Unassociated Document
SCHEDULE
14A
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange
Act of 1934
|
|
Filed by the Registrant
x |
Filed by a Party other
than the
Registrant o |
|
|
Check
the appropriate box:
|
|
|
x |
Preliminary Proxy
Statement |
o |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
o |
Definitive Proxy Statement |
o |
Definitive Additional
Materials |
o |
Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule
14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 |
|
|
VIOQUEST
PHARMACEUTICALS,
INC.
|
|
Payment
of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x |
No fee required. |
o |
Fee computed on table
below per
Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11. |
|
1) |
Title
of each class of securities to which transaction
applies: |
|
|
|
|
2) |
Aggregate
number of securities to which transaction
applies:
|
|
|
|
|
3) |
Per
unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
|
|
|
|
|
4) |
Proposed
maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
|
5) |
Total
fee paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o |
Fee paid previously with
preliminary materials. |
o |
Check box if any part
of the fee is
offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the
filing
for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule
and the
date of its filing. |
|
1) |
Amount previously
paid: |
|
|
|
|
2) |
Form, schedule or registration
statement no.: |
|
|
|
|
3) |
Filing party: |
|
|
|
|
4) |
Date
filed: |
|
|
|
VIOQUEST
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
7
Deer Park Drive, Suite E
Monmouth
Junction, New Jersey 08852
_______________
NOTICE
OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To
Be Held On
_______,
2005
_______________
Notice
is
hereby furnished to the shareholders of VioQuest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a
Minnesota corporation (the “Company”), of a special meeting of shareholders (the
“Meeting”), to be held at __:00 _.m. on __________, 2005, at
__________________________________, to consider and act upon a proposal to
merge
the Company with and into VioQuest Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, with VioQuest Delaware, Inc. remaining
as the surviving corporation.
The
Company recently announced that it has entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger with Greenwich Therapeutics, Inc., pursuant to which a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company would merge into Greenwich and Greenwich would remain
as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Greenwich is a privately-held, New York-based biotechnology company that holds
exclusive license rights to develop and commercialize two pharmaceutical drug
candidates for use in the treatment of cancer. Dr. Lindsay A. Rosenwald and
certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald and his family
collectively hold approximately 48 percent
of Greenwich’s capital stock. Together, Dr. Rosenwald and such trusts also
beneficially own approximately 16 percent of the Company’s common stock. Because
of such cross-ownership, the proposed acquisition of Greenwich is prohibited
under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, to which we are subject as a
Minnesota corporation. However, the same transaction would be permissible if
the
Company were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Accordingly,
the primary purpose of the proposal to reincorporate the Company under the
Delaware law is to allow the Company to complete the Company’s proposed
acquisition of Greenwich.
The
Board
of Directors of the Company has approved the foregoing proposal and recommends
that the shareholders of the Company vote in its favor.
Only
shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 11, 2005, or their
legal representatives, are entitled to notice and to vote at the Meeting or
any
adjournment thereof. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote per share on
all
matters to be voted on at the Meeting.
A
Proxy
and Proxy Statement are enclosed herewith. You are requested to complete and
sign the Proxy, which is being solicited by the Board of Directors and
management of the Company, and to return it in the envelope
provided.
|
By Order of the Board of
Directors, |
|
|
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
|
July ___, 2005 |
|
PROXY
STATEMENT
OF
VIOQUEST
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
7
Deer Park Drive, Suite E
Monmouth
Junction, New Jersey 08852
For
a Special Meeting of Shareholders
To
Be Held __________, 2005
This
Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders of VioQuest Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (referred to as “we,”“us,”“our” or the “Company”), in connection with the
solicitation by the Board of Directors of the Company of proxies to be voted
at
the special meeting of the Company’s shareholders or any adjournment thereof
(the “Special Meeting”), to be held at __:00 _.m. on _________, 2005, at
______________________________________. This Proxy Statement and the
accompanying proxy were first mailed on approximately _________, 2005, to the
Company’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 11, 2005.
The Company intends to mail this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice
of
Special Meeting on or about July ___, 2005 to all shareholders entitled to
vote
at the Special Meeting.
As
indicated in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting, the only matter to
be
considered at the Meeting is a proposal to reincorporate the Company under
the
laws of the State of Delaware by merging the Company with and into VioQuest
Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the Company’s wholly-owned
subsidiary, with VioQuest Delaware, Inc. remaining as the surviving corporation
(the “Reincorporation”). The accompanying Proxy authorizes the appointees named
in the Proxy, acting at the request of the management of the Company, to vote
the shares indicated in the Proxy for or against the Reincorporation and, in
their discretion, to vote on other matters incidental to the Special
Meeting.
A
form of proxy is enclosed for your use. Please date, sign and return the proxy
at your earliest convenience. Prompt return of your proxy will be appreciated.
The solicitation of proxies from the shareholders is being made by the Board
of
Directors and management of the Company who will not be specially compensated
for such solicitation.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
|
Questions
and Answers About the Reincorporation, the Merger and the Special
Meeting
|
3
|
Summary
|
6 |
Risk
Factors
|
9 |
Shareholder
Proposal: Reincorporation Under Delaware Law
|
17 |
The
Merger
|
30 |
Certain
Information Regarding VioQuest
|
36 |
Information
Regarding Greenwich Therapeutics
|
42 |
Certain
Transactions and Relationships
|
51 |
Summary
of Dissenters’ Rights
|
51 |
Principal
Shareholders
|
54 |
Pro
Forma Financial Information
|
56 |
Index
to Appendices to Proxy Statement
|
62 |
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE REINCORPORATION,
THE
MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING
Who
is entitled to vote?
The
holders of record of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on
July 11, 2005 may vote at the Meeting. As of July 11, 2005, there were
17,827,924 shares of our common stock outstanding.
What
are you voting on?
The
only
matter to be voted upon at the Meeting is the proposed Reincorporation. The
shareholders will not be directly voting on the proposed Merger with Greenwich
Therapeutics, Inc., although completion of the Reincorporation is necessary
to
complete the Merger. Shareholders will also be voting on such other matters
incidental to conducting the Meeting.
What
is the purpose of the Reincorporation?
The
Reincorporation is being proposed to facilitate the acquisition of Greenwich
Therapeutics pursuant to the Merger Agreement. A copy of the Merger Agreement
without schedules is included in this Proxy Statement as Appendix A. In the
Merger, the stockholders of Greenwich Therapeutics are to receive a number
of
our common shares and warrants to purchase common shares, such that, following
completion of the Merger, they will collectively own approximately 47 percent
of
our outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted basis (i.e., assuming the
issuance of all shares issuable under outstanding options and warrants).
Will
the Merger proceed if the Reincorporation proposal is
defeated?
Very
unlikely. A vote against the proposed Reincorporation is essentially a vote
against the Merger. Currently, as a Minnesota corporation, we are subject to
the
Minnesota Business Corporation Act, which prohibits us from completing a
“business combination” (as that term is defined under the act) transaction with
Greenwich. If we were a Delaware corporation, however, the proposed transaction
with Greenwich would be permissible. Unless the ownership structure of either
or
both of our company and/or Greenwich changes, the Merger with Greenwich cannot
be completed without the proposed Reincorporation.
Will
the Merger with Greenwich proceed if the Reincorporation proposal is
approved?
Very
likely. The proposed Reincorporation is a condition to completing the Merger.
The Merger Agreement, however, has conditions other than the Reincorporation
of
the Company, which, if not satisfied, may allow either us or Greenwich to
terminate the Merger Agreement. These include conditions requiring
that:
· |
the
warranties and representations of the parties made in the Merger
Agreement
are true as of the time of the
Merger;
|
· |
the
Merger be accomplished by August 31,
2005;
|
· |
the
Merger qualify as a tax free reorganization; and
|
· |
the
Merger is approved by the stockholders of
Greenwich.
|
What
will happen if the proposed Reincorporation is approved, but the Merger is
not
completed?
If
that
were to occur, we would likely still effect the Reincorporation.
Do
you have statutory rights of appraisal if you oppose the
Reincorporation?
Yes.
Under Minnesota law, a shareholder asked to approve a merger of that
shareholder’s corporation has the right to dissent from the transaction and
receive the fair value of his or her shares in cash. Since the proposed
Reincorporation involves merging the Company into a Delaware corporation, you
are entitled to receive the fair value of shares under Minnesota
law.
How
does the Board recommend you vote on the proposals?
The
Board
recommends you vote your shares FOR
the
proposed Reincorporation.
Who
will be soliciting your vote?
The
Board
of Directors is soliciting your vote by mail through this Proxy Statement.
Your
vote may also be solicited in person or by telephone by officers of the Company.
Brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians will be requested to forward
soliciting materials to beneficial owners of our common stock, and will be
reimbursed for their expenses in connection with that activity. The cost of
all
of this solicitation is being paid for by the Company.
How
can I vote?
If
you
hold your shares as a shareholder of record, you can vote in person at the
Meeting or you can vote by completing and mailing the form of proxy provided
to
you. You are a “shareholder of record” if you hold your shares directly in your
own name. If you hold your shares indirectly in the name of a bank, broker
or
other nominee, you are a “street name shareholder.” If you are a street name
shareholder, you will receive instructions from your bank, broker or other
nominee describing how to vote your shares.
How
do I vote by mail?
You
can
vote by mail by following the instructions on the accompanying form of proxy,
signing the proxy and mailing it to the address noted on the form of proxy
or by
using the accompanying envelope provided for that purpose. The individuals
named
as proxies on the form of proxy will vote your shares in accordance with your
instructions. If you sign and submit your proxy without giving instructions,
the
proxies named on the form of proxy will vote your shares as recommended by
the
Board of Directors.
How
can you revoke your proxy after mailing it?
If
you
are a shareholder of record, you can revoke your proxy by:
· |
Submitting
a new form of proxy with a later date on it;
|
· |
Giving
written notice before the Meeting to the Company’s Secretary, at 7 Deer
Park Drive, Suite E, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852, stating
that you
are revoking your proxy; or
|
· |
Attending
the Meeting and voting your shares in person.
|
Merely
attending the Meeting without voting will not revoke your proxy. If you are
a
street name shareholder, you may revoke your proxy only as instructed by the
bank, broker or other nominee holding your shares.
How
do I sign the proxy?
Sign
your
name exactly as it appears on the form of proxy. If you are signing in a
representative capacity (for example, as a guardian, trustee, executor,
administrator, attorney-in-fact or the officer or agent of a company), include
your name and title or capacity. If the shares are held in custody (for example,
under the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act), the custodian should sign, not the
minor or other beneficiary. If the shares are held in joint ownership, both
owners must sign.
What
does it mean if you receive more than one proxy or voting instruction
form?
It
means
your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please
complete, sign and return all proxy forms you receive to ensure all your shares
are voted.
What
constitutes a quorum?
A
quorum
of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting of our shareholders. A
majority of the outstanding shares, present in person or represented by proxy,
constitutes a quorum for the Meeting. Shareholders who send in their proxy
but
abstain from voting and broker non-votes are counted as present for establishing
a quorum.
How
many votes are needed for approval of the
Reincorporation?
The
proposed Reincorporation requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority
of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. Abstentions and broker
non-votes are counted as shares present at the Meeting. Accordingly, an
abstention from voting on any proposal or a broker non-vote is the same as
a
vote against that proposal.
What
is a broker non-vote?
A
broker
non-vote occurs when a broker submits a proxy form that does not indicate a
vote
for some of the proposals because the broker did not receive instructions from
the beneficial owner on how to vote on those proposals and does not have
discretionary authority to vote in the absence of instructions.
How
can I attend the Meeting?
If
you
are a shareholder of record on July 11, 2005, you can attend the Meeting by
presenting acceptable identification at the Meeting. If you are a street name
shareholder you may attend the Meeting by presenting acceptable identification
along with evidence of your beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock.
As a street name shareholder, however, you will not be able to vote your shares
unless the organizations through which you hold your shares provide proxies
giving you authority to vote the shares held for you. This may require more
than
one proxy, as the record owner of your shares is usually not the organization
providing you the account in which your shares are held.
SUMMARY
This
summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement. It does
not
contain all of the information that is important to you. We urge you to read
carefully the entire proxy statement, including the appendices to this proxy
statement, to understand fully the proposed Reincorporation and proposed
acquisition of Greenwich. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
July
1, 2005 by and among VioQuest, Greenwich and VQ Acquisition Corp. is attached
as
Appendix A to this proxy statement.
The
Reincorporation Proposal
Our
management has called the Meeting, and is asking our shareholders to approve
a
proposal to reincorporate VioQuest under the laws of the State of Delaware
(the
“Reincorporation”). The Reincorporation is being proposed to facilitate our
proposed acquisition of Greenwich Therapeutics, Inc. (“Greenwich”). On July 1,
2005, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Greenwich (the
“Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Greenwich will merge with and into our
wholly-owned subsidiary, VQ Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, with
Greenwich remaining as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company (the “Merger”). The business of Greenwich and the terms of the
Merger are discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement. Dr. Lindsay A. Rosenwald
and certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald (collectively,
the “Rosenwald Trusts”) collectively own approximately 48 percent of the
outstanding stock of Greenwich and approximately 16 percent of our outstanding
common stock. The Minnesota Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”), to which the
Company is currently subject as a Minnesota corporation, prohibits a business
combination transaction between the Company and Dr. Rosenwald, including an
entity of which Dr. Rosenwald owns at least 10 percent of its outstanding stock.
The General Corporation Law of Delaware (the “DGCL”), which governs Delaware
corporations, would not prohibit the proposed Merger with Greenwich.
Accordingly, the Company can complete the proposed Merger by reincorporating
under Delaware law prior to completion of the transaction.
The
Reincorporation would be effected by merging VioQuest with and into VioQuest
Delaware, Inc.,
a
wholly-owned subsidiary of VioQuest formed for the specific purpose of the
Reincorporation. The outstanding shares of VioQuest’s common stock and each
outstanding option and warrant to purchase VioQuest common stock would convert
into the same number of shares of VioQuest Delaware’s common stock and the right
to purchase the same number of shares of VioQuest Delaware common stock,
respectively. VioQuest Delaware would remain as the surviving corporation in
this merger and the separate existence of VioQuest would cease. The name of
VioQuest Delaware will be changed to “VioQuest Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.”
If
a
sufficient number of our shareholders do not approve the Reincorporation, the
Merger cannot occur as currently structured. Accordingly, voting on the
Reincorporation has the practical effect of voting on the Merger
itself.
Right
to Dissent.
Under
Minnesota law, VioQuest shareholders have the right to dissent from the proposed
Reincorporation and obtain payment for the fair value of their shares of
VioQuest common stock. A full disclosure of these dissenters’ rights is included
on pages 51 to 53 and the provisions of the MBCA relating to dissenters’ rights
is attached as Appendix
E
to this
proxy statement.
Description
of the Merger with Greenwich Therapeutics
Terms
of the Merger
General.
On July
1, 2005, we entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which Greenwich will
merge with and into our wholly-owned subsidiary, VQ Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation, with Greenwich remaining as the surviving corporation
and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger will become effective
upon
the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of Delaware.
Assuming all conditions to the Merger are met or waived by the appropriate
party
or parties, it is anticipated that the Merger will be completed within one
week
after the date of the Special Meeting.
Conversion
of Greenwich Shares.
As
consideration for their shares of Greenwich common stock, VioQuest will issue
to
Greenwich’s stockholders aggregate consideration consisting of (i) a number of
shares of VioQuest common stock (the “Merger Shares”) such that, immediately
following the completion of the Merger, the Greenwich stockholders will hold
approximately 49 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of VioQuest common
stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an additional 4,000,000 shares of VioQuest
common stock (the “Merger Warrants”).
Escrow
of Merger Shares and Warrants.
One-half
of the Merger Shares and the Merger Warrants will be deposited with an escrow
agent pursuant to an escrow agreement to be entered into among VioQuest,
Greenwich and a representative appointed by the stockholders of Greenwich.
The
escrowed securities will be released, if ever, upon the completion of certain
milestones relating to the clinical development of Greenwich’s two product
candidates. If the milestones are not achieved on or before June 30, 2008,
then
the escrow shall terminate and all of the Merger Shares and Merger Warrants
remaining in the escrow will be returned to VioQuest for
cancellation.
Registration
Rights; Lock-Up Agreement.
The
Merger Shares and Merger Warrants are being issued to Greenwich’s stockholders
in reliance upon certain exemptions from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. VioQuest will grant to the Greenwich
stockholders “piggy-back” registration rights. This means that VioQuest will
register the resale of the Merger Shares and the shares issuable upon exercise
of the Merger Warrants in the next registration statement filed by VioQuest
under the Securities Act. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, however,
the
Greenwich stockholders will be required to enter into a lockup agreement
providing that they will not sell or transfer (subject to certain exceptions)
the Merger Shares or shares issuable upon exercise of the Merger Warrants for
a
period of one year following the effective date of the Merger.
Voting
Agreements.
Pursuant
to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the holders of more than 50 percent of
Greenwich’s issued and outstanding common stock have entered into a voting
agreement with VioQuest. The voting agreements impose on the Greenwich
stockholders an obligation to vote in favor of the Merger in connection with
any
stockholder action taken by Greenwich in connection with the Merger and grant
an
irrevocable proxy to vote the stockholders’ shares in such a
manner.
Conditions
to the Merger.
The
obligation of the parties to complete the Merger are subject to the satisfaction
of certain conditions, including without limitation:
· |
the
accuracy of each party’s representations and warranties contained in the
Merger Agreement;
|
· |
the
absence of any material adverse change in the financial condition
of the
parties;
|
· |
receipt
by VioQuest of a fairness opinion from its financial advisor to the
effect
that the transaction is fair to VioQuest from a financial point of
view;
|
· |
approval
of the Merger by Greenwich’s stockholders and approval of the proposed
Reincorporation by VioQuest’s shareholders;
and
|
· |
the
receipt by Greenwich of an opinion of its counsel that the Merger
will
qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the
Internal
Revenue Code.
|
Market
Price Data
No
established trading market exists for Greenwich common stock. VioQuest’s common
stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board® under the symbol “VQPH.” The closing
price per share of VioQuest common stock, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board®
on July 1, 2005, the last full trading day prior to the execution of the Merger
Agreement was $0.70.
The
Special Meeting
Record
Date; Voting Power
You
are
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting if you owned shares of VioQuest common
stock as of the close of business on July 11, 2005, the record date for the
Special Meeting. On that date, there were 17,827,924 shares of VioQuest common
stock issued and outstanding. VioQuest has no other shares of voting stock
outstanding. Each VioQuest shareholder will have one vote for each share of
VioQuest common stock owned at the record date.
Meeting
Quorum; Votes Required
Under
the
Minnesota Business Corporation Act and VioQuest’s bylaws, a majority of the
shares of common stock outstanding on the record date must be present in person
or represented by proxy to establish a quorum for transaction of business at
the
Special Meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares
of
VioQuest common stock is required to approve the proposed Reincorporation.
Accordingly, based on the number of shares outstanding as of the record date,
in
order for the Reincorporation to be approved, the proposal must receive the
affirmative vote of at least 8,913,963 shares.
Risk
Factors
In
considering whether to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, you should carefully review
and consider the information contained below under the caption “Risk
Factors.”
RISK
FACTORS
Information
or statements provided by VioQuest from time to time, including statements
contained in this proxy statement, may contain certain "forward-looking
statements," including comments regarding anticipated future operations, market
opportunities, operating results and financial performance of VioQuest.
VioQuest’s future operating performance and share price are influenced by many
factors, including factors which may be treated in forward-looking statements.
You are cautioned that any forward-looking statements made in this proxy
statement or in any other reports, filings, press releases, speeches or other
comments, are not a guarantee of future performance. Any such forward-looking
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results
to differ materially from those which may be projected on the basis of such
forward-looking statements. Furthermore, VioQuest assumes no obligation to
update such forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.
Among the risks and uncertainties which may affect future performance are those
described below. In deciding to approve the proposed Reincorporation, you are
urged to consider the following risk factors:
Risks
Relating to the Merger
We
may not realize the anticipated benefits of the
Merger.
Although
our Board of Directors believes that the Merger is in the best interests of
our
company and our shareholders, Greenwich is a very early-stage company with
no
operating history on which to evaluate its business and prospects. We are
proposing to acquire Greenwich because it has rights to develop and
commercialize two oncology drug candidates, both of which are in the early
stages of development. The drug development business is very risky and there
is
no assurance either of these drug candidates will ever be successfully
developed. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that, following the Merger,
we
will be successful in developing Greenwich’s product candidates or that the
Merger will enhance the Company’s profitability or otherwise benefit its
stockholders, including the former stockholders of Greenwich who receive shares
of the Company’s common stock in the Merger. In the event that the benefits of
the Merger fail to materialize, the market price of the Company’s common stock
may be materially adversely affected.
The
Merger will significantly dilute your percentage ownership in the
Company.
If
the
Merger is completed, we will issue to the stockholders of Greenwich a number
of
shares of our common stock, including warrants to purchase additional shares
of
our common stock, that will represent up to approximately 47 percent of our
outstanding common shares on a fully-diluted basis. Accordingly, the Merger
will
result in substantial dilution to your current ownership and voting interests
in
our company.
The
Merger will result in a significant dilution in the book value of your
shares.
As
of
March 31, 2005, we had a net tangible book value of $2,012,000 or approximately
$0.11 per share. As of that date, Greenwich’s liabilities exceeded its tangible
assets by $668,000. If the Merger were to have occurred on March 31, 2005,
it
would have resulted in a dilution, on a per share net tangible book value basis,
to our current shareholders of approximately $0.11 per share.
Following
the Merger, a small group of persons will be able to exert significant control
over our company.
Following
the Merger, our current officers and directors will beneficially own or control
approximately 17.7% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Individually
and
in the aggregate, these persons will have significant influence over the
management of our business, the election of directors and all matters requiring
shareholder approval. In particular, this concentration of ownership may have
the effect of facilitating, delaying, deferring or preventing a potential
acquisition of the Company and may adversely affect the market price of our
common stock. Following the Merger, Dr. Lindsay A. Rosenwald will beneficially
own 8.1% of our outstanding common stock, and several trusts for the benefit
of
Dr. Rosenwald and his family will beneficially own 28.9% of our outstanding
common stock. Dr. Rosenwald does not have the legal authority to exercise voting
power or investment discretion over the shares held by those trusts; however,
as
a result of the foregoing, Dr. Rosenwald may have the ability to exert
significant influence over our Company.
Risks
Relating to Greenwich’s Operations
Greenwich
has no meaningful operating history on which to evaluate its business or
prospects.
Greenwich
was formed on October 28, 2004 and only acquired the licenses to its two product
candidates in February 2005 and April 2005, respectively. Greenwich has only
a
limited operating history on which you can base an evaluation of its business
and prospects. Accordingly, its business prospects must be considered in the
light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently
encountered by companies in their early stages of development, particularly
companies in new and rapidly evolving markets, such as the fine chemical,
pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets.
Greenwich’s
management anticipates experiencing a significant negative cash flow for the
foreseeable future and may never become profitable.
Because
drug development takes several years and is extremely expensive, Greenwich
expects that it will incur substantial losses and negative operating cash flow
for the foreseeable future, and may never achieve or maintain profitability,
even if it succeeds in acquiring, developing and commercializing one or more
drug candidates. Greenwich expects to incur significant operating and capital
expenditures and anticipates that its expenses will increase substantially
in
the foreseeable future as it:
· |
undertakes
pre-clinical development and clinical trials for its drug
candidates;
|
· |
seeks
regulatory approvals for its drug
candidates;
|
· |
implements
additional internal systems and
infrastructure;
|
· |
leases
additional or alternative office facilities;
and
|
· |
hires
additional personnel.
|
Greenwich’s
drug development business may not be able to generate revenue or achieve
profitability. Greenwich’s failure to achieve or maintain profitability could
negatively impact the value of our Common Stock.
Following
the Merger, we will require substantial additional financing in order to fund
the development of Greenwich’s products. Such financing may not be available on
acceptable terms, or even at all.
We
will
require substantial additional capital, both in the near future and long term,
in order to fund the development of Greenwich’s product candidates. Greenwich’s
combined capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including costs
for clinical trials, the extent of regulatory approval processes, the purchase
of capital equipment to build its infrastructure; fluctuating real estate
markets; the costs associated with hiring necessary personnel; and the cost
of
defending and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights
and
the outcome of any potentially related litigation or other dispute. We cannot
be
sure that we will be able to obtain the necessary financing at the times when
we
need it and on acceptable terms. If we do not have sufficient capital available
to us to fund development of these product candidates, we may be forced to
slow
down or cease all together our development efforts, which will significantly
reduce the value of Greenwich’s product candidates to our company.
Greenwich’s
success depends upon license agreements.
Greenwich
does not directly own the rights to its product candidates, but rather
has certain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the
product
candidates pursuant to license agreements with The Cleveland Clinic
Foundation (“CCF”) and the University of South Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
(“USF’). Currently, Greenwich’s commercial success depends entirely on this
licensed technology. In the event Greenwich materially breaches the license
agreements, CCF or USF may have the right to terminate the licenses. Since,
following the Merger, our drug development business will depend entirely on
the
availability of Greenwich's license rights, the termination of the licenses
would significantly reduce the value of our company.
Greenwich
needs to create and grow its scientific, sales and support
operations.
Greenwich
(and following the Merger, VioQuest) will need to create and substantially
grow
its direct and indirect sales operations, both domestically and internationally,
in order to create and increase market awareness and sales of its products
and
services. The sale of Greenwich’s products and services will require the
engagement of sophisticated and highly knowledgeable sales personnel. Similarly,
the anticipated complexity of Greenwich’s products and services and the
difficulty of customizing them will require Greenwich to hire research and
development personnel, and customer service and support personnel, highly
trained in chemistry and chemical engineering. Competition among Greenwich
and
others to retain qualified sales personnel, chemists and chemical engineers
is
intense due to the limited number of available qualified candidates for such
positions. Many of Greenwich’s competitors are in a financial position to offer
potential employees of Greenwich greater compensation and benefits than those
which may be offered by Greenwich. Failure to recruit and retain such persons
will have a material adverse effect on Greenwich’s business
operations.
Our
future success is dependent on the hiring management of our potential
growth.
Following
the Merger, the future success of our company depends upon our ability to grow
our business. Such growth, if it occurs, will require us to establish management
and operating systems, hire additional support technical and sales personnel,
and establish and maintain its own independent office, research and production
facilities. Failure to manage that growth efficiently could have a material
adverse affect on our business.
If
we are not able to obtain the necessary U.S. or worldwide regulatory approvals
to commercialize any product candidates, we will not be able to sell those
products.
We
will
need FDA approval to commercialize any drug candidates in the U.S. and approvals
from the FDA equivalent regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions to
commercialize any product candidates in those jurisdictions. In order
to
obtain FDA approval of a drug candidate, we will be required to first submit
to
the FDA for approval an Investigational New Drug Application, or an IND, which
will set forth plans for clinical testing of a particular drug candidate.
When
the
clinical testing for the product candidates is complete, we will then be
required to submit to the FDA a New Drug Application, or NDA, demonstrating
that
the product candidate is safe for humans and effective for its intended use.
This demonstration will require significant research and animal tests, which
are
referred to as pre-clinical studies, as well as human tests, which are referred
to as clinical trials. Satisfaction of the FDA’s regulatory requirements
typically takes many years, depends upon the type, complexity and novelty of
the
product candidate and requires substantial resources for research, development
and testing. The FDA has substantial discretion in the drug approval process
and
may require us to conduct additional pre-clinical and clinical testing or to
perform post-marketing studies. The approval process may also be delayed by
changes in government regulation, future legislation or administrative action
or
changes in FDA policy that occur prior to or during the regulatory review.
Delays in obtaining regulatory approvals may:
· |
delay
commercialization of, and our ability to derive product revenues
from, a
drug candidate;
|
· |
impose
costly procedures on us; and
|
· |
diminish
any competitive advantages that we may otherwise
enjoy.
|
Even
if
we comply with all FDA requests, the FDA may still ultimately reject an NDA.
Failure to obtain FDA approval of a drug candidate will severely undermine
our
business development by reducing our ability to recover the development
costs expended in connection with a drug candidate and realize any profit from
commercializing a drug candidate.
In
foreign jurisdictions, we will be required to obtain approval from the
appropriate regulatory authorities before we can commercialize our
drugs. Foreign regulatory approval processes generally include all of the risks
associated with the FDA approval procedures described above.
Clinical
trials are very expensive, time-consuming and difficult to design and
implement.
Following
completion of the Merger, we will be required to expend significant time, effort
and money to conduct human clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory
approval of the product candidates we will acquire from Greenwich. Human
clinical trials are very expensive and difficult to design and implement, in
part because they are subject to rigorous regulatory requirements. The clinical
trial process is also time consuming. Clinical trials of any product candidate
are estimated to take at least several years to complete. Furthermore, failure
can occur at any stage of the trials, and we could encounter problems that
cause us to abandon or repeat clinical trials. The commencement and
completion of clinical trials may be delayed by several factors,
including:
· |
unforeseen
safety issues;
|
· |
determination
of dosing issues;
|
· |
lack
of effectiveness during clinical
trials;
|
· |
slower
than expected rates of patient
recruitment;
|
· |
inability
to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment;
and
|
· |
inability
or unwillingness of medical investigators to follow Greenwich’s clinical
protocols.
|
In
addition, we or the FDA may suspend clinical trials at any time if it appears
that we are exposing participants to unacceptable health risks or if the FDA
finds deficiencies in the IND submissions or the conduct of these
trials.
The
results of any clinical trial may not support the results of pre-clinical
studies relating to Greenwich’s product candidates, which may delay development
of any product candidate or cause us to abandon development
altogether.
Even
if
any clinical trials we undertake with respect to Greenwich’s product candidates,
we cannot be certain that the results will support the findings of pre-clinical
studies upon which a development plan would be based. Success in pre-clinical
testing and early clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials
will be successful, and we cannot be sure that the results of later clinical
trials will replicate the results of prior clinical trials and pre-clinical
testing. The clinical trial process may fail to demonstrate that the product
candidates are safe and effective for indicated uses. This failure may cause
us
to delay the development of a product candidate or even to abandon clinical
development of a product candidate altogether. Such failure may also cause
delay
in other product candidates. Any delay in, or termination of, the clinical
trials will delay the filing of our NDAs with the FDA and, ultimately, our
ability to commercialize Greenwich’s product candidates and generate product
revenues.
If
physicians and patients do not accept and use Greenwich’s drugs after regulatory
approvals are obtained, we will not realize sufficient revenue from such product
to cover our development costs.
Even
if
the FDA approved any of Greenwich’s product candidates, physicians and patients
may not accept and use them. Acceptance and use of the product candidates will
depend upon a number of factors including:
· |
perceptions
by members of the health care community, including physicians, about
the
safety and effectiveness of Greenwich’s
drugs;
|
· |
cost-effectiveness
of the product relative to competing
products;
|
· |
availability
of reimbursement for the products from government or other healthcare
payers; and
|
· |
effectiveness
of marketing and distribution efforts by US and our
licensees
and distributors, if any.
|
our
drug
development business plan contemplates that substantially all of any future
revenues realized will result from sales of product candidates developed, the
failure of any of the drugs to find market acceptance would significantly and
adversely affect our ability to generate cash flow and become profitable.
We
will rely exclusively on third parties to formulate and manufacture its product
candidates.
We
do not
currently have, and has no current plans to develop, the capability to formulate
or manufacture drugs. Rather, we intend to contract with one or more
manufacturers to manufacture, supply, store and distribute drug supplies that
will be needed for any clinical trials undertaken. If
we
received FDA approval for any product candidate, we would rely on one or more
third-party contractors to manufacture the drugs. Our anticipated future
reliance on a limited number of third-party manufacturers will expose us to
the
following risks:
· |
We
may be unable to identify manufacturers on commercially reasonable
terms
or at all because the number of potential manufacturers is limited
and the
FDA must approve any replacement contractor. This approval would
require
new testing and compliance inspections. In addition, a new manufacturer
would have to be educated in, or develop substantially equivalent
processes for, production of the products after receipt of FDA approval,
if any.
|
· |
Our
third-party manufacturers might be unable to formulate and manufacture
the
drugs in the volume and of the quality required to meet clinical
and
commercial needs, if any.
|
· |
Our
future contract manufacturers may not perform as agreed or may not
remain
in the contract manufacturing business for the time required to supply
the
clinical trials or to successfully produce, store and distribute
the
products.
|
· |
Drug
manufacturers are subject to ongoing periodic unannounced inspection
by
the FDA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and corresponding state
agencies to ensure strict compliance with good manufacturing practice
and
other government regulations and corresponding foreign standards. We
do not have control over third-party manufacturers’ compliance with
these regulations and standards.
|
· |
If
any third-party manufacturer makes improvements in the manufacturing
process for the products, we may not own, or may have to share, the
intellectual property rights to the
innovation.
|
If,
following the Merger, we are not able to successfully compete against other
drug
companies, our drug development business will fail.
The
market for new drugs is characterized by intense competition and rapid
technological advances. If any drug candidate that we develop, including the
drug candidates acquired from Greenwich, receives FDA approval, we will likely
compete with a number of existing and future drugs and therapies developed,
manufactured and marketed by others. Existing or future competing products
may
provide greater therapeutic convenience or clinical or other benefits for a
specific indication than our products, or may offer comparable performance
at a
lower cost or with fewer side-effects. If our products fail to capture and
maintain market share, we may not achieve sufficient product revenues
and our business will suffer.
We
will
be competing against fully integrated pharmaceutical companies and smaller
companies that are collaborating with larger pharmaceutical companies, academic
institutions, government agencies and other public and private research
organizations. Many of these competitors have drug candidates already approved
or in development. In addition, many of these competitors, either alone or
together with their collaborative partners, operate larger research and
development programs and have substantially greater financial resources than
we
do, as well as significantly greater experience in:
· |
undertaking
pre-clinical testing and human clinical
trials;
|
· |
obtaining
FDA and other regulatory approvals of
drugs;
|
· |
formulating
and manufacturing drugs; and
|
· |
launching,
marketing and selling drugs.
|
If
we fail to adequately protect or enforce Greenwich’s intellectual property
rights or secure rights to patents of others, the value of those intellectual
property rights would diminish.
Our
success, competitive position and future revenues in connection with its drug
development business will depend in part on our ability and the abilities
of our licensors to obtain and maintain patent protection for our
products, methods, processes and other technologies, to preserve our
trade
secrets, to prevent third parties from infringing on our proprietary
rights
and to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third
parties. Neither
we nor Greenwich are
aware of any third party infringing on any of Greenwich's intellectual
property rights.
To
date,
through Greenwich’s license agreements for SSG and TCN, it holds certain
exclusive patent rights, including rights under U.S. patents and U.S. patent
applications. Greenwich also has patent applications pending in several foreign
jurisdictions. Greenwich anticipates filing additional patent applications
both
in the U.S. and in other countries, as appropriate. However, we cannot
predict:
· |
the
degree and range of protection any patents will afford Greenwich
against
competitors, including whether third parties will find ways to invalidate
or otherwise circumvent its licensed
patents;
|
· |
if
and when patents will issue;
|
· |
whether
or not others will obtain patents claiming aspects similar to those
covered by Greenwich’s licensed patents and patent applications;
or
|
· |
whether
Greenwich will need to initiate litigation or administrative proceedings
which may be costly whether Greenwich wins or
loses.
|
Following
the Merger, our success will also depend upon the skills, knowledge and
experience of scientific and technical personnel, consultants and advisors
as
well as licensors and contractors. To help protect proprietary know-how
and our inventions for which patents may be unobtainable or difficult
to
obtain, we intend to rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality
agreements. To this end, we currently require, and will continue to require
in
the future, all of our employees to enter into agreements which prohibit the
disclosure of confidential information and, where applicable, require disclosure
and assignment to us of the ideas, developments, discoveries and inventions
important to our business. We intend to require new employees hired in
connection with our drug development business to also enter into such
agreements. These agreements may not provide adequate protection for our
trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any
unauthorized use or disclosure or the lawful development by others of such
information. If any of our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary
information is disclosed, the value of our trade secrets, know-how and other
proprietary rights would be significantly impaired and our business and
competitive position would suffer.
If
we infringe the rights of third parties we could be prevented from selling
products, forced to pay damages, and defend against litigation.
To
date,
to the best of its knowledge, Greenwich has not received any threats, claims
or
other notices from third parties alleging that Greenwich’s product candidates or
methods infringe their rights. If following the merger, it is determined that
Greenwich’s products, methods, processes and other technologies infringe on the
proprietary rights of other parties, however, we could incur substantial costs
and may have to:
· |
obtain
licenses, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms,
if
at all;
|
· |
redesign our
products or processes to avoid
infringement;
|
· |
stop
using the subject matter claimed in the patents held by others, which
could cause us to lose the use of one or more of the
product
candidates acquired from Greenwich;
|
· |
defend
litigation or administrative proceedings which may be costly whether
we win or lose.
|
SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSAL:
REINCORPORATION
UNDER DELAWARE LAW
General
The
Board
of Directors has unanimously approved and recommended for shareholder approval
a
proposal to reincorporate the Company under the laws of the State of Delaware
(the “Reincorporation”). The Reincorporation would be effected by merging the
Company into VioQuest Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company. The Reincorporation will be effected pursuant to
the
terms of agreement and plan of merger. The Company anticipates that the
Reincorporation will become effective as soon as practicable following
shareholder approval. However, the Reincorporation may be abandoned by the
Board
of Directors before the effective date of the Reincorporation, either before
or
after shareholder approval.
Reasons
for the Reincorporation - Condition to Completing Merger with
Greenwich
The
primary purpose of the proposed Reincorporation is to allow VioQuest to complete
the Merger with Greenwich. As a Minnesota corporation, VioQuest is subject
to
the Minnesota Business Corporation Act (“MBCA”), which prohibits “business
combinations” with “interested shareholders.” Under the MBCA, an “interested
shareholder” includes any person that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly,
10 percent or more of an issuing public corporation’s outstanding voting stock.
For purposes of this definition, a person is deemed the “beneficial owner” of
shares held by a relative or spouse residing in such person’s home, and any
estate or trust in which the person owns 10 percent or more of the total
beneficial interest. A “business combination” includes the merger of an issuing
public corporation or any subsidiary of such corporation with an interested
shareholder or another corporation that is an affiliate (a person or entity
that
controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a specified person)
or associate (including a corporation of which the interested shareholders
beneficially owns more than 10 percent of the voting stock) of the interested
shareholder. Such business combinations are prohibited under the MBCA for a
period of four years after the interested shareholder first became an interested
shareholder unless the shareholders of the issuing public corporation approved
the business combination transaction prior to the date the interested
shareholder first became an interested shareholder.
Lindsay
A. Rosenwald, M.D. is an “interested shareholder” of VioQuest because, since
February 2003, he and various trusts established for his benefit have
collectively owned approximately 16 percent of VioQuest’s outstanding common
stock. Dr. Rosenwald is deemed to beneficially own (as defined under the MBCA)
the shares held by the trusts because he is generally the sole beneficiary
of
the trust assets, although the power to dispose of those assets rests with
a
third party trustee. Dr. Rosenwald and such trusts also own approximately 48
percent of Greenwich’s outstanding voting stock, which makes Greenwich an
associate (and perhaps an affiliate) of Dr. Rosenwald. As a result, the proposed
Merger is a “business combination” under the MBCA because Dr. Rosenwald is an
“interested shareholder” of VioQuest and because Greenwich is an associate
and/or an affiliate of Dr. Rosenwald. Since it has not yet been four years
since
Dr. Rosenwald became an interested shareholder, the proposed Merger with
Greenwich is not permitted under the MBCA.
Although
the General Corporation Law of Delaware (“DGCL”), which sets forth corporate
laws applicable to companies incorporated under Delaware law, contains a
provision similar to the MBCA concerning business combinations with interested
stockholders, the DGCL provision contains certain exceptions that would exempt
the Merger from the restrictions of the business combination provision if
VioQuest were a Delaware corporation. For example, the DGCL’s business
combination provision does not apply to corporations that do not have a class
of
voting stock (i) listed on a national securities exchange, (ii) quoted on the
NASDAQ Stock Market, or (iii) held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders.
VioQuest is neither listed on a national securities exchange (e.g., the New
York
Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange) or on the NASDAQ Stock Market,
and the number of holders of record of VioQuest common stock was only
approximately 1,500
as of
the record date for the Special Meeting. Accordingly, if VioQuest were a
Delaware corporation, the proposed Merger with Greenwich would not be a
prohibited “business combination.”
Other
Reasons for the Reincorporation
VioQuest
also believes reincorporating under Delaware law is advisable because Delaware
is a nationally recognized leader in adopting and implementing comprehensive
and
flexible corporate laws. The DGCL is frequently revised and updated to
accommodate changing legal and business needs. Delaware has also established
a
specialized court, the Court of Chancery, having exclusive jurisdiction over
matters relating to the DGCL. The Chancery Court has no jurisdiction over
criminal and tort cases, and corporate cases are heard by judges, without
juries, who have many years of experience with corporate law issues.
Traditionally, this has meant that the Delaware courts are able in most cases
to
process corporate litigation relatively quickly and effectively. As a result,
Delaware courts have developed considerable expertise in dealing with corporate
illegal issues and produced a substantial body of case law construing Delaware
corporate laws. Because our legal system is based largely on legal precedents,
the abundance of Delaware case law should serve to enhance the relative clarity
and predictability of many areas of corporate law, which should offer added
advantages to VioQuest by allowing our board of directors and management to
make
corporate decisions and take corporate actions with greater assurance as to
the
validity and consequences of those decisions and actions. For these reasons,
most public corporations have chosen to incorporate under the laws of Delaware
or have, like VioQuest’s proposes, reincorporated under Delaware
law.
Reincorporation
from Minnesota to Delaware may also make it easier to attract future candidates
willing to serve on VioQuest’s board of directors since many of such candidates
are already familiar with Delaware corporate law, including provisions relating
to director indemnification, from their past business experience.
Effect
on VioQuest Stock
The
proposed Reincorporation will be effected by completing a merger transaction
in
which VioQuest would merge with and into VioQuest Delaware. Prior to the
proposed Reincorporation, VioQuest and VioQuest Delaware will enter into an
agreement and plan of merger, which will provide, as follows:
· |
VioQuest
will be merged with and into VioQuest Delaware, with VioQuest Delaware
remaining as the surviving corporation and VioQuest’s separate existence
as a Minnesota corporation will
cease;
|
· |
each
holder of VioQuest common stock, par value $.01 per share, will receive
one share of VioQuest Delaware common stock, par value $.001 per
share,
for each share of VioQuest common stock owned by such
holder;
|
· |
certificates
formerly representing shares of VioQuest common stock will thereafter
represent shares of VioQuest Delaware common
stock;
|
· |
all
outstanding options, warrants and other rights to purchase shares
of
VioQuest common stock will automatically convert into an option,
warrant
or other right to purchase the same number of shares of VioQuest
Delaware
common stock;
|
· |
the
certificate of incorporation of VioQuest Delaware, substantially
in the
form attached to this proxy statement as Appendix
D, will
replace VioQuest’s existing articles of incorporation;
and
|
· |
the
name of VioQuest Delaware, as the surviving corporation, will be
changed
to “VioQuest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.”
|
It
will
not be necessary for shareholders of VioQuest to exchange their existing stock
certificates for stock certificates of VioQuest Delaware;
outstanding certificates of VioQuest common stock should not be destroyed or
sent to VioQuest.
Following the Reincorporation, delivery of previously outstanding stock
certificates of VioQuest will constitute “good delivery” in connection with
sales through a broker, or otherwise, of shares of VioQuest
Delaware.
Increase
in Authorized Capital Stock
The
Reincorporation will also have the effect of increasing the number of shares
of
the Company’s authorized capital stock. Currently, the Company’s articles of
incorporation authorize the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of undesignated
capital stock. VioQuest Delaware’s certificate of incorporation, however,
authorizes the issuance of 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000
shares of preferred stock. The Company currently has outstanding approximately
17,800,000 shares of common stock and options and warrants to acquire an
additional approximately 6,200,000 shares of common stock. In connection with
the Merger, we will be required to issue approximately 17,200,000 shares of
common stock to Greenwich’s stockholders, plus warrants to purchase an
additional 4,000,000 shares. Accordingly, following the Merger we expect to
have
outstanding approximately 35,000,000 shares of common stock and options and
warrants to purchase an additional 10,200,000 common shares. Without the
increased number of authorized shares resulting from the Reincorporation, the
Company will have very few additional authorized shares remaining for issuance
and would likely need to seek shareholder approval in the near future. The
increased number of authorized shares resulting from the Reincorporation will
provide the Company will flexibility to raise additional capital in the future
by selling shares of its stock.
Comparative
Rights of VioQuest Stockholders and VioQuest Delaware
Stockholders
If
the
Reincorporation is approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders at the
Special Meeting, the holders of VioQuest common stock, whose rights are
currently governed by the MBCA and VioQuest’s Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws, will become stockholders of VioQuest Delaware, which is a Delaware
corporation. Accordingly, following Reincorporation, their rights will be
governed in accordance with the DGCL and VioQuest Delaware’s Certificate of
Incorporation, in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix
D,
and
Bylaws, which will be substantially identical to VioQuest’s existing bylaws.
Certain differences in the rights of shareholders arise from distinctions
between the MBCA and the DGCL, as well as from VioQuest’s charter instruments as
compared to VioQuest Delaware’s charter instruments. The following is a brief
description of those differences. This discussion is not intended to be a
complete statement of the differences, but rather a summary of the more
significant differences affecting the rights of such shareholders and certain
important similarities. The identification of certain provisions or differences
is not meant to indicate that other equally or more significant differences
do
not exist. The following summary discussion is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the MBCA, DGCL, VioQuest’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and
VioQuest Delaware’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, to which you are
referred.
Shareholders’
Action Without a Meeting
Under
Minnesota law, any action required or permitted to be taken at a shareholders’
meeting may be taken without a meeting by written consent signed by all of
the
shareholders entitled to vote on such action, and a publicly-held company cannot
provide for a lower threshold in its articles of incorporation. This power
cannot be restricted by a corporation’s articles of incorporation. In contrast,
Delaware law permits such an action to be taken if the written consent is signed
by the holders of shares that would have been required to effect the action
at a
meeting of the stockholders. Stockholders who do not sign the written consent
must be notified promptly following the effectiveness of a written consent.
Generally, holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares may take
action by written consent in lieu of a shareholder meeting. However, Delaware
law also provides that a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may restrict
or prohibit stockholders’ action without a meeting. VioQuest Delaware’s
Certificate does not contain any such restriction, so actions may be adopted
by
a written consent signed by the holders of shares that would have been required
to vote in favor of the proposed action at a meeting of stockholders.
Anti-Takeover
Legislation
Both
the
MBCA and the DGCL contain provisions intended to protect shareholders from
individuals or companies attempting a takeover of a corporation in certain
circumstances. The anti-takeover provisions of the MBCA and the DGCL differ
in a
number of respects, and it is not practical to summarize all of the differences.
However, the following is a summary of certain significant differences.
The
Minnesota control share acquisition statute establishes various disclosure
and
shareholder approval requirements that must be satisfied by individuals or
companies attempting a takeover. Delaware has no comparable provision. The
Minnesota statute applies to an “issuing public corporation.” An “issuing public
corporation” is a publicly-held corporation which is incorporated under or
governed by the MBCA and has at least fifty shareholders. The Company is subject
to the statute; VioQuest Delaware, because it is a Delaware corporation, will
not be subject to the statute. The Minnesota statute requires disinterested
shareholder approval for acquisitions of shares of an “issuing public
corporation” which result in the “acquiring person” owning more than a
designated percentage of the outstanding shares of such corporation.
Accordingly, shareholders who acquire shares without shareholder approval and
in
excess of a designated percentage of outstanding shares lose their voting rights
and are subject to certain redemption privileges of the corporation. Such shares
regain their voting rights only if the acquiring person discloses certain
information to the corporation and such voting rights are granted by the
shareholders at an annual or special meeting of the shareholders. The Minnesota
control share acquisition statute applies unless the “issuing public
corporation” opts out of the statute in its articles of incorporation or bylaws.
The Company has not opted out of such provisions.
While
there is no Delaware statute comparable to the Minnesota control share
acquisition statute, both Minnesota and Delaware have business combination
statutes that are intended primarily to deter takeover bids which propose to
use
the target’s assets as collateral for the offeror’s debt financing and to
liquidate the target, in whole or in part, to satisfy financing obligations.
Proponents of the business combination statute argue that such takeovers have
a
number of abusive effects when the target is broken up, such as adverse effects
on the community and employees. Further, proponents argue that if the offeror
can wholly finance its bid with the target’s assets, that fact suggests that the
price offered was not fair in relation to the value of the company, regardless
of the current market price.
The
Minnesota business combination statute provides that an issuing public
corporation (as described above with respect to the Minnesota control share
acquisition statute) may not engage in certain business combinations with
any
person that acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting
stock of
that corporation (i.e., an interested shareholder) for a period of four
years
following the date on which the person became a 10% shareholder (the share
acquisition date) unless, before that share acquisition date, a committee
of the
corporation’s disinterested directors approve either the business combination or
the acquisition of shares. Only specifically defined types of “business
combinations” are prohibited by the Minnesota statute. In general, the
definition includes: any merger or exchange of securities of the corporation
with the interested shareholder; certain sales, transfers, or other disposition
of assets of the corporation to an interested shareholder; transfers by
the
corporation to interested shareholders of shares that have a market value
of 5%
or more of the value of all outstanding shares, except for a pro rata transfer
made to all shareholders; any liquidation or dissolution of, or reincorporation
in another jurisdiction of, the corporation which is proposed by the interested
shareholder; certain transactions proposed by the interested shareholder
or any
affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder that would result
in an
increase in the proportion of shares entitled to vote owned by the interested
shareholder; and transactions whereby the interested shareholder receives
the
benefit of loans, advantages, guarantees, pledges, or other financial assistance
or tax advances or credits from the corporation. For purposes of selecting
a
disinterested committee, a director or person is “disinterested” if the director
or person is neither an officer nor an employee of the issuing public
corporation or a related corporation, nor has been an officer or employee
within
five years preceding the formation of the committee of the issuing public
corporation or a related corporation. The disinterested committee must
consider
and act on any written, good faith proposal to acquire shares or engage
in a
business combination. The disinterested committee must consider and take
action
on the proposal and within 30 days render a decision in writing regarding
the
proposal.
In
contrast to the Minnesota statute, the Delaware statute provides that if a
person acquires 15% or more of the voting stock of a Delaware corporation,
the
person is designated an interested stockholder and the corporation may not
engage in certain business combinations with such person for a period of three
years. However, an otherwise prohibited business combination may be permitted
if
one of three conditions is satisfied. First, if before the date the person
became an interested stockholder, the board of directors approved either the
business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder, then the business combination is permitted.
Second, a business combination is permitted if the tender offer or other
transaction pursuant to which the person acquires 15% stock ownership is
attractive enough such that the interested stockholder is able to acquire
ownership in the same transaction of at least 85% of the outstanding voting
stock (excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding
those shares owned by directors who are also officers and those shares owned
by
certain employee stock ownership plans). Finally, the business combination
is
permissible if approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual
or
special meeting of stockholders (action by written consent is not permitted)
by
the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting shares
held by disinterested stockholders. As in Minnesota, only certain Delaware
corporations are subject to the business combination provisions of Delaware
corporation law. A corporation is subject to the statute if it is incorporated
under the laws of Delaware and has a class of voting stock that is listed on
a
national securities exchange, quoted on the NASDAQ stock market, or held of
record by more than 2,000 shareholders. Because VioQuest Delaware will not
meet
any of these conditions, it will not be subject to the Delaware business
combination statute.
The
“business combinations” prohibited under Delaware law include any of the
following: any merger or consolidation with the interested stockholder; any
sale, transfer or other disposition of assets to the interested stockholder
if
the assets have a market value equal to or greater than 10% of the aggregate
market value of all of the corporation’s assets; any transfer of stock of the
corporation to the interested stockholder, except for transfers in a conversion
or exchange or a pro rata distribution; and any receipt by the interested
stockholder of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, and other financial
benefits, except in connection with a pro rata transfer. The Delaware statute
does not apply to any business combination in which the corporation, with the
support of a majority of those directors who were serving as directors before
any person became an interested stockholder, proposes a merger, sale, lease,
exchange or other disposition of at least 50% of its assets, or supports (or
does not oppose) a tender offer for at least 50% of its voting stock. In such
a
case, all interested stockholders are not required to comply with the three
year
prohibition and may compete with the corporation-sponsored transaction.
Minnesota
law is somewhat more restrictive than Delaware law with respect to a prospective
takeover attempt. In Minnesota, an interested shareholder is one who owns 10%
of
the outstanding shares while in Delaware 15% is the share ownership threshold.
An interested shareholder must wait four years in Minnesota to engage in
prohibited business combinations, compared to a three-year waiting period in
Delaware. Minnesota also has a potentially broader definition of a business
combination which arguably encompasses a larger variety of transactions. Another
difference between the two business combination statutes is the method by which
prohibited transactions become permissible. In Delaware, an otherwise prohibited
business combination may be permitted by board approval, by stockholder
approval, or by an acquisition of 85% of the outstanding shares of voting stock.
In Minnesota, a prohibited transaction is permitted only by advance board
committee approval. In addition, the Delaware statute provides that if the
corporation proposes a merger or sale of assets, or does not oppose a tender
offer, all interested stockholders are not required to comply with the three
year prohibition and in certain circumstances may compete with such proposed
transaction. The Minnesota statute does not have a comparable provision. Both
the Minnesota and Delaware provisions permit a corporation to “opt out” of the
business combination statute by electing to do so in its articles or certificate
of incorporation within a specified time period. Neither the Bylaws nor the
Articles of Incorporation of the Company contain such an “opt out” provision.
Similarly, neither the Certificate of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of VioQuest
Delaware contain such an “opt out” provision.
The
MBCA
includes other provisions relating to takeovers that are not included in the
DGCL. Some of these provisions address a corporation’s use of golden parachutes,
greenmail and the standard of conduct of the Board of Directors in connection
with the consideration of takeover proposals. The MBCA contains a provision
which prohibits a publicly-held corporation from entering into or amending
agreements (commonly referred to as golden parachutes) that increase current
or
future compensation of any officer or director during any tender offer or
request or invitation for tenders. The MBCA provides that a publicly-held
corporation is prohibited from purchasing or agreeing to purchase any shares
from a person who beneficially owns more than 5% of the voting power of the
corporation if the shares had been beneficially owned by that person for less
than two years, and if the purchase price would exceed the market value of
those
shares. However, such a purchase will not violate the statute if the purchase
is
approved at a meeting of the shareholders by a majority of the voting power
of
all shares entitled to vote or if the corporation’s offer is of at least equal
value per share and made to all holders of shares of the class or series and
to
all holders of any class or series into which the securities may be converted.
In considering the best interests of the corporation with respect to a proposed
acquisition of an interest in the corporation, the MBCA authorizes the board
of
directors to consider the interest of the corporation’s employees, customers,
suppliers and creditors, the economy of the state and nation, community and
social considerations and the long-term as well as short-term interests of
the
corporation and its shareholders, including the possibility that these interests
may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation.
Directors’
Standard of Care and Personal Liability
Minnesota
law provides that a director must discharge the director’s duties in good faith,
in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of
the
corporation, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position
would exercise under similar circumstances. A director who complies with such
standards may not be held liable by reason of being a director or having been
a
director of the corporation. Delaware law provides that the business and affairs
of a Delaware corporation are to be managed by or under the direction of its
board of directors. The directors of a company owe fiduciary duties to the
company and its stockholders. These fiduciary duties require directors in making
a business decision to act on an informed basis, in good faith, and in the
honest belief that the action to be taken is in the best interests of the
company and its stockholders. In general, directors owe two distinct fiduciary
duties: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty.
Limitation
or Elimination of Director’s Personal Liability
Minnesota
law provides that the personal liability of a director for breach of fiduciary
duty may be eliminated or limited if the articles of incorporation so provide,
but the articles may not limit or eliminate such liability for (a) any breach
of
the directors’ duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (b) acts
or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (c) the payment of unlawful dividends, stock
repurchases or redemptions, (d) any transaction in which the director received
an improper personal benefit, (e) certain violations of the Minnesota securities
laws, and (f) any act or omission that occurs before the effective date of
the
provision in the articles eliminating or limiting liability. The Company’s
Articles of Incorporation provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by
the
MBCA, a director shall not be personally liable to the Company or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of a directors’ fiduciary duty.
Delaware law provides that if the certificate of incorporation so provides,
the
personal liability of a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director
may
be eliminated or limited, but that the liability of a directors is not limited
or eliminated for (a) any breach of the directors’ duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its shareholders, (b) acts or omissions not in good faith or
involving intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) the payment
of unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or redemptions, or (d) any transaction
in which the director received an improper personal benefit. VioQuest Delaware’s
Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision eliminating the personal
liability of its directors for breach of fiduciary duty, subject to the
foregoing limitations. The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened
litigation to which the limitation of directors’ liability would apply.
Indemnification
Minnesota
law generally provides for mandatory indemnification of persons acting in an
official capacity on behalf of the corporation if such a person acted in good
faith, did not receive any improper personal benefit, acted in a manner the
person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests
of
the corporation and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. Delaware law permits a
corporation to indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents and
expressly provides that such indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive
of
any indemnification right provided under any bylaw, vote of shareholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise. Delaware law permits indemnification
against expenses and certain other liabilities arising out of legal actions
brought or threatened against parties entitled to indemnity for their conduct
on
behalf of the corporation, provided that each such person acted in good faith
and in a manner such person reasonably believed was in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation. In Delaware indemnification is available
in a
criminal action only if the person seeking indemnity had no reasonable cause
to
believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful. Delaware law does not allow
indemnification for directors in the case of an action by or in the right of
the
corporation (including stockholder derivative suits) as to which such director
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless indemnification
(limited to expenses) is ordered by a court. The Certificate of VioQuest
Delaware provides for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by
Delaware law.
Stockholder
Voting
Under
both Minnesota law and Delaware law, action on certain matters, including the
sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation’s
property or assets, mergers, and consolidations and voluntary dissolution,
must
be approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares. In addition,
both states’ laws provide that the articles or certificate of incorporation may
provide for a supermajority of the voting power of the outstanding shares to
approve such extraordinary corporate transactions. Neither the Company’s
Articles nor VioQuest Delaware’s Certificate contain such a provision.
Action
by Directors Without a Meeting
Minnesota
and Delaware law permit directors to take written action without a meeting
for
an action otherwise required or permitted to be taken at a board meeting.
Minnesota law provides that a corporation’s articles of incorporation may
provide for such written action, other than an action requiring shareholder
approval, by the number of directors that would be required to take the same
action at a meeting of the board at which all directors were present. The
Company’s Articles of Incorporation contain such a provision allowing an action
to be taken by written consent of less than all of the directors. Delaware
law
contains no such provision and, thus, written actions by the directors of
VioQuest Delaware must be unanimous. Minnesota law also states that if the
articles of incorporation or bylaws so provide, a director may give advance
written consent or opposition to a proposal to be acted on at a board meeting;
however, such consent or opposition of a director not present at a meeting
does
not constitute presence for determining the existence of a quorum. The Company’s
Bylaws contain such a provision. Delaware law does not contain any advance
written consent or opposition provision.
Conflicts
of Interest
Under
both Minnesota law and Delaware law, a contract or transaction between a
corporation and one or more of its directors, or an entity in or of which one
or
more of the corporation’s directors are directors, officers, or legal
representatives or have a material financial interest, is not void or voidable
solely because of such reason, provided that the contract or transaction is
fair
and reasonable at the time it is authorized, such contract or transaction is
ratified by the corporation’s disinterested stockholders after disclosure of the
relationship or interest, or such contract or transaction is authorized in
good
faith by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors
after
disclosure of the relationship or interest. However, if such contract or
transaction is authorized by the board, under Minnesota law the interested
director may not be counted in determining the presence of a quorum and may
not
vote on such contract or transaction. Delaware law permits the interested
director to be counted in determining whether a quorum of the directors is
present at the meeting approving the contract or transaction, and further
provides that the contract or transaction shall not be void or voidable solely
because the interested director’s vote is counted at the meeting which
authorizes the contract or transaction.
Number
of Directors
Minnesota
law provides that the number of directors shall be fixed by or in the manner
provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, and that the number of
directors may be changed at any time by amendment to or in the manner provided
in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. The Company’s Bylaws provide that
the Board of Directors shall consist of a seven directors. Delaware law provides
that the number of directors shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in,
the bylaws, unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of
directors, in which case a change in the number of directors shall be made
only
by amendment of the certificate. Under the Bylaws and the Certificate of
Incorporation of VioQuest Delaware, the number of directors may be fixed by
resolution of the Board of Directors.
Classified
Board of Directors
Both
Minnesota and Delaware permit a corporation’s bylaws to provide for a classified
board of directors. Delaware permits a maximum of three classes; Minnesota
law
does not limit the number of classes. The Company currently has a classified
board of directors and the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of
VioQuest Delaware provide for a classified board of directors.
Removal
of Director
Under
Minnesota law, unless a corporation’s articles of incorporation provide
otherwise, a director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shareholders or, if the director was named by the
board to fill a vacancy, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the other
directors. Under Delaware law a director of a corporation may be removed with
or
without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of shares entitled to vote
for the election of directors. However, a director of a Delaware corporation
that has a classified board may be removed but only for cause, unless the
certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. The Bylaws of VioQuest Delaware
provide that a director may be removed at any time but only for cause by the
stockholders.
Vacancies
on Board of Directors
Under
Minnesota law, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise,
(a) a vacancy on a corporation’s board of directors may be filled by the vote of
a majority of directors then in office, although less than a quorum, (b) a
newly
created directorship resulting from an increase in the number of directors
may
be filled by the board, and (c) any director so elected shall hold office only
until a qualified successor is elected at the next regular or special meeting
of
shareholders. The Company’s Bylaws follow these provisions. Under Delaware law,
a vacancy on a corporation’s board of directors may be filled by a majority of
the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum, or by the affirmative
vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting shares, unless otherwise provided in
the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws. The Certificate of Incorporation of
VioQuest Delaware provides that a vacancy on a board of directors shall be
filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, and
not
by the stockholders.
Annual
Meetings of Stockholders
Minnesota
law provides that if a regular meeting of shareholders has not been held during
the immediately preceding 15 months, a shareholder or shareholders holding
3% or
more of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote may demand a regular
meeting of shareholders. Delaware law provides that if no date has been set
for
an Annual Meeting of stockholders for a period of 13 months after the last
Annual Meeting, any stockholder or director may request the Delaware court
to
order a meeting to be held.
Special
Meetings of Stockholders
Minnesota
law provides that the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer,
two
or more directors, a person authorized in the articles or bylaws to call a
special meeting, or a shareholder holding 10% or more of the voting power of
all
shares entitled to vote, may call a special meeting of the shareholders, except
that a special meeting concerning a business combination must be called by
25%
of the voting power. Under Delaware law, only the board of directors or those
persons authorized by the corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws
may call a special meeting of the corporation’s stockholders. The Bylaws of
VioQuest Delaware provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called
by
the corporation’s President, Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer or at the request of stockholders owning a majority of the
voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
Voluntary
Dissolution
Minnesota
law provides that a corporation may be dissolved by the voluntary action of
holders of a majority of a corporation’s shares entitled to vote at a meeting
called for the purpose of considering such dissolution. Delaware law provides
that voluntary dissolution of a corporation first must be deemed advisable
by a
majority of the board of directors and then approved by a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote. Delaware law further provides for voluntary
dissolution of a corporation without action of the directors if all of the
stockholders entitled to vote on such dissolution consent in writing to such
dissolution.
Minnesota
law provides that a court may dissolve a corporation in an action by a
shareholder where: (a) the situation involves a deadlock in the management
of
corporate affairs and the shareholders cannot break the deadlock; (b) the
directors have acted fraudulently, illegally, or in a manner unfairly
prejudicial to the corporation; (c) the shareholders are divided in voting
power
for two consecutive regular meetings to the point where successor directors
are
not elected; (d) there is a case of misapplication or waste of corporate assets;
or (e) the duration of the corporation has expired. Delaware law provides that
courts may revoke or forfeit the charter of any corporation for abuse, misuse
or
nonuse of its corporate powers, privileges or franchises.
Inspection
of Shareholder Lists
Under
Minnesota law, any shareholder has an absolute right, upon written demand,
to
examine and copy, in person or by a legal representative, at any reasonable
time, the corporation’s share register. Under Delaware law, any stockholder,
upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, has the right during
the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose a list of the
corporation’s stockholders and to make copies or extracts therefrom.
Amendment
of the Charter
Under
Minnesota law, before shareholders may vote on an amendment to the articles
of
incorporation, either a resolution to amend the articles must have been approved
by the affirmative vote of the majority of the directors present at the meeting
where such resolution was considered, or the amendment must have been proposed
by shareholders holding 3% or more of the voting power of the shares entitled
to
vote. Amending the articles of incorporation requires the affirmative vote
of
the holders of the majority of the voting power present and entitled to vote
at
the meeting (and of each class, if entitled to vote as a class), unless the
articles of incorporation require a larger proportion. Minnesota law
provides that a proposed amendment may be voted upon by the holders of a class
or series even if the articles of incorporation would deny that right, if among
other things, the proposed amendment would change the rights or preferences
of
the class or series, create a new class or series of shares having rights and
preferences prior and superior to the shares of that class or series or limit
or
deny any existing preemptive right of the shares of the class or series. Under
Delaware law, the board of directors must adopt a resolution setting forth
an
amendment to the certificate of incorporation before the stockholders may vote
on such amendment. Unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise,
amendments to the certificate of incorporation generally require the approval
of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon,
and
if the amendment would increase or decrease the number of authorized shares
of
any class or series or the par value of such shares, or would adversely affect
the rights, powers or preferences of such class or series, a majority of the
outstanding stock of such class or series also must approve the amendment.
Amendment
of the Bylaws
Minnesota
law provides that unless the articles of incorporation reserve the power to
the
shareholders, the power to adopt, amend, or repeal a corporation’s bylaws is
vested in the board of directors, subject to the power of the shareholders
to
adopt, repeal, or amend the bylaws. After adoption of initial bylaws, the board
of directors of a Minnesota corporation cannot adopt, amend, or repeal a bylaw
fixing a quorum for meetings of shareholders, prescribing procedures for
removing directors or filling vacancies on the board, or fixing the number
of
directors or their classifications, qualifications, or terms of office, but
may
adopt or amend a bylaw to increase the number of directors. Delaware law
provides that the power to adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws remains with the
corporation’s stockholders, but permits the corporation, in its certificate of
incorporation, to place such power in the board of directors. Under Delaware
law, the fact that such power has been placed in the board of directors neither
divests nor limits the stockholders’ power to adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws.
Proxies
Both
Minnesota and Delaware law permit proxies of definite duration. If the proxy
is
indefinite as to its duration, under Minnesota law it is valid for 11 months,
under Delaware law, the proxy is valid for three years.
Preemptive
Rights
Under
Minnesota law, shareholders have preemptive rights to acquire a certain fraction
of the unissued securities or rights to purchase securities of a corporation
before the corporation offers them to other persons, unless the corporation’s
articles of incorporation otherwise provide. The Company’s Articles provide that
the Company’s shareholders do not have preemptive rights. Under Delaware law,
preemptive rights do not exist unless the corporation’s certificate of
incorporation specifies otherwise. VioQuest Delaware’s Certificate does not
provide for any such preemptive rights.
Dividends
Generally,
a Minnesota corporation may pay a dividend if its board of directors determines
that the corporation will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary course of
business after paying the dividend and if, among other things, the dividend
payment does not reduce the remaining net assets of the corporation below the
aggregate preferential amount payable in the event of liquidation to the holders
of the shares having preferential rights, unless the payment is made to those
shareholders in the order and to the extent of their respective priorities.
A
Delaware corporation may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no
surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is
declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year, except that dividends may not
be
paid out of net profits if, after the payment of the dividend, capital is less
than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having
a
preference upon the distribution of assets.
Stock
Repurchases
A
Minnesota corporation may acquire its own shares if, after the acquisition,
it
is able to pay its debts as they become due in the ordinary course of business
and if enough value remains in the corporation to satisfy all preferences of
senior securities. Under Delaware law, a corporation may purchase or redeem
shares of any class except when its capital is impaired or such purchase would
cause impairment of capital, except that a corporation may purchase or redeem
any of its preferred shares if such shares will be retired upon the acquisition
and the capital of the corporation will be reduced by such retirement of shares.
Treasury
Shares
The
MBCA
does not allow treasury shares. Under the DGCL, the Company may hold treasury
shares and such shares may be held, sold, loaned, pledged or exchanged by the
Company. Such treasury shares, however, are not outstanding shares and therefore
do not receive any dividends and do not have voting rights.
Dissenting
Shareholder Rights
In
some
circumstances under Minnesota law and Delaware law, shareholders have the right
to dissent from certain corporate transactions by demanding payment in cash
for
their shares equal to the fair value of the shares as determined by agreement
with the corporation or by a court in an action timely brought by the dissenting
shareholders. Minnesota law, in general, affords dissenters’ rights upon certain
amendments to the articles of incorporation that materially and adversely affect
the rights or preferences of the shares of the dissenting shareholder, upon
the
sale of substantially all corporate assets and upon merger or exchange by a
corporation. However, no such appraisal rights exist for the holders of any
shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or
designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
system. Delaware law allows for dissenters’ rights only in connection with
certain mergers or consolidations. No such appraisal rights exist, however,
for
corporations whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange or held
of record by more than 2,000 stockholders unless the certificate of
incorporation provides otherwise (the VioQuest Delaware Certificate does not
provide otherwise) or the shareholders are to receive in the merger or
consolidation anything other than (a) shares of stock of the corporation
surviving or resulting from such merger or consolidation, (b) shares of stock
of
any other corporation which at the effective date of the merger or consolidation
will be either listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by
more than 2,000 shareholders, (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares of the
corporation described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), or (d) any
combination of clauses (a), (b), or (c). The procedures for asserting
dissenters’ rights in Delaware impose most of the initial costs of such
assertion on the dissenting shareholder, whereas the Minnesota procedures pose
little financial risk to the dissenting shareholder in demanding payment in
excess of the amount the corporation determined to be the fair value of its
shares.
Abandonment
of Reincorporation Merger
Notwithstanding
shareholder approval, the Board of Directors may abandon the proposed
Reincorporation at any time before the effective time of the Reincorporation
if
the Board of Directors of the Company determines that in its judgment the
Reincorporation does not appear to be in the best interests of the Company
or
its shareholders. In the event the Board of Directors abandons the
Reincorporation, or the Company’s shareholders fail to approve the
Reincorporation, the Company would remain a Minnesota corporation.
Required
Vote for the Reincorporation Merger
The
affirmative vote of a majority of all shares of VioQuest common stock entitled
to vote at the Meeting is required to authorize the Reincorporation. The
enclosed form of Proxy provides a means for shareholders (i) to vote for the
Reincorporation and its resulting effects, (ii) to vote against the
Reincorporation and its resulting effects, or (iii) to abstain from voting
with
respect to the Reincorporation and its resulting effects. Each properly executed
proxy received in time for the Meeting will be voted at such meeting as
specified therein. If
a shareholder executes and returns a proxy but does not specify otherwise,
the
shares represented by such shareholder’s proxy will be voted for the
Reincorporation and all its resulting effects.
A vote
for the proposal will constitute specific approval of the Reincorporation and
its resulting effects, VioQuest Delaware’s Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws, and all transactions and proceedings related to the Reincorporation
described in this proxy statement.
Board
Recommendation and Voting Requirements
The
Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR
approval of the proposal to change the state of incorporation from Minnesota
to
Delaware. Provided
a quorum is present, the
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding
shares of common stock entitled to vote on this item and present, in person
or
by proxy, at the Special Meeting is required for approval of
the
proposal to change the state of incorporation from Minnesota to Delaware.
Proxies solicited by our Board of Directors will be voted for approval of the
amendment, unless shareholders specify otherwise in their proxies.
Dissenters’
Rights
Under
Minnesota law, you have the right to dissent from the proposed Reincorporation
and receive the fair value of your shares in cash. See “Summary of Dissenters’
Rights.”
Federal
Income Tax Consequences of Reincorporation
The
Reincorporation is intended to be tax free under the Internal Revenue Code.
Accordingly, the Company believes that no gain or loss will be recognized by
shareholders for federal income tax purposes as a result of the consummation
of
the Reincorporation. Each shareholder will have a tax basis in the shares of
capital stock of VioQuest Delaware deemed received upon the effective time
of
the Reincorporation equal to the tax basis of the shareholder in the shares
of
capital stock deemed exchanged therefore, and, provided that the shareholder
held the shares of capital stock as a capital asset, such shareholder’s holding
period for the shares of capital stock of VioQuest Delaware deemed to have
been
received will include the holding period of the shares of capital stock deemed
exchanged therefore. No gain or loss will be recognized for federal income
tax
purposes by the Company or VioQuest Delaware and VioQuest Delaware will succeed,
without adjustment, to the tax attributes of the Company.
NOTWITHSTANDING
THE FOREGOING, SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS REGARDING
THE
PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REINCORPORATION UNDER APPLICABLE STATE,
LOCAL
OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
THE
MERGER
Background
of Merger
Greenwich
is a company founded by Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D. and his associates. Dr.
Rosenwald is the chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount BioCapital,
Inc., a New York-based merchant and investment bank and venture capital firm
that focuses on biotechnology companies. Among other business activities, with
its affiliates, Paramount BioCapital creates new companies to then in-license
novel drug and therapeutic technologies to develop and commercialize.
Under
this model, Paramount founded Greenwich in October 2004 and shortly thereafter
began negotiating with academic and research institutions to in-license the
rights to develop and commercialize novel drug and therapeutic technologies.
Aside from Dr. Rosenwald and various trusts established for his benefit, who
collectively own approximately 48 percent of Greenwich’s outstanding common
stock, the rest of Greenwich’s common stock is owned substantially by employees
and other associates of Paramount BioCapital, including Stephen C. Rocamboli
and
Michael Weiser, M.D., Ph.D., both of whom are directors of
VioQuest.
In
February 2005, Daniel Greenleaf, the President and Chief Executive Officer
of
VioQuest, became aware that Greenwich was in negotiations with both the
Cleveland Clinic to in-license the rights to develop and commercialize sodium
stibogluconate, or SSG, and with the Moffitt Cancer Center at the University
of
South Florida to in-license the rights to develop and commercialize triciribine,
or TCN. Mr. Greenleaf initiated preliminary discussions with Dr. Jeffrey Serbin,
an analyst employed by Paramount BioCapital who was involved in conducting
due
diligence research relating to SSG and TCN on behalf of Paramount and Greenwich
to determine if the technologies were available for sale to VioQuest. On several
occasions from February into March 2005, Mr. Greenleaf also had similar
discussions with Dr. Jason Stein, a senior analyst at Paramount, who is also
vice president of Greenwich and a member of its board of directors.
On
March
22, 2005, Mr. Greenleaf informed the VioQuest board of directors of his
discussions with Greenwich concerning acquiring the rights to its two drug
candidates and made a summary presentation of SSG and TCN. No action by the
VioQuest board was taken at this time.
Following
the March 22, 2005 VioQuest board meeting, Mr. Greenleaf continued in
discussions with Drs. Stein and Serbin and J. Jay Lobell, Paramount BioCapital’s
chief operating officer and the president of Greenwich, concerning the terms
and
form of a proposed transaction whereby VioQuest would acquire the rights to
SSG
and TCN.
On
April
4, 2005, at a meeting of the VioQuest board of directors, Dr. Serbin and Dr.
Matthew Wykoff made a presentation to the VioQuest board concerning SSG and
TCN,
which included a lengthy question and answer session with VioQuest’s board. The
VioQuest board took no action at the meeting.
On
April
14, 2005, Greenwich sent a preliminary term sheet to VioQuest’s management,
which outlined the terms of a proposed merger transaction between the two
companies. On April 19, 2005, the VioQuest board of directors met telephonically
to consider the term sheet. Mr. Rocamboli and Dr. Weiser did not participate
in
this meeting as a result of their interest in Greenwich. The board did not
take
any action at the meeting, but agreed to appoint a committee of disinterested
directors to consider and, if warranted, approve the term sheet. Following
this
board meeting, a written consent of the VioQuest board approving resolutions
that appointed a special committee consisting of Kenneth W. Brimmer, David
M.
Tanen and Mr. Greenleaf.
On
April
26, 2005, VioQuest engaged CRA International, a business valuation consultant
to
undertake to render a fairness opinion to VioQuest.
Through
the remainder of April, Mr. Greenleaf, Mr. Lenz and VioQuest’s legal counsel
held numerous discussions with representatives of Greenwich, including Mr.
Lobell, Dr. Stein and its counsel. VioQuest’s special committee of the board
also met several times to discuss and consider various proposed terms of the
transaction. On May 2, 2005, the VioQuest special committee authorized
VioQuest’s management to enter into a non-binding term sheet that outlined the
terms and conditions of a proposed merger transaction whereby a wholly-owned
subsidiary of VioQuest would merge with and into Greenwich, with Greenwich
becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of VioQuest following the transaction. The
term sheet was executed on the evening of May 3, 2005, which VioQuest publicly
announced on May 4, 2005.
Following
the execution of the term sheet, the parties proceeded to negotiate a definitive
merger agreement and commenced due diligence. From early May through the end
of
June 2005, the parties conducted negotiations of the terms of a definitive
merger agreement, with both sides being assisted by its respective legal
counsel.
On
April
28, 2005, Mr. Greenleaf met with representatives of the Cleveland Clinic in
Cleveland, Ohio to discuss the development plans for SSG, and on May 17, 2005,
Mr. Greenleaf met with representatives of the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa,
Florida to discuss the development plans relating to TCN.
On
June
17, 2005, CRA International delivered an oral report to the VioQuest board
of
directors concerning its analysis of the financial terms of the Merger. The
VioQuest board of directors approved the terms of the merger at that date.
However,
following that date, additional negotiations were required with respect to
certain terms. On June 28, 2005, VioQuest’s management informed its board of
directors of the additional items that remained open. The next day, Mr.
Greenleaf met with Mr. Lobell in New York to finalize the agreement on these
open terms. The definitive merger agreement was signed July 1,
2005.
The officers
and directors of VioQuest have known the founders and principals of
Greenwich for, in some cases, several years.
VioQuest’s
Reasons for the Merger
In
August
2004, VioQuest determined to expand its business into biotechnology and drug
development, in addition to its chiral products and services business. VioQuest
then began searching for a chief executive officer candidate with experience
in
biotechnology and drug development, particularly with the development of
therapeutics for use in oncology, immunology and metabolic diseases. In February
2005, the Company hired Mr. Greenleaf as its President and CEO, who was then
charged with finding and acquiring the rights to one or more promising drug
candidates for the Company to develop and commercialize. As indicated above,
shortly after his hiring, Mr. Greenleaf became aware that Greenwich had just
acquired the rights to SSG and was about to acquire the rights to TCN. Following
research and due diligence of these two drug candidates, as well as
approximately two dozen other drug candidates held by various unaffiliated
third
parties, VioQuest’s management believed the Greenwich drugs offered exciting
potential as oncology therapeutics. The Company continued its scientific due
diligence, which concluded that SSG and TCN are promising drug candidates.
VioQuest’s management believes that the Merger and resulting acquisition of SSG
and TCN will help fulfill VioQuest’s objective of developing a therapeutics
business, which it believes will enhance shareholder value.
The
Merger Agreement
General
Terms of the Merger
Pursuant
to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 1, 2005 (the “Merger Agreement”),
between the Company, VQ Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and our
wholly-owned subsidiary (“SubCo”), and Greenwich, we have agreed to effect a
merger transaction in which SubCo will merge with and into Greenwich, with
Greenwich remaining as the surviving corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary
(the “Merger”). In exchange for their shares of common stock, the stockholders
of Greenwich will be entitled to receive such number of shares of VioQuest
common stock representing approximately 47 percent of the outstanding
fully-diluted common shares of VioQuest after giving effect to the Merger.
Upon
completion of the Merger, Greenwich will continue its current operations as
a
wholly owned operating subsidiary of VioQuest.
Manner
and Basis of Converting Greenwich Shares
At
the
effective time of the Merger, each of the issued and outstanding shares of
Greenwich common stock, other than shares held by persons who exercise
dissenters’ rights, will be converted into a number of shares of VioQuest common
stock (the “Merger Shares”) determined by applying an exchange ratio calculated
by dividing:
|
(a)
|
the
fraction 49/51, multiplied
by
|
|
(b)
|
the
number of shares of VioQuest common stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger; by
|
|
(2)
|
the
number of shares of Greenwich Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time on a fully diluted basis.
|
In
addition to the Merger Shares, the Greenwich stockholders will collectively
receive five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of
VioQuest common stock at an exercise price of $1.41 per share (the “Merger
Warrants”), which approximates the blended terms of the currently outstanding
options and warrants to purchase VioQuest common stock. As of the date of this
proxy statement, there were 17,827,924 shares of VioQuest common stock issued
and outstanding and 4,000,000 shares of Greenwich common stock issued and
outstanding. Assuming no additional shares of either company are issued prior
to
the closing of the Merger, each share of Greenwich common stock will
automatically convert into and be exchangeable for 4.2822 shares of VioQuest
common stock (or approximately 17,128,800 shares of VioQuest common stock in
the
aggregate) and one Merger Warrant. Based on the foregoing, the Greenwich
stockholders will hold 49 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of
VioQuest common stock, or approximately 47 percent of VioQuest’s common stock on
a fully-diluted basis (i.e., assuming the issuance of all shares subject to
outstanding options, warrants and other rights to acquire VioQuest common
stock).
Escrow
of Merger Consideration
Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, one-half of both the Merger Shares and Merger Warrants
issuable to the stockholders of Greenwich will be placed in escrow (the
“Escrowed Securities”) with an unaffiliated escrow agent pursuant to an escrow
agreement to be entered into among VioQuest, Greenwich, a third party
escrow agent, and a representative appointed by the stockholders of Greenwich.
The
Escrowed Securities shall be released from escrow after closing and delivered
to
the Greenwich stockholders as follows:
|
(i)
|
thirty-five
percent (35%) of the Escrowed Securities shall be released immediately
upon the conclusion of a Phase I clinical trial pursuant to an
investigational new drug, or IND, application accepted by the U.S.
Food
and Drug Administration, or FDA, for Sodium Stibogluconate, or SSG;
|
|
(ii)
|
fifteen
percent (15%) of the Escrowed Securities shall
be released immediately upon conclusion of a Phase II clinical trial
for
SSG under a VioQuest-sponsored IND; provided that a majority of the
members of VioQuest’s then existing medical advisory board conclude that
such trial yielded results which, in the opinion of such advisory
board,
warrant initiation of Phase III trial(s) (provided that this milestone
shall be deemed to have been satisfied in the event a new drug
application, or NDA, relating to SSG has been accepted for review
by the
FDA prior to any determination by the medical advisory board to initiate
a
Phase III trial);
|
|
(iii)
|
thirty-five
percent (35%) of such Escrowed Securities shall be released immediately
upon the conclusion of a Phase I clinical trial pursuant to a
VioQuest-sponsored IND application accepted by the FDA for Triciribine,
or
TCN; and
|
|
(iv)
|
fifteen
percent (15%) of such Escrowed Securities shall
be released immediately upon conclusion of a Phase II clinical trial
for
TCN under a VioQuest-sponsored IND; provided that a majority of the
members of VioQuest’s then existing medical advisory board conclude that
such trial yielded results which, in the opinion of such advisory
board,
warrant initiation of Phase III trial(s) (provided that this milestone
shall be deemed to have been satisfied in the event an NDA relating
to TCN
has been accepted for review by the FDA prior to any determination
by the
medical advisory board to initiate a Phase III
trial;
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, all Escrowed Securities
will
be
released to the Greenwich stockholders upon a “change of control” of VioQuest or
Greenwich after closing of the Merger. For purposes of the Merger Agreement,
a
“Change of Control” means (a)
the
merger or consolidation of VioQuest
or Greenwich with
or
into another entity in which the stockholders of VioQuest or Greenwich, as
applicable, immediately prior to such merger or consolidation own less than
60
percent of the voting securities of the surviving entity, (b) any other
transaction or series of transactions as a result of which the shareholders
of
VioQuest or Greenwich, as applicable, immediately
prior to such transaction or series of transactions own less than 60 percent
of
the voting securities of VioQuest or Greenwich, as applicable, or other
surviving entity following such transaction (other than the sale of equity
securities by Parent in a capital raising transaction) or (c) the sale or
license of all or substantially all of the assets of Parent or Greenwich, as
applicable, provided that in the case of Greenwich such sale is not to a wholly
owned subsidiary of VioQuest.
In
the
event that the Escrowed Securities relating to the milestones described above
have not been released to Greenwich stockholders by June 30, 2008, any Escrowed
Shares still remaining in the escrow shall be released and delivered to VioQuest
for cancellation, and the Greenwich shareholders will have no further right,
title or interest to such Escrowed Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Escrowed Securities shall be deemed to be issued and outstanding for economic
purposes while such Escrowed Securities are in escrow, and all cash dividends
or
other consideration or distributions (including without limitation additional
securities) declared by VioQuest on any Escrowed Securities and or otherwise
received by VioQuest for payment or distribution to shareholders of record
of
VioQuest at any point that any Escrowed Securities are in escrow, will be
credited to such Escrowed Shares on a pro rata basis and immediately deposited
by VioQuest with the escrow agent as additional Escrowed Securities or as
additional consideration or distributions to be held and distributed by the
escrow agent in accordance with the terms hereof.
Registration
Rights; Lockup Agreement
VioQuest
has agreed to grant “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to the Merger
Shares issuable to Greenwich’s stockholders. This means that, in connection with
the next registration statement to be filed by VioQuest under the Securities
Act
(other than registrations on Forms S-4 or S-8), VioQuest will include the Merger
Shares in such registration. Notwithstanding this obligation, however, the
Greenwich stockholders will not be permitted to sell or otherwise transfer
their
Merger Shares (subject to limited exceptions) for a period of one year from
the
closing of the Merger.
Representations
and Warranties
The
Merger Agreement contains various customary representations and warranties
made
by the Company and VQ Acquisition Corp., and by Greenwich, relating to their
respective organization, capital structures, litigation, financial and tax
conditions, intellectual property, environmental matters, contractual
arrangements, employees, compliance with certain laws and other matters, and
their respective authority to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate
the Merger.
Closing
Conditions
The
closing of the Merger is subject to the following conditions: (i) the Company’s
shareholders will have approved the Reincorporation; (ii) the Company will
have
succeeded in raising $5,000,000 in proceeds through a private placement; (iii)
holders of 98 percent of Greenwich’s common stock having completed a stockholder
questionnaire; (iv) the parties to the Merger Agreement will have executed
a
registration rights agreement and an escrow agreement; (v) no more than 2
percent of Greenwich stockholders will have exercised their statutory appraisal
rights under Delaware law; (vi) receipt by VioQuest of a fairness opinion from
its financial advisor; and (vii) customary officer certificates and tax and
legal opinions will have been delivered.
Termination
The
Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the effective time
of
the Merger:
(1) by
either
VioQuest or Greenwich if:
· |
the
Merger shall not have been completed by August 31, 2005;
or
|
· |
a
governmental authority or court shall have issued an order or taken
other
action prohibiting the Merger;
|
(2) by
VioQuest if:
· |
the
Reincorporation proposal is not approved by VioQuest’s
shareholders;
|
· |
any
of the conditions precedent to VioQuest’s obligation to complete the
Merger become incapable of satisfaction prior to August 31, 2005,
provided
that the failure of such condition is not the fault of
VioQuest;
|
· |
Greenwich
materially breaches or fails to perform any representation, warranty
or
covenant made by Greenwich in the Merger Agreement;
|
· |
the
board of directors of Greenwich withdraws its approval of the Merger
or
takes any other adverse action relating to the Merger or the Greenwich
board of directors fails to reaffirm in writing its recommendation
to the
Greenwich stockholders that they approve the Merger within five days
of
VioQuest’s request to do so;
|
(3) by
Greenwich if:
· |
any
of the conditions precedent to Greenwich’s obligation to complete the
Merger become incapable of satisfaction prior to August 31, 2005,
provided
that the failure of such condition is not the fault of
Greenwich;
|
· |
VioQuest
materially breaches or fails to perform any representation, warranty
or
covenant made by VioQuest in the Merger Agreement;
|
· |
the
board of directors of VioQuest withdraws its approval of the Merger
or
takes any other adverse action relating to the
Merger;
|
Interest
of Certain VioQuest Directors in Greenwich
Stephen
C. Rocamboli and Michael Weiser, M.D., Ph.D., both of whom are directors of
VioQuest, are stockholders of Greenwich. Mr. Rocamboli owns 144,000 shares
of
Greenwich common stock and Dr. Weiser owns 280,000 shares of Greenwich common
stock. Accordingly, upon completion of the Merger, Mr. Rocamboli will receive
approximately 616,320 Merger Shares (assuming a merger conversion ratio of
approximately 4.28 shares of VioQuest common stock for each share of Greenwich
common stock owned) and 144,000 Merger Warrants, and Dr. Weiser will receive
approximately 1,198,400 Merger Shares and 280,000 Merger Warrants. Mr.
Rocamboli’s and Dr. Weiser’s interests in Greenwich were made known to
VioQuest’s board of directors at the outset of the negotiating process between
the companies and neither attended or otherwise participated in any meeting
and
other discussion of the VioQuest board in all matters relating to the
Merger.
Each
of
Mr. Rocamboli and Dr. Weiser are also employed by Paramount BioCapital, Inc.,
of
which Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald is the chairman and sole stockholder. Together
with
various trusts established for the his and his family’s benefit, Dr. Rosenwald
owns approximately 48 percent of Greenwich’s outstanding common stock and
approximately 16 percent of VioQuest’s common stock. See “SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL:
REINCORPORATION UNDER DELAWARE LAW - Reasons for the Reincorporation - Condition
to Completing the Merger with Greenwich.”
Management
of Company after the Merger
Those
individuals serving as directors and officers of the Company prior to the Merger
will continue to serve as directors and officers of the Company following the
Merger.
Regulatory
Approval
No
federal or state regulatory approvals are required in connection with the
Merger.
Material
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Pursuant
to the merger agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VioQuest will be merged
with and into Greenwich, with Greenwich as the surviving corporation, in
exchange for approximately 49 percent of the issued and outstanding common
stock
of VioQuest on apost-transaction basis, plus warrants to purchase an additional
4,000,000 shares of VioQuest common stock. For federal income tax purposes,
it
is expected that no gain or loss will be recognized by VioQuest or VioQuest
shareholders as a result of the Merger.
CERTAIN
INFORMATION REGARDING VIOQUEST
General
VioQuest
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has two subsidiaries - VioQuest Drug Development, Inc.,
which was created for the purpose of acquiring, developing and eventually
commercializing human therapeutics in the areas of oncology, metabolic and
inflammatory diseases and disorders that are current unmet medical needs, and
Chiral Quest, Inc., which continues our historical business of providing chiral
products, technology and services to pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies
in all stages of the product lifecycles with innovative chiral products and
services. Chiral Quest has two main lines of products and services - proprietary
chiral catalysts and chiral building blocks or client-defined molecules. We
have
the rights to certain chemical compounds known as chiral ligands which, with
the
introduction of a metal, serve as catalysts in facilitating the production
of
chiral molecules in such a manner that there is a preferential manufacture
of
the desired molecule versus the unwanted mirror-image molecule. We provide
pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturers and other prospective clients
with broad access to our technologies for testing purposes at a low upfront
cost, coupled with the opportunity to gain access to such technologies for
specific applications for fees, royalties and certain manufacturing and
development rights. Our ligands may also find use in producing fine chemicals
other than pharmaceuticals - chiral molecules are used in flavors, fragrances,
agrochemicals, animal health, food and feed additives (including vitamins)
and
nutraceuticals. In connection with our chiral technology, we provide specialized
services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and fine chemical companies relating
to the development of chiral manufacturing processes for their
products.
Our
proprietary chiral technology was developed by Dr. Xumu Zhang, a professor
at
Pennsylvania State University (“Penn State”) and is owned by the Penn State
Research Foundation (“PSRF”), the technology development arm of Penn State. In
November 2000, we obtained from the PSRF an exclusive, worldwide license to
certain patents based on Dr. Zhang’s research relating to asymmetrical
catalysis. This license gives us the right to, among other things, sub-license
technology rights on a non-exclusive basis to clients, or sell molecule groups,
known as ligands, to pharmaceutical and fine chemical company clients for both
research and commercial applications.
Through
Chiral Quest, we are also engaged in developing and making client-defined
building blocks and drug candidate fragments, mainly in the chiral area. With
this process chemistry offering to life sciences companies, we develop new
synthetic routes or optimize existing ones and produce certain quantities of
material for further processing at the clients’ needs either for further
elaboration, clinical trials or beyond.
We
are a
Minnesota corporation that resulted from the reverse merger of Chiral Quest,
LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company that commenced operations in
October 2000, and Surg II, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, on February 18,
2003.
Chiral
Business
Chiral
Quest has the rights to certain chemical compounds known as chiral ligands
which, with the introduction of a metal, serve as catalysts in facilitating
the
production of chiral molecules in such a manner that there is a preferential
manufacture of the desired molecule. Our products include bulk chiral catalysts,
proprietary building blocks / client-defined targets and a proprietary “Chiral
ToolKit”, comprised of a diverse set of chiral ligands that when combined with
transition metals to catalyze reactions leading to chiral molecules.
A
molecule is considered “chiral” because it exists in two “enantiomers,” or
non-superimposable mirror images of each other analogous to one’s left and right
hands. Most drugs interact with biological targets in a specific manner,
requiring the drug to be of a specific shape and orientation. Contaminating
“wrong-handed” enantiomers of the active drug molecule will probably not
interact with the biological drug target, or worse, interact with a different
biological molecule in an unintended and often toxic manner. Thalidomide, the
morning sickness drug used by pregnant women in the 1960’s, is a notorious
example of an impure chiral drug. One enantiomer of the drug’s chiral molecules
treated morning sickness, while its undesired enantiomer impurity caused birth
defects. Pharmaceutical companies are typically required, at great expense,
to
purify the active mirror-image form of the drug molecule away from its
contaminating or inactive counterpart, to maximize both safety and efficacy.
We
also
use our technology to provide specialized services to pharmaceutical,
biotechnology and fine chemical companies relating to the development of chiral
manufacturing processes for their products. Furthermore, Chiral Quest offers
a
variety of services covering specialized chiral transformation screening, chiral
synthetic or process support and chiral manufacturing solutions to be delivered
on a partnership/contract basis with client firms.
Over
50
percent of the 500 top-selling pharmaceutical drugs on the market are comprised
of chiral molecules, including drugs used to treat anxiety, depression,
indigestion, heartburn, cancer, arthritis, AIDS and allergies. In 2004, chiral
drug sales were over $175 billion, based on a report in SRI
Consulting, which
represents over one third of the complete drug market of over $470 billion.
The
majority of new drug candidates under development by pharmaceutical companies
consist of chiral chemicals.
Our
Technology
The
Chiral Quest “Chiral Library” depicted below identifies the current commercial
portfolio of proprietary ligands from which clients order both the Chiral
ToolKit selection sets for Research and Development testing as
well as
bulk quantities for larger scale uses and commercialization.
Our
Products and Services
Chiral
ToolKit.
We
currently sell products that represent several of the proprietary families
of
our chiral ligands to which the Company has exclusive rights. These ligands
are
sold in research quantities that are packaged in convenient Chiral ToolKit
sets
for exclusive use in research applications by client companies. These
innovative, patent protected ligands are screened by clients for applications
in
the manufacturing of their chiral molecules. Clients use this screening process
to determine which ligands may prove optimal for their chiral manufacturing
needs. The sale of research quantities of ligands allows clients to gain initial
access to our technology and to independently validate the advantages provided
by that technology.
Screening
Services.
We also
provide focused screening of client supplied target compounds using our
proprietary ligands. In addition to the select ligands included in the Chiral
ToolKit, we have several families of chiral ligands that are used to “screen”
target compounds. In other words, we “test” our ligands with target compounds to
determine whether our ligands can be used efficiently to manufacture a desired
building block or compound for a client. Accordingly, we will identify and
prepare individual ligands optimized for particular client needs. Sometimes,
because of their expertise and know-how, our chemists can develop a “higher
yield” manufacturing process using our ligands with a client target than outside
chemists using our Chiral Toolkit independently on the same chiral targets.
We
work with our clients to help optimize the conditions under which our ligands
are used and also produce certain molecules of customer interest. This may
involve the development of novel manufacturing processes.
Bulk
Ligands.
We also
sell larger quantities of proprietary chiral ligands to which we have exclusive
rights, including some that are not included in our Chiral ToolKit. These
ligands are sold individually to clients in amounts specified by the client
according to their research, development or semi-commercial needs. One of our
objectives is to provide clients with their required ligands and catalysts,
either from our own laboratories or through third party manufacturers, for
research, clinical and commercial purposes.
Proprietary
Building Blocks / Client-Defined Targets.
We may
also produce and sell certain selected chiral products defined by our clients
such as chiral building blocks or intermediates. “Building Blocks” or
“intermediates” are completed parts or refined raw material used to ultimately
manufacture a finished product.
Sales
and Marketing
We
sell
our products and services directly to clients both in the pharmaceutical and
fine chemical areas. In January 2005, we hired a senior executive and Vice
President of Business Development respectively, who are focused on sales and
marketing activities. We intend to hire additional marketing personnel in the
near future.
Competition
Competition
in the traditional area of separation manufacture of chiral molecules comes
from
a few distinct sources, including Chiral Technologies Inc., ChromTech Ltd.,
NovaSep, Inc. and Advance Separation Technologies Inc. Traditional methods
of
manufacturing chiral molecules involve the production of a mixture of both
chiral forms of molecules of interest, followed by a process which separates
the
desired enantiomer from the undesired enantiomer. This methodology, though
still
commonly used, is extremely cost-ineffective, as it results in the loss of
greater than 50 percent of the intermediate product at each chiral purification
step. We believe we have a competitive advantage over companies using
traditional methods of separation because our technology drives the preferential
manufacture of chiral enantiomers of interest, which can result in 95 to 99
percent yields. This can result in significant cost savings in the manufacturing
process, particularly for chiral molecules that may require several chiral
separation steps by traditional methods.
In
the
area of chemical catalysts for chiral drug manufacturing, we compete with
pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies, including our current and potential
clients and collaborators, as well as academic and research institutions. Some
of these companies include the Dow Chemical Company, Degussa AG, Rhodia ChiRex
Inc. and Solvias AG. Many of these companies are developing or marketing
technologies and services similar to the ones developed or offered by us. We
anticipate continued competition from other manufacturers of chiral catalysts
in
the future.
Some
of
our competitors, such as Codexis, a wholly owned subsidiary of Maxygen, or
Diversa Corporation, attempt to genetically modify biological enzymes for the
purpose of serving as biological catalysts for asymmetric chiral manufacturing.
While this approach works in certain circumstances, it is extremely
time-consuming to develop for each individual manufacturing process. We believe
our technology has the competitive advantage of being more broadly applicable
to
a number of common asymmetric transformations.
Proposed
Drug Development Business
In
2004,
we determined to also pursue a drug development business. Accordingly, we are
seeking to acquire, develop and bring to market therapies for oncological,
metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Pursuant to these ends, on July 1, 2005,
we
entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Greenwich Therapeutics, which
holds exclusive rights to develop and commercialize two oncology drug
candidates. Below is a summary of relevant information relating to each of
these
product candidates.
Market
for Company Common Stock
Since
August 27, 2004, VioQuest’s common stock has traded on the OTC Bulletin Board
under the symbol “VQPH.OB”. From February 18, 2003, VioQuest’s common stock
traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “CQST.OB.” From October 4,
2002 to February 18, 2003, it traded under the symbol “SURG.OB.” The following
table lists the high and low bid price for VioQuest’s common stock as quoted, in
U.S. dollars, by the OTC Bulletin Board, as applicable, during each quarter
within the last two completed fiscal years and the first two completed quarters
of fiscal 2005. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail
mark-up, markdown, or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
Trading on our common stock has been sporadic, exemplified by the low trading
volume and many days upon which no trades occurred.
|
|
Price
Range
|
|
Quarter
Ended
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
March
31, 2003
|
|
|
1.65
|
|
|
1.62
|
|
June
30, 2003
|
|
|
2.50
|
|
|
1.55
|
|
September
30, 2003
|
|
|
2.23
|
|
|
2.00
|
|
December
31, 2003
|
|
|
1.83
|
|
|
1.50
|
|
March
31, 2004
|
|
|
1.76
|
|
|
1.76
|
|
June
30, 2004
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
September
30, 2004
|
|
|
1.25
|
|
|
1.25
|
|
December
31, 2004
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
|
0.80
|
|
March
31, 2005
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
|
0.60
|
|
June
30, 2005
|
|
|
1.01
|
|
|
0.59
|
|
As
of
July 11, 2005, VioQuest had approximately 1,500 shareholders of record.
It
is believed that approximately 2,500 additional shareholders own shares
of
VioQuest common stock in street name.
Where
You Can Find More Information; Incorporation by Reference
We
are
allowed to “incorporate by reference” certain information which we file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This means that we can provide
important information regarding the Company to you by referring to documents
previously filed with the SEC. Any new information that we may provide in any
filing with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information
contained in this Proxy Statement. All information filed or to be filed with
the
SEC is considered a part of this Proxy Statement.
We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below, and any additional filing
we may make with the SEC, under Sections 13 and 14 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934:
• Form
10-KSB annual report for the period ended December 31, 2004;
• Quarterly
Rerport on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2005; and
• Current
Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 12, 2005 and February 7, 2005,
respectively.
We
will
provide you with a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement if you request it by writing us at VioQuest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
7
Deer Park Drive, Suite E, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852, Attention:
Secretary, or by calling us at (732) 274-0399, ext. 17. Upon such request,
the
document will be sent to you by first class mail within one business day of
our
receipt of the request.
You
may
also read and copy any materials we file with SEC at the Public Reference
Facility maintained by the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, 450 5th Street, N.W., Room
1024, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can receive additional information about
the
operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Facilities by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov
that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding companies that, like us, file information electronically with the
SEC.
INFORMATION
REGARDING GREENWICH THERAPEUTICS
Overview
Greenwich
is a corporation formed on October 28, 2004 under the laws of the State of
Delaware. Since inception, it has been focused on acquiring the rights to
develop and commercialize pharmaceutical drig candidates, particularly
candidates for use in oncology. Greenwich currently has the exclusive rights
to
develop and commercialize two oncology drug candidates - Sodium Stibogluconate,
also called “SSG,” and Triciribine, or “TCN.”
To
date,
Greenwich is only in the early stages of development of its product candidates,
which is a very lengthy and expensive process. None of its product candidates
have been approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any
other regulatory body, and neither Greenwich nor us, assuming completion of
the
Merger, expects to have obtained such approvals for several years, if ever.
Accordingly, Greenwich has not received any commercial revenues to date and,
until the necessary regulatory approvals for Greenwich’s drug candidates are
obtained, Greenwich’s business will not generate any commercial revenues.
Further, Greenwich (or our company, assuming completion of the Merger) will
need
substantial additional capital in the future in order to fund the development
of
Greenwich’s product candidates to completion. Greenwich has a history of losses
since its inception and expects to continue incurring substantial losses and
negative operating cash flow for the foreseeable future.
Greenwich’s
principal executive office is located at 787 Seventh Avenue, 48th
Floor,
New York, New York 10019 and its telephone number is (212)
554-4300.
Oncology
Overview
Cancer
is
the second leading cause of death in America. In the U.S., half of all men
and
one third of all women will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Since
1990, over 17 million new cancer cases have been diagnosed. A number of drugs
are used in the treatment of cancer. These drugs are used to reduce pain,
prolong the life of the patient, send the cancer into remission or eliminate
the
cancer completely. There is great opportunity for improvement in all types
of
cancer treatment. Recognizing this vast health and commercial opportunity,
Greenwich was established as a biopharmaceutical company that acquires,
develops, and commercializes innovative products for the treatment of important
unmet medical needs in cancer and immunological diseases.
Definition
of Cancer
Cancer
develops when abnormal cells in the body begin to grow out of control. These
cancer cells will out live normal cells and go on to form additional cancerous
cells. The danger is that these cells will often travel to other parts of the
body and replace normal tissue, a process called metastasis. Frequently, these
metastases ultimately lead to a patient’s death. Although the exact cause of
cancer is still uncertain, it is believed that genetics and environmental toxins
play a role.
Cancer
Statistics and Market Overview
The
American Cancer Society estimates that 1,334,100 new cases of cancer will be
diagnosed in 2003 alone. The National Institute of Health estimated an overall
cost of cancer to be $171.6 billion in 2002. This cost includes $60.9 billion
in
direct medical expenses, $15.5 billion in indirect morbidity costs, and $95.2
billion in indirect mortality costs. This year, 556,500 deaths are expected
to
be due to cancer or one in four deaths in the US. For all types of cancer
combined, the 5-year relative survival rate is 62%.1
A list
of incidence rates of leading cancers in the US can be found on the following
page.
Summary
of Cancer Incidence and Mortality and 5-Year Relative Survival
Rates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
|
5-Year
Relative
|
|
|
|
|
Cancer
|
|
|
Cancer
|
|
|
Survival
Rates
|
|
|
|
|
Cases
|
|
|
Deaths
|
|
|
(Percent)
|
|
Primary
Site
|
|
|
in
2000
|
|
|
in
2000
|
|
|
1950-54
|
|
|
1992-99
|
|
Oral
cavity and Pharynx
|
|
|
30,200
|
|
|
7,492
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
59.7
|
|
Esophagus
|
|
|
12,300
|
|
|
12,232
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
15.4
|
|
Stomach
|
|
|
21,500
|
|
|
12,645
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
Colon
and Rectum
|
|
|
130,200
|
|
|
57,477
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
63.0
|
|
Colon
|
|
|
93,800
|
|
|
48,570
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
63.0
|
|
Rectum
|
|
|
36,400
|
|
|
8,907
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
63.0
|
|
Liver
and Intrahep
|
|
|
15,300
|
|
|
16,582
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
6.8
|
|
Pancreas
|
|
|
28,300
|
|
|
29,331
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Larynx
|
|
|
10,100
|
|
|
3,861
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
66.6
|
|
Lung
and Bronchus
|
|
|
164,100
|
|
|
155,788
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
15.1
|
|
Males
|
|
|
89,500
|
|
|
90,676
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
Females
|
|
|
74,600
|
|
|
65,112
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
17.2
|
|
Melanoma
of the skin
|
|
|
47,700
|
|
|
7,420
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
89.8
|
|
Breast(females)
|
|
|
182,800
|
|
|
41,872
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
87.9
|
|
Cervix
uteri
|
|
|
12,800
|
|
|
4,200
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
72.9
|
|
Corpus
and Uterus, NOS
|
|
|
36,100
|
|
|
6,585
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
86.3
|
|
Ovary
|
|
|
23,100
|
|
|
14,453
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
52.4
|
|
Prostate
|
|
|
180,400
|
|
|
31,078
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
98.4
|
|
Testis
|
|
|
6,900
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
95.8
|
|
Urinary
bladder
|
|
|
53,200
|
|
|
12,306
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
82.6
|
|
Kidney
and Renal pelvis
|
|
|
31,200
|
|
|
12,038
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
62.9
|
|
Brain
and Other nervous
|
|
|
16,500
|
|
|
12,655
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Thyroid
|
|
|
18,400
|
|
|
1,328
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
96.1
|
|
Hodgkin
lymphoma
|
|
|
7,400
|
|
|
1,287
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
85.0
|
|
Non-Hodgkin
lymphoma
|
|
|
54,900
|
|
|
22,553
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
57.2
|
|
Myeloma
|
|
|
13,600
|
|
|
10,697
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
30.9
|
|
Leukemia
|
|
|
30,800
|
|
|
21,339
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
47.6
|
|
Childhood(0-14
yrs)
|
|
|
8,600
|
|
|
1,526
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
78.7
|
|
All
Sites
|
|
|
1,220,100
|
|
|
553,080
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
64.4
|
|
Source:
SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2000.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greenwich
Therapeutics’ Product Candidates - Sodium Stibogluconate
Sodium
Stibogluconate, or SSG, is a pentavalent antimonial drug that has been used
safely for over 50 years in parts of Africa and Asia for the treatment of
leishmaniasis, a protozoan disease. Recent research at the Cleveland Clinic
has
revealed the mechanism of action of SSG. Based on such research, we believe
that
SSG acts by inhibiting the enzymatic action of multiple protein tyrosine
phosphatases, or PTPases, specifically, the SRC homology PTPase (SHP-1). PTPases
are enzymes involved in the intracellular signaling pathways of a number of
receptor tyrosine kinases involved in controlling cell growth, proliferation
and
differentiation. SHP-1 is a PTPase involved in the regulation of intracellular
signaling in hematopoietic cells, and mutations in this enzyme in cancerous
cells leads to hyper-responsiveness to normal stimuli, and thus cancerous
transformation. By inhibiting the enzymatic action of the SHP-1 protein tyrosine
phosphatase, it is believed that SSG may be effective
in
triggering apoptosis, or cell death, in malignant cancer cells.
Preclinical
Data
We
believe, based on the results of in vivo testing of SSG in mice to date, that
SSG has anti-proliferative effects against a broad number of tumor cell lines,
including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. These effects were seen whether
used as part of a combination therapy with existing treatments, including
interferon and interleukin-2. In addition, based on preclinical data, we believe
that SSG has promise as a monotherapy to treat certain other tumor types,
including prostate cancer. The preclinical data suggests that SSG utilizes
multiple modes of action, including having a direct effect on cancer cells,
as
well as generally empowering the immune system. These multiple modes of action,
along with SSG’s historical modest toxicity profile, indicate to us that SSG is
an ideal drug to evaluate as an anti-cancer agent.
Potential
Lead Indication of SSG
The
standard of care for solid tumors, lymphoma, myeloma and certain other
hematological malignancies, such as low-grade lymphoma and chronic myelogenous
leukemia, includes Interferon alpha-2b, or IFN a-2b.
However, many patients treated with IFN a-2b
become refractory, or non-responsive to continued treatment. In addition, the
toxicity profile of IFN a-2b
often
limits its clinical efficacy. We believe that the effectiveness of this existing
treatment may be improved by utilizing SSG as a combination therapy with IFN
a-2b.
Specifically, we believe that SSG, due to its demonstrated ability to inhibit
PTPases, will augment the anti-proliferative activity and improve the efficacy
of IFN a-2b
therapy. Therefore, we believe that the efficacy shown in preclinical studies
by
SSG in combination therapy with IFN a-2b,
when
considered with its acceptable historical safety profile, may position it well
as a combination therapy effective in treating solid tumors and certain other
hematological malignancies.
Clinical
Development
SSG
is
currently being studied in a twenty-four patient phase I/II clinical trial
at
the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center for combination therapy using IFN
a-2b
paired with SSG in the treatment of refractory solid tumors, lymphoma and
melanoma. The primary objective of this clinical trial is to confirm the
tolerance, safety and maximum tolerated dose, or MTD, of SSG in combination
with
IFN a-2b.
In
addition, the trial will also provide pharmacokinetic data and may provide
us
with anecdotal indicators of efficacy, although the trials will not be designed
to measure or demonstrate efficacy. This clinical trial is expected to be
completed by the second quarter of 2006. The Cleveland Clinic intends to fund
all costs associated with this clinical trial although we may incur costs
relating to the completion of this trial as the Cleveland Clinic has no specific
obligation to us to fund this trial. Pending a successful completion of this
Phase I/II clinical trial, we anticipate initiating a Phase II trial in the
second half of 2006.
Advantages
Over Existing Developmental Therapeutics
Potential
advantages of SSG over existing therapies include SSG’s long history of use,
favorable toxicity and side effect profiles, and efficacy in refractory
preclinical cancer models. As previously discussed, SSG has been utilized in
the
treatment of leishmaniasis for over fifty years in parts of Africa and Asia.
In
connection with such use, SSG has demonstrated favorable toxicity and side
effect profiles, at dosages well in excess of the dosages we intend to utilize
in our clinical trials using SSG in the treatment of cancer. Also, based on
preclinical in vivo cancer models, we believe that SSG may have better efficacy
in treating refractory cancer than existing standards of care.
Competition
To the
knowledge of Vioquest or Greenwich, no clinically feasible inhibitors of such
PTPases have previously been demonstrated to be effective to treat cancer.
CombinatoRx, Incorporated, a privately held biotechnology company, is developing
a clinical drug candidate containing Pentamidine + Thorazine. Pentamidine may
also be a PTPase inhibitor and has also previously been used for the treatment
of leishmaniasis. Hoffman-La Roche Inc. and Wyeth are investigating PTPase
inhibitors for the potential treatment of non-insulin dependent
diabetes.
Greenwich
Therapeutics’ Product Candidates - Triciribine
Triciribine,
or TCN, is a nucleoside analog that had been under development for many years
as
an anti-cancer therapy and as an anti-viral therapy. The National Cancer
Institute, or NCI, previously advanced TCN into clinical trials in oncology
in
the 1980s and 1990s. While an anti-cancer signal was seen in these clinical
trials in various tumor types, including sarcoma, colorectal, hepatic and breast
cancers, the drug was limited by its side effect profile (specifically,
hyperglycemia and hepatotoxicity). Recently, investigators at the Moffitt Cancer
Center at the University of South Florida screened a library of over 2,000
compounds for Akt (Protein Kinase B) inhibition, and TCN had the strongest
signal at low dose concentrations. We believe that this discovery shows that
the
anti-cancer mechanism of action of TCN involves the inhibition of Akt.
Though
not normally active in human cells, Akt, a serine/threonine protein kinase,
is
typically hyperactivated, or hyperphosphorylated,
in many
tumor types. Since
Akt
has
been shown to play a critical role in malignant transformation by inducing
cell
survival, growth, migration, and angiogenesis, and since research demonstrates
disruption of the Akt pathway leads to apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth,
we believe that Akt is an attractive therapeutic target. Therefore, if TCN
inhibits Akt, as available research indicates, we believe that TCN may
be
effective in the treatment of certain malignancies.
Preclinical
Data
We
believe that the in vitro preclinical experiments performed to date on human
tumor cell lines and in vivo experiments in nude mice xenograft experiments
demonstrate that TCN inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis, or
cell
death, in cancer cells that express elevated Akt. Moreover, since TCN had little
effect in these preclinical models on cancer cell lines in which Akt was not
overexpressed, or elevated, we believe that TCN’s anticancer mechanism is
through the inhibition of Akt in tumors that express elevated Akt levels, by
directly and irreversibly binding the Akt receptor. Furthermore,
the effectiveness of the low doses used in these preclinical experiments suggest
that the side effects prevalent in previous clinical trials conducted by the
NCI
may be minimized.
Potential
Lead Indication of Triciribine
The
efficacy of TCN as an anti-cancer drug in previous clinical trials was limited
by the side effects associated with its usage. We believe, however, that these
side effects were closely related to the high dosage levels used in these
trials. In addition, we believe that the hyperglycemia seen as a side effect
may
have resulted from TCN’s mechanism of action on Akt, as recent preclinical
studies have shown that a deficiency of Akt impairs the ability of insulin
to
lower blood glucose, which could lead to a hyperglycemic condition. The previous
NCI-sponsored clinical trials used dosages that ranged up to 256mg/m2, and
these
trials targeted tumors without regard to whether such tumors overexpressed
Akt,
since, at the time of such trials, the mechanism of action for TCN was not
fully
understood. We believe that, based on the preclinical studies conducted to
date,
TCN effectively and selectively induces apoptosis and inhibits growth in tumor
cells with elevated levels of Akt at doses lower than those used in the previous
clinical trials. Therefore, we believe that by selectively screening and
treating only those patients with tumors that overexpress Akt, TCN in low doses
could achieve tumor inhibition and regression without the significant side
effects previously associated with its usage at higher dose levels. As a result,
our initial potential lead indication for TCN will be for the treatment of
solid
tumors known to overexpress Akt, which constitute a significant percentage
of
all colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic and breast tumors.
Additional
Potential Indications for TCN
While
TCN
continues in clinical development for solid tumors that overexpress Akt, we
intend to continue evaluating, in consultation with our Scientific Advisory
Board, management team and other consultants, TCN’s potential in treatment for
hematological and other malignancies. We intend to continue the preclinical
and
clinical development of TCN in those indications in which we believe it shows
potential.
Clinical
Development
Greenwich
is currently finalizing a protocol for a Phase I/II clinical trial to be
conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida for
TCN in the treatment of metastatic colorectal, pancreatic, breast and ovarian
tumors. Each patient enrolled in the clinical trial will have refractory solid
tumors that have demonstrated hyperphosphorylated, or overexpressed, Akt on
archived pathology samples. The primary objective of this clinical trial will
be
to confirm the tolerance, safety and maximum tolerated dose, or MTD, of TCN.
In
addition, the trial will also provide pharmacokinetic data and may provide
us
with anecdotal indicators of efficacy, although the trials will not be designed
to measure or demonstrate efficacy. It is expected that this clinical trial
will
begin in late 2005 and will take approximate 6 to 9 months to complete. Pending
a successful completion of this Phase I/II clinical trial, we anticipate
initiating a Phase II trial in the second half of 2006.
Advantages
over Existing Developmental Therapeutics
The
planned clinical trials utilizing TCN in patients that have demonstrated tumors
that express elevated Akt is a strategy that we believe offers significant
advantages over classic anticancer therapies. Our research indicates to us
that
low dose treatment with TCN directly binds the Akt molecule. This will target
cancer cells specifically, while sparing healthy cells, resulting in fewer
side
effects. This “targeted therapy” takes advantage of the biologic differences
between cancer cells and healthy cells. We expect this approach to result in
a
decreased number of patients required to see a clinical effect, as we predict
that a larger percentage of the patients treated will benefit from treatment
with TCN. We expect that this will decrease both the clinical trial regulatory
time period, and also the costs associated with such clinical trials, as
compared to other anticancer products currently in clinical
development.
Competition
There
is
currently no approved Akt inhibitor on the market. Keryx Biopharmaceuticals,
Inc., a public company, is developing Perifosine. Perifosine is an
alkylphospholipid that has been shown to inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathway, but
research to date has not demonstrated that it directly binds the Akt molecule.
Multiple pharmaceutical companies have Akt inhibitors in the early discovery
stage of development, including Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc. and
Eli Lilly.
License
Agreements & Intellectual Property
General
Greenwich’s
goal is to obtain, maintain and enforce patent protection for its products,
formulations, processes, methods and other proprietary technologies, preserve
its trade secrets, and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights
of
other parties, both in the United States and in other countries. Greenwich’s
policy is to actively seek to obtain, where appropriate, the broadest
intellectual property protection possible for its current product candidates
and
any future product candidates, proprietary information and proprietary
technology through a combination of contractual arrangements and patents, both
in the U.S. and abroad. However, even patent protection may not always afford
complete protection against competitors who seek to circumvent its patents.
See
“Risk Factors - If
we
fail to adequately protect or enforce Greenwich’s intellectual property rights
or secure rights to patents of others, the value of those intellectual property
rights would diminish”
above.
SSG
In
February 2005, Greenwich entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement
with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for certain intellectual property rights
and associated know-how relating to Sodium Stibogluconate, or SSG. As
consideration for the license of these rights to SSG, Greenwich paid the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation an initial license fee of $500,000, reimbursed
the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation for certain costs and expenses incurred by it and
agreed to pay the Cleveland Clinic Foundation an annual license maintenance
fee
of $35,000 until the first commercial sale of the licensed product. In addition,
the license agreement requires Greenwich to make substantial payments upon
the
achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones. Should SSG become
commercialized, Greenwich will be obligated to pay to the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation an annual royalty based on net sales of the product. In the event
that Greenwich sublicenses SSG to a third party, Greenwich will be obligated
to
pay the Cleveland Clinic Foundation a portion of fees and royalties received
from the sublicense. The license agreement contains other customary clauses
and
terms as are common in similar agreements in the industry.
TCN
In
April
2005, Greenwich entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with
the
University of South Florida Research Foundation, Inc., for certain intellectual
property rights and associated know-how relating to Triciribine, or TCN. As
consideration for the license of these rights to Triciribine, Greenwich paid
the
University of South Florida Research Foundation an initial license fee of
$40,000, reimbursed the University of South Florida Research Foundation for
certain costs and expenses incurred and agreed to sponsor a Research Project
involving the licensed technology in the amount of $25,000 annually. In
connection with the License Agreement, Greenwich has agreed to make substantial
payments to the University of South Florida Research Foundation, payable upon
the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones. Should a product
incorporating the licensed technology be commercialized, Greenwich is obligated
to pay to the University of South Florida Research Foundation an annual royalty
based on net sales of the product. In the event that the Company sublicenses
TCN
to a third party, Greenwich is obligated to pay the University of South Florida
Research Foundation a portion of fees and royalties received from the
sublicense. The license agreement contains other customary clauses and terms
as
are common in similar agreements in the industry.
Legal
Proceedings
Greenwich
is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
Plan
of Operation
Research
and Development. Over
the
next 12 months, Greenwich expects to develop and initiate clinical Phase
I/II trials for both the licensed anti-cancer treatment compounds. Greenwich
believes its planned development activities for the next 12 months will require
additional financing of approximately $5,000,000.
Purchases
of Facilities and Significant Equipment.
Greenwich has no operating facilities or equipment. Assuming completion of
the
Merger, VioQuest’s management intends to move Greenwich’s offices for
administration and corporate development to new offices in Basking Ridge, New
Jersey at a rental cost of approximately $4,000 per month.
Employees. As
of
June 30, 2005, Greenwich had no employees. Management anticipates hiring a
Chief
Medical Officer and has extended an offer which has been accepted for a Vice
President of Corporate Business Development role.
Information
Concerning Greenwich Stock
Shares
of
Greenwich’s common stock are not publicly traded. Greenwich’s certificate of
incorporation authorize it to issue 25,000,000 shares of capital stock, of
which
20,000,000 shares are authorized as common stock and 5,000,000 shares are
authorized as preferred stock. As of the date of this proxy statement, 4,000,000
shares of Greenwich’s common stock were outstanding and no shares of preferred
stock were outstanding. Greenwich does not have outstanding any options,
warrants or other rights to purchase shares of its common stock.
As
of the
date of this proxy statement, there were 50 holders of Greenwich common
stock. Greenwich has not paid or declared any dividends on its common stock
and
does not anticipate doing so in the near future.
Selected
Historical Financial Data
The
following table summarizes certain selected historical financial data of
Greenwich, which should be read in conjunction with the audited financial
statements of Greenwich attached to this proxy statement as Appendix
C.
The
statement of operations data set forth below for the quarter ended March 31,
2005, and the balance sheet data as of March 31, 2005, are derived from the
unaudited financial statements of Greenwich attached to this Proxy Statement
as
Appendix
C.
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
in the future.
|
|
Quarter
Ended
March
31, 2005
|
|
Period
from
October
28 2004
(inception)
to
March
31, 2005
|
|
Statement
of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Operating
expenses
|
|
|
596,459
|
|
|
665,011
|
|
Loss
from operations
|
|
|
(596,459
|
)
|
|
(665,011
|
)
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(3,072
|
)
|
|
(3,487
|
)
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
(599,531
|
)
|
|
(668,498
|
)
|
Basic
and diluted net loss per share
|
|
$
|
(0.15
|
)
|
$
|
(0.17
|
)
|
|
|
March
31, 2005
|
|
Balance
Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
|
30,228
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
668,498
|
|
Stockholders’
deficiency
|
|
|
(668,498
|
)
|
Shares
outstanding
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
Officers
and Directors of Greenwich
Biographical
information concerning each of Greenwich’s current officers and directors is set
forth below. None of Greenwich’s officers and directors, all of whom are also
employed by Paramount BioCapital or an affiliate of Paramount
BioCapital, will continue as an officer, director or other employee of either
VioQuest or Greenwich following the completion of the Merger.
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Positions
|
J.
Jay Lobell
|
|
42
|
|
President
and Director
|
Jason
Stein, M.D.
|
|
32
|
|
Vice
President and Director
|
John
Liatos
|
|
36
|
|
Treasurer
|
Louis
Smookler
|
|
27
|
|
Secretary
|
J.
Jay Lobell has
been
President and a member of Greenwich’s Board of Directors since February 16,
2005. Mr. Lobell has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Paramount Biosciences, LLC, an affiliate of Paramount BioCapital, since January
2005. From January 1995 to December 2004, Mr. Lobell was a partner at Covington
& Burling, a law firm where he provided business, litigation and regulatory
advice. Mr. Lobell received a B.A. from Queens College and a J.D. from Yale
Law
School.
Jason
Stein, M.D.
has been
Vice President and a director of Greenwich since February 16, 2005. Dr. Stein
has served as the Senior Analyst at Paramount BioCapital Asset Management,
Inc.,
an affiliate of Paramount BioCapital, where he is responsible for medical,
scientific, and financial research of pharmaceutical products and technologies,
since January 2000. Dr. Stein also serves as an officer and/or director of
several other privately held development-stage biotechnology companies. Dr.
Stein received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and
his
medical degree from Saba University.
John
Liatos has
served as Greenwich’s Treasurer since February 16, 2005. Mr. Liatos
is the Vice President of Finance of
Paramount BioCapital, where he has worked since 2005. Previously, he
served as Vice President at Gefinor USA, Inc. since October 1997. Prior to
joining Gefinor he served as Senior Associate at RJR Nabisco in Financial
Reporting and Consolidations from May 1995 through October 1997. From October
1991 through May 1995 he served as an auditor at Eisner LLP (f/k/a Richard
A.
Eisner & Company, LLP). Mr. Liatos received his Bachelors degree in Business
from The Citadel in May 1991.
Louis
Smookler has
served as Greenwich’s Secretary since February 16, 2005. Mr. Smookler is
Associate
General Counsel at
Paramount
BioCapital. Prior to joining Paramount
BioCapital,
from
February 2003 until March 2004,
Mr.
Smookler served as an in-house attorney in the Private Client Litigation
Department of Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.’s Office of General Counsel. Mr.
Smookler received his B.S.B.A. degree summa
cum laude in
Corporate Finance from West Virginia University and his J.D. from Brooklyn
Law
School. Mr. Smookler is
admitted
to the bars of both New York and New Jersey.
Each
of
these individuals will resign from their directorships and offices,
respectively, upon completion of the Merger.
Principal
Stockholders
The
following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership
of
Greenwich common stock by (i) each person beneficial owning more than 5 percent
of outstanding Greenwich common stock, (ii) each director of Greenwich; (iii)
each executive officer of Greenwich and (iv) each director or executive of
VioQuest.
Beneficial
Owner
|
|
Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned
|
|
Percentage
Ownership
|
|
Lester
Lipschutz
|
|
|
1,633,000
|
(1)
|
|
40.8
|
|
Jeffrey
Serbin
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
7.5
|
|
Jason
Stein, M.D.
|
|
|
280,000
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
Michael
Weiser, M.D.
|
|
|
280,000
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
Lindsay
Rosenwald, M.D.
|
|
|
270,000
|
|
|
6.8
|
|
J.
Jay Lobell
|
|
|
220,000
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
Matthew
Wyckoff
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
Stephen
Rocamboli
|
|
|
144,000
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
Louis
Smookler
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
*
|
|
John
Liatos
|
|
|
19,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
*
Represents
less than 1%. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Mr.
Lipschutz is the trustee or investment advisor of four trusts established
for the benefit of Lindsay Rosenwald, M.D. which collectively own
701,000
shares of Greenwich common stock. Mr. Lipschutz also serves as the
trustee
for the Rosenwald 2000 Family Trust, a trust established for the
benefit
of Dr. Rosenwald’s minor children, which owns 932,000 shares of Greenwich
common stock. Mr. Lipschutz may be deemed to beneficially own the
shares
held by the aforementioned trusts as he has sole control over the
voting
and disposition of any shares held by such
trusts.
|
CERTAIN
TRANSACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Dr.
Weiser and Mr. Rocamboli both of whom are directors of our company, are
employees of Paramount BioCapital, Inc. or its affiliates, a corporation of
which Dr. Lindsay A. Rosenwald is the chairman and sole shareholder. Dr.
Rosenwald beneficially owns approximately 5.5 percent of our outstanding common
stock and various trusts for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald or members of his
immediate family (the “Rosenwald Trusts”) beneficially own approximately 14
percent of our outstanding common stock. Dr. Weiser and Mr. Rocamboli
collectively own approximately 3 percent of our outstanding common stock.
Paramount BioCapital participated as a placement agent in connection with our
February 2004 private placement, for which it received aggregate commissions
of
approximately $300,000.
In
addition, Dr. Rosenwald, the Rosenwald Trusts, Dr. Weiser and Mr. Rocamboli
hold
6.8 percent, 40.8 percent, 7.0 percent and 3.6 percent of the outstanding
shares of Greenwich, respectively. As a result of their ownership interests
in
Greenwich and their relationship with Paramount, both Dr. Weiser and Mr.
Rocamboli have recused themselves from our board of directors’ consideration of
the Merger with Greenwich.
SUMMARY
OF DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS
Pursuant
to the relevant sections of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act (the
“MBCA”),
you
have the right to an appraisal of the value of your shares of VioQuest common
stock in connection with the Reincorporation proposal.
Sections
302A.471 and 302A.473 of the MBCA entitle any shareholder of the Company who
objects to the Reincorporation proposal and who follows the procedures
prescribed by Section 302A.473 to receive cash equal to the “fair value” of such
shareholder’s shares of the Company. Set forth below is a summary of the
procedures relating to the exercise of such dissenters’ rights. This summary
does not purport to be a complete statement of dissenters’ rights and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473 of
the
MBCA, which are reproduced in full as Appendix
E attached
to this proxy statement and to any amendments to such provisions as may be
adopted after the date of this proxy statement.
Any
shareholder contemplating the possibility of dissenting from the Reincorporation
proposal should carefully review the text of Appendix E (particularly the
specified procedural steps required to perfect the dissenters’ rights, which are
complex) and should also consult such shareholder’s legal counsel. Such rights
will be lost if the procedural requirements of Section 302A.473 of the MBCA
are
not fully and precisely satisfied.
The
MBCA
provides dissenters’ rights for any shareholder of the Company who objects to
the Reincorporation proposal and who meets the requisite statutory requirements
contained in the MBCA. Under the MBCA, any shareholder of the Company who (i)
files with the Company a written notice of his, her or its intent to demand
the
fair value of such shareholder’s shares of stock if the Reincorporation proposal
is approved and the actions contemplated by the Reincorporation proposal is
consummated, which notice is filed with the Company on or before the vote is
taken at the Special Meeting, and (ii) does not vote such shares of stock at
the
Special Meeting in favor of the Reincorporation proposal, shall be entitled,
if
the Reincorporation proposal is approved and the actions contemplated by the
Reincorporation proposal is consummated, to receive a cash payment of the fair
value of such shareholder’s shares of Company stock upon compliance with the
applicable statutory procedural requirements. A failure by any shareholder
of
the Company to vote against the Reincorporation proposal will not in and of
itself constitute a waiver of the dissenters’ rights of such shareholder under
the MBCA. In addition, a shareholder’s vote against the Reincorporation proposal
will not satisfy the notice requirement referred to in clause (i) above.
Any
written notice of a shareholder’s intent to demand payment for such
shareholder’s shares if the Reincorporation proposal is approved and the actions
contemplated by the Reincorporation proposal are consummated must be filed
with
the Company at 7 Deer Park Drive, Suite E, Monmouth Junctions, New Jersey 08852,
Attention: Brian Lenz, prior to the vote on the Proposal at the Special Meeting.
A shareholder who votes for the Proposal will have no dissenters’ rights with
respect thereto. A shareholder who does not satisfy each of the requirements
of
Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473 of the MBCA is not entitled to payment for such
shareholder’s shares of Company stock under the dissenters’ rights provisions of
the MBCA and will be bound by the terms governing the subject
transaction.
If
the
Reincorporation proposal is approved, the Company must send written notice
to
all shareholders who have given written notice of their intent to demand the
fair value of their shares and who have not voted in favor of the
Reincorporation proposal as described above. The notice will contain: (i) the
address where the demand for payment and certificates representing shares of
the
Company’s stock (each a “Certificate”) must be sent and the date by which they
must be received, (ii) any restrictions on transfer of uncertificated shares
that will apply after the demand for payment is received, (iii) a form to be
used to certify the date on which the shareholder, or the beneficial owner
on
whose behalf the shareholder dissents, acquired the shares (or an interest
in
them) and to demand payment, and (iv) a copy of the provisions of the MBCA
set
forth in Appendix
E
with a
brief description of the procedures to be followed under those provisions.
A
shareholder of the Company who is sent a notice and who wishes to assert
dissenters’ rights must demand payment and deposit his or her Certificate or
Certificates within 30 days after such notice is given by the Company. Prior
to
the effective time of the consummation of the actions contemplated by the
Reincorporation proposal, a shareholder exercising dissenters’ rights retains
all other rights of a shareholder of the Company. From and after such effective
time, dissenting shareholders will no longer be entitled to any rights of a
shareholder of the Company, including, but not limited to, the right to receive
notice of meetings, to vote at any meetings or to receive dividends, and will
only be entitled to any rights to appraisal as provided by the
MBCA.
After
the
effective time of the consummation of the actions contemplated by the
Reincorporation proposal, or upon receipt of a valid demand for payment,
whichever is later, the Company must remit to each dissenting shareholder who
complied with the requirements of the MBCA the amount the Company estimates
to
be the fair value of such shareholder’s shares of stock, plus interest accrued
from the effective time of the sale to the date of payment. The payment also
must be accompanied by certain financial data relating to the Company, the
Company’s estimate of the fair value of the shares and a description of the
method used to reach such estimate, and a copy of the applicable provisions
of
the MBCA with a brief description of the procedures to be followed in demanding
supplemental payment. The dissenting shareholder may decline the offer and
demand payment for the fair value of the Company’s stock. Failure to make such
demand on a timely basis entitles the dissenting shareholder only to the amount
offered. If the Company fails to remit payment within 60 days of the deposit
of
the Certificates or the imposition of transfer restrictions on uncertificated
shares, it shall return all deposited Certificates and cancel all transfer
restrictions; provided, however, that the Company may again give notice
regarding the procedure to exercise dissenters’ rights and require deposit or
restrict transfer at a later time. If a dissenting shareholder believes that
the
amount remitted is less than the fair value of the Company’s stock plus
interest, such dissenting shareholder may give written notice to the Company
of
his or her own estimate of the fair value of the shares, plus interest, within
30 days after the Company mails its remittance, and demand payment of the
difference.
If
the
Company receives a demand from a dissenting shareholder to pay such difference,
it shall, within 60 days after receiving the demand, either pay to the
dissenting shareholder the amount demanded or agreed to by the dissenting
shareholder after discussion with the Company or file in court a petition
requesting that the court determine the fair value of the Company’s
stock.
The
court
may appoint one or more appraisers to receive evidence and make recommendations
to the court on the amount of the fair value of the shares. The court shall
determine whether the dissenting shareholder has complied with the requirements
of Section 302A.473 of the MBCA and shall determine the fair value of the
shares, taking into account any and all factors the court finds relevant,
computed by any method or combination of methods that the court, in its
discretion, sees fit to use. The fair value of the shares as determined by
the
court is binding on all dissenting shareholders. If the court determines that
the fair value of the shares is in excess of the amount, if any, remitted by
the
Company, then the court will enter a judgment for cash in favor of the
dissenting shareholders in an amount by which the value determined by the court,
plus interest, exceeds such amount previously remitted. A dissenting shareholder
will not be liable to the Company if the amount, if any, remitted to such
shareholder exceeds the fair value of the shares, as determined by the court,
plus interest.
Costs
of
the court proceeding shall be determined by the court and assessed against
the
Company, except that part or all of the costs may be assessed against any
dissenting shareholders whose actions in demanding supplemental payments are
found by the court to be arbitrary, vexatious or not in good faith.
If
the
court finds that the Company did not substantially comply with the relevant
provisions of the MBCA, the court may assess the fees and expenses, if any,
of
attorneys or experts as the court deems equitable against the Company. Such
fees
and expenses may also be assessed against any party in bringing the proceedings
if the court finds that such party has acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not
in
good faith, and may be awarded to a party injured by those actions. The court
may award, in its discretion, fees and expenses of an attorney for the
dissenting shareholders out of the amount awarded to such shareholders, if
any.
A
shareholder of record may assert dissenters’ rights as to fewer than all of the
shares registered in such shareholder’s name only if he or she dissents with
respect to all shares beneficially owned by any one beneficial shareholder
and
notifies the Company in writing of the name and address of each person on whose
behalf he or she asserts dissenters’ rights. The rights of such a partial
dissenting shareholder are determined as if the shares as to which he or she
dissents and his or her other shares were registered in the names of different
shareholders.
Under
Subdivision 4 of Section 302A.471 of the MBCA, a shareholder of the Company
has
no right, at law or in equity, to set aside the approval of the Proposal or
the
consummation of the actions contemplated thereby except if such adoption or
consummation was fraudulent with respect to such shareholder or the
Company.
PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS
The
following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership
of
VioQuest common stock as of the record date for the Special Meeting by (i)
each
person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of
VioQuest’s outstanding common stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each executive
officer, and (iv) all executive officers and directors as a group. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each of the following persons is
7
Deer
Park Drive, Suite E, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852.
|
|
Before
Merger
|
|
Assuming
Completion of the Merger(11)
|
|
Name
and Address
|
|
Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
|
|
Percentage
of
Class
|
|
Number
of Shares Beneficially Owned
|
|
Percentage
of
Class
|
|
Vincent
M. Aita, Ph.D.
|
|
|
233,774
|
(2)
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
233,774
|
|
|
*
|
|
Kenneth
W. Brimmer
|
|
|
154,300
|
(2)
(3)
|
|
*
|
|
|
154,300
|
|
|
*
|
|
Stephen
C. Rocamboli
|
|
|
111,999
|
(2)
(4)
|
|
*
|
|
|
868,335
|
(12)
|
|
2.5
|
|
Stephen
A. Roth, Ph.D.
|
|
|
37,633
|
(2)
(5)
|
|
*
|
|
|
37,633
|
|
|
*
|
|
David
M. Tanen
|
|
|
111,999
|
(2)
(4)
|
|
*
|
|
|
111,999
|
|
|
*
|
|
Michael
Weiser, M.D., Ph.D.
|
|
|
417,353
|
(2)
|
|
2.3
|
|
|
1,892,068
|
(13)
|
|
5.4
|
|
Daniel
Greenleaf
|
|
|
20,000
|
(6)
|
|
*
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
Brian
Lenz
|
|
|
13,333
|
(7)
|
|
*
|
|
|
13,333
|
|
|
*
|
|
Michael
Cannarsa
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
--
|
|
Xumu
Zhang, Ph.D.
|
|
|
2,943,268
|
(8)
|
|
16.2
|
|
|
2,943,268
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
All
Executive Officers and Directors as a group (10
persons)
|
|
|
4,038,659
|
|
|
22.0
|
|
|
6,274,710
|
|
|
17.7
|
|
Lester
Lipschutz
1650
Arch Street - 22nd
Floor
Philadelphia,
PA 19103
|
|
|
1,915,534
|
(9)
|
|
10.7
|
|
|
10,641,364
|
(14)
|
|
28.9
|
|
Lindsay
A. Rosenwald, M.D.
787
Seventh Avenue, 48th
Floor
New
York, NY 10019
|
|
|
990,678
|
(10)
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
2,863,300
|
(15)
|
|
8.1
|
|
*
Less
than 1%.
(1) |
Assumes
in each case that the shareholder exercised all options or warrants
available to the person that have vested or will vest within 60 days
of
July 1, 2005.
|
(2) |
Includes
4,300 shares issuable upon the exercise of a vested portion of an
option
and does not include the remaining 8,600 unvested shares subject
thereto,
which vest in equal installments in October 2005 and October 2006.
|
(3) |
Includes
7,500 shares which are owned by Mr. Brimmer’s Individual Retirement
Account, 2,500 shares which are owned by the Individual Retirement
Account
of Mr. Brimmer’s spouse (to which he disclaims any beneficial interest),
and 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of a vested
option.
|
(4) |
Represents
5,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of a
warrant.
|
(5) |
Represents
33,334 shares issuable upon exercise (at a price of $1.70 per share)
of
the vested portion of an option; the remaining 16,666 shares subject
to
such option vest in July 2006.
|
(6) |
Does
not include 891,396 shares issuable (at a price of $0.88 per share)
upon
the exercise of an option vesting in three equal annual installments
commencing February 2006. Does not include any options which may
be
subsequently issued to Mr. Greenleaf pursuant to the terms of his
employment agreement in order to maintain his beneficial ownership
(assuming the exercise of all stock options issued to him) at five
percent
(5%) percent of the Company’s outstanding Common
Stock
|
(7) |
Represents
shares issuable upon the exercise of vested options. Pursuant to
such
options, an additional 10,000 shares will vested in two installments
on
each of October 2005 and October 2006, and an additional 16,667 will
vest
in two equal installments on each of April 2006 and April 2007. Does
not
include any shares issuable pursuant to an option to purchase 60,000
shares, none of which has vested to date, but vests in three equal
annual
installments commencing January
2006.
|
(8) |
Includes
325,026 shares issuable upon the exercise of the vested portion of
an
option. The remaining 325,026 shares subject to such option vest
in two
equal installments on June 2006 and June
2007.
|
(9) |
Based
on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on December 17, 2004. Represents
shares
owned equally by several trusts established for the benefit of Dr.
Lindsay
A. Rosenwald or members of his immediate family, for which Mr. Lipschutz
is the trustee/investment manager, and over which he has voting control
and investment power. Dr. Rosenwald disclaims beneficial ownership
of
these shares.
|
(10) |
Based
on a Schedule 13G filed February 11, 2005. Includes 102,871 shares
issuable upon the exercise of a warrant for purposes of determining
beneficial ownership prior to giving effect to the
Merger.
|
(11) |
Assumes
the issuance of an aggregate of approximately 17,128,800 Merger Shares
and
the Merger Warrants to purchase an additional 4,000,000 shares of
common
stock in connection with the Merger.
|
(12) |
Includes
an additional 144,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of Merger
Warrants
issued in connection with the
Merger.
|
(13) |
Includes
an additional 280,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of Merger
Warrants
issued in connection with the
Merger.
|
(14) |
Includes
an additional 1,633,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of Merger
Warrants issued in connection with the
Merger.
|
(15) |
Includes
an additional 372,871 shares issuable upon the exercise of Merger
Warrants
issued in connection with the Merger and approximately 446,429 shares
issuable upon the conversion, in accordance with the terms of the
Merger,
of a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under promissory note
issued
to Paramount BioCapital Investments LLC by
Greenwich.
|
PRO
FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Introduction
to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements
In
consideration for their shares of Greenwich common stock and in accordance
with
the Merger Agreement, the stockholders of Greenwich will receive a number of
shares of VioQuest common stock such that, upon the effective time of the
Merger, the Greenwich stockholders collectively will receive (or be entitled
to
receive) up to approximately 49% of VioQuest’s outstanding shares (the
“Merger Shares”) of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
4,000,000 shares of VioQuest common stock. Based on the number of outstanding
shares of VioQuest common stock on the date of the Merger Agreement, the former
stockholders of Greenwich are to receive up to an aggregate of 17,128,790 shares
of VioQuest common stock and 4,000,000 warrants (the “Merger Warrants”). At
March 31, 2005, Greenwich had outstanding indebtedness of approximately $668,000
resulting principally from a series of promissory notes issued to Paramount
BioCapital Investments, LLC, an entity owned and controlled by Dr. Lindsay
Rosenwald. The
notes
will be payable in three equal installments, as follows: (1) one-third will
be
payable at such time as VioQuest completes a financing(s) resulting in aggregate
gross proceeds of at least $5 million; (2) one-third will be converted into
securities of VioQuest upon the terms and at the completion of the financing
referred to in clause (1); and (3) one-third will be payable at such time as
VioQuest completes a financing(s) resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of
at
least $10 million, including the proceeds from the financing described in clause
(1). The completion of the Merger is conditioned upon obtaining at least $5
million in a financing transaction.
One-half
of the Merger Shares and Merger Warrants will be placed in escrow and released
upon the achievement of certain milestones relating the the clinical development
of Greenwich’s product candidates. Using the share price around the date of
the execution of the Merger Agreement, which was $0.70 per share, the release
of
the escrowed securities would result in an additional purchase price of
$5,995,000 and a corresponding increase to In-Process Research and
Development.
The
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations combine the
historical consolidated statements of operations of the Company and Greenwich
giving effect to the merger as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2004.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet combines the historical
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the historical balance sheet
of
Greenwich, giving effect to the merger as if it had been consummated on March
31, 2005.
You
should read this information in conjunction with the:
· |
Accompanying
notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements;
|
· |
Separate
historical financial statements of the Company as of and for the
year
ended December 31, 2004 and as of and for the three months ended
March 31,
2005 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year
ended December 31, 2004 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for
the
quarter ended March 31, 2005,
respectively;
|
· |
Separate
historical financial statements of Greenwich as of March 31, 2005
and
December 31, 2004 and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and
for
the period from October 28, 2004 (inception) to December
31,
2004 which are attached as Appendix C to this proxy statement.
|
We
present the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information for
informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily
indicative of what our financial position or results of operations actually
would have been had we completed the merger on March 31, 2005 or on January
1,
2004. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information does not purport to project the future financial position or
operating results of the combined company.
We
prepared the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial information using the purchase method of accounting with the Company
treated as the acquirer. Accordingly, the Company’s cost to acquire Greenwich
will be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (substantially
in process research and development (“IPR&D”) based upon their estimated
fair values as of the date of acquisition. The allocation is dependent upon
certain valuations and other studies that have not progressed to a stage where
there is sufficient information to make a definitive allocation.
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
($000's)
Assets
|
|
|
VioQuest Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
|
|
|
Greenwich Therapeutics,
Inc.
|
|
|
Pro
Forma Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1,484
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
(214
|
)
|
(3) |
|
$
|
1,270
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,600 |
|
(5) |
|
|
4,600 |
|
Accounts
receivable
|
|
|
499
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
499
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
432
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
432
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
2,465
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,386
|
|
|
|
|
6,851
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property
and equipment, net
|
|
|
685
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
685
|
|
Security
deposits
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
Intellectual
property rights, net
|
|
|
552
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
552
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
3,754
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
4,386
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,140
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$
|
549
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
(4) |
|
$
|
699
|
|
Accrued
expenses
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93
|
|
Accrued
interest - related party
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
(3
|
) |
(3) |
|
|
—
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
615
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
|
792
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable - related party
|
|
|
|
|
|
638
|
|
|
(425
|
) |
(3) |
|
|
213
|
|
Deferred
revenue
|
|
|
575
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
575
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
1,190
|
|
|
668
|
|
|
(278
|
)
|
|
|
|
1,580
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments
and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’
equity (deficiency):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock
|
|
|
178
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
89
|
|
(3) |
|
|
356
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4
|
) |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89 |
|
(5) |
|
|
|
|
Stock
subscriptions receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
4
|
|
(2) |
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
11,509
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,120
|
|
(3) |
|
|
17,629
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,511 |
|
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
consulting expenses
|
|
|
(390
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(390
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(8,733
|
)
|
|
(668
|
)
|
|
(6,813
|
) |
(3) |
|
|
(15,546
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
668
|
|
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
stockholders’ equity (deficiency)
|
|
|
2,564
|
|
|
(668
|
)
|
|
4,664
|
|
|
|
|
6,560
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)
|
|
$
|
3,754
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
4,386
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,140
|
|
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial
statements.
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For
the
three months ended March 31, 2005
(Unaudited)
($000's,
except per share information)
|
|
|
VioQuest Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
|
|
|
Greenwich Therapeutics,
Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
598
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$ |
|
|
$
|
598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of goods sold (excluding depreciation)
|
|
|
397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
and consulting fees
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
524
|
|
|
596
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,120
|
|
Selling,
general and administrative
|
|
|
811
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
811
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
1,506
|
|
|
596
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from operations
|
|
|
(1,305
|
)
|
|
(596
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,901
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income, (expense), Net
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(1,299
|
)
|
$
|
(599
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(1,898
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.05
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares of common stock outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted
|
|
|
17,827,924
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,595,249
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial
statements.
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For
the
year ended December 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
($000's,
except per share information)
|
|
|
VioQuest Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
|
|
|
Greenwich Therapeutics,
Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
1,485
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$ |
|
|
$
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of goods sold (excluding depreciation)
|
|
|
838
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
838
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
and consulting fees
|
|
|
627
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
627
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
902
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
|
|
|
971
|
|
Selling,
general and administrative
|
|
|
1,612
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,612
|
|
Compensation
|
|
|
1,389
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,389
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
179
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
4,709
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,778
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from operations
|
|
|
(4,062
|
)
|
|
(69
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4,131
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income, Net
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(4,024
|
)
|
$
|
(69
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(4,093
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares of common stock outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
and diluted
|
|
|
17,100,582
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,867,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial
statements.
Notes
To Unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements
(1)
Description of Transaction and Basis of Presentation
On
July
1, 2005, VioQuest entered into the Merger Agreement with Greenwich Therapeutics,
Inc., a Delaware corporation. In consideration for their shares of Greenwich
common stock and in accordance with the Merger Agreement, the stockholders
of
Greenwich will receive a number of shares of the Company’s common stock such
that, upon the effective time of the Merger, the Greenwich stockholders
collectively will receive (or be entitled to receive) up to approximately
49% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Based on the number of
outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of the Merger, the
former stockholders of Greenwich are to receive up to an aggregate of 17,128,790
shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 4,000,000 shares
of the Company’s common stock. At March 31, 2005, Greenwich had outstanding
indebtedness of approximately $668,000 resulting principally from a series
of
promissory notes issued to Paramount BioCapital Investments, LLC owned and
controlled by Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald. The notes will be payable in three equal
installments, as follows: (1) one-third will be payable at such time as VioQuest
completes a financing(s) resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of at least
$5
million; (2) one-third will be converted into securities of VioQuest upon the
terms and at the completion of the financing referred to in clause (1); and
(3)
one-third will be payable at such time as VioQuest completes a financing(s)
resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of at least $10 million, including the
proceeds from the financing described in clause (1). The completion of the
Merger is conditioned upon obtaining at least $5 million in a financing
transaction.
The
Merger will be accounted for as a purchase by the Company under accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Under the
purchase method of accounting, the liabilities of Greenwich will be recorded
as
of the acquisition date, at their respective fair values, and combined with
those of the Company. The reported financial condition and results of operations
of the Company after completion of the Merger will reflect these values, but
will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial position
or results of operations of Greenwich. The estimated purchase price has been
preliminarily allocated to acquired in-process research and
development.
As
required by FASB Interpretation No. 4, “Applicability of FASB Statement No. 2 to
Business Combinations Accounted for by the Purchase Method”, the Company will
record a charge upon the closing of the transaction of $6,813,000 for the
preliminary estimate of the portion of the purchase price allocated to acquired
in-process research and development.
One-half
of the Merger Shares and Merger Warrants will be placed in escrow and released
upon the achievement of certain milestones relating the the clinical development
of Greenwich’s product candidates. Using the share price around the date of
the execution of the Merger Agreement, which was $0.70 per share, the release
of
the escrowed securities would result in an additional purchase price of
$5,995,000 and a corresponding increase to In-Process Research and
Development.
A
valuation using the guidance in SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and the
AICPA Practice Aid “Assets Acquired in a Business Combination to Be Used in
Research and Development Activities: A Focus on Software, Electronic Devices
and
Pharmaceutical Industries” is being performed to determine the fair value of
research and development projects of Greenwich which were in-process but not
yet
completed.
Notes
To Unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements
(2) |
To
eliminate the stockholders’ deficiency accounts of
Greenwich.
|
(3) |
To
reflect the issuance of 8,838,754 shares, including 274,359 shares
for the
repayment of $214,000 of the indebtedness, of the Company’s $.01 par value
common stock to the stockholders of Greenwich and repayment of certain
indebtedness of the Company to Greenwich.
|
The
components of the preliminary purchase price are summarized as follows ($000’s):
Common
stock issued
|
|
$
|
5,995
|
|
Liabilities
assumed
|
|
|
668
|
|
Estimated
transaction costs
|
|
|
150
|
|
Total
purchase price
|
|
$
|
6,813
|
|
The
preliminary purchase price does not include any of the achievement based
milestone payments described above.
(4) |
To
reflect estimated transaction
costs.
|
(5) |
To
reflect the proposed minimum sale of shares of
the
Company's capital stock for net proceeds of $4,600,000.
If the
maximum number of shares of capital stock is sold the
proceeds
received would be $10,180,000. If the maximum number of shares
is sold the
pro forma net loss per share would be $.04 for the three months
ended
March 31, 2005, and $.09 for the year ended December 31,
2004.
|
Such
shares of common stock will not be registered under the Securities Act
of 1933
and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration
or an
applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act.
INDEX
TO
APPENDICES
TO PROXY STATEMENT
Appendix
Description
|
A
|
Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated July 1, 2005 by and among VioQuest
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Greenwich Therapeutics, Inc. and VQ Acquisition
Corp.
|
|
B
|
[Intentionally
left blank]
|
|
C
|
Financial
Statements of Greenwich Therapeutics,
Inc.
|
|
D
|
Certificate
of Incorporation of VioQuest Delaware,
Inc.
|
|
E
|
Sections
302A.471 and 302A.473 of the Minnesota Business Corporation
Act.
|
Appendix
A
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY
AND AMONG
VIOQUEST
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.,
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
AND
VQ
ACQUISITION CORP.
This
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
(this
“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 1, 2005, among VioQuest
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“Parent”), Greenwich
Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Greenwich”)
and VQ
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent (“VQ Merger Sub”).
RECITALS
A. Upon
the
terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with
the
Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) and the Minnesota Business Corporation
Act (“MBCA”), Parent, Greenwich and VQ Merger Sub intend to enter into a
business combination transaction.
B. Lindsay
A. Rosenwald, M.D., and certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr.
Rosenwald collectively own approximately 48 percent of the outstanding capital
stock of Greenwich and substantially all of the remaining capital stock of
Greenwich is owned by employees of Paramount BioCapital, Inc., a corporation
owned and controlled by Dr. Rosenwald. In addition, Dr. Rosenwald, together
with
such trusts, beneficially owns approximately 16 percent of the outstanding
common stock of Parent.
C. The
Board
of Directors of Greenwich (i) has determined that the Merger (as defined
in
Section 1.1 below) is consistent with and in furtherance of the long-term
business strategy of Greenwich and fair to, and in the best interests of,
Greenwich and its stockholders, (ii) has approved this Agreement, the Merger
and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) has adopted
a
resolution declaring the Merger advisable, and (iv) has determined to recommend
that the stockholders of Greenwich adopt this Agreement.
D. The
Board
of Directors of Parent (i) has determined that the Merger is consistent with
and
in furtherance of the long-term business strategy of Parent and fair to,
and in
the best interests of, Parent and its stockholders, (ii) has approved this
Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(iii) has adopted a resolution declaring the Merger advisable, and (iv) has
approved the issuance of the Merger Consideration (as defined below) pursuant
to
the Merger.
E. The
Board
of Directors of VQ Merger Sub (i) has determined that the Merger is consistent
with and in furtherance of the long-term business strategy of VQ Merger Sub,
respectively, and fair to and in the best interests of, VQ Merger Sub and
its
stockholders, (ii) has approved this Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) has adopted a resolution
declaring the Merger advisable, and (iv) has determined to recommend that
the
sole stockholder of VQ Merger Sub adopt this Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in
consideration of the covenants, promises and representations set forth herein,
and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of
which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
THE
MERGER
I.1 The
Merger.
At the
Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2
hereof)
and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
applicable provisions of the DGCL, VQ Merger Sub shall be merged with and
into
Greenwich (the “Merger”), the separate corporate existence of VQ Merger Sub
shall cease and Greenwich shall continue as the surviving corporation and
shall
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. The surviving corporation after
the
Merger is sometimes referred to hereinafter as the “Greenwich Surviving
Corporation.”
I.2 Effective
Time.
Unless
this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to ARTICLE VII hereof, the
closing
of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
“Closing”) will take place at the offices of Greenwich, at a time and date to be
specified by the parties, but in no event later than two (2) business days
following satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in ARTICLE VI
hereof. The date upon which the Closing actually occurs is herein referred
to as
the “Closing Date.” On the Closing Date, the parties hereto shall cause the
Merger to be consummated by filing a Certificate of Merger or like instrument
(a
“Certificate of Merger”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware,
in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL (the times at which
the
Merger has become fully effective (or such later time as may be agreed in
writing by Greenwich and specified in the Certificate of Merger) is referred
to
herein as the “Effective Time”).
I.3 Effect
of the Merger.
(a) At
the
Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable
provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
and
subject thereto, at the Effective Time, except as provided herein, all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Greenwich and VQ Merger
Sub shall vest in the Greenwich Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
liabilities and duties of Greenwich and VQ Merger Sub shall become the debts,
liabilities and duties of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation.
(b) Prior
to
or at the Effective Time, the properties and assets of VQ Merger Sub will
be
free and clear of any and all encumbrances, charges, claims equitable interests,
liens, options, pledges, security interests, mortgages, rights of first refusal
or restrictions of any kind and nature (collectively, the “Encumbrances”), other
than those Encumbrances set forth in the Parent Financials or, as to Parent,
which would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect
(as defined below).
(c) Prior
to
or at the Effective Time, the properties and assets of Greenwich will be
free
and clear of any and all Encumbrances, other than those Encumbrances set
forth
in the Greenwich Financials or which would not reasonably be expected to
have a
Greenwich Material Adverse Effect (as defined below).
I.4 Certificates
of Incorporation; Bylaws.
(a) At
the
Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation of VQ Merger Sub as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation at and after the Effective
Time until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL and the terms of
such
certificate of incorporation.
(b) The
Bylaws of VQ Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be the bylaws of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation at and after the
Effective Time, until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL and
the
terms of certificate of incorporation of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation
and
such bylaws.
I.5 Greenwich
Directors and Officers.
(a) The
directors of VQ Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
be the
directors of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation at and after the Effective
Time, each to hold the office of a director of the Greenwich Surviving
Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL and the certificate
of
incorporation and bylaws of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
(b) The
officers of VQ Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
the
officers of the Greenwich Surviving Corporation at and after the Effective
Time,
each to hold office in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws of the
Greenwich Surviving Corporation.
I.6 Effect
on Capital Stock.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, by
virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Greenwich and
VQ
Merger Sub or the holders of any of the following securities, the following
shall occur:
(a) Capital
Stock of VQ Merger Sub.
Each
issued and outstanding share of capital stock of VQ Merger Sub shall be
automatically converted into and become one fully paid and non-assessable
share
of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.
(b) Conversion
of Greenwich Capital Stock.
Each
share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Greenwich (the “Greenwich
Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
(other than Appraisal Shares (as defined below)) will be automatically converted
(subject to the terms hereof, including Sections 1.6(c),
1.6(e)
and
1.6(f))
into a
number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent (the
“Parent Common Stock”) equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined below). In
addition, holders of Greenwich Common Stock will receive on a pro rata basis
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock
(the “Warrants,” and together with the aggregate shares of Parent Common Stock
referred to in the preceding sentence, the “Merger Consideration”), with a per
warrant exercise price of $1.41 and otherwise substantially in the form attached
hereto as Annex
I.
If any
shares of Greenwich Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time are unvested or are subject to a repurchase option, risk of forfeiture
or
other condition under any applicable restricted stock purchase agreement
or
other agreement with Greenwich, then the shares of Parent Common Stock issued
in
exchange for such shares of Greenwich Common Stock will also be unvested
and
subject to the same repurchase option, risk of forfeiture or other condition,
and the certificates representing such shares of Parent Common Stock may
accordingly be marked with appropriate legends. The term “Exchange Ratio” shall
mean the quotient resulting from dividing (A) the product resulting from
multiplying the Merger Ratio (as defined below) by the number of shares of
Parent Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time, but excluding any shares issued in connection with the Offering, by
(B)
the number of shares of Greenwich Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time on a fully diluted basis. The term
“Merger Ratio” shall mean the quotient resulting from dividing 49 percent by 51
percent.
(c) Appraisal
Rights.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shares (“Appraisal
Shares”) of Greenwich Common Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time and that are held by any person who is entitled to demand
and
properly demands appraisal of such Appraisal Shares pursuant to, and who
complies in all respects with, Section 262 of the DGCL (“Section 262”) shall not
be converted into Merger Consideration as provided in Section 1.6(b), but
rather
the holders of Appraisal Shares shall be entitled to payment of the fair
market
value of such Appraisal Shares in accordance with Section 262; provided,
however,
that if
any such holder shall fail to perfect or otherwise shall waive, withdraw
or lose
the right to appraisal under Section 262, then the right of such holder to
be
paid the fair value of such holder’s Appraisal Shares shall cease and such
Appraisal Shares shall be treated as if they had been converted as of the
Effective Time into Merger Consideration as provided in Section
1.6(b).
(d) Greenwich
Stock Options.
There
are not currently, and at the Effective Time, there will not be, any outstanding
options or other rights to acquire any shares of Greenwich Common
Stock.
(e) Adjustments
to Merger Consideration.
Except
as described in Section 1.8, the Merger Consideration shall be adjusted,
if
necessary, to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse
stock
split, stock dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Parent Common Stock or
Greenwich Common Stock), reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification,
combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to Parent
Common Stock or Greenwich Common Stock occurring or having a record date
on or
after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time.
(f) Escrow
of Merger Consideration.
On the
Closing Date, Parent shall deposit into escrow with a bank or other financial
institution to be mutually agreed to by the parties to serve as escrow agent
(the “Escrow Agent”) under the Escrow Agreement to be entered into among the
parties hereto and such Escrow Agent, substantially in the form attached
hereto
as Annex
II
(the
“Escrow Agreement”), fifty percent (50%) of the Parent Common Stock and the
Warrants comprising the Merger Consideration (the “Escrowed Securities”). The
Escrowed Securities shall be released from escrow in accordance with the
terms
and provisions of the Escrow Agreement.
(g) Fractional
Shares.
No
fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock will be issued by virtue of the
Merger. In lieu thereof any fractional share will be rounded to the nearest
whole share of Parent Common Stock (with 0.5 being rounded up).
1.7 Surrender
of Certificates.
(a) Parent
to Provide Common Stock.
Except
for the Escrowed Shares, promptly after the Effective Time, Parent shall
make
available in accordance with this ARTICLE I, the shares of Parent Common
Stock
issuable pursuant to Section 1.6(b) in exchange for outstanding shares of
Greenwich Common Stock.
(b) Exchange
Procedures.
Promptly after the Effective Time, Parent shall mail, or cause the transfer
agent and registrar for the Parent Common Stock to mail, to each holder of
record as of the Effective Time of a certificate or certificates, which
immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares of
Greenwich Common Stock (the “Certificates”) (i) a letter of transmittal in
customary form, which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and
risk of
loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the
Certificates to the Parent, and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the
surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing shares
of Parent Common Stock and Warrants pursuant to Section 1.6(b). Upon surrender
of Certificates for cancellation to the Parent, together with such letter
of
transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance with the
instructions thereto, the holders of such Certificates shall be entitled
to
receive in exchange therefor certificates representing the number of whole
shares of Parent Common Stock and Warrants into which their shares of Greenwich
Common Stock were converted pursuant to Section 1.6(b), and the Certificates
so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. Until so surrendered, outstanding
Certificates will be deemed, from and after the Effective Time, to evidence
only
the ownership of the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock and Warrants
into which such shares
of
Greenwich Common Stock shall have been so converted (including any voting,
notice or other rights associated with the ownership of such shares of Parent
Common Stock under the articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws
of
Parent or under the DGCL).
(c) Transfers
of Ownership.
If
certificates representing shares of Parent Common Stock are to be issued
in a
name other than that in which the Certificates surrendered in exchange therefor
are registered, it will be a condition of the issuance thereof that the
Certificates so surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper
form for transfer and that the persons requesting such exchange will have
(i)
paid to Parent or any agent designated by it any transfer or other taxes
required by reason of the issuance of certificates representing shares of
Parent
Common Stock in any name other than that of the registered holder of the
Certificates surrendered, or (ii) established to the satisfaction of Parent
or
any agent designated by it that such tax has been paid or is not
payable.
(d) No
Liability.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.7, neither the
Parent
nor the Greenwich Surviving Corporation nor any party hereto shall be liable
to
a holder of shares of Parent Common Stock or Greenwich Common Stock for any
amount properly paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar law.
(e)
Withholding
of Tax.
Parent
or Parent’s transfer agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the
applicable amount of the Merger Consideration otherwise issuable to, and
any
cash payment in lieu of fractional shares otherwise payable pursuant to this
Agreement to, any former holder of Greenwich Common Stock such amounts as
Parent
(or any affiliate thereof) or Parent’s transfer agent is required to deduct and
withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any
provision of state, local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that amounts
are so
withheld by Parent (or any affiliate thereof) or Parent’s transfer agent, such
withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having
been paid to the former holder of Greenwich Common Stock in respect of whom
such
deduction and withholding was made by Parent (or any affiliate thereof) or
Parent’s transfer agent.
1.8 No
Further Ownership Rights in Greenwich Common Stock.
All
shares of Parent Common Stock and Warrants issued in accordance with the
terms
hereof shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights
pertaining to such shares of Greenwich Common Stock. After the Effective
Time,
there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of Greenwich
Surviving Corporation of shares of Greenwich Common Stock which were outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,
Certificates are presented to Greenwich Surviving Corporation for any reason,
they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this ARTICLE
I.
1.9 Lost,
Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.
In the
event that any Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the
Parent shall issue and pay in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
Certificates, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder
thereof, certificates representing the shares of Parent Common Stock into
which
the shares of Greenwich Common Stock represented by such Certificates were
converted pursuant to Section 1.6(b); provided, however, that the Parent
may, in
its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance of such certificates
representing shares of Parent Common Stock require the owner of such lost,
stolen or destroyed Certificates to deliver a bond in such
sum
as it may reasonably direct or otherwise provide indemnity against any claim
that may be made against Parent or Greenwich Surviving Corporation with respect
to the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed.
1.10 Tax
Treatment.
It is
intended by the parties hereto that the Merger shall constitute a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as
amended (the “Code”). Each of the parties hereto adopts this Agreement as a
“plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Sections 1.368-2(g) and
1.368-3(a) of the United States Treasury Regulations (the “Regulations”). Both
prior to and after the Closing, each party's books and records shall be
maintained, and all federal, state and local income tax returns and schedules
thereto shall be filed in a manner consistent with the Merger being qualified
as
a reverse triangular merger under Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code (and
comparable provisions of any applicable state or local laws), except to the
extent the Merger is determined in a final administrative or judicial decision
not to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Code Section
368(a).
1.11 Taking
of Necessary Action; Further Action.
If, at
any time after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable
to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Greenwich Surviving
Corporation (and/or its successor in interest) with full right, title and
possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises
of
Greenwich and VQ Merger Sub, the officers and directors of Parent and the
Greenwich Surviving Corporation shall be fully authorized (in the name of
VQ
Merger Sub, Greenwich and otherwise) to take all such necessary
action.
1.12 Restrictions
on Transfer; Legends.
Any
shares of Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger will not be transferable
except (1) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act or (2) upon receipt by Parent of a written opinion
of
counsel reasonably satisfactory to Parent that is knowledgeable in securities
laws matters to the effect that the proposed transfer is exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act and relevant state securities
laws. Restrictive legends must be placed on all certificates representing
Merger
Consideration, substantially as follows:
“THESE
SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED
(THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, AND ARE BEING
OFFERED AND SOLD PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
OF
THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR
TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE
SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OR SUCH OTHER LAWS.”
ARTICLE
II
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF GREENWICH
Except
as
set forth in the corresponding sections or subsections of the letter of
exceptions delivered to Parent by Greenwich on or prior to entering into
this
Agreement and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Greenwich Schedule”),
Greenwich hereby represents and warrants to Parent and VQ Merger Sub
that:
2.1 Organization
of Greenwich.
(a) Greenwich
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the
laws of Delaware; has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its assets and property and to carry on its business as now being
conducted; and is duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified
would have a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect. As used in this Agreement,
the
term “Greenwich Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on the
condition (financial or otherwise), business, assets or results of operations
of
Greenwich, or on the ability of the Greenwich to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; it being understood, however, that Greenwich's
continuing incurrence of losses, as long as such losses are in the ordinary
course of business shall not, alone, be deemed to be a Greenwich Material
Adverse Effect.
(b) Greenwich
has no subsidiaries.
(d) Greenwich
has delivered or made available to Parent a true and correct copy of the
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Greenwich, each as amended to
date
(the “Greenwich Charter Documents”), and each such instrument is in full force
and effect. Greenwich is not in violation of any of the provisions of the
Greenwich Charter Documents.
2.2 Greenwich
Capital Structure.
The
authorized capital stock of Greenwich consists of 25,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which there are 4,000,000 shares issued
and outstanding as of the date hereof and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
par value $0.001 per share, none of which are outstanding as of the date
hereof.
All outstanding shares of Greenwich Common Stock are duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable, were issued in compliance with applicable
securities laws and are not subject to preemptive rights created by statute,
the
Greenwich Charter Documents, or any agreement or document to which Greenwich
is
a party or by which it is bound.
2.3 Obligations
With Respect to Capital Stock.
Except
as set forth in Section 2.2 of the Greenwich Schedule, there are no equity
securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests, or any
securities exchangeable or convertible into or exercisable for such equity
securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests issued,
reserved for issuance or outstanding, with respect to Greenwich. Except as
set
forth in Section 2.2 of the Greenwich Schedule, there are no options, warrants,
equity securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests,
calls,
rights (including preemptive rights), commitments or agreements of any character
to which Greenwich is a party or by which it is bound obligating Greenwich
to
issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, or repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire, or cause the repurchase, redemption or acquisition,
of any shares of capital stock of Greenwich or obligating Greenwich to grant,
extend, accelerate the vesting of or enter into any such option, warrant,
equity
security, partnership interest or similar ownership interest, call, right,
commitment or agreement. There are no registration rights and, to the knowledge
of Greenwich there are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or
understandings with respect to any equity security of any class of
Greenwich.
2.4 Authority.
(a) Greenwich
has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery
of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of
Greenwich, subject only to the adoption of this Agreement by Greenwich's
stockholders and the filing and recordation of the Certificate of Merger
pursuant to the DGCL. A vote of the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Greenwich Common Stock is required for Greenwich's
stockholders to approve and adopt this Agreement and approve the Merger.
No
“control share acquisition”, state takeover statute or similar statute or
regulation applies or purports to apply to Greenwich with respect to this
Agreement, the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
(b) This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Greenwich and, assuming
the
due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and VQ Merger Sub,
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Greenwich, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and
other similar laws and general principles of equity. The execution and delivery
of this Agreement by Greenwich does not, and the performance of this Agreement
by Greenwich will not (i) conflict with or violate the Greenwich Charter
Documents, (ii) subject to compliance with the requirements set forth in
Section
2.4(c) below, conflict with or violate any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment or decree applicable to Greenwich or by which its or any of its
respective properties is bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach
of, or
constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both
would become a default) under, or impair Greenwich's rights or alter the
rights
or obligations of any third party under, or to Greenwich's knowledge, give
to
others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation
of, or
result in the creation of an Encumbrance on any of the properties or assets
of
Greenwich pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement,
lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which
Greenwich is a party or by which Greenwich or its or any of its respective
properties are bound or affected, except to the extent such conflict, violation,
breach, default, impairment or other effect would not, in the case of clause
(ii) or (iii), individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to
have
a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect or prevent or delay consummation of the
Merger in any material respect or otherwise prevent Greenwich from performing
its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect.
(c) No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration
or
filing with any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental
authority or instrumentality (a “Governmental Entity”) is required by or with
respect to Greenwich in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except
for (i) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State
of
Delaware, (ii) such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings as may be required under applicable federal and
state
securities laws and (iii) such other consents, authorizations, filings,
approvals and registrations which, if not obtained or made, individually
or in
the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Greenwich Material
Adverse Effect.
2.5 Greenwich
Financial Statements.
Prior
to the Effective Time, Greenwich shall provide to Parent, an audited balance
sheet of Greenwich as of December 31, 2004 (the “Greenwich Balance Sheet”),
together with the related statements of income and cash flows for the year
ended
December 31, 2004 (the “Greenwich Financial Statements”). Each of the Greenwich
Financial Statements (including, in each case, any related notes thereto)
was
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)
applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as
may be
indicated in the notes thereto), and each fairly presents and will fairly
present the financial position of Greenwich as of the respective dates thereof
and the results of its operations and cash flows and stockholder equity for
the
periods indicated. Except as disclosed in the Greenwich Financial Statements,
Greenwich does not have any Liabilities of a nature required to be disclosed
on
a balance sheet or in the related notes to the consolidated financial statements
prepared in accordance with GAAP which are, individually or in the aggregate,
material to the business, results of operations or financial condition of
Greenwich, except Liabilities incurred since the date of the Greenwich Financial
Statements in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices
and
which would not reasonably be expected to have a Greenwich Material Adverse
Effect. For purposes hereof, “Liabilities” shall mean any and all liabilities,
accounts payable, debts, adverse claims, duties, responsibilities and
obligations of every kind or nature, whether accrued or unaccrued, known
or
unknown, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated
and whether arising under, pursuant to or in connection with any contract,
tort,
strict liability or otherwise.
2.6 Absence
of Certain Changes or Events.
Except
as contemplated by this Agreement, since the date of the Greenwich Balance
Sheet, Greenwich has conducted its business only in, and has not engaged
in any
material transaction other than according to, the ordinary and usual course
of
such businesses and there has not been (i) any change that, individually
or in
the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Greenwich Material
Adverse Effect; (ii) any material damage, destruction or other casualty loss
with respect to any material asset or property owned, leased or otherwise
used
by Greenwich, whether or not covered by insurance; (iii) any declaration,
setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution in cash, stock
or
property in respect of the capital stock of Greenwich, except for dividends
or
other distributions on its capital stock publicly announced prior to the
date
hereof and except as expressly permitted hereby; (iv) any event that would
constitute a violation of Section 4.1 hereof if such event occurred after
the
date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time; or (v) any change
by
Greenwich in accounting principles, practices or methods. Since the date
of the
Greenwich Balance Sheet, there has not been any increase in the compensation
payable or that could become payable by Greenwich to officers or key employees
or any amendment of the Greenwich Option Plan other than increases or amendments
in the ordinary course of business or (y) as required by any relevant employment
agreement, option agreement or (z) which, individually or in the aggregate,
would not reasonably be expected to have a Greenwich Material Adverse
Effect.
2.7 Taxes.
(a) For
purposes of this Agreement, (i) “Taxes” shall mean all Federal, state, local,
foreign, provincial, territorial or other taxes, imports, tariffs, fees,
levies
or other similar assessments or Liabilities and other charges of any kind,
including income taxes, profits taxes, franchise taxes, ad valorem taxes,
excise
taxes, withholding taxes, stamp taxes or other taxes of or with respect to
gross
receipts, premiums, real property, personal property, windfall profits, sales,
use, transfers, licensing, employment, social security, workers' compensation,
unemployment, payroll and franchises imposed by or under any law (meaning
all
laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations of any Governmental Entity including
all decisions of any court having the effect of law), and any other taxes,
duties or assessments, together with all interest, penalties and additions
imposed with respect to such amounts; (ii) “Tax Returns” shall mean any
declaration, return, report, schedule, certificate, statement or other similar
document (including relating or supporting information) required to be filed
with any Taxing Authority (as defined below), or where none is required to
be
filed with a Taxing Authority, the statement or other document issued by
the
applicable Taxing Authority in connection with any Tax, including, without
limitation, any information return, claim for refund, amended return or
declaration of estimated Tax; and (iii) “Taxing Authority” shall mean any
domestic, foreign, Federal, national, provincial, state, county or municipal
or
other local government or court, any subdivision, agency, commission or
authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising tax regulatory
authority.
(b) Greenwich
has (i) timely filed all Tax Returns that are required to have been filed
by it
with all appropriate Taxing Authorities (and all such returns are true and
correct and fairly reflect in all material respects its operations for tax
purposes), and (ii) timely paid all Taxes shown as owing on such Tax Returns
or
assessed by any Taxing Authority (other than Taxes the validity of which
are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings). Between the date
of
the Greenwich Balance Sheet and the Closing Date, Greenwich has not incurred
(or
will not incur) a Tax Liability other than a Tax Liability in the ordinary
course of business and in accordance with past custom and practice. The
assessment of any additional Taxes for periods for which Tax Returns have
been
filed is not expected to exceed reserves made in accordance with GAAP and
reflected in the Greenwich Financial Statements and the Greenwich Balance
Sheet
and, to Greenwich's knowledge, there are no material unresolved questions
or
claims concerning Greenwich's Tax Liability. Greenwich's Tax Returns have
not
been reviewed or audited by any Taxing Authority, and no deficiencies for
any
Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed either orally or in writing
against Greenwich that are not adequately reserved for in accordance with
GAAP.
No liens exist for Taxes (other than liens for Taxes not yet due and payable)
with respect to any of the assets or properties of Greenwich.
(c) Greenwich
has no outstanding agreements or waivers extending, or having the effect
of
extending, the statute of limitations with respect to the assessment or
collection of any Tax or the filing of any Tax Return.
(d) Greenwich
is not a party to or bound by any tax-sharing agreement, tax indemnity
obligation or similar agreement, arrangement or practice with respect to
Taxes
(including any advance pricing agreement, closing agreement or other agreement
relating to Taxes with any Taxing Authority).
(e) Greenwich
shall not be required to include in a taxable period ending after the Closing
Date any taxable income attributable to income that accrued in a prior taxable
period but was not recognized in any prior taxable period as a result of
the
installment method of accounting, the long-term contract method of accounting,
the cash method of accounting or Section 481 of the Code or any comparable
provision of state, local or foreign Tax law, or for any other
reason.
(f) Neither
Greenwich nor any of its affiliates has made, with respect to Greenwich,
any
consent under Section 341 of the Code; no property of Greenwich is “tax exempt
use property” within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code; and none of the
assets of Greenwich is subject to a lease under Section 7701(h) of the Code
or
under any predecessor section thereof.
(g) Greenwich
has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to
the
payment and withholding of Taxes (including, without limitation, withholding
of
Taxes pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 3121, 3402 and 3406 of the Code or
any
comparable provision of any state, local or foreign laws) and has, within
the
time and in the manner prescribed by applicable law, withheld from and paid
over
to the proper Taxing Authorities all amounts required to be so withheld and
paid
over under applicable laws.
(h) The
net
operating losses (“NOLs”) of Greenwich are not, as of the date hereof, subject
to Sections 382 or 269 of the Code, Regulations Section 1.1502-21(c), or
any
similar provisions or Regulations otherwise limiting the use of the NOLs
of
Greenwich.
(i) Greenwich
is not, and has not been for the five years preceding the Closing, a “United
States real property holding company” (as such term is defined in Section
897(c)(2) of the Code).
(j) As
of the
date hereof, to the knowledge of Greenwich, Greenwich has not taken or agreed
to
take any action or failed to take any action that would prevent the Merger
from
constituting a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code.
(k) Any
deficiency resulting from any audit or examination relating to Taxes of
Greenwich by any Taxing Authority has been timely paid.
(l) No
power
of attorney with respect to any Taxes has been executed or filed with any
Taxing
Authority by or on behalf of Greenwich.
2.8 Patents
and Trademarks.
(a) Greenwich
owns, or has the right to use pursuant to valid license, sublicense, agreement,
or permission, all intellectual property rights used in or necessary for
the
operation of its business as presently conducted. To Greenwich’s knowledge,
except as set forth in Section 2.8 of the Greenwich Schedule, (i) such
intellectual property rights are owned free and clear of royalty obligations
and
Encumbrances, (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the closing
of the transaction contemplated hereby will not alter or impair any such
rights,
(iii) the use of all such intellectual property by Greenwich does not infringe
or violate the intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and
(iv)
Greenwich has not granted any person or entity any rights, pursuant to written
license agreement or otherwise, to use such intellectual property. Greenwich
has
taken, and shall continue to take through the Closing Date, all necessary
action
to maintain and protect each item of intellectual property that it owns or
uses.
(b) Section
2.8 of the Greenwich Schedule identifies (i) each patent, trademark, trade
name,
service name or copyright with respect to any of Greenwich’s intellectual
property, all applications and registration statements therefor and renewals
thereof (and sets forth correct and complete copies of all such patents,
registrations and applications (as amended to date)) and (ii) all intellectual
property that Greenwich uses pursuant to license, sublicense, agreement,
or
permission, all of which are valid and in full force and effect, and the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the closing of the transaction
contemplated hereby will not alter or impair any such rights.
(c) Greenwich
has at all times used reasonable efforts to protect all trade secrets related
to
its intellectual property.
2.9 Compliance;
Permits; Restrictions.
(a) Greenwich
is not in conflict with, or in default or violation of (i) any law, rule,
regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to Greenwich or by which
its or
any of its respective properties is bound or affected, or (ii) any note,
bond,
mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise
or
other instrument or obligation to which Greenwich is a party or by which
Greenwich or its or any of its properties is bound or affected except for
those
conflicts, defaults or violations which would not be reasonably expected
to have
a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of Greenwich, no
investigation or review by any Governmental Entity is pending or threatened
against Greenwich, nor has any Governmental Entity indicated in writing an
intention to conduct the same other than those which would not reasonably
be
expected to have a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect. There is no agreement,
judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon Greenwich which has or
would
reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing
any business practice of Greenwich, any acquisition of material property
by
Greenwich or the conduct of business by Greenwich as currently
conducted.
(b) Greenwich
holds all permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals
from
Governmental Entities which are necessary to the conduct of its business
except
those the absence of which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be likely to have a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect (collectively,
the “Greenwich Permits”). Greenwich is in compliance in all material respects
with the terms of the Greenwich Permits.
2.10 Litigation.
There
is no action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or investigation pending,
including derivative suits brought by or on behalf of Greenwich or as to
which
Greenwich has received any written notice of assertion nor, to Greenwich's
knowledge, is there a threatened action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration
or
investigation against Greenwich seeking to delay, limit or enjoin the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which might reasonably be
expected to have a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect.
2.11 Brokers'
and Finders' Fees.
Greenwich has not incurred, nor will it incur, directly or indirectly, any
Liability for brokerage or finders' fees or agents' commissions or any similar
charges in connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated
hereby, other than finders’ fees, the payment for which will be the sole
responsibility of Greenwich.
2.12 Labor
Agreements and Actions; Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Greenwich
is not bound by or subject to (and none of its assets or properties is bound
by
or subject to) any written or oral, express or implied, contract, commitment
or
arrangement with any labor union, and no labor union has requested or, to
the
knowledge of Greenwich, has sought to represent any of the employees,
representatives, or agents of Greenwich. There is no strike or other labor
dispute involving Greenwich pending or, to the knowledge of Greenwich,
threatened, nor is Greenwich aware of any labor organization activity involving
its employees.
(b) Greenwich
has not and does not sponsor, maintain, contribute to, or is required to
contribute to, or has any Liabilities or responsibilities for, any pension,
profit-sharing or other retirement, bonus, deferred compensation, employment
agreement, severance agreement, compensation, stock purchase, stock option,
severance or termination pay, hospitalization or other medical, life or other
insurance, long- or short-term disability, fringe benefit, sick pay, or vacation
pay, or other employee benefit plan, program, agreement, or arrangement or
policy, whether formal or informal, funded or unfunded, written or unwritten,
and whether legally binding for any current or former employee or any current
or
former director or consultant of Greenwich, or of any trade or business,
whether
or not incorporated, that together with Greenwich would be deemed a “single
employer” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, except those that may be terminated without penalty
on
thirty (30) days notice.
(c) Greenwich
has never represented, promised or contracted (whether in oral or written
form)
to or with any employee(s) that such employee(s) would be provided with retiree
health or life benefits.
(d) The
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
(x)
entitle any employees of Greenwich or its subsidiaries to severance pay,
(y)
accelerate the time of payment or vesting or trigger any payment or funding
of
compensation or benefits under, increase the amount payable or trigger any
other
material obligation pursuant to, any cash or equity compensation or benefit
plan
maintained by Greenwich or any subsidiary or any agreement between Greenwich
or
any subsidiary and any employee or director of Greenwich or a subsidiary
or (z)
result in any breach or violation of, or a default under, any such plans
or
agreements.
(e) Any
amount that could be received (whether in cash, property, or vesting of
property) as a result of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement by
any
officer, director, employee or independent contractor of Greenwich, who is
a
“disqualified individual” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1),
under any employment arrangement or cash or equity compensation or benefit
plan
maintained by Greenwich or a subsidiary would not be characterized as an
“excess
parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code).
2.13 Absence
of Encumbrances.
Greenwich has good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties
and
assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its tangible properties and
assets,
real, personal and mixed, used in its business, free and clear of any
Encumbrances except (i) as reflected in the Greenwich Financial Statements,
(ii)
for liens for taxes not yet due and payable and (iii) for such imperfections
of
title and Encumbrances, if any, which would not be reasonably expected to
have a
Greenwich Material Adverse Effect.
2.14 Environmental
Matters.
(a) Hazardous
Materials Activities.
To its
knowledge, except as would not reasonably be likely to result in a material
Liability to Greenwich (in any individual case or in the aggregate), (i)
Greenwich has not transported, handled, treated, stored, used, manufactured,
distributed, disposed of, released or exposed its employees or others to
pollutants, contaminants, hazardous wastes, or any toxic, radioactive or
otherwise hazardous materials (“Hazardous Materials”) and (ii) Greenwich has not
disposed of, transported, sold, used, released, exposed its employees or
others
to or manufactured any product containing a Hazardous Material (collectively,
“Hazardous Materials Activities”), in either case, in violation of any
applicable law, rule, regulation, treaty or statute promulgated by any
Governmental Entity in effect prior to or as of the date hereof to prohibit,
regulate or control Hazardous Materials or any Hazardous Materials
Activity.
(b) Environmental
Liabilities.
No
action, proceeding, revocation proceeding, amendment procedure, writ, injunction
or claim is pending, or to Greenwich's knowledge, threatened against Greenwich
concerning (i) any Greenwich Permit relating to any environmental matter,
(ii)
any Hazardous Material or (iii) any Hazardous Materials Activity of Greenwich.
Greenwich is not aware of any fact or circumstance which could reasonably
involve Greenwich in any environmental litigation or impose upon Greenwich
any
Liability related to Hazardous Materials or Hazardous Materials
Activity.
(c) Compliance
with Environmental Laws.
Each of
Greenwich and its predecessors and affiliates have complied and are in
compliance, in each case in all material respects, with all applicable laws,
rules, regulations, treaties and statutes promulgated by any Governmental
Entity
in effect prior to or as of the date hereof to prohibit, regulate or control
Hazardous Materials or any Hazardous Materials Activity.
2.15 Agreements.
(a) Section
2.15(a) of the Greenwich Schedule lists all written agreements between Greenwich
and any of its officers, directors, employees or stockholders or any affiliate
thereof.
(b) Section
2.15(b) of the Greenwich Schedule lists all written agreements to which
Greenwich is a party or by which it is bound which (i) involve obligations
(contingent or otherwise) of, or payments to, Greenwich in excess of $25,000,
(ii) are material to the conduct and operations of Greenwich's business or
properties (including, without limitation, the license of any intellectual
property to or from Greenwich), (iii) restrict or materially adversely affect
the development, manufacture, sale, marketing or distribution of Greenwich's
products or services, (iv) relate to the employment or compensation of any
employee or consultant, (v) are of duration of six months or more and not
cancelable without penalty by Greenwich on 30 days or less notice or (vi)
relate
to the sale, lease, pledge or other disposition of any material assets of
or to
Greenwich.
(c) Neither
Greenwich, nor to Greenwich's knowledge any other party to a Greenwich Contract
(as defined below), is in breach, violation or default under, and Greenwich
has
not been notified that it has breached, violated or defaulted under, any
of the
material terms or conditions of any of the agreements, contracts or commitments
to which Greenwich is a party or by which it is bound that are required to
be
disclosed in Sections 2.15(a) or 2.15(b) of the Greenwich Schedule (any such
agreement, contract or commitment, a “Greenwich Contract”) in such a manner as
would permit any other party to cancel or terminate any such Greenwich Contract,
or would permit any other party to seek material damages or other remedies
(for
any or all of such breaches, violations or defaults, in the
aggregate).
(d) Each
of
the Greenwich Contracts are legal, valid, binding and enforceable and in
full
force and effect with respect to Greenwich and, to Greenwich’s knowledge, with
respect to each other party thereto, in either case subject to the effect
of
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except as the availability
of
equitable remedies may be limited by general principles of equity; and the
Greenwich Contracts will continue to be legal, valid, binding and enforceable
and in full force and effect immediately following the Closing in accordance
with the terms thereof as in effect prior to the Closing subject to the effect
of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and except as the availability
of
equitable remedies may be limited by general principles of equity.
(e) Greenwich
has not been notified that any party to any of the Greenwich Contracts intends
to cancel, terminate, proposes to amend, not renew or exercise an option
under
any of Greenwich Contracts, whether in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby or otherwise nor is Greenwich aware of any intention
by any
party to any Greenwich Contract to effect any of the foregoing.
2.16 Board
Approval.
The
Board of Directors of Greenwich has, as of or prior to the date of this
Agreement, at a meeting duly called and held, duly adopted resolutions (i)
approving this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby, (ii) determining that the terms of the Merger and the transactions
contemplated thereby are fair to and in the best interests of Greenwich and
its
stockholders, (iii) recommending that that the stockholders of Greenwich
adopt
this Agreement and (iv) declaring that this Agreement and the Merger are
advisable.
2.17 Regulatory
Compliance.
(a) Neither
Greenwich nor any officer, employee, agent or affiliate of Greenwich has
made
any untrue statement of a material fact or fraudulent statement to the U.
S.
Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or other Governmental Entity, failed to
disclose a fact required to be disclosed to the FDA or any other Governmental
Entity, or committed an act, made a statement, or failed to make a statement
that, at the time such disclosure was made, could reasonably be expected
to
provide a basis for the FDA or any other Governmental Entity to invoke its
policy respecting “Fraud, Untrue Statements of Material Facts, Bribery, and
Illegal Gratuities”, set forth in 56 Fed. Reg. 46191 (September 10, 1991) or any
similar policy. Neither Greenwich nor any officer, employee, agent or affiliate
of Greenwich has been convicted of any crime or engaged in any conduct for
which
debarment is mandated by 21 U.S.C. sec. 335a(a) or any similar law or authorized
by 21 U.S.C. sec. 335a(b) or any similar law.
(b) Greenwich
has not received any written notice that the FDA or any other Governmental
Entity has commenced, or threatened to initiate, any action to impose a clinical
hold on any clinical investigation by Greenwich, or enter into a consent
decree
or permanent injunction with Greenwich which would have a Greenwich Material
Adverse Effect.
(c) No
person
has filed a claim for loss or potential loss under any indemnity covering
participants in clinical trials conducted or being conduced by
Greenwich.
(d) Greenwich
has provided or made available to Parent all documents in its possession
concerning communication to or from FDA or prepared by FDA which bear in
any
material respect on compliance with FDA regulatory requirements, including,
but
not limited to, any deficiency letter, warning letter, non-approvable
letter/order, withdrawal letter/order, or similar communications.
2.18 Insurance.
Greenwich does not maintain any insurance policies.
2.19 Disclosure.
No
representation or warranty of the parties to this Agreement and no statement
in
the Greenwich Schedule, taken together, omits to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in
which
they were made, not misleading.
ARTICLE
III
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
OF
PARENT AND VQ MERGER SUB
Except
as
set forth in the corresponding sections or subsections of the letter of
exceptions delivered to Greenwich by Parent on or prior to entering into
this
Agreement and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Parent Schedule”),
each of Parent and VQ Merger Sub, jointly and severally, hereby represents
and
warrants to Greenwich that:
3.1 Organization
of Parent and Subsidiaries.
(a) Parent
and each of its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization;
has
the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and
property and to carry on its business as now being conducted; and is duly
qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the
failure to be so qualified would have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. As
used
in this Agreement, the term “Parent Material Adverse Effect” means a material
adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, assets
or
results of operations of Parent and its subsidiaries as a whole or on the
ability of Parent or VQ Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement; it being understood, however, that Parent's continuing
incurrence of losses, as long as such losses are in the ordinary course of
business shall not, alone, be deemed to be a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Section
3.1 of the Parent Schedule lists each subsidiary of Parent and its respective
jurisdiction of organization. Except for the capital stock of its subsidiaries,
Parent does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or ownership
interest in any person. VQ Merger Sub has no subsidiaries.
(c) Parent
has delivered or made available to Greenwich a true and correct copy of the
articles or certificate of incorporation and bylaws of each of Parent and
VQ
Merger Sub, each as amended to date (the “Parent Charter Documents” and the
“Merger Sub Charter Documents”, respectively), and the comparable charter and
organizational documents of each other subsidiary of Parent, and each such
instrument is in full force and effect. Neither Parent nor VQ Merger Sub
is in
violation of any of the provisions of their respective Charter
Documents.
3.2 Capital
Structure.
The
authorized capital stock of Parent consists of 50,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which there are 17,827,924 shares issued
and outstanding as of the date hereof. The authorized capital stock of VQ
Merger
Sub consists of 100 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
which
there are 100 shares issued and outstanding as of the date hereof. The
authorized capital stock of each other subsidiary of Parent is as set forth
in
Section 3.2 of the Parent Schedule. All outstanding shares of the capital
stock
of Parent and each of its subsidiaries are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable, were issued in compliance with applicable
securities laws and are not subject to preemptive rights created by statute,
the
Parent Charter Documents, the Merger Sub Charter Documents or the charter
documents of such subsidiary or any agreement or document to which Parent
or
such subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound. All of the outstanding
capital stock of each subsidiary of Parent is directly or indirectly owned
by
Parent, free and clear of any Encumbrance. Except as set forth in Section
3.2 of
the Parent Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has any options
or warrants to purchase capital stock or other equity interests
outstanding.
3.3 Obligations
With Respect to Capital Stock.
Except
as set forth in Section 3.2 of the Parent Schedule, there are no equity
securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests of any class
of
capital stock, or any securities exchangeable or convertible into or exercisable
for such equity securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests
issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding with respect to Parent or any
of
its subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 3.2 of the Parent Schedule,
there are no options, warrants, equity securities, partnership interests
or
similar ownership interests, calls, rights (including preemptive rights),
commitments or agreements of any character to which Parent or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound obligating Parent or such
subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or
sold,
or repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or cause the repurchase, redemption
or acquisition, of any shares of capital stock of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or obligating Parent or any of its subsidiaries to grant, extend,
accelerate the vesting of or enter into any such option, warrant, equity
security, partnership interest or similar ownership interest, call, right,
commitment or agreement. None of the options set forth in Section 3.2 of
the
Parent Schedule qualify as “incentive stock options” as defined under Section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. There are no registration
rights and, to the knowledge of Parent there are no voting trusts, proxies
or
other agreements or understandings with respect to any equity security,
partnership interest or similar ownership interest with respect to Parent
or any
of its subsidiaries.
3.4 Authority.
(a) Each
of
Parent and VQ Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority
to
enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation
of the
transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of each of Parent and VQ Merger Sub, subject
only
to the approval of the Reincorporation Proposal by Parent shareholders and
the
filing and recordation of the Certificate of Merger pursuant to the DGCL.
No
“control share acquisition,” state takeover statute or similar statute or
regulation applies or purports to apply to Parent or VQ Merger Sub with respect
to this Agreement, the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby.
(b) This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of Parent and VQ Merger
Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Greenwich,
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and VQ Merger
Sub, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may
be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
moratorium and other similar laws and general principles of equity. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of Parent and VQ Merger
Sub, do
not, and the performance of this Agreement by each of Parent and VQ Merger
Sub,
will not (i) conflict with or violate the Parent Charter Documents or the
Merger
Sub Charter Documents, (ii) subject to compliance with the requirements set
forth in Section 3.4(c) below, conflict with or violate any law, rule,
regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to Parent or VQ Merger Sub,
respectively, or by which its or any of their respective properties is bound
or
affected or (iii) result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an
event
that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under,
or
impair any of, Parent's or VQ Merger Sub's rights or alter the rights or
obligations of any third party under, or to Parent's knowledge, give to others
any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or
result
in the creation of an Encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of Parent
or VQ Merger Sub, respectively, pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other
instrument or obligation to which any of Parent or VQ Merger Sub is a party
or
by which Parent or VQ Merger Sub, or any of their respective properties are
bound or affected, except to the extent such conflict, violation, breach,
default, impairment or other effect would not, in the case of clause (ii)
or
(iii), individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Parent
Material Adverse Effect or prevent or delay consummation of the Merger in
any
material respect or otherwise prevent Parent or VQ Merger Sub from performing
its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect.
(c) No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration
or
filing with any Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to either
Parent or VQ Merger Sub in connection with the execution and delivery of
this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except
for (i) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State
of
Delaware, (ii) such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings as may be required under applicable federal and
state
securities laws and (iii) such other consents, authorizations, filings,
approvals and registrations which, if not obtained or made, individually
or in
the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
3.5 Parent
SEC Filings; Parent Financial Statements.
(a) Since
February 18, 2003, Parent has timely filed all forms, reports and documents
required to be filed with the SEC by applicable law. All such required forms,
reports and documents (including the financial statements, exhibits and
schedules thereto and those documents that the Parent may file subsequent
to the
date hereof) are collectively referred to herein as the “Parent SEC Reports” and
Parent has provided or made available to Greenwich copies thereof and of
all
correspondence to or from the SEC with respect to the Parent. As of their
respective dates, the Parent SEC Reports (i) were prepared in accordance
with
the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”),
as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder
applicable to such Parent SEC Reports, and (ii) did not at the time they
were
filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement
of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) Each
of
the financial statements (including, in each case, any related notes thereto)
contained in the Parent SEC Reports (the “Parent Financials”), including any
Parent SEC Reports filed after the date hereof until the Closing, as of their
respective dates, (i) complied as to form in all material respects with the
published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, (ii) was
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout
the
periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in
the
case of unaudited interim financial statements, as may be permitted by the
SEC
on Form 10-QSB under the Exchange Act) and (iii) fairly presented the financial
position of the Parent at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated
results of its operations and cash flows for the periods indicated, except
that
the unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to normal
and
recurring year-end adjustments which were not, or are not expected to be,
material in amount. The balance sheet of the Parent as of December 31, 2004
is
hereinafter referred to as the “Parent Balance Sheet.” Except as disclosed in
the Parent Financials, the Parent does not have any Liabilities of a nature
required to be disclosed on a balance sheet or in the related notes to the
consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP which
are,
individually or in the aggregate, material to the business, results of
operations or financial condition of the Parent, except Liabilities (i) provided
for in the Parent Balance Sheet, or (ii) incurred since the date of the Parent
Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices
and which would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
(c) Parent
has heretofore furnished to Greenwich a complete and correct copy of any
amendments or modifications to the Parent SEC Reports, if any, which have
not
yet been filed with the SEC but which will be required to be filed, to
agreements, documents or other instruments which previously had been filed
by
the Parent with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act.
3.6 Absence
of Certain Changes or Events.
Except
as disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof or
as
contemplated by this Agreement, since the date of the Parent Balance Sheet,
Parent has conducted its business only in, and has not engaged in any material
transaction other than according to, the ordinary and usual course of such
businesses and there has not been (i) any change that individually or in
the
aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect; (ii) any material damage, destruction or other casualty loss with
respect to any material asset or property owned, leased or otherwise used
by
Parent or VQ Merger Sub, whether or not covered by insurance; (iii) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution
in
cash, stock or property in respect of the capital stock of Parent, except
for
dividends or other distributions on its capital stock publicly announced
prior
to the date hereof and except as expressly permitted hereby; (iv) any event
that
would constitute a violation of Section 4.1 or Section 4.2 hereof, if such
event
occurred after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time;
or
(v) any change by Parent in accounting principles, practices or methods.
Since
the date of the Parent Balance Sheet, there has not been any increase in
the
compensation payable or that could become payable by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries to officers or key employees or any amendment of the Parent
Option
Plan (as defined below) other than increases or amendments in the ordinary
course of business or (y) as required by any relevant employment agreement,
option agreement or (z) which, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
3.7 Tax
Matters.
(a) Parent
has (i) timely filed all Tax Returns that are required to have been filed
by it
with all appropriate Taxing Authorities (and all such returns are true and
correct and fairly reflect in all material respects its operations for tax
purposes), and (ii) timely paid all Taxes shown as owing on such Tax Returns
or
assessed by any Taxing Authority (other than Taxes the validity of which
are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings). Between the date
of
the Parent Balance Sheet and the Closing Date, neither Parent nor VQ Merger
Sub
has incurred (or will incur) a Tax Liability other than a Tax Liability in
the
ordinary course of business and in accordance with past custom and practice.
The
assessment of any additional Taxes for periods for which Tax Returns have
been
filed is not expected to exceed reserves made in accordance with GAAP and
reflected in the Parent Financial Statements and the Parent Balance Sheet
and,
to Parent's knowledge, there are no material unresolved questions or claims
concerning Parent's Tax Liability. Parent's Tax Returns have not been reviewed
or audited by any Taxing Authority and no deficiencies for any Taxes have
been
proposed, asserted or assessed either orally or in writing against Parent
or VQ
Merger Sub that are not adequately reserved for in accordance with GAAP.
No
liens exist for Taxes (other than liens for Taxes not yet due and payable)
with
respect to any of the assets or properties of Parent or VQ Merger
Sub.
(b) Neither
Parent nor VQ Merger Sub has outstanding any agreements or waivers extending,
or
having the effect of extending, the statute of limitations with respect to
the
assessment or collection of any Tax or the filing of any Tax
Return.
(c) Neither
Parent nor VQ Merger Sub is a party to or bound by any tax-sharing agreement,
tax indemnity obligation or similar agreement, arrangement or practice with
respect to Taxes (including any advance pricing agreement, closing agreement
or
other agreement relating to Taxes with any Taxing Authority).
(d) Parent
shall not be required to include in a taxable period ending after the Closing
Date any taxable income attributable to income that accrued in a prior taxable
period but was not recognized in any prior taxable period as a result of
the
installment method of accounting, the long-term contract method of accounting,
the cash method of accounting or Section 481 of the Code or any comparable
provision of state, local or foreign Tax law, or for any other
reason.
(e) Neither
Parent nor VQ Merger Sub or affiliates has made, with respect to Parent,
any
consent under Section 341 of the Code; no property of Parent is “tax exempt use
property” within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code; and none of the
assets of Parent is subject to a lease under Section 7701(h) of the Code
or
under any predecessor section thereof.
(f) Parent
has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to
the
payment and withholding of Taxes (including, without limitation, withholding
of
Taxes pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 3121, 3402 and 3406 of the Code or
any
comparable provision of any state, local or foreign laws) and has, within
the
time and in the manner prescribed by applicable law, withheld from and paid
over
to the proper Taxing Authorities all amounts required to be so withheld and
paid
over under applicable laws.
(g) The
NOLs
of Parent or VQ Merger Sub are not, as of the date hereof, subject to Sections
382 or 269 of the Code, Regulations Section 1.1502-21(c), or any similar
provisions or Regulations otherwise limiting the use of the NOLs of Parent
or VQ
Merger Sub.
(h) Parent
is
not, and has not been for the five years preceding the Closing, a “United States
real property holding company” (as such term is defined in Section 897(c)(2) of
the Code).
(i) As
of the
date hereof, to the knowledge of Parent, neither Parent nor VQ Merger Sub
has
taken or agreed to take any action or failed to take any action that would
prevent the Merger from constituting a reorganization within the meaning
of
Section 368(a) of the Code.
(j) Any
deficiency resulting from any audit or examination relating to Taxes of Parent
by any Taxing Authority has been timely paid.
(k) No
power
of attorney with respect to any Taxes has been executed or filed with any
Taxing
Authority by or on behalf of Parent.
(l) The
total
adjusted tax basis of the assets of each of Parent and VQ Merger Sub equals
or
exceeds the sum of any Liabilities of Parent.
(m) As
of the
date of this Agreement it is the present intention, and as of the date of
the
Closing it will be the present intention, of Parent to continue, either in
the
form of Greenwich as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent or through a member
of
Parent’s “qualified group” (as defined in Regulations Section 1.368-1(d)(4)), at
least one significant historic business line of Greenwich, or to use at least
a
significant portion of Greenwich's historic business assets in a business,
in
each case within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.368-1(d). As of the
date
of the Merger, (i) Parent will own all of the outstanding stock or
other
equity interests in VQ Merger Sub, and (ii) Parent will be in “control” of
VQ Merger Sub within the meaning of Code Section 368(c). Parent has no plan
or
present intention to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the stock
of
Greenwich following the Merger, and Parent has no present plan or intention
to
cause Greenwich to issue additional stock following the Merger, that in either
case would result in Parent’s not having “control” of Greenwich within the
meaning of Code Section 368(c).
3.8 Patents
and Trademarks.
(a) Parent
and each of its subsidiaries owns, or has the right to use pursuant to valid
license, sublicense, agreement, or permission, all intellectual property
rights
used in or necessary for the operation of its business as presently conducted.
To Parent’s knowledge, except as set forth in Section 3.8 of the Parent
Schedule, (i) such intellectual property rights are owned free and clear
of
royalty obligations and Encumbrances, (ii) the execution and delivery of
this
Agreement and the closing of the transaction contemplated hereby will not
alter
or impair any such rights, (iii) the use of all such intellectual property
by
Parent and each of its subsidiaries does not infringe or violate the
intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and (iv) neither Parent
nor any of its subsidiaries has granted any person or entity any rights,
pursuant to written license agreement or otherwise, to use such intellectual
property. Parent and each of its subsidiaries has taken, and shall continue
to
take through the Closing Date, all necessary action to maintain and protect
each
item of intellectual property that it owns or uses.
(b) Section
3.8 of the Parent Schedule identifies (i) each patent, trademark, trade name,
service name or copyright with respect to any of Parent’s or its subsidiaries’
intellectual property, all applications and registration statements therefor
and
renewals thereof (and sets forth correct and complete copies of all such
patents, registrations and applications (as amended to date)) and (ii) all
intellectual property that Parent and each of its subsidiaries uses pursuant
to
license, sublicense, agreement, or permission, all of which are valid and
in
full force and effect, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the
closing of the transaction contemplated hereby will not alter or impair any
such
rights.
(c) Parent
and each of its subsidiaries has at all times used reasonable efforts to
protect
all trade secrets related to its intellectual property.
3.9 Compliance;
Permits; Restrictions.
(a) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries is in conflict with, or in default or
violation of (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable
to Parent or such subsidiary or by which its or any of their respective
properties is bound or affected, or (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument
or
obligation to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which
Parent or any of its subsidiaries or its or any of their respective properties
is bound or affected except for those conflicts, defaults or violations which
would not be reasonably expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
To
the knowledge of Parent, no investigation or review by any Governmental Entity
is pending or threatened against Parent or any of its subsidiaries, nor has
any
Governmental Entity indicated in writing an intention to conduct the same;
other
than those which would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material
Adverse Effect. There is no agreement, judgment, injunction, order or decree
binding upon Parent or any of its subsidiaries which has or would reasonably
be
expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing any business
practice of Parent or any of its subsidiaries, any acquisition of material
property by Parent or any of its subsidiaries or the conduct of business
by
Parent or any of its subsidiaries as currently conducted.
(b) Parent
and each of its subsidiaries holds all permits, licenses, variances, exemptions,
orders and approvals from Governmental Entities which are necessary to the
conduct of its business except those the absence of which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to have a Parent Material
Adverse Effect, (collectively, the “Parent Permits”). Parent and each of its
subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the terms of
the
Parent Permits.
3.10 Litigation.
There
is no action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or investigation pending,
including derivative suits brought by or on behalf of Parent, or as to which
Parent or any of its subsidiaries has received any written notice of assertion
nor, to Parent's knowledge, is there a threatened action, suit, proceeding,
claim, arbitration or investigation against Parent or any of its subsidiaries
seeking to delay, limit or enjoin the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or which might reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material
Adverse Effect.
3.11 Brokers'
and Finders' Fees.
Parent
has not incurred, nor will it incur, directly or indirectly, any Liability
for
brokerage or finders' fees or agents' commissions or any similar charges
in
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby, other
than finders’ fees, the payment for which will be the sole responsibility of
Parent.
3.12 Labor
Agreements and Actions, Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries is bound by or subject to (and none of
its
assets or properties is bound by or subject to) any written or oral, express
or
implied, contract, commitment or arrangement with any labor union, and no
labor
union has requested or, to the knowledge of Parent, has sought to represent
any
of the employees, representatives, or agents of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries. There is no strike or other labor dispute involving Parent
or any
of its subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, nor
is
Parent aware of any labor organization activity involving its
employees.
(b) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries sponsors, maintains, contributes to, or
is
required to contribute to, and has any Liabilities or responsibilities for,
any
pension, profit-sharing or other retirement, bonus, deferred compensation,
employment agreement, severance agreement, compensation, stock purchase,
stock
option, severance or termination pay, hospitalization or other medical, life
or
other insurance, long- or short-term disability, fringe benefit, sick pay,
or
vacation pay, or other employee benefit plan, program, agreement, or arrangement
or policy, whether formal or informal, funded or unfunded, written or unwritten,
and whether legally binding for any current or former employees or any current
or former director or consultant of Parent or any of its subsidiaries, or
of any
trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with Parent
would
be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of
ERISA, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively,
“Parent Benefit Plans”), except those that may be terminated without penalty on
thirty (30) days notice.
(c) No
claim
against any current or former Parent Benefit Plan, and no legal or regulatory
proceeding (including any audit or voluntary compliance resolution or closing
agreement program proceeding) involving any current or former Parent Benefit
Plan, is pending, or to the knowledge of Parent, threatened.
(d) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction with respect
to
any current or former Parent Benefit Plan that, assuming the taxable period
of
such transaction expired as of the date hereof, could subject Parent or such
subsidiary to a tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code
or
Section 502(i) of ERISA in an amount which would be material.
(e) No
current or former Parent Benefit Plan or any of its subsidiaries, or any
ERISA
Affiliate, is or has ever been subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412
of
the Code. No Parent Benefit Plan constitutes a multiemployer plan within
the
meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.
(f) All
contributions required to be made under the terms of any current or former
Parent Benefit Plan have been timely made or have been reflected on the audited
financial statements of Parent.
(g) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has any obligations for retiree health
and
life benefits under any current or former Parent Benefit Plan or has ever
represented, promised or contracted (whether in oral or written form) to
any
employee(s) that such employee(s) would be provided with retiree health or
life
benefits which would have a material impact on Parent, except as required
under
Section 601 of ERISA.
(h) The
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
(x)
entitle any employees of Parent or any of its subsidiaries to severance pay,
(y)
accelerate the time of payment or vesting or trigger any payment or funding
(through a grantor trust or otherwise) of compensation or benefits under,
increase the amount payable or trigger any other material obligation pursuant
to, any of the Parent Benefit Plans or (z) result in any breach or violation
of,
or a default under, any of the Parent Benefit Plans.
(i) Any
amount that could be received (whether in cash, property, or vesting of
property) as a result of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement by
any
officer, director, employee or independent contractor of Parent or any of
its
subsidiaries, who is a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.280G-1), under any employment arrangement or Parent
Benefit
Plan would not be characterized as an “excess parachute payment” (as defined in
Section 280G of the Code).
(j) All
current or former Parent Benefit Plans covering current or former non-U.S.
employees complies in all material respects with applicable law. No unfunded
Liabilities exist with respect to any Parent Benefit Plan that covers such
non-U.S. employees.
3.13 Absence
of Encumbrances.
Parent
and each of its subsidiaries has good and valid title to, or, in the case
of
leased properties and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its tangible
properties and assets, real, personal and mixed, used in its business, free
and
clear of any Encumbrances except (i) as reflected in the Parent Financial
Statements, (ii) for liens for taxes not yet due and payable and (iii) for
such
imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any, which would not be reasonably
expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
3.14 Environmental
Matters.
(a) Hazardous
Materials Activities.
To its
knowledge, except as would not reasonably be likely to result in a material
Liability to Parent (in any individual case or in the aggregate), (i) neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has transported, handled, treated, stored,
used, manufactured, distributed, disposed of, released or exposed its employees
or others to Hazardous Materials and (ii) neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries has engaged in, Hazardous Materials Activities, in either case
in
violation of any applicable law, rule, regulation, treaty or statute promulgated
by any Governmental Entity in effect prior to or as of the date hereof to
prohibit, regulate or control Hazardous Materials or any Hazardous Materials
Activity.
(b) Environmental
Liabilities.
No
action, proceeding, revocation proceeding, amendment procedure, writ, injunction
or claim is pending, or to Parent's knowledge, threatened against Parent
or any
of its subsidiaries concerning (i) any Parent Permit relating to any
environmental matter, (ii) any Hazardous Material or (iii) any Hazardous
Materials Activity of Parent or any of its subsidiaries. Parent is not aware
of
any fact or circumstance which could reasonably involve Parent or any of
its
subsidiaries in any environmental litigation or impose upon Parent or any
of its
subsidiaries any Liability related to Hazardous Materials or Hazardous Materials
Activity.
(c) Compliance
with Environmental Laws.
Each of
Parent, each of its subsidiaries, and their respective predecessors and
affiliates have complied and are in compliance, in each case in all material
respects, with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, treaties and statutes
promulgated by any Governmental Entity in effect prior to or as of the date
hereof to prohibit, regulate or control Hazardous Materials or any Hazardous
Materials Activity.
3.15 Agreements.
(a) Section
3.15(a) of the Parent Schedule lists all written agreements between Parent
and
any of its officers, directors, employees or stockholders or any affiliate
thereof, and copies of each such agreement have been provided or made available
to Greenwich or Greenwich's counsel.
(b) Section
3.15(b) of the Parent Schedule lists all written agreements, to which Parent
or
any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound which (i) involve
obligations (contingent or otherwise) of, or payments to, Parent or such
subsidiary in excess of $100,000, (ii) are material to the conduct and
operations of Parent’s business or properties (including, without limitation,
the license of any intellectual property to or from Parent or any of its
subsidiaries), (iii) restrict or materially adversely affect the development,
manufacture, sale, marketing or distribution of Parent’s or any of its
subsidiary’s products or services, (iv) relate to the employment or compensation
of any employee or consultant, (v) are of duration of six months or more
and not
cancelable without penalty by Parent or any of its subsidiaries on 30 days
or
less notice or (vi) relate to the sale, lease, pledge or other disposition
of
any material assets of or to Parent or any of its subsidiaries.
(c) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries, nor to Parent’s knowledge any other party to
a Parent Contract (as defined below), is in breach, violation or default
under,
and neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has been notified that it
has
breached, violated or defaulted under, any of the material terms or conditions
of any of the agreements, contracts or commitments to which Parent or any
of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound that are required to be
disclosed in Sections 3.15(a) or 3.15(b) of the Parent Schedule (any such
agreement, contract or commitment, a “Parent Contract”) in such a manner as
would permit any other party to cancel or terminate any such Parent Contract,
or
would permit any other party to seek material damages or other remedies (for
any
or all of such breaches, violations or defaults, in the aggregate).
(d) Each
of
the Parent Contracts are legal, valid, binding and enforceable and in full
force
and effect with respect to the Parent and any of its subsidiaries, and to
Parent’s knowledge, with respect to each other party thereto, in either case
subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as the
availability of equitable remedies may be limited by general principles of
equity; and the Parent Contracts will continue to be legal, valid, binding
and
enforceable and in full force and effect immediately following the Closing
in
accordance with the terms thereof as in effect prior to the Closing subject
to
the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and except as the availability of
equitable remedies may be limited by general principles of equity.
(e) Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries have been notified that any party to any
of
the Parent Contracts intends to cancel, terminate, proposes to amend, not
renew
or exercise an option under any of Parent Contracts, whether in connection
with
the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise nor is Parent or any of
its
subsidiaries aware of any intention by any party to any Parent Contract to
effect any of the foregoing.
3.16 Board
Approval.
The
Board of Directors of Parent and VQ Merger Sub have each, as of the date
of this
Agreement at a meeting duly called and held, duly and unanimously adopted
resolutions (i) approving this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, (ii) determining that the terms of the Merger
and the transactions completed thereby are fair to and in the best interests
of
Parent and/or VQ Merger Sub and each of their stockholders, (iii) declaring
that
this Agreement and the Merger are advisable; (iv) in the case of VQ Merger
Sub,
recommending that the stockholders of VQ Merger Sub adopt this Agreement;
and
(v) in the case of Parent, approving the Merger Consideration.
3.17 Interim
Operations of VQ Merger Sub.
VQ
Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions
contemplated hereby and has engaged in no other business other than incident
to
its creation and this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.
3.18 Regulatory
Compliance.
Neither
Parent nor any of its subsidiaries, nor the business, assets or operations
thereof as presently conducted, are subject to the regulatory requirements
of
the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”).
3.19
Valid
Issuances.
The
Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger, when issued in accordance
with
the provisions of this Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued,
fully
paid and nonassessable, free of all Encumbrances and not subject to preemptive
rights, and will be, subject to the accuracy of the representations of
Greenwich’s stockholders contained in each Stockholder Questionnaire (as defined
below), be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
and
applicable blue sky laws.
3.20
Insurance.
Parent
maintains insurance policies that: (a) insure against such risks, and are
in
such amounts, as are appropriate and reasonable, in the judgment of Parent’s
management, considering Parent’s properties, businesses and operations; (b) are
in full force and effect; and (c) are valid, outstanding and enforceable.
Neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has received or given notice of
cancellation with respect to any such insurance policies which are currently
in
effect.
3.21 Disclosure.
No
representation or warranty of the parties to this Agreement and no statement
in
the Parent Schedule, taken together, omits to state a material fact necessary
to
make the statements herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which
they were made, not misleading.
ARTICLE
IV
CONDUCT
PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME
4.1 Conduct
of Business by the Parties.
During
the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier
of
the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms or the Effective
Time,
each of Greenwich, Parent and their respective subsidiaries shall carry on
their
respective business in the ordinary course and in substantial compliance
with
all applicable laws and regulations, pay their respective debts and taxes
when
due subject to good faith disputes over such debts or taxes, pay or perform
other material obligations when due subject to good faith disputes over such
obligations, and use their commercially reasonable efforts consistent with
past
practices and policies to (i) preserve intact their present business
organization, (ii) keep available the services of each of their present officers
and employees, respectively, and (iii) preserve their relationships with
customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees and others with
which
each party has business dealings material to their respective
business.
4.2 Covenants
of Parent.
Except
as permitted or otherwise contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, without
the prior written consent of Greenwich, during the period from the date of
this
Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to its terms or the Effective Time, Parent shall not do any of the
following and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to do any of the
following:
(a) Except
as
required by law or pursuant to the terms of Parent’s 2003 Stock Option Plan (the
“Parent Option Plan”) in effect as of the date hereof, waive any stock
repurchase rights, accelerate, amend or change the period of exercisability
of
options or restricted stock, or reprise options granted under any employee,
consultant, director or other stock plans or authorize cash payments in exchange
for any options granted under any of such plans;
(b) Except
as
required by applicable law, grant any severance or termination pay to any
officer or employee except pursuant to written agreements outstanding, or
policies existing, on the date hereof and as previously disclosed in writing
or
made available to Greenwich, or adopt any new severance plan, or amend or
modify
or alter in any manner any severance plan, agreement or arrangement existing
on
the date hereof;
(c) Declare,
set aside or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions (whether
in
cash, stock, equity securities or property) in respect of any capital stock
or
split, combine or reclassify any capital stock or issue or authorize the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for any capital stock;
(d) Purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital
stock
of Parent or VQ Merger Sub, except (i) repurchases of unvested shares at
cost in
connection with the termination of the employment relationship with any employee
pursuant to stock option or purchase agreements in effect on the date hereof
(or
any such agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice by Parent with employees hired after the date hereof),
and
(ii) for the purpose of funding or providing benefits under any stock option
and
incentive compensation plans, directors plans, and stock purchase and dividend
reinvestment plans in accordance with past practice;
(e) Issue,
deliver, sell, authorize, pledge or otherwise encumber or propose any of
the
foregoing with respect to any shares of capital stock or any securities
convertible into shares of capital stock, or subscriptions, rights, warrants
or
options to acquire any shares of capital stock or any securities convertible
into shares of capital stock, or enter into other agreements or commitments
of
any character obligating it to issue any such shares or convertible securities,
or any equity-based awards (whether payable in shares, cash or otherwise)
other
than the issuance, delivery and/or sale of shares of Parent Common Stock
(as
appropriately adjusted for stock splits and the like) pursuant to the exercise
of stock options or warrants outstanding as of the date of this
Agreement;
(f) Cause,
permit or submit to a vote of stockholders any amendments to the Parent Charter
Documents, the Merger Sub Charter Documents, or similar governing instruments
of
any subsidiary, other than in connection with the Reincorporation
Proposal;
(g) Acquire
or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing any
equity interest in or a portion of the assets of, or by any other manner,
any
business or any corporation, partnership, association or other business
organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to enter
into
any joint ventures, strategic partnerships or strategic
investments;
(h) Sell,
lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets
except
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except
for the
sale, lease, licensing, encumbering or disposition of property or assets
which
are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business of Parent
or
any subsidiary;
(i) Incur
any
indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness of another
person, issue or sell any debt securities or options, warrants, calls or
other
rights to acquire any debt securities of Parent or any subsidiary, enter
into
any “keep well” or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition
or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing
other than in connection with the financing of working capital consistent
with
past practice;
(j) Adopt
or
amend any employee stock purchase or employee stock option plan, or enter
into
any employment contract or collective bargaining agreement (other than offer
letters and letter agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice with employees who are terminable “at will”), pay
any special bonus or special remuneration to any director or employee, or
increase the salaries, wage rates, compensation or other fringe benefits
(including rights to severance or indemnification) of its directors, officers,
employees or consultants except, in each case, as may be required by
law;
(k) Pay,
discharge, settle or satisfy any litigation (whether or not commenced prior
to
the date of this Agreement) or any material Liabilities, other than the payment,
discharge, settlement or satisfaction, in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or in accordance with their terms, of Liabilities
recognized or disclosed in the Parent Balance Sheet or incurred since the
date
of such financial statements, or waive the benefits of, agree to modify in
any
manner, terminate, release any person from or knowingly fail to enforce the
confidentiality or nondisclosure provisions of any agreement to which Parent
or
any subsidiary is a party or of which Parent or any subsidiary is a
beneficiary;
(l) Except
in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, materially
modify, amend or terminate any Parent Contracts or waive, delay the exercise
of,
release or assign any material rights or claims thereunder without providing
prior notice to Greenwich;
(m) Except
as
required by GAAP, revalue any of its assets or make any change in accounting
methods, principles or practices;
(n) Make
any
Tax election or accounting method change (except as required by GAAP)
inconsistent with past practice that, individually or in the aggregate, is
reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect the Tax Liability
or Tax attributes of Parent or any subsidiary, settle or compromise any material
Tax Liability or consent to any extension or waiver of any limitation period
with respect to Taxes;
(o) Take
any
action that would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
under
Section 368(a) of the Code; or
(p) Agree
in
writing or otherwise to take any of the actions described in Section 4.2
(a)
through (o) above.
4.3 Covenants
of Greenwich.
Except
as permitted or otherwise contemplated by the terms of this Agreement, without
the prior written consent of Parent, during the period from the date of this
Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to its terms or the Effective Time, Greenwich shall not do any of
the
following and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to do any of the
following:
(a) Except
as
required by law or pursuant to the terms of the Greenwich Option Plan in
effect
as of the date hereof, waive any stock repurchase rights, accelerate, amend
or
change the period of exercisability of options or restricted stock, or reprise
options granted under any employee, consultant, director or other stock plans
or
authorize cash payments in exchange for any options granted under any of
such
plans;
(b) Except
as
required by applicable law, grant any severance or termination pay to any
officer or employee except pursuant to written agreements outstanding, or
policies existing, on the date hereof and as previously disclosed in writing
or
made available to Parent, or adopt any new severance plan, or amend or modify
or
alter in any manner any severance plan, agreement or arrangement existing
on the
date hereof;
(c) Declare,
set aside or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions (whether
in
cash, stock, equity securities or property) in respect of any capital stock
or
split, combine or reclassify any capital stock or issue or authorize the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for any capital stock;
(d) Purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital
stock
of Greenwich, except (i) repurchases of unvested shares at cost in connection
with the termination of the employment relationship with any employee pursuant
to stock option or purchase agreements in effect on the date hereof (or any
such
agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past
practice by Greenwich with employees hired after the date hereof), and (ii)
for
the purpose of funding or providing benefits under any stock option and
incentive compensation plans, directors plans, and stock purchase and dividend
reinvestment plans in accordance with past practice;
(e) Issue,
deliver, sell, authorize, pledge or otherwise encumber or propose any of
the
foregoing with respect to any shares of capital stock or any securities
convertible into shares of capital stock, or subscriptions, rights, warrants
or
options to acquire any shares of capital stock or any securities convertible
into shares of capital stock, or enter into other agreements or commitments
of
any character obligating it to issue any such shares or convertible securities,
or any equity-based awards (whether payable in shares, cash or otherwise)
other
than the issuance, delivery and/or sale of shares of Greenwich Common Stock
(as
appropriately adjusted for stock splits and the like) pursuant to the exercise
of stock options or warrants outstanding as of the date of this
Agreement;
(f) Cause,
permit or submit to a vote of stockholders any amendments to the Greenwich
Charter Documents;
(g) Acquire
or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing any
equity interest in or a portion of the assets of, or by any other manner,
any
business or any corporation, partnership, association or other business
organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to enter
into
any joint ventures, strategic partnerships or strategic
investments;
(h) Sell,
lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets
except
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except
for the
sale, lease, licensing, encumbering or disposition of property or assets
which
are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business of
Greenwich;
(i) Incur
any
indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness of another
person, issue or sell any debt securities or options, warrants, calls or
other
rights to acquire any debt securities of Greenwich or any subsidiary, enter
into
any “keep well” or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition
or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing
other than in connection with the financing of working capital consistent
with
past practice, which the parties specifically agree will include Greenwich
incurring additional indebtedness to PBI (defined in Section 5.7 below) under
the PBI Note (as defined in Section 5.7 below) prior to Closing for its expenses
and operating requirements;
(j) Adopt
or
amend any employee stock purchase or employee stock option plan, or enter
into
any employment contract or collective bargaining agreement (other than offer
letters and letter agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice with employees who are terminable “at will”), pay
any special bonus or special remuneration to any director or employee, or
increase the salaries, wage rates, compensation or other fringe benefits
(including rights to severance or indemnification) of its directors, officers,
employees or consultants except, in each case, as may be required by law;
provided, however, that Greenwich may terminate the Greenwich Option
Plan;
(k) Pay,
discharge, settle or satisfy any litigation (whether or not commenced prior
to
the date of this Agreement) or any material Liabilities, other than the payment,
discharge, settlement or satisfaction, in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or in accordance with their terms, of Liabilities
recognized or disclosed in the Greenwich Balance Sheet or incurred since
the
date of such financial statements, or waive the benefits of, agree to modify
in
any manner, terminate, release any person from or knowingly fail to enforce
the
confidentiality or nondisclosure provisions of any agreement to which Parent
or
any subsidiary is a party or of which Parent or any subsidiary is a
beneficiary;
(l) Except
in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, materially
modify, amend or terminate any Greenwich Contracts or waive, delay the exercise
of, release or assign any material rights or claims thereunder without providing
prior notice to Parent;
(m) Except
as
required by GAAP, revalue any of its assets or make any change in accounting
methods, principles or practices;
(n) Make
any
Tax election or accounting method change (except as required by GAAP)
inconsistent with past practice that, individually or in the aggregate, is
reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect the Tax Liability
or Tax attributes of Greenwich, settle or compromise any material Tax Liability
or consent to any extension or waiver of any limitation period with respect
to
Taxes;
(o) Take
any
action that would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
under
Section 368(a) of the Code; or
(p) Agree
in
writing or otherwise to take any of the actions described in Section 4.3(a)
through 4.3(o) above.
4.4 No
Solicitation by Greenwich.
(a) Greenwich
shall not, nor shall it authorize or permit any officer, director or employee
of, or any investment banker, attorney or other advisor or representative
of,
Greenwich to, (i) directly or indirectly solicit, initiate or encourage the
submission of any Greenwich Takeover Proposal (as defined below), (ii) enter
into any agreement with respect to any Greenwich Takeover Proposal or (iii)
directly or indirectly participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding,
or furnish to any person any information with respect to, or take any other
action to facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that
constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any Greenwich Takeover
Proposal; provided,
however,
that,
prior to receipt of the Greenwich Stockholder Approval, Greenwich may, to
the
extent required by the fiduciary obligations of the Board of Directors of
Greenwich, as determined in good faith by it based on the advice of outside
counsel, in response to a Greenwich Takeover Proposal that was not solicited
by
Greenwich and that did not otherwise result from a breach or a deemed breach
of
this Section 4.4(a), and subject to compliance with Section 4.3(c), (x) furnish
information with respect to Greenwich to any person pursuant to a customary
confidentiality agreement (as determined by Greenwich’s independent counsel) and
(y) participate in discussions or negotiations (including solicitation of
a
revised Greenwich Takeover Proposal) with such person regarding any Greenwich
Takeover Proposal. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that any
violation of the restrictions set forth in the preceding sentence by any
executive officer of Greenwich or any affiliate, director or investment banker,
attorney or other advisor or representative of Greenwich, whether or not
such
person is purporting to act on behalf of Greenwich or otherwise, shall be
deemed
to be a breach of this Section 4.4(a) by Greenwich. For purposes of this
Agreement, “Greenwich
Takeover Proposal”
means
any proposal or offer for a merger, consolidation, dissolution,
recapitalization, or other business combination involving Greenwich, any
proposal for the issuance by Greenwich of a material amount of its equity
securities as consideration for the assets or securities of another person
or
any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner, directly or indirectly, a
material equity interest in, any voting securities of, or a substantial portion
of the assets of, Greenwich, other than the Merger and other transactions
contemplated hereby.
(b) Neither
the Board of Directors of Greenwich nor any committee thereof shall (i) withdraw
or modify, or propose to withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to Parent
or VQ
Merger Sub, the approval or recommendation by the Board of Directors of
Greenwich or any such committee of this Agreement or the Merger, (ii) approve
any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or similar
agreement relating to any Greenwich Takeover Proposal or (iii) approve or
recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, any Greenwich Takeover Proposal.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, prior to receipt of the Greenwich Stockholder
Approval, the Board of Directors of Greenwich receives a Superior Greenwich
Proposal (as defined below) and the Board of Directors of Greenwich determines
in good faith, based on the advice of outside counsel, that it is necessary
to
do so in order to comply with its fiduciary obligations, the Board of Directors
of Greenwich may withdraw or modify its approval or recommendation of the
Merger
and this Agreement and, in connection therewith, approve or recommend such
Superior Greenwich Proposal. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Superior
Greenwich Proposal”
means
any proposal made by a third party to acquire a material portion of the equity
securities or assets of Greenwich, pursuant to a tender or exchange offer,
a
merger, a consolidation, a liquidation or dissolution, a recapitalization,
a
sale of all or substantially all its assets or otherwise, on terms which
the
Board of Directors of Greenwich determines in its good faith judgment to
be more
favorable to the holders of Greenwich Common Stock than the Merger and the
transactions contemplated hereby (based on the written opinion, with only
customary qualifications, of Greenwich’s independent financial advisor), taking
into account all the terms and conditions of such proposal and this Agreement.
(c) Greenwich
promptly shall advise Parent orally and in writing of any Greenwich Takeover
Proposal or any inquiry with respect to or that could reasonably be expected
to
lead to any Greenwich Takeover Proposal, and the identity of the person making
any such Greenwich Takeover Proposal or inquiry including any change to the
material terms of any such Greenwich Takeover Proposal or inquiry. Greenwich
shall keep Parent fully informed of the status including any change to the
material terms of any such Greenwich Takeover Proposal or inquiry. Greenwich
shall not be required to comply with this Section 4.4(c) in any instance
to the
extent that the Board of Directors of Greenwich determines in good faith,
based
on the advice of outside counsel, that such compliance would in such instance
be
inconsistent with its fiduciary duties; provided,
however,
that
Greenwich shall promptly notify Parent of the fact of such
determination.
4.5 No
Solicitation by Parent or Subsidiaries.
(a) Parent
shall not, nor shall it permit any of its subsidiaries to, nor shall it
authorize or permit any officer, director or employee of, or any investment
banker, attorney or other advisor or representative of, Parent or any of
its
subsidiaries to, (i) directly or indirectly solicit, initiate or encourage
the
submission of any Parent Takeover Proposal (as defined below), (ii) enter
into
any agreement with respect to any Parent Takeover Proposal or (iii) directly
or
indirectly participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish
to any person any information with respect to, or take any other action to
facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes,
or may
reasonably be expected to lead to, any Parent Takeover Proposal; provided,
however,
that,
Parent may, to the extent required by the fiduciary obligations of the Board
of
Directors of Parent, as determined in good faith by it based on the advice
of
outside counsel, in response to a Parent Takeover Proposal that was not
solicited by Parent and that did not otherwise result from a breach or a
deemed
breach of this Section 4.5(a), and subject to compliance with Section 4.5(c),
(x) furnish information with respect to Parent to any person pursuant to
a
customary confidentiality agreement (as determined by Parent’s independent
counsel) and (y) participate in discussions or negotiations (including
solicitation of a revised Parent Takeover Proposal) with such person regarding
any Parent Takeover Proposal. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed
that
any violation of the restrictions set forth in the preceding sentence by
any
affiliate, director or executive officer of Parent or any subsidiary of Parent
or any investment banker, attorney or other advisor or representative of
Parent
or any subsidiary of Parent, whether or not such person is purporting to
act on
behalf of Parent or any subsidiary of Parent or otherwise, shall be deemed
to be
a breach of this Section 4.5(a) by Parent. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Parent
Takeover Proposal”
means
any proposal for a merger, consolidation, dissolution, dissolution,
recapitalization, or other business combination involving Parent or any
subsidiary of Parent, any proposal or offer for the issuance by Parent or
any
subsidiary of Parent of a material amount of its equity securities (other
than
pursuant to the Offering) as consideration for the assets or securities of
another person or any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner, directly
or
indirectly, an equity interest in, any voting securities of, or a substantial
portion of the assets of Parent or any subsidiary of Parent, other than the
Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Neither
the Board of Directors of Parent or VQ Merger Sub nor any committee thereof
shall (i) withdraw or modify, or propose to withdraw or modify, in a manner
adverse to Greenwich, the approval or recommendation by the Board of Directors
of Parent, VQ Merger Sub or any such committee of this Agreement or the Merger,
(ii) approve any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement
or similar agreement relating to any Parent Takeover Proposal or (iii) approve
or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, any Parent Takeover Proposal.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors of Parent receives
a
Superior Parent Proposal (as defined below) and the Parent Board determines
in
good faith, based on the advice of outside counsel, that it is necessary
to do
so in order to comply with its fiduciary obligations, the Board of Directors
of
Parent may withdraw or modify its approval or recommendation of the Merger
and
this Agreement and, in connection therewith, approve or recommend such Superior
Parent Proposal. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Superior
Parent Proposal”
means
any proposal made by a third party to acquire a material portion of the equity
securities or assets of Parent, pursuant to a tender or exchange offer, a
merger, a sale of all or substantially all its assets or otherwise, on terms
which the Board of Directors of Parent determines in its good faith judgment
to
be more favorable to the holders of Parent Common Stock than the Merger and
other transactions contemplated hereby (based on the written opinion, with
only
customary qualifications, of the Parent’s independent financial advisor), taking
into account all the terms and conditions of such proposal and this
Agreement.
(c) Parent
promptly shall advise Greenwich orally and in writing of any Parent Takeover
Proposal or any inquiry with respect to or that could lead to any Parent
Takeover Proposal, and the identity of the person making any such Parent
Takeover Proposal or inquiry and the material terms of any such Parent Takeover
Proposal or inquiry. Parent shall keep Greenwich fully informed of the status
including any change to the material terms of any such Parent Takeover Proposal
or inquiry. Parent shall not be required to comply with this Section 4.5(c)
in
any instance to the extent that the Parent Board determines in good faith,
based
on the advice outside counsel, that such compliance would in such instance
be
inconsistent with its fiduciary duties; provided,
however,
that
the Parent shall promptly notify Parent of the fact of such
determination.
ARTICLE
V
ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS
5.1 Public
Disclosure.
Parent
and Greenwich will consult with each other and agree before issuing any press
release or otherwise making any public statement with respect to the Merger
or
this Agreement and will not issue any such press release or make any such
public
statement prior to such agreement, except as may be required by law or any
listing agreement with a national securities exchange or Nasdaq, in which
case
reasonable efforts to consult with the other party will be made prior to
such
release or public statement.
5.2 Commercially
Reasonable Efforts; Notification.
(a) Upon
the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, unless,
to the
extent permitted by Section 4.4(b) or 4.5(b), the Board of Directors of
Greenwich or the Parent approves or recommends a Superior Greenwich Proposal
or
Superior Parent Proposal, each of the parties agrees to use commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do,
or
cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing,
all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective,
in
the most expeditious manner practicable, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including to accomplish the following: (i)
causing the conditions precedent set forth in ARTICLE VI to be satisfied;
(ii)
obtaining all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents, approvals,
orders and authorizations from Governmental Entities; (iii) making all necessary
registrations, declarations and filings (including registrations, declarations
and filings with Governmental Entities, if any); (iv) avoiding any suit,
claim,
action, investigation or proceeding by any Governmental Entity challenging
the
Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement; (v) obtaining
all consents, approvals or waivers from third parties required as a result
of
the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; (vi) defending any suits,
claims, actions, investigations or proceedings, whether judicial or
administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, including seeking to have any stay or
temporary restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity
vacated or reversed; and (vii) executing or delivering any additional
instruments reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated
by,
and to fully carry out the purposes of, this Agreement.
(b) Parent
shall give prompt notice to Greenwich upon becoming aware that any
representation or warranty made by it or VQ Merger Sub contained in this
Agreement has become untrue or inaccurate, or of any failure of Parent or
VQ
Merger Sub to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant,
condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this
Agreement; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties or the
conditions to the obligations of the parties under this Agreement.
(c) Greenwich
shall give prompt notice to Parent upon becoming aware that any representation
or warranty made by it contained in this Agreement has become untrue or
inaccurate, or of any failure of Greenwich to comply with or satisfy in any
material respect any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with
or
satisfied by it under this Agreement; provided, however, that no such
notification shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements of the parties or the conditions to the obligations of the parties
under this Agreement.
5.3 Third
Party Consents.
On or
before the Closing Date, Parent and Greenwich will each use its commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain any consents, waivers and approvals under any
of
its respective agreements, contracts, licenses or leases required to be obtained
in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
5.4 Conveyance
Taxes.
Parent,
Greenwich and VQ Merger Sub shall cooperate in the preparation, execution
and
filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications, or other documents
regarding (i) any real property transfer gains, sales, use, transfer,
value-added, stock transfer and stamp Taxes, (ii) any recording, registration
and other fees, and (iii) any similar Taxes or fees that become payable in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Taxes described
in
this Section shall be paid equally by Parent and Greenwich.
5.5 Survival
after Closing.
All of
the covenants and obligations of the parties to this Agreement, which by
their
terms are to be performed or will become effective after the Closing, including
without limitation, those contained in Sections 1.6, 1.12, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
and 5.8
shall survive the Closing. The respective representations and warranties
of the
parties contained in Articles II and III shall not survive the
Closing.
5.6 Tax
Covenants of Parent.
After
the Effective Time of the Merger, Parent, either directly or through Greenwich
as long as Greenwich is within Parent’s “qualified group” within the meaning of
Regulations Section 1.368-1(d)(4)(ii) (the “Qualified Group”), will continue at
least one significant historic business line of Greenwich, or use at least
a
significant portion of Greenwich's historic business assets in a business,
in
each case within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.368-1(d), except that
Greenwich's historic business assets may be transferred (a) to a
corporation that is another member of Parent’s Qualified Group, or (b) to
an entity taxed as a partnership if (i) one or more members of Parent’s
Qualified Group have active and substantial management functions as a partner
with respect to Parent’s historic business or (ii) members of Parent’s
Qualified Group in the aggregate own an interest in the partnership representing
a significant interest in Greenwich's historic business, in each case within
the
meaning of Regulations Section 1.368-1(d)(4)(iii).
5.7 Assumption
of Certain Indebtedness.
Parent
hereby agrees to assume the obligations of Greenwich under that certain Future
Advance Promissory Note, dated as of October 28, 2004 (the “PBI Note”), issued
by Greenwich to Paramount BioCapital Investments, LLC (“PBI”), and agrees that,
subject to the existing maturity date of the PBI Note, the indebtedness
evidenced by such Note shall be repaid in three equal installments as follows:
(i) one-third of the principal amount and all interest accrued to such date
upon
such time as Parent raises at least $5,000,000 in aggregate gross proceeds
from
the sale of its equity or debt securities in one or more transactions subsequent
to the date of this Agreement; (ii) one-third of the principal amount and
all
interest accrued to such date upon such time as Parent raises at least
$10,000,000 in aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of its equity or debt
securities (including the amount raised pursuant to clause (i)) in one or
more
transactions subsequent to the date of this Agreement; and (iii) the remaining
one-third of the principal amount shall be converted into shares of Parent
Common Stock at the final closing of the Offering upon the terms of the Offering
(as defined below).
5.8 Indemnification.
(a) Subsequent
to the Effective Time, the Greenwich Surviving Corporation shall indemnify
and
hold harmless each present and former director and officer of Greenwich
(collectively, the “Greenwich Indemnified Parties”) against all losses in
connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining
to any action or omission in their capacity as director or officer occurring
before the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after
the
Effective Time, in each case to the fullest extent permitted under applicable
law and to the extent Greenwich has such obligation as of the date hereof,
whether under the Greenwich Charter Documents, individual indemnity agreements
or otherwise (and shall pay any expenses in advance of the final disposition
of
such action or proceeding to each Greenwich Indemnified Party to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable law, upon receipt from the Greenwich
Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced of an undertaking to repay
such
advances as required under applicable law) and such obligations shall survive
the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect until the expiration
of
the applicable statute of limitations with respect to any such claims against
such persons.
(b) In
the
event the Greenwich Surviving Corporation or any of its respective successors
or
assigns (i)
consolidates with or merges into any other entity and shall not be the
continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger
or
(ii)
transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person
or
entity, then, and in each such case, provision shall be made by the Greenwich
Surviving Corporation so that the successors and assigns of the Greenwich
Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth in Section
5.8(a).
(c) The
rights of each covered person under this Section 5.8 shall be in addition
to any
rights such person may have under the Greenwich Charter Documents or the
comparable organizational documents of any of Greenwich’s subsidiaries, or under
applicable law or under any agreement with Greenwich or any of its subsidiaries.
The provisions of and the rights granted under the Greenwich Charter Documents
and this Section 5.8 shall survive consummation of the Merger, are expressly
assumed by Parent, and are intended to benefit, and shall be enforceable
by,
each such person and his heirs and representatives.
5.9 Parent
Reincorporation.
(a) For
purposes of obtaining the approval of Parent’s shareholders to reincorporate
Parent under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Reincorporation”), Parent
shall call a meeting of its shareholders as soon as practicable following
the
date hereof (the “Parent Shareholder Meeting”). Parent shall use its reasonable
best efforts to obtain approval of the proposed Reincorporation (the
“Reincorporation Proposal”). In connection with the solicitation of proxies for
the Parent Shareholder Meeting, the parties hereto shall cooperate in the
preparation of an appropriate proxy statement (such proxy statement, together
with any and all amendments or supplements thereto, the “Proxy
Statement”).
(b) Greenwich
shall furnish such information concerning Greenwich as is necessary in order
to
cause the Proxy Statement, insofar as it relates to Greenwich, to be prepared
in
accordance with Section 5.9(a). Greenwich shall also furnish to Parent, for
purposes of its preparation of the Proxy Statement, any required information
regarding any holders of Greenwich Common Stock or their affiliates. Such
information provided by Greenwich shall be true and correct in all material
respects and shall not omit any material fact necessary to make that information
not misleading. Greenwich agrees promptly to advise Parent if at any time
prior
to the Parent Shareholder Meeting any information provided by Greenwich in
the
Proxy Statement becomes incorrect or incomplete in any material respect,
and to
provide Parent the information needed to correct such inaccuracy or
omission.
(c) Subject
to the prior approval of this Agreement by the holders of Greenwich Common
Stock, Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to promptly prepare and submit
the Proxy Statement to the SEC at the earliest practicable date. Greenwich
authorizes Parent to utilize in the Proxy Statement the information under
Section 5.9(b) provided to Parent for the purpose of inclusion in the Proxy
Statement. Parent shall advise Greenwich promptly when the preliminary and
definitive Proxy Statement has been filed and shall furnish Greenwich with
copies of all such documents.
(d) At
the
time the Proxy Statement is mailed to the shareholders of Parent in order
to
obtain the vote of Parent’s shareholders necessary to approve the
Reincorporation Proposal (the “Requisite Parent Shareholder Vote”) and at all
times subsequent to such mailing until the Requisite Parent Shareholder Vote
has
been obtained, the Proxy Statement (including any amendments or supplements
thereto), with respect to all information set forth therein relating to Parent
and its shareholders, this Agreement and all other transactions contemplated
hereby, will (i) comply in all material respects with applicable provisions
of
the Exchange Act, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
and (ii) not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state
a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made,
not
misleading, except that, in each case, no such representations shall apply
to
any information, including financial statements, of or provided or confirmed
by
Greenwich in writing specifically for such Proxy Statement.
(e) Parent
shall bear all printing, filing and mailing costs in connection with the
preparation, filing and mailing of the Proxy Statement to its shareholders.
Greenwich and Parent shall each bear their own legal and accounting expenses
in
connection with review and preparation of the Proxy Statement.
5.10 Greenwich
Stockholders’ Meeting; Materials to Stockholders.
(a) Greenwich
shall, in accordance with Section 251 of the DGCL and the Greenwich Charter
Documents, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a special meeting
of
Greenwich Stockholders (the “Greenwich Stockholder Meeting”) as promptly as
practicable after the date hereof for the purpose of considering and taking
action upon this Agreement and the Merger. Alternatively, Greenwich shall
use
its best efforts to obtain, in lieu of holding the Greenwich Stockholder
Meeting, the written consent of the number of Greenwich stockholders necessary
under the Greenwich Charter Documents and the DGCL to approve this Agreement
and
the Merger. Greenwich shall as promptly as practicable following the date
of
this Agreement prepare and mail or otherwise deliver to Greenwich stockholders
all information as may required to comply with the DGCL.
(b) Upon
execution of this Agreement, holders of a majority of the outstanding Greenwich
Common Stock shall enter into a voting agreement in substantially the form
attached hereto as Annex
III
(the
“Voting Agreement”), pursuant to which such stockholders shall agree to vote all
shares of Greenwich Common Stock held by them in favor of approval of the
Merger
and this Agreement.
5.11 Greenwich
Stockholder Questionnaires.
Each of
Parent and Greenwich shall take all necessary action on its part such that
the
issuance of the Merger Consideration to the Greenwich stockholders constitutes
a
valid “private placement” under the Securities Act. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, (1) Parent and Greenwich shall provide each
Greenwich stockholder with a stockholder qualification questionnaire in the
form
reasonably acceptable to both Parent and Greenwich (a “Stockholder
Questionnaire”) and (2) Greenwich shall use its best efforts to cause each
Greenwich stockholder to attest that (i) such stockholder is acquiring the
Merger Consideration for his, her or its sole account, for investment and
not
with a view to the resale or distribution thereof and (ii) that such stockholder
either (A) is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D of the
Securities Act, (B) has such knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters that the stockholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks
of
receiving the Merger Consideration, or (C) has appointed an appropriate person
reasonably acceptable to both Parent and Greenwich to act as the stockholder’s
purchaser representative in connection with evaluating the merits and risks
of
receiving the Merger Consideration.
ARTICLE
VI
CONDITIONS
TO THE MERGER
6.1 Conditions
to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger.
The
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to effect the Merger
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions, any of which may be waived if waived in writing by
both
Parent and Greenwich:
(a) Approval
of Reincorporation Proposal.
Parent’s stockholders shall have approved the Reincorporation Proposal at the
Parent Shareholder Meeting in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the
MBCA, and such reincorporation shall have been effected in accordance with
the
applicable provisions of the MBCA and the DGCL.
(b) No
Order.
No
Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or
entered
any statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction or other
order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and
which
has the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting
consummation of the Merger.
(c) Officers’
Certificate.
Each
party shall have furnished to the other a certificate of the Chief Executive
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, dated as of the Effective Date,
in
which such officers shall certify that, to their best knowledge, the conditions
set forth in Section 6.2 or 6.3 (as applicable) have been fulfilled and are
true
and correct.
(d) Minimum
Offering.
Parent
shall have received irrevocable subscriptions or other irrevocable written
commitments from one or more investors obligating such investors to purchase,
on
terms and conditions satisfactory to Parent in its sole discretion, securities
of Parent for aggregate gross proceeds to it of at least $5,000,000 (the
“Offering”), whether in a private placement under Regulation D of the Securities
Act or otherwise, and the funds relating to such subscriptions or commitments
shall have been deposited into an escrow account.
(e) Confidential
Investor Questionnaire.
Holders
of at least ninety-eight percent (98%) of the outstanding shares of Greenwich
Common Stock shall have duly executed and delivered the Confidential Investor
Questionnaire to Greenwich.
(f) Registration
Rights Agreement. The
Registration Rights Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto
as
Annex
IV,
shall
have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
(g) Escrow
Agreement.
The
Escrow Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties
thereto.
(h) Greenwich
Appraisal Rights.
Holders
of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding shares of Greenwich
Common
Stock shall have validly exercised, or remained entitled to exercise, their
appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL.
6.2 Additional
Conditions to Obligations of Greenwich.
The
obligation of Greenwich to effect the Merger shall be subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by
Greenwich:
(a) Representations
and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties of Parent and VQ Merger Sub set forth in this
Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and
as of
the Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the
extent
any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date)
and
Greenwich shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by
the
Chief Executive Officer of Parent to such effect; provided, however, that
notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Section 6.2(a) shall
be
deemed to have been satisfied even if such representations or warranties
are not
so true and correct unless the failure of such representations or warranties
to
be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or is
reasonably likely to have, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements
and Covenants.
Each of
Parent and VQ Merger Sub shall have performed or complied with, in all material
respects, all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing Date, and
Greenwich shall have received a certificate to such effect signed on behalf
of
each of Parent and VQ Merger Sub by an authorized officer of
Greenwich.
(c) OTC
Bulletin Board.
At the
Effective Time, the Parent Common Stock shall be eligible for quotation and
in
good standing on the OTC Bulletin Board.
(d) No
Closing Material Adverse Effect.
Since
the date hereof, there has not occurred a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
For
purposes of the preceding sentence and Section 6.2(a), the occurrence of
any of
the following events or circumstances, in and of themselves and in combination
with any of the others, shall not constitute a Parent Material Adverse
Effect:
(1) any
litigation or threat of litigation filed or made after the date hereof
challenging any of the transactions contemplated herein or any stockholder
litigation or threat of stockholder litigation filed or made after the date
hereof resulting from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein
unless Greenwich shall conclude that it has or could have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Parent and Greenwich Surviving Corporation, taken as a whole;
and
(2) any
adverse change, event or effect that is demonstrated to be caused primarily
by
conditions generally affecting the United States economy.
(e) Corporate
Documents.
Greenwich shall have received a copy of the certificate of incorporation
of each
of the Parent and VQ Merger Sub, certified by the Secretary of the State
of
Delaware evidencing the good standing of Parent and VQ Merger Sub in such
jurisdiction.
(f) Federal
Tax Opinion.
Greenwich shall have received a tax opinion from its counsel, which opinion
may
be based on customary reliance and subject to customary qualifications, to
the
effect that for federal income tax purposes:
(i) Either
(A) the Merger will qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the
Code, and Greenwich, VQ Merger Sub and Parent will each be a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, or (B) the
Merger will qualify as an exchange described in Section 351 of the Code;
and
(ii) No
gain
or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Greenwich upon their receipt
of the Merger Consideration pursuant to either (A) Section 354(a) of the
Code,
or (B) Section 351(a) of the Code.
(g) Legal
Opinion.
Parent
and VQ Merger Sub shall have received an opinion of Maslon Edelman Borman
&
Brand, LLP, counsel to Parent and VQ Merger Sub, dated as of the Effective
Time
to the effect that (1) each of Parent and VQ Merger Sub is a corporation
duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation; (2) the execution, delivery and performance
by
Parent and VQ Merger Sub of the Agreement and the consummation by Parent
and VQ
Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated thereby are within Parent and
VQ
Merger Sub’s corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate and stockholder action; (3) the execution, delivery and performance
by
Parent and VQ Merger Sub of the Agreement and the consummation of the Merger
by
Parent and VQ Merger Sub require no action by or in respect of, or filing
with,
any Governmental Entity other than actions which have been taken, filings
which
have been made and the filing of the Certificate of Merger in accordance
with
Delaware Law and the filings necessary under Regulation D of the Securities
Ace
and applicable blue sky laws; (4) the execution, delivery and performance
by
Parent and VQ Merger Sub of the Agreement and the consummation by Parent
and VQ
Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not (x)
contravene or conflict with Parent or VQ Merger Sub’s Charter Documents, (y)
contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of
any
law, regulation, judgment, injunction order or decree binding upon Parent
or VQ
Merger Sub and known to such counsel, or (z) constitute a default under or
give
rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any right
or
obligation of Parent or VQ Merger Sub or to a loss of any benefit to which
Parent or VQ Merger Sub is entitled under any provision of any agreement,
contract or other instrument binding upon Parent or VQ Merger Sub filed as
an
exhibit to the Parent SEC Reports or any license, franchise, permit or other
similar authorization held by Parent or VQ Merger Sub and known to such counsel;
(5) this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Parent and
VQ
Merger Sub (subject to customary exclusions and limitations); (6) assuming
the
receipt and accuracy of the attestations referred to in Section 5.11 for
each
Greenwich Stockholder, the issuance of the Merger Consideration, when issued
in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free of all Encumbrances and
not
subject to preemptive rights, and will be exempt from registration under
the
Securities Act and applicable blue sky laws.
6.3 Additional
Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and VQ Merger Sub.
The
obligations of Parent and VQ Merger Sub to effect the Merger shall be subject
to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by
Parent:
(a) Representations
and Warranties.
The
representations and warranties of Greenwich set forth in this Agreement shall
be
true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date
as
if made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent any such
representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date) and Parent
shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Greenwich by the Chief
Executive Officer of Greenwich to such effect; provided, however, that
notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Section 6.3(a) shall
be
deemed to have been satisfied even if such representations or warranties
are not
so true and correct unless the failure of such representations or warranties
to
be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or is
reasonably likely to have, a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements
and Covenants.
Greenwich shall have performed or complied with, in all material respects,
all
agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied
with by it at or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall have received
a
certificate to such effect signed on behalf of Greenwich by an authorized
officer of Greenwich.
(c) No
Closing Material Adverse Effect.
Since
the date hereof, there has not occurred a Greenwich Material Adverse Effect.
For
purposes of the preceding sentence and Section 6.3(a), the occurrence of
any of
the following events or circumstances, in and of themselves and in combination
with any of the others, shall not constitute a Greenwich Material Adverse
Effect:
(1) any
litigation or threat of litigation filed or made after the date hereof
challenging any of the transactions contemplated herein or any stockholder
litigation or threat of stockholder litigation filed or made after the date
hereof resulting from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein
unless Parent shall conclude that it has or could have a Greenwich Material
Adverse Effect; and
(2) any
adverse change, event or effect that is demonstrated to be caused primarily
by
conditions generally affecting the United States economy.
(d) Corporate
Documents.
Parent
shall have received a copy of the certificate of Incorporation of Greenwich,
certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware evidencing the goal standing
of
Greenwich is such jurisdiction.
(e) Legal
Opinion.
Parent
and VQ Merger Sub shall have received an opinion of Wyrick Robbins Yates
&
Ponton LLP, counsel to Greenwich dated as of the Effective Time to the effect
that (1) Greenwich is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation; (2) the execution,
delivery and performance by Greenwich of the Agreement and the consummation
by
Greenwich of the transactions contemplated thereby are within Greenwich’s
corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
and
stockholder action; (3) the execution, delivery and performance by Greenwich
of
the Agreement and the consummation of the Merger by Greenwich require no
action
by or in respect of, or filing with, any Governmental Entity other than actions
which have been taken, filings which have been made and the filing of the
Certificate of Merger in accordance with Delaware Law and the filings necessary
under Regulation D of the Securities Act and applicable blue sky laws; (4)
the
execution, delivery and performance by Greenwich of the Agreement and the
consummation by Greenwich of the transactions contemplated thereby do not
and
will not (x) contravene or conflict with the certificate of incorporation
or
bylaws of Greenwich, (y) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation
of any provision of any law, regulation, judgment, injunction order or decree
binding upon Greenwich and known to such counsel, or (z) constitute a default
under or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration
of
any right or obligation of Greenwich or to a loss of any benefit to which
Greenwich is entitled under any provision of any agreement, contract or other
instrument binding upon Greenwich, and designated in the Greenwich Schedule
or
any license, franchise, permit or other similar authorization held by Greenwich
and known to such counsel; (5) this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of Greenwich (subject to customary exclusions and limitations);
and
(6) assuming the receipt and accuracy of the attestations referred to in
Section
5.11 for each Greenwich Stockholder, the issuance of the Merger Consideration
will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable
blue
sky laws.
(f) Fairness
Opinion. Parent
shall have received the opinion of CRI International, dated the date of this
Agreement, to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be paid
in
the Merger by Parent is fair to Parent from a financial point of view, a
signed
copy of which opinion has been delivered to Parent.
(g) Amendment
of PBI
Note.
PBI
shall have agreed in writing to amend the PBI Note in the manner described
in
Section 5.7.
ARTICLE
VII
TERMINATION,
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
7.1 Termination.
This
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after the Greenwich Stockholder Approval:
(a) by
mutual
written consent duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of Parent and
Greenwich; or
(b) by
either
Parent or Greenwich if the Merger shall not have been consummated by August
31,
2005 (such date, or such other date that may be agreed by mutual written
consent, being the “Outside Date”) for any reason; provided, however, that the
right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(b) shall not be
available to any party whose action or failure to act has been a principal
cause
of, or resulted in the failure of, the Merger to occur on or before such
date if
such action or failure to act constitutes a breach of this
Agreement;
(c) by
either
Parent or Greenwich if a Governmental Entity shall have issued an order,
decree
or ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of
permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger, which
order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable
or any law, order, rule or regulation is in effect or is adopted or issued,
which has the effect of prohibiting the Merger;
(d) by
Parent, on the one hand, or Greenwich, on the other, if any condition to
the
obligation of any such party to consummate the Merger set forth in Section
6.2
(in the case of Greenwich) or 6.3 (in the case of Parent) becomes incapable
of
satisfaction prior to the Outside Date; provided,
however,
that the
failure of such condition is not the result of a breach of this Agreement
by the
party seeking to terminate this Agreement;
(e) by
Parent
if, upon a vote at a duly held meeting to obtain approval of the Parent
shareholders of the Reincorporation Proposal, such approval is not obtained;
(f) by
Greenwich, if Parent or VQ Merger Sub breaches or fails to perform in any
material respect any of its respective representations, warranties or covenants
contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would
give
rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 6.1 or 6.2, and (ii)
cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days after the giving of written
notice to Parent of such breach (provided that Greenwich is not then in material
breach of any representation, warranty or covenant in this
Agreement);
(g) by
Greenwich:
(i) if
the
Board of Directors of Parent or VQ Merger Sub or any committee thereof withdraws
or modifies in a manner adverse to Greenwich its approval or recommendation
of
this Agreement, or the Board of Directors of Parent or VQ Merger Sub or any
committee thereof resolves to take any of the foregoing actions;
(ii) if
(A)
Parent or any of its officers, directors, employees, representatives or agents
takes any of the actions that would be proscribed by Section 4.5 but for
the
exceptions therein allowing certain actions to be taken pursuant to the proviso
in the first sentence of Section 4.5(a) or the second sentence of Section
4.5(b)
or (B) Parent shall have given Greenwich the notification contemplated by
Section 7.5(c)(iii); or
(h) by
Greenwich prior to receipt of the Greenwich Stockholder Approval in accordance
with Section 7.5(b); provided,
however,
that
Greenwich shall have complied with all provisions thereof, including the
notice
provisions therein;
(i) by
Parent, if Greenwich breaches or fails to perform in any material respect
any of
its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement,
which
breach or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure of a condition
set forth in Section 6.1 or 6.3, and (ii) cannot be or has not been cured
within
30 days after the giving of written notice to Greenwich of such breach (provided
that neither Parent nor VQ Merger Sub is then in material breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement);
(j) by
Parent:
(i) if
the
Board of Directors of Greenwich or any committee thereof withdraws or modifies
in a manner adverse to Parent its approval or recommendation of this Agreement
or fails to recommend to Greenwich’s stockholders that they give the Greenwich
Stockholder Approval, or the Board of Directors of Greenwich or any committee
thereof resolves to take any of the foregoing actions;
(ii) if
the
Board of Directors of Greenwich fails to reaffirm in writing its recommendation
to Greenwich’s stockholders that they give the Greenwich Stockholder Approval
within five (5) days of Parent’s written request to do so (which request may be
made at any time that a Greenwich Takeover Proposal is pending), which
reaffirmation must also include the unconditional rejection of such Greenwich
Takeover Proposal;
(iii) if
(A)
Greenwich or any of its officers, directors, employees, representatives or
agents takes any of the actions that would be proscribed by Section 4.4 but
for
the exceptions therein allowing certain actions to be taken pursuant to the
proviso in the first sentence of Section 4.4(a) or the second sentence of
Section 4.4(b) or (B) Greenwich shall have given Parent the notification
contemplated by Section 7.5(b)(iii);
(k) by
Parent
in accordance with Section 7.5(c); provided,
however,
that
Parent shall have complied with all provisions thereof, including the notice
provisions therein.
7.2 Fees
and Expenses.
All
Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such Expenses whether
or not the Merger is consummated; provided, however, that in the event that
this
Agreement is terminated by Greenwich pursuant to Sections 7.1(e) or 7.1(h)
or by
Parent pursuant to Section 7.1(k), then such terminating party shall promptly
reimburse the non-terminating party for all Expenses actually incurred in
connection with this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby, up to a limit of $25,000. As used in this Agreement,
“Expenses” shall include all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including,
without limitation, all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, experts
and
consultants to a party hereto and its affiliates) incurred by a party or
on its
behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation,
negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all other matters
relating to the closing of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby.
7.3 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto by action taken by or on behalf
of their respective Boards of Directors at any time prior to the Effective
Time;
provided, however, that, after the approval and adoption of this Agreement
by
the stockholders of Greenwich, there shall not be any amendment that by law
requires further approval by the stockholders of Greenwich without the further
approval of such stockholders. This Agreement may not be amended by the parties
hereto except by execution of an instrument in writing signed on behalf of
each
of Parent, Greenwich and VQ Merger Sub.
7.4 Extension;
Waiver.
At any
time prior to the Effective Time, any party hereto may, to the extent legally
allowed, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations
or
other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties made to such party contained herein or in
any
document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any of
the
agreements or conditions for the benefit of such party contained herein.
Any
agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall
be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party, duly authorized by such party’s Board of Directors. Delay in exercising
any right under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right.
No
waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed or constitute a
waiver
of any other provision of this Agreement, whether or not similar, nor shall
such
waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly
provided.
7.5 Procedure
for Termination.
(a) A
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1 shall, in order to
be
effective, require in the case of Parent, VQ Merger Sub or Greenwich, action
by
its Board of Directors or the duly authorized designee of its Board of
Directors.
(b) Greenwich
may terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(h) only if (i) the Board
of
Directors of Greenwich has received a Superior Greenwich Proposal, (ii) in
light
of such Superior Greenwich Proposal the Board of Directors of Greenwich shall
have determined (A) in good faith, based upon the advice of outside counsel,
that it is necessary for the Board of Directors of Greenwich to withdraw
or
modify its approval or recommendation of the Merger or this Agreement in
order
to comply with its fiduciary duty under applicable law or (B) in good faith
that
there is a substantial possibility that the Greenwich Stockholder Approval
will
not be obtained by reason of the existence of such Superior Greenwich Proposal,
(iii) Greenwich has notified Parent in writing of the determination described
in
clause (ii) above, (iv) at least five business days following receipt by
Parent
of the notice referred to in clause (iii) above, and taking into account
any
revised proposal made by Parent since receipt of the notice referred to in
clause (iii) above, such Superior Greenwich Proposal remains a Superior
Greenwich Proposal and the Board of Directors of Greenwich has again made
the
determinations referred to in clause (ii) above, (v) Greenwich is in compliance
with Section 4.4, (vi) the Board of Directors of Greenwich concurrently
approves, and Greenwich concurrently enters into, a definitive agreement
providing for the implementation of such Superior Greenwich Proposal and
(vii)
Parent is not at such time entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant
to
Section 7.1(i).
(c) Parent
may terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(k) only if (i) the Board
of
Directors of Parent has received a Superior Parent Proposal, (ii) in light
of
such Superior Parent Proposal the Board of Directors of Parent has determined
in
good faith, based upon the advice of outside counsel, that it is necessary
for
the Board of Directors of Parent to withdraw or modify its approval or
recommendation of the Merger or this Agreement in order to comply with its
fiduciary duty under applicable law and, (iii) Parent has notified Greenwich
in
writing of the determination described in clause (ii) above, (iv) at least
five
business days following receipt by Greenwich of the notice referred to in
clause
(iii) above, and taking into account any revised proposal made by Greenwich
since receipt of the notice referred to in clause (iii) above, such Superior
Parent Proposal remains a Superior Parent Proposal and the Board of Directors
of
Parent has again made the determinations referred to in clause (ii) above,
(v)
Parent is in compliance with Section 4.5, (vi) the Board of Directors of
Parent
concurrently approves, and Parent concurrently enters into, a definitive
agreement providing for the implementation of such Superior Parent Proposal
and
(vii) Greenwich is not at such time entitled to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(f).
ARTICLE
VIII
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
8.1 Notices.
All
notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be
deemed given on the day of delivery if delivered personally or sent via telecopy
(receipt confirmed) or on the second business day after being sent if delivered
by commercial delivery service, to the parties at the following addresses
or
telecopy numbers (or at such other address or telecopy numbers for a party
as
shall be specified by like notice):
(a) if
to
Parent or VQ Merger Sub:
VioQuest
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
7
Deer
Park Drive, Suite E
Monmouth
Junction, New Jersey 08852
Attn:
Daniel Greenleaf
Fax:
732-274-0402
With
a
copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Maslon
Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP
90
South
Seventh Street, Suite 3300
Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55402
Attn:
Christopher J. Melsha, Esq.
Fax:
612-642-8343
(b) if
to
Greenwich, to
Greenwich
Therapeutics, Inc.
787
Seventh Avenue
48th
Floor
New
York,
New York 10019
Attn:
President
Fax:
212-554-4355
With
a
copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Wyrick
Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP
4101
Lake
Boone Trail, Suite 300
Raleigh,
North Carolina 27607
Attn:
W.
David Mannheim, Esq.
Fax:
919-781-4865
8.2 Interpretation.
(a) When
a
reference is made in this Agreement to Exhibits, such reference shall be
to an
Exhibit to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. When a reference is
made
in this Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this
Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated the words “include,”“includes” and
“including” when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the
words “without limitation.” The table of contents and headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way
the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When reference is made herein
to
“the business of” an entity, such reference shall be deemed to include the
business of all direct and indirect subsidiaries of such entity. Reference
to
the subsidiaries of an entity shall be deemed to include all direct and indirect
subsidiaries of such entity.
(b) For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “knowledge” means with respect to a party
hereto, with respect to any matter in question, that any of the officers
of such
party has actual knowledge of such matter.
(c) For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “person” shall mean any individual,
corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership,
limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust,
company (including any limited liability company or joint stock company),
firm
or other enterprise, association, organization, entity or Governmental
Entity.
(d) For
purposes of this Agreement, an “agreement,”“arrangement,”“contract,”“commitment”
or “plan” shall mean a legally binding, written agreement, arrangement,
contract, commitment or plan, as the case may be.
(e) Unless
the context requires otherwise, all words use in this Agreement in the singular
number shall extend to and include the plural, all words in the plural number
shall extend to and include the singular, and all words in any gender shall
extend to and include all genders.
8.3 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall
be
considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one
or
more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to
the
other party, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same
counterpart.
8.4 Entire
Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.
This
Agreement and the documents and instruments and other agreements among the
parties hereto as contemplated by or referred to herein, including the Parent
Schedule and the Greenwich Schedule constitute the entire agreement among
the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 5.8,
nothing
in this Agreement is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any
right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement.
8.5 Severability.
In the
event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof, becomes
or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or
unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force
and
effect and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances
will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties
hereto.
The parties further agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision
of
this Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve,
to the
extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such void or
unenforceable provision.
8.6 Other
Remedies; Specific Performance.
Except
as otherwise provided herein, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred
upon a party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other
remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity upon such party, and the exercise
by a party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other
remedy.
The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event
that
any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance
with
their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed
that
the parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent
breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions
hereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction,
this
being in addition to any other remedy to which t they are entitled at law
or in
equity. In any action at law or suit in equity to enforce this Agreement
or the
rights of any of the parties hereunder, the prevailing party in such action
or
suit shall be entitled to receive a reasonable sum for its attorneys' fees
and
all other reasonable costs and expenses incurred in such action or
suit.
8.7 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the
State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under
applicable principles of conflicts of law thereof.
8.8 Rules
of Construction.
The
parties hereto agree that they have been represented by counsel during the
negotiation and execution of this Agreement and, therefore, waive the
application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of construction providing
that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will be construed against
the
party drafting such agreement or document.
8.9 Assignment.
Other
than Parent’s assignment of this Agreement by operation of law as a result of
the merger contemplated by the Reincorporation, no party may assign either
this
Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without
the
prior written approval of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Parent” as used in this
Agreement shall refer to the surviving corporation in the merger contemplated
by
the Reincorporation.
8.10 Waiver
of Jury Trial.
EACH OF
PARENT, GREENWICH AND VQ MERGER SUB HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO
TRIAL
BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT,
TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS
OF PARENT, GREENWICH AND VQ MERGER SUB IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION,
PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
[Remainder
of page is blank; signatures follow]
|
|
|
|
VioQuest
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Daniel
Greenleaf |
|
Name:
Daniel Greenleaf |
|
Title:
President and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
|
|
|
Greenwich
Therapeutics, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
J. Jay Lobell |
|
Name:
J. Jay Lobell |
|
Title:
President |
|
|
|
|
VQ
Acquisition Corp. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Daniel Greenleaf |
|
Name:
Daniel Greenleaf |
|
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer |
[APPENDIX
B]
Appendix
C
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
Index
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm |
C-2
|
|
|
Balance Sheets |
|
March
31, 2005 and December 31, 2004
|
C-3
|
|
|
Statements of Operations |
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2005, Period from October 28, 2004
(Inception)
|
|
to
December 31, 2004 and Period from October 28, 2004
(Inception)
|
|
to
March 31, 2005
|
C-4
|
|
|
Statements
of Changes in Stockholders' Deficiency
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2005, Period from October 28, 2004
(Inception)
|
|
to
December 31, 2004 and Period from October 28, 2004
(Inception)
|
|
to
March 31, 2005
|
C-5
|
|
|
Statements
of Cash Flows |
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2005, Period from October 28, 2004
(Inception)
|
|
to
December 31, 2004 and Period from October 28, 2004
(Inception)
|
C-6
|
to
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
Notes
to Financial Statements
|
C-7-9
|
|
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The
Board
of Directors and Stockholders
Greenwich
Therapeutics, Inc.
We
have
audited the accompanying balance sheets of Greenwich Therapeutics, Inc. (A
Development Stage Company) as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and
the
related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' deficiency and cash
flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005, the period from October 28,
2004 (Inception) to December 31, 2004 and the cumulative amounts for the period
from October 28, 2004 (Inception) to March 31, 2005. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In
our
opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Greenwich Therapeutics, Inc. as
of
March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and its results of operations and cash
flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005, the period from October 28,
2004 (Inception) to December 31, 2004 and the cumulative amounts for the period
from October 28, 2004 (Inception) to March 31, 2005, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial
statements, the Company has incurred net losses from its inception through
March
31, 2005 and it had a stockholders' deficiency as of March 31, 2005 of $668,498.
These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue
as
a going concern. Management's plans concerning these matters are also described
in Note 1. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments
that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/J.H.
Cohn LLP
Roseland,
New Jersey
June
4,
2005
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
BALANCE
SHEETS
MARCH
31, 2005 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
|
|
March
31,
2005
|
|
December
31,
2004
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
26,741
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Accrued
interest - related party
|
|
|
3,487
|
|
|
415
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
30,228
|
|
|
415
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
payable - related party
|
|
|
638,270
|
|
|
68,552
|
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
|
668,498
|
|
|
68,967
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
deficiency:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares
authorized;
none issued
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common
stock, $.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares
authorized;
4,000,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
Less
stock subscriptions receivable
|
|
|
(4,000
|
)
|
|
(4,000
|
)
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(668,498
|
)
|
|
(68,967
|
)
|
Total
stockholders' deficiency
|
|
|
(668,498
|
)
|
|
(68,967
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
See
Notes
to Financial Statements.
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
THREE
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005, PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 28, 2004
(Inception)
TO DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND
PERIOD
FROM OCTOBER 28, 2004 (Inception) TO MARCH 31, 2005
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Period
from
|
|
|
Period
from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October
28, 2004
|
|
|
October
28, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Inception)
to
|
|
|
(Inception)
to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
|
|
|
March
|
|
|
|
|
31,
2005
|
|
|
31,
2004
|
|
|
31,
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
expenses - research and development, principally license
fee
|
|
$
|
596,459
|
|
$
|
68,552
|
|
$
|
665,011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from operations
|
|
|
(596,459
|
)
|
|
(68,552
|
)
|
|
(665,011
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(3,072
|
)
|
|
(415
|
)
|
|
(3,487
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(599,531
|
)
|
$
|
(68,967
|
)
|
$
|
(668,498
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
Notes
to Financial Statements.
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS
OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
THREE
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005, PERIOD FROM OCTOBER
28,
2004 (Inception) TO MARCH 31, 2004 AND PERIOD FROM
OCTOBER
28, 2004 (Inception) TO MARCH 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
During
the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
Subscriptions
|
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Receivable
|
|
|
Stage
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common stock to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
founders
in October 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at
$.001 per share
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
$
|
4,000
|
|
$
|
(4,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(68,967
|
)
|
$
|
(68,967
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
(4,000
|
)
|
|
(68,967
|
)
|
|
(68,967
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(599,531
|
)
|
|
(599,531
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance,
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
$
|
4,000
|
|
$
|
(4,000
|
)
|
$
|
(668,498
|
)
|
$
|
(668,498
|
)
|
See
Notes
to Financial Statements.
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
THREE
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005,
PERIOD
FROM OCTOBER 28, 2004 (Inception) TO DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND
PERIOD
FROM OCTOBER 28, 2004 (Inception) TO MARCH 31, 2005
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Period
from
|
|
|
Period
from
|
|
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
October
28, 2004
|
|
|
October
28, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
(Inception)
to
|
|
|
(Inception)
to
|
|
|
|
|
March
|
|
|
December
|
|
|
March
|
|
|
|
|
31,
2005
|
|
|
31,
2004
|
|
|
31,
2005
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(599,531
|
)
|
$
|
(68,967
|
)
|
$
|
(668,498
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
net
cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses
paid by related party on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
behalf
of the Company
|
|
|
569,718
|
|
|
68,552
|
|
|
638,270
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
expenses
|
|
|
26,741
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,741
|
|
Accrued
interest - related party
|
|
|
3,072
|
|
|
415
|
|
|
3,487
|
|
Net
cash provided by
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and
cash, beginning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and
end of period
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
See
Notes
to Financial Statements.
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note
1 - Business,
basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting
policies:
Business:
Greenwich
Therapeutics, Inc. ("Greenwich" or the "Company") was incorporated in the State
of Delaware on October 28, 2004. Greenwich is a specialty pharmaceutical company
focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of innovative
pharmaceutical products. The Company's current licensed compound targets the
treatment of cancer, conditions stemming from the abnormal regulation of cell
growth and other immunological diseases.
Basis
of presentation:
The
Company's primary activities since incorporation have been organizational
activities, payment of a license fee and performing business and financial
planning. Accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage.
On
May 3,
2005, VioQuest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("VIO") entered into a letter of intent
("LOI") with Greenwich. Pursuant to the LOI, VIO will issue up to 49% of its
common stock to Greenwich's stockholders in exchange for 100% of the outstanding
common stock of Greenwich. VIO is a pharmaceutical company that acquires and
develops proprietary prescription drugs.
The
Company's financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis
which
contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and
commitments in the normal course of business. For the three months ended March
31, 2005, the Company reported a net loss of $599,531 and it had a loss from
inception through March 31, 2005 and a stockholders' deficiency as of March
31,
2005 of $668,498. Management believes that the Company will continue to incur
losses for the foreseeable future and will need additional equity or debt
financing or will need to generate revenue from the licensing of its products
or
by entering into strategic alliances to be able to sustain its operations until
it can achieve profitability, if ever. These matters raise substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from
the
outcome of this uncertainty.
Use
of estimates:
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures.
Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note
1 - Business,
basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies
(concluded):
Research
and development:
Research
and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Research
and development costs for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the year
ended December 31, 2004 were $596,459 and $68,522, respectively, primarily
for
license fees (see Note 3).
Income
taxes:
Under
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes," ("SFAS 109") deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the
future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Under
SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in
tax
rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that
deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Note
2 - Notes payable - related party:
In
October 2004, the Company entered into an open-ended future advance promissory
note whereby Paramount BioCapital Investments, LLC ("PBCI"), an affiliate of
a
significant stockholder of Greenwich, agreed to advance funds for obligations
arising out of the operations of Greenwich's business. The note accrues interest
at a fixed rate equal to 5% per annum and becomes payable upon the earlier
of
two years from the date of issuance of the note or the date on which Greenwich
enters into certain specified financing transactions. The amount due PBCI,
including accrued interest, was $641,757 and $68,967 as of March 31, 2005 and
December 31, 2004, respectively.
Note
3 - License agreements:
In
February 2005, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the rights
to an
exclusive, world-wide, royalty-bearing sublicense to develop and commercialize
technology for treatment of cancer, conditions stemming from the abnormal
regulation of cell growth and other immunological diseases (the "Sodium
Stibogluconate Technology").
The
amount expended under this agreement and charged to research and development
expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and the period from October
28, 2004 (inception) to December 31, 2004 was $549,718 and $35,000,
respectively. Future potential milestone payments under this agreement total
approximately $4,550,000. The Company may also owe the licensor royalty payments
based on future net sales, as defined, from Sodium Stibogluconate Technology.
There are no minimum royalties required under the agreement.
GREENWICH
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(A
Development Stage Company)
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note
3 - License agreements (concluded):
On
April
19, 2005, Greenwich entered into a license agreement with the University of
South Florida as the exclusive licensee under certain patent rights relating
to
technology for anticancer and antiviral therapy (the "Triciribine Technology").
The Company intends to develop, produce, manufacture, market and/or sell
products related to the licensed technology. In May 2005, the Company paid
a
one-time milestone payment of $41,000 under this agreement. Future potential
milestone payments under this agreement total approximately $5,800,000. The
Company may also owe the licensor royalty payments based on future net sales,
as
defined, from the Triciribine Technology. There are no minimum royalties
required under the agreement.
Note
4 - Stockholders' deficiency:
In
2004,
the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of common stock to its founders for
subscriptions receivable of $4,000 or $.001 per share.
Note
5 - Income taxes:
There
was
no current or deferred income tax expense or credit for the three months ended
March 31, 2005 and for the period from October 28, 2004 (inception) to December
31, 2004.
The
Company's deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are
as
follows:
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
operating loss carryforwards - Federal
|
|
$
|
204,000
|
|
$
|
23,000
|
|
Net
operating loss carryforwards - state
|
|
|
36,000
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
Totals
|
|
|
240,000
|
|
|
27,000
|
|
Less
valuation allowance
|
|
|
240,000
|
|
|
27,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax assets
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
At
March
31, 2005, the Company had potentially utilizable Federal and state net operating
loss tax carryforwards of approximately $668,000.
The
utilization of the Company's net operating losses may be subject to a
substantial limitation due to the "change of ownership provisions" under Section
382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such limitation
may result in the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards before
their utilization.
Note
7 - Subsequent events:
During
the period from April 1, 2005 through June 4, 2005, the Company received
additional advances of $62,090 under the promissory note issued to PBCI (see
Note 2).
Appendix
D
CERTIFICATE
OF INCORPORATION
of
VIOQUEST
DELAWARE, INC.
The
undersigned incorporator, in order to form a corporation under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”),
certifies as follows:
1. Name.
The
name of the corporation is “VioQuest Delaware, Inc.” (the
“Corporation”).
2. Address; Registered Office
and Agent.
The
address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209
Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, in New Castle County; and the name
of
its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company. The
Corporation may from time to time, in the manner provided by law, change the
registered agent and the registered office within the State of Delaware. The
Corporation may also maintain an office or offices for the conduct of its
business, either within or without the State of Delaware.
3. Purposes.
The
purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which
corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law.
4. Number of Shares.
The
total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation shall have
authority to issue is One Hundred Ten Million (110,000,000) shares consisting
of: One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of common stock, $.001 par value
per share (“Common Stock”); and Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of preferred
stock, $.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”).
The
Preferred Stock may be divided into, and may be issued from time to time in
one
or more series. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (“Board”) is
authorized from time to time to establish and designate any such series of
Preferred Stock, to fix and determine the variations in the relative rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions as between and among such series and
any other class of capital stock of the Corporation and any series thereof,
and
to fix or alter the number of shares comprising any such series and the
designation thereof. The authority of the Board from time to time with respect
to each such series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of
the
following:
(a) The
designation of the series;
(b) The
number of shares of the series and (except where otherwise provided in the
creation of the series) any subsequent increase or decrease therein;
(c) The
dividends, if any, for shares of the series and the rates, conditions, times
and
relative preferences thereof;
(d) The
redemption rights, if any, and price or prices for shares of the series;
(e) The
terms
and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of
the
series;
(f) The
relative rights of shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the
Corporation;
(g) Whether
the shares of the series shall be convertible into shares of any other class
or
series of shares of the Corporation, and, if so, the specification of such
other
class or series, the conversion prices or rate or rates, any adjustments
thereof, the date or dates as of which such shares shall be convertible and
all
other terms and conditions upon which such conversion may be made;
(h) The
voting rights, if any, of the holders of such series; and
(i) Such
other designations, powers, preference and relative, participating, optional
or
other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof.
5. Name and Mailing
Address of Incorporator.
The
name and mailing address of the incorporator are: Christopher J. Melsha, Esq.,
90 South Seventh Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.
6. Election of Directors.
Unless
and except to the extent that the By-laws of the Corporation (the “By-laws”)
shall so require, the election of directors of the Corporation need not be
by
written ballot.
7. Limitation
of Liability.
To the
fullest extent permitted under the General Corporation Law, as amended from
time
to time, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director. Any amendment, repeal or modification of the foregoing
provision shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director
of
the Corporation hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior
to
the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.
8. Indemnification.
8.1 Right
to Indemnification.
The
Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person
(a “Covered Person”) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or
is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”), by reason of the
fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative,
is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or
officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity (an “Other
Entity”), including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all
liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably
incurred by such Covered Person. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except
as otherwise provided in Section 8.3, the Corporation shall be required to
indemnify a Covered Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof)
commenced by such Covered Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding
(or
part thereof) by the Covered Person was authorized by the Board of Directors
of
the Corporation (the “Board”).
8.2 Prepayment
of Expenses.
The
Corporation shall pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a
Covered Person in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition,
provided,
however,
that,
to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance
of
the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of
an
undertaking by the Covered Person to repay all amounts advanced if it should
be
ultimately determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified
under this Article 8 or otherwise.
8.3 Claims.
If a
claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article 8 is
not
paid in full within 30 days after a written claim therefor by the Covered Person
has been received by the Corporation, the Covered Person may file suit to
recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part,
shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any
such
action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Covered Person
is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses
under applicable law.
8.4 Nonexclusivity
of Rights.
The
rights conferred on any Covered Person by this Article 8 shall not be exclusive
of any other rights that such Covered Person may have or hereafter acquire
under
any statute, provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise.
8.5 Other
Sources.
The
Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify or to advance expenses to any
Covered Person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer,
employee or agent of an Other Entity shall be reduced by any amount such Covered
Person may collect as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such
Other
Entity.
8.6 Amendment
or Repeal.
Any
repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article 8 shall
not
adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any Covered Person in
respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or
modification.
8.7 Other
Indemnification and Prepayment of Expenses.
This
Article 8 shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in
the
manner permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to
persons other than Covered Persons when and as authorized by appropriate
corporate action.
9. Adoption, Amendment and/or Repeal of By-Laws.
In
furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the
State of Delaware, the Board is expressly authorized to make, alter and repeal
the By-laws.
10. Powers
of Incorporators.
The
powers of the incorporator are to terminate upon the filing of this Certificate
of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The
name
and mailing address of the person who is to serve as the initial director of
the
Corporation, or until his successor is duly elected and qualified,
are:
Daniel
Greenleaf
7
Deer
Park Drive, Suite E
Monmouth
Junction, NJ 08852
11. Certificate
Amendments.
The
Corporation reserves the right at any time, and from time to time, to amend,
alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of
Incorporation, and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of
Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted, in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by applicable law; and all rights, preferences and
privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or any
other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation
in
its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the rights
reserved in this Section.
WITNESS
the signature of this Certificate of Incorporation this [ ] day of [ ],
2005.
Christopher
J. Melsha, Incorporator
Appendix
E
SECTIONS
302A.471 AND 302A.473 OF THE MINNESOTA BUSINESS CORPORATION
ACT
Set
forth
below are Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473 of the Minnesota Business Corporation
Act, which provide that shareholders may dissent from and, and obtain the fair
value of their shares in the event of certain corporate actions, and establish
procedures for the exercise of such dissenters’ rights.
302A.471
Rights
of dissenting shareholders.
Subdivision
1. Actions creating rights.
A
shareholder of a corporation may dissent from, and obtain payment for the fair
value of the shareholder's shares in the event of, any of the following
corporate actions:
(a)
unless otherwise provided in the articles, an amendment of the articles that
materially and adversely affects the rights or preferences of the shares of
the
dissenting shareholder in that it:
(1)
alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares;
(2)
creates, alters, or abolishes a right in respect of the redemption of the
shares, including a provision respecting a sinking fund for the redemption
or
repurchase of the shares;
(3)
alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of the shares to acquire
shares, securities other than shares, or rights to purchase shares or securities
other than shares;
(4)
excludes or limits the right of a shareholder to vote on a matter, or to
cumulate votes, except as the right may be excluded or limited through the
authorization or issuance of securities of an existing or new class or series
with similar or different voting rights; except that an amendment to the
articles of an issuing public corporation that provides that section 302A.671
does not apply to a control share acquisition does not give rise to the right
to
obtain payment under this section; or
(5)
eliminates the right to obtain payment under this subdivision;
(b)
a
sale, lease, transfer, or other disposition of property and assets of the
corporation that requires shareholder approval under section 302A.661,
subdivision 2, but not including a disposition in dissolution described in
section 302A.725, subdivision 2, or a disposition pursuant to an order of a
court, or a disposition for cash on terms requiring that all or substantially
all of the net proceeds of disposition be distributed to the shareholders in
accordance with their respective interests within one year after the date of
disposition;
(c)
a
plan of merger, whether under this chapter or under chapter 322B, to which
the
corporation is a constituent organization, except as provided in subdivision
3,
and except for a plan of merger adopted under section 302A.626;
(d)
a
plan of exchange, whether under this chapter or under chapter 322B, to which
the
corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired by
the
acquiring corporation, except as provided in subdivision 3;
(e)
a
plan of conversion adopted by the corporation; or
(f)
any
other corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote with respect to
which the articles, the bylaws, or a resolution approved by the board directs
that dissenting shareholders may obtain payment for their shares.
Subd.
2. Beneficial owners.
(a) A
shareholder shall not assert dissenters' rights as to less than all of the
shares registered in the name of the shareholder, unless the shareholder
dissents with respect to all the shares that are beneficially owned by another
person but registered in the name of the shareholder and discloses the name
and
address of each beneficial owner on whose behalf the shareholder dissents.
In
that
event, the rights of the dissenter shall be determined as if the shares as
to
which the shareholder has dissented and the other shares were registered in
the
names of different shareholders.
(b)
A
beneficial owner of shares who is not the shareholder may assert dissenters'
rights with respect to shares held on behalf of the beneficial owner, and shall
be treated as a dissenting shareholder under the terms of this section and
section 302A.473, if the beneficial owner submits to the corporation at the
time
of or before the assertion of the rights a written consent of the shareholder.
Subd.
3. Rights not to apply.
(a)
Unless the articles, the bylaws, or a resolution approved by the board otherwise
provide, the right to obtain payment under this section does not apply to a
shareholder of (1) the surviving corporation in a merger with respect to shares
of the shareholder that are not entitled to be voted on the merger and are
not
canceled or exchanged in the merger or (2) the corporation whose shares will
be
acquired by the acquiring corporation in a plan of exchange with respect to
shares of the shareholder that are not entitled to be voted on the plan of
exchange and are not exchanged in the plan of exchange.
(b)
If a
date is fixed according to section 302A.445, subdivision 1, for the
determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote on
an
action described in subdivision 1, only shareholders as of the date fixed,
and
beneficial owners as of the date fixed who hold through shareholders, as
provided in subdivision 2, may exercise dissenters' rights.
(c)
Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the right to obtain payment under this section,
other than in connection with a plan of merger adopted under section 302A.621,
is limited in accordance with the following provisions:
(1)
The
right to obtain payment under this section is not available for the holders
of
shares of any class or series of shares that is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or designated as a national market
system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(2)
The
applicability of clause (1) is determined as of: (i) the record date fixed
to
determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the
meeting of shareholders to act upon the corporate action described in
subdivision 1; or (ii) the day before the effective date of corporate action
described in subdivision 1 if there is no meeting of shareholders.
(3)
Clause (1) is not applicable, and the right to obtain payment under this section
is available pursuant to subdivision 1, for the holders of any class or series
of shares who are required by the terms of the corporate action described in
subdivision 1 to accept for such shares anything other than shares, or cash
in
lieu of fractional shares, of any class or any series of shares of the
corporation, or any other proprietary interest of any other entity, that
satisfies the standards set forth in clause (1) at the time the corporate action
becomes effective.
Subd.
4. Other rights.
The
shareholders of a corporation who have a right under this section to obtain
payment for their shares do not have a right at law or in equity to have a
corporate action described in subdivision 1 set aside or rescinded, except
when
the corporate action is fraudulent with regard to the complaining shareholder
or
the corporation.
302A.473
Procedures
for asserting dissenters' rights.
Subdivision
1. Definitions.
(a) For
purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the
meanings given them.
(b)
"Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter before the
corporate action referred to in section 302A.471, subdivision 1 or the successor
by merger of that issuer.
(c)
"Fair
value of the shares" means the value of the shares of a corporation immediately
before the effective date of the corporate action referred to in section
302A.471, subdivision 1.
(d)
"Interest" means interest commencing five days after the effective date of
the
corporate action referred to in section 302A.471, subdivision 1, up to and
including the date of payment, calculated at the rate provided in section 549.09
for interest on verdicts and judgments.
Subd.
2. Notice of action.
If a
corporation calls a shareholder meeting at which any action described in section
302A.471, subdivision 1 is to be voted upon, the notice of the meeting shall
inform each shareholder of the right to dissent and shall include a copy of
section 302A.471 and this section and a brief description of the procedure
to be
followed under these sections.
Subd.
3. Notice of dissent.
If the
proposed action must be approved by the shareholders and the corporation holds
a
shareholder meeting, a shareholder who is entitled to dissent under section
302A.471 and who wishes to exercise dissenters' rights must file with the
corporation before the vote on the
proposed
action a written notice of intent to demand the fair value of the shares owned
by the shareholder and must not vote the shares in favor of the proposed action.
Subd.
4. Notice of procedure; deposit of shares.
(a)
After the proposed action has been approved by the board and, if necessary,
the
shareholders, the corporation shall send to (i) all shareholders who have
complied with subdivision 3, (ii) all shareholders who did not sign or consent
to a written action that gave effect to the action creating the right to obtain
payment under section 302A.471, and (iii) all shareholders entitled to dissent
if no shareholder vote was required, a notice that contains:
(1)
the
address to which a demand for payment and certificates of certificated shares
must be sent in order to obtain payment and the date by which they must be
received;
(2)
any
restrictions on transfer of uncertificated shares that will apply after the
demand for payment is received;
(3)
a
form to be used to certify the date on which the shareholder, or the beneficial
owner on whose behalf the shareholder dissents, acquired the shares or an
interest in them and to demand payment; and
(4)
a
copy of section 302A.471 and this section and a brief description of the
procedures to be followed under these sections.
(b)
In
order to receive the fair value of the shares, a dissenting shareholder must
demand payment and deposit certificated shares or comply with any restrictions
on transfer of uncertificated shares within 30 days after the notice required
by
paragraph (a) was given, but the dissenter retains all other rights of a
shareholder until the proposed action takes effect.
Subd.
5. Payment; return of shares.
(a)
After the corporate action takes effect, or after the corporation receives
a
valid demand for payment, whichever is later, the corporation shall remit to
each dissenting shareholder who has complied with subdivisions 3 and 4 the
amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of the shares, plus
interest, accompanied by:
(1)
the
corporation's closing balance sheet and statement of income for a fiscal year
ending not more than 16 months before the effective date of the corporate
action, together with the latest available interim financial statements;
(2)
an
estimate by the corporation of the fair value of the shares and a brief
description of the method used to reach the estimate; and
(3)
a
copy of section 302A.471 and this section, and a brief description of the
procedure to be followed in demanding supplemental payment.
(b)
The
corporation may withhold the remittance described in paragraph (a) from a person
who was not a shareholder on the date the action dissented from was first
announced to the public or who is dissenting on behalf of a person who was
not a
beneficial owner on that date. If the dissenter has complied with subdivisions
3
and 4, the corporation shall forward to the dissenter the materials described
in
paragraph (a), a statement of the reason for withholding the remittance, and
an
offer to pay to the dissenter the amount listed in the materials if the
dissenter agrees to accept that amount in full satisfaction. The dissenter
may
decline the offer and demand payment under subdivision 6. Failure to do so
entitles the dissenter only to the amount offered. If the dissenter makes
demand, subdivisions 7 and 8 apply.
(c)
If
the corporation fails to remit payment within 60 days of the deposit of
certificates or the imposition of transfer restrictions on uncertificated
shares, it shall return all deposited certificates and cancel all transfer
restrictions. However, the corporation may again give notice under subdivision
4
and require deposit or restrict transfer at a later time.
Subd.
6. Supplemental payment; demand.
If a
dissenter believes that the amount remitted under subdivision 5 is less than
the
fair value of the shares plus interest, the dissenter may give written notice
to
the corporation of the dissenter's own estimate of the fair value of the shares,
plus interest, within 30 days after the corporation mails the remittance under
subdivision 5, and demand payment of the difference. Otherwise, a dissenter
is
entitled only to the amount remitted by the corporation.
Subd.
7. Petition; determination.
If the
corporation receives a demand under subdivision 6, it shall, within 60 days
after receiving the demand, either pay to the dissenter the amount demanded
or
agreed to by the dissenter after discussion with the corporation or file in
court a petition requesting that the court determine the fair value of the
shares, plus interest. The petition shall be filed in the county in which the
registered office of the corporation is located, except that a surviving foreign
corporation that receives a demand relating to the shares of a constituent
domestic corporation shall file the petition in the county in this state in
which the last registered office of the constituent corporation was located.
The
petition shall name as parties all dissenters who have demanded payment under
subdivision 6 and who have not reached agreement with the corporation. The
corporation shall, after filing the petition, serve all parties with a summons
and copy of the petition under the Rules of Civil Procedure. Nonresidents of
this state may be served by registered or certified mail or by publication
as
provided by law. Except as
otherwise
provided, the Rules of Civil Procedure apply to this proceeding. The
jurisdiction of the court is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint
appraisers, with powers and authorities the court deems proper, to receive
evidence on and recommend the amount of the fair value of the shares. The court
shall
determine whether the shareholder or shareholders in question have fully
complied with the requirements of this section, and shall determine the fair
value of the shares, taking into account any and all factors the court finds
relevant, computed by any method or combination of methods that the
court, in its discretion, sees fit to use, whether or not used by the
corporation or by a dissenter. The fair value of the shares as determined by
the
court is binding on all shareholders, wherever located. A dissenter is entitled
to judgment in cash for the amount by which the fair value of the shares as
determined by the court, plus interest, exceeds the amount, if any, remitted
under subdivision 5, but shall not be liable to the corporation for the amount,
if any, by which the amount, if any, remitted to the dissenter under subdivision
5 exceeds the fair value of the shares as determined by the court, plus
interest.
Subd.
8. Costs; fees; expenses.
(a) The
court shall determine the costs and expenses of a proceeding under subdivision
7, including the reasonable expenses and compensation of any appraisers
appointed by the court, and shall assess those costs and expenses against the
corporation, except that the court may assess part or all of those costs and
expenses against a dissenter whose action in demanding payment
under
subdivision 6 is found to be arbitrary, vexatious, or not in good faith.
(b)
If
the court finds that the corporation has failed to comply substantially with
this section, the court may assess all fees and expenses of any experts or
attorneys as the court deems equitable. These fees and expenses may also be
assessed against a person who has acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in
good
faith in bringing the proceeding, and may be awarded to a party injured by
those
actions.
(c)
The
court may award, in its discretion, fees and expenses to an attorney for the
dissenters out of the amount awarded to the dissenters, if any.
VioQuest
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
PROXY
FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS -
[
], 2005
The
undersigned, a shareholder of VioQuest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., hereby appoints
Daniel Greenleaf and Brian Lenz, and each of them, as proxies, with full power
of substitution, to vote on behalf of the undersigned the number of shares
which
the undersigned is then entitled to vote, at the Special Meeting of Shareholders
of VioQuest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to be held on
[
], 2005 at [
] (Eastern
time) at
[
], and at any and all adjournments thereof, with all the powers which the
undersigned would possess if personally present, upon:
|
To
approve and adopt a proposal to reincorporate the Company under the
laws
of the State of Delaware by merging the Company with and into VioQuest
Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary
of the
Company, as more fully described in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating
to the Special Meeting.
|
FOR
❑
|
AGAINST
❑
|
ABSTAIN
❑
|
The
Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR this Proposal.
The
undersigned hereby revokes all previous proxies relating to the shares covered
hereby and acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement relating
to
the Special Meeting of Shareholders.
THIS
PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
When
properly executed, this proxy will be voted on the proposals set forth herein
as
directed by the shareholder, but if no direction is made in the space provided,
this proxy will be voted FOR the Agreement and Plan of Merger.
Dated
___________, 2005
(When
signed as a corporate officer, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian,
etc.,
please give full title as such. If shares are held in joint tenancy, both joint
tenants must sign.)