UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification Number) |
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code: (
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On April 1, 2024, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), entered into an Investment Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with certain affiliates of Perceptive Advisors LLC (“Perceptive”) and certain other investors (each, an “Investor” and collectively, the “Investors”), relating to the issuance and sale of 150,000 shares of a new series of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, titled the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”), for an aggregate purchase price of $150,000,000, or $1,000 per share (the “Issuance”). The closing of the Issuance is subject to certain conditions and is expected to occur on April 15, 2024 (the “Initial Issue Date). Prior to the date hereof, certain of the investors and certain of their affiliated entities held over 5% of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”).
Certificate of Designations and Designation of Convertible Preferred Stock
The Convertible Preferred Stock will rank senior to the shares of the Company’s Common Stock, with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. The Convertible Preferred Stock will initially have a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share; provided that the liquidation preference in dissolution or upon a change of control shall be increased to be 175% of the then applicable liquidation preference, as described in the Certificate of Designations, which will be filed by the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and become effective on or about the Initial Issue Date (the “Certificate of Designations”). Holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to a regular dividend (the “Dividend”), at the rate of, (a) for the period beginning on, and including, the Initial Issue Date and ending on, but excluding, the second anniversary of the Initial Issue Date, 0.00% per annum and (b) for the period beginning on, and including, the second anniversary of the Initial Issue Date, six percent 6.00% per annum, compounding quarterly, paid-in-kind or paid in cash, at the Company’s election. For any quarter in which the Company elects not to pay the Dividend in cash with respect to a share of Convertible Preferred Stock, such Dividend will become part of the liquidation preference of such share, as set forth in the Certificate of Designations. In addition, no dividend or other distribution on the Common Stock will be declared or paid on the Common Stock unless, at the time of such declaration and payment, an equivalent dividend or distribution is declared and paid on the Convertible Preferred Stock.
Conversion Rights and Mandatory Conversion
The Convertible Preferred Stock will be convertible into shares of Common Stock at the option of the holders thereof at any time following the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”). Should the closing sale price per share of Common Stock exceeds 250% of the conversion price for at least twenty (20) of thirty (30) consecutive trading days, then the Company has the right to mandatorily convert the Convertible Preferred Stock, subject to certain restrictions based the liquidity of the Common Stock and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act. The initial conversion rate is 20.8333 shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the conversion of each $1,000 of liquidation preference (the “Conversion Rate”). The implied conversion price is initially $48.00. The conversion rate is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, including in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar events. The conversion rate is also subject to adjustment for certain dilutive offerings occurring prior to the date on which the Company releases unblinded results for FRI065 Trial Design Of A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Study Of Setmelanotide In Patients With Hypothalamic Obesity (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05774756) including the results of the primary endpoints thereunder.
No holder of Convertible Preferred Stock may convert shares of Convertible Preferred Stock through either an optional or a mandatory conversion into shares of Common Stock if and to the extent that such conversion would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 19.99% of the aggregate number of votes entitled to be cast generally at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders held for the election of directors by all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (regardless of class). In addition, each holder of the Convertible Preferred Stock may elect a lower beneficial ownership limit to apply to it (such limitations, collectively, the “Ownership Limitations”).
Voting and Consent Rights
Initially, holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock will not be entitled to voting rights in the election of directors of the Company. Following the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock generally will be entitled to vote with the holders of the shares of Common Stock on all matters submitted for a vote of holders of shares of Common Stock (voting together with the holders of shares of Common Stock as one class) on an as-converted basis, subject to the Ownership Limitations. Additionally, certain matters will require the approval of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, including (1) the authorization, creation, increase in the authorized amount of, or issuance of any class or series of senior or pari passu equity securities or any security convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of senior or pari passu equity securities, (2) amendments, modifications or repeal of any provision of the Company’s charter or of the Certificate of Designations that would adversely affect the rights, preferences or voting powers of the Convertible Preferred Stock, and (3) certain business combinations and binding or statutory share exchanges or reclassification involving the Convertible Preferred Stock unless such events do not adversely affect the rights, preferences or voting powers of the Convertible Preferred Stock.
Repurchase Rights
Each Investor will have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Investor’s Convertible Preferred Stock upon the consummation of a Change of Control (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) meeting certain criteria, at a price equal to 175% of the then applicable liquidation preference and on the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designations. The Company will have the right to repurchase all, but not less than all, of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, at a price equal to the then applicable liquidation preference, on or after the fifth anniversary of the Initial Issue Date.
Transfer Restrictions
During the first six months following the Initial Issuance Date, the Investors will be restricted from transferring the Convertible Preferred Stock and the shares of Common Stock underlying it, subject to certain specified exceptions set forth in the Investment Agreement.
The foregoing description of the Investment Agreement and the Certificate of Designations is, in each case, not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Investment Agreement, which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1, and the form of the Certificate of Designations, which is attached as Exhibit A to the Investment Agreement, respectively, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the closing of the Issuance, the Company will enter into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investors, pursuant to which the Company will grant the Investors certain customary registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock.
The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Registration Rights Agreement, which is which is attached as Exhibit B to the Investment Agreement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.
As described in Item 1.01 above, pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the Company has entered into the Investment Agreement for the issuance and sale of 150,000 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock. The offer and sale of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock through the Investment Agreement are being made in reliance an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock will be issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. The information in Item 1.01 above is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference.
Item 8.01. Other Events.
In light of the Investment Agreement, the Company is providing the following update to its cash guidance. Based on its current operating plans, the Company expects that its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, taking into account the net proceeds from the sale of Preferred Stock, will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding the potential, safety, efficacy, and regulatory and clinical progress of, and our business strategy and plans for, our drug products, the anticipated benefits of and activities under the investment transaction, our use of proceeds from the transaction, the expected timing for closing of the transaction; the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to fund our operations; and the issuance of dividends. Statements using word such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “may”, “will” and similar terms are also forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials, the design and outcome of clinical trials, the impact of competition, the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals, risks associated with data analysis and reporting, our ability to successfully commercialize setmelanotide, our liquidity and expenses, our ability to retain our key employees and consultants, and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and general economic conditions, and the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
The following Exhibit 99.1 shall be deemed to be furnished, and not filed.
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
| 10.1 | Investment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2024, by and among Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and the investors named therein | |
| 99.1 | Press release dated April 1, 2024 | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
| Date: April 1, 2024 | By: | /s/ Hunter Smith |
| Hunter Smith | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
Exhibit 10.1
INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
dated as of April 1, 2024
by and among
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
and the Purchasers party hereto.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
| Article I PURCHASE; CLOSING | 1 | ||
| 1.1 | Purchase; Use of Proceeds | 1 | |
| 1.2 | Closing | 1 | |
| 1.3 | Closing Conditions | 2 |
| Article II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 5 | ||
| 2.1 | Representations and Warranties of the Company | 5 | |
| 2.2 | Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers | 14 | |
| Article III COVENANTS | 18 | ||
| 3.1 | Filings; Other Actions | 18 | |
| 3.2 | Reasonable Best Efforts to Close | 18 | |
| 3.3 | Authorized Common Stock | 19 | |
| 3.4 | Certain Adjustments | 19 | |
| 3.5 | Nasdaq Listing of Shares | 19 | |
| 3.6 | Negative Covenants | 19 | |
| Article IV ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS | 20 | ||
| 4.1 | Transfer Restrictions | 20 | |
| 4.2 | Legend | 21 | |
| 4.3 | Tax Matters | 22 | |
| 4.4 | Indemnification of Purchasers | 23 | |
| 4.5 | Survival | 23 | |
| 4.6 | Non-Public Information | 24 | |
| 4.7 | Right to Purchase Additional Preferred Stock. | 24 | |
i
| Article V MISCELLANEOUS | 24 | ||
| 5.1 | Expenses | 24 | |
| 5.2 | Amendment; Waiver | 24 | |
| 5.3 | Counterparts; Electronic Transmission | 24 | |
| 5.4 | Governing Law | 25 | |
| 5.5 | Notices | 25 | |
| 5.6 | Entire Agreement | 26 | |
| 5.7 | Assignment | 26 | |
| 5.8 | Interpretation | 26 | |
| 5.9 | Captions | 27 | |
| 5.10 | Severability | 27 | |
| 5.11 | No Third Party Beneficiaries | 27 | |
| 5.12 | Public Announcements | 27 | |
| 5.13 | Specific Performance | 28 | |
| 5.14 | Termination | 28 | |
| 5.15 | Effects of Termination | 28 | |
| 5.16 | Non-Recourse | 29 | |
| 5.17 | Definitions | 29 | |
LIST OF EXHIBITS
| Exhibit A: | Form of Certificate of Designations |
| Exhibit B: | Form of Registration Rights Agreement |
| Exhibit C: | Form of Selling Stockholder Questionnaire |
ii
This INVESTMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of April 1, 2024 (this “Agreement”), by and among Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and each purchaser listed on Schedule 1 hereto (each, a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”). Capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 5.17 or as otherwise defined elsewhere in this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Company desires to issue and sell to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers desire to purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 150,000 shares of the Company’s convertible preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, designated as “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Preferred Stock”), having the terms set forth in the Certificate of Designations in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Certificate of Designations”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:
Article I
PURCHASE; CLOSING
1.1 Purchase; Use of Proceeds. On the terms and subject to the conditions herein, on the Closing Date, the Company agrees to sell and issue to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, severally and not jointly, that number of shares of Preferred Stock (the “Shares”) set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule I hereto, free and clear of any Liens (other than Liens incurred by such Purchaser or restrictions arising under applicable securities Laws), at a purchase price of $1,000.00 per Share (the “Per Share Price”). The aggregate purchase price for the Shares shall be equal to $150,000,000.00 (the number of Shares multiplied by the Per Share Price) (the “Purchase Price”) and the Shares shall initially have an aggregate Liquidation Preference (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) of $150,000,000.00. The Company will use the proceeds for (a) payment of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) the development of the Company’s product candidates and commercialization activities and (c) working capital and general corporate purposes.
1.2 Closing.
(a) The closing of the purchase by the Purchasers of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall be held at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, New York time, on April 15, 2024, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 1.3 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to their satisfaction); (the date on which the Closing actually occurs, the “Closing Date”).
(b) Subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the applicable conditions to the Closing in Section 1.3, at the Closing:
(1) the Company will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to each Purchaser (i) evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Purchaser of the issuance of the Shares in the name of such Purchaser by book entry on the stock ledger of the Company (or, if Shares are to be represented in certificated form, a certificate representing the Shares) and (ii) all other documents, instruments and writings required to be delivered by the Company to such Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement; and
(2) each Purchaser (severally and not jointly) will deliver or cause to be delivered (i) to a bank account designated by the Company in writing at least two (2) business days prior to the Closing Date, the portion of the Purchase Price set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name on Schedule I hereto by wire transfer of immediately available funds and (ii) all other documents, instruments and writings required to be delivered by such Purchaser to the Company pursuant to this Agreement. If the Closing has not occurred for any reason on or prior to April 17, 2024, the applicable Purchase Price shall be promptly (but not later than one business day thereafter) returned to the applicable Purchaser.
(c) All deliveries at the Closing will be deemed to occur simultaneously.
1.3 Closing Conditions.
(a) The obligation of each Purchaser, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, to effect the Closing is subject to the satisfaction or written waiver by such Purchaser and the Company as of the Closing of the following condition: no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other judgment or order shall have been issued by any Governmental Entity, and no Law shall be in effect restraining, enjoining, making illegal or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the party claiming such failure of condition shall have used its reasonable best efforts to prevent the entry of any such injunction or order and to appeal as promptly as possible any injunction or other order that may be entered.
(b) The obligation of each Purchaser to effect the Closing is also subject to the satisfaction or written waiver by such Purchaser as of the Closing of the following conditions:
(1) (i) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 2.1 hereof (other than Sections 2.1(a)(1), 2.1(b), 2.1(c)(1), 2.1(d), 2.1(e) and 2.1(g)) shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representation or warranty speaks to an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not and would not be reasonably expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 2.1(a)(1), 2.1(b), 2.1(c)(1), 2.1(d), 2.1(e) and 2.1(g) (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such date;
2
(2) the Company shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all obligations required to be performed and complied with by it pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing;
(3) such Purchaser shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by a duly authorized Person certifying to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 1.3(b)(1), (2), (4), (8), (9) and 10 have been satisfied;
(4) no Effect shall have occurred or arisen since the date of this Agreement that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect;
(5) [Reserved];
(6) the Company shall have filed the Certificate of Designations with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on or prior to the Closing, which shall continue to be in full force and effect as of the Closing and the Purchasers shall have received confirmation from the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers that such filing has occurred;
(7) the Company shall have executed and delivered that certain Registration Rights Agreement substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B (the “Registration Rights Agreement”);
(8) the Company shall have filed a notice of listing of additional shares with respect to the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares with the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) and shall not have received any objection to such notice from Nasdaq;
(9) all registrations, qualifications, permits and approvals, if any, required to be obtained prior to the Closing under applicable state securities laws shall have been obtained for the lawful execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the offer and sale of the Shares;
(10) no approval on the part of the stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with the execution and delivery by the Company of the Certificate of Designations or this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions to be performed by the Company contemplated by this Agreement;
(11) the Purchasers shall have received an opinion from Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel to the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, in a form satisfactory to the Purchasers; and
3
(12) the Company shall have delivered a certificate, executed on behalf of the Company by its Secretary, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company approving the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the issuance of the Shares, certifying the current versions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company, certifying that the Certificate of Designations delivered to the Purchasers at the Closing Date has been validly adopted and has not been amended or modified and certifying as to the signatures and authority of persons signing the Transaction Documents and related documents on behalf of the Company.
(c) The obligation of the Company to effect the Closing is also subject to the satisfaction or written waiver by the Company as of the Closing of the following conditions:
(1) (i) the representations and warranties of each Purchaser set forth in Section 2.2 hereof (other than Sections 2.2(a), 2.2(b)(1) and 2.2(d)) shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to materiality) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representation or warranty speaks of an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not prevented or materially delayed or would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the representations and warranties of each Purchaser set forth in Sections 2.2(a), 2.2(b)(1) and 2.2(d) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of such date;
(2) each Purchaser shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all obligations required to be performed and complied with by it pursuant to this Agreement at or prior to the Closing;
(3) the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of each Purchaser by a duly authorized Person certifying to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 1.3(c)(1) and (2) have been satisfied;
(4) each Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a duly executed, valid, accurate and properly completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that the Purchaser is a U.S. person and that such Purchaser is not subject to backup withholding; and
(5) each Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a duly executed, valid, accurate and properly completed Selling Stockholder Questionnaire substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
4
Article II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company. Except as set forth in SEC Documents filed or furnished prior to the date of this Agreement (including any exhibits thereto and excluding any disclosures set forth in any risk factor section or any “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), the Company represents and warrants to each Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent made only as of a specified date in which case as of such date), that:
(a) Organization and Authority.
(1) The Company (i) is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state of Delaware, (ii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and (iii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except, in the case of this clause (iii), where failure to be so qualified or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. True and accurate copies of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as amended or modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) and the amended and restated bylaws of the Company (as amended or modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Bylaws”), each as in effect, have been made available to the Purchasers prior to the date hereof.
(2) The Company’s Significant Subsidiaries (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)) are set forth on Exhibit 21.1 to its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding equity securities of such subsidiaries. Each of the Company’s Significant Subsidiaries (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) has all requisite corporate or other applicable entity power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and (iii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except, in the case of this clause (iii), where failure to be so qualified or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Capitalization.
(1) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 120,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. As of the close of business on March 29, 2024, (i) 60,963,518 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, (ii) 11,908,984 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance under the Company’s equity incentive plans including (x) 2,565,331 shares reserved for future issuance, (y) 6,660,226 shares in respect of outstanding options (“Company Options”) and (z) 2,683,427 shares in respect of outstanding restricted stock units (“Company RSUs”) and (iii) none of the shares of Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. Since March 29, 2024, no other shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock have been issued, other than shares of Common Stock issued in respect of the exercise of Company Options or settlement of Company RSUs in the ordinary course of business.
5
(2) All outstanding shares of Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and are not subject to and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar right, purchase option, call or right of first refusal or similar right. Except as set forth in Section 2.1(b)(1), the Company has not issued any securities or right to purchase securities of the Company (including any options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock or other Equity Interests of the Company). Except as provided in the Transaction Documents, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (i) restricting the transfer of, (ii) affecting the voting rights of, (iii) requiring the sale, issuance, repurchase, redemption or disposition of, or containing any right of first refusal with respect to, (iv) requiring the registration for sale of, or (v) granting any preemptive or antidilutive right, with respect to any shares of capital stock of, or other Equity Interests in, the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries. The Company does not have outstanding shareholder purchase rights or “poison pill” or any similar arrangement in effect.
(3) Each outstanding share of capital stock of or other Equity Interest in each Company Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights and is owned, beneficially and of record, by the Company or one or more of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens, except, in each case, where such failure, individually or in the aggregate, has not and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness having the right to vote (or convertible into or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which the shareholders of the Company may vote are issued.
(c) Authorization.
(1) The Company has the corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”). This Agreement has been, and (as of the Closing) the other Transaction Documents will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by each Purchaser, this Agreement is, and (as of the Closing) each of the other Transaction Documents will be, a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms (except as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights or by general equity principles). No other corporate proceedings or further action by the Company, the Board of Directors or the Company’s stockholders are necessary for the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
6
(2) Neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the provisions hereof or thereof (including the rights of the Shares to convert into shares of Common Stock), will (i) require notice, consent or approval pursuant to, violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration of, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (A) the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws or the certificate of incorporation, charter, bylaws or other governing instrument of any Company Subsidiary or (B) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which it may be bound, or to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary may be subject, or (ii) violate any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, franchise or any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction or decree applicable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets, except in the case of clauses (i)(B) and (ii) for such violations, conflicts and breaches as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(3) Other than (i) the securities or blue sky laws of the various states of the United States, (ii) the filing of one or more Forms 8-K and (iii) the listing on the Nasdaq of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares, no notice to, registration, declaration or filing with, exemption or review by, or authorization, order, consent or approval of any Governmental Entity or stock exchange, nor expiration or termination of any statutory waiting period, is necessary for the execution or delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, except, in the case of any such matters arising in respect of a non-United States Governmental Entity or Law, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Sale of Securities. Assuming the accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations in Section 2.2, the offer and sale of the Shares is exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf has conducted any general solicitation or general advertising (as those terms are used in Regulation D as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act) in connection with the offer or sale of any of the Shares. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries nor any Person acting on their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any Company security or solicited any offers to buy any Company security, under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Company on Section 4(a)(2) for the exemption from registration for the transactions contemplated hereby or would require registration of the Shares under the Securities Act.
7
(e) Status of Securities. The Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement and the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of the Shares have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company. When issued and sold against receipt of the consideration therefor as provided in this Agreement or the Certificate of Designations, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, will not be subject to preemptive or similar rights of any other shareholder of the Company, and will effectively vest in the Purchasers good title to all such securities, free and clear of all Liens, except restrictions imposed by the Securities Act and any applicable state, foreign or other securities Laws. Upon any conversion of any Shares into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations, such shares of Common Stock issued upon such conversion will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will not be subject to preemptive or similar rights of any other shareholder of the Company, and will effectively vest in the Purchasers good title to all such securities, free and clear of all Liens, except restrictions imposed by the Securities Act and any applicable state, foreign or other securities Laws. The shares of Common Stock to be issued upon any conversion of the Shares have been duly reserved for such issuance.
(f) SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
(1) The Company has filed, on a timely basis, all required reports, proxy statements, forms, and other documents with the SEC since January 1, 2022 (collectively, the “SEC Documents”). Each of the SEC Documents, as of its respective filing date complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to such SEC Documents, and, except to the extent that information contained in any SEC Document has been revised or superseded by a later filed SEC Document filed and publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement, none of the SEC Documents contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company has never been an issuer subject to Rule 144(i) of the Securities Act.
(2) The Company (i) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are reasonably designed to ensure that material information (both financial and non-financial) relating to the Company, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, is made known to the individuals responsible for the preparation of the Company’s filings with the SEC and (ii) has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date of this Agreement, to the Company’s outside auditors and the Board of Director’s audit committee (A) any material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
8
(3) There is no transaction, arrangement or other relationship between the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and an unconsolidated or other off-balance sheet entity that is required to be disclosed by the Company in its SEC Documents and is not so disclosed.
(4) The financial statements of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries included in the SEC Documents (i) complied as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, in each case as of the date such SEC Document was filed, and (ii) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in such financial statements or the notes thereto) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited quarterly statements, to the absence of footnote disclosures and normal year-end audit adjustments).
(g) Brokers and Finders. Except for J. Wood Capital Advisors LLC pursuant to that certain engagement letter dated November 2, 2023, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by the Company, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any financial advisory fees, brokerage fees, commissions or finder’s fees, and no broker or finder has acted directly or indirectly for the Company in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(h) Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened (including “cease and desist” letters or invitations to take patent license) against, nor any outstanding judgment, order, writ or decree against, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets, operations or business before or by any Governmental Entity, which individually or in the aggregate has had, or, would reasonably be expected to have (including for this purpose, assuming an adverse determination of any such matter), a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any judgment, order or decree of any Governmental Entity.
(i) Indebtedness. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, in default in the payment of any material indebtedness or in default under any agreement relating to its material indebtedness.
9
(j) Listing and Maintenance Requirements. The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and the Company has taken no action designed to, or which to the Knowledge of the Company is reasonably likely to, have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act nor has the Company received as of the date of this Agreement any notification that the SEC is contemplating terminating such registration. The Company has not, in the twelve (12) months preceding the date hereof, received notice from Nasdaq that the Company is not in compliance with the listing or maintenance requirements of Nasdaq. The Company is, and has no reason to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue to be, in compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements.
(k) Taxes. The Company and each Company Subsidiary has filed all tax returns that are required to be filed or has requested extensions thereof and has paid all taxes required to be paid by it and any other assessment, fine or penalty levied against it, to the extent that any of the foregoing is due and payable, except (i) for any such assessment, fine or penalty that is currently being contested in good faith or (ii) where such failure to file or pay would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(l) Employee Relations. No labor problem or dispute with the employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, 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 Company Material Adverse Effect.
(m) Licenses. The Company and each Company Subsidiary possess all licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by all applicable authorities necessary to conduct its business, except in each case, the lack of which would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(n) Intellectual Property. The Company and each Company Subsidiary 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 their business in all material respects as now conducted or as proposed in the SEC Documents to be conducted. (a) There are no rights of third parties to any such Intellectual Property; (b) to the Company’s knowledge, there is no material infringement by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; (c) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s or any Company Subsidiaries’ rights in or to any such Intellectual Property, and, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (d) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property, and, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (e) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company or any Company Subsidiary infringes or otherwise violates any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights of others, and, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company is unaware of any other fact which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (f) there is no U.S. patent which contains claims that dominate any Intellectual Property described in the SEC Documents as being owned by or licensed to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or that interferes with the issued claims of any such Intellectual Property; and (g) there is no prior art that may render any U.S. patent held by the Company and or any Company Subsidiary invalid, and all prior art of which the Company is aware that may be material to the validity of a U.S. patent or to the patentability of a U.S. patent application has been disclosed to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
10
(o) Regulatory. The Company and its subsidiaries (i) are and at all times have been in compliance with all local, state, federal, national, supranational and foreign statutes, rules and regulations applicable to the ownership, testing, development, manufacture, packaging, processing, use, storage, import, export or disposal of any product manufactured or distributed by the Company and each Company Subsidiary, including, without limitation, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), and the federal Anti-kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b)), the regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws, and any successor government programs, and comparable state laws, regulations relating to Good Laboratory Practices and Good Clinical Practices (collectively, the “Applicable Laws”), except for such non-compliance as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (ii) have not received any FDA Form 483, notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other written correspondence or notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) or any other state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authority alleging or asserting non-compliance with any Applicable Laws or any licenses, exemptions, certificates, approvals, clearances, authorizations, permits, registrations and supplements or amendments thereto required by any such Applicable Laws (“Authorizations”), except for such non- compliance as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (iii) possess all material Authorizations and such Authorizations are valid and in full force and effect and is not in violation of any term of any such Authorizations, except for such violations as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (iv) have not received written notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority alleging that any product, operation or activity is in violation of any Applicable Laws or Authorizations nor, to the Company’s knowledge, is any such claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action threatened, except such as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (v) have not received written notice that any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority has taken, is taking or intends to take action to materially limit, suspend, materially modify or revoke any Authorizations nor, to the Company’s knowledge, is any such limitation, suspension, modification or revocation threatened, except such as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (vi) have filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete and accurate on the date filed in all material respects (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission); (vii) are not a party to any corporate integrity agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders, or similar agreements with or imposed by any governmental or regulatory authority; and (viii) since January 1, 2022, have not, either voluntarily or involuntarily, initiated, conducted or issued or caused to be initiated, conducted or issued, any recall, market withdrawal or replacement, safety alert, “dear doctor” letter or other notice or action relating to the alleged lack of safety or efficacy of any product or any alleged product defect or violation and, to the Company’s knowledge, no third party has initiated, conducted or intends to initiate any such notice or action, except such as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its officers, directors or managing employees (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-5(b)) is or has been, during the past three (3) years, excluded, suspended or debarred from participation in any state or federal health care program, or made subject to any pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened or contemplated action which could reasonably be expected to result in such exclusion, suspension or debarment.
11
(p) Clinical Trials. The studies, tests and preclinical and clinical trials conducted by the Company that are described in the SEC Documents and, to the Company’s knowledge, those studies, tests and preclinical and clinical trials conducted on behalf of the Company, were and, if still pending, are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all Applicable Laws and Authorizations; the descriptions of the results of such studies, tests and trials contained in the SEC Documents are accurate and complete and fairly present the data derived from such studies, tests and trials in all material respects; the Company is not aware of any studies, tests or trials, the results of which the Company believes are materially inconsistent with the study, test or trial results described or referred to in the SEC Documents when viewed in the context in which such results are described and the clinical state of development; and the Company has not received any written notices or written correspondence from the FDA or any other federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authority requiring the termination, suspension or material modification of any studies, tests or preclinical or clinical trials conducted by or on behalf of the Company.
(q) Products. Other than as part of the ordinary course of the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has granted rights to develop, manufacture, produce, assemble, distribute, license, market or sell its products to any other person and is not bound by any agreement that materially affects the exclusive right of the Company or such Company Subsidiary to develop, manufacture, produce, assemble, distribute, license, market or sell its products.
(r) Data Privacy. (i) The Company and each Company Subsidiary have materially complied and are presently in material compliance with all of their internal and external privacy policies, contractual obligations, applicable laws, statutes, judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or other governmental or regulatory authority and any other legal obligations, in each case, relating to the collection, use, transfer, import, export, storage, protection, disposal and disclosure by the Company and each Company Subsidiary of personal data or personally identifiable information (“Data Security Obligations”, and such data, “Data”); (ii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written notification of or complaint regarding and, to the Company’s knowledge, there are no other facts that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably indicate non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation; and (iii) there is no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body pending or threatened alleging in writing non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation.
12
(s) Cybersecurity. The Company and each Company Subsidiary have taken all commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures necessary to protect the information technology systems and Data used in connection with the operation of their business. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company and each Company Subsidiary have used commercially reasonable efforts to establish and maintain, and have established, maintained, implemented and complied with, commercially reasonable information technology, information security, cyber security and data protection controls, policies and procedures, including oversight, access controls, encryption, technological and physical safeguards and business continuity/disaster recovery and security plans that are designed to protect against and prevent unauthorized access to or acquisition of Data used in connection with the operation of the their business (“Breach”). To the Company’s knowledge, there has been no such Breach, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has been notified in writing of and has no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in, any such Breach.
(t) Anti-Bribery and Anti-Money Laundering Laws. Each of the Company, its Subsidiaries and any of their respective officers, directors, supervisors, managers, agents, or employees are and have at all times been in compliance in all material respects with and its participation in the offering will not violate: (A) anti-bribery laws, including but not limited to, any applicable law, rule, or regulation of any locality, including but not limited to any law, rule, or regulation promulgated to implement the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, signed December 17, 1997, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, or any other law, rule or regulation of similar purposes and scope or (B) anti-money laundering laws, including, but not limited to, applicable federal, state, international, foreign or other laws, regulations or government guidance regarding anti-money laundering, including, without limitation, Title 18 US. Code sections 1956 and 1957, the Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, and international anti-money laundering principles or procedures by an intergovernmental group or organization, such as the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, of which the United States is a member and with which designation the United States representative to the group or organization continues to concur, all as amended, and any Executive order, directive, or regulation pursuant to the authority of any of the foregoing, or any orders or licenses issued thereunder.
(u) XBRL. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included in the SEC Documents fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and has been prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.
(v) Disclosures. Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf has provided the Purchasers or their agents or counsel with any information that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute material nonpublic information concerning the Company or any Company Subsidiary, other than with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, which shall be disclosed on a Form 8-K filed with the Commission no later than the business day immediately following the date this Agreement is executed (the “Disclosure Date”). The Company understands that the Purchasers will rely on the foregoing representation in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.
13
(w) Absence of Changes. Since December 31, 2023, except as set forth in a subsequent SEC Document filed prior to the date hereof or as contemplated by the Transaction Documents, or in connection with the filing of the Certificate of Designations, there has not been any other change, development, occurrence or event that has had or would reasonably by expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(x) No Additional Representations. Except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Section 2.1, neither the Company nor any other Person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company or any Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, employees, employee benefit plans, conditions or prospects, and the Company hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither the Company nor any other Person makes or has made any representation or warranty to the Purchasers, or any of their respective Affiliates or representatives, with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective business, or (ii) any oral or written information presented to the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of the Company, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in this Agreement shall limit the right of the Purchasers and their respective Affiliates to rely on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly set forth in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto, nor will anything in this Agreement operate to limit any claim by any Purchaser or any of its respective Affiliates for actual and intentional fraud.
2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers. Each Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent made only as of a specified date in which case as of such date), severally and not jointly, that:
(a) Organization and Authority. The Purchaser (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, (ii) has all requisite corporate, limited liability company, or partnership power and authority to own its properties and assets and conduct its business as presently conducted and (iii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except, in the case of this clause (iii), where failure to be so qualified has not and would not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the Purchaser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis.
14
(b) Authorization.
(1) The Purchaser has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the Purchaser and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of the Purchaser, and no further approval or authorization by any of its stockholders, partners, members or other equity owners, as the case may be, is required. This Agreement has been, and (as of the Closing) the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, this Agreement is, and (as of the Closing) each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party will be, a valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms (except as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights or by general equity principles). No other organizational proceedings are necessary for the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
(2) Neither the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by the Purchaser with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) require notice, consent or approval pursuant to, violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration of, or result in the creation of any material Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Purchaser under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (A) its organizational documents or (B) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Purchaser is a party or by which it may be bound, or to which the Purchaser or any of the properties or assets of the Purchaser may be subject, or (ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and regulations referred to in the next paragraph, violate any law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, permit, concession, grant, franchise or any judgment, ruling, order, writ, injunction or decree applicable to the Purchaser or any of their respective properties or assets except in the case of clauses (i)(B) and (ii) for such violations, conflicts and breaches as would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or have a material adverse effect on the Purchaser’s ability to fully perform its respective covenants and obligations under this Agreement.
(3) Other than (i) the securities or blue sky Laws of the various states and (ii) filings pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act, no notice to, registration, declaration or filing with, exemption or review by, or authorization, order, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, nor expiration or termination of any statutory waiting period, is necessary for the execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
15
(c) Financial Capability. At the Closing, the Purchaser will have access to available funds necessary to consummate the Closing on the terms and conditions contemplated by this Agreement. The Purchaser is not aware of any reason why the funds sufficient to fulfill its obligations under Article I (including paying its portion of the Purchase Price) will not be available on the Closing Date.
(d) Brokers and Finders. Neither the Purchaser nor its Affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents has employed any broker or finder for which the Company will incur any liability for any financial advisory fees, brokerage fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(e) Purchase for Investment. The Purchaser is an accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act) and acknowledges that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or under any state securities Laws. The Purchaser (i) acknowledges that it is acquiring the Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act solely for investment with no present intention to distribute any of the Shares or the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares to any person in violation of applicable securities Laws, (ii) that such securities are characterized as “restricted securities” under the U.S. federal securities laws and will bear the legend set forth in Section 4.2, (iii) will not sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of the Shares or shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares, except in compliance with this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the registration requirements or exemption provisions of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities Laws, (iv) has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and in investments of this type that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares and of making an informed investment decision, and (v) without prejudice to any claim of Purchaser hereunder for breach of the Company’s representations and warranties or for actual and intentional fraud, (A) has been furnished with or has had full access to all the information that it considers necessary or appropriate to make an informed investment decision with respect to the Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares, (B) has had an opportunity to discuss with management of the Company the intended business and financial affairs of the Company and to obtain information (to the extent the Company possessed such information or could acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense) necessary to verify any information furnished to it or to which it had access and (C) can bear the economic risk of (1) an investment in the Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares indefinitely and (2) a total loss in respect of such investment. The Purchaser has such knowledge and experience in business and financial matters so as to enable it to understand and evaluate the risks of and form an investment decision with respect to, its investment in the Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Shares and to protect its own interest in connection with such investment.
16
(f) Purchase Entirely for Own Account. The Shares and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares, as applicable, to be received by the Purchaser hereunder will be acquired for the Purchaser’s own account. The Purchaser is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC or an entity engaged in a business that would require it to be so registered.
(g) No General Solicitation. The Purchaser did not learn of the investment in the Shares as a result of any general solicitation or general advertising.
(h) Residency. The Purchaser is a resident of or an entity organized under the jurisdiction specified below its address on Schedule I.
(i) No Intent to Effect a Change of Control; Ownership. The Purchaser has no present intent to effect a “change of control” of the Company as such term is understood under the rules promulgated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and under the rules of Nasdaq.
(j) No Additional Representations. Each of Purchaser and its Affiliates acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties contained in Section 2.1, neither the Company nor any other Person, makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, employees, employee benefit plans, conditions or prospects, and the Company hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither the Company nor any other Person, makes or has made any representation or warranty to the Purchaser, or any of its Affiliates or representatives, with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective business, or (ii) except for the representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 2.1, any information presented to the Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of the Company, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, except with respect to the representations and warranties contained in Section 2.1, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any liability to Purchaser or its Affiliates or representatives on any basis (including in contract or tort, under federal or state securities Laws or otherwise) based upon any other representation or warranty, either express or implied, included in any information or statements (or any omissions therefrom) provided or made available by the Company or its Subsidiaries to Purchaser or its Affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of the Company, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 2.2(j) shall limit, preclude or prohibit any claim by any Purchaser of actual and intentional fraud.
17
Article III
COVENANTS
3.1 Filings; Other Actions.
(a) As set forth in the Certificate of Designations, the Shares shall be initially issued to the Purchasers without voting rights in the election of directors of the Company. After issuance and following the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), the Shares shall gain the right to vote together with the Common Stock of the Company, pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of the Certificate of Designations (the “Purchaser Election”). The Purchasers and the Company shall use all reasonable best efforts to obtain or submit, as the case may be, as promptly as practicable following the date hereof, the approvals and authorizations of, filings and registrations with, and notifications to, or expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period, under the HSR Act and other applicable antitrust Laws in connection with the Purchaser Election (the “Anti-Trust Approval”). Without limiting the foregoing, the Purchasers and the Company shall each prepare and file within ten (10) business days after the date hereof a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In connection with such undertakings, each of the Purchasers, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, will cooperate and consult with the other and use reasonable best efforts to prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all necessary applications, notices, petitions, filings and other documents, and to obtain all necessary permits, consents, orders, approvals and authorizations of, or any exemption by, all third parties and Governmental Entities, necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including obtaining the Anti-Trust Approval. Each of the Purchasers and the Company shall execute and deliver both before and after the Closing such further certificates, agreements and other documents and take such other actions as the other party may reasonably request to consummate or implement such transactions or to evidence such events or matters.
(b) The Purchasers and the Company will have the right to review in advance, and to the extent practicable, each will consult with the other, in each case, subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of information, all the information relating to such other party, and any of their respective Affiliates, which appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including obtaining the Anti-Trust Approval. In exercising the foregoing right, each of the parties hereto agrees to act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. Each party hereto agrees to keep the other party apprised of the status of matters referred to in this Section 3.1. Each Purchaser shall promptly furnish the Company, and the Company shall promptly furnish each Purchaser, to the extent permitted by Law, with copies of written communications received by it or its Subsidiaries from any Governmental Entity in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including obtaining the Anti-Trust Approval. Neither the Purchasers nor the Company shall participate in any substantive meeting with any Governmental Entity in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including obtaining the Anti-Trust Approval unless it consults with the other party in advance and, to the extent not prohibited by such Governmental Entity, gives the other party the opportunity to attend and participate therein or thereat.
3.2 Reasonable Best Efforts to Close. During the Pre-Closing Period, each of the Company and each Purchaser will use reasonable best efforts in good faith to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary under applicable Laws so as to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable and otherwise to enable consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and shall cooperate reasonably with the other party hereto to that end.
18
3.3 Authorized Common Stock. At any time that any Shares are outstanding, the Company shall from time to time take all lawful action within its control to cause the authorized share capital of the Company to include a number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of all Shares then issued and outstanding and will reserve such number of shares of Common Stock sufficient to enable full conversion of the Shares then issued and outstanding. All shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Shares shall be newly issued shares or shares held in treasury by the Company, shall have been duly authorized and validly issued and shall be fully paid and nonassessable, and free and clear of any Liens (other than Liens created by a Purchaser or restrictions on Transfer arising under applicable securities Laws).
3.4 Certain Adjustments. During the Pre-Closing Period, the Company shall not affect any transaction that would have resulted in an adjustment to the Conversion Rate (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) pursuant to Section 10 of the Certificate of Designations if the Shares had been issued since the date hereof.
3.5 Nasdaq Listing of Shares. To the extent it has not already done so, the Company shall promptly apply to cause the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq. The Company hereby agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the listing of the Common Stock on Nasdaq.
3.6 Reporting Requirements. As long as any Purchasers holds Shares (or shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Shares), the Company covenants to use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with the requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time (or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC) regarding the availability of current public information to the extent required to enable Purchaser to sell Shares (or shares of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Shares) without registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar rule or regulation).
3.7 Negative Covenants. During the Pre-Closing Period, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall operate their businesses in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, and, without the prior written consent of each Purchaser, shall not:
(a) declare, or make payment in respect of, any dividend or other distribution upon any shares of the Company;
(b) redeem, repurchase or acquire any shares of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than repurchases of shares (i) approved by the Board of Directors and publicly announced prior to the date hereof, (ii) made in an “open market” transaction at the then-prevailing price or through an “accelerated share repurchase” on customary terms or (iii) from employees, officers or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice pursuant to any of the Company’s agreements or plans in effect as of the date hereof;
(c) authorize, issue or reclassify any capital stock, or securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into shares, of the Company or any Company Subsidiary other than (i) the authorization and issuance of the Shares and (ii) Exempt Issuances (as defined in the Certificate of Designations) in the ordinary course of business;
19
(d) amend or otherwise change, or waive any provision of, the Certificate of Incorporation (as modified by the Certificate of Designations) or the Bylaws or any organizational document of any Company Subsidiary, including as a result of a merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other similar or extraordinary transaction;
(e) sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of any material assets or properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except pursuant to existing agreements or for sales of products in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(f) make any material loans or material advances of money to any Person (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), except for (i) loans made pursuant to any Plan, (ii) advances to employees or officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (iii) trade credit extended to customers, franchisees and other business counterparties in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or
(g) authorize or enter into a contract or otherwise make any commitment to do any of the foregoing.
Article IV
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
4.1 Transfer Restrictions.
(a) Until the earlier of (x) six (6) months following the Closing, (y) the occurrence of a transaction resulting in a Change of Control (as defined in the Certificate of Designations), and (z) the occurrence of any Mandatory Conversion (as defined in the Certificate of Designations), the Purchasers shall not Transfer any Share or any share of Common Stock issued upon conversion of any Share, or execute any “short sales” (as defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act), including through total return swaps, relating to any Share or any share of Common Stock issued upon conversion of, or underlying, any Share, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Section 4.1(b). For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 4.1(a) shall restrict any Purchaser from (i) Transferring any shares of Common Stock held by such Purchaser as of the date hereof or subsequently acquired by such Purchaser in the open market or (ii) executing any “short sales” (as defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act), including through total return swaps, related to any shares of Common Stock held by such Purchaser as of the date hereof or subsequently acquired by such Purchaser in the open market.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.1(a), the Purchasers shall be permitted to Transfer all or any portion of its Shares, or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of any Shares at any time under the following circumstances:
20
(1) Transfers to any Permitted Transferee, but only if such Permitted Transferee agrees in writing for the benefit of the Company (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and with a copy thereof to be furnished to the Company) to be bound by the terms of this Section 4.1 with respect to the Shares or shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof;
(2) Transfers pursuant to an amalgamation, merger, tender offer, recapitalization, consolidation or exchange offer or other business combination, acquisition of assets or similar transaction involving the Company or any transaction resulting in a Change of Control;
(3) Transfers to the Company or its Subsidiaries;
(4) Transfers in connection with, and only after the commencement of, bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar reorganization proceedings; and
(5) Transfers that have been approved in writing by the Board of Directors prior to such Transfer.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will not be obligated to provide back leverage to the Purchaser or any assistance with any pledge or other financing relating to the Shares or any shares of Common Stock of the Company.
(d) Any attempted Transfer in violation of this Section 4.1 shall be null and void ab initio and the Company shall not be required to give any effect thereto.
4.2 Legend.
(a) Each Purchaser agrees that all certificates or other instruments representing the Shares subject to this Agreement (or the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof) will bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS INSTRUMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING THERETO IS IN EFFECT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT OR SUCH LAWS.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO TRANSFER AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN AN INVESTMENT AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF APRIL 1, 2024, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE ISSUER.
21
(b) Following termination of the provisions of Section 4.1, in connection with any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of the Shares or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares, as applicable, by the Purchaser pursuant to Rule 144, pursuant to any other exemption under the Securities Act or pursuant to sale under an effective registration statement such that the purchaser acquires freely tradable shares and upon compliance by the Investor with the requirements of this Section 4.2, if requested by the Purchaser (or any Permitted Transferee), the Company shall cause the transfer agent for the Common Stock to timely remove any restrictive legends related to the book entry account holding such Shares or Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares, as applicable, and make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry Shares or shares of Common Stock, provided that the Company has received customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company in connection therewith. Following termination of the provisions of Section 4.1 and subject to receipt by the Company of customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company in connection therewith (including in the case of clause (i) below, to the extent the Transfer Agent requires an opinion from counsel pursuant to clause (B) below, representations and documentation from a broker dealer acceptable to the Company as to prospective sales pursuant to such registration statement), upon the earlier of such time as the Shares or Common Stock, as applicable, (i) have been registered under the Securities Act pursuant to an effective registration statement, (ii) have been sold or transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement, (iii) have been sold pursuant to Rule 144, or (iv) are eligible for resale under Rule 144(b)(1) or any successor provision (without the requirement for the Company to comply with the current public information obligations of Rule 144(c)), the Company shall promptly upon any request therefor from an Investor accompanied by such customary and reasonably acceptable documentation referred to above (A) deliver to the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions that the Transfer Agent shall make a new, unlegended entry for such book entry Shares or Common Stock, as applicable, and (B) use reasonably best efforts to cause its counsel to deliver to the transfer agent one or more blanket opinions to the effect that the removal of such legends in such circumstances may be effected under the Securities Act.
4.3 Tax Matters. The Company shall pay any and all documentary, stamp and similar issue or transfer tax due on (a) the issuance of the Shares or (b) the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Shares. However, in the case of conversion of Shares, the Company shall not be required to pay any tax or duty that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock in a name other than that of the holder of the shares to be converted, and no such issuance or delivery shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issuance has paid to the Company the amount of any such tax or duty, or has established to the satisfaction of the Company that such tax or duty has been paid.
22
4.4 Indemnification of Purchasers. Subject to the provisions of this Section 4.4, the Company will indemnify and hold each Purchaser and its directors, officers, shareholders, members, partners, employees, investment advisers and agents (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title), each Person who controls such Purchaser (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, shareholders, agents, members, partners, investment advisers or employees (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title) of such controlling persons (each, a “Purchaser Party”) harmless from any and all losses, liabilities, obligations, claims, contingencies, damages, costs and expenses, including all judgments, amounts paid in settlements, court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of investigation that any such Purchaser Party may suffer or incur as a result of or relating to (i) any breach of any of the representations and warranties (to the extent such representation or warranty is still in effect pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.5) made by the Company in this Agreement or (ii) any Action instituted against a Purchaser in any capacity, or any Purchaser Party, by any stockholder of the Company who is not an Affiliate of such Purchaser seeking indemnification, with respect to any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (unless such Action is based upon a breach of such Purchaser’s representations, warranties or covenants under the Transaction Documents, or any agreements or understandings such Purchaser may have with any such stockholder or any violations by the Purchaser of state or federal securities Laws or any conduct by such Purchaser which constitutes fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct or malfeasance). Promptly after receipt by any such Person (the “Indemnified Person”) of notice of any demand, claim or circumstances that would or may give rise to a claim or the commencement of any Proceeding or investigation in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to this Section 4.4, such Indemnified Person shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, and shall assume the payment of all fees and expenses relating to such Proceeding or investigation; provided, however, that the failure of any Indemnified Person so to notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder except to the extent that the Company is actually and materially prejudiced by such failure to notify. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless: (i) the Company and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel; (ii) the Company shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such proceeding and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person in such proceeding; or (iii) in the reasonable judgment of counsel to such Indemnified Person, representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. In the event of the circumstances described in the foregoing clause (iii), if the Indemnified Person notifies the Company in writing that such Indemnified Person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Company, then the Company shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such Indemnified Person. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned or to the extent fees or costs incurred pursuant to this Section 4.4 are attributable to the Indemnified Person’s breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Purchasers in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents. Without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, the Company shall not effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (i) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all liability arising out of such proceeding, (ii) imposes no liability or obligation on the Indemnified Person and (iii) does not include any admission of fault, culpability, wrongdoing or malfeasance by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person.
4.5 Survival. Except in the case of intentional and actual fraud, the representations and warranties of the parties contained in Article II hereof (other than the representations and warranties of (i) the Company set forth in Sections 2.1 (a)-(f) and (ii) of the Purchasers set forth in Section 2.2 (a)-(c) and (e)-(h)) shall not survive, and shall terminate automatically as of, the Closing, and there shall be no liability in respect thereof, whether such liability has accrued prior to or after the Closing, on the part of any party, its Affiliates or any of their respective representatives. All other covenants and agreements of the parties contained herein shall survive the Closing in accordance with their terms for the applicable statute of limitations.
23
4.6 Non-Public Information. The Company covenants and agrees that, following the Closing, neither it nor any other Person acting on its behalf, will provide any Purchaser or its agents or counsel with any information that the Company believes constitutes material non-public information, unless prior thereto, such Purchaser shall have agreed in writing to receive such information; provided however, that the compliance by the Company of any notice or communication requirements pursuant to the Transaction Documents shall not in any case violate this Section 4.6. Following the Disclosure Date, no Purchaser shall be in possession of any material non-public information received from the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents. The Company understands and confirms that each Investor shall be relying on the foregoing covenant in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.
Article V
MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Expenses. Each of the Company and the Purchasers shall bear its own costs and expenses.
5.2 Amendment; Waiver. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement will be effective with respect to any party unless made in writing and signed by an officer of a duly authorized representative of such party. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The conditions to each party’s obligation to consummate the Closing are for the sole benefit of such party and may be waived by such party in whole or in part to the extent permitted by applicable Law. No waiver of any party to this Agreement will be effective unless it is in a writing signed by a duly authorized officer of the waiving party that makes express reference to the provision or provisions subject to such waiver. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
5.3 Counterparts; Electronic Transmission. This Agreement, and any amendments hereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of an electronic transmission, including by a facsimile machine or via email, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or any state Laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of electronic transmission by a facsimile machine or via email to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through such electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on each party hereto.
24
5.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the state of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the state of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the state of New York. Any dispute relating hereto shall be heard in any state or federal court located in Manhattan in the state of New York (each a “Chosen Court” and collectively, the “Chosen Courts”), and the parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Chosen Courts. Such Persons further agree that any proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or by any matters related to the foregoing (the “Applicable Matters”) shall be brought exclusively in a Chosen Court, and that any proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any other Applicable Matter shall be deemed to have arisen from a transaction of business in the state of New York, and each of the foregoing Persons hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such Chosen Courts in any such proceeding and irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that such Person may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such Chosen Court or that any such proceeding brought in any such Chosen Court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Such Persons further covenant not to bring a proceeding with respect to the Applicable Matters (or that could affect any Applicable Matter) other than in such Chosen Court and not to challenge or enforce in another jurisdiction a judgment of such Chosen Court. Process in any such proceeding may be served on any Person with respect to such Applicable Matters anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such Chosen Court. Without limiting the foregoing, each such Person agrees that service of process on such party as provided in Section 5.5 shall be deemed effective service of process on such Person. AS SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
5.5 Notices. Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any party to the other will be either personally delivered, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the parties at the applicable address set forth below, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder when delivered personally or sent by telecopier or electronic mail (provided confirmation of transmission is received), three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one (1) day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.
25
(a) If to Purchasers, to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereto
(b) If to the Company:
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
222 Berkeley Street, 12th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
E-mail: hsmith@rhythmtx.com
with a copy to (which copy alone shall not constitute notice):
Latham & Watkins LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
Attn: Peter N. Handrinos
E-mail: Peter.Handrinos@lw.com
and
Wesley Holmes
E-mail: wesley.holmes@lw.com
5.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto and the documents and instruments referred to in this Agreement), constitutes the entire agreement among the parties and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and transactions contemplated hereby.
5.7 Assignment. Neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of each of the parties hereto, provided, however, that (a) a Purchaser may assign its rights, interests and obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to one or more Permitted Transferees, and (b) in the event of such assignment, the assignee shall agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, including the rights, interests and obligations so assigned; provided that no such assignment will relieve such Purchaser of its obligations hereunder prior to the Closing.
5.8 Interpretation. Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. All article, section, paragraph or clause references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such parts of this Agreement, and all exhibit, annex, letter and schedule references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such exhibits, annexes, letters and schedules to this Agreement. In addition, the following terms are ascribed the following meanings:
26
(a) the word “or” is not exclusive;
(b) the words “including,” “includes,” “included” and “include” are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
(c) the terms “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision; and
(d) the term “business day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York generally are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.
5.9 Captions. The article, section, paragraph and clause captions herein are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and will not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.
5.10 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person (including the officers and directors of the parties hereto) or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, will remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby, so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon a suitable and equitable substitute provision to effect the original intent of the parties.
5.11 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing contained in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto (and their permitted assigns), any benefit, right or remedies.
5.12 Public Announcements. Subject to each party’s disclosure obligations imposed by law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange upon which its securities are listed, each of the parties hereto will cooperate with each other in the development and distribution of all news releases and other public information disclosures with respect to this Agreement and any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and neither the Company nor any Purchaser will make any such news release or public disclosure without first consulting all of the other parties hereto, and, in each case, also receiving the consent of the other parties (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and each party shall coordinate with the party whose consent is required with respect to any such news release or public disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 5.12 shall not apply to any press release or other public statement made by the Company or a Purchaser (a) which is consistent with prior disclosure and does not contain any information relating to the transactions that has not been previously announced or made public in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or (b) is made to its auditors, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, limited partners or other Permitted Transferees.
27
5.13 Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that, without the necessity of posting bond or other undertaking, the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedies to which they are entitled at law or equity, and in the event that any action or suit is brought in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and no party will allege, and each party hereby waives, the defense or counterclaim that there is an adequate remedy at law.
5.14 Termination. Prior to the Closing, this Agreement may only be terminated:
(a) by mutual written agreement of the Company and each Purchaser;
(b) by the Company or a Purchaser, upon written notice to the other parties if the Closing has not occurred by April 30, 2024; provided, however that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 5.14(b) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligations under this Agreement shall have been the principal cause of, or shall have primarily resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or prior to such date;
(c) by notice given by the Company to the Purchasers, if there have been one or more inaccuracies in or breaches of one or more representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by a Purchaser in this Agreement such that the conditions in Section 1.3(c)(1) or (2) would not be satisfied and which have not been cured by such Purchaser thirty (30) days after receipt by such Purchaser of written notice from the Company requesting such inaccuracies or breaches to be cured; or
(d) by notice given by a Purchaser to the Company, if there have been one or more inaccuracies in or breaches of one or more representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Company in this Agreement such that the conditions in Section 1.3(b)(1) or (2) would not be satisfied and which have not been cured by the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of written notice from such Purchaser requesting such inaccuracies or breaches to be cured.
5.15 Effects of Termination. In the event of any termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.14, neither party (or any of its Affiliates) shall have any liability or obligation to the other (or any of its Affiliates) under or in respect of this Agreement, except to the extent of any actual and intentional fraud or intentional or willful breach of this Agreement. In the event of any such termination, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the parties hereto, in each case, except (x) as set forth in the preceding sentence and (y) that the provisions of Sections 5.2 to 5.13 (Amendment, Waiver; Counterparts, Electronic Transmission; Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial; Notices; Entire Agreement, Assignment; Interpretation; Captions; Severability; No Third Party Beneficiaries; Public Announcements; and Specific Performance), Section 5.16 (Non-Recourse) and Section 5.17 (Definitions) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
28
5.16 Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified as parties hereto, including entities that become parties hereto after the date hereof, including permitted assignees and successors, or that agree in writing for the benefit of the Company to be bound by the terms of this Agreement applicable to the Purchasers, and no former, current or future equityholders, controlling Persons, directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates of any party hereto or any former, current or future equityholder, controlling Person, director, officer, employee, general or limited partner, member, manager, advisor, agent or Affiliate of any of the foregoing (each, a “Non-Recourse Party”) shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the parties to this Agreement or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby or in respect of any representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith. Without limiting the rights of any party against the other parties hereto, in no event shall any party or any of its Affiliates seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover monetary damages from, any Non-Recourse Party.
5.17 Definitions.
(a) As used herein, the following terms have the meanings ascribed thereto below:
“Action” means any action, suit, inquiry, notice of violation, proceeding (including any partial proceeding such as a deposition) or investigation pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, or any officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acting in his or her capacity as an officer, director or employee, before or by any federal, state, county, local or foreign court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative agency, regulatory authority, stock market, stock exchange or trading facility.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with, such other Person; provided, however, that (i) portfolio companies in which any Person or any of its Affiliates has an investment shall not be deemed an Affiliate of such Person (except for the purposes of Sections 5.1, 5.15 and 5.16, such portfolio companies shall be deemed Affiliates), or (ii) the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of the Company’s other controlled Affiliates, in each case, will not be deemed to be Affiliates of any Purchaser for purposes of this Agreement. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) when used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to cause the direction of management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Code” means the United Stated Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
29
“Company Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to the Company, any Effect that, individually or taken together with all other Effects that have occurred prior to the date of determination of the occurrence of the Company Material Adverse Effect, is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, assets, results of operations, prospects or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that in no event shall any of the following individually or taken together, be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is expected to occur: (i) any change in the Company’s stock price or trading volume on the Nasdaq, (ii) any failure by the Company to meet internal or analyst revenue, earnings or other financial projections or expectations for any period, (iii) any Effect that results from changes affecting the industry in which the Company operates, or the United States economy generally, or any Effect that results from changes affecting general worldwide economic or United States or global capital market conditions, (iv) any Effect caused by the announcement of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, or the identity of the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates as the Purchasers in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (v) political conditions, including acts of war or terrorism or natural disasters or any pandemic or epidemic, including COVID-19, (vi) any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company at the written request or with the prior written consent of the Purchasers, (vii) changes in GAAP or other accounting standards (or any interpretation thereof) or (viii) changes in any Laws or other binding directives issued by any Governmental Entity or interpretations or enforcement thereof; provided, however, that (A) the exceptions in clause (i) and (ii) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any Effect underlying such change or failure has resulted in, or contributed to, a Company Material Adverse Effect or that the underlying cause of such failure (unless such underlying cause would otherwise be excluded from this definition) has resulted in, or contributed to, a Company Material Adverse Effect and (B) with respect to clauses (iii), (v), (vii) and (viii), such Effects, alone or in combination, may be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would be reasonably expected to occur, but only to the extent such Effects disproportionately affect the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other companies operating in the same industry as the Company and its Subsidiaries.
“Company Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company.
“Effect” means any change, event, effect, development or circumstance.
“Equity Interest” means any share, capital stock, partnership, limited liability company, member or similar equity interest in any Person, and any option, warrant, right or security (including debt securities) convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into or for any such share, capital stock, partnership, limited liability company, member or similar equity interest.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and all rules, regulations, rulings and interpretations adopted by the Internal Revenue Service or the Department of Labor thereunder.
“Governmental Entity” means any court, administrative or regulatory agency or commission or other governmental or arbitral body or authority or instrumentality, including any state-controlled or owned corporation or enterprise, in each case whether federal, state, local or foreign, and any applicable industry self-regulatory organization.
“Knowledge of the Company” means the actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of one or more of the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and general counsel.
30
“Law” means any applicable federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, order, edict, decree, rule, regulation, ruling or other legally binding requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Entity.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge or other restriction of any kind, whether based on common law, statute or contract.
“Permitted Transferee” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any Affiliate of such Person, (ii) any successor entity of such Person or (iii) any investment fund, vehicle or similar entity of which the first specified Person, or any Affiliate, advisor or manager of the first specified Person serves as a general partner, manager or advisor, or any successor entity of the Persons described in this clause (iii).
“Person” has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.
“Plan” means (i) any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2)(A) of ERISA) maintained for employees of the Company or of any member of a “controlled group,” as such term is defined in Section 414 of the Code, of which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a part, or any such employee pension benefit plan to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required to contribute on behalf of its employees, and any other employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), whether or not subject to ERISA; or (ii) any compensation or other benefit plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, including any employment, change in control, bonus, equity-based compensation, retention or other similar agreement, that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, maintains, sponsors, is a party to, or as to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries otherwise has any material obligation or material liability in respect of its employees; in each case, excluding any compensation or benefit arrangement maintained by a Governmental Entity.
“Pre-Closing Period” means the period commencing on the date hereof and terminating on the earlier to occur of (a) the Closing and (b) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof.
“Proceeding” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.
“Stockholder” means a holder of Common Stock or Preferred Stock.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity (i) of which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner or (ii) of which a majority of the voting securities or other voting interests, or a majority of the securities or other interests of which having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or Persons performing similar functions with respect to such Person, is directly or indirectly owned by such Person and/or one or more subsidiaries thereof.
31
“Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Certificate of Designations.
“Transfer” by any Person means, directly or indirectly, to (i) sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate, establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or similarly dispose of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, any securities owned by such Person or of any interest (including any voting interest) in any securities owned by such Person, or (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 any subject securities, for cash or otherwise.
* * * * *
[Signature Page Follows]
32
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date first herein above written.
| RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | |||
| By: | /s/ David P. Meeker M.D. | ||
| Name: | David P. Meeker M.D. | ||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
[Signature Page to Investment Agreement]
| Perceptive Discovery ID LP | ||
| By: Perspective Discover GP LLC, its general partner | ||
| Signature: | /s/ Joseph Edelman | |
| Name: Joseph Edelman | ||
| Title: Sole Member | ||
| C2 Life Sciences LLC | ||
| Signature: | /s/ Joseph Edelman | |
| Name: Joseph Edelman | ||
| Title: Sole Member | ||
| Perceptive Life Sciences Master Fund, LTD. | ||
| By: Perceptive Advisors LLC | ||
| Signature: | /s/ James H. Mannix | |
| Name: James H. Mannix | ||
| Title: Chief Operating Officer | ||
[Signature Page to Investment Agreement]
Schedule I
| Purchaser | Number of Shares | Purchase Price | ||||||
| Perceptive Life Sciences Master Fund Ltd | 20,000 | $ | 20,000,000 | |||||
| Perceptive Discovery ID LP | 65,000 | $ | 65,000,000 | |||||
| C2 Life Sciences, LLC | 5,000 | $ | 5,000,000 | |||||
| 55,035 | $ | 55,035,000.00 | ||||||
| 4,965 | $ | 4,965,000.00 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 150,000 | $ | 150,000,000.00 | |||||
EXHIBIT A
Form of Certificate of Designations
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Certificate of Designations
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
April [12], 2024
Table of Contents
Page
| Section 1. | Definitions | 1 |
| Section 2. | Rules of Construction | 13 |
| Section 3. | The Convertible Preferred Stock | 14 |
| (a) | Designation; Par Value | 14 |
| (b) | Number of Authorized Shares | 14 |
| (c) | Form, Dating and Denominations | 14 |
| (d) | Method of Payment; Delay When Payment Date is Not a Business Day | 15 |
| (e) | Register | 15 |
| (f) | Legends | 16 |
| (g) | Transfers and Exchanges; Transfer Taxes; Certain Transfer Restrictions | 17 |
| (h) | Exchange and Cancellation of Convertible Preferred Stock to Be Converted or to Be Repurchased Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control or a Redemption | 18 |
| (i) | Status of Retired Shares | 18 |
| (j) | Replacement Certificates | 19 |
| (k) | Registered Holders | 19 |
| (l) | Cancellation | 19 |
| (m) | Shares Held by the Company or its Affiliates | 19 |
| (n) | Outstanding Shares | 19 |
| (o) | Notations and Exchanges | 20 |
| Section 4. | Ranking | 21 |
| Section 5. | Dividends | 21 |
| (a) | Generally | 21 |
| (b) | Participating Dividends | 22 |
| Section 6. | Rights Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up | 23 |
| (a) | Generally | 23 |
| (b) | Certain Business Combination Transactions Deemed Not to Be a Liquidation | 24 |
| Section 7. | Right of the Company to Redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock | 24 |
| (a) | No Right to Redeem Before the Redemption Trigger Date | 24 |
| (b) | Right to Redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock on or After Redemption Trigger Date | 24 |
| (c) | Redemption Prohibited in Certain Circumstances | 24 |
| (d) | Redemption Date | 24 |
| (e) | Redemption Price | 25 |
| (f) | Redemption Notice | 25 |
| (g) | Payment of the Redemption Price | 25 |
| Section 8. | Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control | 25 |
| (a) | Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control | 25 |
| (b) | Funds Legally Available for Payment of Change of Control Repurchase Price; Covenant Not to Take Certain Actions | 26 |
- i -
| (c) | Change of Control Repurchase Date | 26 |
| (d) | Change of Control Repurchase Price | 26 |
| (e) | Change of Control Notice | 27 |
| (f) | Procedures to Exercise the Change of Control Repurchase Right | 27 |
| (g) | Payment of the Change of Control Repurchase Price | 28 |
| (h) | Compliance with Securities Laws | 29 |
| Section 9. | Voting Rights | 29 |
| (a) | Voting and Consent Rights with Respect to Specified Matters | 29 |
| (b) | Right to Vote with Holders of Common Stock on an As-Converted Basis | 31 |
| (c) | Procedures for Voting and Consents | 31 |
| Section 10. | Conversion | 32 |
| (a) | Generally | 32 |
| (b) | Conversion at the Option of the Holders | 32 |
| (c) | Mandatory Conversion at the Company’s Election. | 32 |
| (d) | Conversion Procedures | 33 |
| (e) | Settlement upon Conversion | 34 |
| (f) | Conversion Rate Adjustments | 36 |
| (g) | Voluntary Conversion Rate Increases | 38 |
| (h) | Restriction on Conversions and Certain Degressive Issuances | 38 |
| (i) | Effect of Common Stock Change Event | 41 |
| Section 11. | Certain Provisions Relating to the Issuance of Common Stock | 43 |
| (a) | Equitable Adjustments to Prices | 43 |
| (b) | Reservation of Shares of Common Stock | 43 |
| (c) | Status of Shares of Common Stock | 43 |
| (d) | Taxes Upon Issuance of Common Stock | 43 |
| Section 12. | No Preemptive Rights | 44 |
| Section 13. | Tax Treatment | 44 |
| Section 14. | Calculations | 44 |
| (a) | Responsibility; Schedule of Calculations | 44 |
| (b) | Calculations Aggregated for Each Holder | 44 |
| Section 15. | Notices | 44 |
| Section 16. | Legally Available Funds | 44 |
| Section 17. | No Other Rights | 45 |
Exhibits
| Exhibit A: Form of Preferred Stock Certificate | A-1 | |
| Exhibit B: Form of Restricted Stock Legend | B-1 |
- ii -
Certificate of Designations
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
On March 31, 2024, the Board of Directors of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), adopted the following resolution designating and creating, out of the authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company, 150,000 authorized shares of a series of preferred stock of the Company titled the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”:
RESOLVED that, pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, a series of preferred stock of the Company titled the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,” and having a par value of $0.001 per share and an initial number of authorized shares equal to 150,000, is hereby designated and created out of the authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company, which series has the rights, designations, preferences, voting powers and other provisions set forth below:
Section 1. Definitions.
“Abeyance Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h).
“Abeyance Dividend” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h).
“Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 144.
“Antitrust Clearance Date” means the date on which the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (“HSR”), has expired or been terminated, and any other required clearances, approvals or authorizations of filings and registrations with, and notifications to government authorities under other applicable antitrust and competition laws have been received, in each case, with respect to the ownership by the Holders of voting securities in the Company. The Antitrust Clearance Date shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by a Holder who is not required to undergo the HSR waiting period.
“Antitrust Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(h).
“Antitrust Redemption Date” means a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than thirty five (35), nor less than twenty (20), Business Days after the Antitrust Trigger Event occurs.
“Antitrust Trigger Event” means, with respect to any share of Convertible Preferred Stock the event that the Antitrust Clearance Date has not occurred as of the one-year anniversary of the Initial Issue Date with respect to such share.
“Attribution Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h)(i).
“Board of Directors” means the Company’s board of directors or a committee of such board duly authorized to act on behalf of such board.
- 1 -
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed.
“Buy-In” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(e)(v).
“Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares of, interests in, rights to purchase, warrants or options for, participations in, or other equivalents of, in each case however designated, the equity of such Person, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.
“Certificate” means any Physical Certificate or Electronic Certificate.
“Certificate of Designations” means this Certificate of Designations, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Certificate of Incorporation” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as the same may be further amended, supplemented or restated.
“Change of Control” means any of the following events:
(a) a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than the Company, its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries or a Holder (together with its Affiliates), has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner” (as defined below) of shares of the Company’s common equity representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the Company’s then-outstanding common equity; or
(b) the consummation of (i) any sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person; or (ii) any transaction or series of related transactions in connection with which (whether by means of merger, consolidation, share exchange, combination, reclassification, recapitalization, acquisition, liquidation or otherwise) all of the Common Stock is exchanged for, converted into, acquired for, or constitutes solely the right to receive, other securities, cash or other property; provided, however, that any merger, consolidation, share exchange or combination of the Company pursuant to which the Persons that directly or indirectly “beneficially owned” (as defined below) all classes of the Company’s common equity immediately before such transaction directly or indirectly “beneficially own,” immediately after such transaction, at least fifty percent (50%) of all classes of common equity of the surviving, continuing or acquiring company or other transferee, as applicable, or the parent thereof, will be deemed not to be a Change of Control pursuant to this clause (b).
For the purposes of this definition, (x) any transaction or event described in both clause (a) and in clause (b)(i) or (ii) above (without regard to the proviso in clause (b)) will be deemed to occur solely pursuant to clause (b) above (subject to such proviso); and (y) whether a Person is a “beneficial owner” and whether shares are “beneficially owned” will be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
- 2 -
“Change of Control Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(e).
“Change of Control Repurchase Date” means the date fixed, pursuant to Section 8(c), for the repurchase of any Convertible Preferred Stock by the Company pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control.
“Change of Control Repurchase Notice” means a notice (including a notice substantially in the form of the “Change of Control Repurchase Notice” set forth in Exhibit A) containing the information, or otherwise complying with the requirements, set forth in Section 8(f)(i) and Section 8(f)(ii).
“Change of Control Repurchase Price” means the cash price payable by the Company to repurchase any share of Convertible Preferred Stock upon its Repurchase Upon Change of Control, calculated pursuant to Section 8(d).
“Change of Control Repurchase Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
“Close of Business” means 5:00 p.m., New York City time.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company, subject to Section 10(i).
“Common Stock Abeyance Dividend” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h).
“Common Stock Change Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(i)(i).
“Common Stock Liquidity Conditions” will be satisfied with respect to a Mandatory Conversion or Redemption if:
(a) either (i) each share of Common Stock to be issued upon such Mandatory Conversion of any share of Convertible Preferred Stock or that may be issued upon conversion of any share of Convertible Preferred Stock that is subject to such Redemption would be eligible to be offered, sold or otherwise transferred by the Holder of such share of Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule thereto), without any requirements as to volume, manner of sale, availability of current public information (whether or not then satisfied) or notice; or (ii) the offer and sale of such share of Common Stock by such Holder are registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and such registration statement is reasonably expected by the Company to remain effective and usable, by the Holder to sell such share of Common Stock, continuously during the period from, and including, the date the related Mandatory Conversion Notice or Redemption Notice Date, as applicable, is sent to, and including, the thirtieth (30th) calendar day after the date such share of Common Stock is issued; provided, however, that each Holder will supply all information reasonably requested by the Company for inclusion, and required to be included, in any registration statement or prospectus supplement related to the resale of the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock; provided, further, that if a Holder fails to provide such information to the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days following any such request, then this clause (a)(ii) will automatically be deemed to be satisfied with respect to such Holder;
- 3 -
(b) each share of Common Stock referred to in clause (a) above (i) will, when issued (or, in the case of clause (a)(ii), when sold or otherwise transferred pursuant to the registration statement referred to in such clause) (1) be admitted for book-entry settlement through the Depositary with an “unrestricted” CUSIP number; and (2) not be represented by any certificate that bears a legend referring to transfer restrictions under the Securities Act or other securities laws; and (ii) will, when issued, be listed and admitted for trading, without suspension or material limitation on trading, on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Market or The Nasdaq Global Select Market (or any of their respective successors);
(c) (i) the Company has not received any written threat or notice of delisting or suspension by the applicable exchange referred to in clause (b)(ii) above with a reasonable prospect of delisting, after giving effect to all applicable notice and appeal periods; and (ii) no such delisting or suspension is reasonably likely to occur or is pending based on the Company falling below the minimum listing maintenance requirements of such exchange;
(d) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, together with the shares of Common Stock previously issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, does not exceed the Share Cap, unless the Requisite Stockholder Approval has been obtained or the Share Cap Fall Away has occurred; and
(e) with respect to any Holder, the Company shall not have provided such Holder information that, at the time such Common Stock Liquidity Condition is determined, constitutes material non-public information under the U.S. federal securities laws regarding the Company.
“Common Stock Participating Dividend” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(b)(i).
“Company” means Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Conversion Share” means any share of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock.
“Conversion Consideration” means, with respect to the conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock, the type and amount of consideration payable to settle such conversion, determined in accordance with Section 10.
“Conversion Date” means an Optional Conversion Date or a Mandatory Conversion Date.
“Conversion Notice” means a notice substantially in the form of the “Conversion Notice” set forth in Exhibit A.
“Conversion Price” means, as of any time, an amount equal to (a) the Initial Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock divided by (b) the Conversion Rate in effect at such time.
- 4 -
“Conversion Rate” initially means 20.8333 shares of Common Stock per one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of Liquidation Preference of the Convertible Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Conversion Rate is subject to adjustment pursuant to Sections 10(f) and 10(g). Each reference in this Certificate of Designations or the Convertible Preferred Stock to the Conversion Rate as of a particular date without setting forth a particular time on such date will be deemed to be a reference to the Conversion Rate immediately before the Close of Business on such date.
“Convertible Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Degressive Issuance” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(f)(i)(2).
“Degressive Issuance Sunset Date” means the date on which the Company releases unblinded results for FRI065 Trial Design Of A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Study Of Setmelanotide In Patients With Hypothalamic Obesity (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05774756) including the results of the Primary Endpoints.
“Depositary” means The Depository Trust Company or its successor.
“Depositary Participant” means any member of, or participant in, the Depositary.
“Dividend” means any Regular Dividend or Participating Dividend.
“Dividend Junior Stock” means any class or series of the Company’s stock whose terms do not expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to, or equally with, the Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (without regard to whether or not dividends accumulate cumulatively). As of the Initial Issue Date, the Common Stock is the only Dividend Junior Stock.
“Dividend Parity Stock” means any class or series of the Company’s stock (other than the Convertible Preferred Stock) whose terms expressly provide that such class or series will rank equally with the Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (without regard to whether or not dividends accumulate cumulatively). As of the Initial Issue Date, no shares of Dividend Parity Stock are issued or outstanding.
“Dividend Payment Date” means each Regular Dividend Payment Date with respect to a Regular Dividend and each date on which any declared Participating Dividend is scheduled to be paid on the Convertible Preferred Stock.
“Dividend Senior Stock” means any class or series of the Company’s stock whose terms expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (without regard to whether or not dividends accumulate cumulatively). As of the Initial Issue Date, no shares of Dividend Senior Stock are issued or outstanding.
- 5 -
“Effective Price” has the following meaning with respect to the issuance or sale of any shares of Common Stock or any Equity-Linked Securities:
(a) in the case of the issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock, the value of the consideration received or receivable by (or at the direction of) the Company or any of its Affiliates for such shares, expressed as an amount per share of Common Stock; and
(b) in the case of the issuance or sale of any Equity-Linked Securities, an amount equal to a fraction whose:
(i) numerator is equal to sum, without duplication, of (x) the value of the aggregate consideration received by the Company for the issuance or sale of such Equity-Linked Securities; and (y) the value of the minimum aggregate additional consideration, if any, payable to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Equity-Linked Securities; and
(ii) denominator is equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock underlying such Equity-Linked Securities;
provided, however, that:
(w) for purposes of clauses (a) and (b)(i) above, all underwriting commissions, placement agency commissions or similar commissions paid to any broker-dealer by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with such issuance or sale (excluding any other fees or expenses incurred by the Company or any of its Affiliates) will be added to the aggregate consideration referred to in such clause;
(x) for purposes of clause (b) above, if such minimum aggregate consideration, or such maximum number of shares of Common Stock, is not determinable at the time such Equity-Linked Securities are issued or sold, then (1) the initial consideration payable under such Equity-Linked Securities, or the initial number of shares of Common Stock underlying such Equity-Linked Securities, as applicable, will be used; and (2) at each time thereafter when such amount of consideration or number of shares becomes determinable or is otherwise adjusted (including pursuant to “anti-dilution” or similar provisions), there will be deemed to occur, for purposes of Section 10(f)(i)(2) and without affecting any prior adjustments theretofore made to the Conversion Rate, an issuance of additional Equity-Linked Securities;
(y) for purposes of clause (b) above, the surrender, extinguishment, maturity or other expiration of any such Equity-Linked Securities will be deemed not to constitute consideration payable to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Equity-Linked Securities; and
(z) the “value” of any such consideration will be the fair value thereof, as of the date such shares or Equity-Linked Securities, as applicable, are issued or sold, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors (or, in the case of cash denominated in U.S. dollars, the face amount thereof).
- 6 -
“Electronic Certificate” means any electronic book-entry maintained by the Transfer Agent that represents any share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock.
“Equity-Linked Securities” means any rights, options or warrants to purchase or otherwise acquire (whether immediately, during specified times, upon the satisfaction of any conditions or otherwise) any shares of Common Stock.
“Ex-Dividend Date” means, with respect to an issuance, dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, the first date on which shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such issuance, dividend or distribution (including pursuant to due bills or similar arrangements required by the relevant stock exchange). For the avoidance of doubt, any alternative trading convention on the applicable exchange or market in respect of the Common Stock under a separate ticker symbol or CUSIP number will not be considered “regular way” for this purpose.
“Excess Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h)(i).
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exempt Issuance” means (a) the Company’s issuance of any securities as full or partial consideration in connection with a merger, acquisition, consolidation or purchase of all or substantially all of the securities or assets of a corporation or other entity; (b) the Company’s issuance or grant of shares of Common Stock, options to purchase shares Common Stock, or any other form of equity-based or equity-related awards (including restricted stock units), to employees, prospective employees who have accepted an offer of employment, directors or consultants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to plans that have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors or that exist as of the Initial Issue Date; (c) the Company’s issuance of securities upon the exercise, exchange or conversion of any securities that are exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, shares of Common Stock and are outstanding as of the Initial Issue Date, provided that such exercise, exchange or conversion is effected pursuant to the terms of such securities as in effect on the Initial Issue Date; (d) the Company’s issuance of the Convertible Preferred Stock and any shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock; and (e) the Company’s issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock or Equity-Linked Securities in connection with sponsored research, collaboration, technology license, development, marketing or other similar agreements or strategic partnerships approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock or Equity-Linked Securities issued pursuant to clause (a) and (e) shall not exceed 10% of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. For purposes of this definition, “consultant” means a consultant that may participate in an “employee benefit plan” in accordance with the definition of such term in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
“Holder” means a person in whose name any Convertible Preferred Stock is registered in the Register.
- 7 -
“Initial Issue Date” means April [15], 2024.
“Initial Liquidation Preference” means one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per share of Convertible Preferred Stock.
“Last Reported Sale Price” of the Common Stock for any Trading Day means the closing sale price per share (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the last bid price and the last ask price per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average last bid prices and the average last ask prices per share) of the Common Stock on such Trading Day as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed. If the Common Stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on such Trading Day, then the Last Reported Sale Price will be the last quoted bid price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day in the over-the-counter market as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If the Common Stock is not so quoted on such Trading Day, then the Last Reported Sale Price will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid price and the last ask price per share of Common Stock on such Trading Day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms the Company selects.
“Liquidation Junior Stock” means any class or series of the Company’s stock whose terms do not expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to, or equally with, the Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up. As of the Initial Issue Date, the Common Stock is the only Liquidation Junior Stock.
“Liquidation Parity Stock” means any class or series of the Company’s stock (other than the Convertible Preferred Stock) whose terms expressly provide that such class or series will rank equally with the Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up. As of the Initial Issue Date, no shares of Liquidation Parity Stock are issued or outstanding.
“Liquidation Preference” means, with respect to the Convertible Preferred Stock, an amount initially equal to the Initial Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Liquidation Preference is subject to adjustment pursuant to Sections 5(a)(ii)(1).
“Liquidation Senior Stock” means any class or series of the Company’s stock whose terms expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up. As of the Initial Issue Date, no shares of Liquidation Senior Stock are issued or outstanding.
“Mandatory Conversion” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(c)(i).
“Mandatory Conversion Date” means a Conversion Date designated with respect to any Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 10(c)(i) and 10(c)(iii).
- 8 -
“Mandatory Conversion Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(c)(iv).
“Mandatory Conversion Notice Date” means, with respect to a Mandatory Conversion, the date on which the Company sends the Mandatory Conversion Notice for such Mandatory Conversion pursuant to Section 10(c)(iv).
“Mandatory Conversion Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(c)(i).
“Mandatory Conversion Threshold Price Percentage” means two-hundred and fifty percent (250%).
“Market Disruption Event” means, with respect to any date, the occurrence or existence, during the one-half hour period ending at the scheduled close of trading on such date on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange or other market on which the Common Stock is listed for trading or trades, of any material suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to the Common Stock.
“Maximum Percentage” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h)(i).
“Officer” means the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice-President of the Company.
“Open of Business” means 9:00 a.m., New York City time.
“Optional Conversion” means the conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock other than a Mandatory Conversion.
“Optional Conversion Date” means, with respect to the Optional Conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock, the first Business Day on which the requirements set forth in Section 10(d)(ii) for such conversion are satisfied.
“Ownership Limitation” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h)(i).
“Participating Dividend” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(b)(i).
“Person” or “person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof. Any division or series of a limited liability company, limited partnership or trust will constitute a separate “person” under this Certificate of Designations.
- 9 -
“Physical Certificate” means any certificate (other than an Electronic Certificate) representing any share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock, which certificate is substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, registered in the name of the Holder of such share(s) and duly executed by the Company and countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
“Record Date” means, with respect to any dividend or distribution on, or issuance to holders of, Convertible Preferred Stock or Common Stock, the date fixed (whether by law, contract or the Board of Directors or otherwise) to determine the Holders or the holders of Common Stock, as applicable, that are entitled to such dividend, distribution or issuance.
“Redemption” means the repurchase of any Convertible Preferred Stock by the Company pursuant to Section 7.
“Redemption Date” means the date fixed, pursuant to Section 7(d), for the settlement of the repurchase of the Convertible Preferred Stock by the Company pursuant to a Redemption.
“Redemption Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(f).
“Redemption Notice Date” means, with respect to a Redemption of the Convertible Preferred Stock, the date on which the Company sends the related Redemption Notice pursuant to Section 7(f).
“Redemption Price” means the consideration payable by the Company to repurchase any Convertible Preferred Stock upon its Redemption, calculated pursuant to Section 7(e).
“Redemption Trigger Date” means the fifth anniversary of the Initial Issue Date.
“Reference Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(i)(i).
“Reference Property Unit” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(i)(i).
“Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(e).
“Regular Dividend Payment Date” means, with respect to any share of Convertible Preferred Stock, each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 2026 (or beginning on such other date specified in the Certificate representing such share).
“Regular Dividend Period” means each period from, and including, a Regular Dividend Payment Date (or, in the case of the first Regular Dividend Period, from, and including, the Initial Issue Date) to, but excluding, the next Regular Dividend Payment Date.
“Regular Dividend Rate” means (a) for the period beginning on, and including, the Initial Issue Date and ending on, but excluding, the second anniversary of the Initial Issue Date, zero percent (0%) per annum and (b) for the period beginning on, and including, the second anniversary of the Initial Issue Date, six percent (6%) per annum.
- 10 -
“Regular Dividends” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(i)(1).
“Reported Share Outstanding Number” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(h)(i).
“Repurchase Upon Change of Control” means the repurchase of any Convertible Preferred Stock by the Company pursuant to Section 8.
“Requisite Stockholder Approval” means the stockholder approval contemplated by the Nasdaq listing rules with respect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock in excess of the limitations imposed by such rule; provided, however, that the Requisite Stockholder Approval will be deemed to be obtained if, due to any amendment or binding change in the interpretation of the applicable listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market, such stockholder approval is no longer required for the Company to settle all conversions of the Convertible Preferred Stock in shares of Common Stock without regard to Section 10(h).
“Restricted Stock Legend” means a legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B.
“Revenue Interest Financing Agreement” means that certain Revenue Interest Financing Agreement, dated as of June 16, 2022, among Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., entities managed by Healthcare Royalty Management, LLC identified therein, as investors, and HCR Collateral Management, LLC, as Investor Representative.
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule thereto), as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Scheduled Trading Day” means any day that is scheduled to be a Trading Day on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then traded. If the Common Stock is not so listed or traded, then “Scheduled Trading Day” means a Business Day.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Security” means any Convertible Preferred Stock or Conversion Share.
“Share Cap” means 12,186,607 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in the manner set forth in Section 10(f)(i)(1).
“Share Cap Fall Away” means the event that, as of the Degressive Issuance Sunset Date, the Conversion Rate has not been adjusted as set forth in Section 10(f)(i)(2) to be greater than 23.0786 shares of Common Stock per one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of Liquidation Preference of the Convertible Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment in the manner set forth in Section 10(f)(i)(1).
- 11 -
“Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, for the Company’s primary trading market or quotation system with respect to the Common Stock that is in effect on the Conversion Date, which as of the Initial Issue Date was “T+2.”
“Share Delivery Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(e)(iv).
“Stockholder Voting Power” means the aggregate number of votes entitled to be cast generally at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders held for the election of directors, with the calculation of such aggregate number of votes being conclusively made for all purposes under this Certificate of Designations and the Certificate of Incorporation, absent manifest error, by the Company based on the Company’s review of the Register, the Company’s other books and records, each Holder’s public filings pursuant to Section 13 or Section 16 of the Exchange Act and any other written evidence satisfactory to the Company regarding any Holder’s beneficial ownership of any securities of the Company.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership or limited liability company) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, but after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders’ agreement that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees, as applicable, of such corporation, association or other business entity is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person; and (b) any partnership or limited liability company where (x) more than fifty percent (50%) of the capital accounts, distribution rights, equity and voting interests, or of the general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, of such partnership or limited liability company are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or limited liability company interests or otherwise; and (y) such Person or any one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person is a controlling general partner of, or otherwise controls, such partnership or limited liability company.
“Successor Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(i)(iii).
“Survivor of a Change of Control” means the issuer of the securities received by the holders of Common Stock upon the consummation of a Change of Control, to the extent the holders of Common Stock receive other securities in exchange, conversion or substitution of their Common Stock in the transaction that resulted in such Change of Control.
“Trading Day” means any day on which (a) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then traded; and (b) there is no Market Disruption Event. If the Common Stock is not so listed or traded, then “Trading Day” means a Business Day.
- 12 -
“Transfer Agent” means Computershare Trust Company N.A. or its successor.
“Transfer-Restricted Security” means any Security that constitutes a “restricted security” (as defined in Rule 144); provided, however, that such Security will cease to be a Transfer-Restricted Security upon the earliest to occur of the following events:
(a) such Security is sold or otherwise transferred to a Person (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) pursuant to a registration statement that was effective under the Securities Act at the time of such sale or transfer;
(b) such Security is sold or otherwise transferred to a Person (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) pursuant to an available exemption (including Rule 144) from the registration and prospectus-delivery requirements of, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and, immediately after such sale or transfer, such Security ceases to constitute a “restricted security” (as defined in Rule 144); and
(c) (i) such Security is eligible for resale, by a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company and that has not been an Affiliate of the Company during the immediately preceding three (3) months, pursuant to Rule 144 without any limitations thereunder as to volume, manner of sale, availability of current public information or notice; and (ii) the Company has received such certificates or other documentation or evidence as the Company may reasonably require to determine that the security is eligible for resale pursuant to clause (i) and the Holder, holder or beneficial owner of such Security is not, and that has not been during the immediately preceding three (3) months, an Affiliate of the Company.
“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are owned by such Person or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
Section 2. Rules of Construction. For purposes of this Certificate of Designations:
(a) “or” is not exclusive;
(b) “including” means “including without limitation”;
(c) “will” expresses a command;
(d) the “average” of a set of numerical values refers to the arithmetic average of such numerical values;
(e) a merger involving, or a transfer of assets by, a limited liability company, limited partnership or trust will be deemed to include any division of or by, or an allocation of assets to a series of, such limited liability company, limited partnership or trust, or any unwinding of any such division or allocation;
- 13 -
(f) words in the singular include the plural and in the plural include the singular, unless the context requires otherwise;
(g) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Certificate of Designations as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision of this Certificate of Designations, unless the context requires otherwise;
(h) references to currency mean the lawful currency of the United States of America, unless the context requires otherwise; and
(i) the exhibits, schedules and other attachments to this Certificate of Designations are deemed to form part of this Certificate of Designations.
Section 3. The Convertible Preferred Stock.
(a) Designation; Par Value. A series of stock of the Company titled the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) is hereby designated and created out of the authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock of the Company. The par value of the Convertible Preferred Stock is $0.001 per share.
(b) Number of Authorized Shares. The total authorized number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock is one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000); provided, however that, by resolution of the Board of Directors, the total number of authorized shares of Convertible Preferred Stock may hereafter be reduced to a number that is not less than the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.
(c) Form, Dating and Denominations.
(i) Form and Date of Certificates Representing Convertible Preferred Stock. Each Certificate representing any Convertible Preferred Stock will bear the legends required by Section 3(f) and may bear notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage or the Depositary.
(ii) Certificates.
(1) Generally. The Convertible Preferred Stock will be originally issued initially in the form of one or more Electronic Certificates. Electronic Certificates may be exchanged for Physical Certificates, and Physical Certificates may be exchanged for Electronic Certificates, upon request by the Holder thereof pursuant to customary procedures.
(2) Electronic Certificates; Interpretation. For purposes of this Certificate of Designations, (A) each Electronic Certificate will be deemed to include the text of the stock certificate set forth in Exhibit A; (B) any legend or other notation that is required to be included on a Certificate will be deemed to be included in any Electronic Certificate notwithstanding that such Electronic Certificate may be in a form that does not permit affixing legends thereto; (C) any reference in this Certificate of Designations to the “delivery” of any Electronic Certificate will be deemed to be satisfied upon the registration of the electronic book-entry representing such Electronic Certificate in the name of the applicable Holder; (D) upon satisfaction of any applicable requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, and any related requirements of the Transfer Agent, in each case for the issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock in the form of one or more Electronic Certificates, such Electronic Certificates will be deemed to be executed by the Company and countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
- 14 -
(iii) No Bearer Certificates; Denominations. The Convertible Preferred Stock will be issued only in registered form and only in whole numbers of shares.
(iv) Registration Numbers. Each Certificate representing any Convertible Preferred Stock will bear a unique registration number that is not affixed to any other Certificate representing any other outstanding share of Convertible Preferred Stock.
(d) Method of Payment; Delay When Payment Date is Not a Business Day.
(i) Method of Payment. The Company will pay all cash amounts due on any Convertible Preferred Stock by check issued in the name of the Holder thereof; provided, however, that if such Holder has delivered to the Company, no later than the time set forth in the next sentence, a written request to receive payment by wire transfer to an account of such Holder within the United States, then the Company will pay all such cash amounts by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account. To be timely, such written request must be delivered no later than the Close of Business on the following date: (x) with respect to the payment of any declared cash Participating Dividend due on a Dividend Payment Date for the Convertible Preferred Stock, the related Record Date; and (y) with respect to any other payment, the date that is fifteen (15) calendar days immediately before the date such payment is due.
(ii) Delay of Payment when Payment Date is Not a Business Day. If the due date for a payment on any Convertible Preferred Stock as provided in this Certificate of Designations is not a Business Day, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, such payment may be made on the immediately following Business Day and no interest, dividend or other amount will accrue or accumulate on such payment as a result of the related delay. Solely for purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, a day on which the applicable place of payment is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed will be deemed not to be a “Business Day.”
(e) Register. The Company will, or will retain another Person (who may be to the Transfer Agent) to act as registrar who will, keep a record (the “Register”) of the names and addresses of the Holders, the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by each Holder and the transfer, exchange, repurchase, Redemption and conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock. Absent manifest error, the entries in the Register will be conclusive, and the Company and the Transfer Agent may treat each Person whose name is recorded as a Holder in the Register as a Holder for all purposes. The Register will be in written form or in any form capable of being converted into written form reasonably promptly. The Company will promptly provide a copy of the Register to any Holder upon its request.
- 15 -
(f) Legends.
(i) Restricted Stock Legend.
(1) Each Certificate representing any share of Convertible Preferred Stock that is a Transfer-Restricted Security will bear the Restricted Stock Legend.
(2) If any share of Convertible Preferred Stock is issued in exchange for, in substitution of, or to effect a partial conversion of, any other share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock (such other share(s) being referred to as the “old share(s)” for purposes of this Section 3(f)(i)(2)), including pursuant to Section 3(h) or 3(j), then the Certificate representing such share will bear the Restricted Stock Legend if the certificate representing such old share(s) bore the Restricted Stock Legend at the time of such exchange or substitution, or on the related Conversion Date with respect to such conversion, as applicable; provided, however, that the Certificate representing such share need not bear the Restricted Stock Legend if such share does not constitute a Transfer-Restricted Security immediately after such exchange or substitution, or as of such Conversion Date, as applicable.
(ii) Other Legends. The Certificate representing any Convertible Preferred Stock may bear any other legend or text, not inconsistent with this Certificate of Designations, as may be required by applicable law or by any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which such Convertible Preferred Stock is traded or quoted or as may be otherwise reasonably determined by the Company to be appropriate.
(iii) Legends on Conversion Shares.
(1) Each Conversion Share will bear a legend substantially to the same effect as the Restricted Stock Legend if the Convertible Preferred Stock upon the conversion of which such Conversion Share was issued was (or would have been had it not been converted) a Transfer-Restricted Security at the time such Conversion Share was issued; provided, however, that such Conversion Share need not bear such a legend if the Company determines, in its reasonable discretion, that such Conversion Share need not bear such a legend.
(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 3(f)(iii)(1), a Conversion Share need not bear a legend pursuant to Section 3(f)(iii)(1) if such Conversion Share is issued in an uncertificated form that does not permit affixing legends thereto.
- 16 -
(g) Transfers and Exchanges; Transfer Taxes; Certain Transfer Restrictions.
(i) Provisions Applicable to All Transfers and Exchanges.
(1) Generally. Subject to this Section 3(g), Convertible Preferred Stock represented by any Certificate may be transferred or exchanged from time to time, and the Company will cause each such transfer or exchange to be recorded in the Register.
(2) No Services Charge; Transfer Taxes. The Company will not impose any service charge on any Holder for any transfer, exchange or conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer, exchange or conversion, pursuant to Section 11(d), of Convertible Preferred Stock, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 3(h) or Section 3(o) not involving any transfer.
(3) No Transfers or Exchanges of Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, all transfers or exchanges of Convertible Preferred Stock must be in an amount representing a whole number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, and no fractional share of Convertible Preferred Stock may be transferred or exchanged.
(4) Legends. Each Certificate representing any share of Convertible Preferred Stock that is issued upon transfer of, or in exchange for, another share of Convertible Preferred Stock will bear each legend, if any, required by Section 3(f).
(5) Settlement of Transfers and Exchanges. Upon satisfaction of the requirements of this Certificate of Designations to effect a transfer or exchange of any Convertible Preferred Stock as well as the delivery of all documentation reasonably required by the Transfer Agent or the Company in order to effect any transfer or exchange, the Company will cause such transfer or exchange to be effected as soon as reasonably practicable but in no event later than the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the date of such satisfaction.
(ii) Transfers of Shares Subject to Redemption, Repurchase or Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, the Company will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any share of Convertible Preferred Stock:
(1) that has been surrendered for conversion;
(2) that has been called for Redemption pursuant to a Redemption Notice, except to the extent that the Company fails to pay the related Redemption Price when due; or
(3) as to which a Change of Control Repurchase Notice has been duly delivered, and not withdrawn, pursuant to Section 8(f), except to the extent that the Company fails to pay the related Change of Control Repurchase Price when due.
- 17 -
(h) Exchange and Cancellation of Convertible Preferred Stock to Be Converted or to Be Repurchased Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control or a Redemption.
(i) Partial Conversions of Certificates and Partial Repurchases of Certificates Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control. If only a portion of a Holder’s Convertible Preferred Stock represented by a Certificate (such Certificate being referred to as the “old Certificate” for purposes of this Section 3(h)(i)) is to be converted pursuant to Section 10 or repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control, then, as soon as reasonably practicable after such Certificate is surrendered for such conversion or repurchase, as applicable, the Company will cause such Certificate to be exchanged for (1) one or more Certificates that each represent a whole number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and, in the aggregate, represent a total number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by such old Certificate that are not to be so converted or repurchased, as applicable, and deliver such Certificate(s) to such Holder; and (2) a Certificate representing a whole number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by such old Certificate that are to be so converted or repurchased, as applicable, which Certificate will be converted or repurchased, as applicable, pursuant to the terms of this Certificate of Designations; provided, however, that the Certificate referred to in this clause (2) need not be issued at any time after which such shares subject to such conversion or repurchase, as applicable, are deemed to cease to be outstanding pursuant to Section 3(n).
(ii) Cancellation of Convertible Preferred Stock that Is Converted and Convertible Preferred Stock that Is Repurchased Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control or a Redemption. If a Holder’s Convertible Preferred Stock represented by a Certificate (or any portion thereof that has not theretofore been exchanged pursuant to Section 3(h)(i)) (such Certificate being referred to as the “old Certificate” for purposes of this Section 3(h)(ii)) is to be converted pursuant to Section 10 or repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control or a Redemption, then, promptly after the later of the time such Convertible Preferred Stock is deemed to cease to be outstanding pursuant to Section 3(n) and the time such Certificate is surrendered for such conversion or repurchase, as applicable, (A) such Certificate will be cancelled pursuant to Section 3(l); and (B) in the case of a partial conversion or repurchase, the Company will issue, execute and deliver to such Holder, and cause the Transfer Agent to countersign, one or more Certificates that (x) each represent a whole number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and, in the aggregate, represent a total number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock represented by such old Certificate that are not to be so converted or repurchased, as applicable; (y) are registered in the name of such Holder; and (z) bear each legend, if any, required by Section 3(f).
(i) Status of Retired Shares. Upon any share of Convertible Preferred Stock ceasing to be outstanding, such share will be deemed to be retired and to resume the status of an authorized and unissued share of preferred stock of the Company, and such share cannot thereafter be reissued as Convertible Preferred Stock.
- 18 -
(j) Replacement Certificates. If a Holder of any Convertible Preferred Stock claims that the Certificate(s) representing such Convertible Preferred Stock have been mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, then the Company will issue, execute and deliver, and cause the Transfer Agent to countersign, in each case in accordance with Section 3(c), a replacement Certificate representing such Convertible Preferred Stock upon surrender to the Company or the Transfer Agent of such mutilated Certificate, or upon delivery to the Company or the Transfer Agent of evidence of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking reasonably satisfactory to the Transfer Agent and the Company. In the case of a lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Certificate representing any Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company and the Transfer Agent may require the Holder thereof to provide such security or indemnity that is reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Transfer Agent to protect the Company and the Transfer Agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if such Certificate is replaced.
Every replacement Convertible Preferred Stock issued pursuant to this Section 3(j) will, upon such replacement, be deemed to be outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock, entitled to all of the benefits of this Certificate of Designations equally and ratably with all other Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.
(k) Registered Holders. Only the Holder of any Convertible Preferred Stock will have rights under this Certificate of Designations as the owner of such Convertible Preferred Stock.
(l) Cancellation. The Company may at any time deliver Convertible Preferred Stock to the Transfer Agent for cancellation. The Company will cause the Transfer Agent to promptly cancel all shares of Convertible Preferred Stock so surrendered to it in accordance with its customary procedures.
(m) Shares Held by the Company or its Affiliates. Without limiting the generality of Section 3(n), in determining whether the Holders of the required number of outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, shares of Convertible Preferred Stock owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will be deemed not to be outstanding.
(n) Outstanding Shares.
(i) Generally. The shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that are outstanding at any time will be deemed to be those shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that, at such time, have been duly executed by the Company and countersigned by the Transfer Agent, excluding those shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that have theretofore been (1) cancelled by the Transfer Agent or delivered to the Transfer Agent for cancellation in accordance with Section 3(l); (2) paid in full upon their conversion or upon their repurchase pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control or a Redemption in accordance with this Certificate of Designations; or (3) deemed to cease to be outstanding to the extent provided in, and subject to, clause (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of this Section 3(n).
- 19 -
(ii) Replaced Shares. If any Certificate representing any share of Convertible Preferred Stock is replaced pursuant to Section 3(j), then such share will cease to be outstanding at the time of such replacement, unless the Transfer Agent and the Company receive proof reasonably satisfactory to them that such share is held by a “bona fide purchaser” under applicable law.
(iii) Shares to Be Repurchased Pursuant to a Redemption. If, on a Redemption Date, the Company has segregated, solely for the benefit of the applicable Holders, consideration in kind and amount that is sufficient to pay the aggregate Redemption Price due on such date, then (unless there occurs a default in the payment of the Redemption Price) (1) the Convertible Preferred Stock to be redeemed on such date will be deemed, as of such date, to cease to be outstanding; (2) Regular Dividends will cease to accumulate on such Convertible Preferred Stock from and after such Redemption Date; and (3) the rights of the Holders of such Convertible Preferred Stock, as such, will terminate with respect to such Convertible Preferred Stock, other than the right to receive the Redemption Price as provided in Section 7.
(iv) Shares to Be Repurchased Pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control. If, on a Change of Control Repurchase Date, the Company has segregated, solely for the benefit of the applicable Holders, consideration in kind and amount that is sufficient to pay the aggregate Change of Control Repurchase Price due on such date, then (unless there occurs a default in the payment of the Change of Control Repurchase Price) (1) the Convertible Preferred Stock to be repurchased on such date will be deemed, as of such date, to cease to be outstanding; (2) Regular Dividends will cease to accumulate on such Convertible Preferred Stock from and after such Change of Control Repurchase Date; and (3) the rights of the Holders of such Convertible Preferred Stock, as such, will terminate with respect to such Convertible Preferred Stock, other than the right to receive the Change of Control Repurchase Price as provided in Section 8 and, if applicable, Section 16.
(v) Shares to Be Converted. If any Convertible Preferred Stock is to be converted, then, at the Close of Business on the Conversion Date for such conversion (unless there occurs a default in the delivery of the Conversion Consideration due pursuant to Section 10 upon such conversion): (1) such Convertible Preferred Stock will be deemed to cease to be outstanding; (2) Regular Dividends will cease to accumulate on such Convertible Preferred Stock from and after such Conversion Date; and (3) the rights of the Holders of such Convertible Preferred Stock, as such, will terminate with respect to such Convertible Preferred Stock, other than the right to receive such Conversion Consideration as provided in Section 10 and, if applicable, Section 16.
(o) Notations and Exchanges. Without limiting any rights of Holders pursuant to Section 9, if any amendment, supplement or waiver to the Certificate of Incorporation or this Certificate of Designations changes the terms of any Convertible Preferred Stock, then the Company may, in its discretion, require the Holder of the Certificate representing such Convertible Preferred Stock to deliver such Certificate to the Transfer Agent so that the Transfer Agent may place an appropriate notation prepared by the Company on such Certificate and return such Certificate to such Holder. Alternatively, at its discretion, the Company may, in exchange for such Convertible Preferred Stock, issue, execute and deliver, and cause the Transfer Agent to countersign, in each case in accordance with Section 3(c), a new Certificate representing such Convertible Preferred Stock that reflects the changed terms. The failure to make any appropriate notation or issue a new Certificate representing any Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 3(o) will not impair or affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
- 20 -
Section 4. Ranking. The Convertible Preferred Stock will rank (a) senior to (i) Dividend Junior Stock with respect to the payment of dividends; and (ii) Liquidation Junior Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up; (b) equally with (i) Dividend Parity Stock with respect to the payment of dividends; and (ii) Liquidation Parity Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and (c) junior to (i) Dividend Senior Stock with respect to the payment of dividends; and (ii) Liquidation Senior Stock with respect to the distribution of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Section 5. Dividends.
(a) Generally.
(i) Regular Dividends.
(1) Accumulation and Payment of Regular Dividends. The Convertible Preferred Stock will accumulate cumulative dividends at a rate per annum equal to the Regular Dividend Rate on the Liquidation Preference thereof (calculated in accordance with Section 5(a)(i)(2)), regardless of whether or not declared or funds are legally available for their payment (such dividends that accumulate on the Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this sentence, “Regular Dividends”). Subject to the other provisions of this Section 5 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 5(a)(ii)(1)), such Regular Dividends will be payable quarterly in arrears on each Regular Dividend Payment Date. Regular Dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock will accumulate on a daily basis from, and including, the last date on which Regular Dividends have been paid (or, if no Regular Dividends have been paid, from, and including, the Initial Issue Date) to, but excluding, the next Regular Dividend Payment Date.
(2) Computation of Accumulated Regular Dividends. Accumulated Regular Dividends will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Regular Dividends on each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will accrue on the Liquidation Preference of such share as of immediately before the Close of Business on the preceding Regular Dividend Payment Date (or, if there is no preceding Regular Dividend Payment Date, on the Initial Liquidation Preference of such share).
(ii) Methods of Payment of Regular Dividends; Payments in Kind.
(1) Generally. Subject to the next sentence, each Regular Dividend on the Convertible Preferred Stock will be paid in cash. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, if as of the Close of Business on any Regular Dividend Payment Date (or, if such Regular Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day, the next Business Day), the Company has not paid all or any portion of the full amount of the Regular Dividends (regardless of whether or not declared) that have accumulated on the Convertible Preferred Stock in respect of the Regular Dividend Period ending on, but excluding, such Regular Dividend Payment Date then the dollar amount (expressed as an amount per share of Convertible Preferred Stock) of such Regular Dividend (or, if applicable, portion thereof) not paid in cash will (without duplication) be added, effective immediately before the Close of Business on the related Regular Dividend Payment Date, to the Liquidation Preference of each share of Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding as of such time. Such payment and addition will occur automatically, without the need of any action on the part of the Company or any other Person.
- 21 -
(2) Limitation on PIK Dividends. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5(a)(i), the Company shall, solely to the extent permitted by its Revenue Interest Financing Agreement, be required to pay any Regular Dividend in cash if, prior to or immediately following the payment of any such Regular Dividend in kind, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the then outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, together with any shares of Common Stock previously issued upon conversion of any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, would exceed the Share Cap, unless the Requisite Stockholder Approval has been obtained or the Share Cap Fall Away has occurred. In such event the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the payment of any Regular Dividend in cash to be permitted under its Revenue Interest Financing Agreement to pay any Regular Dividend in cash. For the avoidance of doubt, Regular Dividends shall continue to accumulate on each outstanding share of Convertible Preferred Stock, as set forth in Section 5(a)(i)(1), notwithstanding any limitations on the Company’s ability to pay such Regular Dividend in cash.
(3) Construction. Any Regular Dividends the amount of which is added to the Liquidation Preference thereof pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii)(1) will be deemed to be “declared” and “paid” on the Convertible Preferred Stock for all purposes of this Certificate of Designations.
(b) Participating Dividends.
(i) Generally. Subject to Section 5(b)(ii), no dividend or other distribution on the Common Stock (whether in cash, securities or other property, or any combination of the foregoing) will be declared or paid on the Common Stock unless, at the time of such declaration and payment, an equivalent dividend or distribution is declared and paid, respectively, on the Convertible Preferred Stock (such a dividend or distribution on the Convertible Preferred Stock, a “Participating Dividend,” and such corresponding dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, the “Common Stock Participating Dividend”), such that (1) the Record Date and the payment date for such Participating Dividend occur on the same dates as the Record Date and payment date, respectively, for such Common Stock Participating Dividend and (2) the kind and amount of consideration payable per share of Convertible Preferred Stock in such Participating Dividend is the same kind and amount of consideration that would be payable in the Common Stock Participating Dividend in respect of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that would be issuable (determined in accordance with Section 10 but without regard to Section 10(e)(ii) and Section 10(h)) in respect of one (1) share of Convertible Preferred Stock that is converted pursuant to an Optional Conversion with a Conversion Date occurring on such Record Date (subject to the same arrangements, if any, in such Common Stock Participating Dividend not to issue or deliver a fractional portion of any security or other property, but with such arrangement applying separately to each Holder and computed based on the total number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by such Holder on such Record Date).
- 22 -
(ii) Common Stock Change Events and Stock Splits, Dividends and Combinations. Section 5(b)(i) will not apply to, and no Participating Dividend will be required to be declared or paid in respect of, a Common Stock Change Event, or an event for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate is required pursuant to Section 10(f)(i)(1), as to which Section 10(i) or Section 10(f)(i)(1), respectively, will apply.
(iii) Treatment of Participating Dividends Upon Redemption, Repurchase Upon Change of Control or Conversion. If the Redemption Date, Change of Control Repurchase Date or Conversion Date of any share of Convertible Preferred Stock is after a Record Date for a declared Participating Dividend on the Convertible Preferred Stock and on or before the next Dividend Payment Date, then the Holder of such share at the Close of Business on such Record Date will be entitled, notwithstanding the related Redemption, Repurchase Upon Change of Control or conversion, as applicable, to receive, on or, at the Company’s election, before such Dividend Payment Date, such declared Participating Dividend on such share.
Section 6. Rights Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
(a) Generally. If the Company liquidates, dissolves or winds up, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, then, subject to the rights of any of the Company’s creditors or holders of any outstanding Liquidation Senior Stock, each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will entitle the Holder thereof to receive payment for the greater of the amounts set forth in clause (i) and (ii) below out of the Company’s assets or funds legally available for distribution to the Company’s stockholders, before any such assets or funds are distributed to, or set aside for the benefit of, any Liquidation Junior Stock:
(i) 1.75 multiplied by the sum of:
(1) the Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock; and
(2) all unpaid Regular Dividends that will have accumulated on such share to, but excluding, the date of such payment; and
- 23 -
(ii) the amount such Holder would have received in respect of the number of shares of Common Stock that would be issuable upon conversion of such share of Convertible Preferred Stock assuming the Conversion Date of such conversion occurs on the date of such payment and assuming all outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into Common Stock (without regard as to whether sufficient shares of Common Stock are available out of the Company’s authorized but unissued stock for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock and without regard to any limitation on conversion in accordance with Section 10(h) or Section 10(j)).
Upon payment of such amount in full on the outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock, Holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock will have no rights to the Company’s remaining assets or funds, if any. If such assets or funds are insufficient to fully pay such amount on all outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts payable in respect of all outstanding shares of Liquidation Parity Stock, if any, then, subject to the rights of any of the Company’s creditors or holders of any outstanding Liquidation Senior Stock, such assets or funds will be distributed ratably on the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and Liquidation Parity Stock in proportion to the full respective distributions to which such shares would otherwise be entitled.
(b) Certain Business Combination Transactions Deemed Not to Be a Liquidation. For purposes of Section 6(a), the Company’s consolidation or combination with, or merger with or into, or the sale, lease or other transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, lease or other transfer in connection with the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to, another Person will not, in itself, constitute the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, even if, in connection therewith, the Convertible Preferred Stock is converted into, or is exchanged for, or represents solely the right to receive, other securities, cash or other property, or any combination of the foregoing.
Section 7. Right of the Company to Redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock.
(a) No Right to Redeem Before the Redemption Trigger Date. The Company may not redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock at its option at any time before the Redemption Trigger Date, except as set forth in Section 7(h).
(b) Right to Redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock on or After Redemption Trigger Date. Subject to the terms of this Section 7, the Company has the right, at its election, to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Convertible Preferred Stock, at any time, on a Redemption Date on or after the Redemption Trigger Date, for a cash purchase price equal to the Redemption Price.
(c) Redemption Prohibited in Certain Circumstances. The Company will not call for Redemption, or otherwise send a Redemption Notice in respect of the Redemption of, any Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 7 unless (i) the Company has sufficient funds legally available, and is permitted under the terms of its indebtedness for borrowed money, to fully pay the Redemption Price in respect of all shares of Convertible Preferred Stock called for Redemption; and (ii) the Common Stock Liquidity Conditions are satisfied with respect to such Redemption.
(d) Redemption Date. The Redemption Date for any Redemption will be a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than sixty (60), nor less than thirty (30), calendar days after the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption.
- 24 -
(e) Redemption Price. The Redemption Price for any share of Convertible Preferred Stock to be repurchased pursuant to a Redemption is an amount in cash equal to the Liquidation Preference of such share at the Close of Business on the Redemption Date for such Redemption plus accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends on such share to, but excluding, such Redemption Date (to the extent such accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends are not included in such Liquidation Preference).
(f) Redemption Notice. To call any share of Convertible Preferred Stock for Redemption, the Company must send to the Holder of such share a notice of such Redemption (a “Redemption Notice”). Such Redemption Notice must state:
(i) that such share has been called for Redemption;
(ii) the Redemption Date for such Redemption;
(iii) the Redemption Price per share of Convertible Preferred Stock;
(iv) that Convertible Preferred Stock called for Redemption may be converted at any time before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the Redemption Date (or, if the Company fails to pay the Redemption Price due on such Redemption Date in full, at any time until such time as the Company pays such Redemption Price in full); and
(v) the Conversion Rate in effect on the Redemption Notice Date for such Redemption.
(g) Payment of the Redemption Price. The Company will cause the Redemption Price for each share of Convertible Preferred Stock subject to Redemption to be paid to the Holder thereof on or before the applicable Redemption Date.
(h) Redemption Upon an Antitrust Trigger Event. Subject to the terms of this Section 7, upon the request of any Holder following the occurrence of the Antitrust Trigger Event with respect to the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by such Holder, the Company may, at its election, redeem all or any portion of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to which the Antitrust Trigger Event has occurred, on the Antitrust Redemption Date, for a cash purchase price per share of Convertible Preferred Stock equal to the Initial Liquidation Preference (an “Antitrust Redemption”). The procedures set forth in Sections 7(d), (f) and (g) will apply to any Antitrust Redemption, except that the Redemption Price shall be the Initial Liquidation Preference and the Redemption Date shall be the Antitrust Redemption Date.
Section 8. Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control.
(a) Right of Holders to Require the Company to Repurchase Convertible Preferred Stock upon a Change of Control. Subject to the other terms of this Section 8, if a Change of Control occurs, then each Holder will have the right (the “Change of Control Repurchase Right”) to require the Company or the Survivor of a Change of Control (such Survivor of a Change of Control, the “Acquirer”) to repurchase all, or any whole number of shares that is less than all, of such Holder’s Convertible Preferred Stock on the Change of Control Repurchase Date for such Change of Control for a cash purchase price equal to the Change of Control Repurchase Price. For clarity, any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock in respect of which a Holder does not exercise the right to require the Company to repurchase as set forth in this Section 8 shall remain outstanding.
- 25 -
(b) Funds Legally Available for Payment of Change of Control Repurchase Price; Covenant Not to Take Certain Actions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, but subject to Section 16, (i) the rights of the Holders to receive payment of the Change of Control Repurchase Price pursuant to this Section 8 upon the occurrence of a Change of Control are subject to the prior repayment in full of the loans and all other obligations that are accrued and payable under the terms of the Company’s Revenue Interest Financing Agreement and the termination of the commitments and the termination of all outstanding letters of credit to the extent required under such Revenue Interest Financing Agreement; (ii) the Company or the Acquirer will not be obligated to pay the Change of Control Repurchase Price of any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent, and only to the extent, the Company or the Acquirer does not have sufficient funds legally available to pay the same; and (iii) if the Company or the Acquirer does not have sufficient funds legally available to pay the Change of Control Repurchase Price of all shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that are otherwise to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control, then (1) the Company or the Acquirer, as applicable, will pay the maximum amount of such Change of Control Repurchase Price that can be paid out of funds legally available for payment, which payment will be made pro rata to each Holder based on the total number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock of such Holder that were otherwise to be repurchased pursuant to such Repurchase Upon Change of Control; and (2) at any time thereafter when additional funds of the Company or the Acquirer, as applicable, become legally available for the repurchase of the Convertible Preferred Stock, such funds will be used to redeem the balance of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock which the Company was theretofore obligated to repurchase. Any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock which are not repurchased as a result of the circumstances described herein shall remain outstanding until such shares shall have been redeemed and the Change of Control Repurchase Price therefor, as applicable, shall have been paid or set aside for payment in full. The Company will not voluntarily take any action, or voluntarily engage in any transaction, that would result in a Change of Control unless the Company has (and will have through the date of payment) sufficient funds legally available to fully pay the maximum aggregate Change of Control Repurchase Price that would be payable in respect of such Change of Control on all shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding.
(c) Change of Control Repurchase Date. The Change of Control Repurchase Date for any Change of Control will be a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than thirty five (35), nor less than twenty (20), Business Days after the date the Company sends the related Change of Control Notice pursuant to Section 8(e).
(d) Change of Control Repurchase Price. The Change of Control Repurchase Price for any share of Convertible Preferred Stock to be repurchased upon a Repurchase Upon Change of Control following a Change of Control is an amount in cash equal to one hundred and seventy five percent (175%) of the sum of (i) Liquidation Preference of such share at the Close of Business on such Change of Control Repurchase Date plus (ii) accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends on such share to, but excluding, such Change of Control Repurchase Date (to the extent such accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends are not included in such Liquidation Preference).
- 26 -
(e) Change of Control Notice. On or before the tenth (10th) Business Day before the effective date (or anticipated effective date) of a Change of Control (or, if later, promptly after the Company discovers that a Change of Control may occur), the Company will send to each Holder a notice of such Change of Control (either concurrently with or after the public announcement of the same information) (a “Change of Control Notice”). Such Change of Control Notice must state:
(i) briefly, the events causing such Change of Control;
(ii) the expected effective date of such Change of Control;
(iii) the procedures that a Holder must follow to require the Company to repurchase its Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 8, including the deadline for exercising the Change of Control Repurchase Right and the procedures for submitting and withdrawing a Change of Control Repurchase Notice;
(iv) the Change of Control Repurchase Date for such Change of Control;
(v) the Change of Control Repurchase Price per share of Convertible Preferred Stock;
(vi) the Conversion Rate in effect on the date of such Change of Control Notice and a description and quantification of any adjustments to the Conversion Rate that may result from such Change of Control;
(vii) that shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for which a Change of Control Repurchase Notice has been duly tendered and not duly withdrawn must be delivered to the Company for the Holder thereof to be entitled to receive the Change of Control Repurchase Price; and
(viii) that shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that are subject to a Change of Control Repurchase Notice that has been duly tendered may be converted only if such Change of Control Repurchase Notice is withdrawn in accordance with this Certificate of Designations.
(f) Procedures to Exercise the Change of Control Repurchase Right.
(i) Delivery of Change of Control Repurchase Notice and Shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to Be Repurchased. To exercise its Change of Control Repurchase Right for any share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock following a Change of Control, the Holder thereof must deliver to the Company:
(1) before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the related Change of Control Repurchase Date (or such later time as may be required by law), a duly completed, written Change of Control Repurchase Notice with respect to such share(s); and
- 27 -
(2) such share(s), duly endorsed for transfer, to the extent such share(s) are represented by one or more Physical Certificates.
(ii) Contents of Change of Control Repurchase Notices. Each Change of Control Repurchase Notice with respect to any share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock must state:
(1) if such share(s) are represented by one or more Physical Certificates, the certificate number(s) of such Physical Certificate(s);
(2) the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be repurchased, which must be a whole number; and
(3) that such Holder is exercising its Change of Control Repurchase Right with respect to such share(s).
(iii) Withdrawal of Change of Control Repurchase Notice. A Holder that has delivered a Change of Control Repurchase Notice with respect to any share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock may withdraw such Change of Control Repurchase Notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the Company at any time before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the related Change of Control Repurchase Date. Such withdrawal notice must state:
(1) if such share(s) are represented by one or more Physical Certificates, the certificate number(s) of such Physical Certificate(s);
(2) the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, which must be a whole number; and
(3) the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, if any, that remain subject to such Change of Control Repurchase Notice, which must be a whole number.
If any Holder delivers to the Company any such withdrawal notice withdrawing any share(s) of Convertible Preferred Stock from any Change of Control Repurchase Notice previously delivered to the Company, and such share(s) have been surrendered to the Transfer Agent or the Company, then such share(s) will be returned to the Holder thereof.
(g) Payment of the Change of Control Repurchase Price. Subject to Section 8(b), the Company or the Acquirer, as applicable, will cause the Change of Control Repurchase Price for each share of Convertible Preferred Stock to be repurchased pursuant to a Repurchase Upon Change of Control to be paid to the Holder thereof on or before the later of (i) the applicable Change of Control Repurchase Date; and (ii) the date such share is tendered to the Transfer Agent or the Company.
- 28 -
(h) Compliance with Securities Laws. Notwithstanding anything in this Certificate of Designations to the contrary, in connection with any offer to repurchase by the Company or the Acquirer, as applicable in connection with a Change of Control or Antitrust Trigger Event, the Company or the Acquirer, as applicable, will, if required, (i) comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act; (ii) file a Schedule TO or any other required filing under the Exchange Act; and (iii) otherwise comply with all federal and state securities laws.
Section 9. Voting Rights. The Convertible Preferred Stock will have no voting rights except as set forth in this Section 9 or as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or required by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
(a) Voting and Consent Rights with Respect to Specified Matters.
(i) Generally. Subject to the other provisions of this Section 9(a), while any Convertible Preferred Stock is outstanding, each following event will require, and cannot be effected (either directly or indirectly) without, the affirmative vote or consent of Holders representing at least two thirds (2/3rds) of the then-outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock:
(1) any amendment or modification of the Certificate of Incorporation to authorize or create, or to increase the authorized number of shares of, any class or series of Dividend Parity Stock, Liquidation Parity Stock, Dividend Senior Stock or Liquidation Senior Stock;
(2) any amendment, modification, repeal or waiver of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or this Certificate of Designations that adversely affects the rights, preferences, privileges or powers of the Convertible Preferred Stock (other than an amendment, modification or repeal permitted by Section 9(a)(iii));
(3) increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of Convertible Preferred Stock (except as permitted herein) or issue additional shares of Convertible Preferred Stock;
(4) [Reserved]; or
(5) the Company’s consolidation or combination with, or merger with or into, another Person, or any binding or statutory share exchange or reclassification involving the Convertible Preferred Stock, in each case unless:
(A) the Convertible Preferred Stock either (x) remains outstanding after such consolidation, combination, merger, share exchange or reclassification; or (y) is converted or reclassified into, or is exchanged for, or represents solely the right to receive, preference securities of the continuing, resulting or surviving Person of such consolidation, combination, merger, share exchange or reclassification, or the parent thereof;
- 29 -
(B) the Convertible Preferred Stock that remains outstanding or such preference securities, as applicable, have rights, preferences and voting powers that, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Holders or the holders thereof, as applicable, than the rights, preferences and voting powers, taken as a whole, of the Convertible Preferred Stock immediately before the consummation of such consolidation, combination, merger, share exchange or reclassification; and
(C) the issuer of the Convertible Preferred Stock that remains outstanding or such preference securities, as applicable, is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia that, if not the Company, will succeed to the Company under this Certificate of Designations and the Convertible Preferred Stock;
provided, however, that (x) a consolidation, combination, merger, share exchange or reclassification that satisfies the requirements of clauses (A), (B) and (C) of Section 9(a)(i)(5) will not require any vote or consent pursuant to Section 9(a)(i)(1) or 9(a)(i)(2); and (y) each of the following will be deemed not to adversely affect the rights, preferences or voting powers of the Convertible Preferred Stock (or cause any of the rights, preferences or voting powers of any such preference securities to be “materially less favorable” for purposes of Section 9(a)(i)(5)(B)) and will not require any vote or consent pursuant to Section 9(a)(i)(1), 9(a)(i)(2) or 9(a)(i)(5):
(I) any increase in the number of the authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s undesignated preferred stock;
(II) the creation and issuance, in and of itself, or increase in the authorized or issued number, of any class or series of stock that constitutes both Dividend Junior Stock and Liquidation Junior Stock; and
(III) the application of Section 10(i), including the execution and delivery of any supplemental instruments pursuant to Section 10(i)(iii) solely to give effect to such provision.
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) Certain Amendments Permitted Without Consent. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 9(a), the Company may amend, modify or repeal any of the terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock without the vote or consent of any Holder to:
(1) cure any ambiguity or correct any omission, defect or inconsistency in this Certificate of Designations or the Certificates representing the Convertible Preferred Stock, including the filing of a certificate of correction, or a corrected instrument, pursuant to Section 103(f) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) in connection therewith; or
- 30 -
(2) make any other change to the Certificate of Incorporation, this Certificate of Designations or the Certificates representing the Convertible Preferred Stock that does not, individually or in the aggregate with all other such changes, adversely affect the rights of any Holder (other than any Holders that have consented to such change), as such, in any material respect.
(b) Right to Vote with Holders of Common Stock on an As-Converted Basis. Subject to the other provisions of, and without limiting the other voting rights provided in, this Section 9, and except as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or required by the DGCL, the Holders will have the right, from and after the Antitrust Clearance Date, to vote together as a single class with the holders of the Common Stock on each matter submitted for a vote or consent by the holders of the Common Stock, and, solely for these purposes, (i) the Convertible Preferred Stock of each Holder will entitle such Holder to cast a number of votes on such matter equal to the number of votes such Holder would have been entitled to cast if such Holder were the holder of record, as of the record or other relevant date for such matter, of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that would be issuable (determined in accordance with Section 10(e), including Section 10(e)(ii), but without regard to Section 10(e)(iii)) upon conversion of such Convertible Preferred Stock assuming such Convertible Preferred Stock were converted pursuant to an Optional Conversion with a Conversion Date occurring on such record or other relevant date (without regard as to whether sufficient shares of Common Stock are available out of the Company’s authorized but unissued stock); and (ii) the Holders will be entitled to notice of all stockholder meetings or proposed actions by written consent in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Company, and the DGCL as if the Holders were holders of Common Stock. For the avoidance of doubt, the voting rights set forth in this Section 9(b) (i) will be limited or eliminated, as applicable, in accordance with Section 10(h); and (ii) will not apply at any time before the Antitrust Clearance Date. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limiting the voting rights set forth in this Section 9(b), no Holder of Convertible Preferred Stock will be treated as the holder of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Convertible Preferred Stock before the time set forth in Section 10(d)(iv) in connection with the conversion of such Convertible Preferred Stock.
(c) Procedures for Voting and Consents.
(i) Voting Power of the Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote on each matter on which the Holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to vote separately as a class and not together with the holders of any other class or series of stock.
(ii) Written Consent in Lieu of Stockholder Meeting. A consent or affirmative vote of the Holders pursuant to Section 9(a) may be given or obtained either in writing without a meeting or in person or by proxy at a regular annual meeting or a special meeting of stockholders.
- 31 -
Section 10. Conversion.
(a) Generally. Subject to the provisions of this Section 10, the Convertible Preferred Stock may be converted only pursuant to a Mandatory Conversion or an Optional Conversion.
(b) Conversion at the Option of the Holders.
(i) Conversion Right; When Shares May Be Submitted for Optional Conversion. Subject to the provisions of this Section 10, from and after the Antitrust Clearance Date, Holders will have the right to submit all, or any whole number of shares that is less than all, of their shares of Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to an Optional Conversion at any time after the Initial Issue Date; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations and in addition to any other requirements for Optional Conversion of such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock,
(1) if a Change of Control Repurchase Notice is validly delivered pursuant to Section 8(f)(i) with respect to any share of Convertible Preferred Stock, then such share may not be submitted for Optional Conversion, except to the extent (A) such share is not subject to such notice; (B) such notice is withdrawn in accordance with Section 8(f)(iii); or (C) the Company fails to pay the Change of Control Repurchase Price for such share in accordance with this Certificate of Designations;
(2) shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that are called for Redemption may not be submitted for Optional Conversion after the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the related Redemption Date (or, if the Company fails to pay the Redemption Price due on such Redemption Date in full, at any time until such time as the Company pays such Redemption Price in full); and
(3) shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that are subject to Mandatory Conversion may not be submitted for Optional Conversion after the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the related Mandatory Conversion Date.
(ii) Conversions of Fractional Shares Not Permitted. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, in no event will any Holder be entitled to convert a number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that is not a whole number.
(c) Mandatory Conversion at the Company’s Election.
(i) Mandatory Conversion Right. Subject to the provisions of this Section 10, the Company has the right (the “Mandatory Conversion Right”), exercisable at its election from and after the Antitrust Clearance Date, to designate any Business Day after the Initial Issue Date as a Conversion Date for the conversion (such a conversion, a “Mandatory Conversion”) of all, but not less than all, of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, but only if the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock exceeds the product of the Mandatory Conversion Threshold Price Percentage and the Conversion Price on each of at least twenty (20) Trading Days (whether or not consecutive) during the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately before the Mandatory Conversion Notice Date for such Mandatory Conversion.
- 32 -
(ii) Mandatory Conversion Prohibited in Certain Circumstances. The Company will not exercise its Mandatory Conversion Right, or otherwise send a Mandatory Conversion Notice, with respect to any Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 10(c) unless the Common Stock Liquidity Conditions are satisfied with respect to the Mandatory Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10(c), the Company’s exercise of its Mandatory Conversion Right, and any related Mandatory Conversion Notice, will not apply to any share of Convertible Preferred Stock as to which a Change of Control Repurchase Notice has been duly delivered, and not withdrawn, pursuant to Section 8(f).
(iii) Mandatory Conversion Date. The Mandatory Conversion Date for any Mandatory Conversion will be a Business Day of the Company’s choosing that is no more than fifteen (15), nor less than ten (10), Business Days after the Mandatory Conversion Notice Date for such Mandatory Conversion.
(iv) Mandatory Conversion Notice. To exercise its Mandatory Conversion Right with respect to any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company must send to each Holder of such shares a written notice of such exercise (a “Mandatory Conversion Notice”).
Such Mandatory Conversion Notice must state:
(1) that the Company has exercised its Mandatory Conversion Right to cause the Mandatory Conversion of the shares;
(2) the Mandatory Conversion Date for such Mandatory Conversion and the date scheduled for the settlement of such Mandatory Conversion;
(3) that shares of Convertible Preferred Stock subject to Mandatory Conversion may be converted earlier at the option of the Holders thereof pursuant to an Optional Conversion at any time before the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately before the Mandatory Conversion Date; and
(4) the Conversion Price and the Conversion Rate in effect on the Mandatory Conversion Notice Date for such Mandatory Conversion.
(d) Conversion Procedures.
(i) Mandatory Conversion. If the Company duly exercises, in accordance with this Section 10(c), its Mandatory Conversion Right with respect to any share of Convertible Preferred Stock, then (1) the Mandatory Conversion of such share will occur automatically and without the need for any action on the part of the Holder(s) thereof; and (2) the shares of Common Stock due upon such Mandatory Conversion will be registered in the name of, and, if applicable, the cash due upon such Mandatory Conversion will be delivered to, the Holder(s) of such share of Convertible Preferred Stock as of the Close of Business on the related Mandatory Conversion Date.
- 33 -
(ii) Requirements for Holders to Exercise Optional Conversion Right.
(1) Generally. To convert any share of Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to an Optional Conversion, the Holder of such share must (w) complete, manually sign and deliver to the Company a Conversion Notice; (x) deliver any Physical Certificate representing such Convertible Preferred Stock to the Company (at which time such Optional Conversion will become irrevocable); (y) furnish any endorsements and transfer documents that the Company may reasonably require; and (z) if applicable, pay any documentary or other taxes as pursuant to Section 11(d).
(2) Optional Conversion Permitted only During Business Hours. Convertible Preferred Stock may be surrendered for Optional Conversion only after the Open of Business and before the Close of Business on a day that is a Business Day.
(iii) No Adjustments for Accumulated Regular Dividends. Without limiting any adjustments to the Liquidation Preference required by this Certificate of Designations, the Conversion Rate will not be adjusted to account for any accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends on any Convertible Preferred Stock being converted.
(iv) When Holders Become Stockholders of Record of the Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. The Person in whose name any share of Common Stock is issuable upon conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock will be deemed to become the holder of record of such share as of the Close of Business on the Conversion Date for such conversion.
(e) Settlement upon Conversion.
(i) Generally. Subject to Section 10(e)(ii), Section 10(h) and Section 14(b), the consideration due upon settlement of the conversion of each share of Convertible Preferred Stock will consist of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (A) the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Close of Business on the Conversion Date for such conversion; and (B) the quotient obtained by dividing (I) the sum of (x) the Liquidation Preference of such share of Convertible Preferred Stock immediately before the Close of Business on such Conversion Date and (y) an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends on such share of Convertible Preferred Stock to, but excluding, such Conversion Date (but only to the extent such accumulated and unpaid Regular Dividends are not included in the Liquidation Preference referred to in the preceding clause (x)), by (II) the Initial Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock.
- 34 -
(ii) Payment of Cash in Lieu of any Fractional Share of Common Stock. Subject to Section 14(b), in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock otherwise due upon conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company will, to the extent it is legally able to do so, pay cash based on the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Common Stock on the Conversion Date for such conversion (or, if such Conversion Date is not a Trading Day, the immediately preceding Trading Day).
(iii) [Reserved]
(iv) Delivery of Conversion Consideration. The Company will pay or deliver, as applicable, the Conversion Consideration due upon conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock on or before the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the Conversion Date for such conversion (the “Share Delivery Date”). The Company understands that a delay in the delivery of the shares of Common Stock after the Share Delivery Date could result in economic loss to the Holder. As compensation to the Holder for such loss, if (i) the Company fails to deliver the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Holder is entitled upon the Holder’s conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock within the time period specified above and (ii) the Holder has not exercised its Buy-In rights as provided below with respect to such shares, the Company agrees to pay (as liquidated damages and not as a penalty) to the Holder for late issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Convertible Preferred Stock the proportionate amount of $100 per Trading Day (increasing to $200 per Trading Day after the tenth (10th) Trading Day) after the Share Delivery Date for each $10,000 of shares of Common Stock for which the Convertible Preferred Stock is converted which are not timely delivered. For purposes of clarification, if the Company is obligated to make payments of liquidated damages pursuant to this Section 10(e)(iv) for late issuance of shares of Common Stock, then it shall not also be obligated to make Buy-In payments as described below with respect to those same shares of Common Stock. The Company shall pay any payments incurred under this Section 10(e)(iv) in immediately available funds upon demand.
(v) Buy-In. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails for any reason to effect delivery of the shares of Common Stock to the holder by the Share Delivery Date and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder or its brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Common Stock which the holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased, minus any amounts paid to the Holder by the Company as liquidated damages as described in Section 10(e)(iv) above, exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of shares of Common Stock that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the conversion at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Convertible Preferred Stock and equivalent number of shares of Common Stock for which such conversion was not honored (in which case such conversion shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted conversion of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000, assuming no liquidated damages. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver certificates representing shares of Common Stock upon exercise of Convertible Preferred Stock as required pursuant to the terms hereof.
- 35 -
(f) Conversion Rate Adjustments.
(i) Events Requiring an Adjustment to the Conversion Rate. The Conversion Rate will be adjusted from time to time as follows:
(1) Stock Dividends, Splits and Combinations. If the Company issues solely shares of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on all or substantially all shares of the Common Stock, or if the Company effects a stock split or a stock combination of the Common Stock (in each case excluding an issuance solely pursuant to a Common Stock Change Event, as to which Section 10(i) will apply), then the Conversion Rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:
where:
| CR0 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately before the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately before the Close of Business on the effective date of such stock split or stock combination, as applicable; |
| CR1 | = | the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the Close of Business on such Record Date or effective date, as applicable; |
| OS0 | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before the Close of Business on such Record Date or effective date, as applicable, without giving effect to such dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination; and |
| OS1 | = | the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination. |
- 36 -
If any dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination of the type described in this Section 10(f)(i)(1) is declared or announced, but not so paid or made, then the Conversion Rate will be readjusted, effective as of the date the Board of Directors, or any Officer acting pursuant to authority conferred by the Board of Directors, determines not to pay such dividend or distribution or to effect such stock split or stock combination, to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had such dividend, distribution, stock split or stock combination not been declared or announced.
(2) Degressive Issuances. If, at any time during the period from, and including, the Initial Issue Date to, and including, the Degressive Issuance Sunset Date, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries issues or otherwise sells any shares of Common Stock, or any Equity-Linked Securities, in each case at an Effective Price per share of Common Stock that is less than the Conversion Price in effect (before giving effect to the adjustment required by this Section 10(f)(i)(2)) as of the date of the issuance or sale of such shares or Equity-Linked Securities (such an issuance or sale, a “Degressive Issuance”), then, effective as of the Close of Business on such date, the Conversion Rate will be increased to an amount equal to (x) the Initial Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock, divided by (y) the product of (i) such Effective Price per share of Common Stock, multiplied by (ii) 1.2; provided, however, that (A) the Conversion Rate will not be adjusted pursuant to this Section 10(f)(i)(2) as a result of an Exempt Issuance; (B) the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to any such Equity-Linked Securities will not constitute an additional issuance or sale of shares of Common Stock for purposes of this Section 10(f)(i)(2) (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that the issuance or sale of such Equity-Linked Securities, or any re-pricing or amendment thereof, will be subject to this Section 10(f)(i)(2)); and (C) in no event will the Conversion Rate be decreased pursuant to this Section 10(f)(i)(2).
For purposes of this Section 10(f)(i)(2), any re-pricing or amendment of any Equity-Linked Securities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Equity-Linked Securities existing as of the Initial Issue Date) will be deemed to be the issuance of additional Equity-Linked Securities, without affecting any prior adjustments theretofore made to the Conversion Rate.
(ii) No Other Required Adjustments. Without limiting the operation of Sections 5(a)(ii)(1) and 10(e)(i), the Company will not be required to adjust the Conversion Rate except pursuant to Section 10(f)(i).
(iii) Determination of the Number of Outstanding Shares of Common Stock. For purposes of Section 10(f)(i), the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time will (1) include shares issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock; and (2) exclude shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s treasury (unless the Company pays any dividend or makes any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in its treasury).
- 37 -
(iv) Calculations. All calculations with respect to the Conversion Rate and adjustments thereto will be made to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share of Common Stock (with 5/100,000ths rounded upward).
(v) Notice of Conversion Rate Adjustments. Upon the effectiveness of any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 10(f)(i), the Company will promptly send notice to the Holders containing (1) a brief description of the transaction or other event on account of which such adjustment was made; (2) the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after such adjustment; and (3) the effective time of such adjustment.
(g) Voluntary Conversion Rate Increases.
(i) Generally. To the extent permitted by law and applicable stock exchange rules, the Company, from time to time, may (but is not required to) increase the Conversion Rate by any amount if (1) the Board of Directors determines that such increase is in the Company’s best interest or that such increase is advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax imposed on holders of Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock as a result of any dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) of Common Stock or any similar event; (2) such increase is in effect for a period of at least twenty (20) Business Days; and (3) such increase is irrevocable during such period.
(ii) Notice of Voluntary Increase. If the Board of Directors determines to increase the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 10(g)(i), then, no later than the first Business Day of the related twenty (20) Business Day period referred to in Section 10(g)(i), the Company will send notice to each Holder of such increase to the Conversion Rate, the amount thereof and the period during which such increase will be in effect.
(h) Restriction on Conversions.
(i) Limitation on Conversion Right. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, unless and until the Requisite Stockholder Approval is obtained, no shares of Common Stock will be issued or delivered upon conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock of any Holder, and no Convertible Preferred Stock of any Holder will be convertible, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such issuance, delivery, conversion or convertibility would result in such Holder or a “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) beneficially owning in excess of nineteen and ninety-nine-one-hundredths percent (19.99%) of the then-outstanding Stockholder Voting Power (the restrictions set forth in this sentence, the “Ownership Limitation”). For these purposes, beneficial ownership and calculations of percentage ownership will be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
- 38 -
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the written election of a holder of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, no such holder of Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to effect a conversion of any portion of its shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, to vote in its capacity as a holder of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to matters submitted to holders of the Common Stock or take delivery of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock, in each case, to the extent that, after giving effect to such conversion, action or delivery, as applicable, such holder, together with all other Attribution Parties (as defined below), collectively would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise (such percentage, subject to such modifications in accordance with, and subject to the limitations set forth in, this paragraph, the “Maximum Percentage”). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such holder and the other Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock held by the holder and all other Attribution Parties plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to which the determination of such sentence is being made, but shall exclude shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) conversion of the remaining, unconverted portion of such shares of Convertible Preferred Stock beneficially owned by such holder or any other Attribution Party and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other securities of the Company beneficially owned by such holder or any other Attribution Party subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained in this paragraph. For purposes of determining the number of shares of Common Stock the holder may acquire upon the conversion of shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock without exceeding the Maximum Percentage, such holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (1) the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other public filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the case may be, (2) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (3) any other written notice by the Company or the transfer agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (the “Reported Outstanding Share Number”). If the Company receives a Conversion Notice from a holder of Convertible Preferred Stock at a time when the actual number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is less than the Reported Outstanding Share Number, the Company shall (i) notify such holder in writing of the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding and, to the extent that such Conversion Notice would otherwise cause such holder’s beneficial ownership, as determined pursuant to this paragraph, to exceed the Maximum Percentage, such holder must notify the Company of a reduced number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock to be converted pursuant to such Conversion Notice. For any reason at any time, upon the written or oral request of a holder of Convertible Preferred Stock, where such request indicates that it is being made pursuant to this Certificate of Designation, the Company shall within two (2) business days confirm orally and in writing or by electronic mail to such holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company by such holder and any other Attribution Party since the date as of which the Reported Outstanding Share Number was reported. In the event that the issuance of shares of Common Stock to the Holder upon the conversion of any of such holder’s shares of Convertible Preferred Stock results in the Holder and the other Attribution Parties being deemed to beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than the Maximum Percentage of the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, the number of shares so issued by which such holder’s and the other Attribution Parties’ aggregate beneficial ownership exceeds the Maximum Percentage (the “Excess Shares”) shall be deemed null and void and shall be cancelled ab initio, and such holder shall not have the power to vote or to transfer the Excess Shares. As soon as reasonably practicable after the issuance of the Excess Shares has been deemed null and void and/or any other shares of Convertible Preferred Stock have been purported to be converted or mandatorily converted in excess of the limitations set forth in this paragraph, the Company shall return to the Holder the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock corresponding to such excess. Upon delivery of a written notice to the Company, a holder of Convertible Preferred Stock may from time to time increase (with such increase not effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after delivery of such notice) or decrease the Maximum Percentage to any other percentage that is not in excess of 19.99% (except that such increased percentage may exceed 19.99% in the event that (x) the Requisite Stockholder Approval is obtained or (y) the Company is not subject to rules of the relevant trading market limiting issuances of shares of Common Stock in excess of such amount) as specified in such notice; provided that (i) any such increase in the Maximum Percentage will not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Company, and (ii) any such increase or decrease will apply only to such holder of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and the other Attribution Parties and not to any other holder of Convertible Preferred Stock. For purposes of clarity, the shares of Common Stock underlying such holder’s shares of Convertible Preferred Stock in excess of the Maximum Percentage shall not be deemed to be beneficially owned by such holder for any purpose including for purposes of Section 13(d) or Rule 16a-1(a)(1) of the Exchange Act. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this paragraph to the extent necessary to correct this paragraph or any portion of this paragraph which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended beneficial ownership limitation contained in this paragraph or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitation as contained in this paragraph may not be waived and shall apply to a successor holder of the Convertible Preferred Stock. The limitation contained in this paragraph shall apply to a holder from and after the delivery of such written election to the Company and shall cease to apply thereafter only upon sixty-one (61) days’ written notice from such holder to the Company of an election to increase or decrease or remove such limitation; provided, that such election to be subject to such limitation shall be irrevocable if the holder so electing specifies in writing to the Company that such election is irrevocable. For the avoidance of doubt, the limitation contained in this paragraph shall not apply to any holder that has not elected in writing to be subject to such limitation. As used in this Certificate of Designation with respect to any holder of Convertible Preferred Stock, “Attribution Parties” means, collectively, the following persons and entities: such holder, any of its Affiliates or principals, any person acting or who could be deemed to be acting as a group together with such holder or any of the foregoing for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of the Common Stock would or could be aggregated with such holder’s and the other Attribution Parties’ for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.
- 39 -
Any purported delivery of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock will be void and have no effect to the extent, but only to the extent, that such delivery would result in any Holder becoming the beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock outstanding at such time in excess of the Ownership Limitation or, if applicable, the Maximum Percentage. For the avoidance of doubt, a Holder may effect an Optional Conversion, and the Company may, upon exercise of its Mandatory Conversion Right, force conversion of, such Holder’s Convertible Preferred Stock, up to the Ownership Limitation or, if applicable, the Maximum Percentage, in each case subject to the immediately following paragraph and the other requirements of this Certificate of Designations applicable to such Optional Conversion or Mandatory Conversion, as applicable.
If any Conversion Consideration otherwise due upon the conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock (whether upon Redemption, Mandatory Conversion or otherwise) is not delivered as a result of the Ownership Limitation or, if applicable, the Maximum Percentage, then the Company’s obligation to deliver such Conversion Consideration (the “Abeyance Shares”) will not be extinguished, and the Company will deliver the Abeyance Shares as soon as reasonably practicable after the Holder of such Convertible Preferred Stock provides written evidence satisfactory to the Company that such delivery will not contravene the Ownership Limitation or, if applicable, the Maximum Percentage. A Holder will provide such evidence as soon as reasonably practicable after its beneficial ownership is such that the Abeyance Shares may be delivered without contravening the Ownership Limitation or, if applicable, the Maximum Percentage. Until the Abeyance Shares have been delivered:
(1) The number of Abeyance Shares shall be subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 10(f)(i)(1).
(2) No dividend or other distribution on the Common Stock (whether in cash, securities or other property, or any combination of the foregoing) will be declared or paid on the Common Stock unless, at the time of such declaration and payment, an equivalent dividend or distribution is declared and paid, respectively, on the Abeyance Shares (such a dividend or distribution on the Abeyance Shares, an “Abeyance Dividend,” and such corresponding dividend or distribution on the Common Stock, the “Common Stock Abeyance Dividend”), such that (1) the Record Date and the payment date for such Abeyance Dividend occur on the same dates as the Record Date and payment date, respectively, for such Common Stock Abeyance Dividend and (2) the kind and amount of consideration payable per Abeyance Share in such Abeyance Dividend is the same kind and amount of consideration that would be payable in the Common Stock Abeyance Dividend.
(3) The provisions of Section 10(e)(iv) and (v) will apply to the delivery of the Abeyance Shares, mutatis mutandis.
- 40 -
(4) The Company will reserve, out of its authorized, unreserved and not outstanding shares of Common Stock, for delivery a number of shares of Common Stock that would be sufficient to settle the obligation to delivery of the Abeyance Shares.
(5) In the event of any Common Stock Change Event, the Company’s obligation to deliver Abeyance Shares will be replaced by an obligation to deliver an equal number of Reference Property Units.
For the avoidance of doubt, such converted Convertible Preferred Stock will be extinguished, will no longer accrue Regular Dividends and will not benefit from any Liquidation Preference.
(i) Effect of Common Stock Change Event.
(i) Generally. If there occurs any:
(1) recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock, other than (x) changes solely resulting from a subdivision or combination of the Common Stock, (y) a change only in par value or from par value to no par value or no par value to par value or (z) stock splits and stock combinations that do not involve the issuance of any other series or class of securities;
(2) consolidation, merger, combination or binding or statutory share exchange involving the Company;
(3) sale, lease or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person; or
(4) other similar event,
and, as a result of which, the Common Stock is converted into, or is exchanged for, or represents solely the right to receive, other securities, cash or other property, or any combination of the foregoing (such an event, a “Common Stock Change Event,” and such other securities, cash or property, the “Reference Property,” and the amount and kind of Reference Property that a holder of one (1) share of Common Stock would be entitled to receive on account of such Common Stock Change Event (without giving effect to any arrangement not to issue or deliver a fractional portion of any security or other property), a “Reference Property Unit”), then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations,
(A) from and after the effective time of such Common Stock Change Event, (I) the consideration due upon conversion of any Convertible Preferred Stock will be determined in the same manner as if each reference to any number of shares of Common Stock in this Section 10 or in Section 11, or in any related definitions, were instead a reference to the same number of Reference Property Units; (II) for purposes of Section 10(c), each reference to any number of shares of Common Stock in such Section (or in any related definitions) will instead be deemed to be a reference to the same number of Reference Property Units; and (III) for purposes of the definition of “Change of Control,” the terms “Common Stock” and “common equity” will be deemed to mean the common equity (including depositary receipts representing common equity), if any, forming part of such Reference Property; and
- 41 -
(B) for these purposes, the Last Reported Sale Price of any Reference Property Unit or portion thereof that does not consist of a class of securities will be the fair value of such Reference Property Unit or portion thereof, as applicable, determined in good faith by the Company (or, in the case of cash denominated in U.S. dollars, the face amount thereof).
If the Reference Property consists of more than a single type of consideration to be determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election, then the composition of the Reference Property Unit will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration actually received, per share of Common Stock, by the holders of Common Stock. The Company will notify the Holders of such weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.
(ii) Compliance Covenant. The Company will not become a party to any Common Stock Change Event unless its terms are consistent with this Section 10(i).
(iii) Execution of Supplemental Instruments. On or before the date the Common Stock Change Event becomes effective, the Company and, if applicable, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if not the Company) of such Common Stock Change Event (the “Successor Person”) will execute and deliver such supplemental instruments, if any, as the Company reasonably determines are necessary or desirable to (1) provide for subsequent adjustments to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 10(f)(i) in a manner consistent with this Section 10(i); and (2) give effect to such other provisions, if any, as the Company reasonably determines are appropriate to preserve the economic interests of the Holders and to give effect to Section 10(i)(i). If the Reference Property includes shares of stock or other securities or assets of a Person other than the Successor Person, then such other Person will also execute such supplemental instrument(s) and such supplemental instrument(s) will contain such additional provisions, if any, that the Company reasonably determines are appropriate to preserve the economic interests of Holders.
(iv) Notice of Common Stock Change Event. The Company will provide notice of each Common Stock Change Event to Holders no later than the effective date of the Common Stock Change Event.
(j) Limitation on Share Issuances. In no event shall the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock exceed the Share Cap unless the Requisite Stockholder Approval has been obtained or the Share Cap Fall Away has occurred. If at any time the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, together with the shares of Common Stock previously issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, exceeds the Share Cap, unless the Share Cap Fall Away has occurred, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the Requisite Stockholder Approval, including by seeking such approval, if not previously obtained, at each future regular annual meeting of its stockholders and endorsing its approval in the related proxy materials. The Company will promptly notify the Holders if the Requisite Stockholder Approval is obtained. If the Requisite Stockholder Approval is not obtained at the applicable annual meeting of stockholders, if any, then the Regular Dividend Rate will be increased by one percent (1%) until the date when the Requisite Stockholder Approval is first obtained, if at all. If, prior to the receipt of the Requisite Stockholder Approval or the Share Cap Fall Away, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, together with the shares of Common Stock previously issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, would exceed the Share Cap, each Holder shall be entitled to convert up to a number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock that are convertible into its pro rata amount of such Share Cap, calculated based on the number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock held by each such Holder.
- 42 -
Section 11. Certain Provisions Relating to the Issuance of Common Stock.
(a) Equitable Adjustments to Prices. Whenever this Certificate of Designations requires the Company to calculate the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices, or any function thereof, over a period of multiple days (including to calculate an adjustment to the Conversion Rate), the Company will make appropriate adjustments, if any, to those calculations to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 10(f)(i) that becomes effective, or any event requiring such an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date, effective date or Expiration Date, as applicable, of such event occurs, at any time during such period.
(b) Reservation of Shares of Common Stock. The Company will reserve, out of its authorized, unreserved and not outstanding shares of Common Stock, for delivery upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, a number of shares of Common Stock that would be sufficient to settle the conversion of all shares of Convertible Preferred Stock then outstanding, if any. To the extent the Company delivers shares of Common Stock held in the Company’s treasury in settlement of any obligation under this Certificate of Designations to deliver shares of Common Stock, each reference in this Certificate of Designations to the issuance of shares of Common Stock in connection therewith will be deemed to include such delivery.
(c) Status of Shares of Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock delivered upon conversion of on the Convertible Preferred Stock of any Holder will be a newly issued or treasury share and will be duly and validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable, free from preemptive rights and free of any lien or adverse claim (except to the extent of any lien or adverse claim created by the action or inaction of such Holder or the Person to whom such share of Common Stock will be delivered). If the Common Stock is then listed on any securities exchange, or quoted on any inter-dealer quotation system, then the Company will cause each such share of Common Stock, when so delivered, to be admitted for listing on such exchange or quotation on such system.
(d) Taxes Upon Issuance of Common Stock. The Company will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax or duty due on the issue of any shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock of any Holder, except any tax or duty that is due because such Holder requests those shares to be registered in a name other than such Holder’s name.
- 43 -
Section 12. No Preemptive Rights. Without limiting the rights of any Holder set forth in this Certificate of Designations (including in connection with the issuance of Common Stock or Reference Property upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock) or the Investment Agreement, the Holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock will not have any preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase any of the Company’s securities.
Section 13. Tax Treatment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designations, for U.S. federal and other applicable state and local income tax purposes, it is intended that the Convertible Preferred Stock will not be treated as “preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 305(b)(4) of Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.305-5(a). The Company will, and will cause its Subsidiaries and agents to, report consistently with, and take no positions or actions inconsistent with, the foregoing treatment (including by way of withholding) unless otherwise required by a change in law, a determination within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code, or any other settlement on audit that is binding on the Company. Each Holder agrees to provide, at the time it becomes a party hereto and thereinafter upon reasonable request or as required under applicable law (including if such form becomes inaccurate, expired, or obsolete), a valid and duly completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.
Section 14. Calculations.
(a) Responsibility; Schedule of Calculations. Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Designations, the Company will be responsible for making all calculations called for under this Certificate of Designations or the Convertible Preferred Stock, including determinations of the Conversion Rate, the Last Reported Sale Prices and accumulated Regular Dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company will make all calculations in good faith, and, absent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on all Holders. The Company will provide a schedule of such calculations to any Holder upon written request.
(b) Calculations Aggregated for Each Holder. The composition of the Conversion Consideration due upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock of any Holder will be computed based on the total number of shares of Convertible Preferred Stock of such Holder being converted with the same Conversion Date. For these purposes, any cash amounts due to such Holder in respect thereof will be rounded to the nearest cent.
Section 15. Notices. The Company will send all notices or communications to Holders pursuant to this Certificate of Designations in writing and delivered personally, by facsimile or e-mail (with confirmation of receipt from the recipient, in the case of e-mail), or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the Holders’ respective addresses shown on the Register. Notwithstanding anything in the Certificate of Designations to the contrary, any defect in the delivery of any such notice or communication will not impair or affect the validity of such notice or communication and the failure to give any such notice or communication to all the Holders will not impair or affect the validity of such notice or communication to whom such notice is sent.
Section 16. Legally Available Funds. Without limiting the rights of any Holder (including pursuant to Section 6), if the Company does not have sufficient funds legally available to fully pay any cash amount otherwise due on the Convertible Preferred Stock, then the Company will pay the deficiency promptly after funds thereafter become legally available therefor.
- 44 -
Section 17. No Other Rights. The Convertible Preferred Stock will have no rights, preferences or voting powers except as provided in this Certificate of Designations or the Certificate of Incorporation or as required by applicable law.
[The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
- 45 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Certificate of Designations to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
| Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
[Signature Page to Certificate of Designations]
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
[Insert Restricted Stock Legend, if applicable]
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Certificate No. [___]
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), certifies that [___] is the registered owner of [___] shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) represented by this certificate (this “Certificate”). The special rights, preferences and voting powers of the Convertible Preferred Stock are set forth in the Certificate of Designations of the Company establishing the Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designations”). Capitalized terms used in this Certificate without definition have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Certificate of Designations.
Additional terms of this Certificate are set forth on the other side of this Certificate.
[The Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Page Follows]
A-1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the date set forth below.
| Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ||||
| Date : | By: | |||
| Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
| Date : | By: | |||
| Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
A-2
TRANSFER AGENT’S COUNTERSIGNATURE
[legal name of Transfer Agent], as Transfer Agent, certifies that this Certificate represents shares of Convertible Preferred Stock referred to in the within-mentioned Certificate of Designations.
| Date : | By: | |||
| Authorized Signatory | ||||
A-3
RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
This Certificate represents duly authorized, issued and outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock. Certain terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock are summarized below. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate, to the extent that any provision of this Certificate conflicts with the provisions of the Certificate of Designations or the Certificate of Incorporation, the provisions of the of the Certificate of Designations or the Certificate of Incorporation, as applicable, will control.
1. Method of Payment. Cash amounts due on the Convertible Preferred Stock represented by this Certificate will be paid in the manner set forth in Section 3(d) of the Certificate of Designations.
2. Persons Deemed Owners. The Person in whose name this Certificate is registered will be treated as the owner of the Convertible Preferred Stock represented by this Certificate for all purposes, subject to Section 3(k) of the Certificate of Designations.
3. Denominations; Transfers and Exchanges. All shares of Convertible Preferred Stock will be in registered form and in denominations equal to any whole number of shares. Subject to the terms of the Certificate of Designations, the Holder of the Convertible Preferred Stock represented by this Certificate may transfer or exchange this Convertible Preferred Stock by presenting this Certificate to the Company and delivering any required documentation or other materials.
4. Dividends. Dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock will accumulate and will be paid in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Section 5 of the Certificate of Designations.
5. Liquidation Preference. The Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock is initially equal to the Initial Liquidation Preference per share of Convertible Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Liquidation Preference is subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5(a)(ii)(1) of the Certificate of Designations. The rights of Holders upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up are set forth in Section 6 of the Certificate of Designations.
6. Right of the Company to Redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company will have the right to redeem the Convertible Preferred Stock in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Section 7 of the Certificate of Designations.
7. Voting Rights. Holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock have the voting rights set forth in Section 9 of the Certificate of Designations.
8. Conversion. The Convertible Preferred Stock will be convertible into Conversion Consideration in the manner, and subject to the terms, set forth in Section 10 of the Certificate of Designations.
A-4
9. Countersignature. The Convertible Preferred Stock represented by this Certificate will not be valid until this Certificate is countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
10. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or its assignee, such as TEN COM (tenants in common), TEN ENT (tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (custodian), and U/G/M/A (Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
* * *
To request a copy of the Certificate of Designations, which the Company will provide to any Holder at no charge, please send a written request to the following address:
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
222 Berkeley Street, 12th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
A-5
CONVERSION NOTICE
RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Subject to the terms of the Certificate of Designations, by executing and delivering this Conversion Notice, the undersigned Holder of the Convertible Preferred Stock identified below directs the Company to convert (check one):
| o | all of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock |
| ¨ | ____________ * shares of Convertible Preferred Stock |
identified by Certificate No. .
| Date : | ||||
| (Legal Name of Holder) | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
| Signature Guaranteed: | ||||
| Participant in a Recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Authorized Signatory | ||||
* Must be a whole number.
A-6
CHANGE OF CONTROL REPURCHASE NOTICE
RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Subject to the terms of the Certificate of Designations, by executing and delivering this Change of Control Repurchase Notice, the undersigned Holder of the Convertible Preferred Stock identified below is exercising its Change of Control Repurchase Right with respect to (check one):
| o | all of the shares of Convertible Preferred Stock |
| o | ____________ 1 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock |
identified by Certificate No. .
The undersigned acknowledges that the Certificate identified above, duly endorsed for transfer, must be delivered to the Company before the Change of Control Repurchase Price will be paid.
| Date : | ||||
| (Legal Name of Holder) | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
| Signature Guaranteed: | ||||
| Participant in a Recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Authorized Signatory | ||||
1 Must be a whole number.
A-7
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK LEGEND
THE OFFER AND SALE OF THIS SECURITY AND THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS SECURITY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SECURITY AND SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT IS EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT; OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
EXHIBIT B
Form of Registration Rights Agreement
B-1
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of April 15, 2024 by and among Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the “Purchasers” named in the Investment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2024, by and among the Company and the Purchasers identified on Schedule I attached thereto (the “Investment Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Investment Agreement unless otherwise defined herein.
The parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Common Stock” means the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share.
“Closing Date” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Investment Agreement.
“Prospectus” means (i) the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, and (ii) any “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
“Purchasers” means the Purchasers identified in the Investment Agreement who are parties to this Agreement and any Affiliate or permitted transferee of any such Purchaser who is a subsequent holder of Registrable Securities.
“Register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration made by preparing and filing a Registration Statement or similar document in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such Registration Statement or document.
“Registrable Securities” means (i) any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and (ii) any Common Stock issued in respect of the securities described in clause (i) above upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or similar event; provided, however, that any such Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities (and the Company shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness of any, or file another, Registration Statement hereunder with respect thereto) upon the first to occur of (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities being declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act and such Registrable Securities having been disposed of by the holder thereof in accordance with such effective Registration Statement, (B) such Registrable Securities having been sold in accordance with Rule 144 (or another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act), and (C) such Registrable Securities becoming eligible for resale without restriction by the Purchaser holding such security pursuant to Rule 144, including without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and without current public information requirements.
“Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company under the Securities Act that covers the resale of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement.
“Required Purchasers” means the Purchasers holding a majority of the Registrable Securities outstanding from time to time.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“SEC Guidance” means (i) any publicly available written or oral guidance of the SEC staff, or any comments, requirements or requests of the SEC staff and (ii) the Securities Act.
“Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” means the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share.
2. Registration.
(a) Registration Statements.
(i) Promptly following the Closing Date but no later than ninety (90) calendar days after the Closing Date (the “Filing Deadline”), the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC one Registration Statement covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities which, for the avoidance of doubt, may also register the sale or issuance of primary securities. Subject to any SEC comments, such Registration Statement shall include the plan of distribution, substantially in the form and substance, set forth in Part III of each Purchaser’s Selling Stockholder Notice and Questionnaire; provided, however, that no Purchaser shall be named as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement without such Purchaser’s prior written consent. Such Registration Statement also shall cover, to the extent allowable under the Securities Act and the rules promulgated thereunder (including Rule 416), such indeterminate number of additional shares of Common Stock resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions with respect to the Registrable Securities. Such Registration Statement shall not include any shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of any other holder without the prior written consent of the Required Purchasers. Such Registration Statement (and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each request for acceleration of effectiveness thereof) shall be provided in accordance with Section 3(c) to the Purchasers prior to its filing or other submission.
(ii) The Registration Statement referred to in Section 2(a)(i) shall be on Form S-3. In the event that Form S-3 is not available for the registration of the resale of Registrable Securities hereunder, the Company shall (i) register the resale of the Registrable Securities on such other form as is available to the Company and (ii) so long as Registrable Securities remain outstanding, promptly following the date (the “Qualification Date”) upon which the Company becomes eligible to use a registration statement on Form S-3 to register the Registrable Securities for resale, but in no event more than thirty (30) days after the Qualification Date (the “Qualification Deadline”), file a registration statement on Form S-3 covering the Registrable Securities (or a post-effective amendment on Form S-3 to a registration statement on Form S-1) (a “Shelf Registration Statement”) and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective as promptly as practicable thereafter; provided that the Company shall maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement then in effect until such time as a Shelf Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities has been declared effective by the SEC.
2
(b) Expenses. The Company will pay all expenses associated with each Registration Statement, including filing and printing fees, the Company’s counsel and accounting fees and expenses, costs associated with clearing the Registrable Securities for sale under applicable state securities laws and listing fees, but excluding discounts, commissions, fees of underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or similar securities industry professionals with respect to the Registrable Securities being sold. Except as provided in Section 6 hereof, the Company shall not be responsible for legal fees incurred by holders of Registrable Securities in connection with the performance of its rights and obligations under the Transaction Documents.
(c) Effectiveness.
(i) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statements declared effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof, but in any case on or prior to the 60th calendar day following the Filing Deadline (the “Effectiveness Deadline”). By 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) on the second Business Day following the date on which the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall file with the SEC, in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act, the final prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Company shall notify the Purchasers by e-mail as promptly as practicable, and in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours, after any Registration Statement is declared effective and shall simultaneously provide the Purchasers with access to a copy of any related Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the Company shall not be required to request effectiveness of such Registration Statement, for a period of up to sixty (60) days, if (A) the Company determines in good faith that a postponement is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders generally due to a pending transaction involving the Company (including a pending securities offering by the Company, or any proposed financing, acquisition, merger, tender offer, business combination, corporate reorganization, consolidation or other significant transaction involving the Company), (B) the Company determines such registration would render the Company unable to comply with applicable securities laws, (C) the Company determines such registration would require disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential, or (D) audited financial statements as of a date other than the fiscal year end of the Company would be required to be prepared; and (ii) the Company may, upon written notice to any holder of Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement, suspend the use of any Registration Statement, including any Prospectus that forms a part of a Registration Statement, if the Company (X) determines that it would be required to make disclosure of material information in the Registration Statement that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential, (Y) the Company determines it must amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the related Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (Z) the Company has experienced or is experiencing some other material non-public event, including a pending transaction involving the Company, the disclosure of which at such time, in the good faith judgment of the Company, would adversely affect the Company; provided, however, in no event shall holders of Registrable Securities be suspended from selling Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement for a period that exceeds 45 consecutive Trading Days or 60 total Trading Days in any 365-day period (any such suspension contemplated by this Section 2(c)(ii), an “Allowed Delay”) provided, that the Company shall promptly (1) notify each Purchaser in writing of the commencement of an Allowed Delay, but shall not (without the prior written consent of an Purchaser) disclose to such Purchaser any material nonpublic information giving rise to an Allowed Delay, (2) advise the Purchasers in writing to cease all sales under such Registration Statement until the end of the Allowed Delay and (3) use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate an Allowed Delay as promptly as practicable. Upon disclosure of such information or the termination of the condition described above, the Company shall provide prompt notice to holders whose Registrable Securities are included in the Registration Statement, and shall promptly terminate any suspension of sales it has put into effect and shall take such other reasonable actions to permit registered sales of Registrable Securities as contemplated hereby.
3
(d) Effect of Failure to File and Obtain Effectiveness of Registration Statement.
(i) If a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities is not filed with the SEC on or prior to the Filing Deadline, the Company will make pro rata payments to each Purchaser then holding Registrable Securities, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty (the “Registration Liquidated Damages”), in an amount equal to one percent (1.0%) of the aggregate amount invested by such Purchaser for the initial day of failure to file such Registration Statement by the Filing Deadline and for each subsequent 30-day period (pro rata for any portion thereof) thereafter during which no such Registration Statement is filed with respect to the Registrable Securities. Such payments shall be made to each Purchaser then holding Registrable Securities in cash no later than ten (10) Business Days after the end of the date of the initial failure to file such Registration Statement by the Filing Deadline and each subsequent 30-day period (pro rata for any portion thereof) thereafter until such Registration Statement is filed with respect to the Registrable Securities. Interest shall accrue at the rate of one percent (1.0%) per month on any such liquidated damages payments that shall not be paid by the applicable payment date until such amount is paid in full.
(ii) If (A) a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities is not declared effective by the SEC prior to the earlier of (1) five (5) Business Days after the SEC informs the Company that no review of such Registration Statement will be made or that the SEC has no further comments on such Registration Statement or (2) the Effectiveness Deadline or (B) after a Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC or otherwise becomes effective, sales cannot be made pursuant to such Registration Statement for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a stop order or the Company’s failure to update such Registration Statement), but excluding any Allowed Delay or the inability of any Purchaser to sell the Registrable Securities covered thereby due to market conditions (each of (A) and (B), a “Maintenance Failure”), then the Company will make pro rata payments to each Purchaser then holding Registrable Securities, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty (the “Maintenance Liquidated Damages” and together with the Registration Liquidated Damages, the “Liquidated Damages”), in an amount equal to one percent (1.0%) of the aggregate amount invested by such Purchaser for the Registrable Securities then held by such Purchaser for the initial day of a Maintenance Failure and for each 30-day period (pro rata for any portion thereof) thereafter until the Maintenance Failure is cured. The Maintenance Liquidated Damages shall be paid monthly within ten (10) Business Days of the date of such Maintenance Failure and the end of each subsequent 30-day period (pro rata for any portion thereof) thereafter until the Maintenance Failure is cured. Such payments shall be made to each Purchaser then holding Registrable Securities in cash. Interest shall accrue at the rate of one percent (1.0%) per month on any such liquidated damages payments that shall not be paid by the applicable payment date until such amount is paid in full.
4
(iii) The parties agree that (A) notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Investment Agreement, no Liquidated Damages shall be payable with respect to any period after the expiration of the Effectiveness Period (as defined below) (it being understood that this sentence shall not relieve the Company of any Liquidated Damages accruing prior to the expiration of the Effectiveness Period), and in no event shall the aggregate amount of Liquidated Damages payable to a Purchaser exceed, in the aggregate, four and one-half percent (4.5%) of the aggregate purchase price paid by such Purchaser pursuant to the Investment Agreement and (B) in no event shall the Company be liable in any thirty (30) day period for Liquidated Damages under this Agreement in excess of one percent (1.0%) of the aggregate purchase price paid by the Purchasers pursuant to the Investment Agreement.
(iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Purchasers agree that the Company will not be liable for any Liquidated Damages under this Section 2(d) with respect to any Registrable Securities held by the Purchasers consisting of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock prior to the issuance thereof. The Liquidated Damages described in this Section 2(d) shall constitute the Purchasers’ exclusive monetary remedy for any failure to meet the Filing Deadline and for any Maintenance Failure, but shall not affect the right of the Purchasers to seek injunctive relief.
(e) Rule 415; Cutback. If at any time the SEC takes the position that the offering of some or all of the Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement is not eligible to be made on a delayed or continuous basis under the provisions of Rule 415 under the Securities Act (provided, however, the Company shall be obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to advocate with the SEC for the registration of all of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the SEC Guidance, including without limitation, Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation 612.09) or requires any Purchaser to be named as an “underwriter,” the Company shall (i) promptly notify each holder of Registrable Securities thereof and (ii) make commercially reasonable efforts to persuade the SEC that the offering contemplated by such Registration Statement is a valid secondary offering and not an offering “by or on behalf of the issuer” as defined in Rule 415 and that none of the Purchasers is an “underwriter.” The Purchasers shall have the right to select one legal counsel designated by the Required Purchasers, at such Purchasers’ expense, to review and oversee any registration or matters pursuant to this Section 2(e), including participation in any meetings or discussions with the SEC regarding the SEC’s position and to comment on any written submission made to the SEC with respect thereto. No such written submission with respect to this matter shall be made to the SEC to which the Purchasers’ counsel reasonably objects. In the event that, despite the Company’s commercially reasonable efforts and compliance with the terms of this Section 2(e), the SEC refuses to alter its position, the Company shall (i) remove from such Registration Statement such portion of the Registrable Securities (the “Cut Back Shares”) and/or (ii) agree to such restrictions and limitations on the registration and resale of the Registrable Securities as the SEC may require to assure the Company’s compliance with the requirements of Rule 415 (collectively, the “SEC Restrictions”); provided, however, that the Company shall not name any Purchaser as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement without the prior written consent of such Purchaser. Any cut-back imposed on the Purchasers pursuant to this Section 2(e) shall be allocated among the Purchasers on a pro rata basis and shall be applied first to any of the Registrable Securities of such Purchaser as such Purchaser shall designate, unless the SEC Restrictions otherwise require or provide or the Purchasers otherwise agree. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Purchaser shall provide the Company with prompt written notice of its sale of substantially all of the Registrable Securities under such Registration Statement such that the Company will be able to file one or more additional Registration Statements covering the Cut Back Shares. From and after the date as the Company is able to effect the registration of such Cut Back Shares in accordance with any SEC Restrictions applicable to such Cut Back Shares (such date, the “Restriction Termination Date”), all of the provisions of this Section 2 (including the Company’s obligations with respect to the filing of a Registration Statement and its obligations to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have such Registration Statement declared effective within the time periods set forth herein) shall again be applicable to such Cut Back Shares; provided, however, that (i) the Filing Deadline for such Registration Statement including such Cut Back Shares shall be ten (10) Business Days after such Restriction Termination Date, and (ii) the date by which the Company is required to obtain effectiveness with respect to such Cut Back Shares shall be the 60th day immediately after the Restriction Termination Date (or the 90th day if the SEC reviews such Registration Statement).
5
(f) Other Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision herein or in the Investment Agreement, with respect to any Purchaser (as to such Purchaser only) the Filing Deadline and each Effectiveness Deadline for a Registration Statement shall be extended and any failure to maintain effectiveness shall be automatically waived by no action of the Purchasers, in each case, without default by the Company to such Purchaser hereunder in the event that the Company’s failure to make such filing or obtain or maintain such effectiveness results from the failure of such Purchaser to timely provide the Company with information requested by the Company and necessary to complete a Registration Statement in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act (in which case any such deadline would be extended with respect to all Registrable Securities until such time as the Purchaser provides such requested information), it being understood that the failure of such Purchaser to timely provide such information to the Company shall not affect the rights of other Purchasers herein.
3. Company Obligations. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms hereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will, as expeditiously as possible:
(a) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and to remain continuously effective until such time as there are no longer Registrable Securities held by the Purchasers (the “Effectiveness Period”) and advise the Purchasers promptly in writing when the Effectiveness Period has expired;
(b) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the distribution of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby;
(c) provide via email to the Purchasers who have supplied the Company with email addresses each Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto not less than three (3) Trading Days prior to their filing with the SEC and reflect in each such document when so filed with the SEC such comments regarding the Purchasers and the plan of distribution as the Purchasers may reasonably and promptly propose no later than two (2) Trading Days after the Purchasers have been so furnished with copies of such documents as aforesaid;
(d) furnish to each Purchaser whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement (i) promptly after the same is prepared and filed with the SEC, if requested by such Purchaser, one (1) copy of any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, each preliminary prospectus and Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each letter written by or on behalf of the Company to the SEC or the staff of the SEC, and each item of correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, in each case relating to such Registration Statement (other than any portion of any thereof which contains information for which the Company has sought confidential treatment), and (ii) such number of copies of a Prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto and such other documents as each Purchaser may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Purchaser (it being understood and agreed that such documents, or access thereto, may be provided electronically);
(e) use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness and, (ii) if such order is issued, obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment;
(f) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use reasonable best efforts to assist or cooperate with the Purchasers and their counsel in connection with their registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for the offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions reasonably requested by the Purchasers and do any and all other commercially reasonable acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the public offering or distribution in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(f), (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Section 3(f), or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction;
6
(g) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be listed on The Nasdaq Global Market (or the primary securities exchange, interdealer quotation system or other market on which the Common Stock is then listed);
(h) promptly notify the Purchasers, at any time prior to the end of the Effectiveness Period, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the Prospectus contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing (provided that such notice shall not, without the prior written consent of a Purchaser, disclose any material non-public information regarding the Company), and as promptly as reasonably practicable, prepare, file with the SEC and furnish to such holder a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may be necessary so that such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;
(i) otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 172 under the Securities Act, file any final Prospectus, including any supplement or amendment thereof, with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, promptly inform the Purchasers in writing if, at any time during the Effectiveness Period, the Company does not satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 172 and, as a result thereof, the Purchasers are required to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any disposition of Registrable Securities and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the registration of the Registrable Securities hereunder; and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than the Availability Date (as defined below), an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve (12) months, beginning after the effective date of each Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, including Rule 158 promulgated thereunder (for the purpose of this subsection 3(i), “Availability Date” means the 45th day following the end of the fourth fiscal quarter that includes the effective date of such Registration Statement, except that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, “Availability Date” means the 90th day after the end of such fourth fiscal quarter);
7
(j) if requested by a Purchaser, (i) as soon as reasonably practicable, incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as a Purchaser reasonably requests to be included therein relating to the sale and distribution of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, information with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being offered or sold, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering; (ii) as soon as reasonably practicable, make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; and (iii) as soon as reasonably practicable, supplement or make amendments to any Registration Statement if reasonably requested by a Purchaser holding any Registrable Securities; and
(k) with a view to making available to the Purchasers the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Purchasers to sell shares of Common Stock to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to: (i) make and keep adequate current public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) six months after such date as all of the Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction by the holders thereof pursuant to Rule 144 or any other rule of similar effect or (B) such date as there are no longer Registrable Securities; (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Exchange Act; and (iii) furnish electronically to each Purchaser upon request, as long as such Purchaser owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, (B) a copy of or electronic access to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail such Purchaser of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.
4. Due Diligence Review; Information. If any Purchaser is required under applicable securities laws to be described in a Registration Statement as an “underwriter,” the Company shall, upon reasonable prior notice, make available, during normal business hours, for inspection and review by the Purchasers, advisors to and representatives of the Purchasers (who may or may not be affiliated with the Purchasers and who are reasonably acceptable to the Company) (collectively, the “Inspectors”), all pertinent financial and other records, and all other corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “Records”) as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of such review, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees, within a reasonable time period, to supply all such information reasonably requested by the Inspectors (including, without limitation, in response to all questions and other inquiries reasonably made or submitted by any of them), prior to and from time to time after the filing and effectiveness of such Registration Statement for the sole purpose of enabling such Purchaser and its accountants and attorneys to conduct such initial and ongoing due diligence solely for the purpose of establishing a due diligence defense to underwriter liability under the Securities Act; provided, however, that each Inspector shall agree to hold in strict confidence and shall not make any disclosure (except to such Purchaser) or use of any Record or other information which the Company determines in good faith to be confidential, and of which determination the Inspectors are so notified, unless (a) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement or is otherwise required under the Securities Act, (b) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a final, non-appealable subpoena or order from a court or government body of competent jurisdiction, or (c) the information in such Records has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this Agreement or the Investment Agreement. Each Purchaser agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in or by a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction or through other means, except in the case such Records are sought in the course of an ordinary examination or inspection of the business or operations of such Purchaser or its Affiliates by such governmental body of competent jurisdiction, give prompt notice to the Company and allow the Company, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of, or to obtain a protective order for, the Records deemed confidential. Nothing herein (or in any other confidentiality agreement between the Company and any Purchaser) shall be deemed to limit the Purchasers’ ability to sell Registrable Securities in a manner which is otherwise consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
8
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not disclose material nonpublic information to the Purchasers, or to advisors to or representatives of the Purchasers, unless prior to disclosure of such information the Company identifies such information as being material nonpublic information and provides the Purchasers, such advisors and representatives with the opportunity to accept or refuse to accept such material nonpublic information for review and any Purchaser wishing to obtain such information enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement with the Company with respect thereto.
5. Obligations of the Purchasers.
(a) Each Purchaser shall execute and deliver a Selling Stockholder Questionnaire prior to the Closing Date. Each Purchaser shall additionally furnish in writing to the Company such other information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it, as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request. At least seven (7) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of any Registration Statement, the Company shall notify each Purchaser of the additional information the Company reasonably requires from such Purchaser if such Purchaser elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (the “Registration Information Notice”). A Purchaser shall provide such information to the Company no later than five (5) Business Days following receipt of a Registration Information Notice if such Purchaser elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement. It is agreed and understood that it shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to complete the registration pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Registrable Securities of a particular Purchaser that (i) such Purchaser furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it as shall be reasonably required to effect the effectiveness of the registration of such Registrable Securities, and (ii) such Purchaser execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request, including, without limitation, a waiver of its registration rights hereunder to the extent a Purchaser elects not to have any of its Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement.
9
(b) Each Purchaser, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement hereunder, unless such Purchaser has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
(c) Each Purchaser agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of either (i) the commencement of an Allowed Delay pursuant to Section 2(c)(ii) or (ii) the happening of an event pursuant to Section 3(h) hereof, such Purchaser will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities, until the Purchaser is advised by the Company that such dispositions may again be made.
(d) Each Purchaser covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it or an exemption therefrom in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement.
6. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and its officers, directors, members, managers, partners, trustees, employees and agents and other representatives, successors and assigns, and each other Person, if any, who controls such Purchaser (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the officers, directors, partners, members, managers, trustees and employees of each such controlling Person, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, and expenses (including reasonably attorney fees), joint or several, to which they may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof or (ii) any violation by the Company or its agents of any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration, and will reimburse such Purchaser, and each such officer, director, member, employee, agent and each such controlling person for any legal or other documented, out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage or liability (or action in respect thereof); provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon (i) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by such Purchaser or any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, (ii) the use by a Purchaser of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Purchaser in writing that such Prospectus is outdated or defective or (iii) a Purchaser’s failure to send or give a copy of the Prospectus or supplement (as then amended or supplemented), if required (and not exempted) to the Persons asserting an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities.
10
(b) Indemnification by the Purchasers. Each Purchaser agrees, severally but not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, stockholders and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information regarding such Purchaser and furnished in writing by such Purchaser to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto. In no event shall the liability of a Purchaser be greater than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such Purchaser in connection with an claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such Purchaser has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission) received by such Purchaser upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided, that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (A) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, (B) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (C) in the reasonable judgment of any such person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such person); and provided, further that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties. No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.
11
(d) Contribution. If for any reason the indemnification provided for in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless, other than as expressly specified therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. 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 not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. In no event shall the contribution obligation of a holder of Registrable Securities be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by the Company and the Required Purchasers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to the definition of “Filing Deadline,” Section 2(d) or Section 6 will only apply with respect to a Purchaser if such Purchaser has consented in writing to such amendment. The Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained the written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act, of the Required Purchasers.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made as set forth in Section 5.5 of the Investment Agreement.
(c) Assignments and Transfers by Purchasers. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Purchasers and their respective successors and permitted assigns. A Purchaser may transfer or assign, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more persons its rights or delegate its obligations hereunder in connection with the transfer of Registrable Securities by such Purchaser to such person, provided that (i) the Purchaser agrees in writing with the transferee or assignee to assign such rights and delegate such obligations and a copy of such agreement is furnished to the Company within a reasonable time after such assignment; (ii) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer or assignment, furnished with written notice of (A) the name and address of such transferee or assignee and (B) the securities with respect to which such registration rights are being transferred or assigned; (iii) immediately following such transfer or assignment the further disposition of such securities by the transferee or assignee is restricted under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws; (iv) at or before the time the Company receives the written notice contemplated by clause (ii) of this sentence the transferee or assignee agrees in writing with the Company to be bound by all of the provisions contained herein; and (v) such transfer shall have been made in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Investment Agreement.
12
(d) Assignments and Transfers by the Company. This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Required Purchasers, provided, however, that in the event that the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, share exchange or similar business combination transaction in which the Common Stock is converted into the equity securities of another Person, from and after the effective time of such transaction, such Person shall, by virtue of such transaction, be deemed to have assumed the obligations of the Company hereunder, the term “Company” shall be deemed to refer to such Person and the term “Registrable Securities” shall be deemed to include the securities received by the Purchasers in connection with such transaction unless such securities are otherwise freely tradable by the Purchasers after giving effect to such transaction.
(e) Benefits of the Agreement. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
(g) Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
(h) Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof but shall be interpreted as if it were written so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any provisions hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
(i) Further Assurances. The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.
(j) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
13
(k) Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement (including all matters concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation hereof) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, in each case sitting in New York County, for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court. Each party hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. To the extent that the Company has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from the jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process with respect to itself or its property, the Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such immunity in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.
(l) Interpretation. Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. All article, section, paragraph or clause references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such parts of this Agreement, and all exhibit, annex, letter and schedule references not attributed to a particular document shall be references to such exhibits, annexes, letters and schedules to this Agreement. In addition, the word "or" is not exclusive; the words "including," "includes," "included" and "include" are deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation"; and the terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision.
(m) Independent Nature of Purchasers’ Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Purchaser hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser hereunder, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other holder hereunder. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered at any closing, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of group or entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group or entity with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other matters, and the Company acknowledges that the Purchasers are not acting in concert or as a group, and the Company shall not assert any such claim, with respect to such obligations or transactions. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. The use of a single agreement with respect to the obligations of the Company contained was solely in the control of the Company, not the action or decision of any Purchaser, and was done solely for the convenience of the Company and not because it was required or requested to do so by any Purchaser. It is expressly understood and agreed that each provision contained in this Agreement is between the Company and a Purchaser, solely, and not between the Company and the Purchasers collectively and not between and among Purchasers.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| COMPANY: | RHYTHM PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | |
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| PURCHASER: | [if Purchaser is an individual] | |
| Signature: | ||
| Name: | ||
| [if Purchaser is an entity] | ||
| Entity: | ||
| Signature: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
EXHIBIT C
Form of Selling Stockholder Questionnaire
SELLING STOCKHOLDER NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE
| Name of Selling Stockholder (please print) |
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, INC.
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
IMPORTANT: IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED
This Questionnaire is being furnished to all persons or entities (the “Investors”) electing to purchase shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to the Investment Agreement by and among the Company and the Investors (the “Investment Agreement”) to which this Questionnaire is an Exhibit. This Questionnaire relates to certain information required to be disclosed in the registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) being prepared by the Company for filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by and among the Company and the Investors (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) in connection with the Investment Agreement. The Company must receive a completed Questionnaire from each Investor in order to include such Investor’s shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock in the Registration Statement.
The furnishing of accurate and complete responses to the questions posed in this Questionnaire is an extremely important part of the registration process. The inclusion of inaccurate or incomplete disclosures in the Registration Statement can result in potential liabilities, both civil and criminal, to the Company and to the individuals who furnish the information. Accordingly, Investors are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement and related prospectus.
PLEASE GIVE A RESPONSE TO EVERY QUESTION, indicating “None” or “Not Applicable” where appropriate. Please complete, sign, and return one copy of this Questionnaire by facsimile, email or overnight courier as soon as possible.
Latham & Watkins LLP
200 Clarendon Street, 27th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Attn: Noah Ruzi
Fax: (617) 880-4530
E-mail: noah.ruzi@lw.com
Unless stated otherwise, answers should be given as of the date you complete this Questionnaire. However, it is your responsibility to inform us of any changes that may occur to your situation. If there is any situation about which you have any doubt, or if you are uncertain as to the meaning of any terms used in this Questionnaire, please contact Noah Ruzi at (617) 880-4530 or noah.ruzi@lw.com.
PART I - STOCK OWNERSHIP
Item 1. Beneficial Ownership.
a. Deemed Beneficial Ownership. Please state the amount of securities of the Company you own on the date you complete this Questionnaire. (If none, please so state in each case.)
| Number of Shares of | |
| Amount Beneficially Owned1 | Common Stock Owned |
| Please state the number of shares owned by you or by family members, trusts and other organizations with which you have a relationship, and any other shares of which you may be deemed to be the “beneficial owner”1: |
| Total Shares: | |
| Of such shares: | |
| Shares as to which you have sole voting power: | |
| Shares as to which you have shared voting power: | |
| Shares as to which you have sole investment power: | |
| Shares as to which you have shared investment power: | |
| Shares which you will have a right to acquire before 60 days after the date you complete this questionnaire through the exercise of options, warrants or otherwise: |
Do you have any present plans to exercise options or otherwise acquire, dispose of or to transfer shares of Common Stock of the Company between the date you complete this Questionnaire and the date which is 60 days after the date in which the Registration Statement is filed?
Answer:
If so, please describe.
b. Pledged Securities. If any of such securities have been pledged or otherwise deposited as collateral or are the subject matter of any voting trust or other similar agreement or of any contract providing for the sale or other disposition of such securities, please give the details thereof.
Answer:
c. Disclaimer of Beneficial Ownership. Do you wish to disclaim beneficial ownership1 of any of the shares reported in response to Item 1(a)?
Answer:
If the answer is “Yes”, please furnish the following information with respect to the person or persons who should be shown as the beneficial owner(s)1 of the shares in question.
| Name and Address of | Relationship of | Number of Shares | ||
| Actual Beneficial Owner | Such Person To You | Beneficially Owned | ||
d. Shared Voting or Investment Power over Securities. Will any person be deemed to have beneficial ownership over any of the Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Purchase Agreement?
Answer:
If the answer is “Yes”, please furnish the following information with respect to the person or persons who should be shown as the beneficial owner(s)1 of the Securities in question.
| Name and Address of | Relationship of | Number of Shares | ||
| Beneficial Owner | Such Person To You | Beneficially Owned | ||
Item 2. Major Shareholders. Please state below the names of persons or groups known by you to own beneficially1 more than 5% of the Company’s Common Stock.
Answer:
Item 3. Change of Control. Do you know of any contractual arrangements, including any pledge of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company?
Answer:
Item 4. Relationship with the Company. Please state the nature of any position, office or other material relationship you have, or have had within the past three years, with the Company or its affiliates.
| Nature of | |
| Name | Relationship |
Item 5. Broker-Dealer Status. Is the Investor a broker-dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)?
¨ Yes.
¨ No.
If so, please answer the remaining questions under this Item 5.
Note that the Company will be required to identify any registered broker-dealer as an underwriter in the Registration Statement and related prospectus.
a. If the Investor is a registered broker-dealer, please indicate whether the Investor purchased its Common Stock for investment or acquired them as transaction-based compensation for investment banking or similar services.
Answer:
Note that if the Investor is a registered broker-dealer and received its Common Stock other than as transaction-based compensation, the Company is required to identify the Investor as an underwriter in the Registration Statement and related prospectus.
b. Is the Investor an affiliate of a registered broker-dealer? For purposes of this Question, an “affiliate” of a specified person or entity means a person or entity that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person or entity specified.
¨ Yes.
¨ No.
If so, please answer questions (i)-(iii) below under this Item 5(b).
i. Please describe the affiliation between the Investor and any registered broker-dealers:
ii. If the Common Stock was received by the Investor other than in the ordinary course of business, please describe the circumstances:
iii. If the Investor, at the time of its receipt of Common Stock, has had any agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Common Stock, please describe such agreements or understandings:
Note that if the Investor is an affiliate of a broker-dealer and did not receive its Common Stock in the ordinary course of business or at the time of receipt had any agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, to distribute the securities, the Company must identify the Investor as an underwriter in the Registration Statement and related prospectus.
Item 6. Nature of Beneficial Holding. The purpose of this question is to identify the ultimate natural person(s) or publicly held entity that exercise(s) sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).
a. Is the Investor a natural person?
¨ Yes.
¨ No.
b. Is the Investor required to file, or is it a wholly owned subsidiary of a company that is required to file, periodic and other reports (for example, Form 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act?
¨ Yes.
¨ No.
c. Is the Investor an investment company, or a subsidiary of an investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended?
¨ Yes.
¨ No.
If a subsidiary, please identify the publicly held parent entity:
d. If you answered “no” to questions (a), (b) and (c) above, please identify the controlling person(s) of the Investor (the “Controlling Entity”). If the Controlling Entity is not a natural person or a publicly held entity, please identify each controlling person(s) of such Controlling Entity. This process should be repeated until you reach natural persons or a publicly held entity that exercises sole or shared voting or dispositive power over the Registrable Securities:
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SEC REQUIRES THAT THESE NATURAL PERSONS BE NAMED IN THE PROSPECTUS***
PART II - CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Item 7. Transactions with the Company. If you, any of your associates2, or any member of your immediate family3 had or will have any direct or indirect material interest in any transactions4 or series of transactions to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was a party at any time since January 1, 2020 or in any currently proposed transactions or series of transactions in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries will be a party, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, please specify (a) the names of the parties to the transaction(s) and their relationship to you, (b) the nature of the interest in the transaction, (c) the amount involved in the transaction, and (d) the amount of the interest in the transaction. If the answer is “none”, please so state.
Answer:
Item 8. Third Party Payments. Please describe any compensation paid to you by a third party pursuant to any arrangement between the Company and any such third party.
Answer:
PART III – PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling securityholders and any of their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees or other successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions under this prospectus. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. The selling securityholders may use one or more of the following methods when disposing of the shares or interests therein:
| · | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| · | block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
| · | through brokers, dealers or underwriters that may act solely as agents; |
| · | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
| · | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
| · | privately negotiated transactions; |
| · | short sales and settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part; | ||
| · | through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; |
| · | broker-dealers may agree with the selling securityholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
| · | a combination of any such methods of disposition; and |
| · | any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling securityholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act, if available, or Section 4(a)(1) under the Securities Act, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling securityholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling securityholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling securityholders do not expect these commissions and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The selling securityholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell shares of common stock from time to time under this prospectus, or under a supplement or amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling securityholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling securityholders under this prospectus.
Upon being notified in writing by a selling securityholder that any material arrangement has been entered into with a broker-dealer for the sale of common stock through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, we will file a supplement to this prospectus, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, disclosing (i) the name of each such selling securityholder and of the participating broker-dealer(s), (ii) the number of shares involved, (iii) the price at which such shares of common stock were sold, (iv) the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to such broker-dealer(s), where applicable, (v) that such broker-dealer(s) did not conduct any investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and (vi) other facts material to the transaction. In addition, upon being notified in writing by a selling securityholder that a donee or pledgee intends to sell more than 500 shares of common stock, we will file a supplement to this prospectus if then required in accordance with applicable securities law.
The selling securityholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
In connection with the sale of the shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling securityholders may also sell shares of common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling securityholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling securityholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales (it being understood that the selling securityholders shall not be deemed to be underwriters solely as a result of their participation in this offering). In such event, any profits realized by such selling securityholders or compensation received by such broker-dealers or agents may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The maximum commission or discount to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or independent broker-dealer will not be greater than 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security being sold.
We have advised the selling securityholders that they are required to comply with Regulation M promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during such time as they may be engaged in a distribution of the shares. The foregoing may affect the marketability of the common stock.
The aggregate proceeds to the selling securityholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any. Each of the selling securityholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.
We are required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling securityholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or otherwise.
We have agreed with the selling securityholders to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the earlier of (a) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with the registration statement and (b) such time as none of the shares covered by this prospectus constitute “registrable securities”, as such term is defined in the registration rights agreement by and among us and the selling securityholders.
* * *
The undersigned has reviewed the Plan of Distribution set forth above and does not have a present intention of effecting a sale in a manner not described therein.
| _____ | Agree | _____ | Disagree |
| (If left blank, response will be deemed to be “Agree”.) | |||
The undersigned hereby represents that the undersigned is familiar with Interpretation A.65 in the Securities and Exchange Commission, Division of Corporation Finance, Manual of Publicly Available Telephone Interpretations dated July 1997, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit I, and that the undersigned will comply with all applicable laws in respect of its sales of the Common Stock.
SIGNATURE
The undersigned understands that the Company anticipates filing the Registration Statement within the time frame set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. If at any time any of the information set forth in my responses to this Questionnaire has materially changed due to passage of time (other than due to the receipt of the Common Stock set forth opposite the undersigned’s name in the Schedule of Investors in the Purchase Agreement), or any development occurs which requires a change in any of my answers, or has for any other reason become incorrect, the undersigned agrees to furnish as soon as practicable to the individual to whom a copy of this Questionnaire is to be sent, as indicated and at the address shown on the first page hereof, any necessary or appropriate correcting information. Otherwise, the Company is to understand that the above information continues to be, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, complete and correct.
The undersigned understands that the information that the undersigned is furnishing to the Company herein will be used by the Company in the preparation of the Registration Statement.
| Name of Investor: | ||||
| Date: , 2024 | Signature: | |||
| Print Name: | ||||
| Title (if applicable): | ||||
| Address: | ||||
| Street | ||||
| Street | ||||
| City | State | Zip Code | ||
| Telephone Number | ||||
| Email Address | ||||
FOOTNOTES
| 1. | Beneficial Ownership. You are the beneficial owner of a security, as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), if you, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise have or share: (1) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security, and/or (2) investment power, which includes the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, such security. You are also the beneficial owner of a security if you, directly or indirectly, create or use a trust, proxy, power of attorney, pooling arrangement or any other contract, arrangement or device with the purpose or effect of divesting yourself of beneficial ownership of a security or preventing the vesting of such beneficial ownership. |
| You are deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security if you have the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security at any time within 60 days including, but not limited to, any right to acquire such security (a) through the exercise of any option, warrant or right, (b) through the conversion of a security, or (c) pursuant to the automatic termination of, or the power to revoke a trust, discretionary account, or similar arrangement. |
| Ordinarily,shares held in the name of your spouse or minor child should be considered as beneficially owned by you absent special circumstances to indicate that you do not have, as a practical matter, voting power or investment power over such shares. Similarly, absent countervailing facts, securities held in the name of relatives who share your home are to be reported as being beneficially owned by you. In addition, securities held for your benefit in the name of others, such as nominees, trustees and other fiduciaries, securities held by a partnership of which you are a partner, and securities held by a corporation controlled by you should be regarded as beneficially owned by you. |
| This definition of beneficial ownership is very broad; therefore, even though you may not actually have or share voting or investment power with respect to securities owned by persons in your family or living in your home, you should include such shares in your beneficial ownership disclosure and may then disclaim beneficial ownership of such securities. |
| 2. | Associate. The term “associate”, as defined in Rule 14a-1 under the Exchange Act, means (a) any corporation or organization (other than the Company or any of its majority owned subsidiaries) of which you are an officer or partner or are, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities, (b) any trust or other estate in which you have a substantial beneficial interest or as to which you serve as trustee or in a similar capacity, and (c) your spouse, or any relative of yours or relative of your spouse living in your home or who is a director or officer of the Company or of any subsidiary. The term “relative of yours” as used in this Questionnaire refers to any relative or spouse of yours, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same home as you or who is a director or officer of any subsidiary of the Company. |
Please identify your associate referred to in your answer and indicate your relationship.
| 3. | Immediate Family. The members of your “immediate family” are deemed to include the following: your spouse; your parents; your children; your siblings; your mother-in-law or father-in-law; your sons- and daughters-in-law; and your brothers- and sisters-in-law. |
| 4. | Transactions. The term “transaction” is to be understood in its broadest sense, and includes the direct or indirect receipt of anything of value. Please note that indirect as well as direct material interests in transactions are to be disclosed. Transactions in which you would have a direct interest would include your purchasing or leasing anything (stock in a business acquired by the Company, office space, plants, Company apartments, computers, raw materials, finished goods, etc.) from or selling or leasing anything to, or borrowing or lending cash or other property from or to, the Company, or any subsidiary. |
Exhibit I
Securities Act Sections Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations Section 239.10: “An issuer filed a Form S-3 registration statement for a secondary offering of common stock which is not yet effective. One of the selling shareholders wanted to do a short sale of common stock “against the box” and cover the short sale with registered shares after the effective date. The issuer was advised that the short sale could not be made before the registration statement becomes effective, because the shares underlying the short sale are deemed to be sold at the time such sale is made. There would, therefore, be a violation of Section 5 if the shares were effectively sold prior to the effective date.”
Exhibit 99.1
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Secures $150 Million in Convertible Preferred Stock Financing
-- Proceeds from financing and existing cash on-hand sufficient to fund planned operations into 2026 --
BOSTON, April 1, 2024 – Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RYTM), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases, today announced that it has signed an investment agreement with current shareholders, led by Perceptive Advisors LLC and its Discovery Fund and a life-sciences focused institutional investor, for the sale of its series A convertible preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”) for gross proceeds of $150 million to the Company.
The Company intends to use the proceeds from the offering to fund its clinical development programs and commercialization activities, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. The transaction is expected to close on or about April 15, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Based on its current operating plans, Rhythm expects the net proceeds from the sale of Preferred Stock, in addition to its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2023, will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026.
“We are pleased to announce this convertible preferred stock offering, led by Perceptive Advisors and its Discovery Fund, and we are pleased to receive continued support from a second, existing shareholder who chose to participate in this financing,” said David Meeker, M.D., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rhythm. “This financing is expected to provide the capital we need to execute our corporate strategy through multiple potentially value-creating milestones, with sufficient cash runway well beyond our anticipated topline data readout from our phase 3 trial in hypothalamic obesity in the first half of 2025.”
“Rhythm – with its lead asset IMCIVREE® (setmelanotide) approved and available in 14 countries, including the United States, to treat certain rare melanocortin-4 receptor diseases – has executed very well against its development, regulatory and commercial strategies on a global level,” said Konstantin Poukalov, Managing Director and Perceptive Discovery Co-Head. “We believe the Company has a clear and achievable global vision to address the unmet needs in additional rare MC4R pathway diseases, including hypothalamic obesity, with setmelanotide and its additional pipeline assets.”
Following the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, the Preferred Stock will be convertible into common stock at any time at an initial conversion rate of 20.8333 shares of common stock per $1,000 of liquidation preference, implying a conversion price of $48 per share, which is a 19% premium to the Company’s 10-day trailing volume weighted average price. The conversion rate is subject to customary adjustments, and adjustment in respect of certain dilutive issuances. The Company also can require conversion if the price of its common stock exceeds 250% of the implied conversion price for 20 trading days in a 30-trading day period, subject to certain requirements.
The Company has the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Stock for the then applicable liquidation preference, which is initially par, on and after the five-year anniversary of its issuance.
Holders of the Preferred Stock will be entitled to a 6% cumulative annual dividend, commencing on the second anniversary of closing. Dividends will be compounded quarterly, and payable in cash or in kind at the Company’s option. The Preferred Stock will vote with the common stock on an as-converted basis, subject to satisfaction of certain antitrust-related conditions.
Holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to 175% of the liquidation preference upon certain corporate events, including a change of control or liquidation of the Company.
The Company has agreed to grant the investors certain registration rights with respect to the common stock underlying the Preferred Stock.
J. Wood Capital Advisors acted as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal counsel to the Company on the transaction. Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal counsel to Perceptive Advisors.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Preferred Stock, nor shall there be any sale of the Preferred Stock in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
Rhythm is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases. Rhythm’s lead asset, IMCIVREE® (setmelanotide), an MC4R agonist designed to treat hyperphagia and severe obesity, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with monogenic or syndromic obesity due to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency confirmed by genetic testing, or patients with a clinical diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). Both the European Commission (EC) and the UK’s Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have authorized setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or genetically confirmed loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 6 years of age and above. Additionally, Rhythm is advancing a broad clinical development program for setmelanotide in other rare diseases, as well as investigational MC4R agonists LB54640 and RM-718, and a preclinical suite of small molecules for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism. Rhythm’s headquarters is in Boston, MA.
Setmelanotide Indication
In the United States, setmelanotide is indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with monogenic or syndromic obesity due to POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency as determined by an FDA-approved test demonstrating variants in POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS) or BBS.
In the European Union, setmelanotide is indicated for the treatment of obesity and the control of hunger associated with genetically confirmed BBS or loss-of-function biallelic POMC, including PCSK1, deficiency or biallelic LEPR deficiency in adults and children 6 years of age and above. In Europe, setmelanotide should be prescribed and supervised by a physician with expertise in obesity with underlying genetic etiology.
Limitations of Use
Setmelanotide is not indicated for the treatment of patients with the following conditions as setmelanotide would not be expected to be effective:
| · | Obesity due to suspected POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency with POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR variants classified as benign or likely benign |
| · | Other types of obesity not related to POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency, or BBS, including obesity associated with other genetic syndromes and general (polygenic) obesity. |
Contraindication
Prior serious hypersensitivity to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Skin Pigmentation and Darkening of Pre-Existing Nevi: Generalized increased skin pigmentation and darkening of pre-existing nevi have occurred because of its pharmacologic effect. Full body skin examinations prior to initiation and periodically during treatment should be conducted to monitor pre-existing and new pigmentary lesions.
Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring: In Europe, heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored as part of standard clinical practice at each medical visit (at least every 6 months) for patients treated with setmelanotide.
Disturbance in Sexual Arousal: Spontaneous penile erections in males and sexual adverse reactions in females have occurred. Patients who have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours should seek emergency medical attention.
Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Depression and suicidal ideation have occurred. Patients should be monitored for new onset or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Consideration should be given to discontinuing setmelanotide if patients experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or clinically significant or persistent depression symptoms occur.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported. If suspected, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue setmelanotide.
Pediatric Population: The prescribing physician should periodically assess response to setmelanotide therapy. In growing children, the impact of weight loss on growth and maturation should be evaluated. In Europe, the prescribing physician should monitor growth (height and weight) using age- and sex-appropriate growth curves.
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative in Neonates and Low Birth Weight Infants: Setmelanotide is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including “gasping syndrome” can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) included skin hyperpigmentation, injection site reactions, nausea, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, and spontaneous penile erection.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Lactation: Not recommended when breastfeeding.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhythm Pharmaceuticals at +1 (833) 789-6337 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. See section 4.8 of the Summary of Product Characteristics for information on reporting suspected adverse reactions in Europe.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding the potential, safety, efficacy, and regulatory and clinical progress of, and our business strategy and plans for, our drug products, the anticipated benefits of and activities under the investment transaction, our use of proceeds from the transaction, the expected timing for closing of the transaction, our expectation that the transaction will provide us capital to execute our corporate strategy into 2026; and the issuance of dividends, and the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to fund our operations. Statements using word such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “may”, “will” and similar terms are also forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, whether the conditions for the closing of the investment transaction; our ability to enroll patients in clinical trials, the design and outcome of clinical trials, the impact of competition, the ability to achieve or obtain necessary regulatory approvals, risks associated with data analysis and reporting, our ability to successfully commercialize setmelanotide, our liquidity and expenses, our ability to retain our key employees and consultants, and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, and general economic conditions, and the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligations to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Corporate Contact:
David Connolly
Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
857-264-4280
dconnolly@rhythmtx.com
Media Contact:
Adam Daley
Berry & Company Public Relations
212-253-8881
adaley@berrypr.com