Unassociated Document
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
x |
ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year
ended December
31, 2007 |
OR
o |
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
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For the transition
period
from_______________to_______________ |
Commission
file number: 001-33516
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
(State
or other jurisdiction
of
incorporation or organization)
|
20-4997725
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
|
18
Farm Lane
Hillsborough,
California
(Address
of principal executive offices)
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94010
(Zip
Code)
|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code (650)
344-3029
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which
registere |
|
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Common Stock, $.0001 Par Value Per
Share |
American Stock Exchange |
Common Stock Purchase Warrants |
American Stock Exchange |
Units consisting of one share of Common
Stock
and one Warrant |
American Stock
Exchange |
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined
in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
o
No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes
o
No
x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for
the past 90 days. Yes x No
o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best
of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this
Form 10-K.
Yes
x No o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large
accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
Smaller reporting
company o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No o
The
aggregate market value of the outstanding common stock, other than shares held
by persons who may be deemed affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference
to the closing sales price for the Registrant’s Common Stock on June 29, 2007
(the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second
quarter), as reported on the American Stock Exchange, was approximately
$62,359,000. As of February 27, 2008, there were 10,781,250 shares of common
stock, par value $.0001 per share, of the registrant outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
None.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PART
I
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6
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ITEM
1
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BUSINESS
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6
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ITEM
1A.
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RISK
FACTORS
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14
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ITEM
1B.
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UNRESOLVED
STAFF COMMENTS
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34
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ITEM
2
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PROPERTIES
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35
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ITEM
3
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LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
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35
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ITEM
4
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SUBMISSION
OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
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35
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PART
II
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36
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ITEM
5
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MARKET
FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
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36
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ITEM
6
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SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
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41
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ITEM
7
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MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
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42
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ITEM
7A.
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QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
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43
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ITEM
8
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FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
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44
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ITEM
9
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CHANGES
IN AND DISCLOSURE.DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND
FINANCIAL
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44
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ITEM
9A.
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CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES.
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44
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ITEM
9B.
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OTHER
INFORMATION
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44
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PART
III
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45
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ITEM
10
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DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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45
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ITEM
11
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EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
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45
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ITEM
12
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SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
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45
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ITEM
13
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CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
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45
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ITEM
14
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PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
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45
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PART
IV
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46
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ITEM
15
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EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
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46
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CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The
statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not purely
historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management’s
expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future.
They also include statements about our pending merger with Dynogen
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Dynogen”). In addition, any statements that refer to
projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or
circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking
statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,”
“expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,”
“project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify
forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that
a
statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K may include, for example, statements about:
· |
Business
conditions in the U.S. and abroad;
|
· |
Changing
interpretations of generally accepted accounting
principles;
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· |
Outcomes
of government reviews and continued compliance with government
regulations;
|
· |
Inquiries
and investigations and related
litigation;
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· |
The
successful completion of the Dynogen
merger;
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· |
Legislation
or regulatory issues. FDA requirements or other changes adversely
affecting the business in which Dynogen is
engaged;
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· |
Dynogen’s
management of clinical trials;
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· |
Intensity
of competition in the pharmaceutical industry;
and
|
· |
General
economic conditions.
|
The
forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are
based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments
and
their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future
developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These
forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of
which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results
or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but
are
not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors.” Should
one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our
assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from
those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new
information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under
applicable securities laws and/or if and when management knows or has a
reasonable basis on which to conclude that previously disclosed projections
are
no longer reasonably attainable.
PART
I
Item
1 BUSINESS
Introduction
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”, “Apex”, “we”, or “us”) is a
blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on June
1,
2006. We were formed to acquire, through a merger, capital stock exchange,
asset
acquisition or other similar business combination, one or more domestic or
international assets or an operating business in the healthcare industry, which
may or may not constitute a business combination for accounting purposes (a
“business combination”). To date, our efforts have been limited to
organizational activities, our initial public offering, the search for a
suitable business combination and negotiation of the proposed merger with
Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Dynogen”). As of the
date of this filing, we have not acquired any business operations and have
no
operations generating product revenue.
Our
executive offices are located at 18 Farm Lane, Hillsborough California, 94010,
and our telephone number at that location is (650) 344-3029. We do not currently
have a website and consequently do not make available materials we file with
or
furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission. We will provide electronic
or
paper copies of such materials free of charge upon request.
Recent
Developments
Proposed
Merger Agreement with Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
On
February 5, 2008, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary Apex Acquisition Sub,
Inc.,
(“Acquisition Sub”) (incorporated in January 2008), entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Dynogen and Kate Bingham and
Michael Bigham, acting jointly as representatives of the holders of Dynogen
capital stock, options, warrants and other securities, pursuant to which
Acquisition Sub will merge with and into Dynogen and Dynogen will become our
wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”). Dynogen is a clinical-stage
biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drugs to treat gastrointestinal
(GI) and genitourinary (GU) disorders and diseases, specifically irritable
bowel
syndrome (IBS), nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease (NGERD) and overactive
bladder (OAB). For some of these diseases, no approved treatment exists. The
few
treatment options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have
limited efficacy and side effects that range from bothersome to life
threatening. Dynogen’s portfolio currently comprises the following three product
candidates for multiple indications:
· |
DDP733
for IBS with constipation (IBS-c).
Dynogen’s most advanced clinical-stage drug candidate, DDP733
(pumosetrag), is being developed for the treatment of IBS. Dynogen
is also
developing DDP733 as a treatment for NGERD.
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· |
DDP225
for IBS with diarrhea (IBS-d).
Dynogen’s next clinical-stage drug candidate, DDP225, is being developed
for the treatment of IBS.
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· |
DDP200
for OAB.
Dynogen is developing DDP200 as a treatment for the non-incontinent
form
of OAB (OAB-Dry).
|
Following
consummation of the Merger, it is anticipated that we will change our name
to
“Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” and Dynogen will change its name to “Dynogen,
Inc.” Because we have no other operating business, following the Merger, Dynogen
will effectively become a public company. Dynogen’s offices are located at 52
Second Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451.
The
Merger Agreement provides that by virtue of the Merger, Dynogen stockholders
will initially receive an aggregate of approximately $98 million in shares
of
our common stock in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock
of Dynogen. We are also assuming outstanding vested and unvested options and
certain warrants to purchase Dynogen capital stock, which shall become options
and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock on economically equivalent
terms. As permitted under the Merger Agreement, since the signing thereof,
Dynogen has incurred $5,000,000 of secured debt and may borrow up to an
additional $5,000,000 on or before April 30, 2008. In connection with this
secured debt, as permitted by the Merger Agreement, Dynogen issued warrants
which, following the Merger will be exercisable for shares of our common stock.
Dynogen is also permitted, under the Merger Agreement, to incur up to $25
million of bridge financing prior to the consummation of the Merger. At the
closing, the principal amount of any bridge notes issued by Dynogen in
connection with bridge financing is to be converted into (a) shares of our
common stock, plus (b) warrants to purchase shares of our common stock equal
to
25% of such principal amount. A per share value of $7.27 (representing the
volume weighted average price for the 20 trading days immediately preceding
the
date of the Merger Agreement) will be used to determine the number of shares
of
our common stock to be issued in exchange for Dynogen capital stock and bridge
notes and upon issuance of assumed options and warrants.
Under
the
Merger Agreement, holders of Dynogen’s capital stock and vested options will
also be entitled to receive success fees upon the satisfaction of certain
conditions, up to $46 million in shares of our common stock (again, based on
a
per share value of $7.27).
Dynogen
stockholders holding over 80% of the outstanding voting capital stock have
agreed, until the earlier of the consummation of the Merger or the termination
of the Merger Agreement, (a) not to sell or otherwise transfer, except to
certain permitted affiliate transferees who agree to be similarly bound, their
shares of Dynogen capital stock (or options, warrants or other rights to acquire
shares of Dynogen capital stock), and (b) to vote their shares of Dynogen
capital stock in favor of the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the related
agreements. These stockholders together control the only votes of the holders
of
any class or series of capital stock of Dynogen necessary to adopt the Merger
Agreement and to approve the Merger and the related agreements. Further, certain
key senior employees of Dynogen have agreed, through the 180th day following
the
consummation of the Merger, not to sell or otherwise transfer shares of our
common stock or options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of our
common stock, except to certain permitted affiliate transferees who agree to
be
similarly bound. We have agreed to register for resale the shares of our common
stock issued in connection with the Merger to those Dynogen stockholders who
may, following the Merger, be considered our “affiliates” and who otherwise will
not be able to sell their shares of our common stock in the absence of an
exemption from registration.
A
more
complete description of the transactions described above, including exhibits
related thereto, such as the Merger Agreement, is included in a Form 8-K filed
on February 6, 2008 and will be included in our definitive proxy statement
to be
filed within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.
Initial
Public Offering
The
registration statement for our initial public offering (the “Public Offering”)
was declared effective June 7, 2007. We consummated the Public Offering on
June
13, 2007 and received net proceeds of approximately $65,300,000, including
$1,800,000 of proceeds from the private placement (the “Private Placement”) sale
of 1,800,000 insider warrants to our stockholders prior to the Public Offering
(our “Initial Stockholders”). The warrants sold in the Private Placement are
identical to the warrants sold in the Public Offering, except that such warrants
are non-redeemable and can be exercised on a cashless basis as long as they
are
held by Initial Stockholders. In addition, subject to certain limited
exceptions, none of the warrants purchased by our Initial Stockholders are
transferable or salable until six months after the consummation of a business
combination.
Our
management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of
the
net proceeds of the Public Offering. Upon the closing of the Public Offering
and
Private Placement, $67,330,000, including $2,070,000 of the underwriters’
deferred discounts and commissions, was deposited in a trust account (the “Trust
Account”) and invested in government securities. The Trust Account will be
maintained until the earlier of (a) the consummation of our first business
combination, and (b) our liquidation. As of February 29, 2008, the amount held
in the trust account, including $2,070,000 of underwriters’ deferred discounts
and commissions was approximately $68,014,846. The placing of funds in the
Trust
Account may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although
we have sought, and will continue to seek to have all vendors, prospective
target businesses and other entities we engage, execute agreements waiving
any
right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the
Trust Account, there is no guarantee that all parties with which we do business
will execute such agreements. Our Initial Stockholders have agreed that they
will be personally liable, on a joint and several basis, to cover claims made
by
such third parties, but only if, and to the extent, the claims reduce the
amounts in the Trust Account available for payment to our public stockholders
in
the event of a liquidation and the claims are made by a vendor or service
provider for services rendered, or products sold, to us or by a prospective
acquisition target. However, our Initial Stockholders will not have any personal
liability as to any claimed amounts owed to a third party who executed a waiver
(including a prospective acquisition target) or the underwriters. We cannot
assure you, however, that the Initial Stockholders will be able to satisfy
those
obligations. The remaining net proceeds (not held in the Trust Account), along
with up to $1,600,000 in interest income net of taxes payable on such interest,
have been and will continue to be used to pay for business, legal, and
accounting due diligence on prospective acquisitions, continuing general and
administrative expenses, negotiation and consummation of the contemplated merger
with Dynogen.
The
Company, after signing a definitive agreement for a business combination, is
required to submit such transaction for stockholder approval. Accordingly,
we
are preparing a proxy statement soliciting such stockholder approval. In the
event that stockholders owning 30% or more of the shares sold in the Public
Offering vote against the business combination and exercise their conversion
rights described below, the business combination will not be consummated. All
of
the Initial Stockholders have agreed to vote their 2,156,250 founding shares
of
common stock, as well as any shares of common stock acquired in connection
with
or following the Public Offering, in accordance with the vote of the majority
in
interest of all of our other stockholders (“Public Stockholders”) with respect
to any business combination. After the consummation of a business combination,
these voting agreements will terminate.
After
a
business combination is approved and consummated, any Public Stockholder who
voted against the business combination may demand that we convert his, her
or
its shares to cash. The per share conversion price will equal the amount in
the
Trust Account, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation
of
the proposed business combination, divided by the number of shares of common
stock held by Public Stockholders at the consummation of the Public Offering.
Public Stockholders holding up to 29.99% of the aggregate number of shares
owned
by all Public Stockholders may seek conversion of their shares in the event
of a
business combination. Such Public Stockholders are entitled to receive their
per
share interest in the Trust Account (subject to distributions for working
capital and amounts paid or accrued for taxes). Accordingly, a portion of the
net proceeds from the Public Offering (29.99% of the amount from the Public
Offering that was placed in the Trust Account) has been classified as common
stock subject to possible conversion on the accompanying December 31, 2007
balance sheet.
Our
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that we will
continue in existence only until 18 months from the date of the consummation
of
the Public Offering, or 24 months from the consummation of the Public Offering
if certain extension criteria have been satisfied. If we do not complete a
business combination by such date, our corporate existence will cease and we
will dissolve and liquidate for the purposes of winding up our affairs. In
the
event of liquidation, it is likely that the per share value of the residual
assets remaining available for distribution (including Trust Account assets)
will be less than the per share price in the Public Offering (assuming no value
is attributed to the Warrants contained in the Units sold in the Public
Offering).
On
June
8, 2007, our units commenced trading on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol “PEX.U”. On June 20, 2007, our common stock and warrants commenced
trading separately on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols “PEX” and
“PEX.WS”, respectively
Executive
Officers of the Registrant as of December 31, 2007
Our
current executive officers are as follows:
Darrell
J. Elliott,
age 61,
serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, he has served
as one of our directors since inception. Mr. Elliott is currently Chief
Executive Officer and President of Isuma Strategies Inc., a strategic consulting
firm for private equity in the biopharma industry and Chairman and acting Chief
Executive Officer of ViRexx Medical Corp., a publicly traded biotechnology
company. He is also a director of Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a
publicly traded biotechnology company.
K.
Michael Forrest,
age 64,
serves as our President and Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, he has served
as one of our directors since our inception. Mr. Forrest is also Chairman of
Apex Bioventures, LLC, an investment and consulting company focusing on emerging
companies in the healthcare industry. He is a director of AVI BioPharma, Inc.
and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation, each a publicly traded biotechnology
company.
Gary
E. Frashier,
age 71,
serves as our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and as an Executive Vice
President. Additionally, he has served as one of our directors since our
inception. Mr. Frashier is also President and Principal of Management
Associates, a private firm that provides strategic consulting services to
entrepreneurial companies in the life sciences field. He is also a director
of
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Alseres Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
each a publicly traded biotechnology company.
Our
Activities since Completion of our Initial Public Offering
Since
our
Public Offering we have not been, and as of December 31, 2007, we were not,
engaged in any substantive commercial business. Instead, our sole activities
have related to the search for a suitable business combination and the
negotiation of the proposed Merger with Dynogen. Following our Public Offering,
target business candidates were brought to our attention from various
unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers, venture capital funds,
private equity funds, consultants and other members of the financial community,
who present solicited or unsolicited proposals. Our officers and directors,
as
well as their affiliates, were also sources of target business candidates.
In
the process, we received nominations for more than 204 companies. Over a four
month period and following comprehensive discussions by our board of directors,
this list was systematically reduced to approximately 30, and then 20, and
eventually to approximately 10 companies on which we performed due diligence.
Subject to the requirement that our initial business combination must be with
a
target business with a fair market value that is at least 80% of our net assets
at the time of such acquisition, our management has virtually unrestricted
flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective target business. In
evaluating a prospective target business (including Dynogen), our board of
directors considered, among other factors, the following:
· |
clinical
trial data and commercial product market
size;
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· |
experience
and skill of management and availability of additional
personnel;
|
· |
future
capital requirements;
|
· |
competitive
position of the target company and its
products;
|
· |
barriers
to entry of product candidates;
|
· |
stage
of clinical development of products, processes or
services;
|
· |
degree
of current or potential market acceptance of the products, processes
or
services;
|
· |
proprietary
features and degree of intellectual property or other protection
of the
products, processes or services;
and
|
· |
FDA
correspondence and regulatory environment of the
industry.
|
In
evaluating potential target companies, our board of directors considered a
wide
variety of factors in addition to those listed above. In light of the complexity
of those factors, our board of directors, as a whole, attempted to quantify
and
assign relative importance to the specific factors it considered in reaching
its
decision. Individual members of our board of directors gave different weight
to
different factors.
In
November 2007, following extensive due diligence, we began discussions in
earnest with Dynogen concerning a possible business combination. In selecting
Dynogen as a favored target, in addition to the above general considerations,
our board of directors considered the nature of Dynogen’s business and assets,
its current capitalization, the extent of the assets and liabilities to be
assumed and the factors below:
· |
Dynogen
has “multiple shots on goal” with three products in
development.
|
· |
Dynogen
has an advanced clinical pipeline of first-in-class treatments for
the GI
and GU markets, which we believe are also best-in-therapeutic for
these
areas.
|
· |
Dynogen
is developing product opportunities in potential billion dollar markets
where existing therapies have inadequate safety and
efficacy.
|
· |
Three
out of three of Dynogen’s clinical studies in 2007 yielded statistically
significant positive results.
|
· |
Dynogen
has an experienced management team with a strong track record of
getting
drugs to market.
|
· |
The
involvement of certain blue-chip biotech investors of
Dynogen.
|
On
December 28, 2007, Apex and Dynogen entered into a non-binding term sheet and,
began the preparation and negotiation of definitive documents. As a result
of
the continuing downward trend of small cap public biotechnology companies and
market uncertainty, during the last week in January 2008, Apex and Dynogen
agreed to restructure the terms of the proposed Merger. This restructuring
resulted in the terms reflected in the Merger Agreement, including the up to
$46
million of success fees.
Any
costs
incurred with respect to the identification and evaluation of a prospective
target business with which a business combination is not ultimately completed
will result in a loss to us and reduce the amount of capital available to
otherwise complete a business combination. While we may pay fees or compensation
to third parties for their efforts in introducing us to a potential target
business, in no event, however, will we pay any of our officers, directors
or
Initial Stockholders or any entity with which they are affiliated any finder’s
fee or other compensation for services rendered to us prior to or in connection
with the consummation of a business combination. In addition, none of our
officers, directors or persons who were Initial Stockholders prior to our Public
Offering will receive any finder’s fee, consulting fees or any similar fees from
any person or entity in connection with any business combination involving
us
other than any compensation or fees that may be received for any services
provided following such business combination.
Fair
market value of target business
The
initial target business that we acquire must have a fair market value equal
to
at least 80% of our net assets at the time of such acquisition. The fair market
value of such business is determined by our board of directors based upon
standards generally accepted by the financial community, such as actual and
potential sales, earnings and cash flow and book value. We believe that the
proposed acquisition of Dynogen satisfies this standard.
Our
board
of directors has determined that the total aggregate purchase price for Dynogen
is at least equal to a fair market value of $98 million (assuming our common
stock is valued at $7.27 per share). This determination was based on an analysis
of Dynogen’s projected revenue and potential net profits and cash flow, as
compared to other businesses of a similar nature and the acquisition multiples
for other similar transactions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical
industries that have recently been publicly announced or completed. The
estimated range of the fair market value exceeds $52.8 million, which is 80%
of
our net asset value of approximately $66.0 million as of December 31,
2007.
In
addition, our board obtained an opinion from RBC Capital Markets Corporation,
an
unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm which is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. with respect to the
satisfaction of such criteria. The opinion obtained stated that fair market
value of Dynogen is at least equal to 80% of the net asset value of Apex and
that the consideration to be paid by us for Dynogen is fair to us from a
financial point of view.
The
terms
of the proposed Merger were determined based upon arms-length negotiations
between Apex and Dynogen, who had no prior dealings with each other. Under
the
circumstances, our board of directors believes that the total consideration
to
be paid appropriately reflects the fair market value of Dynogen. In light of
the
financial background and experience of several members of our board of
directors, and considering the opinion of RBC Capital Markets Corporation,
our
board of directors has determined that the fair market value of Dynogen is
greater than 80% of our net asset value.
Stockholder
approval of business combination
Prior
to
the completion of the proposed Merger with Dynogen, we will submit the
transaction to our stockholders for approval. In connection with seeking
stockholder approval of the proposed Merger, we are preparing and will furnish
our stockholders with proxy solicitation materials prepared in accordance with
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which, among other
matters, will include a description of the operations of Dynogen and certain
required financial information regarding the business. We plan to schedule
a
meeting of our stockholders to approve the Merger and certain related
transactions.
In
connection with the vote required for the proposed Dynogen Merger, all Initial
Stockholders, have agreed to vote their 2,156,250 founding shares of common
stock, as well as any shares of common stock acquired in connection with or
following the Public Offering, in accordance with the vote of the majority
in
interest of all Public Stockholders. We will proceed with the Merger only if
a
majority of the shares of common stock voted by the Public Stockholders are
voted in favor of the Merger and Public Stockholders owning less than 30.0%
of
the shares sold in our Public Offering exercise their conversion rights.
Conversion
rights
At
the
time we seek stockholder approval of any business combination, we will offer
each Public Stockholder the right to have such stockholder’s shares of common
stock converted to cash if the stockholder votes against the business
combination and the business combination is approved and completed. The actual
per-share conversion price will be equal to the amount in the Trust Account,
inclusive of any interest but less amounts reserved or released to us for
working capital or taxes (calculated as of two business days prior to the
consummation of the proposed business combination), divided by the number of
shares sold in our Public Offering. Without taking into any account interest
earned on the Trust Account or taxes payable on such interest, the initial
per-share conversion price would be $7.81 (or $0.19 less than the Public
Offering per unit price of $8.00). An eligible stockholder may request
conversion at any time after the mailing to our stockholders of the proxy
statement and prior to the vote taken with respect to a proposed business
combination at a meeting held for that purpose, but the request will not be
granted unless the stockholder votes against the business combination and the
business combination is approved and completed. Any request for conversion,
once
made, may be withdrawn at any time up to the date of the meeting. It is
anticipated that the funds to be distributed to stockholders entitled to convert
their shares who elect conversion will be distributed promptly after completion
of a business combination. Public Stockholders who convert their stock into
their share of the Trust Account still have the right to exercise the warrants
that they received as part of the units in the Public Offering. We will not
complete any business combination if Public Stockholders owning 30% or more
of
the shares sold in our Public Offering exercise their conversion
rights.
Because
the initial per share conversion price is $7.81 per share (plus any interest
net
of taxes payable), which is lower than the $8.00 per unit price paid in our
Public Offering and which may be lower than the market price of our common
stock
on the date of the conversion, there may be a disincentive on the part of Public
Stockholders to exercise their conversion rights.
Liquidation
if no business combination
If
we do
not complete a business combination by June 13, 2009, we will be dissolved,
subject to stockholder approval, and will distribute to all of our Public
Stockholders, in proportion to their respective equity interests, an aggregate
sum equal to the amount in the Trust Account, inclusive of any interest (net
of
taxes payable), plus any remaining net assets. The Initial Stockholders have
waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect
to shares of common stock owned by them immediately prior to our Public
Offering. If we dissolve, there will be no distribution from the Trust Account
with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless.
If
we
were to expend all of the net proceeds of the Public Offering, other than the
proceeds deposited in the Trust Account, and without taking into account
interest earned on the Trust Account, the initial per-share liquidation price
would be $7.81 or $0.19 less than the Public Offering per unit price of $8.00.
The proceeds deposited in the Trust Account could, however, become subject
to
the claims of our creditors which could be prior to the claims of our Public
Stockholders. We cannot assure you that the actual per share liquidation price
will not be less than $7.81 plus interest (net of taxes payable, which taxes,
if
any, shall be paid from the Trust Account), due to claims of creditors. Although
we have sought (and will continue to seek) to have all vendors, prospective
target businesses and other entities we engage, execute agreements waiving
any
rights, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust
Account there is no guarantee that all parties with which we do business will
execute such agreements. Our Initial Stockholders have agreed pursuant to
agreements with us and Lazard Capital Markets LLC and Ladenburg Thalmann &
Co., Inc., the underwriters of the Public Offering, that they will be personally
liable on a joint and several basis, to cover claims made by such third parties
against the Trust Account. But only if and to the extent, the claims reduce
the
amounts available for payment to our Public Stockholders in the event of a
liquidation and the claims are made by a vendor or service provider for services
rendered or products sold to us or by a prospective acquisition target. However,
our Initial Stockholders will not have any personal liability as to any claimed
amounts owed to a third party who executed a waiver (including a prospective
acquisition target) or the underwriters. We cannot assure you, however, that
they would be able to satisfy those obligations.
If
we
complete the proposed Dynogen Merger or enter into another letter of intent,
an
agreement in principle or a definitive agreement to complete a business
combination prior to the expiration of 18 months after the consummation of
the
Public Offering, but are unable to complete the business combination within
the
18-month period, then we will have an additional six months in which to complete
the business combination contemplated by the letter of intent, agreement in
principle or definitive agreement. The Merger Agreement with Dynogen qualified
us to extend the period in which we may consummate a business combination for
this additional six-month period. If we are unable to do so by June 13, 2009,
we
will then liquidate. Upon notice from us, the trustee of the Trust Account
will
commence liquidating the investments constituting the Trust Account and will
turn over the proceeds to our transfer agent for distribution to our Public
Stockholders. We anticipate that our instruction to the trustee would be given
promptly after the expiration of the 24-month period.
Our
Public Stockholders shall be entitled to receive funds from the Trust Account
only in the event of our liquidation or, if we consummate a business
combination, to the extent that Public Stockholders vote against the business
combination and elect to convert their respective shares into cash. In no other
circumstances shall a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to
or
in the trust fund. Voting against the business combination alone will not result
in conversion of a stockholder’s shares into a pro rata share of the Trust
Account. Such stockholder must have also exercised his, her or its conversion
rights described above.
Employees
As
of
December 31, 2007, we had three non-employee officers, all of whom are also
members of our board of directors, and no employees. These individuals are
not
remunerated for their services as officers, are not obligated to contribute
any
specific number of hours per week and devote only as much time as they deem
necessary to our affairs. The amount of time they devote will vary from time
to
time based on our activities and then current circumstances. Our officers have
devoted a significant amount of time to the proposed Merger with Dynogen. We
have not and do not intend to have any full time employees prior to the
consummation of a business combination.
Available
Information
We
are
subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act. Therefore, we
file
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained by visiting
the
Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549.
You
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site
(www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding issuers that file electronically.
Item
1A. RISK
FACTORS
An
investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider
carefully all of the material risks described below, which refer to our business
and operations as of December 31, 2007, together with the other information
contained in this annual report on Form 10-K before making a decision to invest
in our securities. If any of the events described herein occur, our business,
financial conditions, and results of operations may be materially adversely
affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline,
and
you could lose all or part of your investment.
RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH OUR POTENTIAL BUSINESS
We
are a recently formed company with no operating history and, accordingly, you
will not have any basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business
objective.
We
are a
recently formed company with no operating results to date. Since we do not
have
any operations or an operating history, you have no basis upon which to evaluate
our ability to achieve our business objective, which is to complete a business
combination. We will not generate any revenues or income (other than interest
income on the proceeds of our Public Offering) until, at the earliest, after
the
consummation of a business combination. On February 5, 2008, we entered into
the
Merger Agreement with Dynogen. We cannot assure you, however, that the Merger
contemplated thereby will be consummated.
Unlike
many other blank check companies, we allow up to approximately 29.99% of our
public stockholders to exercise their conversion rights. This higher threshold
will make it easier for us to consummate a business combination with which
you
may not agree, and you may not receive the full amount of your original
investment upon exercise of your conversion rights.
When
we
seek stockholder approval of a business combination (including the Dynogen
Merger), we will offer each Public Stockholder the right to have his, her or
its
shares of common stock converted to cash if the stockholder votes against the
business combination and the business combination is approved and consummated.
We will consummate the initial business combination only if the following two
conditions are met: (a) a majority of the shares of common stock voted by the
Public Stockholders are voted in favor of the business combination and (b)
Public Stockholders owning 30% or more of the shares sold in this offering
do
not vote against the business combination and exercise their conversion rights.
Most other blank check companies have a conversion threshold of 20%, which
makes
it more difficult for such companies to consummate their initial business
combination. Thus, because we permit a larger number of stockholders to exercise
their conversion rights, it will be easier for us to consummate an initial
business combination with a target business which you may believe is not
suitable for us, and you may not receive the full amount of your original
investment upon exercise of your conversion rights.
Under
Delaware law, our dissolution requires the approval of the holders of a majority
of our outstanding stock, without which we will not be able to dissolve and
liquidate and distribute our assets to our Public Stockholders.
We
will
promptly initiate procedures for our dissolution and the distribution of our
assets, including the funds held in the Trust Account, to our Public
Stockholders, if we do not effect a business combination by June 13, 2009.
We
will seek stockholder approval for our dissolution and plan for the distribution
of our assets. Upon the approval by our stockholders of our dissolution and
plan
for the distribution of our assets, we will liquidate our assets, including
the
Trust Account, and after reserving amounts sufficient to cover our liabilities
and obligations and the costs of dissolution and liquidation, distribute those
assets solely to our Public Stockholders. However, soliciting the vote of our
stockholders will require the preparation of preliminary and definitive proxy
statements, which will need to be filed with, and could be subject to the review
of, the SEC. This process could take up to several months. As a result, the
distribution of our assets to the Public Stockholders could be subject to a
considerable delay. Furthermore, we may need to postpone the stockholders
meeting, re-solicit our stockholders, or amend our plan for the distribution
of
our assets to obtain the required stockholder approval, all of which would
further delay the distribution of our assets and result in increased costs.
If
we are not able to obtain approval from a majority of our stockholders, we
will
not be able to dissolve and we will not be able to distribute funds from our
Trust Account to our Public Stockholders and these funds will not be available
for any other corporate purpose. In that event, we will continue to pursue
stockholder approval for our dissolution. We cannot assure you that our
stockholders will approve our dissolution in a timely manner or will ever
approve our dissolution. As a result, we cannot provide investors with
assurances of a specific timeframe for our dissolution and the distribution
of
our assets. If our stockholders do not approve a plan of dissolution and
distribution and the funds remain in the Trust Account for an indeterminate
amount of time, we may be considered to be an investment company.
If
we are forced to liquidate before a business combination, our Public
Stockholders will receive less than the $8.00 per unit Public Offering price
upon distribution of the Trust Account and our warrants will expire worthless.
If
we are
unable to complete a business combination and are forced to liquidate our
assets, the per-share liquidation will be less than $8.00 because of the
expenses of our Public Offering, our general and administrative expenses and
the
costs of seeking a business combination after our Public Offering. Furthermore,
there will be no distribution with respect to our outstanding warrants and,
accordingly, the warrants will expire worthless if we liquidate before the
completion of a business combination.
Because
there are numerous companies with a business plan similar to ours seeking to
effectuate a business combination, it may be more difficult for us to complete
a
business combination.
Based
upon publicly available information as of the date of this filing, approximately
152 similarly structured blank check companies have completed initial public
offerings since August 2003 and numerous others have filed registration
statements. Of these companies, only 46 companies have consummated a business
combination, while 24 other companies have announced they have entered into
a
definitive agreement for a business combination, but have not consummated such
business combination. Accordingly, there are approximately 73 blank check
companies with approximately $13.7 billion in trust that are seeking to carry
out a business plan similar to our business plan. While some of those companies
have specific industries in which they must complete a business combination,
a
number of them may consummate a business combination in any industry they
choose. We may therefore be subject to competition from these and other
companies seeking to consummate a business plan similar to ours which will,
as a
result, increase demand for privately-held companies to combine with companies
structured similarly to ours. Further, the fact that only 46 such companies
have
completed a business combination and 24 such companies have entered into a
definitive agreement for a business combination may be an indication that there
are only a limited number of attractive target businesses available to such
entities or that many privately-held target businesses may not be inclined
to
enter into business combinations with publicly held blank check companies like
us. We cannot assure you that we will be able to consummate the Dynogen Merger
and, if the Merger is not consummated, that we will be able to successfully
compete for another attractive business combination. Additionally, because
of
this competition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to effectuate a
business combination by June 13, 2009. If we are unable to find a suitable
target business by such time, we will be forced to liquidate.
If
third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in trust could be
reduced and the per share liquidation price received by Public Stockholders
will
be less than $7.81 per share.
Our
placing of funds in the Trust Account may not protect those funds from third
party claims against us. Pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law Section
281(b), upon our dissolution we will be required to pay or make reasonable
provision to pay all claims and obligations of the corporation, including all
contingent, conditional, or unmatured claims. While we intend to pay those
amounts from our funds not held in trust, we cannot assure you those funds
will
be sufficient to cover such claims and obligations. Although we are obligated
to
seek to have all vendors, prospective target businesses or other entities with
which we do business waive any right, title, interest, or claim of any kind
in
or to any monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of our Public
Stockholders, there is no guarantee that they will agree to such waivers, or
even if they agree to such waivers that they would be prevented from bringing
claims against the Trust Account, including but not limited to, fraudulent
inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility, and other similar claims, as
well as claims challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in
order to gain an advantage with a claim against our assets, including the funds
held in the Trust Account.
We
may issue shares of our capital stock or debt securities to complete a business
combination, which would reduce the equity interest of our stockholders and
likely cause a change in control of our ownership.
Our
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance
of up to 60,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and
1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of the
date
hereof, there are 37,893,750 authorized but unissued shares of our common stock
available for issuance (after appropriate reservation for the issuance of shares
upon full exercise of our outstanding warrants and the underwriters warrants)
and all of the 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock available for issuance.
We
will issue a substantial number of additional shares of our common stock to
complete our proposed business combination with Dynogen, which
issuance:
· |
will
significantly reduce the equity interest of current investors in
our
securities;
|
· |
will
cause a change in control, which may affect, among other things,
our
ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any;
and
|
· |
may
adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common
stock.
|
If
the
proposed Dynogen Merger is not consummated, but we issue additional shares
of
our capital stock in an alternative business combination, the above are still
likely to occur. Additionally, the healthcare industry is capital intensive,
traditionally using substantial amounts of indebtedness to finance acquisitions,
capital expenditures and working capital needs. As permitted by the Merger
Agreement, Dynogen has incurred $5 million of secured indebtedness and may
incur
up to an additional $5 million of secured indebtedness. This indebtedness or
other indebtedness we incur to finance the purchase of assets or operations
through the issuance of debt securities, could result in:
· |
default
and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after a business
combination prove insufficient to pay our debt
obligations;
|
· |
acceleration
of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we have made
all
principal and interest payments when due if the debt security contains
covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios
or
reserves and any such covenant were breached without a waiver or
renegotiation of that covenant;
|
· |
our
immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any,
if the
debt security is payable on demand; and our inability to obtain additional
financing, if necessary, if the debt security contains covenants
restricting our ability to obtain additional financing while such
security
is outstanding.
|
Our
ability to effect a business combination and to execute any potential business
plan afterwards will be totally dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel,
some of whom may join us following a business combination and whom we would
have
only a limited ability to evaluate. It is also likely that some of our officers
and directors will resign upon the consummation of a business
combination.
Our
ability to effect a business combination will be totally dependent upon the
efforts of our key personnel. Under the Merger Agreement with Dynogen, four
of
our current directors will remain with us post-closing. Beyond this, the future
role of our key personnel following a business combination, however, cannot
presently be fully ascertained. In our proxy statement to our stockholders
soliciting approval for the proposed Merger with Dynogen, we will, pursuant
to
the terms of the Merger Agreement, nominate for election to our board of
directors, Lee R. Brettman, Dynogen’s Chief Executive Officer, and four of
Dynogen’s current directors. Following a business combination (with Dynogen or
otherwise), we may employ other personnel following the business combination.
While we intend to closely scrutinize any additional individuals we engage
after
a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these
individuals will prove to be correct. If we acquire a target business in an
all-cash transaction, it would be more likely that current members of management
would remain with us if they chose to do so. If a business combination were
structured as a merger whereby the stockholders of the target company were
to
control the combined company following a business combination (as the proposed
Merger with Dynogen is structured), it may be less likely that management would
remain with the combined company unless it was negotiated as part of the
transaction via the acquisition agreement, an employment agreement or other
arrangement. In making the determination as to whether current management should
remain with us following the business combination, management will analyze
the
experience and skill set of the target business’ management and negotiate as
part of the business combination that certain members of current management
remain if it is believed that it is in the best interests of the combined
company post-business combination. If management negotiates to be retained
post-business combination as a condition to any potential business combination,
such negotiations may result in a conflict of interest.
Our
officers and directors may allocate their time to other businesses thereby
causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much time to
devote to our affairs. This could have a negative impact on our ability to
consummate a business combination.
Our
officers and directors are not required to commit their full time to our
affairs, which may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time
between our operations and other businesses. We do not intend to have any full
time employees prior to the consummation of a business combination. Each of
our
officers are engaged in several other business endeavors and are not obligated
to contribute any specific number of hours per week to our affairs.
If
our
officers’ other business affairs require them to devote more substantial amounts
of time to such affairs, it could limit their ability to devote time to our
affairs and could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate a business
combination.
Our
officers and directors are currently affiliated with entities engaged in
business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us and
accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in determining which entity a
particular business opportunity should be presented to.
Prior
to
our selection of Dynogen as a potential target, none of our officers or
directors had any affiliation with Dynogen, nor did Dynogen create conflicts
of
interest as a potential acquisition candidate with respect to any other entity
with which any of our officers or directors are affiliated. However, our
officers and directors may in the future become affiliated with other entities,
including other “blank check” companies, engaged in business activities similar
to those intended to be conducted by us. Additionally, our officers and
directors may become aware of business opportunities which may be appropriate
for presentation to us as well as the other entities with which they are or
may
be affiliated. Further, certain of our officers and directors are currently
involved in other businesses that are similar to the business activities that
we
intend to conduct following a business combination. Due to these existing
affiliations, they have prior fiduciary obligations to present potential
business opportunities to those entities prior to presenting them to us which
could cause additional conflicts of interest. Accordingly, they have conflicts
of interest in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity
should be presented.
All
of our directors own shares of our common stock which will not participate
in
liquidation distribution and therefore they may have a conflict of interest
in
determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a business
combination.
All
of
our directors own shares of our common stock which were issued prior to our
Public Offering, but have waived their right to receive distributions with
respect to those shares upon our liquidation if we are unable to complete a
business combination. Additionally, our officers and directors have purchased
an
aggregate of 1,800,000 warrants in a Private Placement. These warrants will
not
be exercisable or sold until the consummation of a business combination. The
shares and warrants owned by these directors will be worthless if we do not
consummate a business combination. The personal and financial interests of
these
directors may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target
business and completing a business combination in a timely manner. Consequently,
these directors’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target
business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the
terms, conditions and timing of a particular business combination are
appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest.
Our
officers and directors will not receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them to the extent that such expenses exceed the funds
available to us outside of the Trust Account unless the business combination
is
consummated and there are sufficient funds for reimbursement after such
consummation; therefore they may have a conflict of
interest.
Our
officers and directors will not receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them to the extent that such expenses exceed the funds
available to us outside of the Trust Account unless the business combination
is
consummated and there are sufficient funds for reimbursement after such
consummation. The financial interest of such persons could influence their
motivation in selecting a target business and thus, there may be a conflict
of
interest when determining whether a particular business combination is in the
stockholders’ best interest.
It
is probable that we will only be able to complete one business combination,
which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business.
The
gross
proceeds from our Public Offering, including proceeds from the Private
Placement, were $70,800,000, of which $67,330,000 was placed in trust for use
in
consummating a business combination. Our initial business combination must
be
with a business with a fair market value of at least 80% of our net assets
at
the time of such acquisition or merger. Consequently, it is probable that we
will have the ability to complete only a single business combination, although
this may entail the simultaneous acquisition of several assets or closely
related operating businesses at the same time. We currently contemplate that,
following the Merger with Dynogen, the trust funds (after payment of costs
and
expenses incurred in connection with the Merger and other indebtedness) will
be
used to fund the operations of the combined company and not for an additional
acquisition. Accordingly, whether we consummate the contemplated Merger with
Dynogen or an alternative single business combination, the prospects for our
ability to effect our business strategy may be:
· |
solely
dependent upon the performance of a single business;
or
|
· |
dependent
upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited
number of
products, processes or services.
|
In
this
case, we will not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the
possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities
which
may have the resources to complete several business combinations in different
industries or different areas of a single industry. Furthermore, since our
business combination may entail the simultaneous acquisition of several assets
or operating businesses at the same time and may be with different sellers,
we
will need to convince such sellers to agree that the purchase of their assets
or
businesses is contingent upon the simultaneous closings of the other
acquisitions.
We
may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to complete a
business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the target
business, which could compel us to restructure the transaction or abandon a
particular business combination.
If
the
net proceeds of our Public Offering and interest available to us for working
capital are insufficient to effect the contemplated Dynogen Merger (or, if
applicable, an alternative business combination), we will be required to seek
additional financing. We cannot assure you that such financing would be
available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional
financing proves to be unavailable when needed to consummate a particular
business combination, we would be compelled to restructure the transaction
or
abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target
business candidate. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we
may
require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the target
business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material
adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business.
None of our officers, directors or stockholders is required to provide any
financing to us in connection with or after a business combination.
Initial
Stockholders, including our officers and directors, control a substantial
interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring stockholder
vote.
Upon
consummation of our offering, our Initial Stockholders (including all of our
officers and directors or their affiliates collectively owned 20.0% of our
issued and outstanding shares of common stock, not including an aggregate of
1,800,000 warrants purchased in a Private Placement, which are not currently
exercisable. These warrants cannot be exercised or sold until after consummation
of a business combination.
Our
board
of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve
for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in
each
year. It is unlikely that there will be an annual meeting of stockholders to
elect new directors prior to the consummation of a business combination, in
which case all of the current directors will continue in office at least until
the consummation of the business combination. If there is an annual meeting,
as
a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, initially only a minority
of the board of directors will be considered for election and persons who were
stockholders prior to our initial public offering, because of their ownership
position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly,
our Initial Stockholders will continue to exert control at least until the
consummation of a business combination. In addition, such stockholders and
their
affiliates and relatives are not prohibited from purchasing our securities
in
the open market. If they do, we cannot assure you that our Initial Stockholders
will not have considerable influence upon the vote in connection with a business
combination.
Our
outstanding warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of common
stock and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
In
connection with the Public Offering and the Private Placement, we issued
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 10,425,000 shares of common stock. In
addition, we agreed to sell to the underwriters an option to purchase up to
an
aggregate of 450,000 units that, if exercised, would result in the issuance
of
an additional 450,000 units, comprised of 450,000 shares of common stock and
450,000 warrants (assuming the option is not exercised on a cashless basis).
These warrants become exercisable upon the consummation of our business
combination. To the extent we issue shares of common stock to effect a business
combination (as contemplated in connection with the Dynogen Merger), the
potential for the issuance of substantial numbers of additional shares upon
exercise of these warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle
in the eyes of a target business, as such securities, when exercised, will
increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock and
reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination.
Accordingly, our warrants may make it more difficult to effect a business
combination or increase the cost of the target business. Additionally, the
sale,
or even the possibility of sale, of the shares underlying the warrants could
have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability
to obtain future public financing. If and to the extent these warrants are
exercised, you may experience dilution to your holdings.
The
exercise of registration rights may have an adverse effect on the market price
of our common stock and the existence of certain of these rights may make it
more difficult to effect a business combination.
Our
Initial Stockholders are entitled to demand that we register the resale of
the
shares of common stock they acquired prior to our Public Offering at any time
after the date on which their shares are released from escrow, which, except
in
limited circumstances, will occur upon the expiration of one year after a
business combination is completed or any time after six months from the
consummation of a business combination, if the volume weighted average price
of
our common stock equals or exceeds $11.50 per share for any 20 trading days
within a 30 trading day period. Furthermore, they are entitled to demand the
registration of the securities underlying the 1,800,000 founder warrants at
any
time after the date on which the warrants are released from escrow, which,
except in limited circumstances, will occur upon the expiration of six months
after the completion of a business combination. If our Initial Stockholders
exercise their registration rights with respect to all of their shares of common
stock and warrants, then there will be an additional 3,956,250 shares of common
stock eligible for trading in the public market (assuming the warrants are
not
exercised on a cashless basis). Additionally, in connection with the proposed
Merger with Dynogen, we intend to grant certain registration rights to
stockholders of Dynogen who, following the Merger, will become our affiliates
and will not be able to sell their shares of our common stock without the
registration of such resale or an exemption therefrom. If the Merger with
Dynogen in consummated, we will endeavor to register the resale of the shares
of
our common stock issued to such affiliates as merger consideration. While we
cannot at this time ascertain the exact number of such shares, based on the
number of shares of Dynogen capital stock held by Dynogen’s stockholders as of
the signing of the Merger Agreement, we anticipate registering for resale
approximately 5.7 million shares of our common stock. The presence of these
additional securities eligible for trading in the public market may have an
adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
The
existence of our Initial Stockholders’ registration rights may make it more
difficult to effect a business combination or increase the cost of the target
business, as the stockholders of the target business may be discouraged from
entering into a business combination with us or request a higher price for
their
securities as a result of these registration rights and the potential future
effect their exercise may have on the trading market for our common
stock.
The
American Stock Exchange may delist our securities from trading on its exchange
which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and
subject us to additional trading restrictions.
Our
securities are listed on the American Stock Exchange, a national securities
exchange. We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed
on
the American Stock Exchange in the future prior to a business combination.
Additionally, in connection with our business combination, it is likely that
the
American Stock Exchange may require us to file a new initial listing application
and meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient
continued listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to
meet those initial listing requirements at that time.
If
the
American Stock Exchange de-lists our securities from trading on its exchange
and
we are not able to list our securities on another exchange or to have them
quoted on NASDAQ, our securities could be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board,
or
“pink sheets”. As a result, we could face significant material adverse
consequences including:
· |
a
limited availability of market quotations for our
securities;
|
· |
a
determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require
brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules
and
possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the
secondary
trading market for our securities;
|
· |
a
limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company;
and
|
· |
a
decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional
financing in the future.
|
The
National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute,
prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities,
which are referred to as “covered securities”. Since we are listed on the
American Stock Exchange, our securities are covered securities. Although the
states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal
statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion
of fraud, and if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states
can
regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While
we
are not aware of a state having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the
sale of securities issued by blank check companies generally, certain state
securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use
these
powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of
blank check companies in their states.
If
our common stock becomes subject to the SEC’s penny stock rules, broker-dealers
may experience difficulty completing customer transactions and trading activity
in our securities may be adversely affected.
If
at any
time our securities are no longer listed on the American Stock Exchange or
another exchange or quoted on NASDAQ and we have net tangible assets of
$5,000,000 or less and our common stock has a market price per share of less
than $5.00, transactions in our common stock may be subject to the “penny stock”
rules promulgated under the Exchange Act. Under these rules, broker-dealers
who
recommend such securities to persons other than institutional accredited
investors must:
· |
make
a special written suitability determination for the
purchaser;
|
· |
receive
the purchaser’s prior written agreement to a
transaction;
|
· |
provide
the purchaser with risk disclosure documents which identify certain
risks
associated with investing in “penny stocks” and which describe the market
for these “penny stocks” as well as a purchaser’s legal remedies;
and
|
· |
obtain
a signed and dated acknowledgment from the purchaser demonstrating
that
the purchaser has actually received the required risk disclosure
document
before a transaction in a “penny stock” can be
completed.
|
If
our
common stock becomes subject to these rules, broker-dealers may find it
difficult to effectuate customer transactions and trading activity in our
securities may be adversely affected. As a result, the market price of our
securities may be depressed, and you may find it more difficult to sell our
securities.
If
we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act
of
1940, our activities may be restricted which, among other problems, may make
it
difficult for us to complete a business combination. Such restrictions
include:
· |
restrictions
on the nature of our investments;
and
|
· |
restrictions
on the issuance of securities.
|
In
addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements,
including:
· |
registration
as an investment company;
|
· |
adoption
of a specific form of corporate structure;
and
|
· |
reporting,
record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other
rules
and regulations.
|
We
do not
believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the
Investment Company Act of 1940. To this end, the proceeds held in trust may
only
be invested by the trust agent in “government securities” with specific maturity
dates, or in money market funds meeting specific requirements under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. By restricting the investment of the proceeds
to
these instruments, we intend to meet the requirements for the exemption provided
in Rule 3a-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. If we were
deemed to be subject to the act, compliance with these additional regulatory
burdens would require additional expense that we have not allotted
for.
Our
directors may not be considered “independent” under the policies of the North
American Securities Administrators Association, Inc.
All
of
our officers or directors own shares of our common stock, and no salary or
other
compensation will be paid to our officers or directors for services rendered
by
them on our behalf prior to or in connection with a business combination. We
believe that two members of our board of directors are “independent” as that
term is commonly used. However, under the policies of the North American
Securities Administrators Association, Inc., because our directors may receive
reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with
activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and
performing due diligence on suitable business combinations, state securities
administrators could take the position that such individuals are not
“independent.” If this were the case, they would take the position that we would
not have the benefit of independent directors examining the propriety of
expenses incurred on our behalf and subject to reimbursement. Additionally,
there is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses that could be incurred
and there will be no review of the reasonableness of the expenses by anyone
other than our board of directors, which would include persons who may seek
reimbursement, or a court of competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement is
challenged. Although we believe that all actions taken by our directors on
our
behalf will be in our best interests, whether or not two of them are deemed
to
be “independent,” we cannot assure you that this will actually be the case. If
actions are taken, or expenses are incurred that are actually not in our best
interests, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and
operations and the price of our common stock.
Our
stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the
extent of distributions received by them in dissolution, regardless of when
such
claims are filed.
We
cannot
assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from the assets
distributed to our Public Stockholders any amounts owed to them by us. Under
the
DGCL, our stockholders could be liable for any claims against the corporation
to
the extent of distributions received by them in dissolution. The limitations
on
stockholder liability under the DGCL for claims against a dissolved corporation
are determined by the procedures that a corporation follows for distribution
of
its assets following dissolution. If we complied with the procedures set forth
in Sections 280 and 281(a) of the DGCL (which would include, among other things,
a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought
against us, a 90-day period during which we may reject any claims brought,
an
additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are
made
to stockholders, as well as review by the Delaware Court of Chancery) our
stockholders would have no further liability with respect to claims on which
an
action, suit or proceeding is begun after the third anniversary of our
dissolution. However, in accordance with our intention to liquidate and
distribute our assets to our stockholders as soon as reasonably possible after
dissolution, our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides that we will comply with Section 281(b) of the DGCL instead of Sections
280 and 281(a). Accordingly, our stockholders’ liability could extend to claims
for which an action, suit or proceeding is begun after the third anniversary
of
our dissolution.
We
may not be able to consummate a business combination within the required time
frame, in which case, we will be forced to dissolve and liquidate.
We
must
complete a business combination with one or more operating businesses with
a
collective fair market value equal to at least 80% of our net assets (excluding
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions of $2,070,000) by June 13,
2009.
If we fail to complete a business combination within the required time frame
we
will promptly initiate procedures to dissolve and liquidate our assets. We
may
not be able to close the proposed Merger with Dynogen or find a suitable
alternative target businesses within the required time frame. In addition,
our
negotiating position and our ability to conduct adequate due diligence on any
potential target may be reduced as we approach the deadline for the consummation
of a business combination.
RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY
Whether
we acquire domestic or international assets or operations, of which no
assurances can be given, our proposed business will be subject to numerous
risks, including the following:
If
we are unable to comply with governmental regulations affecting the healthcare
industry, it could negatively affect our operations.
There
is
extensive government regulation of many healthcare businesses as well as various
proposals at the federal government level to reform the healthcare system.
Changes to the existing regulatory framework and/or implementation of various
reform initiatives could adversely affect certain sectors of the healthcare
industry. If we are unable to adhere to these requirements, it could result
in
the imposition of penalties and fines against us, and could also result in
the
imposition of restrictions on our business and operations. For a more complete
discussion of the government regulations applicable to the healthcare industry,
please see the section entitled “Proposed Business—Government Regulations”
below.
If
we are required to obtain governmental approval of our products following a
business combination (as in the case of a Merger with Dynogen), the production
of our products could be delayed and we could be required to engage in a lengthy
and expensive approval process that may not ultimately be
successful.
Unanticipated
problems may arise in connection with the development of new products or
technologies, and many such efforts may ultimately be unsuccessful. In addition,
testing or marketing products may require obtaining government approvals, which
may be a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome. Delays in
commercializing products may result in the need to seek additional capital,
potentially diluting the interest of investors. These various factors may result
in abrupt advances and declines in the securities prices of particular companies
in the healthcare industry and, in some cases, may have broad effect on the
prices of securities of specific healthcare companies or of companies in the
healthcare industry generally.
The
healthcare industry is susceptible to significant liability exposure, especially
product liability claims. If liability claims are brought against us following
a
business combination, it could materially adversely affect our
operations.
Any
target business we acquire in the healthcare industry will be exposed to
potential liability risks (especially product liability risks) that are inherent
in the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of healthcare products and/or
the provisions of healthcare services. Product liability claims could delay
or
prevent completion of development programs, result in a recall of products
or
change in indications, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial
condition or market prices of our securities. Any liability claim brought
against us following a business combination, with or without merit, could result
in:
· |
liabilities
that substantially exceed our liability insurance, which we would
then be
required to pay from other sources, if
available;
|
· |
an
increase of our liability insurance rates or the inability to maintain
insurance coverage in the future on acceptable terms, or at
all;
|
· |
withdrawal
of patients enrolled in our clinical trials, if
any;
|
· |
damage
to our reputation and the reputation of our products or services,
resulting in lower sales;
|
· |
regulatory
investigations that could require costly product recalls or
modifications;
|
· |
the
diversion of management’s attention from managing our
business.
|
Additionally,
liability insurance is becoming increasingly expensive. Although we currently
maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance, as a result of increasing
costs, we may be unable to continue to maintain this coverage or to obtain
other sufficient insurance at a reasonable cost to protect us against losses
that could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our inability to
maintain or obtain liability insurance at an acceptable cost or to
otherwise protect against potential liability claims could prevent or inhibit
the commercialization of our products or services.
If
we are unable to obtain and maintain protection for the intellectual property
relating to our technologies and products or services following a business
combination, the value of our technology, products or services may be decreased
and our revenues may be likewise decreased.
Intellectual
property rights in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics
and
medical devise is highly uncertain and involves complex legal and scientific
questions. At the same time, the profitability of companies in these fields
generally depends on sustained competitive advantages and differentiation that
are based on intellectual property. Our success following a business combination
(including a business combination with Dynogen) will depend in large part on
our
ability to obtain and maintain protection in the United States and other
countries for the intellectual property covering or incorporated into our
technology products or services. We may not be able to obtain additional issued
patents relating to our technology, products or services. Even if issued,
patents may be challenged, narrowed, invalidated or circumvented, which could
limit our ability to stop competitors from marketing similar products or
services, limit the length of term of patent protection we may have for our
products or services, and expose us to substantial litigation costs and drain
our resources. Changes in either patent laws or in interpretation of patent
laws
in the Untied States and other countries may diminish the value of our
intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection.
If
our prospective business infringes on the rights of third parties, we could
be
prevented from selling products, forced to pay damages, and may have to defend
against litigation.
In
the
event that the products, methods, processes or other technologies of our
prospective business are claimed to infringe the proprietary rights of other
parties, we could incur substantial costs and may be required to:
· |
obtain
licenses, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms,
if
at all;
|
· |
abandon
an infringing product, process or
technology;
|
· |
redesign
our products, processes or technologies to avoid
infringement;
|
· |
stop
using the subject matter claimed in the patents held by
others;
|
· |
defend
litigation or administrative proceedings;
or
|
Our
investments in healthcare-related companies may be extremely risky and we could
lose all or part of our investments.
An
investment in healthcare-related companies (including Dynogen) may be extremely
risky relative to an investment in companies operating in other sectors due,
in
part, to the following factors:
· |
early
stage healthcare companies typically have limited operating histories,
narrow research and development capabilities, narrow potential product
lines, are usually focused exclusively on development of potential
products and technologies, and, like Dynogen, most have not yet reached
the stage of product
commercialization;
|
· |
to
the extent that early stage healthcare companies are actually
commercializing products, they generally have smaller market shares
than
larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to
competitors’ actions and market
conditions;
|
· |
early
stage healthcare companies generally have less predictable operating
results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged
in
rapidly changing businesses with product candidates subject to a
substantial risk of failure, and may require substantial additional
capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain
their
competitive position;
|
· |
because
many smaller healthcare companies tend to be privately owned, there
is
generally little publicly available information about these businesses;
therefore, we may not learn all of the material information we need
to
know regarding these businesses;
and
|
· |
many
small healthcare companies are more likely to depend on the management
talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death,
disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons
could have a material adverse impact on the operations of any
healthcare-related company we may
acquire.
|
Changes
in the healthcare industry are subject to various influences, each of which
may
affect our prospective business.
The
healthcare industry is subject to changing political, economic, and regulatory
influences. These factors affect the purchasing practices and operations of
healthcare organizations. Any changes in current healthcare financing and
reimbursement systems could cause us to make unplanned enhancements of our
prospective products, or result in delays or cancellations of orders, or in
the
revocation of endorsement of our prospective products by clients. Federal and
state legislatures have periodically considered programs to reform or amend
the
U.S. healthcare system at both the federal and state level. Such programs may
increase governmental regulation or involvement in healthcare, lower
reimbursement rates, or otherwise change the environment in which healthcare
industry participants operate. Healthcare industry participants may respond
by
reducing their investments or postponing investment decisions, including
investments in our prospective products.
Many
healthcare industry participants are consolidating to create integrated
healthcare systems with greater market power. As the healthcare industry
consolidates, competition to provide products to industry participants may
become even more intense, as will the importance of establishing a relationship
with each industry participant. These industry participants may try to use
their
market power to negotiate price reductions for our prospective products. If
we
were forced to reduce our prices, our operating results could suffer if we
could
not achieve corresponding reductions in our expenses.
Any
business we acquire will be subject to extensive government regulation. Any
business changes to the laws and regulations governing our prospective business,
or the interpretation and enforcement of those laws or regulations, could cause
us to modify our operations and could negatively impact our operating
results.
Our
prospective business will be extensively regulated by the federal government
and
any states in which we decide to operate. The laws and regulations governing
our
operations, if any, are generally intended to benefit and protect persons other
than our stockholders. The government agencies administering these laws and
regulations have broad latitude to enforce them. These laws and regulations
along with the terms of any government contracts we may enter into would
regulate how we do business, what products we could offer, and how we would
interact with the public. These laws and regulations, and their interpretations,
are subject to frequent change. Changes in existing laws or regulations, or
their interpretations, or the enactment of new laws or regulations could reduce
our revenue, if any, by:
· |
imposing
additional research requirements, thereby delaying the launch of
potential
new products and increasing
expenses;
|
· |
increasing
our liability;
|
· |
increasing
our administrative and other costs;
|
· |
increasing
or decreasing mandated benefits;
|
· |
forcing
us to restructure our relationships with providers or partners;
or
|
· |
requiring
us to implement additional or different programs and
systems.
|
An
example of recently enacted and far-reaching legislation is the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which will have
very significant effects in greatly increasing the level of federal expenditures
for prescription drugs. The new legislation alters the nature and degree of
reimbursement for drugs. Any analogous requirements applied to our prospective
products would be costly to implement and could affect our prospective
revenues.
The
current administration’s issuance of new regulations, its enforcement of the
existing laws and regulations, the states’ ability to promulgate stricter rules,
and uncertainty regarding many aspects of the regulations may make compliance
with any new regulatory landscape difficult. In order to comply with any new
regulatory requirements, any prospective business we acquire may be required
to
employ additional or different programs and systems, the costs of which are
unknown to us at this time. Further, compliance with any such new regulations
may lead to additional costs that we have not yet identified. We do not know
whether, or the extent to which, we would be able to recover our costs of
complying with any new regulations. Any new regulations and the related
compliance costs could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
If
we are unable to attract qualified healthcare professionals at reasonable costs,
it could limit our ability to grow, increase our operating costs and negatively
impact our business.
We
may
rely significantly on our ability to attract and retain qualified healthcare
professionals who possess the skills, experience and licenses necessary to
meet
the certification requirements and the requirements of applicable state and
federal governing bodies. We will compete for qualified healthcare professionals
with other healthcare organizations, universities, hospitals and government
organizations.
Our
ability to attract and retain such qualified healthcare professionals will
depend on several factors, including our ability to provide attractive
assignments and competitive benefits and wages. We cannot assure you that we
will be successful in any of these areas.
We
may be dependent on payments from Medicare and Medicaid. Changes in the rates
of
methods governing these payments for our prospective products, or delays in
such
payments, could adversely affect our prospective
revenue.
Any
reductions in amounts paid by government programs for our prospective products
or changes in methods or regulations governing payments would adversely affect
our potential revenue. Additionally, delays in any such payments, whether as
a
result of disputes or for any other reason, would also adversely affect our
potential revenue.
If
our
costs were to increase more rapidly than payment adjustments we receive from
Medicare, Medicaid or other third-party payors for any of our potential
products, our revenue could be negatively impacted. Accordingly, our revenue
may
be largely dependent on our ability to manage costs of providing such
products.
We
may depend on payments from third-party payors, including managed care
organizations. If these payments are reduced, eliminated or delayed, our
prospective revenues could be adversely affected.
We
may be
dependent upon private sources of payment for any of our potential products
or
research services. Any amounts that we may receive in payment for such products
or services may be adversely affected by market and cost factors as well as
other factors over which we have no control, including regulations and cost
containment and utilization decisions and reduced reimbursement schedules of
third-party payors. Any reductions in such payments, to the extent that we
could
not recoup them elsewhere, would have a material adverse effect on our
prospective business and results of operations. Additionally, delays in any
such
payments, whether as a result of disputes or for any other reason, would have
a
material adverse effect on our prospective business and results of
operations.
If
the FDA or other state or foreign agencies impose regulations that affect our
potential products, our costs will increase.
The
development, testing, production and marketing of any of our potential products
that we may manufacture, market or sell following a business combination
(including Dynogen’s products following consummation of the proposed Merger) may
be subject to regulation by the FDA as “drugs.” All “new drugs” must be the
subject of an FDA-approved new drug application (NDA) and all new biologics
products must be the subject of a biologics license application (BLA) before
they may be marketed in the United States. All generic equivalents to previously
approved drugs or new dosage forms of existing drugs must be the subject of
an
FDA-approved abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) before they may be marketed
in the United States. In all cases, the FDA has the authority to determine
what
testing procedures are appropriate for a particular product and, in some
instances, has not published or otherwise identified guidelines as to the
appropriate procedures. The required product testing and approval process for
new drugs and biologics ordinarily takes several years and requires the
expenditure of substantial resources. Testing of any product under development
may not result in a commercially viable product. Even after such time and
expenses, regulatory approval by the FDA may not be obtained for any products
developed. Even if regulatory approval is obtained, a marketed product, its
manufacturer and its manufacturing facilities are subject to continual review
and periodic inspections. Subsequent discovery of previously unknown problems
with a product, manufacturer or facility may result in restrictions on the
product or manufacturer, including withdrawal of the product from the
market.
Even
if
required FDA approval has been obtained with respect to a new drug or biologic
product, foreign regulatory approval of a product must also be obtained prior
to
marketing the product internationally. Foreign approval procedures vary from
country to country and the time required for approval may delay or prevent
marketing. Although there is now a centralized European Union approval mechanism
for new pharmaceutical products in place, each European Union member state
may
nonetheless impose its own procedures and requirements, many of which are time
consuming and expensive, and some European Union member states require price
approval as part of the regulatory approval process. Thus, there can be
substantial delays in obtaining required approval from both the FDA and foreign
regulatory authorities.
The
regulatory requirements applicable to any new drug or biologic product may
be
modified in the future. We cannot determine what effect changes in regulations
or statutes or legal interpretations may have on a product in the future. Any
changes or new legislation could have a material adverse effect on our ability
to develop and sell new drug and biologics products and, therefore, our ability
to generate revenue and cash flow from them.
The
FDA and state authorities have broad enforcement powers. The FDA can impose
civil and criminal enforcement actions and other penalties on us if we were
to
fail to comply with stringent FDA regulations. Our failure to comply with
applicable regulatory requirements could result in enforcement action by the
FDA
or state agencies, which may include any of the following
sanctions:
· |
warning
letters, fines, injunctions, consent decrees and civil
penalties;
|
· |
repair,
replacement, refunds, recall or seizure of our
products;
|
· |
operating
restrictions or partial suspension or total shutdown of
production;
|
· |
refusal
of requests for approval of new products, new intended uses, or
modifications to existing products;
|
· |
withdrawal
of market approvals previously granted;
and
|
If
any of
these events were to occur, it could harm our business.
Medical
manufacturing facilities must maintain records, which are available for FDA
inspectors documenting that the appropriate manufacturing procedures were
followed.
Should
we
acquire such a facility as a result of a business combination, the FDA would
have authority to conduct inspections of such a facility. Labeling and
promotional activities are also subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain
instances, by the Federal Trade Commission. Any failure by us to take
satisfactory corrective action in response to an adverse inspection or to comply
with applicable FDA regulations could result in enforcement action against
us,
including a public warning letter, a shutdown of manufacturing operations,
a
recall of our products, civil or criminal penalties or other sanctions. From
time to time, the FDA may modify such requirements, imposing additional or
different requirements that could require us to alter our business.
RISKS
RELATED TO THE POTENTIAL MERGER
The
combined company’s working capital could be reduced and, following the Merger,
our stockholders could own less than 40% of our outstanding common stock.
Pursuant
to our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of
shares issued in our Public Offering may vote against the proposed Merger with
Dynogen and demand that we convert their shares into a pro rata share of the
amount held in the Trust Account (including the amount held in the trust account
representing the deferred portion of the underwriters’ fee), inclusive of any
interest earned on such pro rata share (net of taxes payable). We will not
complete the Merger if holders of 30% or more of the shares of common stock
issued in our Public Offering vote against the Merger and exercise these
conversion rights. To the extent the Merger is completed and holders of less
than 30% of the shares of our common stock issued in the Public Offering have
properly demanded to convert their shares, there will be a corresponding
reduction in the amount of funds available to the combined company following
the
Merger and a reduction in the aggregate percentage of our outstanding shares
that is owned after the Merger by our stockholders immediately prior to the
Merger. As of February 29, 2008, assuming the Merger proposal is approved,
the
maximum amount of funds that could be disbursed to our stockholders upon the
exercise of the conversion rights (excluding deductions for tax payments)
without implicating the ability to complete the Merger will be approximately
$20.4 million, or approximately 29.99% of the funds currently held in trust.
If
the maximum amount of funds were disbursed, the percentage of our outstanding
common stock that would be owned by our existing stockholders who did not
exercise their conversion right would be approximately 37.8%, based on the
relative numbers of shares outstanding of our common stock and Dynogen common
stock and other securities as of February 5, 2008.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Merger Agreement, a substantial number of shares will be
issued upon, and will be potentially issuable after, the consummation of the
Merger, which will result in significant dilution to our stockholders
immediately prior to the Merger.
As
of
February 5, 2008, 10,781,250 shares of our common stock were outstanding. Upon
the consummation of the Merger, we will issue approximately 13.5 million shares,
and reserve for issuance approximately 7.4 million additional shares of our
common stock for future issuance upon the satisfaction of certain milestones
and
the exercise of options and warrants assumed or issued in connection with the
Merger. Assuming that, prior to the consummation of the Merger, no additional
shares of our common stock are issued and none of our stockholders exercise
their conversion rights and that none of our or Dynogen’s outstanding options or
warrants are exercised, upon such consummation, our stockholders immediately
prior to the Merger are expected to own approximately 44.4% of the then
outstanding shares of our common stock (or approximately 43.7% on a
fully-diluted basis giving effect to all outstanding options, warrants and
other
rights, including the milestone payments); however, if 29.99% of our
stockholders exercise their conversion rights, we expect our stockholders to
hold approximately 37.8% of the shares of our common stock outstanding
immediately following the closing of the Merger (or approximately 40.5% on
a
fully-diluted basis giving effect to all outstanding options, warrants and
other
rights, including the milestone payments).
A
substantial number of our shares will become eligible for future resale in
the
public market after the Merger which could result in dilution and have an
adverse effect on the market price of those shares.
If
the
Merger is completed, warrants to purchase 8,625,000 shares of common stock
issued in connection with our Public Offering and warrants to purchase 1,800,000
shares of our common stock issued in a Private Placement to certain of our
founding stockholders immediately prior to our Public Offering will become
exercisable on the date the Merger is completed. Additionally, if the Merger
is
completed, it is currently estimated that approximately 20.9 million shares
of
our common stock will be issued, or reserved for future issuance, to the holders
of Dynogen capital stock, option, warrants or other securities at the closing
of
the Merger.
Substantially
all of these shares will be eligible for resale upon issuance, subject to
limitations under applicable securities laws. Additionally, if the Merger is
completed, we expect to register for resale the shares issued to those former
stockholders of Dynogen who will become our affiliates and would not otherwise
be able to sell without an exemption from registration. In addition, our Initial
Stockholders have the right to require us to file a registration statement
covering the resale of certain shares of our common stock, warrants and shares
of our common stock underlying such warrants held by such persons. Consequently,
at various times after completion of the Merger, a substantial number of
additional shares of our common stock will be eligible for resale in the public
market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could
adversely affect the market price of such shares and of the warrants.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the shares of our common stock held by our
Initial Stockholders are subject to escrow agreements and will not be released
from escrow until the earliest of (a) with respect to certain shares of our
common stock, the first year anniversary of our initial business combination,
and with respect to certain warrants to purchase our common stock, the six
month
anniversary of our initial business combination, (b) our liquidation (in which
case they will have no value) and (c) the consummation of a liquidation, merger,
stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our
stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for
cash,
securities or other property subsequent our initial business combination, if
any, with a target business. Additionally, because we are a blank check company,
so long as they continue to be affiliates, our Initial Stockholders will not
be
able to sell our securities pursuant to Rule 144.
Our
directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that are different
from yours because if the Merger is not approved then the shares held by them
may become worthless.
In
considering the recommendation of our board of directors to vote for the
proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, you should be aware that a number
of
our officers and directors have interests in the Merger that are different
from,
or in addition to, your interests as a stockholder. These interests include,
among other things:
· |
If
the Merger is not approved and we are therefore required to dissolve
and
liquidate, the shares of common stock purchased prior to our Public
Offering and held by our officers and directors (or their affiliates)
will
be worthless because our directors and officers are not entitled
to
receive in respect of such shares any of the net proceeds of our
Public
Offering that may be distributed from our Trust Account upon our
liquidation. If the Merger is not approved and we are therefore required
to dissolve and liquidate, such officers and directors will, however,
be
entitled to receive their share of the net proceeds of our Public
Offering
that may be distributed from our Trust Account with respect to any
shares
of our common stock purchased in or following our Public Offering.
In
addition, the warrants held by such persons for which they paid an
aggregate of $1,800,000, which will be exercisable at the completion
of
the Merger for 1,800,000 shares of our common stock, will expire
without
value in the event that we are required to
liquidate.
|
· |
If
the Merger is not approved and we are therefore required to dissolve
and
liquidate, our Initial Stockholders have each agreed on a joint and
several basis to be personally liable to ensure that the proceeds
from our
Public Offering held in the trust account are not reduced by the
claims of
(a) vendors or other entities for services rendered or products sold
to us
or (b) any prospective target business, in each case only to the
extent
the payment of such debts and obligations actually reduces the amount
of
funds in the Trust Account (or, in the event that such claim arises
after
the distribution of the Trust Account, to the extent necessary to
ensure
that our Public Stockholders are not liable for any amount of such
loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense) and only with respect to vendors,
prospective target business and other entities we engage who do not
waive
their right or claim in or to the monies held in the Trust Account.
If the
Merger is completed, these indemnification obligations will
terminate.
|
· |
Certain
of our existing directors anticipate remaining on the board of directors
after the consummation of the Merger, which may result in the surviving
corporation paying a fee to them for their services.
|
The
amount of stock held by executive officers, directors and other affiliates
following the Merger may limit your ability to influence the outcome of director
elections and other matters requiring stockholder approval.
Upon
consummation of the Merger with Dynogen, our officers, directors and affiliates
will beneficially own approximately 10% of our common stock. These stockholders
can have a substantial influence on all matters requiring approval by
stockholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers
or
other business combination transactions. This concentration of ownership could
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or discouraging
a
potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of the combined company,
which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our
common stock or prevent stockholders from realizing a premium over the market
price for their shares of common stock.
The
lack of diversification in our business following the Merger affects our ability
to mitigate the risks that we may face or to offset possible losses that we
may
incur as a result of competing in the biotechnology industry.
The
prospects for our success will be entirely dependent upon the future performance
of Dynogen’s business. We may not have the resources to diversify our operations
or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses. By
consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of
diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory
developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon
the
biotechnology industry and result in our dependency upon the development or
market acceptance of Dynogen’s products.
The
combined company may form joint ventures that could harm its operating results,
dilute your ownership of the combined company, increase its debt or cause it
to
incur significant expense.
As
part
of the combined company’s business strategy, it may pursue strategic alliances
that leverage its core technology and industry experience to expand its product
offerings or distribution. To effect these strategic alliances, we may choose
to
issue shares of our common stock or securities convertible into our common
stock, which would dilute your interest in us. Alternatively, it may be
necessary for us to raise additional funds for working capital through public
or
private financings. Additional funds may not be available on terms that are
favorable to us, or at all, and to the extent such funds are available, such
financing may include restrictive covenants that could hinder our ability to
obtain additional financing, if necessary.
Following
the Merger with Dynogen, we will incur significant increased costs, and our
financial controls and procedures may not be sufficient to ensure timely and
reliable reporting of financial information, which, as a public company, could
materially harm our stock price and listing on the American Stock Exchange.
Following
the Merger, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses.
Dynogen has not incurred these expenses as a private company, and, because
of
our lack of an operating business, to date, we have incurred these expenses
only
to a limited extent. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and rules
of
the SEC, and the American Stock Exchange have imposed various requirements
on
public companies including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective
disclosure and financial controls. Following the Merger, our management and
other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these
compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase
our
legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more
time-consuming and costly. For example, these rules and regulations may make
it
more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain and maintain director and
officer liability insurance, and we may be required to incur substantial costs
to maintain the same or similar coverage.
The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires, among other things, that we maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls
and
procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and
testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management
and
our independent registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404
of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, beginning with the annual report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. Our compliance with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require that we incur substantial accounting expense
and
expend significant management efforts.
The
effectiveness of our controls and procedures may in the future be limited by
a
variety of factors, including:
· |
faulty
human judgment and simple errors, omissions or
mistakes;
|
· |
fraudulent
action of an individual or collusion of two or more
people;
|
· |
inappropriate
management override of procedures;
and
|
· |
the
possibility that any enhancements to controls and procedures may
still not
be adequate to assure timely and accurate financial
information.
|
If
we are not
able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner,
or if we
or our independent registered public accounting firm identify deficiencies
in
our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material
weaknesses, we may be subject to delisting from any exchange on which our
securities are then traded, SEC investigation and civil or criminal sanctions.
Our
ability to successfully implement our business plan and comply with Section
404
requires us to be able to prepare timely and accurate financial statements.
We
expect that we will need to continue to improve existing, and implement new
operational and financial and accounting systems, procedures and controls to
manage our business effectively.
Any
delay
in the implementation of, or disruption in the transition to, new or enhanced
systems, procedures or controls may cause our operations to suffer, and we
may
be unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is
effective and to obtain an unqualified report on internal controls from our
auditors as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If we are
unable to complete the required Section 404 assessment as to the adequacy of
our
internal control over financial reporting, if we fail to maintain or implement
adequate controls, or if our independent registered public accounting firm
is
unable to provide us with an unqualified report as to the effectiveness of
our
internal control over financial reporting as of the date of our first Form
10-K
for which compliance is required, our ability to obtain additional financing
could be impaired. In addition, investors could lose confidence in the
reliability of our internal control over financial reporting and in the accuracy
of our periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act. A lack of investor confidence in the reliability
and accuracy of our public reporting could cause our stock price to decline.
Following
the Merger, our management will have broad discretion to use available cash
and
the investment of these resources may not yield a favorable return. We may
invest the available cash in ways you disagree with.
Our
management will have broad discretion as to how to spend and invest the cash
that will be available to us upon completion of the Merger and distribution
from
the trust fund, and we may spend or invest these capital resources in a way
with
which you may disagree. Because we are not required to allocate cash to any
specific investment or transaction, you cannot determine at this time the value
or propriety of our application of these resources. Accordingly, you will need
to rely on our post-Merger management’s judgment with respect to the use of this
cash. Moreover, you will not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic,
financial or other information on which we base our decision on how to use
this
cash. Pending use, we plan to invest available cash in short-term,
investment-grade, interest bearing securities. These investments may not yield
a
favorable return to stockholders.
Neither
we nor Dynogen has ever declared or paid dividends on its capital stock, and
we
do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result,
you
must rely on stock appreciation for any return on your investment.
Following
the Merger, Dynogen’s business will require significant funding, and we
currently plan to invest all available funds and future earnings in the
development and growth of this business. Therefore, we do not anticipate paying
any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment
of
cash dividends will also depend on our financial condition, results of
operations, capital requirements and other factors and will be at the discretion
of our board of directors. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of the
common stock will be your sole source of potential gain for the foreseeable
future. Furthermore, we may in the future become subject to contractual
restrictions on, or prohibitions against, the payment of dividends, including
pursuant to the terms of debt agreements.
Our
ability to utilize Dynogen’s historical, federal and state net operating loss
carryforwards may currently be limited or may become limited.
As
of
December 31, 2007, Dynogen had net operating loss carryforwards for federal
and
state income tax purposes of $63 million and $48 million, respectively. If
not
utilized, these carryforwards will expire at various dates starting in 2008
through 2027. Generally, utilization of a company’s net operating loss
carryforwards may be subject to substantial annual limitations due to rules
contained in the Internal Revenue Code (and similar state provisions) that
are
applicable if the company experiences an “ownership change.” Generally, a change
of more than 50% in the ownership of a company’s stock, by value, over a
three-year period constitutes an ownership change for United States federal
income tax purposes. Additionally, even if there were no ownership changes
previously, it is possible that the Merger, when considered together with past
transactions and potential future transactions, could trigger an ownership
change for this purpose. As a result, our ability to use Dynogen’s net operating
loss carryforwards may be or become subject to substantial limitations, which
could potentially result in increased future tax liability and in the expiration
of Dynogen’s net operating loss carryforwards before they can be used.
Item
1B. UNRESOLVED
STAFF COMMENTS
Not
applicable
Item
2 PROPERTIES
We
presently occupy office space at 18 Farm Lane, Hillsborough, California 94010
provided by Apex Bioventures, LLC, an affiliate of K. Michael Forrest, our
President and one of our directors. Such affiliate has agreed that, until we
complete a business combination, it will make office space, as well as certain
office and secretarial services, available to us as we may require from time
to
time. During a portion of 2007, we also occupied office space at 724 Fifth
Avenue, New York, New York 10019, provided by Craig Drill Capital, an affiliate
of Robert J. Easton, one of our directors. During 2007, we made payments to
Apex
Bioventures, LLC and Craig Drill Capital in aggregate amounts of $6,000 and
$3,500 respectively, for rent and administrative services. However, such
payments have been discontinued and additional payments are not anticipated
prior to the consummation of a business combination.
We
consider our office space adequate for our current operations.
Item
3 LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
The
Company is not a party to any litigation in any court, and management is not
aware of any contemplated proceeding by any party against the Company or any
of
its officers and directors.
Item
4 SUBMISSION
OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No
matters were submitted to a vote of securityholders during the fourth quarter
of
the year ended December 31, 2007.
PART
II
Item
5 Market
For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities.
Since
June 8, 2007, our units, and after their split on June 20, 2007, our shares
of
common stock and warrants, have all traded on the American Stock Exchange under
the symbols “PEX.U”, “PEX,” and “PEX.WS”, respectively. Prior to June 8, 2007,
there was no established public trading market for our common
stock.
The
closing high and low sales prices of our units, common stock, and warrants
as
reported by the American Stock Exchange, for the quarters indicated are as
follows:
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
Warrants
|
|
Units
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
$
|
7.23
|
|
$
|
7.20
|
|
$
|
0.84
|
|
$
|
0.80
|
|
$
|
8.09
|
|
$
|
8.02
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
$
|
7.36
|
|
$
|
7.15
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
$
|
0.55
|
|
$
|
8.20
|
|
$
|
7.84
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
|
$
|
7.38
|
|
$
|
7.20
|
|
$
|
0.65
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
$
|
7.90
|
|
$
|
7.78
|
|
As
of
March 6, 2008, there was one holder of record for our units, and there were
10 stockholders of record of our common stock and 10 holders of record of our
warrants. Such numbers do not include beneficial owners holding shares or
warrants through nominee names.
We
have
not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay
dividends prior to the completion of a business combination. The payment of
dividends in the future will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings,
if
any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to
completion of a business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent
to
a business combination will be within the discretion of our then board of
directors. It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain
all
earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our
board
does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable
future.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities
Since
inception in June 2006, we sold the following shares of common stock without
registration under the Securities Act:
STOCKHOLDERS
|
|
NUMBER
OF SHARES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invivos
Partners Ltd.
|
|
|
268,858
|
|
K.
Michael Forrest
|
|
|
472,803
|
|
Treasure
Road Partners Ltd.
|
|
|
359,790
|
|
Robert
J. Easton
|
|
|
397,310
|
|
John
J. Chandler
|
|
|
126,313
|
|
Nancy
T. Chang
|
|
|
183,951
|
|
Anthony
J. Sinskey
|
|
|
97,474
|
|
Robert
L. Van Nostrand
|
|
|
152,277
|
|
Rix
Clinical Laboratories Ltd.
|
|
|
97,474
|
|
|
|
|
2,156,250
|
|
Each
stockholder named is one of our directors or an entity controlled by one of
our
directors. These are the stockholders which we refer to as our Initial
Stockholders elsewhere herein.
Such
shares were issued on June 27, 2006 in connection with our organization pursuant
to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities
Act as they were sold to sophisticated, wealthy individuals (or entities
beneficially owned and controlled by them). The shares issued to the individuals
and entities above were sold for an aggregate offering price of $25,000 at
an
average purchase price of approximately $0.01159 per share. No underwriting
discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such sales.
The
shares listed above give effect to the transactions described
below.
In
October 2006, Robert J. Easton, who previously held the largest membership
interest in Easton Associates, LLC, terminated his association with Easton
Associates, LLC. Subsequently, in April 2007, the Company purchased from Easton
Associates, LLC all of the shares of our common stock held by Easton Associates,
LLC for $4,096.35 in cash. Subsequently, Mr. Easton purchased from the Company
the same number of shares for $4,096.35.
In
March
2007, the Company’s board of directors determined to reorganize the roles of the
Company’s management team so as to better reflect the officers’ respective
talents. Commensurately, our then existing stockholders determined to
re-allocate among themselves the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.
The re-allocation was effected through the purchase and sale of shares for
a
purchase price of $0.01067 per share.
In
April
2007, the Company effected a 1 for 1.086956522 reverse stock split of its
outstanding common stock (effectively increasing the price paid for each share
from $0.01067 to $0.01159).
In
May
2007, the Company’s stockholders appointed Donald B. Rix as an additional member
of its board of directors. Commensurately, the Company’s stockholders determined
to re-allocate among themselves the Company’s outstanding shares of common
stock. The allocation was effected through the purchase and sale from each
then
existing stockholder to Rix Clinical Laboratories Ltd. of shares for a purchase
price of $0.01159 per share.
Prior
to
the closing of our Public Offering, in the Private Placement, we sold warrants
to purchase up to 1,800,000 shares of common stock, at a purchase price of
$1.00
per warrant. These warrants were purchased by our Initial Stockholders on a
pro
rata basis based on the relative number of shares of our common stock held
by
each of them prior to our Public Offering. These warrants are identical to
the
warrants sold in the Public Offering, except that such warrants are
non-redeemable and can be exercised on a cashless basis as long as these persons
hold such warrants. In addition, subject to certain limited exceptions, none
of
the warrants purchased by our Initial Stockholders are transferable or salable
until six months after the consummation of a business combination
Use
of Proceeds from our Initial Public Offering
The
effective date of our registration statement, which was filed on Form S-1 under
the Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 333-135755), and which relates to the
Public Offering of our units, was June 7, 2007. Each unit consisted of one
share
of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock. A total
of 8,625,000 units were registered at a proposed maximum aggregate offering
price of $69,000,000. The Public Offering was consummated on June 13, 2007.
The
underwriters of the Public Offering were Lazard Capital Markets LLC and
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. Each of our units commenced trading its
component share of common stock and warrant separately on June 20, 2007.
Our
net
proceeds from our public offering are as set forth in the following
table:
USE
OF PROCEEDS
Gross
proceeds
|
|
|
|
Offering
gross proceeds
|
|
$
|
69,000,000
|
|
Gross
proceeds from private placement of founder warrants
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
Total
gross proceeds
|
|
$
|
70,800,000
|
|
Offering
and private placement expenses (1)
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
discounts and commissions (7% of offering gross proceeds)
(2)
|
|
$
|
4,830,000
|
|
Legal
fees and expenses
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
expenses
|
|
|
91,400
|
|
Printing
and engraving expenses
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
Accounting
fees and expenses
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
SEC
registration fees
|
|
|
17,100
|
|
NASD
(now FINRA) registration fees
|
|
|
16,500
|
|
AMEX
Listing Fees
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
Total
offering expenses
|
|
$
|
5,490,000
|
|
Proceeds
after non-deferred offering and private placement
expenses
|
|
$
|
65,310,000
|
|
Deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions held in trust
|
|
|
2,070,000
|
|
Adjusted
proceeds after offering expenses
|
|
|
67,380,000
|
|
Total
proceeds not held in trust
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
Total
net proceeds held in trust
|
|
$
|
67,330,000
|
|
Use
of new proceeds not held in trust and $1,600,000 of the interest
income
earned on the trust account (net of taxes payable) that will be
released
to us
|
|
|
|
|
Legal,
accounting and other expenses attendant to the due diligence
investigation, structuring and negotiation of a business combination
and
the preparation and the preparation and filing of the related
proxy
statement
|
|
$
|
415,500
|
|
Opinion
of investment banking firm
|
|
|
280,000
|
|
Payment
of administrative services and support
|
|
|
9,500
|
|
Due
diligence of prospective target business
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
Miscellaneous
fees
|
|
|
145,000
|
|
Working
capital to cover miscellaneous expenses including D & O insurance and
other insurance and possibly dissolution expense (3)
|
|
|
450,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,650,000
|
|
(1)
|
A
portion of the public offering and private placement expenses were
paid
from the funds we received from our Initial Stockholders, as described
below. Those funds were repaid upon the consummation, and out of
the
proceeds, of the Public Offering.
|
(2)
|
The
amount of deferred underwriting discounts and the amount held in
trust
includes $2,070,000 that will be paid to the underwriters only upon
consummation of the initial business combination and will not be
available
for use to acquire an operating
business.
|
(3)
|
The
miscellaneous fees and expenses may include, without limitation,
potential
deposits, down-payments, exclusivity fees, finders’ fees, or similar fees
or compensation, reserves, costs and expenses associated with our
dissolution and liquidation.
|
Of
the
net proceeds from the Public Offering and the Private Placement, $67,330,000
(including $2,070,000 attributable to the deferred underwriters’ discounts and
commissions) has been placed in a Trust Account at J.P. Morgan Chase N.A.,
maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee,
and invested by Morgan Stanley. Except for up to $1,600,000 interest income
released to us, net of income taxes, the proceeds will not be released from
the
Trust Account until the earlier of the completion of a business combination
or
our dissolution. All amounts held in the trust account that are not converted
to
cash or released to us as interest income, net of income taxes, will be released
on closing of our initial business combination with one or more target
businesses which have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of our net
assets (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions of $2,070,000)
at the time of such business combination, subject to a majority of our Public
Stockholders voting in favor of the business combination and less than 30%
of
the Public Stockholders voting against the business combination and exercising
their conversion rights. Following release from the Trust Account of $1,600,000
of the interest income, net of taxes payable on such interest, that we may
use
for working capital requirements and after payment of the conversion price
to
any Public Stockholders who exercise their conversion rights, the underwriters
will receive their deferred underwriting fee discount equal to 3% of the gross
proceeds of the Public Offering. The remaining funds will be released to us
and
can be used to pay all or a portion of the purchase price of the business or
businesses with which our initial combination occurs. If the business
combination is paid for using stock or debt securities (as contemplated by
the
proposed Dynogen Merger), we may apply the cash released to us from the Trust
Account to general corporate purposes, including for maintenance or expansion
of
operations of the acquired business, the payment of principal or interest due
on
indebtedness incurred in consummating our initial business combination or for
working capital to finance the operations of the target business, which may
include subsequent acquisitions.
Of
the
net proceeds of the Public Offering and Private Placement, we have allocated
approximately $300,000 for premiums for director and officer liability
insurance, with a balance of $150,000 allocated for other miscellaneous expenses
of structuring and negotiating business combinations, and, if necessary, to
cover the costs and expenses associated with our dissolution and liquidation
(which we estimate will be in the range of $50,000 to $75,000). We have
allocated $350,000 for the expenses associated with identifying and performing
initial due diligence of prospective acquisition targets. We have further
allocated approximately $415,500 for legal, accounting and other expenses
attendant to the due diligence investigations, structuring and negotiation
of a
business combination and the preparation and filing of the related proxy
statement, and approximately $280,000 for an opinion of an independent
investment banking firm relating to a potential business combination. Due
diligence of prospective target businesses has been (and to the extent
necessary, will be) performed by some or all of our officers and directors
and
third party consultants. None of our officers, directors or Initial Stockholders
will receive any compensation for their due diligence efforts, other than
reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses they may incur on our behalf while
performing due diligence of prospective target businesses. To the extent such
out-of-pocket expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the Trust
Account and interest income, net of income taxes, of $1,600,000 of the interest
earned, net of taxes payable on such interest, that will be released to us
from
the trust account, such out-of-pocket expenses would not be reimbursed by us
unless we consummate a business combination. In addition, although we have
not
done so and have no present intention to do so, if the contemplated Merger
with
Dynogen is not consummated, it is possible that we will in the future find
it
necessary or desirable to use a portion of these funds to make a down payment
or
deposit or fund a lock-up or “no-shop” provision, with respect to a potential
business combination. We have not reserved any specific amounts for such
payments or fees, which may have the effect of reducing the available proceeds
not deposited in the Trust Account for payment of our ongoing expenses and
reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred on our behalf. If we use a
significant portion of our funds for such a purpose and we are required to
forfeit such funds (whether as a result of our breach of the agreement relating
to the original payment or otherwise), we could, if such payment was large
enough and we had already used some or all of the funds allocated to due
diligence and related expenses in connection with the aborted transaction,
be
left with insufficient funds to continue searching for, or to conduct due
diligence with respect to, other potential target businesses. In that event,
we
may be required to liquidate before the completion of a business
combination.
Treasure
Road Partners, Ltd., a company controlled by Gary E. Frashier and his wife,
Giva
H. Frashier, Easton Associates, LLC, the largest equity holder of which was
Robert J. Easton, and K. Michael Forrest each loaned to us $75,000 for the
payment of offering expenses. In connection with the termination of Mr. Easton’s
association with Easton Associates, in April 2007, we repaid in full the $75,000
loaned to us by Easton Associates. Subsequently, Mr. Easton loaned us $75,000.
These non-interest bearing loans were repaid out of the proceeds of the Public
Offering not held in trust.
In
June
2007, Darrell J. Elliott, K. Michael Forrest and Gary E. Frashier advanced
to us
$16,666, $16,666 and $16,668, respectively, to partially fund our listing fee
for the American Stock Exchange. These non-interest bearing advances were repaid
out of the proceeds of the Public Offering not held in trust.
The
net
proceeds of the Public Offering which are held in the Trust Account are invested
only in United States “government securities,” defined as any Treasury Bills
issued by the United States having a maturity of 180 days or less or in money
market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended so that we are not deemed to be
an
investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Interest income,
net of taxes payable on such interest, of $1,600,000 is releasable to us from
the trust account to fund our working capital requirements. We believe the
funds
available to us outside of the Trust Account, together with interest income,
net
of income taxes on such interest, to be released to us for working capital
requirements, will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next
two months. However, we may need to raise additional funds through a private
offering of debt or equity securities if such funds are not adequate to
consummate the Dynogen Merger (or an alternative business combination). In
the
Merger Agreement, we have provided for having to raise up to $750,000 to
consummate the Dynogen Merger.
No
compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid
to any of our directors, officers or Initial Stockholders or any of their
affiliates, other than payments of approximately $1,667 per month (assuming
two
days work per week) to Lauren Elliott, the daughter of Darrell J. Elliott,
our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for administrative services. However,
our
directors and officers have and will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such
as
participating in the offering process, identifying potential target businesses
and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Since the role
of present management after a business combination is uncertain, we have no
ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to those persons
after a business combination. To the extent that our capital stock is used
in
whole or in part as consideration to effect a business combination (as
contemplated by the proposed Merger with Dynogen), the proceeds held in the
Trust Account as well as any other net proceeds not expended will be used to
finance the operations of the target business.
A
Public
Stockholder will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in
the
event of our dissolution upon our failure to complete a business combination
by
June 13, 2009 or if that Public Stockholder were to seek to convert such shares
to cash by exercising conversion rights in connection with a business
combination which he, she or it voted against and which we actually consummate.
In no other circumstances will a Public Stockholder have any right or interest
of any kind to or in the Trust Account.
In
the
event of our dissolution, as described above, our Initial Stockholders,
including our officers and directors (or their affiliates), will be entitled
to
receive distributions of our assets, including funds from the Trust Account,
solely with respect to any shares of common stock which they purchased in or
following the Public Offering.
Item
6 SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
The
following tables should be read in conjunction with our financial statements
and
the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The
selected income statement and balance sheet data has been derived from our
audited financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this Annual
Report. The selected quarterly data is unaudited.
|
|
For
the Year Ended December 31, 2007
|
|
Period
from Inception (June 1, 2006) to December 31,
2006
|
|
Period
from Inception (June 1, 2006) to December 31,
2007
|
|
Income
Statement Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Formation
and operating costs
|
|
$
|
(581,816
|
)
|
$
|
(53,388
|
)
|
$
|
(635,204
|
)
|
Dividend
and interest income
|
|
|
1,785,716
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
|
1,786,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) before provision for income taxes
|
|
|
1,203,900
|
|
|
(52,324
|
)
|
|
1,151,576
|
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
(506,975
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(506,975
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
$
|
696,925
|
|
$
|
(52,324
|
)
|
$
|
644,601
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
0.10
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding - basic and
diluted
|
|
|
6,929,538
|
|
|
2,156,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
31, 2007
|
|
December
31, 2006
|
|
Balance
sheet data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1,060,427
|
|
$
|
82,739
|
|
Investments
held in trust
|
|
|
67,584,688
|
|
|
-
|
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
264,350
|
|
|
315,914
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
68,909,465
|
|
$
|
398,653
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
$
|
2,903,064
|
|
$
|
425,977
|
|
Common
stock, subject to possible redemption
|
|
|
20,208,367
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
stockholders’ equity (deficiency)
|
|
|
45,798,034
|
|
|
(27,324
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$
|
68,909,465
|
|
$
|
398,653
|
|
Selected
Quarterly Data (unaudited)
Financial
information for each quarter for the period from June 1, 2006 (inception) to
December 31, 2007 is as follows:
|
|
March
31,
|
|
June
30,
|
|
September
30,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2006
|
|
2006
|
|
2006
|
|
Total
revenue
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
683
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
Income
(loss) from operations
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(7,722
|
)
|
|
619
|
|
|
(45,221
|
)
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(7,722
|
)
|
|
619
|
|
|
(45,221
|
)
|
Net
income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
June
30,
|
|
September
30,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2007
|
|
2007
|
|
2007
|
|
Total
revenue
|
|
$
|
509
|
|
$
|
116,026
|
|
$
|
875,429
|
|
$
|
793,752
|
|
Income
(loss) from operations
|
|
|
(5,056
|
)
|
|
37,656
|
|
|
704,509
|
|
|
466,791
|
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
|
(5,056
|
)
|
|
37,656
|
|
|
411,389
|
|
|
252,936
|
|
Net
income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
Item
7 MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements
and footnotes thereto contained in this report.
Overview
We
were
formed on June 1, 2006, to serve as a vehicle to acquire, through a merger,
capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination,
one or more domestic or international assets or an operating business in the
healthcare industry. Our initial business combination must be with a target
business or businesses whose fair market value is at least equal to 80% of
net
assets at the time of such acquisition. We intend to utilize cash derived from
the proceeds of our Public Offering, our capital stock, debt or a combination
of
cash, capital stock and debt, in effecting a business combination. We currently
expect to consummate the Merger with Dynogen for approximately 13,500,000 shares
of our common stock (plus, up to approximately 6,327,372 additional shares
of
our common stock upon the satisfaction of certain milestones and the up to
approximately 1,200,000 additional shares of our common stock upon the exercise
of certain options and warrants issued or assumed in connection with the
Merger).
On
June
13, 2007, we consummated our initial public offering of 8,625,000 units. Each
unit consists of one share of common stock and one redeemable common stock
purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase from us one
share
of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.00.
Results
of Operations
Our
net
income of $696,925 for the year ended December 31, 2007 consisted of formation
and operating costs of $581,816, offset by dividend and interest income of
$1,785,716. For the year ended December 31, 2007 we recorded a provision for
income taxes in the amount of $506,975.
For
the
period from inception (June 1, 2006) to December 31, 2006, we incurred a net
loss of $52,324, consisting of formation and operating costs of $53,388 offset
by dividend and interest income of $1,064.
The
net
income of $644,601 for the period from June 1, 2006 (date of inception) to
December 31, 2007 consisted of formation and operating costs of $635,204, offset
by dividend and interest income of $1,786,780 and a provision for income taxes
of $506,975.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Our
net
proceeds from the sale of our units, including $1,800,000 of proceeds from
the
Private Placement sale of 1,800,000 warrants to our Initial Stockholders were
approximately $65,300,000. Upon the closing of the Public Offering and Private
Placement, $67,330,000, including $2,070,000 of the underwriters’ deferred
discounts and commissions, were placed in trust with the remaining funds being
held outside of the trust. The remaining proceeds available have been and will
be used by us to provide for business, legal and accounting due diligence on
prospective acquisitions and continuing general and administrative expenses.
We
will use all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the Public Offering
and
Private Placement held outside the trust account and the up to $1,600,000 of
interest income (net of income taxes payable thereon) available to us for
working capital to acquire a target business, including identifying and
evaluating prospective acquisition candidates, selecting the target business,
and structuring, negotiating and consummating the business combination. We
believe the funds available to us outside of the Trust Account ($1,060,427
as of
December 31, 2007), together with the balance of interest income, net of income
taxes on such interest, to be released to us for working capital requirements
will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next two months.
However, we may need to raise additional funds through a private offering of
debt or equity securities if such funds are not adequate to consummate the
Dynogen Merger (or an alternative business combination). In the Merger
Agreement, we have provided for having to raise up to $750,000 to consummate
the
Dynogen Merger. If the Dynogen Merger is not consummated and we seek another
acquisition target, we may use all or substantially all of the funds held in
the
Trust Account to consummate such business combination. To the extent that our
capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a business
combination (as currently contemplated by the proposed Merger with Dynogen),
the
proceeds held in the Trust Account as well as any other net proceeds not
expended will be used to finance the operations of the target
business.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
Options
and warrants issued in conjunction with our Public Offering are equity linked
derivatives and accordingly represent off-balance sheet arrangements. The
options and warrants meet the scope exception in paragraph 11(a) of FAS 133
and
are accordingly not accounted for as derivates for purposes of FAS 133, but
instead are accounted for as equity. For a more complete discussion of the
treatment of the underwriter’s purchase option and the warrants, see footnote 3
to the financial statements.
Item
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk.
Market
risk is the sensitivity of income to changes in interest rates, foreign
exchanges, commodity prices, equity prices, and other market-driven rates or
prices. We are not presently engaged in, and if the proposed Dynogen Merger
is
not consummated or another suitable business target is not identified by us
prior to the prescribed liquidation of the trust account we may not engage
in,
any substantive commercial business. Accordingly, the risks associated with
foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices are not
significant.
Item
8 Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.
Reference
is made to pages F-1 through F-16 comprising a portion of this Annual Report
on
Form 10-K.
Index
to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Number
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
Statements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reports
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms.
|
|
|
F-1
|
|
Balance
Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006
|
|
|
F-3
|
|
Statements
of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2007, the period
from
June 1, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2006 and the
period from
June 1, 2006 (inception) to December 31,
2007
|
|
|
F-4
|
|
Statements
of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency) for the period from June 1, 2006
(inception) to December 31, 2007
|
|
|
F-5
|
|
Statements
of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2007, the period
from June
1, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2006 and the period from
June 1, 2006
(inception) to December 31, 2007
|
|
|
F-6
|
|
Notes
to Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-7
|
|
Item
9 Changes
in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure.
None.
Item
9A. Controls
and Procedures.
An
evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as
of
December 31, 2007 was made under the supervision and with the participation
of
our management. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period
covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed
by us
in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and forms.
There
has
not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting in
connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange
Act
that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2007 that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
Item
9B. OTHER
INFORMATION
Not
applicable.
PART
III
Item
10.
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant
to General Rule G(3), information on our directors and executive officers will
be filed in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated
by
reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of
the
end of our fiscal year.
Item
11.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
documents referenced in Item 10 above.
Item
12.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
documents referenced in Item 10 above.
Item
13.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
documents referenced in Item 10 above.
Item
14. PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
documents referenced in Item 10 above.
PART
IV
Item
15.
EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The
exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as a part as a part of this
Form 10-K as follows:
(a)(1), (a)(2) |
Financial statements: |
|
|
|
See
“Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules” at Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other financial
statement schedules have not been included because they are not applicable
or the information is included in the financial statements or notes
thereto.
|
(a)(3) |
Exhibits |
|
|
|
The
following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report
on
Form 10-K.
|
Exhibit
|
|
|
|
Number
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1††
|
|
|
Agreement
and Plan of Merger, by and among, Apex, Dynogen, Acquisition Sub,
and the
Holder Representative identified therein
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1†
|
|
|
Second
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2†
|
|
|
Bylaws
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1†
|
|
|
Specimen
Unit Certificate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.2†
|
|
|
Specimen
Common Stock Certificate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3†
|
|
|
Specimen
Warrant Certificate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.4†
|
|
|
Form
of Unit Purchase Option, granted to the underwriters
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.5†
|
|
|
Form
of Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company and the Registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1†
|
|
|
Letter
Agreements among the Issuer, the underwriters, and each of the
Initial
Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2†
|
|
|
Form
of Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3†
|
|
|
Form
of Securities Escrow Agreement between the Registrant, Continental
Stock
Transfer & Trust Company and the Initial Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.4†
|
|
|
Services
Agreement between Apex Bioventures, LLC and the Registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.5†
|
|
|
Promissory
Notes, dated June 15, 2006 and June 30, 2006, in each case, issued
to
Treasure Road Partners, Ltd.
|
|
10.6†
|
|
|
Promissory
Notes, dated June 15, 2006 and June 30, 2006, in each case, issued
to
Easton Associates, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.7†
|
|
|
Promissory
Notes, dated June 15, 2006 and June 30, 2006, in each case, issued
to K.
Michael Forrest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.8†
|
|
|
Promissory
Note, dated April 9, 2007, issued to Robert J. Easton.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.9†
|
|
|
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Initial
Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.10†
|
|
|
Insider
Warrant Purchase Agreement among the Underwriters and the Registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.11†
|
|
|
Form
of Share Forfeiture Agreement among the Registrant and the Initial
Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
|
Form
of Termination of Services Agreement between Apex Bioventures,
LLC and the
Registrant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.1@
|
|
|
Code
of Ethics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section
302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section
302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant
to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
* Management
contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*
|
|
|
Management
contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
†
|
|
|
Previously
filed with the Commission as Exhibits to, and incorporated herein
by
reference from, the Company’s Registration Statement filed on Form S-1,
File No. 333-135755.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
††
|
|
|
Previously
filed and incorporated herein by reference from the registrant’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@
|
|
|
Previously
filed and incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated June 19, 2007
|
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
APEX
BIOVENTURES ACQUISITION CORPORATION
|
|
|
|
Date:
March
11, 2008 |
By: |
/s/
Darrell J. Elliott
|
|
Darrell
J. Elliott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has
been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities indicated below and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
|
Title
|
Date
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/
Darrell J. Elliott
|
Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
Darrell
J. Elliott
|
(principal
executive
officer) and Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ Gary
E. Frashier
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
Gary
E. Frashier
|
(principal
financial and accounting officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ K.
Michael Forrest
|
President,
Chief Operating Officer,
|
|
K.
Michael Forrest
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ Robert
J. Easton
|
Director
|
|
Robert
J. Easton
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ John
J. Chandler
|
Director
|
|
John
J. Chandler
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ Nancy
T. Chang
|
Director
|
|
Nancy
T. Chang
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ Anthony
J. Sinskey
|
Director
|
|
Anthony
J. Sinskey
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ Robert
L. Van
Nostrand
|
Director
|
|
Robert
L. Van Nostrand
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
/s/ Donald
B. Rix
|
Director
|
|
Donald
B. Rix
|
|
|
REPORT
OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
We
have
audited the balance sheet of Apex Bioventures Acquisition Corporation (a
development stage company) as of December 31, 2007, and the related statements
of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficiency) and cash flows for the year
then ended and the amounts included in the cumulative columns in the statements
of operations and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Apex Bioventures Acquisition
Corporation as of December 31, 2007 and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the year then ended and the amounts included in the cumulative
columns in the statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended,
in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/
MCGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
MCGLADREY
& PULLEN, LLP
New
York,
NY
REPORT
OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
We
have
audited the accompanying balance sheet of Apex Bioventures Acquisition
Corporation (a corporation in the development stage) (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2006 and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity
(deficiency) and cash flows for the period from June 1, 2006 (date of inception)
to December 31, 2006, and the period included in the cumulative columns from
June 1, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31, 2006. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on
our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Apex Bioventures Acquisition
Corporation as of December 31, 2006, and the results of its operations and
its
cash flows for the period from June 1, 2006 (date of inception) to December
31,
2006, and the period included in the cumulative columns from June 1, 2006 (date
of inception) to December 31, 2006 in conformity with United States generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/
GOLDSTEIN GOLUB KESSLER LLP
GOLDSTEIN
GOLUB KESSLER LLP
New
York,
New York
June
19,
2007
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
(a
development stage company)
Balance
Sheets
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Assets
|
|
Current
assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1,060,427
|
|
$
|
82,739
|
|
Cash
held in trust
|
|
|
65,514,688
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash
held in trust from underwriter
|
|
|
2,070,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
66,244
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
68,711,359
|
|
|
82,739
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax asset, net
|
|
|
198,106
|
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred
offering costs
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
315,914
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
68,909,465
|
|
$
|
398,653
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
126,007
|
|
|
196,807
|
|
Accounts
payable, stockholders
|
|
|
2,776
|
|
|
4,170
|
|
Income
taxes payable
|
|
|
704,281
|
|
|
-
|
|
Notes
payable, stockholders
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
Due
to underwriter
|
|
|
2,070,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
2,903,064
|
|
|
425,977
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock subject to conversion (2,587,499 shares at conversion
value)
|
|
|
20,208,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’
equity (deficiency)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 authorized shares, none
issued
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Common
Stock, $0.0001 par value, 60,000,000 authorized;
10,781,250
(which includes 2,587,499 shares subject to possible
conversion)
and
2,156,250 issued and outstanding, respectively
|
|
|
1,078
|
|
|
216
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
45,152,355
|
|
|
24,784
|
|
Income
(Deficit) accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
644,601
|
|
|
(52,324
|
)
|
Total
stockholders’ equity (deficiency)
|
|
|
45,798,034
|
|
|
(27,324
|
)
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficiency)
|
|
$
|
68,909,465
|
|
$
|
398,653
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
(a
development stage company)
Statements
of Operations
|
|
Year
Ended
December
31, 2007
|
|
Period
from
June
1, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2006
|
|
Period
from
June
1, 2006 (Inception) to
December
31, 2007
|
|
Formation
and operating costs
|
|
$
|
(581,816
|
)
|
$
|
(53,388
|
)
|
$
|
(635,204
|
)
|
Dividend
and interest income
|
|
|
1,785,716
|
|
|
1,064
|
|
|
1,786,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
(loss) before provision for income taxes
|
|
|
1,203,900
|
|
|
(52,324
|
)
|
|
1,151,576
|
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
(506,975
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(506,975
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Income (loss)
|
|
$
|
696,925
|
|
$
|
(52,324
|
)
|
$
|
644,601
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss) per share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
0.10
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of common shares
Outstanding
- basic and diluted
|
|
|
6,929,538
|
|
|
2,156,250
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
(a
development stage company)
Statements
of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)
For
the
period from June 1, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2007
|
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
|
Additional
Paid-In
|
|
|
Income
(Deficit) Accumulated During the
Development
|
|
|
Total
Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Stage
|
|
|
(Deficiency)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
shares issued on June 27, 2006 at $0.00159 per share
|
|
|
2,156,250
|
|
$
|
216
|
|
$
|
24,784
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
$
|
(52,324
|
)
|
|
(52,324
|
)
|
Balances
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
2,156,250
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
24,784
|
|
|
(52,324
|
)
|
|
(27,324
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale
of private placement warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
Sale
of 8,625,000 Units net of underwriters’ discount and
offering expenses (includes 2,587,499 shares subject to
conversion)
|
|
|
8,625,000
|
|
|
862
|
|
|
63,535,538
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
63,536,700
|
|
Proceeds
subject to forfeiture of 2,587,499 shares
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(20,208,367
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(20,208,367
|
)
|
Sale
of underwriter option
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
100
|
|
Net
income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
696,925
|
|
|
696,925
|
|
Balances
at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
10,781,250
|
|
$
|
1,078
|
|
$
|
45,152,355
|
|
$
|
644,601
|
|
$
|
45,798,034
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
(a
development stage company)
Statements
of Cash Flows
|
|
Year
Ended
December
31, 2007
|
|
Period
from June 1, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2006
|
|
Period
from June 1, 2006 (Inception) to
December
31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income (loss)
|
|
$
|
696,925
|
|
$
|
(52,324
|
)
|
$
|
644,601
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
income taxes
|
|
|
(198,106
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(198,106
|
)
|
Dividends
earned on trust account
|
|
|
(1,773,142
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(1,773,142
|
)
|
Change
in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
(66,244
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(66,244
|
)
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
105,210
|
|
|
11,000
|
|
|
116,210
|
|
Income
taxes payable
|
|
|
704,281
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
704,281
|
|
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(531,076
|
)
|
|
(41,324
|
)
|
|
(572,400
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disbursements
from trust account
|
|
|
1,518,454
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,518,454
|
|
Cash
held in trust account
|
|
|
(67,330,000
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(67,330,000
|
)
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(65,811,546
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(65,811,546
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from public offering
|
|
|
69,000,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
69,000,000
|
|
Proceeds
from private placement of warrants
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
Proceeds
from loans from stockholders
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
Repayment
of loans from stockholders
|
|
|
(225,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(225,000
|
)
|
Proceeds
from advances from stockholders
|
|
|
146,895
|
|
|
4,170
|
|
|
151,065
|
|
Repayment
of advances from stockholders
|
|
|
(148,289
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(148,289
|
)
|
Proceeds
from sale of option to underwriters
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
100
|
|
Proceeds
from the sale of common stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Payment
of offering expenses
|
|
|
(3,253,396
|
)
|
|
(130,107
|
)
|
|
(3,383,503
|
)
|
Cash
provided by financing activities
|
|
|
67,320,310
|
|
|
124,063
|
|
|
67,443,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
977,688
|
|
|
82,739
|
|
|
1,060,427
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
82,739
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
1,060,427
|
|
$
|
82,739
|
|
$
|
1,060,427
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
schedule of non cash financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrual
of offering costs
|
|
$
|
9,797
|
|
$
|
185,807
|
|
$
|
9,797
|
|
Accrual
of deferred underwriting fees
|
|
$
|
2,070,000
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
2,070,000
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation
(a
development stage company)
Notes
to
Financial Statements
December
31, 2007
Note
1 -- Organization and Business Operations
Apex
Bioventures Acquisition Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware
on June 1, 2006. The Company was formed to acquire one or more domestic or
foreign operating businesses in the healthcare industry through a merger,
capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination.
All activities through December 31, 2007 relate to the Company’s formation and
public offering described below. The Company has neither engaged in any
operations nor generated significant revenue to date. The Company is considered
to be in the development stage and is subject to the risks associated with
activities of development stage companies.
The
registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (the “Public
Offering”) (as described in Note 3) was declared effective June 7, 2007. The
Company consummated the Public Offering on June 13, 2007 and received net
proceeds of approximately $65,300,000, including $1,800,000 of proceeds from
the
private placement (the “Private Placement”) sale of 1,800,000 insider warrants
to our stockholders prior to the Public Offering (the “Initial Stockholders”).
The warrants sold in the Private Placement are identical to the warrants sold
in
the Public Offering, except that such warrants are non-redeemable and can be
exercised on a cashless basis as long as these persons hold such warrants.
In
addition, subject to certain limited exceptions, none of the warrants purchased
by the Initial Stockholders are transferable or salable until six months after
the consummation of a business combination.
The
Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific
application of the net proceeds of the Public Offering, although substantially
all of the net proceeds of the Public Offering are intended to be generally
applied toward consummating a business combination with (or acquisition of)
one
or more domestic or foreign operating businesses in the healthcare industry
(“Business Combination”), which may not constitute a business combination for
accounting purposes. Furthermore, there is no assurance that the Company will
be
able to successfully effect a Business Combination. Upon the closing of the
Public Offering and Private Placement, $67,330,000, including $2,070,000 of
deferred underwriters’ discounts and commissions as described in Note 3, is
being held in a trust account (the “Trust Account”) invested in government
securities. The Trust Account will be maintained until the earlier of (i) the
consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination and (ii) liquidation
of the Company. The placing of funds in the Trust Account may not protect those
funds from third party claims against the Company. Although the Company will
seek to have all vendors, prospective target businesses or other entities it
engages, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest
or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account, there is
no
guarantee that they will execute such agreements. Our Initial Stockholders
have
agreed that they will be personally liable, on a joint and several basis, to
cover claims made by such third parties, but only if, and to the extent, the
claims reduce the amounts in the Trust Account available for payment to our
public stockholders in the event of a liquidation and the claims are made by
a
vendor or service provider for services rendered, or products sold, to us or
by
a prospective acquisition target. However, our Initial Stockholders will not
have any personal liability as to any claimed amounts owed to a third party
who
executed a waiver (including a prospective acquisition target) or the
underwriters. However, there can be no assurance that the stockholders will
be
able to satisfy those obligations. The remaining net proceeds (not held in
the
Trust Account), along with $1,600,000 in dividend income net of taxes payable
on
such dividends, may be used to pay for business, legal, accounting due diligence
on prospective acquisitions, negotiation with prospective targets and
satisfaction of closing conditions, and continuing general and administrative
expenses.
The
Company, after signing a definitive agreement for a Business Combination is
required to submit such transaction for stockholder approval. In the event
that
stockholders owning 30% or more of the shares sold in the Public Offering vote
against the Business Combination and exercise their conversion rights described
below, the Business Combination will not be consummated. All of the Initial
Stockholders, have agreed to vote their 2,156,250 founding shares of common
stock, as well as any shares of common stock acquired in connection with or
following the Public Offering, in accordance with the vote of the majority
in
interest of all other stockholders of the Company (“Public Stockholders”) with
respect to any Business Combination. After the consummation of a Business
Combination, these voting agreements will terminate.
With
respect to a Business Combination which is approved and consummated, any Public
Stockholder who voted against the Business Combination may demand that the
Company convert his or her shares to cash. The per share conversion price will
equal the amount in the Trust Account (including dividends, but less amounts
reserved or released to us for working capital and net of taxes payable),
calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the proposed
Business Combination. divided by the number of shares of common stock held
by
Public Stockholders at the consummation of the Public Offering. Accordingly,
Public Stockholders holding 29.99% of the aggregate number of shares owned
by
all Public stockholders may seek conversion of their shares in the event of
a
Business Combination. Such Public Stockholders are entitled to receive their
per
share interest in the Trust Account (subject to distributions for working
capital and amounts paid or accrued for taxes) computed without regard to the
shares held by Initial Stockholders. Accordingly, a portion of the net proceeds
from the Public Offering (29.99% of the amount from the Public Offering that
was
placed in the Trust Fund) has been classified as common stock subject to
possible conversion on the accompanying December 31, 2007 balance
sheet.
The
Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Company will continue in existence only until 18 months from the date of the
consummation of the Public Offering, or 24 months from the consummation of
the
Public Offering if certain extension criteria have been satisfied. If the
Company has not completed a Business Combination by such date, its corporate
existence will cease and, subject to stockholder approval, it will dissolve
and
liquidate for the purposes of winding up its affairs. In the event of
liquidation, it is likely that the per share value of the residual assets
remaining available for distribution (including Trust Fund assets) will be
less
than the initial public offering per share in the Public Offering (assuming
no
value is attributed to the Warrants contained in the Units sold in the Public
Offering discussed in Note 3).
Note
2 -- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash
and
cash equivalents are deposits with financial institutions as well as short-term
money market instruments with maturities of three months or less when
purchased.
Concentration
of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to a significant concentration
of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company
may
maintain deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of
federally insured limits. However, management believes the Company is not
exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the
depository institutions in which those deposits are held.
Reclassifications
For
comparability, certain 2006 amounts have been reclassified, where appropriate,
to conform to the financial statement presentation used in 2007.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
fair
values of the Company’s assets and liabilities that qualify as financial
instruments under SFAS No. 107 “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments,” approximate their carrying amounts presented in the balance sheets
at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The
Company accounts for derivative instruments, if any, in accordance with SFAS
No.
133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended
(“SFAS 133”), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments.
New
Accounting Pronouncements
In
July
2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB
Interpretation No. 48,”Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), which provides criteria for
the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of an uncertain tax
position. A tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if
it
is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its
technical merits. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a
material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of
operations.
In
December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released SFAS 141R,
“Business Combinations” that is effective for business combinations for which
the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting
period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The pronouncement resulted
from
a joint project between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards
Board and continues the movement toward the greater use of fair values in
financial reporting. SFAS 141R is expected to significantly change how future
business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements
both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods.
In
December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released SFAS 160
“Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” that is
effective for annual periods beginning December 15, 2008. The pronouncement
resulted from a joint project between the FASB and the International Accounting
Standards Board and continues the movement toward the greater use of fair values
in financial reporting. Upon adoption of SFAS 160, the Company will re-classify
any non-controlling interests as a component of equity.
The
Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective,
accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the
accompanying financial statements.
Deferred
Offering Costs
Deferred
offering costs consisted principally of accounting, legal and other fees
incurred prior to the Public Offering and were charged to capital upon the
consummation of the Public Offering.
Net
Income (Loss) per Common Share
Income
(loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The effect of the
8,625,000 outstanding warrants issued in connection with the initial public
offering, the 1,800,000 outstanding warrants issued in connection with the
private placement and the 450,000 units included in the underwriters’ purchase
option has not been considered in diluted income (loss) per share calculations
since the warrants cannot be exercised until the later of the Company’s initial
Business Combination or June 7, 2008.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income
Taxes
Deferred
income taxes are provided for the differences between the bases of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A valuation
allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amount expected to be realized.
Note
3 -- Initial Public Offering & Value of Unit Purchase
Option
On
June
13, 2007, the Company sold 8,625,000 units (“Units”), including 1,125,000 units
pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, in the Public
Offering at a price of $8.00 per unit. Each Unit consists of one share of the
Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, and one Common Stock Purchase Warrant
(“Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one
share of common stock at an exercise price of $6.00 commencing on the later
of
the completion of a Business Combination with a target business and one year
from the effective date of the registration statement for the Public Offering
and expiring four years from the effective date of the Public Offering, unless
earlier redeemed. The Warrants will be redeemable at a price of $0.01 per
Warrant upon 90 days’ notice after the Warrants become exercisable, only in the
event that the last sale price of the common stock is at least $11.50 per share
for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending on the third
business day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given. In
accordance with the warrant agreement relating to the Warrants sold and issued
in the Public Offering, the Company is only required to use its best efforts
to
maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement covering the Warrants.
The Company will not be obligated to deliver securities, and there are no
contractual penalties for failure to deliver securities, if a registration
statement is not effective at the time of exercise. Additionally, in the event
that a registration is not effective at the time of exercise, the holder of
such
Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant and in no event (whether
in the case of a registration statement not being effective or otherwise) will
the Company be required to net cash settle the warrant exercise. Consequently,
the Warrants may expire unexercised and unredeemed.
In
connection with the Public Offering, the Company paid Lazard Capital Markets
LLC
and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., the underwriters of the Public Offering,
underwriting discounts and commissions of 7% of the gross proceeds of the Public
Offering, of which 3% of the gross proceeds ($2,070,000) are held in the Trust
Account and payable only upon the consummation of a Business Combination. If
a
Business Combination is approved and completed, Public Stockholders who voted
against the combination and have exercised their conversion rights will be
entitled to their pro rata share of the deferred underwriters’ discount and
commissions.
Each
of
the common stock and warrants began separate trading on June 20,
2007.
Simultaneously
with the consummation of the Public Offering, the Initial Stockholders purchased
1,800,000 warrants (“Private Placement Warrants”) at a purchase price of $1.00
per warrant, in a private placement. The proceeds of $1,800,000 were placed
in
the Trust Account. The Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Warrants
underlying the Units sold in the Public Offering except that if the Company
calls the Warrants for redemption, the Private Placement Warrants will be
exercisable on a cashless basis as long as they are still held by the initial
purchasers. The purchasers have agreed that the Private Placement Warrants
will
not be sold or transferred by them (other than to certain permitted transferees
who agree to be similarly bound), until six months after the completion of
a
Business Combination.
The
Initial Stockholders and the holders of the Private Placement Warrants will
be
entitled to registration rights with respect to their securities pursuant to
an
agreement signed as of the effective date of the Public Offering. With respect
to the Private Placement Warrants (and underlying shares), from and after the
date on which the Company files a current report on Form 8-K announcing that
it
has entered into a definitive agreement with respect to a Business Combination,
the holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to demand
registration of the resale of these securities. However, the Company is not
required to effect such registration until six months following the consummation
of a Business Combination. The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K
announcing that it had entered into a Merger Agreement with Dynogen
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. relating to a Business Combination (see Note 8). With
respect to the shares issued to the Initial Stockholders prior to the Public
Offering and the Private Placement Warrants (and underlying shares), from and
after the first anniversary of the consummation of the Business Combination,
the
holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to demand registration
of
the resale of these securities. In addition, such holders have certain “piggy
back” registration rights on registration statements filed subsequent to the
Company’s consummation of a Business Combination. The Company will bear the
expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration
statements.
In
connection with this Offering, the Company issued an option to the underwriters,
for $100, to purchase up to a total of 450,000 Units at $10.00 per Unit. The
Units issuable upon exercise of this option are identical to those offered
in
the Public Offering. The purchase option and its underlying securities have
been
registered under the registration statement. The option has a useful life of
five years.
The
sale
of the option was accounted for as an equity transaction. Accordingly, there
was
no net impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations,
except for the recording of the $100 proceeds from the sale. The Company has
determined, based upon a Black-Scholes model, that the fair value of the option
on the date of sale was approximately $1.35 million, using an expected life
of
five years, volatility of 43% and a risk free interest rate of
4.75%.
The
volatility calculation of 43% is based on the actual volatilities of other
similarly situated blank check companies. Because the Company did not have
a
trading history at the time of the issuance of the option, the Company needed
to
estimate the potential volatility of its unit price, which will depend on a
number of factors which could not be ascertained at that time. Although an
expected life of five years was taken into account for the purposes of assigning
a fair value to the option, if the Company does not consummate a business
combination within the prescribed time period and liquidate the Trust Account
as
part of any plan of dissolution and distribution approved by the Company’s
stockholders, the option would become worthless.
Note
4 -- Related Party Transactions
[A] On
June
15, 2006 the Company issued three $50,000 unsecured promissory notes to related
parties, K. Michael Forrest, Easton Associates LLC (the largest equity holder
of
which was at that time Robert J. Easton) and Treasure Road Partners, LTD. (an
entity controlled by Gary E. Frashier and his wife, Giva Frashier). Each note
was non-interest bearing and, except for the note to Easton Associates LLC
described below, each was repaid upon consummation of the Public Offering.
Messrs. Forrest, Easton and Frashier are officers and directors of the
Company.
On
June
30, 2006, the Company issued three $25,000 unsecured promissory notes to related
parties, K. Michael Forrest, Easton Associates LLC (the largest equity holder
of
which was at that time Robert J. Easton) and Treasure Road Partners, LTD. (an
entity controlled by Gary E. Frashier and his wife, Giva Frashier). Each note
was non-interest bearing and, except for the note to Easton Associates LLC
described below, each was repaid upon consummation of the Public
Offering.
In
October 2006, Mr. Easton terminated his association with Easton Associates,
LLC.
As a result of such termination, in April 2007, the Company repaid in full
the
$75,000 loaned to the Company. Subsequently, Mr. Easton loaned the Company
$75,000 which was repaid upon consummation of the Public Offering. As mentioned
above, Mr. Easton is a director of the Company.
In
June
2007, Treasure Road Partners, Ltd. (an entity controlled by Gary E. Frashier
and
his wife, Giva H. Frashier), Darrell J. Elliott and K. Michael Forrest advanced
the Company $35,000, $16,666 and $22,668, respectively, to partially fund the
Company’s listing fee for the American Stock Exchange and other working capital.
These non-interest bearing advances were repaid upon consummation of the Public
Offering.
As
of
December 31, 2007, accounts payable includes $2,776 due to officers and
directors for operating costs incurred on behalf of the Company.
[B] During
a
portion of 2007 the Company occupied office space provided by Craig Drill
Capital, an affiliate of Robert J. Easton, a director of the Company. For the
year ended December 31, 2007 and the period from June 1, 2006 (date of
inception) to December 31, 2007, the Company paid Craig Drill Capital $3,500
for
rent and administrative expenses, which expenses are included in formation
and
operating costs in the accompanying Statement of Operations.
The
Company currently occupies office space provided by Apex Bioventures, LLC,
an
affiliate of K. Michael Forrest, an officer and director of the Company. For
the
year ended December 31, 2007 and the period from June 1, 2006 (date of
inception) to December 31, 2007, the Company paid Apex Bioventures, LLC $6,000
for rent and administrative expenses, which expenses are included in formation
and operating costs in the accompanying Statements of Operations.
[C] The
Company’s Initial Stockholders purchased an aggregate of 2,156,250 (2,343,750
shares prior to the reverse stock split) shares of our common stock in June
2006.
In
October 2006, Robert J. Easton, who previously held the largest membership
interest in Easton Associates, LLC, terminated his association with Easton
Associates, LLC. Subsequently, in April 2007, the Company purchased from Easton
Associates, LLC all of the shares of our common stock held by Easton Associates,
LLC for $4,096.35 in cash. Subsequently, Mr. Easton purchased from the Company
the same number of shares for $4,096.35.
In
March
2007, the Company’s board of directors determined to reorganize the roles of the
Company’s management team so as to better reflect the officers’ respective
talents. Commensurately, the Company’s stockholders determined to re-allocate
among themselves the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The
re-allocation was effected through the purchase and sale of shares for a
purchase price of $0.01067 per share.
In
April
2007, the Company effected a 1 for 1.086956522 reverse stock split of its
outstanding common stock (effectively increasing the price per share paid for
each share from $0.01067 to $0.01159). The accompanying financial statements
have been retroactively restated to reflect this reverse stock
split.
In
May
2007, the Company’s stockholders appointed Donald B. Rix as an additional member
of its board of directors. Commensurately, the Company’s stockholders determined
to re-allocate among themselves the Company’s outstanding shares of common
stock. The allocation was effected through the purchase and sale from each
then
existing stockholder to Rix Clinical Laboratories Ltd. of shares for a purchase
price of $0.01159 per share.
Of
the
2,156,250 shares issued, as adjusted for the reverse stock split, 281,250 shares
were subject to forfeiture, without return of invested capital to the
stockholders, to the extent the underwriters’ over-allotment option was not
exercised in full. If any of the 281,250 shares of common stock held by the
then
existing stockholders were forfeited, on the date of such forfeiture, the
Company would cancel such shares. None of the aforementioned shares were
forfeited since the underwriters’ over-allotment option was exercised in full,
as described in Note 3.
Note
5 - Income Taxes
The
provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2007 consists of
the
following:
Current:
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
559,532
|
|
State
|
|
|
145,549
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
current
|
|
|
705,081
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(198,106
|
)
|
State
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
deferred
|
|
|
(198,106
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
506,975
|
|
As
of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, the tax effect of temporary differences that give
rise to the net deferred tax asset is as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Expense
deferred for income tax purposes
|
|
$
|
240,494
|
|
$
|
18,313
|
|
Valuation
allowance
|
|
|
(42,388
|
)
|
|
(18,313
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
198,106
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
The
Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the state deferred tax asset
since it cannot determine realizability for tax purposes and therefore cannot
conclude that the deferred tax asset is more likely than not recoverable at
this
time.
A
reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate to
net
income taxes included in the accompanying statements of operations for the
year
ended December 31, 2007 and the period from inception (June 1, 2006) to December
31, 2006 is as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Statutory
U.S. federal rate
|
|
|
34.0
|
%
|
|
34.0
|
%
|
State
income taxes, net of federal effect
|
|
|
8.0
|
%
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
Non-deductible
expenses
|
|
|
0.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
Valuation
allowance
|
|
|
(0.3
|
%)
|
|
(39.5
|
%)
|
Effective
Tax Rate
|
|
|
42.1
|
%
|
|
-
|
%
|
Note
6 -- Preferred Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such
designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined
from
time to time by the Company’s board of directors.
Note
7 -- Reserved Common Stock
At
December 31, 2007, 11,325,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance
upon exercise of redeemable warrants and the underwriters’ purchase
option.
Note
8 - Subsequent Events (unaudited)
On
February 5, 2008, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Apex Acquisition
Sub, Inc. (incorporated in January 2008) also a Delaware corporation
(“Acquisition Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger
Agreement”) with Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“Dynogen”) and Kate Bingham and Michael Bigham, acting jointly as
representatives of the Company Holders (defined in the Merger Agreement to
refer
collectively to the holders of Dynogen capital stock, options, warrants and
other securities), pursuant to which Acquisition Sub will merge with and into
Dynogen and Dynogen will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apex (the
“Merger”). Upon the Merger, Apex will be renamed “Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.”
and Dynogen will be renamed “Dynogen, Inc.” following the Merger, Dynogen will
effectively become a public company.
Dynogen
is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing more effective treatments
for gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders. Dynogen has an advanced
pipeline of clinical development programs focused on attractive and untapped
markets in disease areas that severely impair a patient’s quality of life, such
as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease and overactive
bladder.
The
acquisition is expected to be consummated in the second quarter of 2008, after
the required approval by the stockholders of Apex and the fulfillment of certain
other conditions.
Closing
Merger Consideration
In
exchange for all of the capital stock of Dynogen outstanding immediately prior
to the acquisition, Apex will initially issue shares of its common stock, valued
at approximately $98 million, based on a per share value of $7.27, representing
the volume weighted average closing price of Apex’s common stock as reported by
the American Stock Exchange during the 20 trading days immediately preceding
the
signing of the Merger Agreement (the “Signing Price”).
Milestone
Payments
Holders
of Dynogen capital stock and vested options to acquire Dynogen common stock
will
also be entitled to receive additional shares of Apex common stock upon the
occurrence of two milestone events (or the earlier sale of Apex or Dynogen)
as
more fully described in the Merger Agreement. Upon the occurrence of each such
milestone, Dynogen stockholders and optionholders shall receive shares of Apex
common stock, each tranche valued at approximately $23 million (or $46 million
in the aggregate), based upon the Signing Price.
Assumption
of Options and Warrants
At
the
closing of the Merger, all outstanding options and warrants to acquire shares
of
Dynogen capital stock will be assumed by Apex and each Dynogen option and
warrant will become options or warrants, as applicable, to acquire common stock
of Apex, on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable
under
the Dynogen option or warrant, as applicable. The number of shares of Apex
common stock underlying such options and warrants, and the related per share
exercise price, will be determined by reference to the Signing Price and will
be
in addition to the shares of Apex common stock valued at approximately $98
million.
Interim
Financing
As
permitted under the Merger Agreement, on February 20, 2008, Dynogen entered
into
a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Silicon
Valley Bank (“SVB”) and Oxford Finance Corporation (“Oxford,” and together with
SVB, the “Lenders”). Pursuant to the Loan and Security Agreement, Dynogen
borrowed an initial tranche of $5 million from the Lenders, evidenced by two
secured promissory notes, each in the amount of $2.5 million issued to SVB
and
Oxford, respectively. Subject to satisfaction of conditions of the Lenders
set
forth in the Loan and Security Agreement, Dynogen may borrow a second tranche
from the Lenders of up to $5 million on or before April 30, 2008.
The
term
loans are due and payable on or before March 1, 2011, subject to any earlier
event of default. The term loans bear interest at a rate equal to the greater
of
10% or LIBOR plus six percentage points at issuance. Dynogen will repay only
interest through September 30, 2008, with the first principal payment due on
October 1, 2008; provided, however, in the event the Merger is not completed
by
September 30, 2008, Dynogen shall, in addition, repay principal for the period
since the loan issuance. Dynogen has granted the Lenders a security interest
in
all assets of the Company other than intellectual property and agreed not to
pledge its intellectual property to secure other obligations or agree to any
such negative pledge with another party.
On
February 20, 2008, in connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, Dynogen
issued a warrant to each of SVB and Oxford. Each warrant will become exercisable
for 36,108 shares of our common stock subject to and upon the closing of the
Merger at an initial exercise price of $7.27 per share and shall be exercisable
for a period of four years from the date of the Merger. In the event the Merger
Agreement is terminated for any reason, the warrants will become exercisable
for
337,500 shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at an initial
exercise price of $1.10 per share or, at the at the option of the holder, other
senior preferred stock of Dynogen issued for financing purposes at an initial
exercise price equal to the lowest per share purchase price for such preferred
stock, and shall be exercisable for a period of seven years from the original
issue date of the warrant. The shares acquired upon exercise of such warrants
shall be subject to a one hundred and eighty day lock-up period from the date
of
the Merger in the event the warrants become exercisable for our common stock.
In
the
event that the second tranche is drawn down by Dynogen, the warrants will become
exercisable for an additional 12,035 shares of our common stock, if the warrants
become exercisable for our common stock or an additional 112,500 shares of
Dynogen’s preferred stock, if the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason.