EXHIBIT 10.2
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT is made as of the 1st day of September, 1999,
by and between Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and Xxxxxx-Xxxxxxx Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Investor").
THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Purchase and Sale of Shares.
1.1 Issuance and Sale of Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, Investor agrees to pay $2,500,000 (the "Purchase Price") to the
Company at the Closing and the Company agrees to sell and issue to Investor at
the Closing the number of shares (the "Shares") of the Company's common stock,
par value $.001 per share ("Common Stock") equal to $ 2,500,000 divided by $
8.6281 (which is the average daily closing price of the Common Stock reported by
the National Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD") on the twenty (20)
trading days preceding the fifth day prior to the date hereof).
1.2 Closing. The closing for the purchase and sale of the Shares shall take
place at the offices of Xxxxxxx, Phleger & Xxxxxxxx LLP, 000 Xxxx "X" Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 0000, Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, on September 1, 1999, or at such other time
and place as the Company and Investor mutually agree upon orally or in writing
(which shall be designated as the "Closing"). At the Closing, the Company shall
deliver to Investor a certificate representing the Shares (free and clear of all
liens, claims and other encumbrances except as otherwise provided herein and in
the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined below)). In consideration of such
delivery, Investor shall make payment for the Shares by delivery to the Company
of the Purchase Price. All such payments by Investor at the Closing shall be in
immediately available funds in the form of certified or cashier's check payable
to the Company's order or by wire transfer of funds to the Company's designated
bank account.
2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. Except as otherwise set
forth on the Schedule of Exceptions attached as Schedule A, the Company hereby
represents and warrants to Investor that:
2.1 Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to
own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now
conducted and as proposed to be conducted. The Company is duly qualified to
transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
failure so to qualify would be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect on the business, operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial
or otherwise) of the Company (a "Material Adverse Effect"). Except as disclosed
in the Form 10-K (as defined herein), the Company has no subsidiaries.
2.2 Authorization. The Company has all requisite corporate power and
authority (i) to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this
Agreement, the
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Registration Rights Agreement (as defined below) and the Research,
Development and License Agreement between Investor and company of even date
herewith (the "Research, Development and License Agreement"); (ii) to issue the
Shares in the manner and for the purpose contemplated by this Agreement, and
(iii) to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under all other agreements
and instruments executed and delivered by it pursuant to or in connection with
this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Research, Development
and License Agreement. All corporate action on the part of the Company, its
officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization, execution
and delivery of this Agreement, the Thirteenth Addendum to the Amended
Registration Rights Agreement of even date herewith, which makes Investor a
party to the Amended Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and
certain of its stockholders (collectively, the "Registration Rights Agreement")
and the Research, Development and License Agreement, the performance of all
obligations of the Company hereunder and thereunder and the authorization,
issuance (or reservation for issuance) and delivery of the Shares being sold
hereunder has been taken or will be taken prior to the Closing, and this
Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Research, Development and
License Agreement constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the
Company, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except (i) as
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and
other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific
performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.
2.3 Valid Issuance of Shares. The Shares which are being purchased
hereunder, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof
for the consideration expressed herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and
restrictions other than as set forth in this Agreement or other than imposed by
applicable law or regulation and, based in part upon the representations of
Investor in this Agreement, the Shares will be issued in compliance with all
applicable federal and state securities laws.
2.4 SEC Reports. The Company has heretofore filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), all reports and other documents required to be
filed, including an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998 (the "Form 10-K"). None of such reports, or any other reports, documents,
registration statements, definitive proxy materials and other filings required
to be filed with the SEC under the rules and regulations of the SEC ("SEC
Filings") contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements made, at the time and in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. Since December 31, 1998, the Company has timely filed
with the SEC all SEC Filings and all such SEC Filings complied with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and the Exchange Act, as applicable and the rules thereunder.
The audited financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by
reference in the 1998 Annual Report and the unaudited financial statements
contained in the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed since December 31, 1998
each have been prepared in accordance with such acts and rules and with United
States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis
throughout the periods indicated therein and with each other, except as may be
indicated therein or in the notes thereto and except that the unaudited interim
financial statements may not contain
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all footnotes and adjustments required by United States generally accepted
accounting principles, and fairly present the financial condition of the Company
as at the dates thereof and the results of its operations and statements of cash
flows for the periods then ended, subject, in the case of unaudited interim
financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments. Except as reflected in
such financial statements, the Company has no material liabilities, absolute or
contingent, other than ordinary course liabilities incurred since the date of
the last such financial statements in connection with the conduct of the
business of the Company. Since December 31, 1998, and except as described in the
Company's SEC Filings since December 31, 1998, there has been no:
(a) change in the assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating
results of the Company from that reflected in the 1998 Annual Report, except
changes in the ordinary course of business that have not, individually or in the
aggregate, resulted in and are not reasonably expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect (and except that the Company expects to continue to incur
substantial operating losses, which may be material);
(b) damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance,
materially and adversely affecting the business, properties or financial
condition of the Company (and except that the Company expects to continue to
incur substantial operating losses, which may be material);
(c) waiver or compromise by the Company of a material right or of a
material debt owed to it;
(d) satisfaction or discharge of any lien, claim or encumbrance by the
Company, except in the ordinary course of business and which is not material to
the business, properties or financial condition of the Company (as such business
is presently conducted);
(e) material change to a material contract or arrangement by which the
Company or any of its assets is bound or subject;
(f) sale, assignment or transfer to a third party that is not an Affiliate
(as hereafter defined) of any material patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade
secrets or other intangible assets for compensation which is less than fair
value;
(g) mortgage, pledge, transfer of a security interest in, or lien, created
by the Company, with respect to any of its material properties or assets, except
liens for taxes not yet due or payable;
(h) declaration, setting aside or payment or other distribution in respect
of any of the Company's capital stock, except any direct or indirect redemption,
purchase or other acquisition of any such stock by the Company; or
(i) event or condition of any type that has had or is reasonably expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect.
For purposes of this Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the term "Affiliate"
means any individual or entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by
or under common control with, a party to this Agreement. Without limiting the
foregoing, the direct or indirect ownership
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of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of any entity, or the
right to receive 30% or more of the profits or earnings of an entity, shall be
deemed to constitute control.
2.5 Contracts. With respect to each of the material contracts, commitments
and agreements of the Company, the Company is not, and has no actual knowledge
that any other party is, in default under or in respect of any such material
contract, commitment or agreement, the result of which default would have a
Material Adverse Effect. No party to any such material contract, commitment or
agreement, would be authorized or permitted to terminate its obligations
thereunder by reason of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of
the transactions contemplated herein.
2.6 Compliance. The Company has complied with, and is not in default under
or in violation of its Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws or any and all laws,
ordinances and regulations or other governmental restrictions, orders, judgments
or decrees, applicable to the Company's business as presently conducted,
including individual products marketed by it, where any such default or
violation would have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has not received
notice of any possible or actual violation of any applicable law, ordinance,
regulation, or order, the result of which violation would be reasonably expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not a party to any agreement
or instrument, or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction, or any
judgment, order, decree, law, ordinance, regulation or other governmental
restriction which would prevent or impede, or be breached or violated by, or
would result in the creation of any lien or encumbrance upon any assets of the
Company by, the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, the execution,
delivery or performance of the Registration Rights Agreement or the Research,
Development and License Agreement, except that no representation or warranty is
made with respect to filings required by the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 as amended.
2.7 Compliance with Other Instruments. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and of the transactions contemplated hereby will
not result in any violation of or constitute, with or without the passage of
time and the giving of notice, either a default under any provision of its
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws.
2.8 Governmental Consents. No consent, approval, order or authorization of,
or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any
federal, state or local governmental authority is required on the part of the
Company in connection with the Company's valid execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the
Research, Development and License Agreement or the consummation of any
transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, except for any filings under any
applicable state securities laws and except for any filing under the
Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 as amended. The filings
under state securities laws, if any, will be effected by the Company at its cost
within the applicable stipulated statutory period.
2.9 Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation
pending or currently threatened against the Company or its properties before any
court or governmental agency arising out of this Agreement, the Registration
Rights Agreement or the Research, Development and License Agreement, or the
right of the Company to enter into such instruments or to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Other than Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
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et al. v. Boston University et al., C.A. No 16570-NC in the Delaware Court
of Chancery, there is no action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or
currently threatened against the Company, which singly or in the aggregate, if
the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would materially
adversely affect the business, properties, operations, financial condition,
income or business prospects or equity ownership of the Company or would result
in any material liability on the part of the Company.
2.10 Permits. Except as disclosed in SEC Filings (including, inter alia,
the lack of FDA approvals for the commercial sale of many of the Company's
product candidates), the Company has all governmental franchises, permits,
licenses, and any similar authority necessary for the conduct of its business as
now being conducted by it or as proposed to be conducted by it, the lack of
which could have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not in default in any
material respect under any of such franchises, permits, licenses or other
similar authority.
2.11 Taxes. The Company has filed all federal, state and other tax returns
which are required to be filed and has heretofore paid all taxes which have
become due and payable, except where the failure to file or pay would not be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The provision for taxes
on the balance sheet as of December 31, 1998 is sufficient for the payment of
all accrued and unpaid taxes of the Company with respect to the period then
ended.
2.12 Title. The Company has good and marketable title to all material
property and assets reflected in the financial statements to the 1998 Annual
Report (or as described in the SEC Filings). Except where the failure to do so
would not have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company occupies its leased
properties under valid and binding leases conforming to the description thereof
set forth in the SEC Filings.
2.13 Intellectual Property. Except as disclosed in the SEC Filings, the
Company owns, or possesses adequate rights to use, all of their patents, patent
rights, trade secrets, knowhow, proprietary techniques, including processes and
substances, trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights described or
referred to in the SEC Filings or owned or used by it or which is necessary for
the conduct of its business as presently conducted, except where the failure to
own or possess such patents, patent rights, trade secrets, know-how, proprietary
techniques, including processes and substances, trademarks, service marks, trade
names and copyrights would not have a material adverse effect on the business
properties, operations, financial condition, income or business prospects of the
Company. Except as disclosed in the SEC Filings, the Company has not received
any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with
respect to any patents, patent rights, trade secrets, know-how, proprietary
techniques, including processes and substances, trademarks, service marks, trade
names and copyrights which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an
unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
2.14 Capitalization; Options and Warrants. The authorized capital stock of
the Company consists of eighty five million (85,000,000) shares of which eighty
million (80,000,000) shares are Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, and
five million (5,000,000) shares are Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share.
Except as disclosed in the SEC Filings, the
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Company has not granted any option (except for stock options and purchase
rights granted under the Company's stock option and employee stock purchase
plans), warrants, rights (including conversion or preemptive rights, except for
stock purchased under the Company's employee stock purchase plans), or similar
rights to any person or entity to purchase or acquire any rights with respect to
any shares of capital stock of the Company.
2.15 Nasdaq National Market Designation. The Common Stock is currently
included in the Nasdaq National Market of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the
Company knows of no reason or set of facts which is likely to result in the
termination or inclusion of the Common Stock in the Nasdaq National Market or
the inability of such stock to continue to be included in the Nasdaq National
Market. The Company shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to maintain
the Non-Quantitative Designation Criteria contained in Section 5 of Part III of
Schedule D of the NASD's Bylaws to the extent such criteria are within the
control of the Company. Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to preclude
the Company from listing its Common stock on a national securities exchange in
lieu of the Nasdaq National Market.
2.16 Registration Rights. Except as set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Company is not under any obligation to register any of its
presently outstanding securities or any of its securities that may hereafter
issue.
2.17 Offering. The offer, sale and issuance of the Shares to be issued in
conformity with the terms of this Agreement constitute transactions exempt from
the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act").
2.18 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. No representation or
warranty by the Company contained in this Agreement, and no statement contained
in this Agreement or any exhibit, schedule, disclosure, certificate, list or
other instrument delivered or to be delivered to the Investor pursuant hereto or
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby contains any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading.
3. Representations and Warranties of Investor. Investor hereby represents
and warrants that:
3.1 Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. Investor is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
3.2 Authorization. All corporate action on the part of Investor, its
officers and directors necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery
of this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Research,
Development and License Agreement, the performance of all obligations of
Investor hereunder and thereunder has been taken or will be taken prior to the
Closing, and this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Research,
Development and License Agreement, constitute valid and legally binding
obligations of Investor enforceable in accordance with their respective terms,
except (i) as limited by
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applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other
laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific
performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.
3.3 Purchase Entirely for Own Account. This Agreement is made with Investor
in reliance upon Investor's representation to the Company, which by Investor's
execution of this Agreement Investor hereby confirms, that the Shares to be
received by Investor will be acquired for investment for Investor's own account,
not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of
any part thereof, and that Investor has no present intention of selling,
granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same in violation
of the Securities Act or the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968. By
executing this Agreement, Investor further represents that Investor does not
have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to
sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third person,
with respect to any of the Shares. Investor represents that it has full power
and authority to enter into this Agreement.
3.4 Investment Experience. Investor acknowledges that it is able to fend
for itself, can bear the economic risk of its investment and has such knowledge
and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating
the merits and risks of the investment in the Shares. Investor also represents
it has not been organized for the purpose of acquiring the Shares.
3.5 Accredited Investor. Investor is an "accredited investor" within the
meaning of SEC Rule 501 of Regulation D, as presently in effect.
3.6 Restricted Securities. It understands that the Shares it is purchasing
are characterized as "restricted securities" under the federal securities laws
inasmuch as they are being acquired from the Company in a transaction not
involving a public offering and that under such laws and applicable regulations
such Shares may be resold without registration under the Securities Act, only in
certain limited circumstances. In this connection, Investor represents that it
is familiar with SEC Rule 144, as presently in effect, and understands the
resale limitations imposed thereby and by the Securities Act.
3.7 Further Limitations on Disposition. Without in any way limiting the
representations set forth above, Investor further agrees not to make any
disposition of all or any portion of the Shares unless and until the transferee
has agreed in writing for the benefit of the Company to be bound by Sections
3.7, 6.1 and 7 (except that Sections 6.1 and 7 shall not apply to a transferee
in a registered public offering or a sale under Rule 144 or as provided in
Section 7) of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, if
applicable, and:
(a) There is then in effect a Registration Statement under the Securities
Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in
accordance with such Registration Statement; or
(b) (i) Investor shall have notified the Company of the proposed
disposition and shall have furnished the Company with a reasonably detailed
statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition (for
purposes of securities law compliance),
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and (ii) if reasonably requested by the Company, such Investor shall have
furnished the Company with an opinion of counsel (which may be Investor's inside
counsel), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, that
such disposition will not require registration of such shares under the
Securities Act. It is agreed that the Company will not require opinions of
counsel for transactions made pursuant to Rule 144 except in unusual
circumstances.
3.8 Legends. It is understood that the certificates evidencing the Shares
may bear one or all of the following legends:
(a) "These securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933. They may not be sold, offered for sale, pledged or hypothecated in the
absence of a registration statement in effect with respect to the securities
under such Act or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that such
registration is not required or unless sold pursuant to Rule 144 of such Act."
(b) "These securities are subject to certain transfer restrictions
contained in a certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 1, 1999 as
amended from time to time, a copy of which may be obtained from the corporation
without charge."
To the extent that such legends are no longer applicable, the Company shall
cause its transfer agent to remove the legends upon a permitted transfer by
Investor.
3.9 Governmental Consents. No consent, approval, order or authorization of,
or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any
federal, state or local governmental authority is required on the part of
Investor in connection with Investor's valid execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement or the Research,
Development and License Agreement or the issuance of the Shares, except for any
filings under any applicable state securities laws and except for any filing
under the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 as amended.
4. Conditions of Investor's Obligations at Closing. The obligations of
Investor under subsection 1.1 of this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment
on or before the Closing of each of the following conditions, the waiver of
which shall not be effective without the consent of Investor thereto:
4.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
the Company contained in Section 2 shall be true and correct on and as of the
Closing with the same force and effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of the date of such Closing.
4.2 Performance. The Company shall have performed and complied with all
agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are
required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing, all
corporate or other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated
at the Closing and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably
satisfactory in form and in substance to Investor.
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4.3 Compliance Certificate. An officer of the Company shall have delivered
to Investor a certificate certifying that (a) the conditions specified in
Sections 4.1 and 4.2 have been fulfilled; (b) the Company has not filed a
petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization or for an arrangement
or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee of its assets, nor is the
Company aware of any events or action that would make any such filing or
arrangement imminent; and (c) no action or event has occurred, nor is any action
or event imminent, that would impair the Company's ability to perform as
contemplated under the Research, Development and License Agreement.
4.4 Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings in
connection with the transactions contemplated at the Closing and all documents
incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
Investor and it shall have received all such counterpart original and certified
or other copies of such documents as they may reasonably request.
4.5 Blue Sky. The Company shall have obtained all necessary Blue Sky law
permits and qualifications, or secured an exemption therefrom, required by any
state for the offer and sale of the Shares.
4.6 Shares. The Company shall have delivered to Investor the Shares.
4.7 Research, Development and License Agreement. The Company shall have
entered into the Research, Development and License Agreement of even date
herewith.
4.8 Registration Rights Agreement. The Company shall have entered into the
Registration Rights Agreement.
4.9 Opinion of Company Counsel. Investor shall have received an opinion
from the Company's securities counsel, dated as of the Closing, in the form
attached hereto as Schedule B.
5. Conditions of the Company's Obligations at Closing. The obligations of
the Company to Investor under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment on
or before the Closing of each of the following conditions by Investor:
5.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
Investor contained in Section 3 shall be true on and as of the Closing with the
same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and
as of the Closing.
5.2 Performance. Investor shall have performed and complied with all
agreements, obligations and conditions contained in this Agreement that are
required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing, all
corporate or other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated
at the Closing and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably
satisfactory in form and in substance to the Company.
5.3 Compliance Certificate. An officer of Investor shall have delivered to
the Company a certificate certifying that the conditions specified in Sections
5.1 and 5.2 have been fulfilled.
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5.4 Payment of Purchase Price. Investor shall have delivered the purchase
price specified in Section 1.1.
5.5 Research, Development and License Agreement. The Investor shall have
entered into the Research, Development and License Agreement of even date
herewith.
5.6 Registration Rights Agreement. The Investor shall have entered into the
Registration Rights Agreement.
6. Covenants of Investor.
6.1 Transfer Restriction. Notwithstanding any rights under the Registration
Rights Agreement, Investor hereby agrees that during the time period commencing
as of the Closing and ending on *** (with the time period being referred to as
the "Restricted Period"), without the prior written consent of the Company
(which may be withheld in its sole discretion), neither it nor any affiliate (as
defined in Rule 144 of the Act promulgated by the SEC ("Affiliate")) shall,
directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, contract to sell (including, without
limitation, any short sale), grant any option to purchase or otherwise transfer
or dispose of (other than to donees who agree to be similarly bound) any of the
Shares ("Restricted Securities"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers
solely among Investor Affiliates shall not be subject to the transfer
restrictions set forth in this Section 6.1 provided the Affiliate transferee
agrees in writing to be bound by this Section 6.1. In order to enforce the
foregoing covenant, the Company may impose legends and/or stop-transfer
instructions with respect to the Restricted Securities held by Investor or any
Affiliate (and the Restricted Securities of every other person subject to the
foregoing restriction) until the end of such period.
6.2 Standstill Provisions. During the Restricted Period, Investor
(including all Affiliates of Investor) shall not acquire beneficial ownership of
any shares of Common Stock of the Company, any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for Common Stock, or any other right to acquire Common Stock,
except by way of stock dividends or other distributions or offerings made
available to holders of Common Stock generally, from the Company or any other
person or entity or by way of purchase of common stock on securities exchanges,
without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent may be withheld
in its sole discretion; provided, however, that in no event shall (i) the
original purchase of securities pursuant to this Agreement including Section 1.1
or (ii) the acquisition by Investor of another company that then owns securities
of the Company, cause a violation of this Section 6.2.
7. Right of First Offer.
7.1 Right of First Offer.
(a) The Investor shall not make any disposition of all or any portion (or
any interest) of the Shares or any portion thereof, without first giving the
Company the right to accept an offer to purchase such securities, except for any
dispositions that are exempt pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3. Subject to
Section 6.1, at the time the Investor wishes to
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*** Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the Commission.
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make a disposition of any or all of the securities (except for dispositions
that are exempt pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3), it shall submit an offer
to sell all, but not less than all, of such securities which Investor wishes to
dispose (the "Offered Shares") to the Company (the "Offer") by telephonic
communication with the Company's President or Chief Operating Officer (such
telephonic communication to be confirmed in writing by notice pursuant to
Section 8.6) as follows:
(i) If the Investor wishes to sell the Offered Shares in an open market
disposition, the Offer shall disclose the number of Offered Shares proposed to
be sold. As soon as practicable after receipt of the Offer, but in no event
later than *** after the Investor makes the Offer, the Company shall have the
option to accept the Offer to purchase the Offered Shares at the closing market
price on the business day next preceding the day of the Offer. In the event the
Company does not purchase the Offered Shares offered by the Investor pursuant to
the Offer, the Investor may sell the Offered Shares at any time *** *** after
the expiration of the Offer. Any such sale shall be made in *** *** .
(ii) If the Investor wishes to sell or otherwise transfer the Offered
Shares in a privately negotiated transaction, whether through broker-dealers who
may act as agent or acquire the Offered Shares as principal, or otherwise, the
Offer shall disclose the number of Offered Shares proposed to be sold or
transferred and the price at which the Offered Shares are offered to the
Company. As soon as practicable after receipt of the Offer, but in no event
later than *** after the Investor makes the Offer, the Company shall have the
option to accept the Offer to purchase the Offered Shares at the price per share
set forth in the Offer. In the event the Company does not purchase the Offered
Shares offered by the Investor pursuant to the Offer, and provided that the
price specified in the Offer is not greater than the closing market price on the
business day next preceding the day of the Offer, the Investor may sell or
transfer the Offered Shares at any time within *** after the expiration of the
Offer for any price.
(iii) If the Investor wishes to effect an underwritten offering of the
Offered Shares pursuant to registration rights granted by the Company (if
permitted thereby), the Offer shall disclose the number of Offered Shares
proposed to be sold to the underwriters. The Company shall have the option to
purchase the Offered Shares at the closing market price on the business day next
preceding the day of the Offer. As soon as practicable after receipt of the
Offer, but in no event later than *** after the Investor makes the Offer, the
Company shall have the option to accept the Offer to purchase the Offered
Shares. In the event the Company does not purchase the Offered Shares offered by
the Investor pursuant to the Offer, the Investor may sell the Offered Shares in
an underwritten offering commenced within *** after the expiration of the Offer.
(b) Any Offered Shares not sold in accordance with the applicable terms and
within the applicable time periods provided in subsection (a) above shall
continue to be subject to the requirements of a first offer pursuant to this
Section.
----------------
*** Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the Commission.
11
(c) The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) above shall not apply to any
disposition of Shares made in an open market transaction (or series of related
transactions) in which the aggregate number of such shares involved in such
disposition is less than *** (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of
such stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and the like) during any
thirty (30)-day period.
(d) If the Company accepts an Offer under this Section, the Closing of such
purchase shall occur within *** after acceptance of the Offer by the Company.
Upon such acceptance, the Company and the Investor shall be legally obligated to
consummate the purchase contemplated thereby.
(e) With respect to the Shares and shares issued upon conversion of the
Shares (collectively, the "Equity Investment Shares"), the provisions of this
Section shall lapse and cease to have any effect on the second anniversary of
the termination of the Research, Development and License Agreement.
7.2 Binding Effect. The Company's right of first offer shall be assignable
in whole or in part by the Company (but only after the Company receives notice
of a transfer which is subject to a right of first offer and only with respect
to that individual transaction) and shall inure to the benefit of its successors
and assigns. The Company's right of first offer shall be binding upon any
transferee of the Offered Securities acquired pursuant to a-disposition that is
exempt from the right of first offer pursuant to the terms of Section 7.3.
However, the Company's right of first offer shall not apply to any transferee of
the Offered Securities if those Offered Securities were previously offered to
the Company pursuant to Section 7.1, the Company elected not to purchase such
Offered Securities and the Investor sold the Offered Shares to the transferee in
compliance with Section 7.1.
7.3 Exempt Transfers. Subject to Section 7.2, the right of first offer
shall not apply to (i) transfers to controlled Affiliates of Investor or donees,
provided the transferee agrees to be bound by the obligations of this Agreement,
or (ii) transactions involving a merger, reorganization, recapitalization,
exchange offer or sale of all or substantially all of the business or capital
stock of the Company approved by the Company's board of directors.
7.4 Termination of Right of First Offer. The right of first offer under
this Section 7 shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) *** or (ii) the
consummation of an acquisition or merger of the Company by or with a third party
or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
8. Miscellaneous.
8.1 Survival of Warranties. The warranties, representations and covenants
of the Company and Investor contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing and
shall in no way be affected by any investigation of the subject matter thereof
made by or on behalf of the Investor or the Company.
----------------
*** Portions of this page have been omitted pursuant to a request for
Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the Commission.
12
8.2 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms
and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties (including transferees
of any of the Shares sold hereunder). Nothing in this Agreement, express or
implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or
their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or
liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided
in this Agreement.
8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under
the laws of the State of California as applied to agreements among California
residents entered into and to be performed entirely within California.
8.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
8.5 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement
are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.
8.6 Notices. Unless otherwise provided, any notice required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be given in writing by personal delivery to the party
to be notified or by Federal Express or other overnight package delivery service
or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the party to
be notified at the following addresses, or at such other address as such party
may designate by five (5) days' advance written notice to the other parties
(with notice deemed given upon receipt):
If to the Company:
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
00000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
If to Investor:
Xxxxx-Xxxxx Pharmaceutical Research
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: President
with a copy to:
Xxxxxx-Xxxxxxx Company
000 Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: General Counsel and Senior Vice President
13
8.7 Finder's Fee. Each party represents that it neither is nor will be
obligated for any finders' fee or commission in connection with this
transaction. Each party agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless the other from
any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finders' fee
(and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted
liability) for which the indemnifying party or any of its officers, partners,
employees, or representatives is responsible.
8.8 Expenses. Irrespective of whether the Closing is effected, each party
shall pay all costs and expenses that it incurs with respect to the negotiation,
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Company shall pay any and all stamp, transfer and other similar
taxes payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or the original issuance of the Shares, and shall
save and hold the Investor harmless from and against any and all liabilities
with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying, or omission to pay, such
taxes.
8.9 Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and
the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or
in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with
the written consent of the Company and Investor. Any amendment or waiver
effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon each holder of
any securities purchased under this Agreement at the time outstanding, each
future holder of all such securities, and the Company.
8.10 Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to
be unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be excluded from
this Agreement and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such
provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its
terms.
8.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents referred to herein
constitute the entire agreement among the parties and no party shall be liable
or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations, or
covenants except as specifically set forth herein or therein.
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.
INVESTOR: THE COMPANY:
XXXXXX-XXXXXXX COMPANY LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS
INCORPORATED
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxx. Ph.D. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title: Corporate Vice President Title: Senior Vice President
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Company General Counsel and Secretary
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT]
15
SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE OF EXCEPTIONS
This Schedule of Exceptions is made and given pursuant to Section 2 of the
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of September 1, 1999 (the "Agreement"). The
section numbers in this Schedule of Exceptions correspond to the section numbers
in the Agreement; however, any information disclosed herein under any section
number shall be deemed to be disclosed and incorporated into any other section
number under the Agreement where such disclosure would otherwise be appropriate.
Any terms defined in the Agreement shall have the same meaning when used in this
Schedule of Exceptions as when used in the Agreement unless the context
otherwise requires.
Nothing herein constitutes an admission of any liability or obligation of
the Company nor an admission against the Company's interest. The inclusion of
any agreement or other matter herein or any exhibit hereto should not be
interpreted as indicating that the Company has determined that such an agreement
or other matter is necessarily material to the Company. Investor acknowledges
that certain information contained in this schedule may constitute material
confidential information relating to the Company which may not be used for any
purpose other than in connection with Investor's decision to purchase certain
securities of the Company pursuant to the Agreement.
Section 2.1 - Organization, Good Standing and Qualification
In addition to the subsidiaries disclosed in the Form 10-K, the Company has the
following subsidiaries: Ligand JVR, Inc., Ligand Pharmaceuticals International,
Inc., Ligand Pharmaceuticals UK Limited and Marathon Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
Section 2.2 - Authorization
None
Section 2.3 - Valid Issuance of Claims
None
Section 2.4 - SEC Reports
2.4(e) On November 9, 1998, the Company and Elan Corporation, plc made an
agreement under which Ligand acquired certain rights to market Morphelan(TM), a
sustained release morpholine formulation. Under that agreement, Ligand agreed to
pay Elan certain consideration if milestones were met with respect to its
development and to undertake a limited commitment to conduct clinical trials for
Morphelan(TM). On August 20, 1999, the Company and Elan agreed to amend the
agreement relating to the payment of milestones and Ligand's commitment to
conduct clinical trials. The result of these amendments is that, if new
milestones are met, Ligand may owe Elan up to an additional $2,000,000 more than
would have been required under the original agreement.
Section 2.5 - Contracts
None
Section 2.6 - Compliance
None
Section 2.7 - Compliance with Other Instruments
None
Section 2.8 - Governmental Consents
None
Section 2.9 - Litigation
Seragen, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and the Company, are parties to
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, et al. v. Boston University, et al., a putative shareholder
class action filed in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware in and for
New Castle County, C.A. No. 16570NC, by Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx and others against
Boston University and others, including Seragen and its subsidiary Seragen
Technology, Inc. The initial complaint was brought as a direct shareholder
action and set forth causes of action related to alleged self-dealing
transactions involving Seragen and certain of its shareholders and directors,
and did not name the Company as a defendant. The complaint sought unspecified
damages and equitable relief to enjoin the holding of the meeting of Seragen's
shareholders scheduled for August 12, 1998, for the purpose of considering and
approving the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization among the Company, Seragen and Knight Acquisition Corp. (the
"Merger Agreement"), and other matters. In order to permit a timely decision
with respect to their request that the court enjoin the holding of the August
12, 1998 shareholders meeting, the plaintiffs sought expedited proceedings.
Following briefing by defendants and plaintiffs with respect to the plaintiffs'
request for expedited proceedings, the Vice Chancellor on August 7, 1998 entered
an order denying plaintiffs' motion for expedited proceedings, thereby
effectively denying plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction in respect
of the August 12, 1998 shareholders meeting. On August 12, 1998, the Company and
Seragen announced the closing under the Merger Agreement, whereby a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company was merged with Seragen. Plaintiffs subsequently
amended the complaint to recast their suit as a class action, and to add the
Company as a defendant. The amended complaint alleged that the Company aided and
abetted purported breaches of fiduciary duty by the Seragen related defendants
in connection with the merger and made certain misrepresentations in related
proxy materials. Defendants thereafter filed motions to dismiss all claims.
Rather than oppose the motion, plaintiffs sought and obtained permission to file
a second amended complaint asserting essentially the same claims with a shorter
class period. On August 23, 1999, defendants again filed motions to dismiss all
claims of the second amended complaint. The motions are now pending before the
Court of Chancery while briefing is completed.
2
Section 2.10 - Permits
None
Section 2.11 - Taxes
None
Section 2.12 - Title
None
Section 2.13 - Intellectual Property
The Company has become aware that a United States patent has been issued
to, and foreign counterparts have been filed by, Xxxxxxx XxXxxxx ("XxXxxxx")
which covers pharmaceutical uses of 9-cis-retinoic acid (LGD1057) which may
conflict with the Company's right under the patent applications. The U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office ("PTO") has informed the Company that the overlapping
claims are patentable to the Company and initiated an interference proceeding to
determine whether the Company or XxXxxxx is entitled to a patent by having been
first to invent the common subject matter. The Company cannot be assured of a
favorable outcome in the interference proceeding because of factors not known at
this time which may impact the outcome. In addition, the interference proceeding
may delay the decision of the PTO regarding the Company's application for the
current formulations of Oral and Topical Panretin (LGD1057) products. The
XxXxxxx patent does not cover the use of the current formulations of Oral and
Topical Panretin (LGD1057) to treat leukemias such as APL and sarcomas such as
KS, or the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, if the Company does not
prevail in the interference proceeding, the XxXxxxx patent might block the
Company's use of Oral Panretin (LGD1057) in certain cancers, and the Company may
not be able to obtain patent protection for the Oral and Topical Panretin
(LGD1057) products.
The Company has received notice from Oncogene Science, Inc. ("OSI") stating
that the activities of the Company's STATs program may infringe one or more
patents issued to OSI. The Company believes a number of companies in the
biotechnology industry received similar letters. The Company has received a
preliminary opinion of its outside patent counsel that its activities do not
infringe OSI's patents.
Section 2.14 - Capitalization; Options and Warrants
None
Section 2.15 - Nasdaq National Market Designation
None
3
Section 2.16 - Registration Rights
None
Section 2.17 - Offering
None
Section 2.18 - Accuracy of Representations and Warranties
None
4
Exhibit B
September 1, 1999
Xxxxxx-Xxxxxxx Company
000 Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, XX 0000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the issuance and sale
of shares of its Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated
September 1, 1999 (the "Agreement") between the Company and you. This opinion
letter is being rendered to you pursuant to Section 4.9 of the Agreement in
connection with the Closing of the sale of the Common Stock. Capitalized terms
not otherwise defined in this opinion letter have the meanings given them in the
Agreement.
In connection with the opinions expressed herein, we have made such
examination of matters of law and of fact as we considered appropriate or
advisable for purposes hereof. As to matters of fact material to the opinions
expressed herein, we have relied upon the representations and warranties as to
factual matters contained in and made by the Company pursuant to the Agreement
and upon certificates and statements of government officials and of officers of
the Company. We have also examined originals or copies of such corporate
documents or records of the Company as we have considered appropriate for the
opinions expressed herein. We have assumed for the purposes of this opinion
letter the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons,
the authenticity of the documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity
to the original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified,
facsimile or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such
copies.
In rendering this opinion letter we have also assumed: (A) that the
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by you or on your
behalf, that you have the power to enter into and perform all your obligations
thereunder, and that the Agreement constitutes a valid, legal, binding and
enforceable obligation upon you; (B) that the representations and warranties
made in the Agreement by you are true and correct; (C) that any wire transfers,
drafts or checks tendered by you will be honored; and (D) that you have filed
any required state franchise, income or similar tax returns and have paid any
required state franchise, income or similar taxes.
As used in this opinion letter, the expression "we are not aware" or the
phrase "to our knowledge," or any similar expression or phrase with respect to
our knowledge of matters of fact, means as to matters of fact that, based on the
actual knowledge of individual attorneys within the firm principally responsible
for handling current matters for the Company (and not including any constructive
or imputed notice of any information), and after an examination of
documents referred to herein and after inquiries of certain officers of the
Company, no facts have been disclosed to us that have caused us to conclude that
the opinions expressed are factually incorrect; but beyond that we have made no
factual investigation for the purposes of rendering this opinion letter.
Specifically, but without limitation, we have not searched the dockets of any
courts and we have made no inquiries of securities holders or employees of the
Company, other than such officers.
This opinion letter relates solely to the laws of the State of California,
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the federal law of the
United States, and we express no opinion with respect to the effect or
application of any other laws. Special rulings of authorities administering such
laws or opinions of other counsel have not been sought or obtained.
Based upon our examination of and reliance upon the foregoing and subject
to the limitations, exceptions, qualifications and assumptions set forth below
and except as set forth in the Agreement or the Schedule of Exceptions thereto,
we are of the opinion that as of the date hereof:
1. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and the Company has the
requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and assets and to
conduct its business as, to our knowledge, it is presently conducted.
2. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform the Agreement. The Agreement has been duly and validly
authorized by the Company, duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer
of the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable by you against the Company in accordance with its terms.
3. The shares of Common Stock to be purchased at the Closing have been duly
authorized and, upon purchase at the Closing pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement, will be validly issued, nonassessable and fully paid.
4. Other than in connection with any securities laws (with respect to which
we direct you to paragraph 6 below), the Company's execution and delivery of,
and its performance and compliance as of the date hereof with the terms of, the
Agreement does not violate any provision of any federal, Delaware corporate or
California law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any provision of
the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws and,
to our knowledge, do not conflict with or constitute a default under the
provisions of any judgment, writ, decree or order.
5. Other than in connection with any securities laws (with respect to which
we direct you to paragraph 6 below), all consents, approvals, permits, orders or
authorizations of, and all qualifications by and registrations with, any
federal, Delaware corporate or California state governmental authority on the
part of the Company required in connection with the execution and delivery of
the Agreement and consummation at the Closing of the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement have been obtained, and are effective, and we
are not aware of any proceedings, or written threat of any proceedings, that
question the validity thereof.
6. Based in part upon the representations of you in the Agreement, the
offer and sale of the Common Stock to you pursuant to the terms of the Agreement
are exempt from the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof and from the
qualification requirements of the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968,
as amended, by virtue of Section 25100(o) thereof.
Our opinions expressed above are specifically subject to the following
limitations, exceptions, qualifications and assumptions:
(A) The legality, validity, binding nature and enforceability of the
Company's obligations under the Agreement may be subject to or limited by (1)
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium, fraudulent
transfer and other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally; (2)
general principles of equity (whether relief is sought in a proceeding at law or
in equity), including, without limitation, concepts of materiality,
reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and the discretion of any court of
competent jurisdiction in awarding specific performance or injunctive relief and
other equitable remedies; and (3) without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, (a) principles requiring the consideration of the impracticability or
impossibility of performance of the Company's obligations at the time of the
attempted enforcement of such obligations, and (b) the effect of California
court decisions and statutes which indicate that provisions of the Agreement
which permit you to take action or make determinations may be subject to a
requirement that such action be taken or such determinations be made on a
reasonable basis in good faith or that it be shown that such action is
reasonably necessary for your protection.
(B) We express no opinion as to the Company's compliance or noncompliance
with applicable federal or state antifraud or antitrust statutes, laws, rules
and regulations.
(C) We express no opinion concerning the past, present or future fair
market value of any securities.
(D) We express no opinion as to the enforceability under certain
circumstances of any provisions indemnifying a party against, or requiring
contributions toward, that party's liability for its own wrongful or negligent
acts, or where indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy or
prohibited by law. In this regard, we advise you that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, indemnification of directors, officers and
controlling persons of an issuer against liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is against public policy and is therefore
unenforceable.
(E) We express no opinion as to the enforceability under certain
circumstances of any provisions prohibiting waivers of any terms of the
Agreement other than in writing, or prohibiting oral modifications thereof or
modification by course of dealing. In addition, our opinions are subject to the
effect of judicial decisions which may permit the introduction of extrinsic
evidence to interpret the terms of written contracts.
(F) We express no opinion as to the effect of Section 1670.5 of the
California Civil Code or any other California law, federal law or equitable
principle which provides that a court may refuse to enforce, or may limit the
application of, a contract or any clause thereof which the court finds to have
been unconscionable at the time it was made or contrary to public policy.
(G) We express no opinion as to your compliance with any Federal or state
law relating to your legal or regulatory status or the nature of your business.
(H) We express no opinion as to the effect of subsequent issuances of
securities of the Company, to the extent that further issuances which may be
integrated with the Closing may include purchasers that do not meet the
definition of "accredited investors" under Rule 501 of Regulation D and
equivalent definitions under state securities or "blue sky" laws.
(I) We express no opinion as to Section 8.3 of the Agreement to the extent
that it purports to exclude conflict of law principles of California law.
This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above solely
for your benefit in connection with the Agreement and may not be delivered to,
quoted or relied upon by any person other than you, or for any other purpose,
without our prior written consent. Our opinion is expressly limited to the
matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by implication or
otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company. We assume no
obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or developments which
hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may alter, affect or modify
the opinions expressed herein.
Very truly yours,
XXXXXXX, XXXXXXX & XXXXXXXX LLP
