200 per
month for its services as Warrant Agent hereunder and will reimburse the Warrant
Agent upon demand for all expenditures that the Warrant Agent may reasonably
incur in the execution of its duties hereunder.
8.3.2
Further Assurances. The Company agrees to perform, execute,
acknowledge, and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged,
and
delivered all such further acts, instruments, and assurances as may reasonably
be required by the Warrant Agent for the carrying out or performing of the
provisions of this Agreement.
8.4
Liability Of Warrant Agent.
8.4.1
Reliance on Company Statement. Whenever in the performance of its
duties under this Warrant Agreement, the Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary
or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company
prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless
other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be
deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a statement signed by the
Chief Executive Officer, President or Chairman of the Board of the Company
and
delivered to the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent may rely upon such statement
for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it pursuant to the provisions
of this Agreement.
8.4.2
Indemnity. The Warrant Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own
negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Company agrees to indemnify
the
Warrant Agent and save it harmless against any and all liabilities, including
judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees, for anything done or omitted
by
the Warrant Agent in the execution of this Agreement except as a result of
the
Warrant Agent’s negligence, willful misconduct, or bad faith.
8.4.3
Exclusions. The Warrant Agent shall have no responsibility with respect
to the validity of this Agreement or with respect to the validity or execution
of any Warrant (except its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be
responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained
in this Agreement or in any Warrant; nor shall it be responsible to make any
adjustments required under the provisions of Section 4 hereof or
responsible for the manner, method, or amount of any such adjustment or the
ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment;
nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or
warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any shares of Common Stock
to
be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any shares
of Common Stock will when issued be valid and fully paid and
nonassessable.
8.5
Acceptance Of Agency. The Warrant Agent hereby accepts the agency
established by this Agreement and agrees to perform the same upon the terms
and
conditions herein set forth and among other things, shall account promptly
to
the Company with respect to Warrants exercised and concurrently account for,
and
pay to the Company, all moneys received by the Warrant Agent for the purchase
of
shares of the Company’s Common Stock through the exercise of
Warrants.
8.6
Waiver. The Warrant Agent hereby waives any and all right, title,
interest or claim of any kind (“Claim”) in or to any
distribution of the Trust Account (as defined in that certain Investment
Management Trust Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the
Company and the Warrant Agent as trustee thereunder), and hereby agrees not
to
seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against
the
Trust Fund for any reason whatsoever.
9.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
9.1
Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for
the benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent shall bind and inure to the
benefit of their respective successors and assigns.
9.2
Notices. Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Warrant
Agreement to be given or made by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of any
Warrant to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given when so delivered
if by
hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier
service within five days after
deposit
of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed
in
writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent), as follows:
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
NY 10577
Attn:
Richard A. Baker, Chief Executive Officer
with
a
copy in each case to:
Sidley
Austin LLP
787
Seventh Avenue
New
York,
NY 10019
Attn: Samir
A. Gandhi, Esq.
Any
notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made
by
the holder of any Warrant or by the Company to or on the Warrant Agent shall
be
sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if
sent
by certified mail or private courier service within five days after deposit
of
such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in
writing by the Warrant Agent with the Company), as follows:
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company
17
Battery Place
New
York,
New York 10004
Attn:
Compliance Department
9.3
Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation, and performance of this
Agreement and of the Warrants shall be governed in all respects by the laws
of
the State of New York applicable to contracts formed and to be performed
entirely within the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of
law
provisions thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or
permit the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. The Company hereby
agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of or
relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the
courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York. The Company hereby waives any objection to such
non-exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenience
forum. Any such process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served
by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in
Section 9.2 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall
be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or
claim.
9.4
Amendment. This Agreement and the warrant certificate issued hereunder
may be amended by the parties hereto without the consent of any registered
holder or any Underwriter for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or curing,
correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained herein or adding
or changing any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising
under this Agreement as the parties may deem necessary or desirable and that
the
parties deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the registered holders.
All other modifications or amendments, including any amendment to increase
the
Warrant Price or shorten the Exercise Period, shall require the written consent
of the registered holders of a majority of the then outstanding Warrants and
no
modification or amendment shall affect the Public Warrants, the Private Warrants
and the Co-Investment Warrants differently from one another. Notwithstanding
the
foregoing, the Company may lower the Warrant Price or extend the duration of
the
Exercise Period in accordance with Sections 3.1 and 3.2 hereof, without such
consent.
9.5
Persons Having Rights under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement
expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof
is
intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or give to, any person or
corporation other than the parties hereto and the Registered Holders and, for
the purposes of Sections 6.4 and 7.4 hereof, the Underwriter, any right, remedy,
or claim under or by reason of this Warrant Agreement or of any covenant,
condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof. The Underwriter shall
be
deemed to be a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement with respect to
Sections 6.4 and 7.4 hereof. All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises,
and agreements contained in this Warrant Agreement shall be for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the parties hereto (and the Underwriter with respect to
Sections 6.4 and 7.4 hereof) and their successors and assigns and of the
registered holders of the Warrants.
9.6
Examination of the Warrant Agreement. A copy of this Agreement shall be
available at all reasonable times at the office of the Warrant Agent in the
Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, for inspection by the
registered holder of any Warrant. The Warrant Agent may require any such holder
to submit his Warrant for inspection by it.
9.7
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed
to
be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one
and
the same instrument.
9.8
Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only
and are not part of this Warrant Agreement and shall not affect the
interpretation thereof.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties hereto
as
of the day and year first above written.
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Attest:
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
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By:
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Name:
Richard A. Baker
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Title:
Chief Executive Officer
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Attest:
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CONTINENTAL
STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
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By:
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Name:
John W. Comer, Jr.
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Title:
Vice-President
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EXHIBIT
A
FORM
OF
WARRANT
[SUBJECT
TO THE TERMS SET FORTH HEREIN, THIS WARRANT CERTIFICATE (I) CANNOT BE
TRANSFERRED OR EXCHANGED UNTIL FIVE (5) TRADING DAYS AFTER THE EARLIER
TO OCCUR
OF THE TERMINATION OF THE UNDERWRITERS’ OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION TO PURCHASE UP TO
4,500,000 ADDITIONAL UNITS TO COVER OVER-ALLOTMENTS OR THE EXERCISE IN
FULL BY
THE UNDERWRITERS OF SUCH OPTION (THE “DETACHMENT DATE”) UNLESS
INCLUDED WITH A SHARE OF COMMON STOCK OF NRDC ACQUISITION CORP. AS PART
OF A
UNIT AND (II) CANNOT BE EXERCISED IN WHOLE OR IN PART UNTIL THE LATER OF
THE COMPANY’S CONSUMMATION OF A BUSINESS COMBINATION OR [___________],
2008.]1
EXERCISABLE
ONLY IF COUNTERSIGNED BY THE WARRANT
AGENT
AS
PROVIDED HEREIN.
Warrant
Certificate evidencing
Warrants
to Purchase Common Stock, par value $.0001, as described herein.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
No. ___________ |
CUSIP
No. [________]
|
VOID
AFTER 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON [_________],
2011,
OR
UPON EARLIER REDEMPTION (IF APPLICABLE)
This
certifies that ________________________, or its registered assigns, is the
registered holder of _____________________ warrants to purchase certain
securities (each a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles
the holder thereof, subject to the provisions contained herein and in the
Warrant Agreement (as defined below), to purchase from NRDC Acquisition Corp.,
a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), one (1) share of the
Company’s Common Stock (each a “Share”), at the Exercise Price
set forth below. The exercise price of each Warrant (the
“Exercise Price”) shall be $7.50 initially, subject to
adjustments as set forth in the Warrant Agreement.
Subject
to the terms of the Warrant Agreement (as defined below), each Warrant evidenced
hereby may be exercised in whole, but not in part, at any time, as specified
herein, on any Business Day (as defined below) occurring during the period
(the
“Exercise Period”) commencing on the later of the Company’s
consummation of a Business Combination (as defined below) or [_________],
2008
and ending at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the earlier to occur of
[___________], 2011 or the Redemption Date, if applicable (the
“Expiration Date”). Each Warrant remaining
unexercised after 5:00 P.M., New York City time on the Expiration Date
shall become void, and all rights of the holder of this Warrant Certificate
evidencing such Warrant shall cease.
Notwithstanding
the above, Warrants issued as part of the co-investment units sold by
the
Company to NRDC Capital Management, LLC (the “Co-Investment
Warrants”) may only be exercised after the date on which the last sales
price of the Company’s common stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other
national securities exchange on which the Company’s common stock may be traded,
equals or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within any
30-trading-day period beginning at least 90 calendar days after the Company’s
consummation of a Business Combination (as defined below). Co-Investment
Warrants are not redeemable by the Company.
1
To be included only in Warrant Certificates representing Warrants sold
in the
Company’s public offering.
The
holder of the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate may exercise
any
Warrant evidenced hereby by delivering, not later than 5:00 P.M., New York
City time, on any Business Day during the Exercise Period (the “Exercise
Date”) to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the
“Warrant Agent”, which term includes any successor warrant
agent under the Warrant Agreement described below) at its corporate trust
department at 17 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004, (i) this Warrant
Certificate, (ii) an election to purchase (“Election to
Purchase”), properly executed by the holder hereof on the reverse of
this Warrant Certificate (the “Participant”) substantially in
the form included on the reverse of this Warrant, as applicable and
(iii) the Exercise Price for each Warrant to be exercised in lawful money
of the United States of America by certified or official bank check or
by bank
wire transfer in immediately available funds[; provided,
however, that with
respect to Warrants issued and sold in a private placement prior to the
completion of the Company’s Initial Public Offering (as defined in the Warrant
Agreement) and the Co-Investment Warrants, so long as any such Warrants
are held
by their original purchaser or its permitted transferrees, the
holder of this Warrant Certificate may, in lieu of payment of the Exercise
Price, surrender its Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock
equal to
the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares
of
Common Stock underlying the surrendered Warrants, multiplied by the difference
between the Fair Market Value (defined below) and
the
Exercise Price by (y) the Fair Market Value. The “Fair Market
Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common
Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the 3rd trading day prior to the
date on
which the Election to Purchase is sent to the Warrant
Agent]2. If
any of (a) this Warrant Certificate, (b) the Election to Purchase, or (c)
the Exercise Price therefor [or surrendered
Warrants], is received by the Warrant Agent after
5:00 P.M., New York City time, the Warrants will be deemed to be received
and exercised on the Business Day next succeeding the date such items are
received and such date shall be the Exercise Date for purposes
hereof. If the date such items are received is not a Business Day,
the Warrants will be deemed to be received and exercised on the next succeeding
day which is a Business Day and such date shall be the Exercise
Date. If the Warrants to be exercised are received or deemed to be
received after the Expiration Date, the exercise thereof will be null and
void
and any funds delivered to the Warrant Agent will be returned to the holder
as
soon as practicable. In no event will interest accrue on funds
deposited with the Warrant Agent in respect of an exercise or attempted
exercise
of Warrants. The validity of any exercise of Warrants will be
determined by the Warrant Agent in its sole discretion and such determination
will be final and binding upon the holder of the Warrants and the
Company. Neither the Warrant Agent nor the Company shall have any
obligation to inform a holder of Warrants of the invalidity of any exercise
of
Warrants.
As
used
herein, the term “Business Day” means any day that is not a
Saturday or Sunday and is not a United States federal holiday or a day on
which
banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law or regulation
to close in New York City.
As
used
herein, the term “Business Combination” shall mean the initial
acquisition by the Company of one or more operating businesses through a
merger,
capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar
business combination having collectively, a fair market value (as calculated
in
accordance with the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time) of at least
80% of
the amount in the trust account established by the Company at the completion
of
its initial public offering (excluding the Underwriters’ (as defined in the
Warrant Agreement) deferred discount) at the time of such
acquisition.
Warrants
may be exercised only in whole numbers of Warrants. No fractional
shares of Common Stock are to be issued upon the exercise of any Warrant,
but
rather the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued shall be rounded
up to
the nearest whole number. If fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced
by this Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new Warrant Certificate for
the
number of Warrants remaining unexercised shall be executed by the Company
and
countersigned by the Warrant Agent as provided in Section 2 of the Warrant
Agreement, and delivered to the holder of this Warrant Certificate at the
address specified on the books of the Warrant Agent or as otherwise specified
by
such Registered Holder.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to deliver any Shares pursuant
to the exercise of a Warrant and shall have no obligation to settle a Warrant
exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933,
as
amended (the “Securities Act”), with respect to the Shares is
effective and a
2
To be included only in Warrant Certificates representing (i) Warrants issued
in
the private placement or (ii) the Co-Investment Warrants, in both instances
only
so long as held by the original holder or a permitted transferee.
current
prospectus is on file with the Commission. In
the event that a registration statement with respect to the Shares underlying a Warrant is not effective under
the Securities Act or
a current prospectus is not on file with the Commission, the holder of such
Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in the Warrant Agreement (as defined below) and this Warrant
Certificate, under no circumstances will the Company be required to net cash
settle a Warrant exercise. Warrants may not be exercised by, or Shares issued
to, any registered holder in any state in which such exercise or issuance
would
be unlawful. For the avoidance of doubt, as a result of Section 3.3.4 of
the
Warrant Agreement and the foregoing, any or all of the Warrants may expire
unexercised.
This
Warrant Certificate is issued under and in accordance with the Warrant
Agreement, dated as of [________], 2007 (the “Warrant
Agreement”), between the Company and the Warrant Agent and is subject
to the terms and provisions contained in the Warrant Agreement, to all of
which
terms and provisions the holder of this Warrant Certificate and the beneficial
owners of the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate consent by
acceptance
hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file and can be
inspected at the above-mentioned office of the Warrant Agent and at the office
of the Company at 3 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, NY 10577.
At
any
time during the Exercise Period, the Company may, at its option, redeem all
(but
not part) of the then outstanding Warrants upon giving notice in accordance
with
the terms of the Warrant Agreement (the “Redemption Notice”),
at the price of $0.01 per Warrant (the “Redemption Price”);
provided, that the last sales price of the Common Stock
on the American
Stock Exchange, or other principal market on which the Common Stock may be
traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share (subject to adjustment as provided
in
the Warrant Agreement) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period
ending three business days prior to the date on which the Redemption Notice
is
given, and a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to
shares
of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is effective and expected
to remain effective to and including the Redemption Date (as defined below)
and
a prospectus relating to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of
the Warrants is available for use to and including the Redemption
Date. In the event the Company shall elect to redeem all of the then
outstanding Warrants, the Company shall fix a date for such redemption (the
“Redemption Date”); provided, that such date shall occur
prior to the expiration of the Exercise Period. The Warrants may be
exercised in accordance with the terms of this Agreement at any time after
a
Redemption Notice shall have been given by the Company; provided,
however, that no Warrants may be exercised subsequent to the expiration
of the Exercise Period; provided, further, that all rights
whatsoever with respect to the Warrants shall cease on the Redemption Date,
other than to the right to receive the Redemption Price. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Co-Investment Warrants are not redeemable by the
Company.
The
accrual of dividends, if any, on the Shares issued upon the valid exercise
of
any Warrant will be governed by the terms generally applicable to such
Shares. From and after the issuance of such Shares, the former holder
of the Warrants exercised will be entitled to the benefits generally available
to other holders of Shares and such former holder’s right to receive payments of
dividends and any other amounts payable in respect of the Shares shall be
governed by, and shall be subject to, the terms and provisions generally
applicable to such Shares.
The
Exercise Price and the number of Shares purchasable upon the exercise of
each
Warrant shall be subject to adjustment as provided pursuant to Section 4
of the
Warrant Agreement.
Prior
to
the Detachment Date, the Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate
may be
exchanged or transferred only together with the Shares to which such Warrant
is
attached (together, a “Unit”), and only for the purpose of
effecting, or in conjunction with, an exchange or transfer of such
Unit. Additionally, prior to the Detachment Date, each transfer of
such Unit on the register of the Units shall operate also to transfer the
Warrants included in such Units. From and after the Detachment Date,
the above provisions shall be of no further force and effect. Upon
due presentment for registration of transfer or exchange of this Warrant
Certificate at the stock transfer division of the Warrant Agent, the Company
shall execute, and the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver, as provided
in Section 5 of the Warrant Agreement, in the name of the designated transferee
one or more new Warrant Certificates of any authorized denomination evidencing
in the aggregate a like number of unexercised Warrants, subject to the
limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement.3
3 To
be included
only in Warrant Certificates representing Warrants sold in the Company’s public
offering.
Neither
this Warrant Certificate nor the Warrants evidenced hereby shall entitle
the
holder hereof or thereof to any of the rights of a holder of the Shares,
including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, if any,
or
payments upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company
or to
exercise voting rights, if any.
The
Warrant Agreement and this Warrant Certificate may be amended as provided
in the
Warrant Agreement including, under certain circumstances described therein,
without the consent of the holder of this Warrant Certificate or the Warrants
evidenced hereby.
THIS
WARRANT CERTIFICATE AND ALL RIGHTS HEREUNDER AND UNDER THE WARRANT AGREEMENT
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND INTERPRETED AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS FORMED AND TO BE PERFORMED
ENTIRELY WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD
TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF TO THE EXTENT SUCH PRINCIPLES
OR
RULES WOULD REQUIRE OR PERMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER
JURISDICTION.
This
Warrant Certificate shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Warrant
Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, and no Warrant evidenced
hereby may be exercised, unless this Warrant Certificate has been countersigned
by the manual or facsimile signature of the Warrant Agent.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed.
Dated
as
of __________, 2007
|
NRDC
Acquisition Corp. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized
Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
By: _________________________________
[REVERSE]
Instructions
for Exercise of Warrant
To
exercise the Warrants evidenced hereby, the holder or Participant must,
by
5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the specified Exercise Date, deliver to
the Warrant Agent at the office of the Warrant Agent, or at the office
of its
successor as Warrant Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York
cash,
a certified or official bank check or a wire transfer in immediately available
funds, in each case payable to the Warrant Agent at Account No. ____, in an
amount equal to the Exercise Price in full for the Warrants
exercised[; provided, however, that the holder of
this Warrant Certificate may, in lieu of payment of the Exercise Price
for the
Warrants, surrender its Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock
equal
to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares
of
Common Stock underlying the surrendered Warrants, multiplied by the difference
between the Fair Market Value and the Exercise Price by (y) the Fair Market
Value]4. In addition,
the Warrant holder or Participant must provide the information required
below
and deliver this Warrant Certificate to the Warrant Agent at the address
set
forth below. The Warrant Certificate and this Election to Purchase
must be received by the Warrant Agent by 5:00 P.M., New York time, on the
specified Exercise Date.
ELECTION
TO PURCHASE
TO
BE
EXECUTED IF WARRANT HOLDER DESIRES
TO
EXERCISE THE WARRANTS EVIDENCED HEREBY
The
undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise, on __________, ____ (the
“Exercise Date”), _____________ Warrants, evidenced by this
Warrant Certificate, to purchase, _________________ of the shares of Common
Stock (each a “Share”) of NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”), and represents that, on or before
the Exercise Date, such holder has tendered payment for such Shares by cash,
certified or official bank check or bank wire transfer in immediately available
funds to the order of the Company c/o Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, 17 Battery Place, New York, New York 10004, in the amount of
$_____________ in accordance with the terms hereof[ or, at the
election of the holder, so long as such holder is the original purchaser
of such
Warrants or its permitted transferees, the holder (in lieu of payment of
the
Exercise Price for the Warrants) has surrendered Warrants for that number
of
shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the
product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the surrendered
Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Fair Market Value and
the
Exercise Price by (y) the Fair Market Value in accordance with the terms
hereof]5. The undersigned
requests that said
number of Shares be in fully registered form, registered in such names and
delivered, all as specified in accordance with the instructions set forth
below.
If
said
number of Shares is less than all of the Shares purchasable hereunder, the
undersigned requests that a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the remaining
balance of the Warrants evidenced hereby be issued and delivered to the holder
of the Warrant Certificate unless otherwise specified in the instructions
below.
4 To
be included only in Warrant Certificates representing (i) Warrants issued
in the
private placement or (ii) the Co-Investment Warrants, in both instances
only so long as held by the original holder or a permitted
transferee.
5 To
be included only in Warrant Certificates representing (i) Warrants issued
in the
private placement or (ii) the Co-Investment Warrants, in both instances only
so
long as held by the original holder or a permitted transferee.
Dated:
______________ __, ____ |
|
|
|
Name:
______________________________ |
(Please
Print) |
|
|
/ / / /
- / / /-
/ / / / / |
|
|
|
(Insert
Social Security
or
Other Identifying
Number
of Holder)
|
Address |
________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature_____________________
|
|
This
Warrant may only be exercised by presentation to the Warrant Agent at one
of the
following locations:
The
method of delivery of this Warrant Certificate is at the option and risk
of the
exercising holder and the delivery of this Warrant Certificate will be deemed
to
be made only when actually received by the Warrant Agent. If delivery
is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured,
is
recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to
assure timely delivery.
(Instructions
as to form and delivery of Shares and/or Warrant Certificates)
Name
in which Shares are
to be registered if other than in
the name of the registered holder of
this Warrant Certificate: |
|
___________________________________ |
|
|
|
Address
to which Shares are
to be mailed if other than to the address
of the registered holder of this
Warrant Certificate as shown on the
books of the Warrant Agent: |
|
___________________________________ |
|
|
(Street
Address) |
|
|
|
|
|
___________________________________
(City
and State) (Zip Code)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
in which Warrant Certificate evidencing
unexercised Warrants, if any, are
to be registered if other than in the name
of the registered holder of this Warrant
Certificate: |
|
___________________________________ |
|
|
|
Address
to which certificate representing unexercised
Warrants, if any, are to be mailed
if other than to the address of the
registered holder of this Warrant |
|
|
|
|
|
Certificate
as shown on the books of the
Warrant Agent: |
|
___________________________________ |
|
|
(Street
Address) |
|
|
|
|
|
___________________________________
(City
and State) (Zip Code)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated: |
|
|
|
|
|
___________________________________ Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
must conform in all respects to the name of the holder as specified
on the
face of this Warrant Certificate. If Shares, or a Warrant
Certificate evidencing unexercised Warrants, are to be issued in
a name
other than that of the registered holder hereof or are to be delivered
to
an address other than the address of such holder as shown on the
books of
the Warrant Agent, the above signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Guarantor Institution (as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). |
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE |
|
|
|
|
|
Name
of Firm ___________________________
Address
_______________________________
Area
Code
and
Number ___________________________
Authorized
Signature
_____________________________
Name
_________________________________
Title
__________________________________
Dated: __________________________,
20___
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSIGNMENT
(FORM
OF
ASSIGNMENT TO BE EXECUTED IF WARRANT HOLDER
DESIRES
TO TRANSFER WARRANTS EVIDENCED HEREBY)
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED, _________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and Transfer(s) unto
(Please print name and address including zip
code of
assignee) |
|
(Please insert social security or other
identifying number of assignee) |
|
|
|
the
rights represented by the within Warrant Certificate and does hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint ____________ Attorney to transfer
said
Warrant Certificate on the books of the Warrant Agent with full power
of
substitution in the premises. |
|
|
|
Dated: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
|
(Signature
must conform in all respects to the name of the holder as specified
on the
face of this Warrant Certificate and must bear a signature guarantee
by an
Eligible Guarantor Institution (as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15
of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). |
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE |
|
|
|
|
|
Name
of Firm ___________________________
Address
_______________________________
Area
Code
and
Number ___________________________
Authorized
Signature
_____________________________
Name
_________________________________
Title
__________________________________
Dated: __________________________,
20___
|
|
|
efc7-2356_6304974ex51.htm
|
SIDLEY
AUSTIN LLP
|
BEIJING
|
LOS
ANGELES
|
|
787
SEVENTH AVENUE
|
BRUSSELS
|
NEW
YORK
|
NEW
YORK, NY 10019
|
CHICAGO
|
SAN
FRANCISCO
|
(212)
839 5300
|
DALLAS
|
SHANGHAI
|
(212)
839 5599 FAX
|
FRANKFURT
|
SINGAPORE
|
|
GENEVA
|
SYDNEY
|
|
HONG
KONG
|
TOKYO
|
|
LONDON
|
WASHINGTON,
D.C.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOUNDED
1866
|
|
|
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|
|
Exhibit
5.1
[●],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
|
|
|
|
|
Re:
|
Initial
Public Offering of Units
|
Ladies
and Gentlemen:
We
have acted as counsel to NRDC
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with
the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (the “Registration
Statement”), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The
Registration Statement covers the
registration of (i) 34,500,000 units (the “Units”) issuable to the public,
each Unit consisting of (a) one share of the Company’s common stock,
$0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and (b) one warrant to
purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per share
(the
“Public Warrants”), and all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants included in the Units.
In
connection with this opinion, we
have examined originals or copies of the following documents (the “Transaction
Documents”):
|
(a)
|
the
Registration Statement;
|
|
(b)
|
the
Warrant Agreement between the Company and Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (the “Warrant
Agent”);
|
|
(d)
|
the
Co-Investment Agreement between the Company and NRDC Capital Management,
LLC; and
|
|
(e)
|
such
other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to
enable us to
render the opinion expressed
below.
|
This
opinion is based entirely upon our examination of the documents listed
in the
preceding paragraph, and we have made no other documentary review or
investigation of any kind whatsoever for purposes of this opinion. In making
such examination, we have assumed (i)
Sidley
Austin LLP is a limited liability partnership practicing in affiliation with
other Sidley Austin partnerships
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
[●],
2007
Page
2
the
genuineness of signatures of all persons signing any documents, the legal
capacity of natural persons, the authority of persons signing any document
on
behalf of parties thereto, the authority of all governmental authorities, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity
to
original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed
or
photostatic copies or by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission;
and (ii) that the Warrant Agreement is a legal and binding obligation of the
Warrant Agent. As to all facts relevant to the opinions or statements
expressed herein, we have relied, without independent investigation or
verification, upon certificates, oral or written representations and other
statements of officers, directors and other representatives of the Company,
public officials and others.
Subject
to the limitations set forth
below, we have made such examination of law as we have deemed necessary for
the
purpose of this opinion. This opinion is limited solely to the federal laws
of
the United States, the Delaware General Corporation Law, including all
applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial
decisions interpreting these laws, and, as to the Warrants constituting valid
and binding agreements of the Company, solely to the laws of the State of New
York. Our opinion is based on these laws as in effect on the effective date
of
the Registration Statement.
We
note that certain of the Transaction
Documents contain provisions stating that they are to be governed by the laws
of
the State of New York (each contractual choice of law clause being referred
to
as a “Chosen-Law Provision”). Except to the extent addressed in paragraph 5
below, no opinion is given herein as to any Chosen-Law Provision or otherwise
as
to the determination of which jurisdiction’s law a court or other tribunal may
apply to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
Documents.
We
express no opinion as to the
enforceability of any particular provision of any of the Transaction Documents
relating to or constituting waivers of rights to object to jurisdiction or
venue, consents to jurisdiction or venue, or waivers of rights to (or methods
of) service of process, except to the extent that such waivers or consents
are
made enforceable by New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1402, as applied
by a New York State court.
|
Based
upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion
that
|
|
1.
|
The
Common Stock included in the Units, when issued and sold in accordance
with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement and
the
related Prospectus, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid
and non-assessable.
|
|
2.
|
Each
Warrant included in the Units, when issued and sold in accordance
with and
in the manner described in the Registration Statement and the related
Prospectus, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of the
Company
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except
as
enforcement may be limited by
|
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
[●], 2007
Page
3
|
|
applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium,
or other
similar laws affecting creditors’ rights, and subject to general equity
principles and to limitations on availability of equitable relief,
including specific performance.
|
|
3.
|
The
Common Stock, when issued and paid for upon exercise of the Warrants
as
contemplated by the Warrant Agreement, the Registration Statement
and the
related Prospectus, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid
and non-assessable.
|
|
4.
|
The
Units, when issued and paid for as contemplated by the Registration
Statement and the related Prospectus, will be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
|
|
5.
|
Each
Chosen-Law Provision is enforceable in accordance with New York General
Obligations Law Section 5-1401, as applied by a New York State court
or a
federal court sitting in New York and applying New York choice of
law
principles, except to the extent provided in Section 8-110 of the
New York
Uniform Commercial Code.
|
We
hereby consent to the filing of this
opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and the reference to us under the heading “Legal Matters”
in the related Prospectus.
The
opinions and other statements expressed herein are given as of the date hereof,
and we undertake no obligation to supplement this letter if any applicable
law
changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any facts that might
change the opinions or other statements expressed herein after the date hereof
or for any other reason.
Unless
otherwise noted, whenever our opinion or other statement is indicated to be
“to
our knowledge” or addresses any matter that has “come to our attention,” or
similar references, it should be understood that during the course of our
representation of you we have not undertaken any independent investigation
or
verification to determine the existence or absence of facts. The
phrases “to our knowledge,” “come to our attention” or similar language used
herein are limited to the knowledge of the lawyers within our firm who have
had
primary responsibility for our work on the transactions contemplated by the
Registration Statement.
This
opinion letter is rendered solely to, and is for the benefit of, the Company
in
connection with the matter described above; accordingly, it may not be quoted
or
otherwise delivered to or relied upon by any other person or entity (including,
without limitation, any
person or entity who purchases the Units from the underwriters) or used for
any
other purpose, in any case without our prior written consent.
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
[●],
2007
Page
4
Very
truly yours,
efc7-2356_6304094ex101.htm
Exhibit
10.1
[NRDC
Capital Management, LLC Letterhead]
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 12.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
1.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
|
2.
|
With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
|
3.
|
In
the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, the undersigned
agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and several
basis
with the other Founders, against any and all claims by any third
party for
services rendered, products sold or financing provided to the Company
or
by any entity that the Company has entered into a letter of intent
or an
acquisition agreement with, but only to the extent necessary to ensure
that such claims do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account
and only if any such third party has not executed an agreement in
writing
waiving claims against the Trust Account. In the event the
Company’s assets held outside the Trust Account are insufficient to pay
the costs and expenses of liquidation of the Company, the undersigned
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and
several
basis with the other Founders, against any costs and expenses of
such
liquidation.
|
4.
|
(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Insiders Shares Lock-Up
Period”), (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to
sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise
dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish
or
increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call
equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of
the SEC
promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Insiders Shares, (ii)
enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or
in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Insiders
Shares,
whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares
of
Common Stock, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an
intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) With
respect to the undersigned’s Placement Warrants or shares issuable upon exercise
of the Placement Warrants (the “Placement
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until the consummation of
an initial Business Combination (the “Placement Securities Lock-Up
Period”), (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell,
hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or
agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or, except as provided in that
certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof, file (or
participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC in respect
of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease
a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Placement Securities, (ii) enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in
part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Placement Securities,
whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce
an
intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
(c) With
respect to any Units acquired in a private placement immediately prior to the
consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Common Stock and
Warrants comprising such Units, and/or the Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants comprising such Units (the “Co-Investment
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until one (1) year after
the consummation of an initial Business Combination (the
“Co-Investment Securities Lock-Up Period”, and
considered together with the Insiders Shares Lock-Up Period and the Placement
Securities Lock-Up Period, each a “Lock-Up Period”),
(i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly
or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate
or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of
the SEC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Co-Investment Securities
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the
Co-Investment Securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or
(iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in
clause (i) or (ii).
(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares,
Placement Securities and/or Co-Investment Securities during the applicable
Lock-Up Period
(as
applicable) (i) to a member of the undersigned’s immediate family or to an
affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a trust, the beneficiary of which is
a
member of the undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers
or directors of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (vi) in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results in all the
Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock
or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the
Company’s consummating a Business Combination with a target business;
provided, however, that the permissive transfers pursuant to
clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s
written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Letter
Agreement. During the applicable Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall not
grant
a security interest in the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, Placement Securities
and/or Co-Investment Securities.
(e) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company issues
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before
the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that
material news or a material event relating to the Company will occur during
the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up
Period will be extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the
material news or the occurrence of the material event.
(f) The
undersigned agrees that after the applicable Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the
undersigned’s Insiders Shares, Placement Warrants and/or Co-Investment
Securities shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”), or pursuant to an available exemption from registration,
other than Regulations S of the Securities Act.
5.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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6.
|
Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any affiliate
of the undersigned will be entitled to receive, and no such person
will
accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any affiliate
of
the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
7.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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8.
|
The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement. The undersigned hereby consents to being named in
the Prospectus.
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9.
|
The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of
any
blank check company or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose
acquisition company.”
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10.
|
The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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11.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that, on a date that is within the five-day
period following the date that is 30 days after the date of the
Underwriting Agreement or, if earlier, the date the Underwriters
terminate
their option to purchase Optional Units (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement) pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the
undersigned will forfeit to the Company, and the Company shall accept
from
the undersigned, at no cost, the number of shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying (a) the product of (i) 1,125,000, multiplied
by
(ii) a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the number of Insiders
Shares held by the undersigned, and (y) the denominator of which
is the
number of Insiders Shares held by all Founders, by (b) a fraction,
(i) the
numerator of which is 4,500,000 minus the number of shares of Common
Stock
purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their option to
purchase Optional Units, and (ii) the denominator of which is
4,500,000.
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12.
|
As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such shares); (e) “Placement
Warrants” means the Warrants the undersigned has agreed to
purchase in a private placement concurrently with the Offering; (f)
“Public Stockholders” shall mean the holders of
securities issued in the Offering; (g) “Second Restated
Certificate” shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended
from
time to time; and (h) “Trust Account” shall mean
the trust account established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders
into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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13.
|
The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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14.
|
This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
14
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any
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|
way
to this Letter Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts
of
the State of New York or the United States District Court for the
Southern
District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such
jurisdiction. The undersigned hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally waives the right to a trial by jury in any action,
suit,
counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based on contract, tort
or
otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating to this Letter
Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding on the
undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall terminate on
the
earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period applicable
to the
undersigned’s Insiders Shares and Co-Investment Securities, and (b) the
liquidation of the Company; provided that such termination shall
not
relieve the undersigned from liability for any breach of this Letter
Agreement prior to its termination; and provided further that Section
3 of
this Letter Agreement shall survive the termination of this Letter
Agreement.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
Sincerely,
NRDC
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
Accepted
and agreed:
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
BANC
OF
AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
efc7-2356_6326117ex102.htm
Exhibit
10.2
William
L. Mack
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 14.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
|
With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
|
In
the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, the undersigned
agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and several
basis
with the other Founders, against any and all claims by any third
party for
services rendered, products sold or financing provided to the Company
or
by any entity that the Company has entered into a letter of intent
or an
acquisition agreement with, but only to the extent necessary to ensure
that such claims do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account
and only if any such third party has not executed an agreement in
writing
waiving claims against the Trust Account. In the event the
Company’s assets held outside the Trust Account are insufficient to pay
the costs and expenses of liquidation of the Company, the undersigned
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and
several
basis with the other Founders, against any costs and expenses of
such
liquidation.
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4.
|
(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning
of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) With
respect to the undersigned’s Placement Warrants or shares issuable upon exercise
of the Placement Warrants (the “Placement
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until the consummation of
an initial Business Combination (the “Placement Securities Lock-Up
Period”), (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell,
hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or
agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or, except as provided in that
certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof, file (or
participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC in respect
of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease
a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Placement Securities, (ii) enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in
part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Placement Securities,
whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce
an
intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
(c) With
respect to any Units acquired in a private placement immediately prior to the
consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Common Stock and
Warrants comprising such Units, and/or the Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants comprising such Units (the “Co-Investment
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until one (1) year after
the consummation of an initial Business Combination (the
“Co-Investment Securities Lock-Up Period”, and
considered together with the Insiders Shares Lock-Up Period and the Placement
Securities Lock-Up Period, each a “Lock-Up Period”),
(i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly
or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate
or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of
the SEC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Co-Investment Securities
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the
Co-Investment Securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or
(iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in
clause (i) or (ii).
(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the applicable Lock-Up Period (as applicable) (i) to a member of the
undersigned’s immediate family or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a
trust, the beneficiary of which is a member
of
the
undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of descent and
distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers or directors
of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, or (vi)
in
the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or other similar transaction which results in all the Company’s stockholders
having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock or other securities
for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the Company’s consummating
a Business Combination with a target business; provided, however,
that the permissive transfers pursuant to clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented
only upon the respective transferee’s written agreement to be bound by the terms
and conditions of this Letter Agreement. During the applicable Lock-Up Period,
the undersigned shall not grant a security interest in the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares.
(e) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company issues
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before
the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that
material news or a material event relating to the Company will occur during
the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up
Period will be extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the
material news or the occurrence of the material event.
(f) The
undersigned agrees that after the applicable Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the
undersigned’s Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to
a sale registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
5.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that until after the consummation of a
Business
Combination, the undersigned (a) shall not sell, offer to sell, contract
or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase
or
otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any
securities or other interests owned by the undersigned in NRDC Real
Estate
Advisors, LLC; and (b) shall cause NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC
to not
sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, any securities or other interests owned by
NRDC
Real Estate Advisors, LLC in NRDC Capital Management,
LLC.
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6.
|
The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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7.
|
The
undersigned agrees to serve as Chairman of the Board and as a member
of
the Board of Directors of the Company until the earlier of the
consummation by the Company of a Business Combination or the liquidation
of the Company; provided, however, that nothing herein shall
be construed as providing a right of the undersigned to maintain
any
position if removed by proper corporate action. The undersigned’s
biographical information furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit A is true and accurate in all material
respects, does not omit any material information with respect to
the
undersigned’s background and contains all of the information required to
be disclosed pursuant to Section 401 of Regulation S-K, promulgated
under
the Securities Act. The undersigned’s completed questionnaires furnished
to the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit
B are true and accurate in all material respects. The undersigned
represents and warrants that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding;
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked;
and
(d) together
as a group, the Founders are capable of funding a shortfall in the Trust Account
to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification obligations under Section 3
above.
8.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
|
(a)
any compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company
for services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the
consummation of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the
Company for the undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the
Offering and identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b)
any finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the
Company or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business
Combination.
9.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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10.
|
The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as an officer and a director of the
Company. The undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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11.
|
The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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12.
|
The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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13.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that, on a date that is within the five-day
period following the date that is 30 days after the date of the
Underwriting Agreement or, if earlier, the date the Underwriters
terminate
their option to purchase Optional Units (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement) pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the
undersigned will forfeit to the Company, and the Company shall accept
from
the undersigned, at no cost, the number of shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying (a) the product of (i) 1,125,000, multiplied
by
(ii) a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the number of Insiders
Shares held by the undersigned, and (y) the denominator of which
is the
number of Insiders Shares held by all Founders, by (b) a fraction,
(i) the
numerator of which is 4,500,000 minus the number of shares of Common
Stock
purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their option to
purchase Optional Units, and (ii) the denominator of which is
4,500,000.
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14.
|
As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such shares); (e) “Public
Stockholders” shall mean the holders of securities issued in
the Offering; (f) “Second Restated Certificate”
shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time; and
(g)
“Trust Account” shall mean the trust account
established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders into which
a
portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
|
15.
|
The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
|
16.
|
This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
16
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and Co-Investment
Securities, and (b) the liquidation of the Company; provided that
such
termination shall not relieve the undersigned from liability for
any
breach of this Letter Agreement prior to its termination; and provided
further that Section 3 of this Letter Agreement shall survive the
termination of this Letter
Agreement.
|
[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
Sincerely,
WILLIAM
L. MACK
_________________________________
Accepted
and agreed:
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
BANC
OF
AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
8
efc7-2356_6326137ex103.htm
Exhibit
10.3
Robert
C.
Baker
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this
“Letter Agreement”) is being delivered to you in
accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting
Agreement”) entered into by and between NRDC Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Banc of
America Securities LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as representative
of the several underwriters (the “Underwriters”),
relating to an underwritten initial public offering (the
“Offering”), of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the
“Units”), each comprised of
one share of the Company’s
common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common
Stock”), and one warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock
(each, a “Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering
will be listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 14.
In
order to induce the Company and the
Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement and to proceed with the
Offering and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees
with
the Company and the Underwriters as follows:
1.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
|
2.
|
With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
|
3.
|
In
the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, the undersigned
agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and several
basis
with the other Founders, against any and all claims by any third
party for
services rendered, products sold or financing provided to the Company
or
by any entity that the Company has entered into a letter of intent
or an
acquisition agreement with, but only to the extent necessary to ensure
that such claims do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account
and only if any such third party has not executed an agreement in
writing
waiving claims against the Trust Account. In the event the
Company’s assets held outside the Trust Account are insufficient to pay
the costs and expenses of liquidation of the Company, the undersigned
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and
several
basis with the other Founders, against any costs and expenses of
such
liquidation.
|
4.
|
(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning
of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
|
(b) With
respect to the undersigned’s Placement Warrants or shares issuable upon exercise
of the Placement Warrants (the “Placement
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until the consummation of
an initial Business Combination (the “Placement Securities Lock-Up
Period”), (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell,
hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or
agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or, except as provided in that
certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof, file (or
participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC in respect
of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease
a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Placement Securities, (ii) enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in
part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Placement Securities,
whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce
an
intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
(c) With
respect to any Units acquired in a private placement immediately prior to the
consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Common Stock and
Warrants comprising such Units, and/or the Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants comprising such Units (the “Co-Investment
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until one (1) year after
the consummation of an initial Business Combination (the
“Co-Investment Securities Lock-Up Period”, and
considered together with the Insiders Shares Lock-Up Period and the Placement
Securities Lock-Up Period, each a “Lock-Up Period”),
(i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly
or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate
or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of
the SEC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Co-Investment Securities
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the
Co-Investment Securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or
(iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in
clause (i) or (ii).
(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the applicable Lock-Up Period (as applicable) (i) to a member of the
undersigned’s immediate family or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a
trust, the beneficiary of which is a member
of
the
undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of descent and
distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers or directors
of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, or (vi)
in
the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or other similar transaction which results in all the Company’s stockholders
having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock or other securities
for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the Company’s consummating
a Business Combination with a target business; provided, however,
that the permissive transfers pursuant to clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented
only upon the respective transferee’s written agreement to be bound by the terms
and conditions of this Letter Agreement. During the applicable Lock-Up Period,
the undersigned shall not grant a security interest in the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares.
(e) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company issues
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before
the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that
material news or a material event relating to the Company will occur during
the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up
Period will be extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the
material news or the occurrence of the material event.
(f) The
undersigned agrees that after the applicable Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the
undersigned’s Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to
a sale registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
5.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that until after the consummation of a
Business
Combination, the undersigned (a) shall not sell, offer to sell, contract
or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase
or
otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any
securities or other interests owned by the undersigned in NRDC Real
Estate
Advisors, LLC; and (b) shall cause NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC
to not
sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, any securities or other interests owned by
NRDC
Real Estate Advisors, LLC in NRDC Capital Management,
LLC.
|
6.
|
The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
|
7.
|
The
undersigned agrees to serve as Chairman of the Board and as a member
of
the Board of Directors of the Company until the earlier of the
consummation by the Company of a Business Combination or the liquidation
of the Company; provided, however, that nothing herein shall
be construed as providing a right of the undersigned to maintain
any
position if removed by proper corporate action. The undersigned’s
biographical information furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit A is true and accurate in all material
respects, does not omit any material information with respect to
the
undersigned’s background and contains all of the information required to
be disclosed pursuant to Section 401 of Regulation S-K, promulgated
under
the Securities Act. The undersigned’s completed questionnaires furnished
to the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit
B are true and accurate in all material respects. The undersigned
represents and warrants that:
|
(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime
(i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding;
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked;
and
(d) together
as a group, the Founders are capable of funding a shortfall in the Trust
Account
to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification obligations under Section 3
above.
8.
|
Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
|
(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
9.
|
The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
|
10.
|
The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as an officer and a director of the
Company. The undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
|
11.
|
The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
|
12.
|
The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
|
13.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that, on a date that is within the five-day
period following the date that is 30 days after the date of the
Underwriting Agreement or, if earlier, the date the Underwriters
terminate
their option to purchase Optional Units (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement) pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the
undersigned will forfeit to the Company, and the Company shall accept
from
the undersigned, at no cost, the number of shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying (a) the product of (i) 1,125,000, multiplied
by
(ii) a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the number of Insiders
Shares held by the undersigned, and (y) the denominator of which
is the
number of Insiders Shares held by all Founders, by (b) a fraction,
(i) the
numerator of which is 4,500,000 minus the number of shares of Common
Stock
purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their option to
purchase Optional Units, and (ii) the denominator of which is
4,500,000.
|
14.
|
As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such shares); (e) “Public
Stockholders” shall mean the holders of securities issued in
the Offering; (f) “Second Restated Certificate”
shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time; and
(g)
“Trust Account” shall mean the trust account
established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders into which
a
portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
|
15.
|
The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
|
16.
|
This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
16
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and Co-Investment
Securities, and (b) the liquidation of the Company; provided that
such
termination shall not relieve the undersigned from liability for
any
breach of this Letter Agreement prior to its termination; and provided
further that Section 3 of this Letter Agreement shall survive the
termination of this Letter
Agreement.
|
[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
|
Sincerely,
ROBERT
C. BAKER
_________________________________
|
Accepted
and agreed:
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
BANC
OF
AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6326132ex104.htm
Exhibit
10.4
Richard
A. Baker
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 14.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
|
1.
|
The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
|
|
2.
|
With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
|
|
3.
|
In
the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, the undersigned
agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and several
basis
with the other Founders, against any and all claims by any third
party for
services rendered, products sold or financing provided to the Company
or
by any entity that the Company has entered into a letter of intent
or an
acquisition agreement with, but only to the extent necessary to ensure
that such claims do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account
and only if any such third party has not executed an agreement in
writing
waiving claims against the Trust Account. In the event the
Company’s assets held outside the Trust Account are insufficient to pay
the costs and expenses of liquidation of the Company, the undersigned
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and
several
basis with the other Founders, against any costs and expenses of
such
liquidation.
|
|
|
(a)
With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with
respect to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect
any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) With
respect to the undersigned’s Placement Warrants or shares issuable upon exercise
of the Placement Warrants (the “Placement
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until the consummation of
an initial Business Combination (the “Placement Securities Lock-Up
Period”), (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell,
hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or
agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or, except as provided in that
certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof, file (or
participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC in respect
of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease
a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Placement Securities, (ii) enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in
part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Placement Securities,
whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce
an
intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
(c) With
respect to any Units acquired in a private placement immediately prior to the
consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Common Stock and
Warrants comprising such Units, and/or the Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants comprising such Units (the “Co-Investment
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until one (1) year after
the consummation of an initial Business Combination (the
“Co-Investment Securities Lock-Up Period”, and
considered together with the Insiders Shares Lock-Up Period and the Placement
Securities Lock-Up Period, each a “Lock-Up Period”),
(i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly
or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate
or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of
the SEC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Co-Investment Securities
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the
Co-Investment Securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or
(iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in
clause (i) or (ii).
(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the applicable Lock-Up Period (as applicable) (i) to a member of the
undersigned’s immediate family or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a
trust, the beneficiary of which is a member
of
the
undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of descent and
distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers or directors
of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, or (vi)
in
the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or other similar transaction which results in all the Company’s stockholders
having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock or other securities
for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the Company’s consummating
a Business Combination with a target business; provided, however,
that the permissive transfers pursuant to clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented
only upon the respective transferee’s written agreement to be bound by the terms
and conditions of this Letter Agreement. During the applicable Lock-Up Period,
the undersigned shall not grant a security interest in the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares.
(e) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company issues
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before
the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that
material news or a material event relating to the Company will occur during
the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up
Period will be extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the
material news or the occurrence of the material event.
(f) The
undersigned agrees that after the applicable Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the
undersigned’s Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to
a sale registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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5.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that until after the consummation of a
Business
Combination, the undersigned (a) shall not sell, offer to sell, contract
or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase
or
otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any
securities or other interests owned by the undersigned in NRDC Real
Estate
Advisors, LLC; and (b) shall cause NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC
to not
sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, any securities or other interests owned by
NRDC
Real Estate Advisors, LLC in NRDC Capital Management,
LLC.
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6.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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7.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as Chairman of the Board and as a member
of
the Board of Directors of the Company until the earlier of the
consummation by the Company of a Business Combination or the liquidation
of the Company; provided, however, that nothing herein shall
be construed as providing a right of the undersigned to maintain
any
position if removed by proper corporate action. The undersigned’s
biographical information furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit A is true and accurate in all material
respects, does not omit any material information with respect to
the
undersigned’s background and contains all of the information required to
be disclosed pursuant to Section 401 of Regulation S-K, promulgated
under
the Securities Act. The undersigned’s completed questionnaires furnished
to the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit
B are true and accurate in all material respects. The undersigned
represents and warrants that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding;
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked;
and
(d) together
as a group, the Founders are capable of funding a shortfall in the Trust Account
to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification obligations under Section 3
above.
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8.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
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9.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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10.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as an officer and a director of the
Company. The undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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11.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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12.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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13.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that, on a date that is within the five-day
period following the date that is 30 days after the date of the
Underwriting Agreement or, if earlier, the date the Underwriters
terminate
their option to purchase Optional Units (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement) pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the
undersigned will forfeit to the Company, and the Company shall accept
from
the undersigned, at no cost, the number of shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying (a) the product of (i) 1,125,000, multiplied
by
(ii) a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the number of Insiders
Shares held by the undersigned, and (y) the denominator of which
is the
number of Insiders Shares held by all Founders, by (b) a fraction,
(i) the
numerator of which is 4,500,000 minus the number of shares of Common
Stock
purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their option to
purchase Optional Units, and (ii) the denominator of which is
4,500,000.
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14.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such shares); (e) “Public
Stockholders” shall mean the holders of securities issued in
the Offering; (f) “Second Restated Certificate”
shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time; and
(g)
“Trust Account” shall mean the trust account
established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders into which
a
portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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15.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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16.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
16
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and Co-Investment
Securities, and (b) the liquidation of the Company; provided that
such
termination shall not relieve the undersigned from liability for
any
breach of this Letter Agreement prior to its termination; and provided
further that Section 3 of this Letter Agreement shall survive the
termination of this Letter
Agreement.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
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Sincerely, |
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RICHARD
A. BAKER |
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Accepted
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
8
efc7-2356_6326139ex105.htm
Exhibit
10.5
Lee
S.
Neibart
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 14.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
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1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
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With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
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In
the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, the undersigned
agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and several
basis
with the other Founders, against any and all claims by any third
party for
services rendered, products sold or financing provided to the Company
or
by any entity that the Company has entered into a letter of intent
or an
acquisition agreement with, but only to the extent necessary to ensure
that such claims do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account
and only if any such third party has not executed an agreement in
writing
waiving claims against the Trust Account. In the event the
Company’s assets held outside the Trust Account are insufficient to pay
the costs and expenses of liquidation of the Company, the undersigned
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, on a joint and
several
basis with the other Founders, against any costs and expenses of
such
liquidation.
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(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) With
respect to the undersigned’s Placement Warrants or shares issuable upon exercise
of the Placement Warrants (the “Placement
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until the consummation of
an initial Business Combination (the “Placement Securities Lock-Up
Period”), (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell,
hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or
agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or, except as provided in that
certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof, file (or
participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the SEC in respect
of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease
a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Placement Securities, (ii) enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in
part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Placement Securities,
whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common
Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce
an
intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
(c) With
respect to any Units acquired in a private placement immediately prior to the
consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Common Stock and
Warrants comprising such Units, and/or the Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants comprising such Units (the “Co-Investment
Securities”), the undersigned shall not, until one (1) year after
the consummation of an initial Business Combination (the
“Co-Investment Securities Lock-Up Period”, and
considered together with the Insiders Shares Lock-Up Period and the Placement
Securities Lock-Up Period, each a “Lock-Up Period”),
(i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly
or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate
or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of
the SEC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Co-Investment Securities
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the
Co-Investment Securities, whether any such transaction is to be settled by
delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or
(iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in
clause (i) or (ii).
(d) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the applicable Lock-Up Period (as applicable) (i) to a member of the
undersigned’s immediate family or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a
trust, the beneficiary of which is a member
of
the
undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of descent and
distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers or directors
of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, or (vi)
in
the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition
or other similar transaction which results in all the Company’s stockholders
having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock or other securities
for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the Company’s consummating
a Business Combination with a target business; provided, however,
that the permissive transfers pursuant to clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented
only upon the respective transferee’s written agreement to be bound by the terms
and conditions of this Letter Agreement. During the applicable Lock-Up Period,
the undersigned shall not grant a security interest in the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares.
(e) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company issues
material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before
the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that
material news or a material event relating to the Company will occur during
the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up
Period will be extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the
material news or the occurrence of the material event.
(f) The
undersigned agrees that after the applicable Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the
undersigned’s Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to
a sale registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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5.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that until after the consummation of a
Business
Combination, the undersigned (a) shall not sell, offer to sell, contract
or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase
or
otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly,
any
securities or other interests owned by the undersigned in NRDC Real
Estate
Advisors, LLC; and (b) shall cause NRDC Real Estate Advisors, LLC
to not
sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant
any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, any securities or other interests owned by
NRDC
Real Estate Advisors, LLC in NRDC Capital Management,
LLC.
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6.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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7.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as Chairman of the Board and as a member
of
the Board of Directors of the Company until the earlier of the
consummation by the Company of a Business Combination or the liquidation
of the Company; provided, however, that nothing herein shall
be construed as providing a right of the undersigned to maintain
any
position if removed by proper corporate action. The undersigned’s
biographical information furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit A is true and accurate in all material
respects, does not omit any material information with respect to
the
undersigned’s background and contains all of the information required to
be disclosed pursuant to Section 401 of Regulation S-K, promulgated
under
the Securities Act. The undersigned’s completed questionnaires furnished
to the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit
B are true and accurate in all material respects. The undersigned
represents and warrants that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding;
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked;
and
(d) together
as a group, the Founders are capable of funding a shortfall in the Trust Account
to satisfy their foreseeable indemnification obligations under Section 3
above.
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8.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
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9.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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10.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as an officer and a director of the
Company. The undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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11.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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12.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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13.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that, on a date that is within the five-day
period following the date that is 30 days after the date of the
Underwriting Agreement or, if earlier, the date the Underwriters
terminate
their option to purchase Optional Units (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement) pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the
undersigned will forfeit to the Company, and the Company shall accept
from
the undersigned, at no cost, the number of shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying (a) the product of (i) 1,125,000, multiplied
by
(ii) a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the number of Insiders
Shares held by the undersigned, and (y) the denominator of which
is the
number of Insiders Shares held by all Founders, by (b) a fraction,
(i) the
numerator of which is 4,500,000 minus the number of shares of Common
Stock
purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their option to
purchase Optional Units, and (ii) the denominator of which is
4,500,000.
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14.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such shares); (e) “Public
Stockholders” shall mean the holders of securities issued in
the Offering; (f) “Second Restated Certificate”
shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time; and
(g)
“Trust Account” shall mean the trust account
established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders into which
a
portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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15.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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16.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
16
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and Co-Investment
Securities, and (b) the liquidation of the Company; provided that
such
termination shall not relieve the undersigned from liability for
any
breach of this Letter Agreement prior to its termination; and provided
further that Section 3 of this Letter Agreement shall survive the
termination of this Letter
Agreement.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
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Sincerely, |
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LEE
S. NEIBART |
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Accepted
and agreed: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6326106ex106.htm
Exhibit
10.6
Michael
J. Indiveri
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 11.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
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1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
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With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
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(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the Lock-Up Period (i) to a member of the undersigned’s immediate family
or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a trust, the beneficiary of which
is
a member of the undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers
or directors of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (vi) in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results in all the
Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock
or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the
Company’s consummating a Business Combination with a target business;
provided, however, that the permissive transfers pursuant to
clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s
written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Letter
Agreement. During the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall not grant a security
interest in the undersigned’s Insiders Shares.
(c) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues material
news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before the
expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that material news
or a
material event relating to the Company will occur during the 16-day period
beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the material news or
the
occurrence of the material event.
(d) The
undersigned agrees that after the Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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4.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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5.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
of the
Company until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a
Business
Combination or the liquidation of the Company; provided,
however, that nothing herein shall be construed as providing a
right of the undersigned to maintain any position if removed by proper
corporate action. The undersigned’s biographical information furnished to
the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit A
is true and accurate in all material respects, does not omit any
material
information with respect to the undersigned’s background and contains all
of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 401
of
Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act. The undersigned’s
completed questionnaires furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit B are true and accurate in all material
respects. The undersigned represents and warrants
that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action
for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist
or
refrain from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities
in
any jurisdiction;
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(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding; and
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked.
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6.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
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7.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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8.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as a director of the Company. The
undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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9.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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10.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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11.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such
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shares);
(e) “Public Stockholders” shall mean the holders
of securities issued in the Offering; (f) “Second Restated
Certificate” shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended
from
time to time; and (g) “Trust Account” shall mean
the trust account established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders
into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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12.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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13.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
14
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and (b) the liquidation of
the Company; provided that such termination shall not relieve the
undersigned from liability for any breach of this Letter Agreement
prior
to its termination.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
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Sincerely, |
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MICHAEL
J. INDIVERI |
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Accepted
and agreed: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6326098ex107.htm
Exhibit
10.7
Edward
H. Meyer
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this
“Letter Agreement”) is being delivered to you in
accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting
Agreement”) entered into by and between NRDC Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Banc of
America Securities LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as representative
of the several underwriters (the “Underwriters”),
relating to an underwritten initial public offering (the
“Offering”), of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the
“Units”), each comprised of
one share of the Company’s
common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common
Stock”), and one warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock
(each, a “Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering
will be listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 11.
In
order to induce the Company and the
Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement and to proceed with the
Offering and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees
with
the Company and the Underwriters as follows:
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1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
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With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
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(a)
With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the Lock-Up Period (i) to a member of the undersigned’s immediate family
or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a trust, the beneficiary of which
is
a member of the undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers
or directors of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (vi) in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results in all the
Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock
or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the
Company’s consummating a Business Combination with a target business;
provided, however, that the permissive transfers pursuant to
clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s
written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Letter
Agreement. During the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall not grant a security
interest in the undersigned’s Insiders Shares.
(c) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues material
news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before the
expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that material news
or a
material event relating to the Company will occur during the 16-day period
beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the material news or
the
occurrence of the material event.
(d) The
undersigned agrees that after the Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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4.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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5.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
of the
Company until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a
Business
Combination or the liquidation of the Company; provided,
however, that nothing herein shall be construed as providing a
right of the undersigned to maintain any position if removed by proper
corporate action. The undersigned’s biographical information furnished to
the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit A
is true and accurate in all material respects, does not omit any
material
information with respect to the undersigned’s background and contains all
of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 401
of
Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act. The undersigned’s
completed questionnaires furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit B are true and accurate in all material
respects. The undersigned represents and warrants
that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding; and
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked.
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6.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
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7.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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8.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as a director of the Company. The
undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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9.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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10.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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11.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such
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shares);
(e) “Public Stockholders” shall mean the holders
of securities issued in the Offering; (f) “Second Restated
Certificate” shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended
from
time to time; and (g) “Trust Account” shall mean
the trust account established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders
into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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12.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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13.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
14
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and (b) the liquidation of
the Company; provided that such termination shall not relieve the
undersigned from liability for any breach of this Letter Agreement
prior
to its termination.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
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Sincerely, |
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EDWARD
H. MEYER |
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Accepted
and agreed: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6326108ex108.htm
Exhibit
10.8
Laura
Pomerantz
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 11.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
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1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
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With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
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(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the Lock-Up Period (i) to a member of the undersigned’s immediate family
or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a trust, the beneficiary of which
is
a member of the undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers
or directors of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (vi) in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results in all the
Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock
or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the
Company’s consummating a Business Combination with a target business;
provided, however, that the permissive transfers pursuant to
clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s
written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Letter
Agreement. During the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall not grant a security
interest in the undersigned’s Insiders Shares.
(c) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues material
news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before the
expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that material news
or a
material event relating to the Company will occur during the 16-day period
beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the material news or
the
occurrence of the material event.
(d) The
undersigned agrees that after the Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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4.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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5.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
of the
Company until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a
Business
Combination or the liquidation of the Company; provided,
however, that nothing herein shall be construed as providing a
right of the undersigned to maintain any position if removed by proper
corporate action. The undersigned’s biographical information furnished to
the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit A
is true and accurate in all material respects, does not omit any
material
information with respect to the undersigned’s background and contains all
of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 401
of
Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act. The undersigned’s
completed questionnaires furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit B are true and accurate in all material
respects. The undersigned represents and warrants
that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding; and
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or
revoked.
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6.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for
the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family
member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business
Combination.
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7.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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8.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as a director of the Company. The
undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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9.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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10.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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11.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such
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shares);
(e) “Public Stockholders” shall mean the holders of
securities issued in the Offering; (f) “Second Restated
Certificate” shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time;
and
(g) “Trust Account” shall mean the trust account
established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders into which a portion
of
the net proceeds of the Offering will be deposited.
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12.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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13.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
14
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and (b) the liquidation of
the Company; provided that such termination shall not relieve the
undersigned from liability for any breach of this Letter Agreement
prior
to its termination.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
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Sincerely, |
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LAURA
POMERANTZ |
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Accepted
and agreed: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6343791ex109.htm
Exhibit
10.9
Vincent
Tese
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 11.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
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1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
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With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
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(a) With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the Lock-Up Period (i) to a member of the undersigned’s immediate family
or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a trust, the beneficiary of which
is
a member of the undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers
or directors of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (vi) in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results in all the
Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock
or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the
Company’s consummating a Business Combination with a target business;
provided, however, that the permissive transfers pursuant to
clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s
written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Letter
Agreement. During the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall not grant a security
interest in the undersigned’s Insiders Shares.
(c) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues material
news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before the
expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that material news
or a
material event relating to the Company will occur during the 16-day period
beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the material news or
the
occurrence of the material event.
(d) The
undersigned agrees that after the Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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4.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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5.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
of the
Company until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a
Business
Combination or the liquidation of the Company; provided,
however, that nothing herein shall be construed as providing a
right of the undersigned to maintain any position if removed by proper
corporate action. The undersigned’s biographical information furnished to
the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit A
is true and accurate in all material respects, does not omit any
material
information with respect to the undersigned’s background and contains all
of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 401
of
Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act. The undersigned’s
completed questionnaires furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit B are true and accurate in all material
respects. The undersigned represents and warrants
that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action
for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist
or
refrain from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities
in
any jurisdiction;
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(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding; and
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked.
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6.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
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7.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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8.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as a director of the Company. The
undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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9.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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10.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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11.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such
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shares);
(e) “Public Stockholders” shall mean the holders
of securities issued in the Offering; (f) “Second Restated
Certificate” shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended
from
time to time; and (g) “Trust Account” shall mean
the trust account established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders
into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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12.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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13.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
14
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and (b) the liquidation of
the Company; provided that such termination shall not relieve the
undersigned from liability for any breach of this Letter Agreement
prior
to its termination.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
Accepted
and agreed: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6326114ex1010.htm
Exhibit
10.10
Ronald
W.
Tysoe
[•],
2007
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Re:
NRDC Acquisition Corp. Initial Public Offering
Gentlemen:
This
letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) is being
delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) entered into by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as representative of the several
underwriters (the “Underwriters”), relating to an
underwritten initial public offering (the “Offering”),
of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units (the “Units”),
each comprised of one share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per
share (the “Common Stock”), and one warrant
exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”). The Units sold in the Offering will be
listed and traded on the American Stock Exchange pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in Section 11.
In
order
to induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting
Agreement and to proceed with the Offering and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
undersigned hereby agrees with the Company and the Underwriters as
follows:
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1.
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The
undersigned hereby agrees that in the event that the Company fails
to
consummate a Business Combination within 24 months after the date
of the
final Prospectus relating to the Offering, the undersigned shall
take all
reasonable steps to (a) cause the Trust Account to be liquidated
and its
assets to be distributed to the Public Stockholders and (b) cause
the
Company to be liquidated as soon as reasonably practicable. The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any cessation of the corporate
existence of the Company, the undersigned will take all reasonable
steps
to cause the Company to adopt a plan of distribution in accordance
with
Section 281(b) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
or
any successor provision thereto.
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2.
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With
respect to such undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned hereby
waives (a) any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
in or
to any distributions of the Trust Account as a result of any liquidation
of the Company (“Claim”), and to any and all
amounts distributed in connection with a liquidation of the Company,
and
hereby agrees to reimburse the Company for any distribution of the
Trust
Account received by the undersigned in respect of such undersigned’s
Insiders Shares; and (b) any and all right to exercise conversion
rights
in connection with a proposed Business Combination. The undersigned
acknowledges and agrees that, upon the Company’s liquidation, all warrants
relating to the Company that are owned by the undersigned will terminate
worthless. The undersigned hereby waives any Claim the
undersigned may have in the future as a result of, or arising out
of, any
contracts or agreements with the Company and the undersigned will
not seek
recourse against the Trust Account for any reason
whatsoever.
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3.
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(a)
With
respect to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares, the undersigned shall not,
until one (1) year after the consummation of an initial Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) sell,
offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge,
grant any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose
of,
directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent
position
or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the
meaning of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect
to,
any Insiders Shares, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement
that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of Insiders Shares, whether any such
transaction
is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock, in cash
or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any
transaction specified in clause (i) or
(ii).
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(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the undersigned may transfer the undersigned’s Insiders Shares
during the Lock-Up Period (i) to a member of the undersigned’s immediate family
or an affiliate of the undersigned, (ii) to a trust, the beneficiary of which
is
a member of the undersigned’s immediate family, (iii) by virtue of the laws of
descent and distribution upon death of the undersigned, (iv) to other officers
or directors of the Company, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (vi) in the event of a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition or other similar transaction which results in all the
Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock
or other securities for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the
Company’s consummating a Business Combination with a target business;
provided, however, that the permissive transfers pursuant to
clauses (i) — (v) may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s
written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Letter
Agreement. During the Lock-Up Period, the undersigned shall not grant a security
interest in the undersigned’s Insiders Shares.
(c) If
(i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues material
news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (ii) before the
expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that material news
or a
material event relating to the Company will occur during the 16-day period
beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the material news or
the
occurrence of the material event.
(d) The
undersigned agrees that after the Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the undersigned’s
Insiders Shares shall only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or pursuant to an available
exemption from registration, other than Regulations S of the Securities
Act.
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4.
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The
undersigned agrees that in connection with any proposed Business
Combination, the undersigned will vote (a) all Insiders Shares owned
by
the undersigned in accordance with the majority of the votes cast
by the
Public Stockholders in connection with the vote required to approve
the
Business Combination; (b) all shares of Common Stock acquired by
the
undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary market in favor of
the
Business Combination; and (c) all Insiders Shares and all shares
of Common
Stock acquired by the undersigned in the Offering or in the secondary
market in favor of an amendment to the Second Restated Certificate
providing for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
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5.
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The
undersigned agrees to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
of the
Company until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of a
Business
Combination or the liquidation of the Company; provided,
however, that nothing herein shall be construed as providing a
right of the undersigned to maintain any position if removed by proper
corporate action. The undersigned’s biographical information furnished to
the Company and the Underwriters and attached hereto as Exhibit A
is true and accurate in all material respects, does not omit any
material
information with respect to the undersigned’s background and contains all
of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 401
of
Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act. The undersigned’s
completed questionnaires furnished to the Company and the Underwriters
and
attached hereto as Exhibit B are true and accurate in all material
respects. The undersigned represents and warrants
that:
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(a) the
undersigned is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any
injunction, cease-and desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain
from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any
jurisdiction;
(b) the
undersigned has never been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any crime (i)
involving any fraud or (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling
of
funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities
and the undersigned is not currently a defendant in any such criminal
proceeding; and
(c) the
undersigned has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any
securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or
commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked.
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6.
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Except
as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the undersigned nor any family
member or affiliate of the undersigned will be entitled to receive,
and no
such person will accept:
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(a) any
compensation, finder’s fee, reimbursement or cash payment from the Company for
services rendered to the Company prior to or in connection with the consummation
of a Business Combination, other than reimbursement from the Company for the
undersigned’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offering and
identifying, investigating and consummating a Business Combination;
and
(b) any
finder’s fee, consulting fee or any other compensation or fees from the Company
or any other person or entity in the event the undersigned or any family member
or affiliate of the undersigned originates a Business Combination.
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7.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Company will not consummate
any Business Combination with any entity that is affiliated with
any
Insiders or any of their respective affiliates unless the Company
obtains
an opinion from an independent investment banking firm that the Business
Combination is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial
perspective.
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8.
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The
undersigned has full right and power, without violating any agreement
by
which the undersigned is bound (including, without limitation, any
non-competition or non-solicitation agreement), to enter into this
Letter
Agreement and to serve as a director of the Company. The
undersigned hereby consents to being named in the
Prospectus.
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9.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination
or the cessation of the corporate existence of the Company, whichever
is
earlier, the undersigned will not participate in the formation of,
or
accept any position as a director or officer with, any blank check
company
or any entity commonly regarded as a “special purpose acquisition
company.”
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10.
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The
undersigned agrees that until the consummation of a Business Combination,
the undersigned will not recommend or take any action to amend or
waive
any provisions of Article Fifth or Article Sixth of the Second Restated
Certificate.
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11.
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As
used herein, (a) a “Business Combination” shall
mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or more operating
businesses, through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase,
asset acquisition, or other similar business combination, having
an
aggregate fair market value of at least eighty percent (80%) of the
balance held in the Trust Account (excluding the amount held in the
Trust
Account representing the deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
and taxes payable) at the time of such acquisition; (b)
“Founders” shall mean NRDC Capital Management
LLC, William L. Mack, Robert C. Baker, Richard A. Baker and Lee Neibart;
(c) “Insiders” shall mean the Founders and all
other officers, directors and stockholders of the Company immediately
prior to the Offering; (d) “Insiders Shares”
shall mean all of the shares of Common Stock owned by an Insider
prior to
the Offering (and shall include any shares of Common Stock issued
as
dividends with respect to such
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shares);
(e) “Public Stockholders” shall mean the holders
of securities issued in the Offering; (f) “Second Restated
Certificate” shall mean the Company’s Second Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be amended
from
time to time; and (g) “Trust Account” shall mean
the trust account established for the benefit of the Public Stockholders
into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering will be
deposited.
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12.
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The
undersigned acknowledges and understands that the Company will rely
upon
the agreements, representations and warranties set forth herein in
proceeding with the Offering. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed
to
render the Underwriters a representative of, or a fiduciary with
respect
to, the Company, its stockholders, or any creditor or vendor of the
Company with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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13.
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This
Letter Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
of the
parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all
prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties
hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to
the
subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated
hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument
executed by all parties hereto. No party hereto may assign
either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other
parties hereto. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
14
shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or
assign
any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter
Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any
litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort,
statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance
with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. The undersigned
hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against the undersigned
arising out of, or relating in any way to this Letter Agreement shall
be
brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the
United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and
irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. The undersigned
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to a trial
by jury
in any action, suit, counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based
on
contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of, connected with or relating
to
this Letter Agreement. This Letter Agreement shall be binding
on the undersigned and such person’s respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns. This Letter Agreement shall
terminate on the earlier of (a) the expiration of the Lock-Up Period
applicable to the undersigned’s Insiders Shares and (b) the liquidation of
the Company; provided that such termination shall not relieve the
undersigned from liability for any breach of this Letter Agreement
prior
to its termination.
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[SIGNATURES
COMMENCE ON NEXT PAGE]
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Sincerely, |
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RONALD
W. TYSOE |
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Accepted
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By: |
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Title: |
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BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIES
LLC |
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By: |
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EXHIBIT
A
INFORMATION
FURNISHED TO THE COMPANY
EXHIBIT
B
QUESTIONNAIRE
efc7-2356_6305234ex1011.htm
Exhibit
10.11
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT
THIS
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT (the
“Agreement”) is made as of [•], 2007, by and between
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, a New York corporation (the
“Trustee”).
WHEREAS,
the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, No. 333-144871
(together with any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b), the
“Registration Statement”), for its initial public offering (the
“IPO”) of units (the “Units”), each consisting of one share of
the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common
Stock”), and one warrant (collectively, the
“Warrants”) to purchase one share of Common Stock, has been
declared effective as of the date hereof by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS,
Banc of America Securities LLC is acting as the underwriter (the
“Underwriter”) in the IPO; and
WHEREAS,
the Company has agreed to sell certain of its securities to its existing
stockholders in a private placement to be effected concurrently with the IPO
(“Private Placement”); and
WHEREAS,
as described in the Registration Statement, and in accordance with the Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, $296,450,589 of the gross proceeds
of
the IPO and the sale of securities in the Private Placement ($339,875,589 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 public stockholders of the Common Stock issued in the IPO (the
amount to be delivered to the Trustee 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 and the Company will be
referred to together as the “Beneficiaries”); and
WHEREAS,
a portion of the Property consists of $10,500,000 (or $12,075,000 if the
Underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) attributable to the
Underwriters’ discount (“Deferred Discount”) which the
Underwriters have 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, in a segregated trust account (“Trust Account”)
established by the Trustee at a branch of [•], 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 written instruction of the Company, to invest and
reinvest the Property in any “Government Security” within the
meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money market funds selected by
the
Company meeting the conditions specified in Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as determined by the
Company;
(d) Collect
and receive, when due, all principal and income arising from the Property,
which
income, net of taxes, shall become part of the “Property,” as
such term is used herein; provided, however, that,
notwithstanding the foregoing or any contrary provision contained herein, the
Trustee shall release to the Company an aggregate amount of up to $2,250,000
from interest earned on the Trust Account, net of taxes, upon the Company’s
demand, to fund working capital requirements;
(e) Notify
the Company 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 relating to income
from the Property in the Trust Account or otherwise;
(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
in
writing to do so;
(h) Render
to the Company and to the Underwriter, 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;
(i) If
there is any income or other tax obligation relating to the income from the
Property in the Trust Account as determined by the Company, then, from time
to
time, at the written instruction of the Company, the Trustee shall promptly,
to
the extent there is not sufficient cash in the Trust Account to pay such tax
obligation, liquidate such assets held in the Trust Account as shall be
designated by the Company in writing, and disburse to the Company by wire
transfer or by check, out of the Property in the Trust Account, the amount
indicated by the Company as owing in respect of such income tax obligation;
and
(j) Commence
liquidation of the Trust Account only upon receipt of and only in accordance
with the terms of a letter (the “Termination Letter”), in a
form substantially similar to that attached hereto as either
Exhibit A or Exhibit B, signed on behalf of the Company by
its President or Chairman of the Board, 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 shall provide the Underwriter with a copy of any Termination Letter
and/or any other correspondence that it receives with respect to any proposed
withdrawal from the Trust Account promptly after it receives the
same.
2. Limited
Distributions Of Income From Trust Account.
Except
for an aggregate amount of up to $2,250,000 from the interest earned on the
Trust Account, net of taxes, that the Trustee shall release to the Company
upon
the Company’s demand to fund working capital requirements, no distributions from
the Trust Account shall be permitted except in accordance with Sections 1(i)
and
1(j) hereof. The Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability to verify
calculations, qualify or otherwise approve Company requests for distributions
pursuant to this Section 2.
3. Agreements
and Covenants of the Company. The Company hereby agrees and covenants
to:
(a) Give
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 Sections 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
shall promptly confirm such instructions in writing;
(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 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
Company may participate in such action with its own counsel;
(c) Pay
the Trustee an initial acceptance fee, an annual fee and a transaction
processing fee for each disbursement made pursuant to Section 1(i) as set forth
on Schedule A hereto, which fees shall be subject to modification by the
parties from time to time. It is expressly understood that the Property shall
not be used to pay such fees and further agreed that said transaction processing
fees shall be deducted by the Trustee from the disbursements made to the Company
pursuant to Section 1(i). The Company shall pay the Trustee the initial
acceptance fee and first year’s fee at the completion of the IPO and thereafter
on the anniversary of the Effective Date. The Trustee shall refund to the
Company the annual 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 set forth in this Section 3(c)
and as may be provided in Section 3(b) hereof (it being expressly understood
that the Property shall not be used to make any payments to the Trustee under
such Sections);
(d) Provide
to the Trustee any letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive
agreement that is executed prior to [•], 2009 in connection with a Business
Combination;
(e) In
connection with any vote of the Company’s stockholders regarding a Business
Combination, provide to the Trustee an affidavit or certificate of a firm
regularly engaged in the business of soliciting proxies and tabulating
stockholder votes (which firm may be the Trustee) verifying the vote of the
Company’s stockholders regarding such Business Combination; and
(f) if
the Company does not effect a Business Combination within 24 months after
completion of the IPO, the Company’s existence shall cease except for the
purposes of the Company winding up its affairs and liquidating pursuant to
Section 278 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, in which case as promptly
as practicable thereafter the Company shall adopt a plan of distribution in
accordance with Section 281(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Upon the
Company’s adoption of such plan of distribution, the Company shall promptly
provide the Trustee a Termination Letter substantially in the form of Exhibit
B hereto.
4. 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 Section
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 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 Section
1(c);
(d) Refund
any depreciation in principal of any Property;
(e) Assume
that the authority of any person designated by the Company to give instructions
hereunder shall not be continuing unless provided otherwise in such designation,
or unless the Company 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, judgment, instruction, 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 person or persons. 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
(other than information provided by the Trustee) 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;
(h) As
and to the extent requested from time to time by the Company, prepare, execute
and file such tax reports, income or other tax returns and pay any taxes with
respect to income and activities relating to the Trust Account, regardless
of
whether such tax is payable by the Trust Account or the Company (including
but
not limited to income tax obligations), it being expressly understood that
as
set forth in Section 1(i), if there is any income or other tax obligation
relating to the Trust Account or the Property in the Trust Account, as
determined from time to time by the Company and regardless of whether such
tax
is payable by the Company or the Trust, at the written instruction of the
Company, the Trustee shall make funds available in cash from the Property in
the
Trust Account an amount specified by the Company as owing to the applicable
taxing authority, which amount shall be paid directly to the Company by
electronic funds transfer, account debit, check or other method of payment,
and
the Company shall forward such payment to the taxing authority; or
(i) Verify
calculations, qualify or otherwise approve Company requests for distributions
pursuant to Sections 1(i) and 2 above.
5. 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 Section 1(j) hereof, and distributed the
Property in accordance with the provisions of the Termination Letter, this
Agreement shall terminate except with respect to Section 3(b).
6. 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 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 conflict of laws. It
may
be executed in several counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an
original, and together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement or any
counterpart may be executed via facsimile or other electronic transmission,
and
any such executed facsimile or other electronic copy shall be treated as an
original.
(c) This
Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto may change, waive,
amend or modify any provision contained herein that may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision contained herein only upon the written
consent of each of the parties hereto; provided that such action shall not
materially adversely affect the interests of the Public Stockholders. Any other
change, waiver, amendment or modification to this Agreement shall be subject
to
approval by a majority of the Public Stockholders. 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 non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of any state
or federal court located in the City of New York 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
17
Battery Place, 8th Floor
New
York,
NY 10004
Attn:
Mr.
Steven Nelson, President
Fax:
(212) 616-7620
if
to the
Company, to:
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
NY 10577
Attn:
Richard A. Baker, Chief Executive Officer
Fax:
(914) 272-8067
with
a
copy to:
Sidley
Austin LLP
787
Seventh Avenue
New
York,
NY 10019
Attn:
Samir A. Gandhi, Esq.
Fax:
(212) 839-8654
in
either
case with a copy on behalf of the Underwriter to:
Banc
of
America Securities LLC
9
West
57th
Street
New
York,
NY 10019
Attn:
Managing Director (NRDC Acquisition Corp.)
Fax:
(646) 313-4784
with
a
copy to:
Bingham
McCutchen LLP
399
Park
Avenue
New
York,
NY 10022
Attn:
Floyd I. Wittlin, Esq.
Fax:
(212) 752-5378
(f) This
Agreement may not be assigned by the Trustee without the prior consent of the
Company.
(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 part
of
the Property under any circumstance.
(h) The
Trustee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind
(“Claim”) in or to any distribution of any property held in
trust for the Company in the Trust Account, and hereby agrees not to seek
recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the
Trust
Account for any reason whatsoever.
(i) The
Trustee hereby consents to the inclusion of Continental Stock Transfer &
Trust Company in the Registration Statement and other materials relating to
the
IPO.
(j) Each
of the Company and Trustee agrees and acknowledges that the Underwriter is
a
third party beneficiary of this Agreement.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Investment Management
Trust
Agreement as of the date first written above.
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CONTINENTAL
STOCK TRANSFER |
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&
TRUST
COMPANY, as
Trustee |
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By:
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Name: |
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Title: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By:
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Name: |
Richard
A. Baker |
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Title: |
Chief
Executive Officer |
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EXHIBIT
A
[LETTERHEAD
OF COMPANY]
[INSERT
DATE]
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company
17
Battery Place, 8th Floor
New
York,
NY 10004
Attn: Steven
Nelson, President
Re: Trust
Account No. [•] Termination Letter
Gentlemen:
Pursuant
to Section 1(j) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between NRDC
Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company (the “Trustee”), dated as of [•], 2007 (the “Trust Agreement”), this is
to advise you that the Company has entered into an agreement (“Business
Agreement”) with [•] (the “Target Business”) to consummate a business
combination with Target Business (a “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 (the “Consummation Date”).
Defined terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning
ascribed to such terms in the Trust Agreement.
Pursuant
to Section 3(e) of the Trust Agreement, we are providing you with [an affidavit]
[a certificate] of _______, which verifies the vote of the Company’s
stockholders in connection with the Business Combination. 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 the
funds
held in the Trust Account will be immediately available for transfer to the
account or accounts that the Company shall direct in writing on the Consummation
Date.
On
the
Consummation Date (i) counsel for the Company shall deliver to you written
notification that the Business Combination has been consummated and (ii) the
Company shall deliver to you written instructions with respect to the transfer
of the funds held in the Trust Account (the “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 and the Instruction
Letter, 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 of the same
and
the Company shall direct you as to whether such funds should remain in the
Trust
Account and be distributed after the Consummation Date to the Company or, with
respect to the Deferred Discount, to the Underwriter. 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.
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Very
truly yours, |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By:
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Name: |
Richard
A. Baker |
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Title: |
Chief
Executive Officer |
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EXHIBIT
B
[LETTERHEAD
OF COMPANY]
[INSERT
DATE]
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company
17
Battery Place, 8th Floor
New
York,
NY 10004
Attn: Frank
Di Paolo, CFO
Re: Trust
Account No. [•] Termination Letter
Gentlemen:
Pursuant
to paragraph 1(j) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between NRDC
Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company (the “Trustee”), dated as of [•], 2007 (the “Trust Agreement”), this is
to advise you that the Company’s existence has ceased due to the Company’s
inability to effect a Business Combination within the time frame specified
in
the Company’s prospectus relating to its IPO. Defined terms used but not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the
Trust Agreement.
In
accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to
commence liquidation of the Trust Account. You will notify the Company in
writing as to when all of the funds in the Trust Account will be available
for
immediate transfer (the “Transfer Date”) in accordance with the Company’s plan
of distribution attached hereto. You shall commence distribution of such funds
in accordance with the terms of such plan of distribution and you shall oversee
the distribution of the funds. Upon the distribution of all the funds in the
Trust Account, your obligations under the Trust Agreement shall be terminated
and the Trust Account shall be closed.
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Very
truly yours, |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By:
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Name: |
Richard
A. Baker |
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Title: |
Chief
Executive Officer |
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EXHIBIT
C
AUTHORIZED
INDIVIDUAL(S) AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
AUTHORIZED
FOR TELEPHONE CALL BACK
COMPANY:
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NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
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Attn:
Richard A. Baker, Chief Executive
Officer |
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Telephone:
(914) 272-8067 |
TRUSTEE: |
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company |
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17
Battery Place, 8th
Floor |
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Attn:
Steven Nelson, President |
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Telephone:
(212) 845-3202 |
SCHEDULE
A
Schedule
of fees pursuant to Section 3(c) of Investment Management Trust
Agreement
between
NRDC Acquisition Corp. and
Continental
Stock Transfer & Trust Company
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Time
and method of payment
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Initial
acceptance fee
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Initial
closing of IPO by wire transfer
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$ 1,000
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Annual
fee
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First
year, initial closing of IPO by wire transfer; thereafter on the
anniversary of the effective date of the IPO by wire transfer or
check
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$ [•]
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Transaction
processing fee for disbursements to Company under Sections 1(i) and
2
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Deduction
by Trustee from disbursement made to Company under Section
2
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$ [•]
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Dated: [•],
2007
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Agreed: |
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NRDC
Acquisition Corp. |
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By:
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Title: |
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Continental
Stock Transfer &
Trust Company |
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By:
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Title: |
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efc7-2356_6288540ex1014.htm
Exhibit
10.14
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is
entered into as of [•], 2007, by NRDC Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and NRDC Capital
Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
“Investor”).
WHEREAS,
the Investor currently holds most of the issued and outstanding securities
of
the Company;
WHEREAS,
the Investor shall, concurrently with the Company’s initial public offering,
purchase Private Placement Warrants (as hereinafter defined) from the Company
in
a private placement (the “Private Placement”);
WHEREAS,
the Investor has committed, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the
Co-Investment Units (as hereinafter defined) from the Company in a private
placement (the “Co-Investment”) that will occur immediately
prior to the Company’s consummation of the Initial Business Combination (as
hereinafter defined); and
WHEREAS,
the Investor and the Company desire to enter into this Agreement to provide
the
Investor with certain rights relating to the registration of the Company’s
securities held by it.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth
herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1.
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DEFINITIONS. The
following capitalized terms used herein have the following
meanings:
|
“Agreement”
means this Agreement, as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified
from time to time.
“Board”
means the board of directors of the Company.
“Co-Investment
Common Stock” means the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be issued
as part of the Co-Investment Units and sold by the Company to the
Investor.
“Co-Investment
Units” means the 2,000,000 units of the Company to be issued and sold
by the Company to the Investor in a private placement that will occur
immediately prior to the Initial Business Combination.
“Co-Investment
Warrants” means the 2,000,000 Warrants of the Company to purchase
shares of Common Stock to be issued as part of the Co-Investment Units sold
by
the Company to the Investor (including the underlying shares of Common Stock
for
which they may be exercised).
“Commission”
means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal agency then
administering the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
“Common
Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the
Company.
“Company”
is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Demanding
Holder” is defined in Section 2.1.1.
“Demand
Registration” is defined in Section 2.1.1.
“Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, all as the
same
shall be in effect at the time.
“Form
S-3” is defined in Section 2.3.
“Indemnified
Party” is defined in Section 4.3.
“Indemnifying
Party” is defined in Section 4.3.
“Initial
Business Combination” means the consummation by the Company of a
merger, capital stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition,
reorganization or similar business combination with one or more operating
businesses.
“Investor”
is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Investor
Indemnified Party” is defined in Section 4.1.
“IPO
Side Letter” means those certain Side Letters, of even date herewith,
executed by the Investor and acknowledged by the Company.
“Maximum
Number of Shares” is defined in Section 2.1.4.
“Notices”
is defined in Section 6.3.
“Person”
means an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a joint
venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, a government
or
any department or agency thereof or any entity similar to any of the
foregoing.
“Piggy-Back
Registration” is defined in Section 2.2.1.
“Private
Placement Agreement” means the Placement Warrant Purchase Agreement,
dated [•], 2007, by and among the Company and the Investor.
“Private
Placement Warrants” means the 8,000,000 Warrants purchased by the
Investor from the Company pursuant to the terms of the Private Placement
Agreement.
“Register,”
“registered” and “registration” mean to effect
a registration of securities, having effected a registration of securities
and
effected a registration of securities, respectively, by preparing and filing
a
registration statement or similar document in compliance with the requirements
of the Securities Act, and such registration statement becoming
effective.
“Registrable
Securities” mean (a) all of the shares of Common Stock and Warrants
owned or held by the Investor prior to the date hereof or purchased in the
Private Placement, including any shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of such Warrants and (b) the Co-Investment Common Stock and Co-Investment
Warrants, including any shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Co-Investment Warrants. Registrable Securities include any warrants, shares
of
capital stock or other securities of the Company issued as a dividend or other
distribution with respect to or in exchange for or in replacement of such shares
of Common Stock. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities
shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (i) a Registration Statement
with
respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the
Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed
of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; (ii) such
securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for them
not
bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by
the
Company and subsequent public distribution of them shall not require
registration under the Securities Act; (iii) such securities shall have ceased
to be outstanding; or (iv) the Registrable Securities are salable under Rule
144(k). Notwithstanding the foregoing or any contrary
provision
contained
herein, for the avoidance of doubt, no security of the Company shall be a
“Registrable Security” hereunder unless the lock-up period for such security has
been terminated.
“Registration
Statement” means a registration statement filed by the Company with the
Commission in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder for a public offering and sale of Common Stock and/or
Warrants, as the case may be (other than a registration statement (a) on Form
S-4 or Form S-8, or their successors, (b) covering only securities proposed
to
be issued in exchange for securities or assets of another entity, (c) for an
exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing
stockholders, (d) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity
securities of the Company, or (e) for a dividend reinvestment
plan).
“Release
Date” means the date on which the lock up period (as described in
Sections [•] of the IPO Side Letters) applicable to the Registrable Securities
is terminated (as applicable); provided, however that the
Release Date with respect to (i) the Co-Investment Common Stock shall be no
earlier than one year from the date of the Initial Business Combination and
(ii)
the Co-Investment Warrants shall be only after the date on which the last sales
price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange, or other national
securities exchange on which the Common Stock may be traded, equals or exceeds
$14.25 per share for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading-day period
beginning at least 90 days after the consummation of the Initial Business
Combination.
“Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall
be
in effect at the time.
“Underwriter”
means a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal
in an underwritten offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making
activities.
“Warrant”
means a warrant to purchase one (1) share of the Common Stock for
$7.50.
2.1. Demand
Registration.
2.1.1 Request
for Registration. At any time commencing ninety (90) days prior
to, and from time to time on or after a Release Date, the Investor or, if the
Investor does not own any Registrable Securities, holders of at least 50.1%
of
the Registrable Securities, on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, may make
a
written demand for registration under the Securities Act of all or part of
the
related Registrable Securities (a “Demand Registration”). Any
demand for a Demand Registration shall specify the number of shares of
Registrable Securities proposed to be sold and the intended method(s) of
distribution thereof. The Company will notify all holders of Registrable
Securities of the demand, and each holder of Registrable Securities who wishes
to include all or a portion of such holder’s Registrable Securities in the
Demand Registration (each such holder including shares of Registrable Securities
in such registration, a “Demanding Holder”) shall so notify the
Company in writing within fifteen (15) days after the receipt by the holder
of
the notice from the Company. Upon any such request, the Demanding Holders shall
be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in the Demand
Registration, subject to Section 2.1.4 and the provisos set forth in Section
3.1.1. The Company shall not be obligated to effect more than an aggregate
of
three (3) Demand Registrations under this Section 2.1.1 in respect of
Registrable Securities.
2.1.2 Effective
Registration. A registration will not count as a Demand
Registration until the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with
respect to such Demand Registration has been declared effective and the Company
has complied with all of its material obligations under this Agreement with
respect thereto; provided, however, that if,
after such Registration Statement has been declared effective, the offering
of
Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Registration is interfered with
by
any stop order or injunction of the Commission or any other governmental agency
or court, the Registration Statement with respect to such Demand Registration
will be deemed not to have been declared effective, unless and until, (a) such
stop order or injunction is removed, rescinded or otherwise
terminated,
and (b) a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders thereafter elects to
continue the offering; provided, further, that
the Company shall not be obligated to file a second Registration Statement
until
a Registration Statement that has been filed is counted as a Demand Registration
or is terminated.
2.1.3 Underwritten
Offering. If a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders so
elects and such holders so advise the Company as part of their written demand
for a Demand Registration, the offering of such Registrable Securities pursuant
to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of an underwritten offering.
In
such event, the right of any holder to include its Registrable Securities in
such registration shall be conditioned upon such holder’s participation in such
underwriting and the inclusion of such holder’s Registrable Securities in the
underwriting to the extent provided herein. All Demanding Holders proposing
to
distribute their securities through such underwriting shall enter into an
underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter or Underwriters
selected for such underwriting by a majority-in-interest of the holders
initiating the Demand Registration.
2.1.4 Reduction
of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters for a
Demand Registration that is to be an underwritten offering advise(s) the Company
and the Demanding Holders in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares
of Registrable Securities which the Demanding Holders desire to sell, taken
together with all other shares of Common Stock or other securities which the
Company desires to sell and the shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which
registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back
registration rights held by other stockholders of the Company who desire to
sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of shares that can
be
sold in such offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price,
the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such
offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of shares, as applicable,
the “Maximum Number of Shares”), then the Company shall include
in such registration: (a) first, the Registrable Securities as to which Demand
Registration has been requested by the Demanding Holders (pro rata in accordance
with the number of shares of Registrable Securities which such Demanding Holders
have requested be included in such registration, regardless of the number of
shares held by each such Person (such proportion is referred to herein as
“Pro Rata”)) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum
Number of Shares; (b) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares
has not been reached under the foregoing clause (a), the shares of Common Stock
or other securities that the Company desires to sell that can be sold without
exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (c) third, to the extent that the
Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (a)
and (b), the shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of
other
Persons that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to written
contractual arrangements with such Persons and that can be sold without
exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; and (d) fourth, to the extent that
the
Maximum Number of Shares have not been reached under the foregoing clauses
(a),
(b) and (c), the shares of Common Stock that other shareholders desire to sell
that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares to the extent
that the Company, in its sole discretion, wishes to permit such sales pursuant
to this clause (d).
2.1.5 Withdrawal. If
a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders disapprove of the terms of
any
underwriting or are not entitled to include all of their Registrable Securities
in any offering, such majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders may elect
to
withdraw from such offering by giving written notice to the Company and the
Underwriter or Underwriters of their request to withdraw prior to the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with
respect to such Demand Registration. If the majority-in-interest of the
Demanding Holders withdraws from a proposed offering relating to a Demand
Registration, then such registration shall not count as a Demand Registration
provided for in Section 2.1, provided that the
majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders electing to so withdraw from
the
offering pays all costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection
with
such withdrawn Demand Registration.
2.1.6 Permitted
Delays. The Company shall be entitled to postpone the filing of
any Registration Statement under this Section 2.1 (a) until the applicable
Release Date, or (b) for up to sixty (60) days, if (i) at any time prior to
the
filing of such Registration Statement the Company’s Board of Directors
determines, in its good faith business judgment, that such registration and
offering would
materially
and adversely affect any financing, acquisition, corporate reorganization,
or
other material transaction involving the Company, and (ii) the Company delivers
to the Demanding Holders written notice thereof within five (5) business days
of
the date of receipt of such request for Demand Registration.
2.2. Piggy-Back
Registration.
2.2.1 Piggy-Back
Rights. If at any time on or after a Release Date the Company
proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect
to an offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations
exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, equity securities, by
the
Company for its own account or for stockholders of the Company for their account
(or by the Company and by stockholders of the Company including, without
limitation, pursuant to Section 2.1), then the Company shall (a) give written
notice of such proposed filing to the holders of Registrable Securities as
soon
as practicable but in no event less than ten (10) days before the anticipated
filing date, which notice shall describe the amount and type of securities
to be
included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the
name
of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, of the offering,
and (b) offer to the holders of Registrable Securities in such notice the
opportunity to register the sale of such number of shares of Registrable
Securities as such holders may request in writing within ten (10) days following
receipt of such notice (a “Piggy-Back Registration”). The
Company shall cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such
registration and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the managing
Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit the
Registrable Securities requested to be included in a Piggy-Back Registration
on
the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company and
to
permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in
accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. All holders
of
Registrable Securities proposing to distribute their securities through a
Piggy-Back Registration that involves an Underwriter or Underwriters shall
enter
into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter or
Underwriters selected for such Piggy-Back Registration.
2.2.2 Reduction
of Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters for a
Piggy-Back Registration that is to be an underwritten offering advise(s) the
Company and the holders of Registrable Securities in writing that the dollar
amount or number of shares of Common Stock which the Company desires to sell,
taken together with shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which registration
has
been demanded pursuant to written contractual arrangements with Persons other
than the holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, the Registrable Securities
as to which registration has been requested under this Section 2.2, and the
shares of Common Stock, if any, as to which registration has been requested
pursuant to the written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other
stockholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Shares, then the
Company shall include in any such registration:
(a) If
the registration is undertaken for the Company’s account: (i) first, the shares
of Common Stock or other securities that the Company desires to sell that can
be
sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (ii) second, to the extent
that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the foregoing
clause (i), the shares of Common Stock or other securities, if any, comprised
of
Registrable Securities, as to which registration has been requested pursuant
to
the applicable written contractual piggy-back registration rights of such
security holders, Pro Rata, that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum
Number of Shares; and (iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of
Shares has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the shares
of Common Stock or other securities for the account of other Persons that the
Company is obligated to register pursuant to written contractual piggy-back
registration rights with such Persons and that can be sold without exceeding
the
Maximum Number of Shares; and
(b) If
the registration is a “demand” registration undertaken at the demand of Persons
other than the holders of Registrable Securities, (i) first, the shares of
Common Stock or other securities for the account of the demanding Persons that
can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; (ii) second, to
the
extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached under the
foregoing clause (i), the shares of Common Stock or other securities that the
Company desires to sell that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number
of
Shares;
(iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been
reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the shares of Common Stock
or
other securities, if any, comprised of Registrable Securities, Pro Rata, as
to
which registration has been requested pursuant to the applicable written
contractual piggy-back registration rights of such security holders, Pro Rata,
that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Shares; and (iv)
fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Shares has not been reached
under the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), the shares of Common Stock
or
other securities, if any, for the account of other Persons that the Company
is
obligated to register pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration
rights with such Persons that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number
of Shares.
2.2.3 Withdrawal. Any
holder of Registrable Securities may elect to withdraw such holder’s request for
inclusion of Registrable Securities in any Piggy-Back Registration by giving
written notice to the Company of such request to withdraw prior to the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement. The Company (whether on its own
determination or as the result of a withdrawal by Persons making a demand
pursuant to written contractual obligations) may withdraw a registration
statement at any time prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
without thereby incurring any liability to the holders of Registrable
Securities. Notwithstanding any such withdrawal, the Company shall pay all
expenses incurred by the holders of Registrable Securities in connection with
such Piggy-Back Registration as provided in Section 3.3.
2.2.4 Permitted
Delays. The Company shall be entitled to postpone, for up to
sixty (60) days (but not for more than one hundred eighty (180) days in any
calendar year), the filing of any Registration Statement under this Section
2.2,
if (a) at any time prior to the filing of such Registration Statement the
Company’s Board of Directors determines, in its good faith business judgment,
that such registration and offering would materially and adversely affect any
financing, acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other material transaction
involving the Company, and (b) the Company delivers to the holder of Registrable
Securities requesting a Piggy-Back Registration written notice thereof within
five (5) business days of the date of receipt by the Company of such request
for
Piggy-Back Registration.
2.3. Registrations
on Form S-3. At any time on or after a Release Date, the holders
of Registrable Securities may at any time and from time to time, request in
writing that the Company register the resale of any or all of such Registrable
Securities on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration which may be
available at such time (“Form S-3”); provided,
however, that the Company shall
not be obligated to effect such
request through an underwritten offering. Upon receipt of such written request,
the Company will promptly give written notice of the proposed registration
to
all other holders of Registrable Securities, and, as soon as practicable
thereafter, effect the registration of all or such portion of such holder’s or
holders’ Registrable Securities as are specified in such request, together with
all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any other holder or holders
joining in such request as are specified in a written request given within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of such written notice from the Company;
provided, however, that the Company shall not
be obligated to effect any such registration pursuant to this Section 2.3:
(a)
if Form S-3 is not available for such offering; or (b) if the holders of the
Registrable Securities, together with the holders of any other securities of
the
Company entitled to inclusion in such registration, propose to sell Registrable
Securities and such other securities (if any) at any aggregate price to the
public of less than $500,000. Registrations effected pursuant to this Section
2.3 shall not be counted as Demand Registrations effected pursuant to Section
2.1.
3.
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REGISTRATION
PROCEDURES.
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3.1. Filings;
Information. Whenever the Company is required to effect the
registration of any Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2, the Company
shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and sale
of
such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of
distribution thereof as expeditiously as practicable, and in connection with
any
such request:
3.1.1 Filing
Registration Statement. The Company shall, as expeditiously as
possible and in any event within sixty (60) days after receipt of a request
for
a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1, prepare and file with the
Commission a Registration Statement on any form for which the
Company
then
qualifies or which counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate and which
form
shall be available for the sale of all Registrable Securities to be registered
thereunder in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof,
and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration
Statement to become and remain effective for the period required by Section
3.1.3; provided, however, that the Company
shall have the right to defer any Demand Registration for up to sixty (60)
days,
and any Piggy-Back Registration for such period as may be applicable to
deferment of any demand registration to which such Piggy-Back Registration
relates, in each case if the Company shall furnish to the holders a certificate
signed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Company stating that,
in the good faith judgment of the Board, it would be materially detrimental
to
the Company and its stockholders for such Registration Statement to be effected
at such time; provided, further, that the
Company shall not have the right to exercise the right set forth in the
immediately preceding proviso more than once in any three hundred sixty five
(365) day period in respect of a Demand Registration hereunder.
3.1.2 Copies. The
Company shall, prior to filing a Registration Statement or prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the holders of
Registrable Securities included in such registration, and such holders’ legal
counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each
amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including
all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the
prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary
prospectus), and such other documents as the holders of Registrable Securities
included in such registration or legal counsel for any such holders may request
in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned
by
such holders.
3.1.3 Amendments
and Supplements. The Company shall prepare and file with the
Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements
to such Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith
as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and in
compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until all Registrable
Securities and other securities covered by such Registration Statement have
been
disposed of in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution set forth
in such Registration Statement (which period shall not exceed the sum of one
hundred eighty (180) days plus any period during which any such disposition
is
interfered with by any stop order or injunction of the Commission or any
governmental agency or court) or such securities have been
withdrawn.
3.1.4 Notification. After
the filing of a Registration Statement, the Company shall promptly, and in
no
event more than two (2) business days after such filing, notify the holders
of
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement of such filing,
and shall further notify such holders within two (2) business days of the
occurrence of any of the following: (a) when such Registration Statement becomes
effective; (b) when any post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement
becomes effective; (c) the issuance or threatened issuance by the Commission
of
any stop order (and the Company shall take all commercially reasonable actions
required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered);
and (d) any request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to such
Registration Statement or any prospectus relating thereto or for additional
information or of the occurrence of an event requiring the preparation of a
supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered
to
the purchasers of the securities covered by such Registration Statement, such
prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the
statements therein not misleading, and promptly make available to the holders
of
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement any such
supplement or amendment; except that before filing with the Commission a
Registration Statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto,
including documents incorporated by reference, the Company shall furnish to
the
holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement and
to
the legal counsel for any such holders, copies of all such documents proposed
to
be filed sufficiently in advance of filing to provide such holders and legal
counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review such documents and comment
thereon, and the Company shall not file any Registration Statement or prospectus
or amendment or supplement thereto, including documents incorporated by
reference, to which such holders or their legal counsel shall
object.
3.1.5 State
Securities Laws Compliance. The Company shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to (a) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered
by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such
jurisdictions in the United States as the holders of Registrable Securities
included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of
distribution) may request, and (b) take such action necessary to cause such
Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered
with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary
by
virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other
acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the holders of
Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate
the
disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided,
however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do
business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify
but for this paragraph or subject itself to taxation in any such
jurisdiction.
3.1.6 Agreements
for Disposition. The Company shall enter into customary
agreements (including, if applicable, an underwriting agreement in customary
form) and take such other actions as are reasonably required in order to
expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities. The
representations, warranties and covenants of the Company in any underwriting
agreement which are made to or for the benefit of any Underwriters, to the
extent applicable, shall also be made to and for the benefit of the holders
of
Registrable Securities included in such registration statement. No holder of
Registrable Securities included in such registration statement shall be required
to make any representations or warranties in the underwriting agreement except,
if applicable, with respect to such holder’s organization, good standing,
authority, title to Registrable Securities, lack of conflict of such sale with
such holder’s material agreements and organizational documents, and with respect
to written information relating to such holder that such holder has furnished
in
writing expressly for inclusion in such Registration Statement.
3.1.7 Cooperation. The
principal executive officer of the Company, the principal financial officer
of
the Company, the principal accounting officer of the Company and all other
officers and members of the management of the Company shall cooperate fully
in
any offering of Registrable Securities hereunder, which cooperation shall
include, without limitation, the preparation of the Registration Statement
with
respect to such offering and all other offering materials and related documents,
and participation in meetings with Underwriters, attorneys, accountants and
potential investors.
3.1.8 Records. The
Company shall make available for inspection by the holders of Registrable
Securities included in such Registration Statement, any Underwriter
participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement and
any
attorney, accountant or other professional retained by any holder of Registrable
Securities included in such Registration Statement or any Underwriter, all
financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of
the
Company, as shall be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence
responsibility, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to
supply all information requested by any of them in connection with such
Registration Statement.
3.1.9 Opinions
and Comfort Letters. The Company shall furnish to each holder of
Registrable Securities included in any Registration Statement a signed
counterpart, addressed to such holder, of (a) any opinion of counsel to the
Company delivered to any Underwriter and (b) any comfort letter from the
Company’s independent public accountants delivered to any Underwriter. In the
event no legal opinion is delivered to any Underwriter, the Company shall
furnish to each holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration
Statement, at any time that such holder elects to use a prospectus, an opinion
of counsel to the Company to the effect that the Registration Statement
containing such prospectus has been declared effective and that no stop order
is
in effect.
3.1.10 Earnings
Statement. The Company shall comply with all applicable rules
and regulations of the Commission and the Securities Act, and make available
to
its stockholders, as soon as practicable, an earnings statement covering a
period of twelve (12) months, beginning within three (3) months after
the
effective
date of the registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy
the
provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158
thereunder.
3.1.11 Listing. The
Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable
Securities included in any registration to be listed on such exchanges or
otherwise designated for trading in the same manner as similar securities issued
by the Company are then listed or designated or, if no such similar securities
are then listed or designated, in a manner satisfactory to the
majority-in-interest of the holders of Registrable Securities included in such
registration.
3.2. Obligation
to Suspend Distribution. Upon receipt of any notice from the
Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3.1.4(d),
or, in the case of a resale registration on Form S-3 pursuant to Section 2.3
hereof, upon any suspension by the Company, pursuant to a written insider
trading compliance program adopted by the Board, of the ability of all
“insiders” covered by such program to transact in the Company’s securities
because of the existence of material non-public information, each holder of
Registrable Securities included in any registration shall immediately
discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant to the
Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until such holder
receives the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3.1.4(d)
or the restriction on the ability of “insiders” to transact in the Company’s
securities is removed, as applicable, and, if so directed by the Company, each
such holder will deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file
copies then in such holder’s possession, of the most recent prospectus covering
such Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of such notice.
3.3. Registration
Expenses. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses incurred
in connection with (a) subject to Section 2.1.5, any Demand Registration
pursuant to Section 2.1, (b) any Piggy-Back Registration pursuant to Section
2.2, and (c) any registration on Form S-3 effected pursuant to Section 2.3,
and
all expenses incurred in performing or complying with its other obligations
under this Agreement, whether or not the Registration Statement becomes
effective, including, without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees;
(ii) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws
(including fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky
qualifications of the Registrable Securities); (iii) printing expenses; (iv)
the
Company’s internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and
expenses of its officers and employees); (v) the fees and expenses incurred
in
connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities as required by Section
3.1.11; (vi) Financial Industry Regulatory Authority fees; (vii) fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Company and fees and expenses for independent
certified public accountants retained by the Company (including the expenses
or
costs associated with the delivery of any opinions or comfort letters requested
pursuant to Section 3.1.9); (viii) the fees and expenses of any special experts
retained by the Company in connection with such registration; and (ix) the
fees
and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the holders of a
majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities included in such
registration. The Company shall have no obligation to pay any underwriting
discounts or selling commissions attributable to the Registrable Securities
being sold by the holders thereof, which underwriting discounts or selling
commissions shall be borne by such holders. Additionally, in an underwritten
offering, all selling stockholders and the Company shall bear the expenses
of
the underwriter, pro rata, in proportion to the respective amount of shares
each
is selling in such offering.
3.4. Information. The
holders of Registrable Securities shall provide such information as may
reasonably be requested by the Company, or the managing Underwriter, if any,
in
connection with the preparation of any Registration Statement, including
amendments and supplements thereto, in order to effect the registration of
any
Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 2 and in
connection with the Company’s obligation to comply with federal and applicable
state securities laws.
4.
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INDEMNIFICATION
AND CONTRIBUTION.
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4.1. Indemnification
by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Investor and each other holder of Registrable Securities, and each of their
respective officers, employees, affiliates, directors, partners, members,
attorneys and agents, and each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning
of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) an
Investor and each other holder of Registrable Securities (each, an
“Investor Indemnified Party”), from and against any expenses,
losses,
judgments,
claims, damages or liabilities, whether joint or several, arising out of or
based upon any untrue statement (or allegedly untrue statement) of a material
fact contained in any Registration Statement under which the sale of such
Registrable Securities was registered under the Securities Act, any preliminary
prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained in the Registration
Statement, or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement, or
arising out of or based upon any omission (or alleged omission) to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of the Securities Act
or
any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company and
relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any
such registration; and the Company shall promptly reimburse the Investor
Indemnified Party for any legal and any other expenses reasonably incurred
by
such Investor Indemnified Party in connection with investigating and defending
any such expense, loss, judgment, claim, damage, liability or action;
provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any
such case to the extent that any such expense, loss, claim, damage or liability
arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or allegedly untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission made in such Registration Statement,
preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, or summary prospectus, or any such
amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished to the Company, in writing, by such selling holder expressly for
use
therein.
4.2. Indemnification
by Holders of Registrable Securities. Each selling holder of
Registrable Securities will, in the event that any registration is being
effected under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement of any Registrable
Securities held by such selling holder, indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
each of its directors and officers and each underwriter (if any), and each
other
selling holder and each other Person, if any, who controls another selling
holder or such underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, against
any
losses, claims, judgments, damages or liabilities, whether joint or several,
insofar as such losses, claims, judgments, damages or liabilities (or actions
in
respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration
Statement under which the sale of such Registrable Securities was registered
under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or
summary prospectus contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment
or
supplement to the Registration Statement, or arise out of or are based upon
any
omission or the alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statement therein not misleading, if the
statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished in writing to the Company by such selling holder expressly
for use therein, and shall reimburse the Company, its directors and officers,
and each other selling holder or controlling Person for any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigation
or
defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. Each selling
holder’s indemnification obligations hereunder shall be several and not joint
and shall be limited to the amount of any net proceeds actually received by
such
selling holder.
4.3. Conduct
of Indemnification Proceedings. Promptly after receipt by any
Person of any notice of any loss, claim, damage or liability or any action
in
respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 4.1 or 4.2, such
Person (the “Indemnified Party”) shall, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against any other Person for indemnification hereunder,
notify such other Person (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing
of the loss, claim, judgment, damage, liability or action; provided,
however, that the failure by the Indemnified Party to notify the
Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability
which the Indemnifying Party may have to such Indemnified Party hereunder,
except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced
by
such failure. If the Indemnified Party is seeking indemnification with respect
to any claim or action brought against the Indemnified Party, then the
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in such claim or action,
and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with all other Indemnifying Parties,
to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel satisfactory to the
Indemnified Party. After notice from the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified
Party of its election to assume control of the defense of such claim or action,
the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party for any
legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in
connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation; provided, however, that in any action in which
both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party are named as defendants,
the Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel (but
no
more than one such separate counsel) to represent the Indemnified Party and
its
controlling Persons who may be subject to liability arising out of any claim
in
respect of which indemnity may be sought by the Indemnified Party against the
Indemnifying Party, with the fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by
such Indemnifying Party if, based upon the written opinion of counsel of such
Indemnified Party,
representation
of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or
potential differing interests between them. No Indemnifying Party shall, without
the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, consent to entry of judgment
or effect any settlement of any claim or pending or threatened proceeding in
respect of which the Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and
indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless
such judgment or settlement includes an unconditional release of such
Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim or
proceeding.
4.4. Contribution.
4.4.1 If
the indemnification provided for in the foregoing Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3
is
unavailable to any Indemnified Party in respect of any loss, claim, damage,
liability or action referred to herein, then each such Indemnifying Party,
in
lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount
paid
or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
fault of the Indemnified Parties and the Indemnifying Parties in connection
with
the actions or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability
or action, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative
fault of any Indemnified Party and any Indemnifying Party shall be determined
by
reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material
fact
relates to information supplied by such Indemnified Party or such Indemnifying
Party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
4.4.2 The
parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 4.4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any
other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to in the immediately preceding Section
4.4.1.
4.4.3 The
amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of any loss, claim,
damage, liability or action referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph
shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any
legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with
investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 4.4, no holder of Registrable Securities shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the dollar amount of the net
proceeds (after payment of any underwriting fees, discounts, commissions or
taxes) actually received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities
which gave rise to such contribution obligation. No Person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.
5.
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UNDERWRITING
AND DISTRIBUTION.
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5.1. Rule
144. The Company covenants that it shall file any reports
required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and
shall take such further action as the holders of Registrable Securities may
reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable
such
holders to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities
Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time, or any similar
Rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
6.1. Other
Registration Rights. The Company represents and warrants that no
Person, other than a holder of the Registrable Securities, has any right to
require the Company to register any shares of the Company’s capital stock for
sale or to include shares of the Company’s capital stock in any registration
filed by the Company for the sale of shares of capital stock for its own account
or for the account of any other Person.
6.2. Assignment;
No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the rights,
duties and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated
by the Company in whole or in part. This Agreement
and
the
rights, duties and obligations of the holders of Registrable Securities
hereunder may be freely assigned or delegated by such holder of Registrable
Securities in conjunction with and to the extent of any transfer of Registrable
Securities held by any such holder. This Agreement and the provisions hereof
shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties
hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Except as
otherwise expressly set forth herein, this Agreement is not intended to confer
any rights or benefits on any Persons that are not party hereto other than
as
expressly set forth in Article 4 and this Section 6.2.
6.3. Notices. All
notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals or other communications
(collectively, “notices” and each, a “notice”)
required or permitted to be given hereunder or which are given with respect
to
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally served, delivered
by
reputable overnight courier service with charges prepaid, or transmitted by
hand
delivery or facsimile, addressed as set forth below, or to such other address
as
such party shall have specified most recently by written notice. Notice shall
be
deemed given on the date of service or transmission if personally served or
transmitted by facsimile; provided, that if such service or transmission is
not
on a business day or is after normal business hours, then such notice shall
be
deemed given on the next business day. Notice otherwise sent as provided herein
shall be deemed given on the next business day following timely delivery of
such
notice to a reputable overnight courier service with an order for next-day
delivery.
To
the
Company:
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
(914)
272-8067
Attn:
Richard A. Baker
with
a
copy to:
Sidley
Austin LLP
787
Seventh Avenue
New
York,
NY 10019
Attn: Samir
A. Gandhi, Esq.
To
an
Investor, to the address for such Investor specified on the signature pages
hereto.
6.4. Severability. This
Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability
of
any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability
of
this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu
of
any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend
that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar
in
terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible that is
valid and enforceable.
6.5. Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in multiple counterparts, and all
of
which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.6. Entire
Agreement. This Agreement (including all agreements entered into
pursuant hereto and all certificates and instruments delivered pursuant hereto
and thereto) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to
the
subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements,
representations, understandings, negotiations and discussions between the
parties, whether oral or written.
6.7. Modifications
and Amendments. No amendment, modification or termination of this
Agreement shall be binding upon any party unless executed in writing by such
party.
6.8. Titles
and Headings. Titles and headings of sections of this Agreement
are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of any provision
of this Agreement.
6.9. Waivers
and Extensions. Any party to this Agreement may waive any right,
breach or default which such party has the right to waive,
provided that such waiver will not be effective against the
waiving party unless it is in writing, is signed by such party, and specifically
refers to this Agreement. Waivers may be made in advance or after the right
waived has arisen or the breach or default waived has occurred. Any waiver
may
be conditional. No waiver of any breach of any agreement or provision herein
contained shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach thereof
nor of any other agreement or provision herein contained. No waiver or extension
of time for performance of any obligations or acts shall be deemed a waiver
or
extension of the time for performance of any other obligations or
acts.
6.10. Remedies
Cumulative. In the event that the Company fails to observe or
perform any covenant or agreement to be observed or performed under this
Agreement, the Investor or any other holder of Registrable Securities may
proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity or action at law,
whether for specific performance of any term contained in this Agreement or
for
an injunction against the breach of any such term or in aid of the exercise
of
any power granted in this Agreement or to enforce any other legal or equitable
right, or to take any one or more of such actions, without being required to
post a bond. None of the rights, powers or remedies conferred under this
Agreement shall be mutually exclusive, and each such right, power or remedy
shall be cumulative and in addition to any other right, power or remedy, whether
conferred by this Agreement or now or hereafter available at law, in equity,
by
statute or otherwise.
6.11. Governing
Law. This Agreement shall for all purposes be deemed to be made
under and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New
York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result
in
the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The parties
hereto agree that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of
or
relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the
courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction,
which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The parties hereby waive any objection
to
such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient
forum.
6.12. Waiver
of Trial by Jury. Each party hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally waives the right to a trial by jury in any action, suit,
counterclaim or other proceeding (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise)
arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement, the transactions
contemplated hereby, or the actions of any Investor in the negotiation,
administration, performance or enforcement hereof.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Registration Rights Agreement
to
be executed and delivered as of the date first written above.
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NRDC
ACQUISITION
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By:
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Name:
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Richard
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Title: |
Chief
Executive Officer |
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NRDC
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT,
LLC |
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By:
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Name: |
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Unassociated Document
Exhibit
10.16
PLACEMENT WARRANT
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS
PLACEMENT WARRANT PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the
“Agreement”) made as of this [●] day of [●], 2007, among
NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and NRDC Capital Management, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company (the
“Purchaser”).
WHEREAS,
the Company intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (the
“Registration Statement”), in connection with the Company’s
initial public offering (the “IPO”) of up to 34,500,000 units
(including 4,500,000 additional units subject to the underwriters’
over-allotment option), each unit consisting of (i) one share of the Company’s
common stock, $.0001 par value (the “Common Stock”), and
(ii) one warrant, each warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $7.50 per share;
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to sell to the Purchaser, in a private placement, 8,000,000
warrants (the “Warrants”) substantially identical to the
warrants being issued in the IPO pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof
and
as set forth in the Registration Statement, except that the Warrants
(i) may be exercised on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the
Purchaser, its members, members of its members’ immediate families or their
controlled affiliates, and (ii) may not be sold or transferred, except in
limited circumstances, until after the consummation of the Company’s Business
Combination (as defined below);
WHEREAS,
the Warrants shall be governed by the Warrant Agreement filed as an exhibit
to
the Registration Statement; and
WHEREAS,
the Purchaser is entitled to registration rights with respect to the Warrants
and the Common Stock underlying the Warrants on the terms set forth in this
Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto do hereby agree as
follows:
1. Purchase
of Warrants. The Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, and the
Company agrees to sell to the Purchaser, the Warrants at a purchase price of
$1.00 per Warrant (the “Purchase Price”). The Company and the
Purchaser agree and acknowledge that the sale by the Company, and the purchase
and receipt by the Purchaser, of the Warrants pursuant to this Agreement will
equal (a) an aggregate issuance of 8,000,000 Warrants, and (b) an
aggregate Purchase Price of $8,000,000.
2. Closing.
The closing of the purchase and sale of the Warrants (the
“Closing”) will take place at such time and place as the
parties may agree, but in any event prior to the completion of the IPO (the
“Closing Date”). On the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall pay
the Purchase Price by wire transfer of funds to an account maintained by the
Company. Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, the Company shall deposit
the Purchase Price into the trust account described in the Registration
Statement. The certificates for the Warrants shall be delivered to the Purchaser
promptly after the closing of the IPO.
3. Lock-Up
Agreement.
3.1 At
or prior to the Closing, the Purchaser shall enter into a lock-up agreement
with
the representative of the underwriters of the Company’s IPO, Banc of America
Securities LLC, pursuant to which the Purchaser shall agree to not to sell
the
Purchaser’s Warrants until after the consummation of the Company’s Business
Combination (the “Lock-Up Period”). Such Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days if (i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period
the Company issues material news or a material event relating to the Company
occurs or (ii) before the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period the
Company announces that material news or a material event will occur during
the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the applicable Lock-Up
Period. For purposes of this Agreement, “Business
Combination” shall mean the Company’s initial acquisition of one or
more operating businesses through a merger, capital stock exchange, stock
purchase, asset
acquisition
or other similar business combination which will require that (i) a majority
of
the Company’s shares of common stock voted by the Company’s public stockholders
(as described in the Registration Statement) are voted in favor of the
acquisition, (ii) less than 30% of the Company’s public stockholders both vote
against the proposed acquisition and exercise their conversion rights (as
described in the Registration Statement), and (iii) a majority of the Company’s
outstanding shares of Common Stock are voted in favor of an amendment to the
Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same
may be amended from time to time, to provide for the Company’s perpetual
existence.
3.2 Notwithstanding
Section 3.1 above, during the Lock-Up Period, the Purchaser shall
nevertheless have the right to transfer the Purchaser’s Warrants and the shares
issuable upon the exercise of the Purchaser’s Warrants (a) to members or
former members, members of their immediate families or their controlled
affiliates (each, a “Permitted Transferee”), (b) to a
trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the immediate family of a
Permitted Transferee, (c) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution
upon death of a Permitted Transferee, (d) to other officers and/or
directors of the Company, (e) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations
order, or (f) in the event of the Company’s dissolution prior to the
Business Combination or the consummation of a liquidation, merger, capital
stock
exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar transaction which
results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their
shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property subsequent to
the
Company consummating a Business Combination; provided,
however, that, in connection with each proposed transfer, no such
transfer shall be effective unless and until the transferee has agreed in
writing: (i) to be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in this
Section 3, (ii) to waive such transferee’s right to participate in any
liquidation distribution with respect to all shares owned by the transferring
Purchaser prior to the IPO (but not shares acquired in the IPO or in the
secondary market) if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination,
(iii) to waive such transferee’s right to conversion in connection with the
Company’s Business Combination, (iv) to vote with respect to all shares
owned by the transferring Purchaser prior to the IPO (but not shares acquired
in
the IPO or in the secondary market) with the majority of public stockholders
who
vote in connection with the Company’s Business Combination, and (v) to vote in
favor of an amendment to the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation to provide for the Company’s perpetual existence.
4. Representations
and Warranties of the Purchaser. The Purchaser hereby represents and
warrants to the Company that:
4.1 The
Purchaser is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501 of
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”).
4.2 The
Warrants (and the shares issuable upon exercise thereof) are being acquired
for
the Purchaser’s own account, only for investment purposes and not with a view
to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution or public offering
thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.
4.3 The
Purchaser has the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and this Agreement is a valid and legally binding obligation of the Purchaser
enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms.
4.4 The
Purchaser acknowledges that the Warrants (and the shares issuable upon exercise
thereof) will bear a legend in substantially the following form:
“THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ANY APPLICABLE
STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR
HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS TO THE
SECURITIES UNDER SAID ACT AND LAWS OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO
THE
COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.”
5. Registration
Rights Agreement. At or prior to the Closing, the Company and the Purchaser
shall enter into a mutually satisfactory registration rights agreement having
the terms described in the Registration Statement.
6. Waiver
of Claims; Indemnification. The Purchaser hereby waives any and all rights
to assert any present or future claims, including any right of rescission,
against the Company or Banc of America Securities LLC with respect to the
Purchaser’s purchase of the Warrants, and the Purchaser agrees to indemnify and
hold the Company and Banc of America Securities LLC harmless from all losses,
damages or expenses that relate to claims or proceedings brought against the
Company or Banc of America Securities LLC by any of the Purchaser’s transferees,
heirs, successors, assigns or any subsequent holders of the Warrants or
underlying securities.
7. Counterparts;
Facsimile. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This
Agreement or any counterpart may be executed via facsimile transmission, and
any
such executed facsimile copy shall be treated as an original.
8. Governing
Law. This Agreement shall for all purposes be deemed to be made under and
shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Each
of
the parties hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it
arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and
enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such
jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. Each of the parties hereby
waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts
represent an inconvenient forum.
9. Successors
and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the parties and their successors and assigns, provided,
however, that the Purchaser shall not have the right to assign any
of its
rights hereunder to purchase Warrants to any other person.
10. Third
Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is
not
for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other
person; provided that Banc of America Securities LLC, on its own behalf
and on behalf of the several underwriters in the IPO, shall be a third party
beneficiary of this Agreement.
[Remainder
of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Purchaser has executed this Placement Warrant Purchase
Agreement as of the date first written above.
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COMPANY: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP., |
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Delaware Corporation |
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Richard
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Chief
Executive
Officer |
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PURCHASER: |
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NRDC
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, |
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a
Delaware Limited Liability Company |
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By:
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efc7-2356_6292367ex1017.htm
Exhibit
10.17
FORM
OF RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER AGREEMENT
THIS
RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is
made as of [•], 2007 by and among NRDC Acquisition Corp. (the
“Company”), NRDC Capital Management, LLC, NRDC Real Estate
Advisors, LLC, NRDC Equity Partners LLC (the preceding three entities, the
“Associated Entities”), William Mack, Robert Baker, Richard
Baker and Lee Neibart (the “Associated Persons”), and each of
the Independent Directors (as defined below) of the Company.
WHEREAS,
the Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the
“Underwriting Agreement”) with Banc of America Securities LLC,
as representative of the several underwriters (the
“Underwriters”), relating to an underwritten initial public
offering (the “Offering”), of 30,000,000 of the Company’s units
(the “Units”), each comprised of one share of the Company’s
common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”),
and one warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock (each, a
“Warrant”); and
WHEREAS,
the Units sold in the Offering will be listed and traded on the American Stock
Exchange pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the
“Prospectus”) filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission; and
WHEREAS,
each of the Associated Persons is an (i) officer of the Company and director
of
the Company and (ii) affiliated with the Associated Entities; and
WHEREAS,
each of Messrs. Ronald Tysoe, Michael Indiveri, Edward Meyer, Vincent Tese
and
Ms. Laura Pomerantz is an independent director of the Company (each, an
“Independent Director”);
WHEREAS,
the Company, the Associated Entities, the Associated Persons and the Independent
Directors desire to enter into this Agreement to minimize potential conflicts
of
interest which may arise from multiple corporate affiliations,
IT
IS
AGREED:
1. Until
the earlier of the Company’s completion of a Business Combination (as defined in
the Underwriting Agreement), the liquidation of the Company, or until, in the
case of each Independent Director, such time as when such Independent Director
ceases to be a director of the Company, the Associated Entities, the Associated
Persons and the Independent Directors each agree to:
(a) present
to the Company for its consideration, prior to presentation to any other company
or entity, any opportunity that each such Associated Entity, Associated Person
or Independent Director may have to enter into a business combination with
an
operating business, subject to, in the case of each such Associated Person
or
Independent Director, any pre-existing fiduciary obligations such Associated
Person or Independent Director might have, in which case such Associated Person
or Independent Director, as applicable, will not present any potential business
combination to the Company until after he or she has presented such potential
business combination to each company or entity to which he or she has a
pre-existing fiduciary obligation and each such company or entity has determined
not to pursue such potential business combination;
(b) cause
companies or entities under their management or control (including, without
limitation, the Associated Entities) to present all opportunities to enter
into
a business combination with an operating business to the Company before any
other company or entity; and
(c) not,
and shall cause each other company or entity under their management or control
(including, without limitation, the Associated Entities) not to, pursue a
business combination with an operating business unless and until the Board
of
Directors of the Company, including a majority of the disinterested Independent
Directors, has determined that the Company will not pursue such business
combination.
2. 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 original or facsimile
counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an original, and together
shall
constitute but one instrument.
3. 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.
4. Any
notice or request to be given in connection with 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
Associated Entities, the Associated Persons or the Independent Directors, as
applicable, to:
NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
NRDC
Real
Estate Advisors, LLC
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
NRDC
Equity Partners
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
William
L. Mack
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Robert
C.
Baker
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Richard
A. Baker
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Lee
S.
Neibart
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Ronald
W.
Tysoe
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Laura
Pomerantz
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Michael
J. Indiveri
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Edward
H.
Meyer
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Vincent
Tese
c/o
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
if
to the
Company, to:
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
New York 10577
Attn: Francis
Casale
Fax
No.: (914) 272-8067
with
a
copy to:
Sidley
Austin LLP
787
Seventh Avenue
New
York,
New York 10022
Attn: Samir
A. Gandhi, Esq.
Fax
No.:
( 212) 839-5599
5. Each
of the Associated Entities 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.
6. This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings,
agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral,
to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the
transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement may not be amended, modified
or
waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed
by all parties hereto.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Right of First Offer
Agreement as of the date first written above.
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NRDC
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT,
LLC |
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By:
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Title: |
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NRDC
REAL ESTATE ADVISORS, LLC
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By:
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Title: |
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NRDC
EQUITY PARTNERS
LLC |
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By:
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Title: |
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WILLIAM
L. MACK |
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ROBERT
C. BAKER |
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RICHARD
A. BAKER |
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LEE
S. NEIBART |
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RONALD
W. TYSOE |
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LAURA
POMERANTZ |
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MICHAEL
J. INDIVERI |
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EDWARD
H. MEYER |
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VINCENT
TESE |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By:
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efc7-2356_6305456ex1018.htm
Exhibit
10.18
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
CO-INVESTMENT
AGREEMENT
THIS
CO-INVESTMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as
of [●], 2007, is entered into by and between NRDC Acquisition
Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and
NRDC Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the “Purchaser”).
WHEREAS,
the Company intends to file a registration statement (the “Registration
Statement”) for the initial public offering of units (the
“Initial Public Offering”), each unit consisting of one share
of the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company
(“Common Stock”), and one warrant to purchase one share of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
WHEREAS,
immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s initial merger, capital
stock exchange, stock purchase, asset acquisition or other similar business
combination with one or more operating businesses (a “Business
Combination”), the Purchaser desires to purchase and the Company
desires to issue and sell, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for an aggregate purchase price of $20,000,000 (the
“Co-Investment Units Purchase Price”), 2,000,000 Co-Investment
Units (the “Co-Investment Units”) at $10.00 per unit, each unit
consisting of one share of Common Stock (“Co-Investment Common
Stock”) and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $7.50 per share (“Co-Investment
Warrants”).
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as
follows:
Section
1.
AUTHORIZATION, PURCHASE AND SALE; TERMS OF THE CO-INVESTMENT UNITS,
CO-INVESTMENT SHARES AND CO-INVESTMENT WARRANTS.
A.
Authorization of the Co-Investment Units, Co-Investment Common Stock,
Co-Investment Warrants, and the shares of Common Stock underlying the
Co-Investment Warrants. The Company has duly authorized the issuance and sale
to
the Purchaser of each of the Co-Investment Units, Co-Investment Common Stock,
Co-Investment Warrants, and the shares of Common Stock underlying the
Co-Investment Warrants (collectively, the
“Securities”).
B.
Purchase and Sale of the Co-Investment Units. Immediately prior to the
completion of the Business Combination (the “Closing Date”),
which will not occur until after the approval of the Business Combination by
the
requisite vote of the Company’s stockholders, the Company shall issue and sell
to the Purchaser and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Company, the
Co-Investment Units for the Co-Investment Units Purchase Price. On the Closing
Date, the Company shall deliver certificates evidencing the Co-Investment Units,
registered in the Purchaser’s name, upon the payment by the Purchaser of the
Co-Investment Units Purchase Price, by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to the Company in accordance with the Company’s wiring instructions. In
the event that the Company fails to consummate the Business Combination within
24 months from the consummation of its Initial Public Offering, Purchaser’s
obligation to purchase the Co-Investment Units shall be null and void and of
no
further force and effect.
C.
Terms of the Co-Investment Units, Co-Investment Common Stock and
Co-Investment Warrants.
(i)
Co-Investment Units. Each Co-Investment Unit shall have
the terms set forth in the Co-Investment Unit Certificate attached as EXHIBIT
A
hereto.
(ii)
Co-Investment Common Stock. The Co-Investment Common
Stock shall have the terms set forth in the Second and Amended Certificate
of
Incorporation of the Company, as may be amended and restated
from
time
to time, (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) and the
Co-Investment Common Stock Certificate attached as EXHIBIT B
hereto.
(iii)
Co-Investment Warrants. The Co-Investment Warrants
shall have the terms set forth in the Warrant Certificate and the Warrant
Agreement set forth as EXHIBIT C hereto (the “Warrant
Agreement”).
(iv)
Transfer Restrictions.
(a)
During the period from the Closing Date until one (1) year after the
consummation of an initial Business Combination (the “Lock-Up
Period”), with respect to the Securities, the Purchaser shall not (i)
sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant
any
option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly
or
indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate
or
decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations
of
the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect to, any Securities, (ii) enter
into
any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part,
any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Securities, whether any
such transaction is to be settled by delivery of securities, in cash or
otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce an intention to effect any transaction
specified in clause (i) or (ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser
may sell or transfer the Securities to a Permitted Transferee (as hereinafter
defined) who agrees in writing with the Company to be subject to such transfer
restrictions. The Purchaser acknowledges that the Co-Investment Warrants and
the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Co-Investment Warrants
are
subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the Warrant Agreement.
“Permitted Transferee” means (a) any officer, director or
employee of the Company; or (b) any member or other person or entity associated
or affiliated with NRDC Capital Management, LLC and its current or former
members.
(b)
If
(i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues material
news or a material event relating to the company occurs or (ii) before the
expiration of the Lock-Up period, the Company announces that material news
or a
material event relating to the Company will occur during the 16-day period
beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, said Lock-Up Period will be
extended for up to 18 days beginning on the issuance of the material news or
the
occurrence of the material event.
(c)
The
Purchaser agrees that after the Lock-Up Period has elapsed, the Securities
shall
only be transferable or saleable pursuant to a sale registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or
pursuant to an available exemption from registration, other than Regulations
S
of the Securities Act.
(v)
Registration Rights. In connection with the closing of
the Initial Public Offering, the Company and the Purchaser shall enter into
an
agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) granting the
Purchaser registration rights with respect to the Securities; provided however
that such registration rights with respect to the Securities shall not become
effective prior to the end of the applicable Lock-Up Period.
Section
2.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.
As
a
material inducement to the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement and purchase
the Co-Investment Units, the Company hereby represents and warrants to the
Purchaser that:
A.
Organization and Corporate Power. The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws
of the State of Delaware. The Company possesses all requisite
corporate power and authority necessary to carry out the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Warrant Agreement.
B.
Authorization; No Breach.
(i)
Due Authorization. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Warrant Agreement have been duly
authorized by the Company. This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms. The Warrant
Agreement, and upon issuance in accordance with, and payment pursuant to, the
terms of the Warrant Agreement and this Agreement, the Co-
Investment
Warrants, constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable
in accordance with their respective terms as of the Closing Date.
(ii)
Conflicts. The execution and delivery by the Company of
this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the sale and issuance of each of
the
Securities and the fulfillment of and compliance with the respective terms
hereof and thereof by the Company, do not and will not as of the Closing Date
(i) conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions
of, (ii) constitute a default under, (iii) result in the creation of any lien,
security interest, charge or encumbrance upon the Company’s capital stock or
assets, (iv) result in a violation of, or (v) require any authorization,
consent, approval, exemption or other action by or notice or declaration to,
or
filing with, any court or administrative or governmental body or agency pursuant
to the Certificate of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Company, as amended,
or
any material law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Company is subject,
or any agreement, order, judgment or decree to which the Company is subject,
except for any filings required after the date hereof under federal or state
securities laws.
C.
Title to Securities. Upon issuance in accordance with,
and payment pursuant to, the terms hereof and the Warrant Agreement, as the
case
may be, each of the Securities will be duly and validly issued, fully paid
and
nonassessable. Upon issuance in accordance with, and payment pursuant to, the
terms hereof and the Warrant Agreement, as the case may be, the Purchaser will
have or receive good title to the Securities, free and clear of all liens,
claims and encumbrances of any kind, other than (a) transfer restrictions
hereunder and under the other agreements contemplated hereby, (b) transfer
restrictions under federal and state securities laws, and (c) liens, claims
or
encumbrances imposed due to the actions of the Purchaser.
D.
Governmental Consents. No permit, consent, approval or
authorization of, or declaration to or filing with, any governmental authority
is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the
Company of this Agreement or the Warrant Agreement, or the consummation by
the
Company of any other transactions contemplated hereby.
Section
3.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER.
As
a
material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement and issue and
sell the Co-Investment Units, the Purchaser hereby represents and warrants
to
the Company that:
A.
Capacity and State Law Compliance. The Purchaser will
engage in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement within a state in
which the offer and sale of the Securities is permitted under applicable
securities laws.
B.
Authorization; No Breach.
(i)
This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the
Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(ii)
The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the
fulfillment of and compliance with the respective terms hereof by the Purchaser
does not conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or
provisions of the certificate of formation or limited liability company
agreement of the Purchaser or any other agreement, instrument, order, judgment
or decree to which the Purchaser is subject.
C.
Investment Representations.
(i)
The Purchaser understands that no Co-Investment Warrants will be
exercisable unless at the time of exercise (a) a registration statement relating
to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Co-Investment
Warrants is effective, (b) a prospectus relating to the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the Co-Investment Warrants is available for use,
(c)
the Common Stock has been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under
the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants,
and
(d) the last sales price of the Common Stock listed on the American Stock
Exchange, or other national stock exchange in which
the
Common Stock may be traded has equaled or exceeded $14.25 per share for any
20
trading days within any 30-trading-day period beginning at least 90 calendar
days after the consummation of the Business Combination.
(ii)
The Purchaser has been furnished with all materials relating to the
business, finances and operations of the Company and materials relating to
the
offer and sale of the Securities which have been requested by the
Purchaser. The Purchaser has been afforded the opportunity to ask
questions of the executive officers and directors of the Company. The Purchaser
understands that its investment in the Securities involves a high degree of
risk. The Purchaser has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as the
Purchaser has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision
with
respect to the Purchaser’s acquisition of the Securities.
(iii)
The Purchaser understands that the Securities will be offered and will
be
sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements
of the United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company
is
relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and the Purchaser's compliance with,
the
representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth herein in order to
determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the
Purchaser to acquire such Securities.
(iv)
The Purchaser did not decide to enter into this Agreement as a result
of
any general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule
502(c) under the Securities Act.
(v)
The Purchaser understands that no United States federal or state agency
or any other government or governmental agency has passed on or made any
recommendation or endorsement of the Securities or the fairness or suitability
of the investment in the Securities by the Purchaser nor have such authorities
passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the
Securities.
(vi)
The Purchaser understands that: (a) the Securities have not been and
are
not being registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws,
and
may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (A)
subsequently registered thereunder or (B) sold in reliance on an exemption
therefrom; and (b) except as specifically set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement, neither the Company nor any other person is under any obligation
to
register the Securities under the Securities Act or any state securities laws
or
to comply with the terms and conditions of any exemption thereunder. In this
regard, the Purchaser understands that the Securities and Exchange Commission
has taken the position that promoters or affiliates of a blank check company
and
their transferees, both before and after a Business Combination, are deemed
to
be “underwriters” under the Securities Act when reselling the securities of a
blank check company. Based on that position, Rule 144 adopted pursuant to the
Securities Act would not be available for resale transactions of the Securities
despite technical compliance with the requirements of such Rule, and the
Securities can be resold only through a registered offering or in reliance
upon
another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
The
Purchaser is able to bear the economic risk of its investment in the Securities
for an indefinite period of time.
(vii)
The Purchaser has such knowledge and expertise in financial and business
matters, knows of the high degree of risk associated with investments generally
and particularly investments in the securities of companies in the development
stage such as the Company, is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of
an
investment in the Securities and is able to bear the economic risk of an
investment in the Securities in the amount contemplated hereunder. The Purchaser
has adequate means of providing for its current financial needs and
contingencies and will have no current or anticipated future needs for liquidity
which would be jeopardized by the investment in the Securities. The Purchaser
can afford a complete loss of its investment in the Securities.
Section
4.
CONDITIONS OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PURCHASER AND THE
COMPANY.
Each
of
the Purchaser’s and the Company’s obligation to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby is subject to:
A.
The Company having entered into a definitive agreement relating to a
Business Combination;
B.
The Business Combination having been approved by a majority of the votes
cast by the Company’s public stockholders at a duly held stockholders
meeting;
C.
An amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to provide for
the Company’s perpetual existence having been approved by the holders of a
majority of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock; and
D.
Public stockholders of the Company owning fewer than 30% of the Company’s
initial shares of common stock sold in the Initial Public Offering having both
voted against the Company’s initial Business Combination and exercised their
conversion rights.
Section
5.
MISCELLANEOUS.
A. Failure
to
Purchase.
Each
of the Purchaser and the Company
understands and agrees that in the event that the Purchaser fails to purchase
the Co-Investment Units in accordance with, and subject to, the terms of this
Agreement, without any further action required by any party, by its failure
to
purchase the Co-Investment Units the Purchaser shall have forfeited to the
Company, and the Company shall have accepted from the Purchaser, at no cost
to
the Company, all shares of Common Stock, and all warrants (including any
warrants purchased in a private placement immediately prior to the completion
of
the Initial Public Offering), held by the Purchaser prior to the completion
of
the Initial Public Offering. For purposes of this Section 5(A), the
term Purchaser shall include the Purchaser’s permitted transferees (as
applicable).
B. Further
Assurances.
The
parties hereto shall execute and
deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as any party
reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
C. Legends.
(i)
The certificates evidencing the Co-Investment Units and the Co-Investment
Shares will include the legend set forth on EXHIBITS A AND B hereto,
respectively, which the Purchaser has read and understood. The Co-Investment
Warrants and Shares issued upon exercise of the Co-Investment Warrants will
include the legend set forth in EXHIBIT A to the Warrant Agreement in the case
of the Warrants and in the Warrant Agreement in the case of the Shares, which
the Purchaser has read and understood.
(ii)
By accepting the Securities, the Purchaser agrees, prior to any transfer
of the Securities, to give written notice to the Company expressing its desire
to effect such transfer and describing briefly the proposed transfer. Upon
receiving such notice, the Company shall present copies thereof to its counsel
and the Purchaser agrees not to make any disposition of all or any portion
of
the Securities unless and until:
(a)
there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities
Act
covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance
with such registration statement, in which case the legends set forth above
with
respect to the Securities sold pursuant to such registration statement shall
be
removed; or
(b)
if reasonably requested by the Company, (A) the Purchaser shall have
furnished the Company with an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to
the
Company, that such disposition will not require registration of such Securities
under the Securities Act, (B) the Company shall have received customary
representations and warranties regarding the transferee that are reasonably
satisfactory to the Company signed by the proposed transferee and (C) the
Company shall have received an agreement by such transferee to the restrictions
contained in the legends referred to in (i) hereof.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the
Purchaser also understands and acknowledges that the transfer of the
Co-Investment Units, Co-Investment Shares, Co-Investment Warrants and exercise
of the Co-Investment Warrants
are
subject to the specific conditions to such transfer or exercise as outlined
herein and in the Warrant Agreement as to which the Purchaser specifically
assents by its execution hereof.
(iii)
The Company may, from time to time, make stop transfer notations in
its
records and deliver stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent to the
extent its counsel considers it necessary to ensure compliance with federal
and
state securities laws and the transfer restrictions contained elsewhere in
this
Agreement and the Warrant Agreement.
D.
Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly
provided herein, all covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement by
or
on behalf of any of the parties hereto shall bind and inure to the benefit
of
the respective successors of the parties hereto whether so expressed or not.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the parties
may not assign this Agreement or their obligations hereunder.
E.
Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid
under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited
by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only
to
the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder
of this Agreement.
F.
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed
simultaneously in two or more counterparts, none of which need contain the
signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
G.
Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive
headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not
constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. The use of the word “including”
in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by
limitation.
H.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a
contract made under the laws of the State of New York and for all purposes
shall
be construed in accordance with the internal laws of said State. The parties
agree that, all actions and proceedings arising out of this Agreement or any
of
the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be brought in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York or in a New York State
Court in the County of New York and that, in connection with any such action
or
proceeding, submit to the jurisdiction of, and venue in, such court. Each of
the
parties hereto also irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any action,
proceeding or counterclaim arising out of this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby.
I.
Notices. All notices, demands or other communications
to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered
personally to the recipient, sent to the recipient by reputable overnight
courier service (charges prepaid) or mailed to the recipient by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid. Such notices,
demands and other communications shall be sent:
|
If
to the Company:
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NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
|
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If
to the Purchaser:
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NRDC
Capital Management, LLC
|
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In
each case, with a copy to:
|
|
or
to
such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient
party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.
J.
No Strict Construction. The parties hereto have
participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In
the
event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this
Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and
no
presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party
by
virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this
Agreement.
K.
Costs and Expenses. Each party shall bear its own costs
and expenses in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the
transaction contemplated hereby, and neither party shall be obligated to
reimburse the other party for any expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of this Agreement.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Co-Investment Agreement
on the date first written above.
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NRDC
ACQUISITION
CORP. |
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By:
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Name:
Richard
A. Baker |
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Title:
Chief
Executive Officer |
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NRDC
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT,
LLC |
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By:
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Exhibit
A
SPECIMEN
OF CO-INVESTMENT UNIT CERTIFICATE
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
UNITS
CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND
ONE
WARRANT TO PURCHASE ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
SEE
REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
THIS
CERTIFIES THAT
is the owner of
Units.
Each
Unit
(“Unit”) consists of one (1) share of common stock, par value $.0001
per share (“Common Stock”), of NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation (the “Corporation”), and one (1) warrant (the
“Warrant”) of the Corporation. The Warrant entitles the holder to
purchase one (1) share of Common Stock for $7.50 per share (subject to
adjustment). The Warrant will become exercisable only after the date on which
the last sales price of the Corporation’s common stock on the American Stock
Exchange, or other national securities exchange on which the Corporation’s
common stock may be traded, equals or exceeds $14.25 per share for any 20
trading days within any 30-trading-day period beginning at least 90 calendar
days after the consummation of the Corporation’s initial business combination.
The terms of the Warrants are governed by a Warrant Agreement, dated as of
,
2007, between the Corporation and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, as Warrant Agent, and are subject to the terms and provisions contained
therein, all of which terms and provisions the holder of this certificate
consents to by acceptance hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file
at
the office of the Warrant Agent at 17 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004, and
are
available to any Warrant holder on written request and without
cost.
THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
SOLD,
TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION
FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. THESE SECURITIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OR SALE PURSUANT TO A CO-INVESTMENT AGREEMENT DATED
[●], 2007, A COPY OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CORPORATION AT ITS EXECUTIVE
OFFICES.
This
certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and
Registrar of the Corporation.
Witness
the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signature of its duly
authorized officers.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
CORPORATE
DELAWARE
SEAL
2007
By:
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|
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Chief
Executive Officer
|
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President
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Countersigned
By:
|
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Transfer
Agent
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
The
Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests,
a
statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of
the
Corporation and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such
preferences and/or rights.
The
following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM
|
-
|
as
tenants in common
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UNIF GIFT MIN ACT
-
|
|
Custodian
|
|
TEN
ENT |
- |
as
tenants by the entireties |
|
(Cust)
|
|
(Minor)
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JT
TEN
|
-
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as
joint tenants with right of
survivorship
and not as
|
|
under
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
|
|
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tenants
in common |
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(State) |
|
|
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Additional
abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED,
HEREBY SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER UNTO
PLEASE
INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(PLEASE
PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF
ASSIGNEE)
______________________________________________________________
UNITS REPRESENTED BY THE WITHIN
CERTIFICATE, AND DO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT
__________________________ ATTORNEY
TO TRANSFER THE SAID UNITS ON THE BOOKS OF THE WITHIN NAMED CORPORATION
WITH
FULL
POWER OF SUBSTITUTION IN THE PREMISES.
DATED:
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NOTICE:
The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written
upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatsoever.
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Signature(s)
Guaranteed:
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THE
SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
(BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM,
PURSUANT
TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15).
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Exhibit
B
SPECIMEN
CO-INVESTMENT COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATE
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
INCORPORATED
UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
COMMON
STOCK
SEE
REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
THIS
CERTIFIES THAT
IS
THE
OWNER OF
FULLY
PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE PAR VALUE OF $0.0001 EACH OF
THE
COMMON
STOCK OF
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
TRANSFERABLE
ON THE BOOKS OF THE CORPORATION IN PERSON OR BY DULY AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY UPON
SURRENDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PROPERLY ENDORSED. THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT VALID
UNLESS COUNTERSIGNED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTERED BY THE REGISTRAR.
WITNESS THE SEAL OF THE CORPORATION AND THE FACSIMILE SIGNATURES OF ITS DULY
AUTHORIZED OFFICERS.
DATED:
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
CORPORATE
DELAWARE
SEAL
2007
By:
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Chief
Executive Officer
|
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President
|
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By:
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Transfer
Agent
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The
following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM
|
-
|
as
tenants in common
|
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT
-
|
|
Custodian
|
|
TEN
ENT |
- |
as
tenants by the entireties |
|
(Cust)
|
|
(Minor)
|
JT
TEN
|
-
|
as
joint tenants with right of
survivorship
and not as
|
|
under
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
|
|
|
tenants
in common |
|
(State) |
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP.
NRDC
Acquisition Corp. (the “Corporation”) will furnish without charge to each
stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series
thereof of the Corporation and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions
of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the shares represented
thereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the
Corporation’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and all
amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for
the
issue of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock (copies of which may be
obtained from the Corporation), to all of which the holder of this certificate
by acceptance hereof assents.
THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED,
SOLD,
TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION
FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. THESE SECURITIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OR SALE PURSUANT TO A CO-INVESTMENT AGREEMENT DATED
[●], 2007, A COPY OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CORPORATION AT ITS EXECUTIVE
OFFICES.
FOR
VALUE
RECEIVED,
HEREBY SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER UNTO
PLEASE
INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
(PLEASE
PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)
___________________________________________________
SHARES OF
THE CAPITAL STOCK
REPRESENTED BY THE WITHIN CERTIFICATE, AND DO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTE
AND APPOINT _____________________ ATTORNEY
TO TRANSFER THE SAID STOCK ON THE BOOKS
OF
THE WITHIN NAMED CORPORATION
WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION IN THE PREMISES.
DATED:
|
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NOTICE:
The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written
upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatsoever.
|
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Signature(s)
Guaranteed:
|
|
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THE
SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
(BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
WITH
MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM,
PURSUANT
TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15).
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Exhibit
C
WARRANT
CERTIFICATE AND
WARRANT
AGREEMENT
Unassociated Document
Exhibit
10.19
FORM
OF LETTER AGREEMENT FOR APOLLO REAL ESTATE ADVISORS
APOLLO
REAL ESTATE ADVISORS L.P.
[●],
2007
Mr.
Richard A. Baker
Chief
Executive Officer
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
3
Manhattanville Road
Purchase,
NY 10577
Dear
Mr.
Baker:
We
hereby
confirm our agreement with you that, as part of his on-going professional
responsibilities and employment, and with no additional consideration offered
or
received, Mr. Brian M. Earle, a partner of Apollo Real Estate Advisors L.P.,
has
been directed to provide certain services to NRDC Acquisition Corp. (the
“Company”) related to and in connection with the Company’s
consummation of its initial business combination, substantially on the terms
set
forth in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No.
B33-14487). It is agreed that Mr. Earle will undertake such tasks and
responsibilities upon oral or written request to him by any officer or director
of the Company.
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Very
truly
yours, |
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APOLLO
REAL ESTATE ADVISORS L.P. |
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By:
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Name: |
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Title: |
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ACKNOWLEDGED
AND
AGREED: |
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NRDC
ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By:
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Richard
A.
Baker |
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Chief
Executive
Officer |
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efc7-2356_ex231.htm
Exhibit
23.1
CONSENT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the
Board of Directors and Stockholders
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
We
hereby
consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of Amendment No. 2
to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated July 25, 2007,
except for the first paragraph of Note 3, the second and third paragraphs
of Note 5, Note 6 and the first paragraph of Note 8, as to which the date
is September 4, 2007 and the third and fourth paragraphs of Note 1, the third
paragraph of Note 3 and the second paragraph of Note 8, as to which the date
is
September 27, 2007, on the financial statements of NRDC Acquisition
Corp. as of July 13, 2007 and for the period from July 10, 2007 (inception)
to July 13, 2007, which appears in such Prospectus. We also consent
to the reference to our Firm under the caption “Experts” in such
Prospectus.
GOLDSTEIN
GOLUB KESSLER LLP
New
York,
New York
September
27, 2007
efc7-2356_6340474coverltr.htm
|
SIDLEY
AUSTIN LLP
787
SEVENTH AVENUE
NEW
YORK, NY 10019
(212)
839 5300
(212)
839 5599 FAX
|
BEIJING
BRUSSELS
CHICAGO
DALLAS
FRANKFURT
GENEVA
HONG
KONG
LONDON
|
LOS
ANGELES
NEW
YORK
SAN
FRANCISCO
SHANGHAI
SINGAPORE
SYDNEY
TOKYO
WASHINGTON,
D.C.
|
sgandhi@sidley.com
(212)
839-5684
|
FOUNDED
1866
|
September
27, 2007
Mr.
John
Reynolds
Assistant
Director
Securities
and Exchange Commission
Division
of Corporation Finance
100
F
Street, NE - Mail Stop 3561
Washington,
D.C. 20549
|
Re:
|
NRDC
Acquisition Corp.
Registration
Statement on Form S-1
|
Dear
Mr.
Reynolds:
On
behalf
of our client, NRDC Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the
“Registrant”), enclosed for review by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “Commission”) are four (4) copies of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-144871, of the Registrant (as amended,
the
“Registration Statement”), two (2) of which are marked to show changes to the
Registration Statement filed on September 7, 2007. The Registration
Statement has been revised to respond to the comments of the Staff of the
Commission (the “Staff”) that were contained in your letter dated September 24,
2007 (the “Comment Letter”) and to effect such other changes as the Registrant
deems appropriate.
Set
forth
below are the responses of the Registrant to the comments in the Comment
Letter. For ease of reference, each comment contained in the Comment
Letter is printed below in bold and is followed by the response of the
Registrant. Page numbers refer to page numbers of the unmarked
version of the Registration Statement as submitted on the date of this
letter.
General
1.
|
We
note that the company may enter into a proposed business combination
with
a target business(es) that is affiliated with one of the company’s
executive officers, directors or existing stockholders. In this
event, the company would obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated,
independent third-party appraiser or investment bank stating that
the 80%
fair market value threshold was satisfied. See, e.g., page
74. See also item 7 on page 3 of the letter agreement with Bane
of America Securities
|
Sidley
Austin LLP is a limited liability partnership practicing in affiliation with
other Sidley Austin partnerships
Mr.
John
Reynolds
September
27, 2007
Page
2
|
LLC,
attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the registration statement (requiring
opinion
from independent investment banking firm) and Section 3(w) on page
17 of
the underwriting agreement attached as Exhibit 1.1 (same). The
company does not anticipate that it will distribute copies of the
opinion
to stockholders as a matter of course. See page
74. Please state whether you contemplate that not only the
board of directors but also stockholders would be entitled to rely
on such
a fairness opinion. If you anticipate that future disclosure
may indicate that the provider takes the view that stockholders
may not
rely upon its opinion, revise to address how you will consider
such a view
in selecting a provider.
|
The
Registrant has revised the Registration Statement on pages 34 and 64
to state that if its board of directors is not able to independently
determine that the target business has a sufficient fair market value to meet
the threshold criterion or one of its executive officers, directors or existing
stockholders is affiliated with that target business, the Registrant will obtain
an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm which
is a
member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, with respect
to
the fair market value of the target business. The revised disclosure
also states that any such opinion will be included in the proxy soliciting
materials furnished to the Registrant's stockholders in connection
with the Registrant's initial business combination.
2.
|
The
prospectus refers in various places to restrictions on transfer of
certain
securities of the company and to exceptions to such restrictions
in
certain limited circumstances. See, e.g., page 97
(co-investment units and underlying securities); page 107 (initial
shares); page 110 (private placement warrants). In addition,
the prospectus refers on page 107 to the restriction on transfer
of the
executive officers’ ownership interests in NRDC Real Estate Advisors,
“subject to the same limitation as noted above.” Please describe briefly,
in appropriate places in the prospectus, the exceptions applicable
to
restrictions on transfer of securities/interests held by
affiliates.
|
The
Registrant has revised the disclosure in the Registration Statement to comply
with the Staff’s comment.
Risk
Factors, page 20
3.
|
Please
expand the risk factor beginning at the bottom of page 38 to fully
disclose the potential impact of market purchases by management or
its
affiliates after the offering upon consummation of the initial business
combination. Please revise the summary and later prospectus
disclosures, as
appropriate.
|
Mr.
John
Reynolds
September
27, 2007
Page
3
The
Registrant has revised the disclosure in the Registration Statement to comply
with the Staff’s comment.
Right
of First Offer, page 59
4.
|
Please
list the entities to which management has pre-existing relationships
and
which have priority over NRDC Acquisition with regard to presentation
of a
business opportunity.
|
Set
forth
in Exhibit A to this letter are those entities for which the Registrant’s
executive officers and directors have a pre-existing fiduciary duty to present
business opportunities prior to presenting such opportunities to the
Registrant.
5.
|
Please
specify the types of business opportunities to which the listed entities
would have priority over NRDC Acquisition. In this regard, we
seek disclosure as to the amount of protection, if any, which this
right
of first offer affords to NRDC Acquisition and investors. If
this protection is limited due to pre-existing relationships, please
clarify the prospectus cover page, the summary and the risk factors,
as
appropriate.
|
The
business opportunities to which the listed entities would have priority over
the
Registrant would be any type of business combination which the Registrant’s
executive officers and directors have a pre-existing fiduciary duty to present
to any such entity. As currently disclosed in the Registration
Statement, the right of first offer is limited by any such pre-existing
fiduciary duty. The Registrant has revised the disclosure in the
Registration Statement to comply with the Staff’s comment.
Conversion
Rights, page 66
6.
|
Please
explain the basis for the “continuing right surviving past the
consummation of the business combination until the converting holder
delivered his certificate for conversion at the conversion price.” Please
specify the party or parties who would have this continuing right
and
explain the basis for the right under applicable
law.
|
Under
the
Registrant’s charter, stockholders holding, in the aggregate, up to one share
less than 30% of all outstanding shares of the Registrant’s common stock have
the right to request conversion of their shares at the conversion price so
long
as the initial business combination has been approved and such stockholder
has
voted against the initial business combination. The charter, however,
does not specify the mechanics used to accomplish this conversion, and the
Registrant believes that, under Delaware law, each stockholder of the Registrant
would be entitled to rely on the proxy soliciting
Mr.
John
Reynolds
September
27, 2007
Page
4
materials furnished
to the Registrant's stockholders in connection with its initial business
combination to determine when to tender its shares. Accordingly, absent an
express requirement in the proxy soliciting materials to tender their
shares (physically or electronically) prior to the stockholder meeting, the
Registrant believes that, under Delaware law, stockholders could decide to
vote
against the initial business combination, elect conversion, but not tender
their
shares until they monitored the performance of the Registrant's common
stock, and only then determine whether to tender their shares and
convert. If they then elected to keep their shares, they could revoke
their election to convert.
7.
|
Please
explain the basis for the statement that “the delivery process . . . can
be accomplished by the stockholder in a matter of hours simply by
contacting the transfer agent or his broker and requesting delivery
of his
shares through the DWAC System
....”
|
The
Registrant understands from discussions with commercial banks that operate
settlement desks that the delivery process can be done in a matter of hours,
but
that, as disclosed in the Registration Statement, this process may take much
longer. The Registrant believes that notwithstanding how long the
delivery process will take, no stockholders will be prejudiced as the Registrant
will only require stockholders to deliver their certificates prior to the vote
at the stockholder meeting to approve the initial business combination if,
in
accordance with the American Stock Exchange’s proxy notification
recommendations, stockholders receive the proxy solicitation materials at least
twenty days prior to the stockholder meeting.
Financial
Statements
Notes
to Financial Statements
Note
5 – Commitments, F-9
8.
|
Considering
the private placement warrants will be sold to an entity owned and
controlled by your executive officers, please disclose the fair value
of
these warrants and the amount of compensation expense to be
recognized. As applicable, please expand MD&A to discuss
the likely future effect of the issuance of the private placement
warrants
on your financial condition and results of
operation.
|
Mr.
John
Reynolds
September
27, 2007
Page
5
The
Registrant has determined, based on an analysis of recent market values of
warrants of similar companies that the purchase price of the private placement
warrants approximates to their fair value. In addition, the fair
value of the private placement warrants would be further reduced by their
illiquidity. Based upon this analysis, the Registrant has determined that
no compensation expense should be recognized upon the sale of the pricate
placement warrants. As a result, other than the inclusion of certain
additional language in Note 5 to the financial statements, the Registrant
does not believe that any additional disclosure is necessary.
******
We
would
be grateful if the Staff would provide any comments to the revised Registration
Statement at its earliest convenience so that we may provide any additional
responses required.
Should
you wish to discuss the enclosed materials at any time, please do not hesitate
to contact me.
|
|
Very
truly yours, |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Samir A. Gandhi |
|
|
|
|
|
Samir
A. Gandhi |
Richard
A. Baker (NRDC Acquisition Corp.)
Edward
F.
Petrosky (Sidley Austin LLP)
Floyd
I.
Wittlin (Bingham McCutchen LLP)
Mr.
John
Reynolds
September
27, 2007
Page
6
Exhibit
A
Affiliations
William
L. Mack
Mack-Cali
Realty Corporation
The
Mack
Organization
Apollo
GPs*
Lee
S. Neibart
Linens
‘N
Things
Meadowbrook
Golf Group
Somerville
Senior Living
Apollo
GPs*
Robert
C. Baker
None
Richard
A. Baker
Lord
& Taylor Holdings, LLC
Meadowbrook
Golf Group
Somerville
Senior Living
Hudson's
Bay Company
Other
Directors
Amalgamated
Bank
PBS
Realty Advisors LLC
Ethan
Allen Inc.
The
Jim
Pattison Group
National
Cinemedia, LLC
Harman
International Industries, Inc.
The
Bear
Stearns Companies, Inc.
Bowne
and
Company, Inc.
Cablevision,
Inc.
Gabelli
Asset Management
Mr.
John
Reynolds
September
27, 2007
Page
7
Intercontinental
Exchange, Inc.
E.W.
Scripps Company
Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce
*Apollo
GPs
Apollo
Real Estate Investment Fund II, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Investment Fund III, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Investment Fund IV, L.P.
Apollo
International Real Estate Fund, L.P.
Apollo-GMAC
Real Estate Mezzanine Fund, L.P.
Apollo
European Real Estate Fund II, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Investment Fund V, L.P.
Sun
Apollo India Real Estate Fund LLC
Apollo
Real Estate Finance Corporation
Apollo
Real Estate Advisors II, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Advisors III, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Advisors IV, L.P.
Apollo
International Real Estate Advisors, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Mezzanine Advisors, LP
GMACCM
Real Estate Mezzanine GP, LLC
Apollo
EU
Real Estate Advisors II, L.P.
Apollo
Real Estate Advisors V, L.P.
SUN-Apollo
Capital LLC
AREFIN
Co-Investors LLC
Value
Enhancement Fund
Value
Enhancement Fund Fund II, LLC
Value
Enhancement Fund III, LLC
Value
Enhancement Fund IV, L.P.
Value
Enhancement Fund V, L.P.
VEF
V
International Project Holdings, L.P.
Value
Enhancement Fund, L.P. VI
The
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and its subsidiary
companies
VEF
Advisors, LLC or its wholly-owned subsidiary
VEF
Advisors, LLC or its wholly-owned subsidiary
VEF
Advisors, LLC or its wholly-owned subsidiary
VEF
Advisors, LLC or its wholly-owned subsidiary
VEF
Advisors, LLC or its wholly-owned subsidiary
VEF
VI
Group Incentive, LLC