15 Nov 2017 07:00
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING THE APPENDICES AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICES AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
15 November 2017
AFH FINANCIAL GROUP PLC
("AFH" or the "Company")
Proposed Placing
AFH Financial Group plc, a leading financial planning led investment management firm, today announces that it proposes to raise gross proceeds of £15.0 million through the placing ("Placing") by way of an accelerated bookbuild of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 250 pence per new Ordinary Share (the "Placing Price").
Summary of the Placing
· Placing to raise gross proceeds of £15.0 million for the Company at 250 pence per new Ordinary Share, subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting
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Ā· Net proceeds of the Placing to be used to execute the Company's acquisition pipeline and for working capital purposes. The Company currently has a strong pipeline of potential acquisitions under negotiation
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Ā· Placing by way of an accelerated bookbuild
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Ā· Books are open with immediate effect
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Reasons for the Placing and Use of Proceeds
During the last 12 months, the Company has completed the acquisition of 13 IFA businesses together with the protection business carried on by Eunisure. The Company continues to integrate these acquisitions and as at 31 October 2017, the Company had cash balances of £8.0 million which provides it with sufficient funding to satisfy the deferred consideration liabilities of such acquisitions as they fall due.
The Board intends to continue to execute its strategy of making selective acquisitions and increasing AFH's national footprint, whilst providing a professional and cost effective service to its clients. The Board believes that the Company remains well positioned to take advantage of consolidation opportunities in the IFA market and currently has a strong pipeline of potential acquisitions that are under negotiation. The Company is undertaking the Placing to provide it with a strong platform to finance such acquisition opportunities as well as providing funds for general corporate purposes.
Details of the Placing
Liberum Capital Limited ("Liberum") is acting as nominated adviser and sole broker in connection with the Placing.
The Placing is being conducted by way of an accelerated bookbuild process and will be launched immediately following the release of this announcement and will be made available to eligible new and existing institutional investors. The book will close at the sole discretion of Liberum.
The Placing is subject to the terms and conditions set out in Appendix I to this announcement (which, together with the definitions set out in Appendix II, forms part of this announcement, such announcement and Appendices together being, thisĀ "Announcement"). The Placing is not underwritten. The Company and Liberum reserve the right to increase or decrease the size of the Placing in their absolute discretion.
A further announcement will be made on the closing of the bookbuild process, which is expected later today.
By choosing to participate in the Placing and by making an oral and/or written legally binding offer to acquire Placing Shares, investors will be deemed to have read and understood this Announcement in its entirety, including Appendix I, and to be making such offer on the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein and to be making the representations, warranties, undertakings and acknowledgements contained in Appendix I to this Announcement.
The Placing is conditional on, amongst other things, the approval by Shareholders of the resolutions to be put to the General Meeting. The new Ordinary Shares, when issued, will be fully paid and will rankĀ pari passuĀ in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after the date of issue. Application will shortly be made for the new Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on the AIM market of London Stock Exchange plc.
Appendix I and Appendix II set out further information relating to the Placing and the terms and conditions of the Placing.
This Announcement should be read in its entirety. In particular, you should read and understand the information provided in the "Important Notices" section of this Announcement.
Enquiries:
AFH Financial Group PLC 01527 577 775
Alan Hudson, Chief Executive Officer
Paul Wright, Chief Financial Officer
www.afhfinancialgroup.com
Liberum Capital Limited 020 3100 2000
(Nominated Adviser and Broker)
John Fishley
Richard Bootle
Euan Brown
Important Notices
This announcement is released by AFH Financial Group plc and contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 ("MAR"), encompassing information relating to the Placing described above, and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of MAR.
For the purposes of MAR and Article 2 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1055, this announcement is being made on behalf of the Company by Paul Wright, Chief Financial Officer.
This Announcement contains (or may contain) certain forward-looking statements with respect to certain of the Company's plans and its current goals and expectations relating to its future financial condition and performance and which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as "aim", "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", or other words of similar meaning. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances, including, but not limited to, economic and business conditions, the effects of continued volatility in credit markets, market-related risks such as changes in the price of commodities or changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, the policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, changes in legislation, the further development of standards and interpretations under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") applicable to past, current and future periods, evolving practices with regard to the interpretation and application of standards under IFRS, the outcome of pending and future litigation or regulatory investigations, the success of future explorations, acquisitions and other strategic transactions and the impact of competition. A number of these factors are beyond the Company's control. As a result, the Company's actual future results may differ materially from the plans, goals, and expectations set forth in the Company's forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this Announcement by or on behalf of the Company speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by the FCA, the London Stock Exchange or applicable law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement to reflect any changes in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
This Announcement is for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to buy, sell, issue, or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, sell, issue, or subscribe for any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
The Placing Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold, delivered or transferred, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. The Company does not intend to register any portion of the Placing in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.
This Announcement does not contain an offer or constitute any part of an offer to the public within the meaning of Sections 85 and 102B of the FSMA or otherwise. This Announcement is not an "approved prospectus" within the meaning of Section 85(7) of FSMA and a copy of it has not been, and will not be, delivered to the FCA in accordance with the Prospectus Rules or delivered to any other authority which could be a competent authority for the purpose of the Prospectus Directive. Its contents have not been examined or approved by the London Stock Exchange plc, nor has it been approved by an "authorised person" for the purposes of Section 21 of FSMA. This Announcement is being distributed to persons in the United Kingdom only in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply.
This Announcement is directed only at: (a) persons in member states of the European Economic Area who are qualified investors within the meaning of article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive ("Qualified Investors") and (b) if in the United Kingdom, persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of "investment professionals" in article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), or are high net worth companies, unincorporated associations or partnerships or trustees of high value trusts as described in article 49(2) of the Order and (ii) are "qualified investors" as defined in section 86 of FSMA and (c) otherwise, to persons to whom it may otherwise be lawful to communicate it (all such persons together being referenced to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment in connection with the Placing will only be available to, and will only be engaged with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this Announcement or any of its contents.
This Announcement has been issued by and is the sole responsibility of the Company. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by Liberum or by any of its affiliates or agents as to, or in relation to, the accuracy or completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or its advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed.Ā
Liberum, which is authorised and regulated in theĀ United KingdomĀ by the FCA, is acting as nominated adviser and sole broker for the Company and for no-one else in connection with the Placing, and Liberum will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its customers or for providing advice to any other person in relation to the Placing or any other matter referred to herein.
The distribution of this Announcement and the offering of the Placing Shares in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken by the Company or Liberum that would permit an offering of such shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement or any other offering or publicity material relating to such shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this Announcement comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe such restrictions.Ā
The Placing Shares to which this Announcement relates may be illiquid and / or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the Placing Shares should conduct their own due diligence on the Placing Shares. If you do not understand the contents of this Announcement you should consult an authorised financial adviser.Ā
The information in this Announcement may not be forwarded or distributed to any other person and may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever. Any forwarding, distribution, dissemination, reproduction, or disclosure of this information in whole or in part is unauthorised. Failure to comply with this directive may result in a violation of the U.S. Securities Act or the applicable laws of other jurisdictions.Ā
Neither the content of the Company's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this Announcement.
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Appendix I
TermsĀ andĀ ConditionsĀ ofĀ theĀ Placing
IMPORTANTĀ INFORMATIONĀ FORĀ PLACEESĀ ONLYĀ REGARDINGĀ THEĀ PLACING.
THISĀ ANNOUNCEMENT,Ā INCLUDINGĀ THEĀ APPENDICESĀ (TOGETHER,Ā THEĀ "ANNOUNCEMENT")Ā ANDĀ THEĀ INFORMATIONĀ CONTAINEDĀ HEREINĀ ISĀ RESTRICTEDĀ ANDĀ ISĀ NOTĀ FORĀ PUBLICATION,Ā RELEASEĀ ORĀ DISTRIBUTION,Ā DIRECTLYĀ ORĀ INDIRECTLY,Ā INĀ ORĀ INTOĀ ORĀ FROMĀ THEĀ UNITEDĀ STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA,Ā JAPAN,Ā NEW ZEALAND, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICAĀ ORĀ ANYĀ JURISDICTIONĀ INĀ WHICHĀ THEĀ SAMEĀ WOULDĀ BEĀ UNLAWFUL.Ā PERSONSĀ INTOĀ WHOSEĀ POSSESSIONĀ THISĀ ANNOUNCEMENTĀ (INCLUDINGĀ THEĀ APPENDICES)Ā COMESĀ AREĀ REQUIREDĀ BYĀ THEĀ COMPANYĀ ANDĀ LIBERUMĀ TOĀ INFORMĀ THEMSELVESĀ ABOUTĀ ANDĀ TOĀ OBSERVEĀ ANYĀ SUCHĀ RESTRICTIONS.
THISĀ ANNOUNCEMENT DOESĀ NOTĀ ITSELFĀ CONSTITUTEĀ AN OFFERĀ ORĀ INVITATION TO UNDERWRITEĀ AN OFFERĀ FORĀ SALEĀ ORĀ SUBSCRIPTIONĀ OFĀ ANYĀ SECURITIESĀ INĀ THEĀ COMPANY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE PLACING. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT IN THIS APPENDIX ARE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE DIRECTED ONLY AT PERSONS WHO ARE: (A) PERSONS IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA ("EEA") WHO ARE QUALIFIED INVESTORS WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2(1)(E) OF EU DIRECTIVE 2003/71/EC AND AMENDMENTS THERETO (THE "PROSPECTUS DIRECTIVE") ("QUALIFIED INVESTORS"), (B) IF IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, PERSONS WHO (I) HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS WHO FALL WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF "INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS" IN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMENDED (THE "ORDER"), OR ARE HIGH NET WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS OR PARTNERSHIPS OR TRUSTEES OF HIGH VALUE TRUSTS AS DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 49(2) OF THE ORDER AND (II) ARE "QUALIFIED INVESTORS" AS DEFINED IN SECTION 86 OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000, AS AMENDED ("FSMA"), AND (C) OTHERWISE, TO PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE BE LAWFUL TO COMMUNICATE IT TO (EACH A "RELEVANT PERSON"). NO OTHER PERSON SHOULD ACT OR RELY ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND PERSONS DISTRIBUTING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT IT IS LAWFUL TO DO SO. BY ACCEPTING THE TERMS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT YOU REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT YOU ARE A RELEVANT PERSON. THIS APPENDIX AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN MUST NOT BE ACTED ON OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (INCLUDING THIS APPENDIX) AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN RELATE IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (INCLUDING THIS APPENDIX) DOES NOT ITSELF CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR ISSUE OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY OR ACQUIRE ANY SECURITIES IN THE COMPANY.
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EACHĀ PLACEEĀ SHOULDĀ CONSULTĀ WITHĀ ITSĀ OWNĀ ADVISERSĀ ASĀ TOĀ LEGAL,Ā TAX,Ā BUSINESSĀ ANDĀ RELATEDĀ ASPECTSĀ OFĀ AĀ SUBSCRIPTIONĀ FORĀ THEĀ PLACINGĀ SHARES.
PersonsĀ (including individuals,Ā funds or otherwise) whoĀ have chosenĀ to participate in the Placing,Ā by making anĀ oralĀ orĀ writtenĀ offerĀ toĀ subscribeĀ forĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ willĀ beĀ deemedĀ toĀ haveĀ readĀ andĀ understoodĀ thisĀ Announcement,Ā includingĀ thisĀ Appendix,Ā inĀ itsĀ entiretyĀ andĀ toĀ beĀ makingĀ suchĀ offerĀ onĀ theĀ termsĀ andĀ conditions,Ā andĀ toĀ beĀ providingĀ theĀ representations,Ā warranties,Ā acknowledgements,Ā andĀ undertakingsĀ containedĀ inĀ thisĀ Appendix.
In this Appendix, unless the context otherwise requires, "Placee" means a Relevant Person (including individuals, funds or others) by whom or on whose behalf a commitment to subscribe for Placing Shares has been given. In particular, each such Placee represents, warrants and acknowledges that:
1. it is a Relevant Person (as defined above) and undertakes that it will acquire, hold, manage or dispose of any Placing Shares that are allocated to it for the purposes of its business;
2. in the case of any Placing Shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, (i) the Placing Shares acquired by it in the Placing have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive other than Qualified Investors or in circumstances in which the prior consent of Liberum has been given to the offer or resale; or (ii) where Placing Shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any member state of the EEA other than Qualified Investors, the offer of those Placing Shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons;
3. (a) (i) it is not in the United States and (ii) it is not acting for the account or benefit of a person in the United States, unless in the case of this clause (ii), acting with investment discretion for such person or, if such person is a corporation or partnership, the person agreeing to purchase the Placing Shares is an employee of such person authorised to make such purchase; (b) it is a dealer or other professional fiduciary in the United States acting on a discretionary basis for a non-US person (other than an estate or trust) in reliance on Regulation S; (c) it is otherwise acquiring the Placing Shares in an "offshore transaction" meeting the requirements of Regulation S under the Securities Act; or (d) it is a "qualified institutional buyer" (a "QIB") (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and it has duly executed an investor letter in a form provided to it and delivered the same to Liberum or its affiliates;
4. it is acquiring the Placing Shares for its own account or is acquiring the Placing Shares for an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and has the authority to make and does make the representations, warranties, indemnities, acknowledgements and agreements contained in this Announcement; and
5. it understands (or, if acting for the account of another person, such person understands) the resale and transfer restrictions set out in this Appendix.
The Company and Liberum will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
Details of the Placing
Liberum has entered into the Placing Agreement with the Company under which, subject to the conditions set out in that agreement, Liberum will agree to use its reasonable endeavours to procure subscribers and/or purchasers for the Placing Shares at the Placing Price.
The Placing is conditional upon the Placing Agreement becoming unconditional in all respects.
The Placing Shares will, when issued, rank pari passu in all respects with the existing issued Ordinary Shares, including the right to receive dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid following Admission.
ApplicationĀ forĀ admissionĀ toĀ trading
Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for admission of the new Ordinary Shares ("Admission") to trading on AIM. It is expected that Admission will become effective and that dealings in the Placing Shares will commence on AIM at 8.00 a.m. on 5 DecemberĀ 2017.
ParticipationĀ in,Ā andĀ principalĀ termsĀ of,Ā theĀ Placing
Liberum is arranging the Placing as agent for and on behalf of the Company. Participation in the Placing will only be available to Placees who may lawfully be, and are, invited to participate by Liberum.
The number of Placing Shares to be issued will be agreed between Liberum and the Company following completion of a bookbuilding exercise by Liberum (the "Bookbuild"). The number of Placing Shares will be announced on a Regulatory Information Service following the completion of the Bookbuild.
Liberum will determine in its absolute discretion the extent of each Placee's participation in the Placing, which will not necessarily be the same for each Placee and this will be confirmed orally or in writing by Liberum as agent of the Company ("Confirmation"). No element of the Placing will be underwritten. Confirmation will constitute an irrevocable legally binding commitment upon that person (who will at that point become a Placee) to subscribe for the number of Placing Shares allocated to it at the Placing Price on the terms and conditions set out in this Appendix (a copy of the terms and conditions having been provided to the Placee prior to or at the same time as such oral or written confirmation) and in accordance with the Company's articles of association. For the avoidance of doubt, the Confirmation constitutes each Placee's irrevocable legally binding agreement, subject to the Placing Agreement not having been terminated, to pay the aggregate settlement amount for the Placing Shares to be subscribed for by that Placee regardless of the total number of Placing Shares (if any) subscribed for by any other investor(s).
Liberum reserves the right to scale back the number of Placing Shares to be subscribed by any Placee in the event of an oversubscription under the Placing. Liberum also reserves the right not to accept offers for Placing Shares or to accept such offers in part rather than in whole.
Each Placee will be required to pay to Liberum, on the Company's behalf, the Placing Price for each Placing Share agreed to be acquired by it under the Placing in accordance with the terms set out herein. Each Placee's obligation to acquire and pay for Placing Shares under the Placing will be owed to Liberum and the Company. Each Placee has an immediate, separate, irrevocable and binding obligation, owed to Liberum, to pay to it (or as it may direct) in cleared funds an amount equal to the product of the Placing Price and the number of Placing Shares such Placee has agreed to subscribe for. Each Placee will be deemed to have read and understood the Appendices in their entirety, to the participating in the Placing upon the terms and conditions contained in the Appendices, and to be providing the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgements and undertakings, in each case as contained in the Appendices. To the fullest extent permitted by law and applicable FCA rules (the "FCA Rules"), neither (i) Liberum, (ii) any of its respective directors, officers, employees or consultants, or (iii) to the extent not contained within (i) or (ii), any person connected with Liberum as defined in the FCA Rules ((i), (ii) and (iii) being together "affiliates" and individually an "affiliate"), shall have any liability to Placees or to any person other than the Company in respect of the Placing.
Irrespective of the time at which a Placee's participation in the Placing is confirmed, settlement for all Placing Shares to be acquired pursuant to the Placing will be required to be made at the same time, on the basis explained below under 'Registration and Settlement'.
Completion of the Placing will be subject to the fulfilment of the conditions referred to below under 'Conditions of the Placing' and to the Placing not being terminated on the basis referred to below under 'Termination of the Placing Agreement'. In the event that the Placing Agreement is not entered into or does not otherwise become unconditional in any respect or, after having been entered into, is terminated, the Placing will not proceed and all funds delivered by the Placee to Liberum in respect of the Placee's participation will be returned to the Placee at the Placee's risk without interest.
By participating in the Placing, each Placee agrees that its rights and obligations in respect of the Placing will terminate only in the circumstances described below and will not otherwise be capable of rescission or termination by the Placee.
By participating in the Placing, each Placee is deemed to have read and understood this Announcement, including the Appendices, in its entirety and to be making such offer on the terms and conditions, and to be providing the representations, warranties, acknowledgements, and undertakings contained in the Appendices.
To the fullest extent permissible by law, neither the Company, Liberum nor any of their affiliates shall have any liability to Placees (or to any other person whether acting on behalf of a Placee or otherwise). In particular, neither Liberum nor any of its affiliates shall have any liability (including to the extent permissible by law, any fiduciary duties) in respect of Liberum's conduct of the Bookbuild or of such alternative method of effecting the Placing as Liberum and the Company may agree.
Conditions of the Placing
The obligations of Liberum under the Placing Agreement in respect of the Placing Shares are conditional on, amongst other things:
(a) the CompanyĀ havingĀ compliedĀ with itsĀ obligationsĀ underĀ theĀ PlacingĀ AgreementĀ (toĀ theĀ extentĀ thatĀ such obligationsĀ fallĀ toĀ beĀ performedĀ priorĀ toĀ Admission);Ā
(b) the passing of the Resolutions at the General Meeting of the Company being held on 4 December 2017; and
(c) Admission havingĀ occurredĀ notĀ laterĀ thanĀ 8.00Ā a.m. on 5 December 2017Ā orĀ suchĀ laterĀ dateĀ asĀ theĀ Company and LiberumĀ mayĀ agree,Ā but inĀ anyĀ eventĀ notĀ laterĀ thanĀ 8.00Ā a.m.Ā onĀ 19 December 2017.
If (i) any of the conditions contained in the Placing Agreement in relation to the Placing Shares are not fulfilled or waived by Liberum by the respective time or date where specified, (ii) any of such conditions becomes incapable of being fulfilled or (iii) the Placing Agreement is terminated in the circumstances specified below, the Placing will not proceed and the Placee's rights and obligations hereunder in relation to the Placing Shares shall cease and terminate at such time and each Placee agrees that no claim can be made by the Placee in respect thereof.
Liberum, at its discretion and upon such terms as it thinks fit, may waive compliance by the Company with the whole or any part of any of the Company's obligations in relation to the conditions in the Placing Agreement. Any such extension or waiver will not affect Placees' commitments as set out in this Announcement.
None of Liberum, the Company or any other person shall have any liability to any Placee (or to any other person whether acting on behalf of a Placee or otherwise) in respect of any decision they may make as to whether or not to waive or to extend the time and/or the date for the satisfaction of any condition to the Placing nor for any decision they may make as to the satisfaction of any condition or in respect of the Placing generally, and by participating in the Placing each Placee agrees that any such decision is within the absolute discretion of Liberum
TerminationĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Agreement
Liberum is entitled (but after, where practicable, having consulted with the Company) at any time before Admission, to terminate the Placing Agreement in relation to its obligations in respect of the Placing Shares by giving notice to the Company if, amongst other things:
(a) the Company fails, in any material respect, to comply with any of its obligations under the Placing Agreement; or
(b) it comes to the notice of Liberum that any statement contained in the placing documents (the "Placing Documents") issued in connection with the Placing was untrue, incorrect or misleading at the date thereof or has become untrue, incorrect or misleading in each case in any respect which Liberum (acting reasonably) considers to be material in the context of the Placing or that any matter which Liberum considers to be material in the context of the Placing has arisen which would, if the Placing were made at that time, constitute a material omission therefrom; or
(c) any of the warranties given by the Company in the Placing Agreement has ceased to be true and accurate in any respect which Liberum (acting reasonably) considers to be material in the context of the Placing by reference to the facts subsisting at the time when notice to terminate is given; or
(d) there happens, develops or comes into effect: i) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in London declared by the relevant authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United Kingdom; or ii) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities or acts of terrorism involving the United Kingdom or the declaration by the United Kingdom of a national emergency or war; or iii) any other occurrence of any kind which in any such case (by itself or together with any other such occurrence) in the reasonable opinion of Liberum is likely to materially and adversely affect the market's position or prospects of the Group taken as a whole; or iv) any other crisis of international or national effect or any change in any currency exchange rates or controls or in any financial, political, economic or market conditions or in market sentiment which, in any such case, in the reasonable opinion of Liberum is materially adverse.
Upon such termination, the parties to the Placing Agreement shall be released and discharged (except for any liability arising before or in relation to such termination) from their respective obligations under or pursuant to the Placing Agreement subject to certain exceptions.
By participating in the Placing, Placees agree that the exercise by Liberum of any right of termination or other discretion under the Placing Agreement shall be within the absolute discretion of Liberum and that they need not make any reference to Placees and that they shall have no liability to Placees whatsoever in connection with any such exercise or failure so to exercise.
NoĀ prospectus
No offering document, prospectus or admission document has been or will be submitted to be approved by the FCA or submitted to the London Stock Exchange in relation to the Placing and Placees' commitments will be made solely on the basis of the information contained in this Announcement (including the Appendices) released by the Company today, and subject to the further terms set forth in the contract note to be provided to individual prospective Placees.
Each Placee, by accepting a participation in the Placing, agrees that the content of this Announcement (including the Appendices) is exclusively the responsibility of the Company and confirms that it has neither received nor relied on any other information, representation, warranty, or statement made by or on behalf of the Company, Liberum or any other person and none of Liberum nor the Company nor any other person will be liable for any Placee's decision to participate in the Placing based on any other information, representation, warranty or statement which the Placees may have obtained or received. Each Placee acknowledges and agrees that it has relied on its own investigation of the business, financial or other position of the Company in accepting a participation in the Placing. Nothing in this paragraph shall exclude the liability of any person for fraudulent misrepresentation.
RegistrationĀ andĀ settlement
Settlement of transactions in the Placing Shares following Admission will take place within the system administered by CREST, subject to certain exceptions. The Company reserves the right to require settlement for and delivery of the Placing Shares (or a portion thereof) to Placees in certificated form if, in the opinion of Liberum, delivery or settlement is not possible or practicable within the CREST system or would not be consistent with the regulatory requirements in the Placee's jurisdiction.
Participation in the Placing is only available to persons who are invited to participate in it by Liberum.
A Placee's commitment to acquire a fixed number of Placing Shares under the Placing will be agreed orally or in writing with Liberum. Such agreement will constitute a legally binding commitment on such Placee's part to acquire that number of Placing Shares at the Placing Price on the terms and conditions set out or referred to in the Appendices and subject to the Company's Articles of Association.
Following the close of the Bookbuild, each Placee allocated Placing Shares in the Placing will be sent a trade confirmation in accordance with the standing arrangements in place with Liberum, stating the number of Placing Shares allocated to it at the Placing Price, the aggregate amount owed by such Placee to Liberum and settlement instructions.
Each Placee agrees that it will do all things necessary to ensure that delivery and payment is completed in accordance with the standing CREST or certificated settlement instructions that it has in place with Liberum. Settlement should be through Liberum against CREST ID: LBQAQ. For the avoidance of doubt, Placing allocations will be booked with a trade date of 15 November 2017 and settlement date of 5 December 2017. Settlement will take place on a delivery versus payment basis.
The Company will deliver the Placing Shares to the CREST account operated by Liberum as agent for the Company and Liberum will enter their delivery (DEL) instruction into the CREST system. The input to CREST by a Placee of a matching or acceptance instruction will then allow delivery of the relevant Placing Shares to that Placee against payment.
Interest is chargeable daily on payments not received from Placees on the due date in accordance with the arrangements set out above at the rate of two percentage points above LIBOR as determined by Liberum.
Each Placee is deemed to agree that, if it does not comply with these obligations, the Company may sell any or all of the Placing Shares allocated to that Placee on such Placee's behalf and retain from the proceeds, for the Company's account and benefit, an amount equal to the aggregate amount owed by the Placee plus any interest due. The relevant Placee will, however, remain liable for any shortfall below the aggregate amount owed by it and may be required to bear any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (together with any interest or penalties) which may arise upon the sale of such Placing Shares on such Placee's behalf.
If Placing Shares are to be delivered to a custodian or settlement agent, Placees should ensure that the trade confirmation is copied and delivered immediately to the relevant person within that organisation. Insofar as Placing Shares are registered in a Placee's name or that of its nominee or in the name of any person for whom a Placee is contracting as agent or that of a nominee for such person, such Placing Shares should, subject as provided below, be so registered free from any liability to UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax. Placees will not be entitled to receive any fee or commission in connection with the Placing.
RepresentationsĀ andĀ warranties
ByĀ participatingĀ inĀ theĀ Placing,Ā eachĀ PlaceeĀ (andĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ suchĀ Placee'sĀ behalf)Ā acknowledges,Ā undertakes,Ā represents,Ā warrantsĀ andĀ agreesĀ (asĀ theĀ caseĀ mayĀ be)Ā theĀ following:
ThatĀ it:
1. represents and warrants that it has read this Announcement, including the Appendix, in its entirety and that its acquisition of Placing Shares is subject to and based upon all the terms, conditions, representations, warranties, acknowledgements, agreements and undertakings and other information contained herein and undertakes not to redistribute or duplicate this Announcement;
2. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ receivedĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ solelyĀ forĀ itsĀ useĀ andĀ hasĀ notĀ redistributedĀ orĀ duplicatedĀ it;
3. acknowledgesĀ and agreesĀ thatĀ no offeringĀ document, prospectusĀ or admissionĀ document has been orĀ willĀ beĀ preparedĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ theĀ PlacingĀ andĀ representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ notĀ receivedĀ aĀ prospectus,Ā admissionĀ documentĀ orĀ otherĀ offeringĀ documentĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ theĀ PlacingĀ orĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares;
4. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ itsĀ participationĀ inĀ theĀ PlacingĀ shall also beĀ subjectĀ toĀ theĀ provisionsĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ AgreementĀ andĀ theĀ memorandumĀ andĀ articlesĀ ofĀ associationĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ inĀ forceĀ bothĀ beforeĀ andĀ immediatelyĀ afterĀ Admission;
5. acknowledges thatĀ the ordinary shares in the capitalĀ of theĀ CompanyĀ are admittedĀ toĀ trading onĀ AIM,Ā andĀ theĀ CompanyĀ isĀ thereforeĀ requiredĀ toĀ publishĀ certainĀ businessĀ andĀ financialĀ informationĀ inĀ accordanceĀ withĀ theĀ rulesĀ andĀ practicesĀ ofĀ AIMĀ (collectively,Ā theĀ "ExchangeĀ Information"),Ā whichĀ includesĀ aĀ descriptionĀ ofĀ theĀ natureĀ ofĀ theĀ Company'sĀ businessĀ andĀ theĀ Company'sĀ mostĀ recentĀ balanceĀ sheetĀ andĀ profitĀ andĀ lossĀ accountĀ andĀ thatĀ itĀ isĀ ableĀ toĀ obtainĀ orĀ accessĀ suchĀ ExchangeĀ InformationĀ withoutĀ undueĀ difficultyĀ andĀ isĀ ableĀ toĀ obtainĀ accessĀ toĀ suchĀ informationĀ orĀ comparableĀ informationĀ concerningĀ anyĀ otherĀ publiclyĀ tradedĀ companyĀ withoutĀ undueĀ difficulty;
6. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ neitherĀ Liberum,Ā norĀ theĀ CompanyĀ norĀ anyĀ ofĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ affiliatesĀ orĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ anyĀ ofĀ themĀ hasĀ provided,Ā andĀ willĀ notĀ provide,Ā itĀ withĀ anyĀ materialĀ regardingĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ orĀ theĀ CompanyĀ otherĀ thanĀ thisĀ Announcement;Ā norĀ hasĀ itĀ requestedĀ anyĀ ofĀ Liberum,Ā theĀ Company,Ā anyĀ ofĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ affiliatesĀ orĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ anyĀ ofĀ themĀ toĀ provideĀ itĀ withĀ anyĀ suchĀ information;
7. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ theĀ contentĀ ofĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ isĀ exclusivelyĀ theĀ responsibilityĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ andĀ that neitherĀ Liberum,Ā norĀ any person actingĀ on itsĀ behalf hasĀ or shall haveĀ any liability for anyĀ information,Ā representationĀ orĀ statementĀ containedĀ inĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ orĀ anyĀ informationĀ previouslyĀ publishedĀ byĀ orĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ andĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ liableĀ forĀ anyĀ Placee'sĀ decisionĀ toĀ participateĀ inĀ theĀ PlacingĀ basedĀ onĀ anyĀ information,Ā representationĀ orĀ statementĀ containedĀ inĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ orĀ otherwise.Ā EachĀ PlaceeĀ furtherĀ represents,Ā warrantsĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ theĀ onlyĀ informationĀ onĀ whichĀ itĀ isĀ entitledĀ toĀ relyĀ andĀ on whichĀ suchĀ PlaceeĀ hasĀ reliedĀ inĀ committingĀ itselfĀ toĀ subscribeĀ forĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ isĀ containedĀ inĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ andĀ anyĀ informationĀ previouslyĀ publishedĀ byĀ theĀ CompanyĀ byĀ notificationĀ toĀ aĀ RegulatoryĀ InformationĀ Service,Ā suchĀ informationĀ beingĀ allĀ thatĀ itĀ deemsĀ necessaryĀ toĀ makeĀ anĀ investmentĀ decision inĀ respectĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ andĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ neitherĀ receivedĀ norĀ reliedĀ onĀ anyĀ otherĀ informationĀ givenĀ orĀ representations,Ā warrantiesĀ orĀ statementsĀ madeĀ byĀ LiberumĀ orĀ theĀ CompanyĀ orĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ affiliatesĀ andĀ neitherLiberumĀ norĀ theĀ CompanyĀ norĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ affiliatesĀ willĀ beĀ liableĀ forĀ anyĀ Placee'sĀ decisionĀ toĀ acceptĀ anĀ invitationĀ toĀ participateĀ inĀ theĀ PlacingĀ basedĀ onĀ anyĀ otherĀ information,Ā representation,Ā warrantyĀ orĀ statement.Ā EachĀ PlaceeĀ furtherĀ acknowledgesĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ reliedĀ onĀ itsĀ ownĀ investigationĀ ofĀ theĀ business,Ā financialĀ orĀ otherĀ positionĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ inĀ decidingĀ toĀ participateĀ inĀ theĀ Placing;
8. represents and warrants that it has neither received nor relied on any inside information (as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation) concerning the Company in accepting this invitation to participate in the Placing;
9. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ neitherĀ LiberumĀ norĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ itsĀ behalfĀ norĀ anyĀ ofĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ affiliatesĀ hasĀ orĀ shallĀ haveĀ anyĀ liabilityĀ forĀ anyĀ publiclyĀ availableĀ orĀ filedĀ information,Ā orĀ anyĀ representationĀ relatingĀ to theĀ Company,Ā providedĀ thatĀ nothingĀ inĀ thisĀ paragraphĀ excludesĀ theĀ liabilityĀ ofĀ anyĀ personĀ forĀ fraudulentĀ misrepresentationĀ madeĀ byĀ thatĀ person;
10. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ compliedĀ withĀ itsĀ obligationsĀ under the Criminal Justice Act 1993, the Market Abuse Regulation and inĀ connectionĀ withĀ moneyĀ launderingĀ andĀ terroristĀ financingĀ underĀ theĀ ProceedsĀ ofĀ CrimeĀ ActĀ 2002,Ā theĀ TerrorismĀ ActĀ 2000 (as amended),Ā theĀ TerrorismĀ ActĀ 2006Ā andĀ theĀ MoneyĀ LaunderingĀ RegulationsĀ 2007, the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (theĀ "Regulations")Ā and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any government agency having jurisdiction in respect thereof and the Money Laundering Sourcebook of the FCA and,Ā ifĀ makingĀ paymentĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ aĀ thirdĀ party,Ā thatĀ satisfactoryĀ evidenceĀ hasĀ beenĀ obtainedĀ andĀ recordedĀ byĀ itĀ toĀ verifyĀ theĀ identityĀ ofĀ theĀ thirdĀ partyĀ asĀ requiredĀ byĀ theĀ Regulations;
11. ifĀ a financialĀ intermediary,Ā as thatĀ termĀ isĀ usedĀ in ArticleĀ 3(2)Ā of theĀ ProspectusĀ Directive (includingĀ any relevantĀ implementingĀ measure inĀ any member state), representsĀ and warrantsĀ thatĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ subscribed forĀ byĀ itĀ inĀ theĀ Placing willĀ notĀ beĀ acquiredĀ on a non-discretionary basisĀ on behalfĀ of, norĀ will theyĀ beĀ acquired with a viewĀ to theirĀ offerĀ orĀ resaleĀ to, personsĀ in aĀ member stateĀ of theĀ EuropeanĀ EconomicĀ AreaĀ whichĀ hasĀ implementedĀ theĀ ProspectusĀ DirectiveĀ otherĀ thanĀ toĀ qualifiedĀ investors,Ā orĀ inĀ circumstancesĀ inĀ whichĀ theĀ priorĀ consentĀ ofĀ LiberumĀ hasĀ beenĀ givenĀ toĀ theĀ proposedĀ offerĀ orĀ resale;
12. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ notĀ offeredĀ orĀ soldĀ andĀ willĀ notĀ offerĀ orĀ sellĀ anyĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ toĀ personsĀ inĀ theĀ UnitedĀ Kingdom,Ā exceptĀ toĀ personsĀ whoseĀ ordinaryĀ activitiesĀ involveĀ themĀ inĀ acquiring,Ā holding,Ā managingĀ orĀ disposingĀ ofĀ investmentsĀ (asĀ principalĀ orĀ agent)Ā forĀ theĀ purposesĀ of theirĀ businessĀ orĀ otherwiseĀ inĀ circumstancesĀ whichĀ haveĀ notĀ resultedĀ andĀ whichĀ willĀ notĀ resultĀ inĀ anĀ offerĀ toĀ theĀ publicĀ inĀ theĀ UnitedĀ KingdomĀ withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ sectionĀ 85(1)Ā ofĀ the FSMA;
13. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ notĀ offeredĀ orĀ soldĀ andĀ willĀ notĀ offerĀ orĀ sellĀ anyĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ toĀ personsĀ inĀ theĀ EuropeanĀ EconomicĀ AreaĀ priorĀ toĀ AdmissionĀ exceptĀ toĀ personsĀ whoseĀ ordinaryĀ activitiesĀ involveĀ themĀ inĀ acquiring,Ā holding,Ā managingĀ orĀ disposingĀ ofĀ investmentsĀ (asĀ principalĀ orĀ agent)Ā forĀ theĀ purposesĀ ofĀ theirĀ businessĀ orĀ otherwiseĀ inĀ circumstancesĀ whichĀ haveĀ notĀ resultedĀ inĀ andĀ whichĀ willĀ notĀ resultĀ inĀ an offer toĀ theĀ publicĀ inĀ anyĀ memberĀ stateĀ ofĀ theĀ European Economic Area withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ theĀ ProspectusĀ DirectiveĀ (includingĀ anyĀ relevantĀ implementingĀ measureĀ inĀ anyĀ memberĀ state);
14. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ onlyĀ communicatedĀ orĀ causedĀ toĀ beĀ communicatedĀ andĀ willĀ onlyĀ communicateĀ orĀ causeĀ toĀ beĀ communicatedĀ anyĀ invitationĀ orĀ inducementĀ toĀ engageĀ inĀ investmentĀ activityĀ (withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ sectionĀ 21Ā ofĀ FSMA)Ā relatingĀ toĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ inĀ circumstancesĀ inĀ whichĀ sectionĀ 21(1)Ā ofĀ FSMAĀ doesĀ notĀ requireĀ approvalĀ ofĀ theĀ communicationĀ byĀ anĀ authorisedĀ person;
15. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ compliedĀ andĀ willĀ complyĀ withĀ allĀ applicableĀ provisionsĀ ofĀ FSMAĀ withĀ respectĀ toĀ anything done byĀ itĀ inĀ relationĀ toĀ the PlacingĀ Shares in,Ā from orĀ otherwise involving,Ā the UnitedĀ Kingdom;
16. if within the United Kingdom, representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ isĀ aĀ personĀ fallingĀ withinĀ ArticleĀ 19(5)Ā and/orĀ ArticleĀ 49(2)(a)Ā toĀ (d)Ā ofĀ theĀ FinancialĀ ServicesĀ andĀ MarketsĀ ActĀ 2000Ā (FinancialĀ Promotion)Ā OrderĀ 2005,Ā asĀ amended, is a qualified investor as defined in Section 86 of FMSA orĀ isĀ aĀ personĀ toĀ whomĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ mayĀ otherwiseĀ beĀ lawfullyĀ communicated;
17. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ anyĀ offerĀ ofĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ mayĀ onlyĀ beĀ directedĀ atĀ personsĀ inĀ memberĀ statesĀ ofĀ theĀ EuropeanĀ EconomicĀ AreaĀ whoĀ areĀ "qualifiedĀ investors"Ā withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ ArticleĀ 2(1)(e)Ā ofĀ theĀ ProspectusĀ DirectiveĀ andĀ representsĀ andĀ agreesĀ that, in the Europe, itĀ isĀ suchĀ aĀ qualifiedĀ investor;
18. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ it and any person acting on its behalfĀ isĀ entitledĀ toĀ subscribeĀ forĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ underĀ theĀ lawsĀ ofĀ allĀ relevantĀ jurisdictionsĀ whichĀ applyĀ toĀ it and that it has all necessary capacity and has obtained all necessary consents and authorities to enable it to commit to this participation in the Placing and to perform its obligations in relation thereto (including, without limitation, in the case of any person on whose behalf it is acting, all necessary consents and authorities to agree to the terms set out or referred to in this Announcement) and will honor such obligations,Ā andĀ thatĀ itsĀ subscriptionĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ willĀ beĀ inĀ complianceĀ withĀ applicableĀ lawsĀ andĀ regulationsĀ inĀ theĀ jurisdictionĀ ofĀ itsĀ residence,Ā theĀ residenceĀ ofĀ theĀ Company,Ā orĀ otherwise.
19. acknowledgesĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ haveĀ notĀ beenĀ andĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ registeredĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ orĀ withĀ anyĀ securitiesĀ regulatoryĀ authorityĀ ofĀ anyĀ stateĀ orĀ jurisdictionĀ ofĀ theĀ UnitedĀ States,Ā orĀ theĀ relevantĀ Australian, Canadian,Ā Japanese, New ZealandĀ orĀ SouthĀ AfricanĀ securitiesĀ legislationĀ andĀ thereforeĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ mayĀ notĀ beĀ offered,Ā sold,Ā transferredĀ orĀ deliveredĀ directlyĀ orĀ indirectlyĀ intoĀ theĀ UnitedĀ States, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand orĀ theĀ RepublicĀ ofĀ SouthĀ AfricaĀ or theirĀ respectiveĀ territoriesĀ andĀ possessions,Ā exceptĀ subjectĀ toĀ limitedĀ exemptions;
20. warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ compliedĀ withĀ allĀ relevantĀ lawsĀ ofĀ allĀ relevantĀ territories,Ā obtainedĀ allĀ requisiteĀ governmentalĀ orĀ otherĀ consentsĀ whichĀ mayĀ beĀ requiredĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares,Ā compliedĀ withĀ allĀ requisiteĀ formalitiesĀ andĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ notĀ takenĀ anyĀ actionĀ orĀ omittedĀ toĀ takeĀ anyĀ actionĀ whichĀ willĀ orĀ mayĀ resultĀ inĀ Liberum,Ā theĀ CompanyĀ orĀ anyĀ ofĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ directors,Ā officers,Ā agents,Ā employeesĀ orĀ advisersĀ actingĀ inĀ breachĀ ofĀ theĀ legalĀ orĀ regulatoryĀ requirementsĀ ofĀ anyĀ territoryĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ theĀ Placing;
21. acknowledgesĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ itsĀ purchaseĀ ofĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ doesĀ notĀ trigger,Ā inĀ theĀ jurisdictionĀ inĀ whichĀ itĀ isĀ residentĀ orĀ located:Ā (i)Ā any obligation to prepareĀ orĀ fileĀ a prospectus orĀ similarĀ documentĀ orĀ anyĀ otherĀ reportĀ withĀ respectĀ toĀ suchĀ purchase;Ā (ii)Ā anyĀ disclosureĀ orĀ reportingĀ obligationĀ ofĀ theĀ Company;Ā orĀ (iii)Ā anyĀ registrationĀ orĀ otherĀ obligationĀ onĀ theĀ partĀ ofĀ theĀ Company;
22. undertakesĀ thatĀ itĀ (andĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ itsĀ behalf)Ā willĀ makeĀ paymentĀ forĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ allocatedĀ toĀ itĀ inĀ accordanceĀ withĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ onĀ theĀ dueĀ timeĀ andĀ dateĀ setĀ outĀ herein,Ā failingĀ whichĀ theĀ relevantĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ mayĀ beĀ placedĀ withĀ otherĀ subscribersĀ orĀ soldĀ asĀ LiberumĀ mayĀ inĀ itsĀ discretionĀ determineĀ andĀ withoutĀ liabilityĀ toĀ suchĀ Placee;
23. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ neitherĀ LiberumĀ norĀ anyĀ ofĀ itsĀ affiliates,Ā norĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ anyĀ ofĀ them,Ā isĀ makingĀ anyĀ recommendationsĀ toĀ it,Ā advisingĀ itĀ regardingĀ theĀ suitabilityĀ ofĀ anyĀ transactionsĀ itĀ may enterĀ intoĀ inĀ connectionĀ with theĀ PlacingĀ andĀ thatĀ participationĀ in theĀ PlacingĀ isĀ onĀ theĀ basisĀ thatĀ itĀ isĀ notĀ andĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ aĀ clientĀ ofĀ LiberumĀ forĀ theĀ purposesĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ andĀ thatĀ LiberumĀ hasĀ noĀ dutiesĀ orĀ responsibilitiesĀ toĀ it forĀ providing theĀ protectionsĀ affordedĀ toĀ itsĀ clientsĀ orĀ forĀ providingĀ adviceĀ inĀ relationĀ toĀ theĀ PlacingĀ norĀ inĀ respectĀ ofĀ anyĀ representations,Ā warranties,Ā undertakingsĀ orĀ indemnitiesĀ containedĀ inĀ theĀ PlacingĀ AgreementĀ norĀ forĀ theĀ exerciseĀ orĀ performanceĀ ofĀ anyĀ ofĀ itsĀ rightsĀ andĀ obligationsĀ thereunderĀ includingĀ anyĀ rightsĀ toĀ waiveĀ orĀ varyĀ anyĀ conditionsĀ orĀ exerciseĀ anyĀ terminationĀ right;
24. undertakesĀ thatĀ theĀ personĀ whomĀ itĀ specifiesĀ forĀ registrationĀ asĀ holderĀ ofĀ the Placing Shares willĀ beĀ (i)Ā itselfĀ orĀ (ii)Ā itsĀ nominee,Ā asĀ theĀ caseĀ mayĀ be.Ā NeitherĀ LiberumĀ norĀ theĀ CompanyĀ willĀ beĀ responsibleĀ forĀ anyĀ liabilityĀ to stamp dutyĀ orĀ stamp dutyĀ reserveĀ taxĀ resultingĀ fromĀ aĀ failureĀ to observeĀ thisĀ requirement.Ā EachĀ PlaceeĀ andĀ anyĀ personĀ acting onĀ behalf of suchĀ Placee agrees toĀ participate inĀ the Placing andĀ itĀ agrees toĀ indemnifyĀ theĀ Company andĀ LiberumĀ inĀ respectĀ ofĀ theĀ sameĀ onĀ theĀ basisĀ thatĀ the Placing Shares will be allotted to the CREST stock account of Liberum who will hold them as nominee on behalf of such Placee until settlement in accordance with its standing settlement instructions;
25. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ theseĀ termsĀ andĀ conditionsĀ andĀ anyĀ agreementsĀ enteredĀ intoĀ byĀ itĀ pursuantĀ toĀ theseĀ termsĀ andĀ conditionsĀ andĀ anyĀ non-contractualĀ obligationsĀ arisingĀ outĀ ofĀ orĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ suchĀ agreementsĀ shallĀ beĀ governedĀ byĀ andĀ construedĀ inĀ accordanceĀ withĀ theĀ lawsĀ ofĀ EnglandĀ andĀ WalesĀ andĀ itĀ submitsĀ (onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ itselfĀ andĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ anyĀ personĀ onĀ whoseĀ behalfĀ itĀ isĀ acting)Ā toĀ theĀ exclusiveĀ jurisdictionĀ ofĀ theĀ EnglishĀ courtsĀ asĀ regardsĀ anyĀ claim,Ā disputeĀ orĀ matterĀ arisingĀ outĀ ofĀ anyĀ suchĀ contract,Ā except thatĀ enforcementĀ proceedingsĀ inĀ respectĀ ofĀ the obligation toĀ make payment forĀ the Placing SharesĀ (togetherĀ withĀ anyĀ interestĀ chargeableĀ thereon)Ā mayĀ beĀ takenĀ byĀ theĀ Company or LiberumĀ inĀ anyĀ jurisdictionĀ inĀ whichĀ theĀ relevantĀ PlaceeĀ isĀ incorporatedĀ orĀ inĀ whichĀ anyĀ ofĀ itsĀ securitiesĀ haveĀ aĀ quotationĀ onĀ aĀ recognisedĀ stockĀ exchange;
26. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ LiberumĀ andĀ itsĀ affiliatesĀ willĀ relyĀ uponĀ theĀ truthĀ andĀ accuracyĀ ofĀ theĀ representations,Ā warrantiesĀ andĀ acknowledgementsĀ setĀ forthĀ hereinĀ andĀ whichĀ areĀ irrevocableĀ andĀ itĀ irrevocablyĀ authorisesĀ LiberumĀ toĀ produceĀ thisĀ Announcement,Ā pursuantĀ to,Ā inĀ connectionĀ with,Ā orĀ asĀ mayĀ beĀ requiredĀ byĀ anyĀ applicableĀ lawĀ orĀ regulation,Ā administrativeĀ orĀ legalĀ proceedingĀ orĀ officialĀ inquiryĀ withĀ respectĀ toĀ theĀ mattersĀ setĀ forthĀ herein;
27. agreesĀ toĀ indemnifyĀ on an after tax basis andĀ hold theĀ CompanyĀ and LiberumĀ andĀ theirĀ respectiveĀ affiliatesĀ harmlessĀ from anyĀ andĀ all costs,Ā claims,Ā liabilitiesĀ andĀ expensesĀ (including legalĀ feesĀ andĀ expenses) arisingĀ outĀ of orĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ anyĀ breachĀ ofĀ theĀ representations,Ā warranties,Ā acknowledgements,Ā agreementsĀ andĀ undertakingsĀ inĀ theĀ AppendicesĀ andĀ furtherĀ agreesĀ thatĀ theĀ provisionsĀ ofĀ theĀ AppendicesĀ shallĀ surviveĀ afterĀ completionĀ ofĀ theĀ Placing;
28. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ willĀ acquireĀ anyĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ subscribedĀ forĀ byĀ itĀ forĀ itsĀ accountĀ orĀ forĀ oneĀ orĀ moreĀ accountsĀ asĀ toĀ eachĀ ofĀ whichĀ itĀ exercisesĀ soleĀ investmentĀ discretionĀ andĀ itĀ hasĀ fullĀ powerĀ toĀ makeĀ theĀ acknowledgements,Ā representationsĀ andĀ agreementsĀ hereinĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ eachĀ suchĀ account;
29. acknowledgesĀ thatĀ itsĀ commitmentĀ toĀ subscribeĀ forĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ onĀ theĀ termsĀ setĀ outĀ hereinĀ andĀ inĀ theĀ relevant contract notesĀ willĀ continue notwithstanding any amendment thatĀ mayĀ inĀ futureĀ beĀ madeĀ toĀ theĀ termsĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ andĀ thatĀ PlaceesĀ willĀ haveĀ noĀ rightĀ toĀ beĀ consultedĀ orĀ requireĀ thatĀ theirĀ consentĀ beĀ obtainedĀ withĀ respectĀ toĀ theĀ Company'sĀ conductĀ ofĀ theĀ Placing.Ā TheĀ foregoingĀ representations,Ā warrantiesĀ andĀ confirmationsĀ areĀ givenĀ forĀ theĀ benefitĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ andĀ Liberum.Ā TheĀ agreementĀ toĀ settleĀ a Placee's subscriptionĀ (and/orĀ theĀ subscriptionĀ ofĀ aĀ personĀ forĀ whom suchĀ PlaceeĀ isĀ contractingĀ as agent)Ā freeĀ ofĀ stampĀ dutyĀ andĀ stampĀ dutyĀ reserveĀ taxĀ dependsĀ onĀ theĀ settlementĀ relatingĀ onlyĀ toĀ theĀ subscriptionĀ byĀ itĀ and/orĀ suchĀ personĀ directĀ fromĀ theĀ CompanyĀ forĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ inĀ question.Ā SuchĀ agreementĀ assumes,Ā andĀ isĀ basedĀ onĀ aĀ warrantyĀ fromĀ each Placee,Ā thatĀ neitherĀ it,Ā norĀ theĀ person specified by itĀ for registrationĀ as holder, ofĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ is,Ā orĀ isĀ actingĀ asĀ nomineeĀ orĀ agent for, and thatĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ allottedĀ to,Ā aĀ personĀ whoĀ isĀ orĀ mayĀ beĀ liableĀ toĀ stampĀ dutyĀ orĀ stampĀ dutyĀ reserveĀ taxĀ underĀ anyĀ ofĀ sectionsĀ 67,Ā 70,Ā 93Ā andĀ 96Ā ofĀ theĀ FinanceĀ ActĀ 1986Ā (depositaryĀ receiptsĀ andĀ clearanceĀ services).Ā IfĀ thereĀ areĀ anyĀ suchĀ arrangements,Ā orĀ theĀ settlementĀ relatesĀ toĀ anyĀ otherĀ dealingĀ inĀ the Placing Shares,Ā stampĀ dutyĀ orĀ stampĀ dutyĀ reserveĀ taxĀ mayĀ be payable.Ā InĀ thatĀ eventĀ the Placee agreesĀ thatĀ itĀ shallĀ beĀ responsibleĀ forĀ suchĀ stampĀ dutyĀ orĀ stampĀ dutyĀ reserveĀ tax,Ā andĀ noneĀ ofĀ theĀ Company,Ā LiberumĀ shallĀ beĀ responsibleĀ forĀ suchĀ stampĀ dutyĀ orĀ stampĀ dutyĀ reserveĀ tax.Ā IfĀ thisĀ isĀ theĀ case,Ā eachĀ PlaceeĀ shouldĀ seekĀ itsĀ ownĀ adviceĀ andĀ notifyĀ LiberumĀ accordingly;
30. understandsĀ thatĀ noĀ actionĀ hasĀ beenĀ orĀ willĀ beĀ takenĀ byĀ anyĀ ofĀ theĀ Company,Ā LiberumĀ orĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ or LiberumĀ thatĀ would,Ā orĀ isĀ intendedĀ to,Ā permitĀ aĀ publicĀ offerĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ inĀ anyĀ countryĀ orĀ jurisdictionĀ whereĀ anyĀ suchĀ actionĀ forĀ thatĀ purposeĀ isĀ required;
31. inĀ making any decisionĀ to subscribe forĀ the Placing Shares,Ā confirmsĀ thatĀ itĀ has knowledge andĀ experienceĀ inĀ financial,Ā businessĀ andĀ internationalĀ investmentĀ mattersĀ asĀ isĀ requiredĀ toĀ evaluateĀ theĀ meritsĀ andĀ risksĀ ofĀ subscribingĀ forĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares.Ā ItĀ furtherĀ confirmsĀ thatĀ itĀ isĀ experiencedĀ inĀ investingĀ inĀ securitiesĀ ofĀ thisĀ natureĀ inĀ thisĀ sectorĀ andĀ isĀ awareĀ thatĀ itĀ mayĀ beĀ requiredĀ toĀ bear,Ā andĀ isĀ ableĀ toĀ bear,Ā theĀ economicĀ riskĀ of,Ā andĀ isĀ ableĀ toĀ sustainĀ aĀ completeĀ lossĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ theĀ Placing.Ā ItĀ furtherĀ confirmsĀ thatĀ itĀ reliedĀ onĀ itsĀ ownĀ examinationĀ andĀ dueĀ diligenceĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ andĀ itsĀ associatesĀ takenĀ asĀ aĀ whole,Ā andĀ theĀ termsĀ ofĀ theĀ Placing,Ā includingĀ theĀ meritsĀ andĀ risksĀ involved;
32. representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ thatĀ itĀ hasĀ (a)Ā madeĀ itsĀ ownĀ assessmentĀ andĀ satisfiedĀ itselfĀ concerningĀ legal,Ā regulatory,Ā tax,Ā businessĀ andĀ financialĀ considerationsĀ inĀ connectionĀ herewithĀ toĀ theĀ extentĀ itĀ deemsĀ necessary;Ā (b)Ā hadĀ accessĀ toĀ reviewĀ publiclyĀ availableĀ informationĀ concerningĀ theĀ CompanyĀ thatĀ itĀ considersĀ necessaryĀ orĀ appropriateĀ andĀ sufficientĀ inĀ makingĀ anĀ investmentĀ decision;Ā (c)Ā reviewedĀ suchĀ informationĀ asĀ itĀ believesĀ isĀ necessaryĀ orĀ appropriateĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ itsĀ subscriptionĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares;Ā andĀ (d)Ā madeĀ itsĀ investmentĀ decisionĀ basedĀ uponĀ itsĀ ownĀ judgment,Ā dueĀ diligenceĀ andĀ analysisĀ andĀ notĀ uponĀ anyĀ viewĀ expressedĀ orĀ informationĀ providedĀ byĀ orĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ Liberum;
33. understandsĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ itĀ mayĀ notĀ relyĀ onĀ anyĀ investigationĀ thatĀ LiberumĀ orĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ itsĀ behalfĀ mayĀ orĀ mayĀ notĀ haveĀ conductedĀ withĀ respectĀ toĀ theĀ Company,Ā orĀ theĀ PlacingĀ andĀ LiberumĀ has not madeĀ anyĀ representationĀ toĀ it,Ā expressĀ orĀ implied,Ā withĀ respectĀ toĀ theĀ meritsĀ ofĀ theĀ Placing,Ā theĀ subscriptionĀ forĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares,Ā orĀ asĀ toĀ theĀ condition,Ā financialĀ or otherwise,Ā ofĀ theĀ Company,Ā orĀ asĀ toĀ anyĀ otherĀ matterĀ relatingĀ thereto,Ā andĀ nothingĀ hereinĀ shallĀ beĀ construedĀ asĀ aĀ recommendationĀ toĀ itĀ to subscribeĀ forĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares.Ā ItĀ acknowledgesĀ and agreesĀ thatĀ noĀ informationĀ hasĀ beenĀ preparedĀ byĀ LiberumĀ orĀ theĀ CompanyĀ forĀ theĀ purposesĀ ofĀ thisĀ Placing;
34. accordinglyĀ itĀ acknowledgesĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ itĀ willĀ notĀ holdĀ LiberumĀ orĀ anyĀ ofĀ itsĀ affiliatesĀ orĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ theirĀ behalfĀ responsibleĀ orĀ liableĀ forĀ anyĀ misstatementsĀ inĀ orĀ omissionĀ fromĀ anyĀ publiclyĀ availableĀ informationĀ relatingĀ toĀ the CompanyĀ orĀ informationĀ madeĀ availableĀ (whetherĀ inĀ writtenĀ orĀ oralĀ form)Ā inĀ presentationsĀ orĀ asĀ partĀ ofĀ roadshowĀ discussionsĀ withĀ investorsĀ relatingĀ toĀ theĀ CompanyĀ (theĀ "Information")Ā andĀ thatĀ neitherĀ LiberumĀ norĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ LiberumĀ makesĀ anyĀ representationĀ orĀ warranty, expressĀ orĀ implied,Ā asĀ toĀ theĀ truth,Ā accuracyĀ orĀ completenessĀ ofĀ suchĀ InformationĀ orĀ acceptsĀ anyĀ responsibilityĀ forĀ anyĀ ofĀ suchĀ Information;Ā
35. if the Placing Shares were offered to it in the United States, represents and warrants that in making its investment decision, (i) it has consulted its own independent advisers or otherwise has satisfied itself concerning, without limitation, the effects of United States federal, state and local income tax laws and foreign tax laws generally and the US Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the US Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act, (ii) it has received all information (including the business, financial condition, prospects, creditworthiness, status and affairs of the Company, the Placing and the Placing Shares, as well as the opportunity to ask questions) concerning the Company, the Placing and the Placing Shares that it believes is necessary or appropriate in order to make an investment decision in respect of the Company and the Placing Shares, (iii) it is aware and understands that an investment in the Placing Shares involves a considerable degree of risk and no US federal or state or non-US agency has made any finding or determination as to the fairness for investment or any recommendation or endorsement of the Placing Shares, and (iv) it is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Placing Shares, is able to sustain a complete loss of the investment in the Placing Shares and has no need for liquidity with respect to its investment in the Placing Shares;
36. understandsĀ thatĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ haveĀ notĀ beenĀ andĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ registeredĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ orĀ withĀ anyĀ securitiesĀ regulatoryĀ authority ofĀ anyĀ stateĀ orĀ otherĀ jurisdictionĀ ofĀ theĀ UnitedĀ States,Ā andĀ accordingly,Ā mayĀ notĀ beĀ offeredĀ orĀ sold orĀ otherwiseĀ transferredĀ inĀ theĀ United StatesĀ except pursuantĀ toĀ aĀ registrationĀ statementĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ orĀ anĀ exemptionĀ fromĀ theĀ registrationĀ requirementsĀ ofĀ theĀ Securities ActĀ and,Ā inĀ connectionĀ withĀ anyĀ suchĀ transfer, the CompanyĀ shall beĀ provided,Ā as aĀ conditionĀ toĀ transfer,Ā withĀ aĀ legalĀ opinionĀ ofĀ counsel,Ā inĀ formĀ andĀ byĀ counselĀ reasonablyĀ satisfactoryĀ toĀ theĀ Company,Ā thatĀ noĀ suchĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ registrationĀ isĀ orĀ willĀ beĀ requiredĀ andĀ withĀ appropriateĀ certificationsĀ byĀ theĀ transfereeĀ asĀ toĀ appropriateĀ matters.
37. itĀ isĀ notĀ aĀ PlanĀ (whichĀ termĀ includesĀ (a)Ā employeeĀ benefitĀ plansĀ thatĀ areĀ subjectĀ toĀ SectionĀ 406Ā ofĀ theĀ USĀ Employee RetirementĀ IncomeĀ SecurityĀ ActĀ of 1974,Ā asĀ amendedĀ ("ERISA"),Ā orĀ plans,Ā individualĀ retirementĀ accountsĀ andĀ otherĀ arrangementsĀ thatĀ areĀ subjectĀ toĀ SectionĀ 4975Ā ofĀ theĀ USĀ InternalĀ RevenueĀ CodeĀ of 1986,Ā asĀ amendedĀ (theĀ "Code"),Ā (b)Ā plans,Ā individualĀ retirementĀ accountsĀ andĀ otherĀ arrangementsĀ thatĀ areĀ subjectĀ toĀ provisionsĀ underĀ applicableĀ USĀ federal,Ā state,Ā localĀ orĀ otherĀ lawsĀ orĀ regulationsĀ thatĀ areĀ substantiallyĀ similarĀ toĀ SectionĀ 406Ā ofĀ theĀ ERISAĀ orĀ SectionĀ 4975Ā ofĀ theĀ CodeĀ ("SimilarĀ Laws")Ā andĀ (c)Ā entitiesĀ theĀ underlyingĀ assets ofĀ which areĀ considered toĀ includeĀ "plan assets"Ā ofĀ such plans,Ā accountsĀ andĀ arrangements)Ā andĀ areĀ notĀ purchasingĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ onĀ behalfĀ of,Ā orĀ withĀ theĀ "planĀ assets"Ā of,Ā anyĀ Plan.
38. ifĀ PlaceesĀ are purchasingĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ outsideĀ theĀ UnitedĀ States,Ā eachĀ PlaceeĀ (and any personĀ actingĀ onĀ suchĀ Placee'sĀ behalf)Ā agrees,Ā representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ asĀ follows:
a. itĀ isĀ awareĀ thatĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ areĀ beingĀ offeredĀ outsideĀ theĀ UnitedĀ StatesĀ inĀ relianceĀ onĀ RegulationĀ SĀ promulgatedĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ Act;
b. itĀ is,Ā atĀ theĀ timeĀ ofĀ theĀ offerĀ andĀ acceptanceĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares,Ā outsideĀ theĀ UnitedĀ StatesĀ forĀ theĀ purposesĀ ofĀ RegulationĀ S;Ā and
c. itĀ didĀ notĀ purchaseĀ orĀ otherwiseĀ acquireĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ basedĀ onĀ orĀ dueĀ toĀ directedĀ sellingĀ effortsĀ (as defined inĀ Rule 902 underĀ the Securities Act), including basedĀ onĀ anĀ advertisementĀ in aĀ publicationĀ with a generalĀ circulation in theĀ United States, norĀ hasĀ itĀ seen orĀ beenĀ awareĀ of any activityĀ that, to itsĀ knowledge,Ā constitutesĀ directedĀ sellingĀ effortsĀ inĀ theĀ UnitedĀ States.
39. forĀ PlaceesĀ thatĀ areĀ locatedĀ inĀ theĀ United States,Ā each such PlaceeĀ (andĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ suchĀ Placee'sĀ behalf)Ā agrees,Ā representsĀ andĀ warrantsĀ asĀ follows:
a. itĀ isĀ "qualified institutional buyer" (aĀ "QIB"),Ā asĀ definedĀ inĀ RuleĀ 144AĀ under the Securities Act,Ā and (i)Ā ifĀ acquiringĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ asĀ aĀ fiduciaryĀ orĀ agentĀ forĀ oneĀ orĀ moreĀ investorĀ accounts,Ā eachĀ ownerĀ ofĀ suchĀ accountĀ isĀ aĀ QIB,Ā theĀ PlaceeĀ hasĀ fullĀ investmentĀ discretionĀ withĀ respectĀ toĀ eachĀ account,Ā andĀ hasĀ fullĀ powerĀ andĀ authorityĀ toĀ makeĀ theĀ acknowledgements,Ā representationsĀ andĀ agreementsĀ containedĀ hereinĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ eachĀ ownerĀ ofĀ suchĀ account;Ā andĀ (ii)Ā isĀ acquiringĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ forĀ itsĀ ownĀ account,Ā orĀ forĀ theĀ accountĀ ofĀ aĀ QIBĀ forĀ whichĀ itĀ hasĀ fullĀ investmentĀ discretion,Ā inĀ eachĀ caseĀ forĀ investmentĀ purposesĀ andĀ notĀ withĀ aĀ viewĀ to,Ā orĀ forĀ offerĀ orĀ saleĀ inĀ connectionĀ with,Ā anyĀ distributionĀ (withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ theĀ UnitedĀ StatesĀ securitiesĀ laws)Ā ofĀ suchĀ PlacingĀ Shares;
b. itĀ agreesĀ thatĀ theĀ CompanyĀ mayĀ requireĀ aĀ certificationĀ fromĀ itĀ inĀ supportĀ ofĀ anyĀ transfer,Ā inĀ formĀ andĀ substanceĀ satisfactoryĀ toĀ theĀ Company,Ā andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ theĀ Company,Ā theĀ registrar,Ā CRESTĀ orĀ anyĀ transferĀ agentĀ mayĀ reasonablyĀ requireĀ additionalĀ evidenceĀ orĀ documentationĀ supportingĀ complianceĀ withĀ applicableĀ securitiesĀ laws,Ā andĀ priorĀ toĀ anyĀ saleĀ orĀ transfer,Ā theĀ CompanyĀ mayĀ requireĀ theĀ deliveryĀ ofĀ suchĀ certifications,Ā notifications,Ā agreementsĀ andĀ warrantiesĀ andĀ legalĀ opinionsĀ ofĀ dulyĀ qualifiedĀ counselĀ asĀ itĀ may reasonablyĀ requireĀ toĀ confirmĀ thatĀ theĀ proposedĀ saleĀ orĀ otherĀ transferĀ compliesĀ withĀ theĀ foregoingĀ restrictions;
c. itĀ acknowledgesĀ thatĀ theĀ CompanyĀ reservesĀ theĀ rightĀ toĀ makeĀ inquiriesĀ ofĀ anyĀ holderĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ orĀ interestsĀ thereinĀ atĀ anyĀ timeĀ asĀ toĀ suchĀ person'sĀ statusĀ underĀ USĀ securitiesĀ laws,Ā andĀ toĀ requireĀ anyĀ suchĀ personĀ thatĀ hasĀ notĀ satisfiedĀ theĀ CompanyĀ thatĀ suchĀ personĀ isĀ holdingĀ appropriatelyĀ underĀ USĀ securitiesĀ lawsĀ toĀ transferĀ suchĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ orĀ interestsĀ thereinĀ immediatelyĀ toĀ theĀ Company;
d. itĀ isĀ purchasingĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ forĀ itsĀ ownĀ accountĀ orĀ forĀ oneĀ orĀ moreĀ investmentĀ accountsĀ forĀ whichĀ itĀ isĀ actingĀ asĀ a fiduciary orĀ agent,Ā inĀ each caseĀ forĀ investment only, and notĀ with aĀ viewĀ to orĀ for saleĀ orĀ otherĀ transferĀ inĀ connectionĀ withĀ anyĀ distributionĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ inĀ anyĀ mannerĀ thatĀ wouldĀ violateĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ orĀ otherwiseĀ causeĀ theĀ Company'sĀ assetsĀ toĀ becomeĀ subjectĀ toĀ ERISA;
e. itĀ understandsĀ andĀ acknowledgesĀ thatĀ neitherĀ theĀ CompanyĀ norĀ anyĀ ofĀ itsĀ respectiveĀ affiliates,Ā makesĀ anyĀ representationĀ asĀ toĀ theĀ availabilityĀ ofĀ anyĀ exemptionĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ forĀ theĀ reoffer,Ā resale,Ā pledgeĀ orĀ transferĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares;
f. itĀ agreesĀ thatĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ areĀ "restrictedĀ securities"Ā forĀ USĀ securitiesĀ lawĀ purposesĀ whichĀ mayĀ notĀ beĀ depositedĀ intoĀ anyĀ unrestrictedĀ depositaryĀ facilityĀ establishedĀ orĀ maintainedĀ byĀ aĀ depositedĀ bank.Ā AsĀ such,Ā itĀ agreesĀ notĀ toĀ offerĀ orĀ sellĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ toĀ anyĀ personĀ otherĀ thanĀ inĀ complianceĀ withĀ theĀ followingĀ restrictionsĀ whichĀ applyĀ toĀ allĀ itsĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ andĀ whichĀ shallĀ beĀ affixedĀ inĀ theĀ formĀ ofĀ aĀ legendĀ toĀ anyĀ certificatesĀ ofĀ PlacingĀ Shares:
"THEĀ SECURITIESĀ REPRESENTEDĀ BYĀ THISĀ CERTIFICATEĀ (ORĀ ITSĀ PREDECESSOR)Ā HAVEĀ NOTĀ BEENĀ REGISTEREDĀ UNDERĀ THEĀ USĀ SECURITIESĀ ACTĀ OFĀ 1933,Ā ASĀ AMENDEDĀ (THEĀ "SECURITIESĀ ACT")Ā ORĀ THEĀ SECURITIESĀ LAWSĀ OFĀ ANYĀ STATEĀ ORĀ OTHERĀ JURISDICTIONĀ INĀ THEĀ UNITEDĀ STATES,Ā AND,Ā ACCORDINGLY,Ā MAYĀ NOTĀ BEĀ OFFERED,Ā SOLD,Ā PLEDGED,Ā HEDGEDĀ ORĀ OTHERWISEĀ TRANSFERRED,Ā EXCEPTĀ (A)Ā INĀ ANĀ OFFSHOREĀ TRANSACTIONĀ MEETINGĀ THEĀ REQUIREMENTSĀ OFĀ RULEĀ 903Ā ORĀ 904Ā OFĀ REGULATIONĀ SĀ UNDERĀ THEĀ SECURITIESĀ ACTĀ (ANDĀ ISĀ NOTĀ ACTINGĀ INĀ AĀ PREARRANGEDĀ TRANSACTIONĀ RESULTINGĀ INĀ THEĀ RESALEĀ OFĀ THESEĀ SECURITIESĀ INTOĀ THEĀ UNITEDĀ STATES);Ā (B)Ā INĀ AĀ TRANSACTIONĀ MEETINGĀ THEĀ REQUIREMENTSĀ OFĀ RULEĀ 144Ā UNDERĀ THEĀ SECURITIESĀ ACT;Ā (C)Ā INĀ ACCORDANCEĀ WITHĀ ANOTHERĀ EXEMPTIONĀ FROMĀ THEĀ REGISTRATIONĀ REQUIREMENTSĀ OFĀ THEĀ SECURITIESĀ ACT;Ā ORĀ (D)Ā PURSUANTĀ TOĀ ANĀ EFFECTIVEĀ REGISTRATIONĀ STATEMENTĀ UNDERĀ THEĀ SECURITIESĀ ACT,Ā SUBJECT,Ā INĀ THEĀ CASESĀ OFĀ CLAUSESĀ (A),Ā (B)Ā ANDĀ (C),Ā TOĀ THEĀ RIGHTĀ OFĀ THEĀ ISSUERĀ TOĀ OBTAIN,Ā IFĀ THEĀ ISSUERĀ SOĀ REQUESTS,Ā ANĀ OPINION,Ā INĀ FORMĀ ANDĀ SUBSTANCEĀ ANDĀ FROMĀ COUNSELĀ SATISFACTORYĀ TOĀ THEĀ ISSUERĀ ATĀ THEĀ EXPENSEĀ OFĀ THEĀ HOLDERĀ OFĀ THISĀ CERTIFICATE,Ā WHICHĀ PROVIDESĀ THATĀ SUCHĀ OFFER,Ā SALE,Ā PLEDGE,Ā HEDGEĀ ORĀ TRANSFERĀ ISĀ INĀ COMPLIANCEĀ WITHĀ THEĀ SECURITIESĀ ACTĀ ANDĀ ALLĀ APPLICABLEĀ SECURITIESĀ LAWSĀ OFĀ ANYĀ STATEĀ OFĀ THEĀ UNITEDĀ STATESĀ ORĀ ANYĀ OTHERĀ APPLICABLEĀ JURISDICTION.
EXCEPTĀ ASĀ OTHERWISEĀ DETERMINEDĀ BYĀ THEĀ ISSUER,Ā THEĀ SECURITIESĀ REPRESENTEDĀ BYĀ THISĀ CERTIFICATE (ORĀ ITSĀ PREDECESSOR)Ā MAYĀ NOTĀ BEĀ DEMATERIALISED INTOĀ CRESTĀ OR ANYĀ OTHERĀ PAPERLESSĀ SYSTEMĀ UNLESSĀ THEĀ PARTYĀ REQUESTINGĀ SUCHĀ DEMATERIALISATIONĀ FIRSTĀ OBTAINSĀ AĀ LETTERĀ FROMĀ THEĀ TRANSFERREEĀ STATINGĀ THATĀ SUCHĀ TRANSFERREEĀ ISĀ NOTĀ ACTINGĀ INĀ AĀ PREARRANGEDĀ TRANSACTIONĀ RESULTINGĀ INĀ THEĀ RESALEĀ OFĀ THESEĀ SECURITIESĀ INTOĀ THEĀ UNITEDĀ STATESĀ ORĀ MAKESĀ SUCHĀ OTHERĀ REPRESENTATIONSĀ REQUESTEDĀ BYĀ THEĀ ISSUER."
The PlaceeĀ agrees,Ā onĀ itsĀ ownĀ behalfĀ andĀ onĀ behalf ofĀ anyĀ accountsĀ forĀ whichĀ the Placee isĀ acting,Ā thatĀ ifĀ theĀ PlaceeĀ shouldĀ offer,Ā resell,Ā pledgeĀ orĀ otherwiseĀ transferĀ anyĀ PlacingĀ Shares,Ā it willĀ doĀ soĀ onlyĀ (i)inĀ anĀ offshoreĀ transactionĀ meetingĀ theĀ requirementsĀ ofĀ RuleĀ 903Ā orĀ 904Ā ofĀ RegulationĀ SĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ ActĀ (andĀ notĀ inĀ aĀ prearrangedĀ transactionĀ resultingĀ inĀ theĀ resaleĀ ofĀ suchĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ intoĀ theĀ US),Ā (ii)Ā inĀ aĀ transactionĀ meetingĀ theĀ requirementsĀ ofĀ RuleĀ 144Ā underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ Act,Ā (iii)Ā inĀ accordanceĀ withĀ anotherĀ exemptionĀ fromĀ theĀ registrationĀ requirementsĀ ofĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ Act,Ā orĀ (iv)Ā pursuantĀ toĀ anĀ effectiveĀ registrationĀ statementĀ underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ Act,Ā providedĀ thatĀ theĀ PlaceeĀ notifyĀ theĀ CompanyĀ ofĀ suchĀ proposedĀ transactionĀ andĀ thatĀ theĀ PlaceeĀ intendsĀ toĀ makeĀ suchĀ saleĀ inĀ accordance withĀ the terms of thisĀ paragraph,Ā andĀ that, suchĀ offer, resale,Ā pledgeĀ orĀ transferĀ must, andĀ will,Ā beĀ madeĀ inĀ accordanceĀ withĀ anyĀ applicableĀ securitiesĀ lawsĀ ofĀ anyĀ USĀ stateĀ orĀ otherĀ jurisdictionĀ ofĀ theĀ US.Ā TheĀ PlaceeĀ understandsĀ andĀ acknowledgesĀ thatĀ anyĀ offer,Ā resale,Ā pledgeĀ orĀ transferĀ madeĀ otherĀ thanĀ inĀ complianceĀ withĀ theĀ restrictionsĀ containedĀ inĀ thisĀ paragraphĀ mayĀ notĀ beĀ recognisedĀ byĀ theĀ Company;
a. theĀ PlacingĀ Shares shall onlyĀ beĀ eligibleĀ forĀ settlementĀ through CRESTĀ ifĀ approved byĀ theĀ Company andĀ ifĀ requestedĀ byĀ theĀ Company,Ā theĀ purchaserĀ providesĀ aĀ signedĀ letterĀ addressedĀ toĀ theĀ Company,Ā containingĀ certainĀ representationsĀ regardingĀ complianceĀ withĀ UnitedĀ StatesĀ securitiesĀ laws;
b. itĀ hasĀ notĀ purchasedĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ asĀ aĀ resultĀ ofĀ "generalĀ solicitation"Ā orĀ "generalĀ advertising"Ā (withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ Rule 502(c)Ā underĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ Act),Ā includingĀ advertisements,Ā articles,Ā researchĀ reports,Ā noticesĀ orĀ otherĀ communicationsĀ published inĀ anyĀ newspaper,Ā magazine,Ā on a websiteĀ orĀ inĀ or onĀ anyĀ similarĀ media, orĀ broadcastĀ overĀ radioĀ orĀ television,Ā orĀ anyĀ seminarĀ orĀ meetingĀ whoseĀ attendeesĀ haveĀ beenĀ invitedĀ byĀ generalĀ solicitationĀ orĀ generalĀ advertising;Ā and
c. itĀ willĀ informĀ eachĀ purchaserĀ whoĀ purchasesĀ theĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ fromĀ itĀ ofĀ theĀ transferĀ restrictionsĀ statedĀ hereinĀ andĀ thatĀ ifĀ inĀ the future suchĀ purchaser of Placing Shares decidesĀ toĀ offer, resell, pledge,Ā orĀ otherwiseĀ transferĀ suchĀ PlacingĀ Shares,Ā anyĀ offer,Ā resaleĀ orĀ transferĀ mustĀ beĀ madeĀ inĀ complianceĀ withĀ theĀ SecuritiesĀ Act.
TheĀ foregoingĀ representations,Ā warrantiesĀ andĀ confirmationsĀ areĀ givenĀ forĀ theĀ benefitĀ ofĀ theĀ CompanyĀ andĀ Liberum.Ā
InĀ addition,Ā PlaceesĀ shouldĀ noteĀ thatĀ theyĀ willĀ beĀ liableĀ forĀ anyĀ stampĀ duty andĀ allĀ otherĀ stamp,Ā issue,Ā securities,Ā transfer,Ā registration,Ā documentaryĀ orĀ otherĀ dutiesĀ orĀ taxesĀ (includingĀ anyĀ interest,Ā finesĀ orĀ penaltiesĀ relatingĀ thereto)Ā payableĀ outsideĀ theĀ UnitedĀ KingdomĀ byĀ themĀ orĀ anyĀ otherĀ personĀ onĀ theĀ subscriptionĀ byĀ themĀ ofĀ anyĀ PlacingĀ SharesĀ orĀ theĀ agreementĀ by themĀ toĀ subscribeĀ forĀ anyĀ PlacingĀ Shares.
EachĀ PlaceeĀ andĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ eachĀ PlaceeĀ acknowledgesĀ andĀ agreesĀ thatĀ LiberumĀ orĀ anyĀ ofĀ itsĀ affiliatesĀ may,Ā atĀ theirĀ absolute discretion,Ā agreeĀ toĀ becomeĀ aĀ PlaceeĀ inĀ respectĀ ofĀ some orĀ allĀ ofĀ theĀ PlacingĀ Shares.
WhenĀ aĀ PlaceeĀ orĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ of theĀ PlaceeĀ isĀ dealingĀ withĀ Liberum,Ā anyĀ moneyĀ heldĀ inĀ anĀ accountĀ withĀ LiberumĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ theĀ PlaceeĀ and/orĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ theĀ PlaceeĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ treatedĀ asĀ clientĀ moneyĀ withinĀ theĀ meaningĀ ofĀ theĀ rulesĀ andĀ regulationsĀ ofĀ theĀ FCAĀ madeĀ underĀ FSMA.Ā TheĀ PlaceeĀ acknowledgesĀ thatĀ theĀ moneyĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ subjectĀ toĀ theĀ protectionsĀ conferredĀ byĀ theĀ clientĀ moneyĀ rules;Ā asĀ aĀ consequence,Ā thisĀ moneyĀ willĀ notĀ beĀ segregatedĀ fromĀ LiberumĀ moneyĀ inĀ accordanceĀ withĀ theĀ clientĀ moneyĀ rulesĀ andĀ willĀ beĀ usedĀ byĀ LiberumĀ inĀ theĀ courseĀ ofĀ itsĀ ownĀ business;Ā andĀ theĀ PlaceeĀ willĀ rankĀ onlyĀ asĀ aĀ generalĀ creditorĀ ofĀ Liberum.
AllĀ timesĀ andĀ datesĀ inĀ thisĀ AnnouncementĀ mayĀ beĀ subjectĀ toĀ amendment.Ā LiberumĀ shallĀ notifyĀ theĀ PlaceesĀ andĀ anyĀ personĀ actingĀ onĀ behalfĀ ofĀ theĀ PlaceesĀ ofĀ anyĀ changes.
PastĀ performanceĀ isĀ notĀ aĀ guideĀ toĀ futureĀ performanceĀ andĀ personsĀ needingĀ adviceĀ shouldĀ consultĀ anĀ independentĀ financialĀ adviser.
ĀĀ
Appendix II
Definitions
The following definitions apply throughout this Announcement, unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise:
Ā
"Admission" admission of the Placing Shares to trading on AIM and such admission becoming effective in accordance with Rule 6 of the AIM Rules for Companies;
Ā
"AIM" the AIM market operated by the London Stock Exchange;
Ā
"AIM Rules for Companies" the London Stock Exchange's rules and guidance notes contained in its "AIM Rules for Companies" publication relating to companies whose securities are traded on AIM, as amended from time to time;
Ā
"Announcement" this announcement (including the appendices to this announcement);
Ā
"Articles" the articles of association of the Company in force on the date hereof;
Ā
"Board" or "Directors" the directors of the Company, or any duly authorised committee thereof;
Ā
"Circular" the Shareholder circular to be published in connection with the General Meeting;
Ā
"Company" AFH Financial Group plc;
Ā
"CREST" the computerised settlement system (as defined in the CREST Regulations) operated by Euroclear which facilitates the transfer of title to shares in uncertificated form;
Ā
"CREST Regulations" the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3755) including any enactment or subordinate legislation which amends or supersedes those regulations and any applicable rules made under those regulations or any such enactment or subordinate legislation for the time being in force;
Ā
"Euroclear" Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited, a company incorporated in England & Wales with registered number 02878738, being the operator of CREST;
Ā
"FCA" the Financial Conduct Authority in its capacity as the competent authority for the purposes of Part VI of FSMA;
Ā
"Form of Proxy" the form of proxy for use at the General Meeting;
Ā
"FSMA" the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended);
Ā
"General Meeting" or "GM" the general meeting of the Company to be held on 4 December 2017;
Ā
"Group" the Company together with its subsidiaries from time to time;
Ā
"London Stock Exchange" London Stock Exchange plc;
Ā
"Liberum" Liberum Capital Limited, Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY;
Ā
"Ordinary Shares" the ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the share capital of the Company;
Ā
"Placing" the placing of the Placing Shares at the Placing Price by Liberum as agent for and on behalf of the Company pursuant to the terms of the Placing Agreement;
Ā
"Placing Agreement" the conditional agreement dated 15 November 2017 between (1) the Company, (2) Liberum relating to the Placing, further details of which are set out in this Announcement;
Ā
"Placing Price" 250 pence per Placing Share;
Ā
"Placing Shares" the new Ordinary Shares to be issued by the Company and subscribed for pursuant to the Placing;
Ā
"Prospectus Directive" 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 4 November 2003 (as amended) and any relevant implementing measure in each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive
Ā
"Prospectus Rules" the rules made for the purposes of Part VI of FSMA in relation to offers of securities to the public and admission of securities to a regulated market;
Ā
"Regulation D" Regulation D as promulgated under the Securities Act;
Ā
"Regulation S" Regulation S as promulgated under the Securities Act;
Ā
"Resolutions" the resolutions required to allot and issue the Placing Shares to be set out in the notice of the General Meeting contained in the Circular;
Ā
"Securities Act" or "U.S. Securities Act" the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
Ā
"Shareholders" holders of Ordinary Shares, from time to time;
Ā
"UK" or "United Kingdom" the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
Ā
"uncertificated" or "in uncertificated form" recorded on the relevant register of the share or security concerned as being held in uncertificated form in CREST and title to which, by virtue of the CREST Regulations, may be transferred by means of CREST;
Ā
"US" or "United States" the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state of the United States of America and the district of Columbia and all other areas subject to its jurisdiction;
Ā
"US Person" bears the meaning ascribed to such term by Regulation S; and
Ā
"Ā£" pounds sterling, the lawful currency of the UK from time to time.
Ā
Ā
Ā
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