EXHIBIT 10.10
Published on May 24, 2017
Exhibit 10.10
PRIVATE PLACEMENT SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
THIS PRIVATE PLACEMENT SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made this _____th day of March, 2017, among (i) ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (the "Company"), a British Virgin Islands limited liability company, and (ii) each purchaser identified on the signature pages to this Agreement (each a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).
Purchase of Ordinary Shares
1. | Subscription |
1.1 The undersigned Purchasers (each a “Purchaser”) hereby subscribe for and agree to purchase from the Company for cash (the “Subscription Proceeds”, on the basis of the representations and warranties and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, ordinary shares, of the Company, no par value per share (the “Ordinary Shares”) and in an amount for subscription shares as set out on each Subscriber’s signature page hereto (each such subscription an agreement to purchase being a “Subscription”) at a purchase price of US$1.00 per ordinary share.
1.2 Subject to the terms hereof, the Subscription will be effective upon its acceptance by the Company. The Purchasers acknowledge that there is no minimum required to close any subscription under the offering.
2. | Payment |
2.1 Each Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that its commitment to purchase Ordinary Shares of the Company hereunder is and shall be irrevocable upon delivery of the Subscription Proceeds and an executed counterpart original of this Subscription Agreement, an investor questionnaire, form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Investor Questionnaire”) and Registration Rights Agreement, form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), to the Company. The Subscription Proceeds must accompany or precede this Subscription Agreement and shall be paid by wire transfer to the following bank account.
Title of the Account: | ZK Pipe Industry Co. Limited | |
Account #: | 20133112 | |
Beneficiary Bank: | China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd, Hong Kong Branch | |
Swift Code: | CMBCHKHH | |
Bank Address: | 21/F Bank of America Tower | |
12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong |
3. | Deliveries at or Prior to Closing |
3.1 Prior to acceptance of this Subscription Agreement by the Company, each Purchaser must complete, sign and return to the Company, or Company’s counsel Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP, an executed copy of this Subscription Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement with completed and executed Investor Questionnaire and wire transfer the Subscription Proceeds as described in Section 2.1, above.
3.2 Each Purchaser shall complete, sign and return to the Company as soon as possible, on request by the Company, any documents, questionnaires, notices and undertakings as may be required by regulatory authorities or by applicable law.
3.3 The Company shall deliver to each Purchaser the following:
(a) | at the Closing (as defined below), a counterpart of this Subscription Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by an authorized signatory of the Company; |
(b) | within 10 business days of the Closing Date (as defined below), a certificate or evidence of electronic book entry representing the Ordinary Shares in the amount set forth on the signature page hereto. |
4. | Closing |
4.1 Completion of the sale of the Ordinary Shares contemplated in this Subscription Agreement (any such completion, a "Closing") shall occur on or before March 23, 2017, or on a such date to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Purchaser.
4.2 The Company may, at its discretion, elect to close the Offering in one or more closings, in which event the Company may agree with one or more of the Purchasers (including the Purchaser hereunder) to complete delivery of the Ordinary Shares to such Purchaser(s) against payment therefore at any time on or prior to the furthest most date set by Section 4.1.
5. | Conditions to Closing |
5.1 Upon acceptance of this Subscription Agreement, the obligations of the Company to Close on the Closing Date are subject to the following conditions:
(a) | Delivery of the transaction documents as set forth in Section 3.1 and 3.2. |
(b) | that all of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser made in this Subscription Agreement, the Investor Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement are accurate in all material respects when made and on the Closing Date; |
(c) | that all of the obligations, covenants and agreements of the Purchaser required to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been performed; and |
(d) | that the Company shall have received the Subscription Proceeds. |
5.2 The obligations of the Purchaser hereunder to Close on the Closing Date are subject to the following conditions:
(a) | that all of the representations and warranties of the Company made in this Subscription Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement are accurate in all material respects when made and on the Closing Date; and |
(b) | that all of the obligations, covenants and agreements of the Company required to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been performed. |
6. | The Company’s Covenant |
6.1 Company shall not offer equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities, to any person or engages in any transaction that could have a dilutive effect on the beneficial ownership of the Purchaser unless first obtaining a written consent by each Purchaser. This right of approval will terminate immediately prior to the closing of any underwritten initial public offering of the Ordinary Shares pursuant to a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
7. | Representations, Warranties, Acknowledgements and Covenants of the Purchaser |
7.1 Each Purchaser severally and not jointly hereby acknowledges and agrees as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date that:
(a) | none of the Ordinary Shares have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under any state securities or "blue sky" laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction; |
(b) | the Company is obligated to pay a placement fee to Boustead Securities, LLC (the “Placement Agent”) pursuant to a separate agreement between such Placement Agent and the Company, which shall include an amount not to exceed seven percent (7%) of the Subscription Proceeds; |
(c) | the decision to execute this Subscription Agreement and acquire the Ordinary Shares hereunder has not been based upon any oral or written representation (other than representations set out in this Agreement) as to fact or otherwise made by or on behalf of the Company; |
(d) | there are risks associated with an investment in the Company and the Ordinary Shares, including, but not limited to, (i) the risk of changes in the cost of raw materials and energy, (ii) the risk of intense competition in the PRC domestic market, (iii) risks related to our significant amount of short-term debt and (iv) the risk of severe financial hardship or bankruptcy of one or more of our major clients; |
(e) | it has received all the information it considers necessary or appropriate for purposes of deciding whether to purchase the Ordinary Shares. Each Purchaser further represents that it has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company regarding the terms and conditions of the Ordinary Shares and regarding the business, properties, prospects and financial condition of the Company, and to obtain additional information (to the extent the Company possessed such information or could acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense) necessary to verify the accuracy of any information furnished to it or to which it had access; |
(f) | it has been advised to consult its own legal, tax and other advisors with respect to the merits and risks of an investment in the Ordinary Shares and with respect to applicable resale restrictions; |
(g) | it understands that the Company is making no representations and warranties regarding tax consequences for your investment in the Ordinary Shares, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or the securities law of the home or residential jurisdiction of any Purchaser. |
7.2 Each Purchaser severally and not jointly hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the Company (which representations, warranties and covenants shall survive the Closing) as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date that:
(a) | it has the legal capacity and competence to enter into and execute this Subscription Agreement and to take all actions required hereby and, if the Purchaser is a corporation, it is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and all necessary approvals by its directors, shareholders and others have been obtained to authorize execution and performance of this Subscription Agreement on its behalf; |
(b) | the entering into of this Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby do not result in the violation of any of the terms and provisions of any law or regulation applicable to the Purchaser or of any agreement, written or oral, to which the Purchaser may be a party or by which the Purchaser is or may be bound; |
(c) | the Purchaser has duly executed and delivered this Subscription Agreement and it constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Purchaser enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms; |
(d) | All information furnished in the Investor Questionnaire completed is true and correct in all respects. |
(e) | the Purchaser is not a “U.S. Person” as defined in Rule 902 under the 1933 Act and is resident in the jurisdiction set out under the heading "Name and Address of Purchaser" on the signature page of this Subscription Agreement; |
(f) | At the time Purchaser executed and delivered this Agreement, Purchaser was outside the United States and is outside of the United States as of the date of the execution and delivery of this Agreement; |
(g) | Purchaser is acquiring the Ordinary Shares for its own account and not on behalf of any U.S. person, and the sale has not been pre-arranged with a purchaser in the United States; |
(h) | Purchaser represents and warrants and hereby agrees that all offers and sales of any of the Ordinary Shares prior to the expiration of a period commencing on the Closing Date and ending twelve months thereafter, unless adjusted as hereinafter provided (the "Restricted Period"), shall only be made in compliance with the safe harbor contained in Regulation S, pursuant to registration of the Ordinary Shares under the 1933 Act or pursuant to an exemption from registration, and all offers and sales after the Restricted Period shall be made only pursuant to such a registration or to such exemption from registration; |
(i) | the Purchaser (i) has such knowledge and experience in business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its prospective investment in the Ordinary Shares; and (ii) has the ability to bear the economic risks of its prospective investment and can afford the complete loss of such investment; |
(j) | the Purchaser is not aware of any advertisement of any of the Ordinary Shares and is not acquiring any of the Ordinary Shares as a result of any form of general solicitation or general advertising including advertisements, articles, notices or other communications published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over radio or television, or any seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by general solicitation or general advertising; |
(k) | no person has made any written or oral representations to the Purchaser: |
(i) | that any person will resell or repurchase any of the Ordinary Shares; |
(ii) | that any person will refund the purchase price of any of the Ordinary Shares; or |
(iii) | as to the future price or value of any of the Ordinary Shares; and |
(l) | the Purchaser will indemnify and hold harmless the Company and, where applicable, its directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and shareholders, from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all fees, costs and expenses whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim, lawsuit, administrative proceeding or investigation whether commenced or threatened) arising out of or based upon any representation or warranty of the Purchaser contained herein or in any document furnished by the Purchaser to the Company in connection herewith being untrue in any material respect or any breach or failure by the Purchaser to comply with any covenant or agreement made by the Purchaser to the Company in connection therewith. |
7.3 Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing, the Purchaser shall notify the Company if any of the above representations and warranties ceases to be true.
7.4 Each Purchaser, severally but not jointly, acknowledges that the representations and warranties contained herein are made by it with the intention that they may be relied upon by the Company and its legal counsel in determining such Purchaser's eligibility to purchase the Ordinary Shares for which it is subscribing under applicable securities legislation. Each Purchaser further agrees that by accepting delivery of the certificates representing the Ordinary Shares on the Closing Date, it will be representing and warranting that the representations and warranties contained herein are true and correct as at the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made by the Purchaser at the Closing Date and that they will survive the purchase by the Purchaser of Ordinary Shares and will continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any subsequent disposition by the Purchaser of such Ordinary Shares.
8. | Representations and Warranties of the Company |
8.1 The Company acknowledges and agrees that each Purchaser is entitled to rely upon the representations and warranties of the Company, contained in this Agreement and further acknowledges that each Purchaser will be relying upon such representations and warranties in purchasing the Ordinary Shares. The Company represents and warrants as follows:
(a) | The Company is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. |
(b) | The Company has the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted. |
(c) | The Company is not in violation or default of any of the provisions of its articles of incorporation or bylaws. The Company is duly qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, could not reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Subscription Agreement, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under this Subscription Agreement (any of (i), (ii) or (iii) being hereafter referred to as a “Material Adverse Effect”), and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification. |
(d) | The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Subscription Agreement by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further corporate authorization is required by the Company in connection therewith. |
(e) | Upon delivery, this Subscription Agreement will have been duly executed by the Company and will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies. |
(f) | Upon execution and delivery of this Subscription Agreement and the performance by the Company of the obligations imposed on it in this Subscription Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Ordinary Shares, will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the Company’s certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents, or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any material agreement, credit facility, debt or other instrument (evidencing a Company debt or otherwise) or other agreement to which the Company is a party or by which any material property or material asset of the Company, or (iii) conflict with or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company is subject, or by which any material property or material asset of the Company is bound, except, in each case, as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. |
(g) | Except for consents from individuals and entities as set forth on Schedule 8.1(g), the Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Subscription Agreement. |
(h) | The Ordinary Shares are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with this Subscription Agreement, will be validly issued as fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances other than restrictions provided for in this Subscription Agreement and applicable law. |
(i) | The issuance and sale of the Ordinary Shares will not obligate the Company to issue Ordinary Shares or other securities to any person (other than the Purchasers and their designees) and will not result in a right of any holder of the Company’s securities to adjust the exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price under such securities. |
9. | Legending of Subject Securities. |
10.1 The Purchaser hereby acknowledges that upon the issuance thereof, and until such time as the same is no longer required under the applicable securities laws and regulations, any certificates representing the Ordinary Shares may bear a restrictive legend pursuant to applicable laws and may include language substantially similar to the below:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE BEEN OFFERED IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION TO A PERSON WHO IS NOT A U.S. PERSON (AS DEFINED HEREIN) PURSUANT TO REGULATION S UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "1933 ACT"). NONE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE 1933 ACT, OR ANY U.S. STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND, UNLESS SO REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES (AS DEFINED HEREIN) OR TO U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF REGULATION S UNDER THE 1933 ACT, PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE 1933 ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT AND IN EACH CASE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. IN ADDITION, HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE 1933 ACT. "UNITED STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" ARE AS DEFINED BY REGULATION S UNDER THE 1933 ACT.”
10. | Costs |
10.1 The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that all costs and expenses incurred by the Purchaser (including any fees and disbursements of any special counsel retained by the Purchaser) relating to the purchase of the Ordinary Shares shall be borne by the Purchaser.
11. | Governing Law |
11.1 This Subscription Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States applicable therein. The Purchaser, in its personal or corporate capacity and irrevocably attorns to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New York County, New York. Each party agrees that the state and federal courts located in New York County, New York shall be the exclusive jurisdiction for settling all disputes hereunder.
12. | Independent Nature of Purchaser’s Obligations and Rights |
12.1 The obligations of each Purchaser under this Subscription Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation, the rights arising out of this Subscription Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. Each Purchaser has been represented by its own separate legal counsel in their review and negotiation of this Subscription Agreement or it has knowingly waived its right to do so and has proceeded without benefit of counsel.
13. | Survival |
13.1 This Subscription Agreement, including without limitation the representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, shall survive and continue in full force and effect and be binding upon the parties hereto notwithstanding the completion of the purchase of the Ordinary Shares by the Purchaser pursuant hereto.
14. | Assignment |
14.1 This Subscription Agreement is not transferable or assignable without written consent by both the Company and Purchaser.
15. | Severability |
15.1 If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, the validity and enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and the parties will attempt to agree upon a valid and enforceable provision that is a reasonable substitute therefor, and upon so agreeing, shall incorporate such substitute provision in this Agreement.
16. | Entire Agreement |
16.1 Except as expressly provided in this Subscription Agreement and in the agreements, instruments and other documents contemplated or provided for herein, this Subscription Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the sale of the Ordinary Shares and there are no other terms, conditions, representations or warranties, whether expressed, implied, oral or written, by statute or common law, by the Company or by anyone else.
17. | Notices |
17.1 All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given at the date received if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication (including email, but not including facsimile). Notices to the Purchaser shall be directed to the address on the signature page of this Subscription Agreement and notices to the Company shall be directed to it at
Mr. Jiancong Huang
c/o Wenzhou Zhengkang Industrial Co., Ltd.
No. 678 Dingxiang Road, Binhai Industrial Park
Economic & Technology Development Zone
Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325025
People’s Republic of China
Email: zjzk@cn-zk.cn
With a copy to (failure to provide such copy shall mean that no notice has been given hereunder):
William S. Rosenstadt
Mengyi “Jason” Ye
Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP
501 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
USA
Email: wsr@ortolirosenstadt.com
jye@ortolirosenstadt.com
18. | Counterparts and Electronic Means |
18.1 This Subscription Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed copy of this Subscription Agreement by electronic facsimile transmission or other means of electronic communication capable of producing a printed copy will be deemed to be execution and delivery of this Subscription Agreement as of the date hereinafter set forth.
19. | Amendment and Waiver |
19.1 No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended except in a written instrument signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and each Purchaser or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom enforcement of any such waiver is sought. No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of either party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.
[SIGNATURE PAGES TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Purchaser has duly executed this Subscription Agreement as of the date of acceptance by the Company.
(Amount of Subscription) | (Name of Purchaser – Please type or print) | |
(Number of Ordinary Shares Subscribed) | (Signature and, if applicable, Office) | |
(Address of Purchaser) | ||
(City, State/Province, | ||
Postal Code of Purchaser) | ||
(Country of Purchaser) |
ACCEPTANCE
The above-mentioned Subscription Agreement in respect of the Ordinary Shares is hereby accepted by ZK International Group Co., Ltd.
DATED at _______________________________________, the ___________ day of _________________, 2017.
ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Jiancong Huang | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
Schedule 8.1(g)
1. | Kefi Bain |
2. | Sean McCarroll |
3. | Endeavour Resource Limited |
4. | Vantablack LLC |
Exhibit A
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
Confidential Investor Questionnaire
To: |
ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD., a BVI corporation (the “Company”), is offering, to Non-U.S. persons pursuant to an accompanying Subscription Agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”), shares of its common stock, par __________ value $______ per share (the “Shares”) and a warrants purchase the Shares (the “Warrants”, and together with the Shares, the “Securities”).
I. SUITABILITY (please answer each question)
(a) For an individual subscriber, please describe your current employment, including the company by which you are employed and its principal business:
(b) For an individual subscriber, please describe any college or graduate degrees held by you:
(c) For all subscribers, please list types of prior investments:
(d) For all subscribers, please state whether you have you participated in other private placements before:
YES ¨ | NO ¨ |
(e) If your answer to question (d) above was “YES”, please indicate frequency of such prior participation in private placements of:
Public | Private | |||
Companies | Companies | |||
Frequently | ||||
Occasionally | ||||
Never |
(f) For individual subscribers, do you expect your current level of income to significantly decrease in the foreseeable future:
YES ¨ | NO ¨ |
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
(g) For trust, corporate, partnership and other institutional subscribers, do you expect your total assets to significantly decrease in the foreseeable future:
YES ¨ | NO ¨ |
(h) For all subscribers, do you have any other investments or contingent liabilities which you reasonably anticipate could cause you to need sudden cash requirements in excess of cash readily available to you:
YES ¨ | NO ¨ |
(i) For all subscribers, are you familiar with the risk aspects and the non-liquidity of investments such as the Securities for which you seek to subscribe?
YES ¨ | NO ¨ |
(j) For all subscribers, do you understand that there is no guarantee of financial return on this investment and that you run the risk of losing your entire investment?
YES ¨ | NO ¨ |
II. | MANNER IN WHICH TITLE IS TO BE HELD. (circle one) |
(a) | Individual Ownership |
(b) | Community Property |
(c) | Joint Tenant with Right of Survivorship (both parties must sign) |
(d) | Partnership* |
(e) | Tenants in Common |
(f) | Corporation* Trust* |
(g) | Limited Liability Company* |
(h) | Other |
(i)
*If Securities are being subscribed for by an entity, please provide a copy of the entity formation documents as we as written approvals or designations for the authorized signer(s). Also, all signers must provide a copy of their photo ID (drivers’ license or passport) in English.
II. Disqualification Events.
1. Certain Criminal Convictions.
Have you been convicted, within the past ten (10) years (or five (5) years, in the case of the Company, its predecessors and affiliated issuers), of any felony or misdemeanor involving:
· | in connection with the purchase or sale of any security; |
· | involving the making of any false filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); or |
· | arising out of the conduct of the business of an underwriter, broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment advisor or paid solicitor of purchasers of securities? |
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
2. Certain Court Injunctions and Restraining Orders.
Are you subject to any order, judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction that was entered within the past five (5) years and currently restrains or enjoins you from engaging in any conduct or practice:
· | in connection with the purchase or sale of any security; |
· | involving the making of any false filing with the SEC; or |
· | arising out of the conduct of the business of an underwriter, broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment adviser or paid solicitor of purchasers of securities? |
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
3. Final Orders of Certain State and Federal Regulators.
Are you subject to a Final Order (as defined below) of state regulators of securities, insurance, banking, savings associations or credit unions; federal banking agencies; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; or the National Credit Union Administration that:
· | bars you from: |
· | associating with an entity regulated by any of the aforementioned regulators; |
· | engaging in the business of securities, insurance or banking; or |
· | engaging in savings association or credit union activities; or |
· | constitutes a Final Order based on a violation of any law or regulation that prohibits fraudulent, manipulative, or deceptive conduct entered within the past ten (10) years? |
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
The term “Final Order” means a written directive or declaratory statement issued by a federal or state agency described in Rule 506(d)(1)(iii) under the Securities Act of 1933 under applicable statutory authority that provides for notice and an opportunity for a hearing, which constitutes a final disposition or action by that federal or state agency.
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
4. SEC Disciplinary Orders.
Are you subject to any order of the SEC that currently:
· | suspends or revokes your registration as a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer or investment adviser; |
· | places limitations on the activities, functions or operations of, or imposes civil money penalties on, such person; or |
· | bars you from being associated with any entity or from participating in the offering of any penny stock?1 |
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
5. SEC Cease-and-Desist Orders.
Are you subject to any order of the SEC that was entered within the past five (5) years and currently orders you to cease and desist from committing or causing a future violation of:
· | any scienter-based (intent-based) anti-fraud provision of the federal securities laws (including, for example, but not limited to): |
· | Section 17(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, |
· | Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5, and |
· | Section 15 (c) (1) of the Securities Exchange Act); or |
· | Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, which generally requires that securities be registered and prohibits the sale of unregistered securities. |
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
6. SRO Suspension/Expulsion.
Have you been suspended or expelled from membership in, or suspended or barred from association with a member of, a securities self-regulatory organization (“SRO”, such as a registered national securities exchange or a registered national or affiliated securities association, including FINRA) for any act or omission to act constituting conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade?
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
1 A disqualification based on a suspension or limitation of activities expires when the suspension or limitation expires.
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
7. SEC Stop Orders.
Have you filed (as a registrant or issuer), or were you named as an underwriter in any registration statement or Regulation A offering statement filed with the SEC that, within the past five (5) years, was the subject of a refusal order, stop order, or order suspending the Regulation A exemption, or is currently the subject of an investigation or proceeding to determine whether a stop order or suspension order should be issued?
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
8. USPS False Representations Order.
Are you subject to a United States Postal Service (“USPS”) false representation order entered within the past five (5) years, or are you currently subject to a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction with respect to conduct alleged by the USPS to constitute a scheme or device for obtaining money or property through the mail by means of false representations?
¨ Yes. If yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
¨ No.
IV. The undersigned is informed of the significance to the Company of the foregoing representations and answers contained in this Questionnaire contained herein and such answers have been provided under the assumption that the Company will rely on them.
V. The undersigned understands and agrees that the Company may request further information of the undersigned in verification or amplification of the undersigned’s knowledge of business affairs, the undersigned’s assets and the undersigned’s ability to bear the economic risk involved in an investment in the securities of the Company.
VI. The undersigned represents to you that (a) the information contained herein is complete and accurate on the date hereof and may be relied upon by you, (b) the undersigned will notify you immediately of any change in any such information occurring prior to the acceptance of the subscription and will promptly send you written confirmation of such change. The undersigned hereby certifies that he, she or it has read and understands the Subscription Agreement related hereto and (c) the undersigned acknowledges that you may be required to publicly disclose the information provided in this Questionnaire and that he, she or it consents to such public disclosure.
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
VII. In order for the Company to comply with applicable anti-money laundering/U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) rules and regulations, subscriber is required to provide the following information:
1. | Payment Information |
(a) | Name and address (including city and country) of the bank from which subscriber’s payment to the Company is being wired (the “Wiring Bank”): |
(b) | Subscriber’s wiring instructions at the Wiring Bank: |
(c) | Is the Wiring Bank located in the U.S. or another “FATF Country”*? |
¨ Yes ¨ No
(d) | Is Subscriber a customer of the Wiring Bank? |
¨ Yes ¨ No
2. | Additional Information |
For Individual Subscribers:
___ | A government issued form of picture identification (e.g., passport or drivers license) in English. |
___ | Proof of the individual’s current address (e.g., current utility bill), if not included in the form of picture identification. |
* As of the date hereof, countries that are members of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (“FATF Country”) are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
___ | A certificate of due formation and organization and continued authorization to conduct business in the jurisdiction of its organization (e.g., certificate of good standing). |
For Funds of Funds or Entities that Invest on Behalf of Third Parties:
___ | A certificate of due formation and organization and continued authorization to conduct business in the jurisdiction of its organization (e.g., certificate of good standing). |
___ | An “incumbency certificate” attesting to the authority and title of the individual executing these subscription materials on behalf of the prospective investor. |
___ | A completed copy of a certification that the entity has adequate anti-money laundering policies and procedures (“AML Policies and Procedures”) in place that are consistent with the USA PATRIOT Act, OFAC and other relevant federal, state or non-U.S. anti-money laundering laws and regulations (with a copy of the entity’s current AML Policies and Procedures to which such certification relates). |
___ | A letter of reference any entity not located in the U.S. or other FATF Country, from the entity’s local office of a reputable bank or brokerage firm that is incorporated, or has its principal place of business located, in the U.S. or other FATF Country certifying that the prospective investor maintains an account at such bank/brokerage firm for a length of time and containing a statement affirming the prospective investor’s integrity. |
For all other Entity Subscribers:
___ | A certificate of due formation and organization and continued authorization to conduct business in the jurisdiction of its organization (e.g., certificate of good standing). |
___ | An “incumbency certificate” attesting to the authority and title of the individual executing these subscription materials on behalf of the prospective investor. |
___ | A letter of reference from the entity’s local office of a reputable bank or brokerage firm that is incorporated, or has its principal place of business located, in the U.S. or other FATF Country certifying that the prospective investor maintains an account at such bank/brokerage firm for a length of time and containing a statement affirming the prospective investor’s integrity. |
___ | If the prospective investor is a privately-held entity, a certified list of the names of every person or entity who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of 25% or more of any voting or non-voting class of equity interests of the Subscriber, including (i) country of citizenship (for individuals) or principal place of business (for entities) and, (ii) for individuals, such individual’s principal employer and position. |
___ | If the prospective investor is a trust, a certified list of (i) the names of the current beneficiaries of the trust that have, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of any interest in the trust, (ii) the name of the settlor of the trust, (iii) the name(s) of the trustee(s) of the trust, and (iv) the country of citizenship (for individuals) or principal place of business (for entities). |
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
VIII. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. |
A TRUST MUST ATTACH A COPY OF ITS DECLARATION OF TRUST OR OTHER GOVERNING INSTRUMENT, AS AMENDED, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT AUTHORIZE THE TRUST TO INVEST IN THE SECURITIES. ALL RESOLUTIONS AND DOCUMENTATION MUST BE COMPLETE AND
VIII. | ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION. |
Are you, your spouse, or any other immediate family members, including parents, in-laws, and siblings that are dependents, an officer, director or greater than ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Company?
¨ | ¨ |
Yes | No |
Are you, your spouse, or any other immediate family members, including parents, in-laws, and siblings that are dependents, employed by or associated with the securities industry (for example, investment advisor, sole proprietor, partner, officer, director, branch manager or broker at a broker-dealer firm or municipal securities dealer) or a financial regulatory agency, such as FINRA or the New York Stock Exchange?
¨ | ¨ |
Yes | No |
If Yes, please provide the name and contact information for such firm.
Are you a senior military, governmental or political official in a non-US country?
¨ | ¨ |
Yes | No |
If Yes, please provide the name of the country.
A TRUST MUST ATTACH A COPY OF ITS DECLARATION OF TRUST OR OTHER GOVERNING INSTRUMENT, AS AMENDED, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT AUTHORIZE THE TRUST TO INVEST IN THE SECURITIES. ALL RESOLUTIONS AND DOCUMENTATION MUST BE COMPLETE AND CORRECT AS OF THE DATE HEREOF.
IX. | INFORMATION VERIFICATION CONSENT. |
BY SIGNING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, SUBSCRIBER HEREBY GRANTS THE COMPANY PERMISSION TO REVIEW ALL PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING SUBSCRIBER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OFAC FOR THE PURPOSE OF VERIFYING INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SUBSCRIBER HEREIN.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
Regulation S Investor Questionnaire
Signature | Signature (if purchasing jointly) | |
Name Typed or Printed | Name Typed or Printed | |
Entity Name | Entity Name | |
Address | Address | |
City and Country | City and Country | |
Email Address | Email Address | |
Tax ID # of Signer | Tax ID # of Signer | |
Tax ID # of Entity | Tax ID # of Entity |
Exhibit B
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March ______, 2017, among (i) ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (the "Company"), a British Virgin Islands limited liability company, and (ii) each purchaser identified on the signature pages to this Agreement (each a “Holder” and collectively, the “Holders”).
This Agreement is made pursuant to the Private Placement Subscription Agreement, dated as of the date hereof among the Company and the Holders (the “Purchase Agreement”).
The Company and the Holders hereby agree as follows:
A. Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Purchase Agreement shall have the meanings given such terms in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Advice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(d).
“Cutback Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(c).
“Effectiveness Date” means the 135th calendar day following the earlier of the actual filing date of the F-1 (as defined herein).
“Effectiveness Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).
“Event Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).
“Filing Date” means, the date on which the F-1 is filed.
“Holder” or “Holders” means the holder or holders, as the case may be, from time to time of Registrable Securities.
“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).
“Proceeding” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.
“Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
“Registrable Securities” means all of the Company’s ordinary shares issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
“Registration Statement” means the registration statements required to be filed hereunder and any additional registration statements, including (in each case) the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.
“Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.
“Rule 424” means Rule 424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“SEC Restrictions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(c).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Selling Shareholder Questionnaire” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
B. Registration.
1. The Company shall register for resale of some or all (depending on the limitations set out in this Agreement) of the Registrable Securities with the Commission simultaneous with the filing of a registration statement with the Commission for the initial public offering of shares of the Company’s ordinary shares on Form F-1 (the “F-1”).
2. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause a Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as possible after the filing thereof, but in any event prior to the applicable Effectiveness Date, and shall use its best efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or may be sold without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144(k) as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the Company’s transfer agent and the affected Holders (the “Effectiveness Period”)
3. If the registration is being made pursuant to a registered public offering that is to be made by underwriter(s), the Company shall so advise the Holders of the Registrable Securities eligible for inclusion in such Registration Statement pursuant to Section 3. In that event, the right of any Holder to registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such registered public offering to the extent provided herein. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if at any time the SEC takes the position that the offering of some or all of the Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement is not eligible to be made on a delayed or continuous basis under the provisions of Rule 415 under the Securities Act, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to persuade the SEC that the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement is a valid secondary offering and not an offering “by or on behalf of the issuer” as defined in Rule 415. The Holder shall have the right to participate in any meetings or discussions regarding the SEC’s position and to comment on any written submission made to the SEC with respect thereto. In the event that, despite the Company’s commercially reasonable efforts and compliance with the terms of this Section 2(c), the SEC refuses to alter its position, the Company shall (i) remove from the Registration Statement such portion of the Registrable Securities (the “Cut Back Shares”) and/or (ii) agree to such restrictions and limitations on the registration and resale of the Registrable Securities as the SEC may require to assure the Company’s compliance with the requirements of Rule 415 (collectively, the “SEC Restrictions”); provided however, that the Company shall not agree to name any Holder as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement without the prior written consent of such Holder. The Company shall so advise all Holders (except those Holders who failed to timely elect to include their Registrable Securities or have indicated to the Company their decision not to do so), and indicate to each such Holder the number of shares of Registrable Securities that may be included in the registration. The number of ordinary shares that may be included in the F-1, subject to the SEC Restrictions if any, shall be allocated first to the Company and then, subject to obligations and commitments existing as of the date hereof, to all selling stockholders, including the Holders, who have requested to sell in the registration on a pro rata basis according to the number of shares requested to be included therein.
C. Registration Procedures
1. In connection with the Company’s registration obligations hereunder, the Company shall:
2. Not less than five business days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement or any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any document that would be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference), the Company shall, (i) furnish to each Holder copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the review of such Holders, and (ii) cause its officers and directors, counsel and independent certified public accountants to respond to such inquiries as shall be necessary, in the reasonable opinion of respective counsel to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of the Securities Act. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities shall reasonably object in good faith, provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than 4 business days after the Holders have been so furnished copies of such documents.
3. (i) Prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep a Registration Statement continuously effective as to the applicable Registrable Securities for the Effectiveness Period and prepare and file with the Commission such additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities; (ii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iii) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the Commission with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Holders true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the Commission relating to a Registration Statement; and (iv) comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance (subject to the terms of this Agreement) with the intended methods of disposition by the Holders thereof set forth in such Registration Statement as so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented.
4. Notify the Holders of Registrable Securities to be sold (which notice shall, pursuant to clauses (ii) through (vi) hereof, be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the Prospectus until the requisite changes have been made) as promptly as reasonably possible (and, in the case of (i)(A) below, not less than five business days prior to such filing) and (if requested by any such Person) confirm such notice in writing no later than one business day following the day (i)(A) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement is proposed to be filed; (B) when the Commission notifies the Company whether there will be a “review” of such Registration Statement and whenever the Commission comments in writing on such Registration Statement (the Company shall provide true and complete copies thereof and all written responses thereto to each of the Holders); and (C) with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective; (ii) of any request by the Commission or any other Federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information; (iii) of the issuance by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement covering any or all of the Registrable Securities or the initiation of any Proceedings for that purpose; (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any Proceeding for such purpose; (v) of the occurrence of any event or passage of time that makes the financial statements included in a Registration Statement ineligible for inclusion therein or any statement made in a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires any revisions to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or other documents so that, in the case of a Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as the case may be, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and (vi) the occurrence or existence of any pending corporate development with respect to the Company that the Company believes may be material and that, in the determination of the Company, makes it not in the best interest of the Company to allow continued availability of a Registration Statement or Prospectus; provided that any and all of such information shall remain confidential to each Holder until such information otherwise becomes public, unless disclosure by a Holder is required by law; provided, further, notwithstanding each Holder’s agreement to keep such information confidential, the Holders make no acknowledgement that any such information is material, non-public information.
5. Use its best efforts to avoid the issuance of, or, if issued, obtain the withdrawal of (i) any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or (ii) any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, at the earliest practicable moment.
6. Promptly deliver to each Holder, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus or Prospectuses (including each form of prospectus) and each amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons may reasonably request in connection with resales by the Holder of Registrable Securities. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company hereby consents to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, except after the giving on any notice pursuant to Section 3(c).
7. Prior to any resale of Registrable Securities by a Holder, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify or cooperate with the selling Holders in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from the Registration or qualification) of such Registrable Securities for the resale by the Holder under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions within the United States as any Holder reasonably requests in writing, to keep each registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the Effectiveness Period and to do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement; provided, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, subject the Company to any material tax in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction.
8. If requested by the Holders, cooperate with the Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be delivered to a transferee pursuant to a Registration Statement, which certificates shall be free, to the extent permitted by the Purchase Agreement, of all restrictive legends, and to enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as any such Holders may request.
9. Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by this Section 3, as promptly as reasonably possible under the circumstances taking into account the Company’s good faith assessment of any adverse consequences to the Company and its stockholders of the premature disclosure of such event, prepare a supplement or amendment, including a post-effective amendment, to a Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, and file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered, neither a Registration Statement nor such Prospectus will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Company notifies the Holders in accordance with clauses (ii) through (vi) of 3(c) above to suspend the use of any Prospectus until the requisite changes to such Prospectus have been made, then the Holders shall suspend use of such Prospectus. The Company will use its best efforts to ensure that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed as promptly as is practicable. The Company shall be entitled to exercise its right under this Section to suspend the availability of a Registration Statement and Prospectus, subject to the payment of partial liquidated damages pursuant to Section 2(b), for a period not to exceed 60 days (which need not be consecutive days) in any 12 month period.
10. Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission.
11. The Company may require each selling Holder to furnish to the Company a certified statement as to the number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by such Holder and, if required by the Commission, the person thereof that has voting and dispositive control over those ordinary shares. During any periods that the Company is unable to meet its obligations hereunder with respect to the registration of the Registrable Securities solely because any Holder fails to furnish such information within three business days of the Company’s request, any liquidated damages that are accruing at such time as to such Holder only shall be tolled and any Event that may otherwise occur solely because of such delay shall be suspended as to such Holder only, until such information is delivered to the Company.
D. Registration Expenses. All fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company shall be borne by the Company whether or not any Registrable Securities are sold pursuant to a Registration Statement. The fees and expenses referred to in the foregoing sentence shall include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, fees and expenses (A) with respect to filings required to be made with the Trading Market on which the Company’s ordinary shares is then listed for trading, (B) in compliance with applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws reasonably agreed to by the Company in writing (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company in connection with Blue Sky qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities and determination of the eligibility of the Registrable Securities for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as requested by the Holders) and (C) if not previously paid by the Company in connection with an Issuer Filing, with respect to any filing that may be required to be made by any broker through which a Holder intends to make sales of Registrable Securities with NASD Regulation, Inc. pursuant to the NASD Rule 2710, so long as the broker is receiving no more than a customary brokerage commission in connection with such sale, (ii) printing expenses (including, without limitation, expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities and of printing prospectuses if the printing of prospectuses is reasonably requested by the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in a Registration Statement), (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, (v) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company so desires such insurance, and (vi) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its internal expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit and the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange as required hereunder. In no event shall the Company be responsible for any broker or similar commissions or, except to the extent provided for in the Transaction Documents, any legal fees or other costs of the Holders.
E. Indemnification
1. Indemnification by Holders. Each Holder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers, agents and employees, each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of such controlling Persons, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Losses, as incurred, to the extent arising out of or based solely upon: (x) such Holder’s failure to comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act or (y) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or any form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (i) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information so furnished in writing by such Holder to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or such Prospectus or (ii) to the extent that (1) such untrue statements or omissions are based solely upon information regarding such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein, or to the extent that such information relates to such Holder or such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was reviewed and expressly approved in writing by such Holder expressly for use in a Registration Statement, such Prospectus or such form of Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (2) in the case of an occurrence of an event of the type specified in Section 3(c)(ii)-(vi), the use by such Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of the Advice contemplated in Section 6(d). In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
2. Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. If any Proceeding shall be brought or asserted against any Person entitled to indemnity hereunder (an “Indemnified Party”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Person from whom indemnity is sought (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the payment of all fees and expenses incurred in connection with defense thereof; provided, that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations or liabilities pursuant to this Agreement, except (and only) to the extent that it shall be finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction (which determination is not subject to appeal or further review) that such failure shall have prejudiced the Indemnifying Party.
An Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or Parties unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses; (2) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Proceeding and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party in any such Proceeding; or (3) the named parties to any such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and such Indemnified Party shall reasonably believe that a material conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party (in which case, if such Indemnified Party notifies the Indemnifying Party in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense thereof and the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party). The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such Proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending Proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is a party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding.
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, all reasonable fees and expenses of the Indemnified Party (including reasonable fees and expenses to the extent incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend such Proceeding in a manner not inconsistent with this Section) shall be paid to the Indemnified Party, as incurred, within ten business days of written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party; provided, that the Indemnified Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying Party for that portion of such fees and expenses applicable to such actions for which such Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification hereunder, determined based upon the relative faults of the parties.
3. Contribution. If the indemnification under Section 5(a) or 5(b) is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold an Indemnified Party harmless for any Losses, then each Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission of a material fact, has been taken or made by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action, statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, any reasonable attorneys’ or other reasonable fees or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any Proceeding to the extent such party would have been indemnified for such fees or expenses if the indemnification provided for in this Section was available to such party in accordance with its terms.
The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5(d), no Holder shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the proceeds actually received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities subject to the Proceeding exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission, except in the case of fraud by such Holder.
The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section are in addition to any liability that the Indemnifying Parties may have to the Indemnified Parties.
F. Miscellaneous
1. Remedies. In the event of a breach by the Company or by a Holder, of any of their obligations under this Agreement, each Holder or the Company, as the case may be, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law and under this Agreement, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company and each Holder agree that monetary damages would not provide adequate compensation for any losses incurred by reason of a breach by it of any of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby further agrees that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, it shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.
2. Compliance. Each Holder covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.
3. Discontinued Disposition. Each Holder agrees by its acquisition of such Registrable Securities that, upon receipt of a notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event of the kind described in Section 3(c), such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented Prospectus and/or amended Registration Statement or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and, in either case, has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus or Registration Statement. The Company will use its best efforts to ensure that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed as promptly as it practicable. The Company agrees and acknowledges that any periods during which the Holder is required to discontinue the disposition of the Registrable Securities hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2(b).
4. Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Company and Holder’s holding at least 51% of the then outstanding Registrable Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by Holders of all of the Registrable Securities to which such waiver or consent relates; provided, however, that the provisions of this sentence may not be amended, modified, or supplemented except in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence.
5. Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be delivered as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
6. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties and shall inure to the benefit of each Holder. The Company may not assign its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of all of the Holders of the then-outstanding Registrable Securities. Each Holder may assign their respective rights hereunder in the manner and to the Persons as permitted under the Purchase Agreement.
7. No Inconsistent Agreements. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has entered, as of the date hereof, nor shall the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities, that would have the effect of impairing the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.
8. Execution and Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission, such signature shall create a valid binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) the same with the same force and effect as if such facsimile signature were the original thereof.
9. Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined with the provisions of the Purchase Agreement.
10. Cumulative Remedies. The remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
11. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.
12. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
13. Independent Nature of Holders’ Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Holder hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Holder hereunder, and no Holder shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Holder hereunder. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered at any closing, and no action taken by any Holder pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Holders as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Holders are in any way acting in concert with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Holder shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Holder to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Holder and the Company have duly executed this Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
(Name of Holder – Please type or print) | ||
(Signature and, if applicable, Office) |
ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Jiancong Huang | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||