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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2018

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   6770   82-3434680
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

c/o HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC

421 W. 3rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

(817) 850-9203

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Jack D. Hightower

Chief Executive Officer

Pure Acquisition Corp.

c/o HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC

421 W. 3rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

(817) 850-9203

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

Joe Dannenmaier, Esq.

Amy Curtis, Esq.

Thompson & Knight LLP

One Arts Plaza

1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500

Dallas, Texas 75201

Telephone: (214) 969-1700

Facsimile: (214) 969-1751

 

Alan I. Annex, Esq.

Jason T. Simon, Esq.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Met Life Building

200 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10166

Telephone: (212) 801-9200

Facsimile: (212) 801-6400

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:  ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer   ☒  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.   ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

 

Title of each Class of

Security being registered

 

Amount

being
Registered

  Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Security (1)
  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (1)
 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Units, each consisting of one share of Class A Common Stock, $.0001 par value, and one half of one Warrant (2)

  34,500,000 Units   $10.00   $345,000,000   $42,952.50

Shares of Class A Common Stock included as part of the Units (2)

  34,500,000 Shares                            (3)

Warrants included as part of the Units (2)

  17,250,000 Warrants                            (3)

Total

          $345,000,000   $42,952.50

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a).
(2) Includes 4,500,000 Units, consisting of 4,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,250,000 Warrants underlying such Units which may be issued on exercise of a 45-day option granted to the Underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any.
(3) No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g).

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The securities described herein may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 22, 2018

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

$300,000,000

Pure Acquisition Corp.

30,000,000 Units

 

 

Pure Acquisition Corp. is a newly organized blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities, which we refer to as a “target business.” We intend to focus our search for target businesses in the energy industry. We do not have any specific business combination under consideration and we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf), directly or indirectly, contacted any prospective target business or had any substantive discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to such a transaction. If we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, we will redeem 100% of the public shares for a pro rata portion of the trust account, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes (less up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to applicable law and as further described herein.

This is an initial public offering of our securities. Each unit that we are offering has a price of $10.00 and consists of one share of our Class A common stock and one half of one warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our Class A common stock at a price of $11.50. Each warrant will become exercisable on the later of 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination or 12 months from the closing of this offering and will expire on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. We have granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 units to cover over-allotments, if any.

HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as our “sponsor” or “HighPeak,” has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants (or 8,900,000 warrants if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a price of $1.00 per warrant (approximately $8,000,000 in the aggregate, or approximately $8,900,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. We refer to these warrants throughout this prospectus as the private placement warrants. Each private placement warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of our Class A common stock at a price of $11.50.

Prior to this offering, our sponsor purchased 8,625,000 shares of our Class B common stock (up to 1,125,000 shares of which are subject to forfeiture depending on the extent to which the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised). We refer to these shares of Class B common stock as the founders’ shares throughout this prospectus. The shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of our initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as provided herein.

HighPeak Energy Partners, LP (“HighPeak LP”) will enter into a forward purchase agreement with us that provides for the purchase by HighPeak LP of an aggregate of up to 15,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock and 7,500,000 warrants, for an aggregate purchase price of up to $150,000,000 in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of our initial business combination. HighPeak LP is a limited partnership affiliated with our sponsor and our management team which seeks to acquire equity and equity-like investments in oil and gas assets including oil and gas reserves; leasehold, working, net profits, mineral and royalty interests; tertiary recovery reserves; and gas processing plants and pipelines located primarily in North America. The forward purchase warrants will have the same terms as the private placement warrants so long as they are held by HighPeak LP, its affiliates or its permitted transferees, and the forward purchase shares are identical to the shares of Class A common stock included in the units being sold in this offering, except that the forward purchase shares are subject to transfer restrictions and certain registration rights, as described herein. HighPeak LP’s commitment under the forward purchase agreement may be reduced under certain circumstances described herein.

Our sponsor has committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant, our outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our announcement of an initial business combination and occur in connection with such business combination. If we are unable to close our business combination within the allotted time, our sponsor will purchase or cause an affiliate to purchase any outstanding public warrants for $1.00 per public warrant at the same time as we redeem our public shares.

There is presently no public market for our units, shares of Class A common stock or warrants. We have applied to have our units listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “PACQU” on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The Class A common stock and warrants comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 52nd day following the date of this prospectus unless Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. inform us of their decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC containing an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds of this offering and issuing a press release announcing when such separate trading will begin. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A common stock and warrants will be traded on Nasdaq under the symbols “PACQ” and “PACQW,” respectively.

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act and will therefore be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 25 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

     Per Unit      Total  

Public Offering Price

   $ 10.00      $ 300,000,000  

Underwriting Discount (1)

   $ 0.20      $ 6,000,000  

Proceeds to Pure Acquisition Corp. (before expenses)

   $ 9.80      $ 294,000,000  

 

(1) The underwriters will receive compensation in addition to the underwriting discount. See “Underwriting.”

Upon consummation of the offering and the sale of the private placement warrants, an aggregate of $300,000,000 (or $345,000,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) or $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering will be deposited into a U.S.-based trust account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. Except as described in this prospectus, these funds will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our redemption of our public shares (which may not occur until                 , 2019). The underwriters are offering the units on a firm commitment basis. The underwriters expect to deliver the units to purchasers on or about                 , 2018.

 

 

Book-Running Managers

 

Oppenheimer & Co.   EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

[ ] , 2018


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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1  

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

     24  

RISK FACTORS

     25  

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     47  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     48  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     51  

DILUTION

     51  

CAPITALIZATION

     54  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     55  

PROPOSED BUSINESS

     60  

MANAGEMENT

     82  

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

     92  

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

     94  

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

     98  

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     105  

UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     107  

UNDERWRITING

     116  

LEGAL MATTERS

     124  

EXPERTS

     124  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     124  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary only highlights the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. As this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making an investment decision. Before investing, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the information under “Risk Factors” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. References in this prospectus to “we,” “us” or “our company” refer to Pure Acquisition Corp. References in this prospectus to our “public shares” are to shares of our Class A common stock sold as part of the units in this offering (whether they are purchased in this offering or thereafter in the open market) and references to “public stockholders” refer to the holders of our public shares, including our sponsor (as defined below), officers and directors to the extent they purchase public shares, provided that their status as “public stockholders” shall only exist with respect to such public shares. References in this prospectus to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our offıcers, director nominees and directors and references to our “sponsor” refer to HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, a company affiliated with our executive officers. References in this prospectus to “HighPeak LP” refer to HighPeak Energy Partners, LP, a limited partnership affiliated with our sponsor and our executive officers. References in this prospectus to our “founders’ shares” refer to our shares of Class B common stock initially purchased by our initial stockholders in private sales prior to this offering and the shares of our Class A common stock issued upon the automatic conversion thereof at the time of our initial business combination as described herein, and references to our “initial stockholders” refer to the holders of our founders’ shares prior to this offering. References in this prospectus to our “private placement warrants” refer to the warrants we are selling in a private placement simultaneously with the closing of this offering. References in this prospectus to a “forward purchase agreement” are to an agreement providing for the sale to HighPeak LP of an aggregate of up to 15,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 7,500,000 warrants to purchase one share of Class A common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of up to $150,000,000 in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of our initial business combination. References in this prospectus to “equity-linked securities” are to any securities of our company or any of our subsidiaries which are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, equity securities of our company or such subsidiary, including any securities issued by our company or any of our subsidiaries which are pledged to secure any obligation of any holder to purchase equity securities of our company or any of our subsidiaries. Unless we tell you otherwise, the information in this prospectus assumes the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option.

General

We are a newly organized blank check company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on November 13, 2017. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities, which we refer to as a “target business”. To date, our efforts have been limited to organizational activities as well as activities related to this offering. None of our officers, directors, promoters and other affiliates has engaged in any substantive discussions on our behalf with representatives of other companies regarding the possibility of a potential merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with us.

We intend to focus our search on businesses in the energy industry with an emphasis on opportunities in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America where our management team’s networks and experience are suited although our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region. Although we anticipate an initial business combination with an operating business, we are not obligated to do so and may determine to facilitate a transaction with a company with no operating history if we determine that the terms of the transaction are favorable to our public stockholders and the target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination.



 

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In particular, we will seek to capitalize on the operating and investing experience and network of relationships of Jack D. Hightower, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and our other officers and directors in consummating an initial business combination. During his career, Mr. Hightower has been involved in merger and acquisition transactions valued at billions of dollars in the aggregate in the energy, banking and real estate industries. Mr. Hightower has over 47 years of operational and financial experience in the oil and gas industry, having managed many oil and gas companies as Chairman, President and CEO. He has consistently generated favorable returns throughout industry cycles by applying a disciplined, risk-adjusted investment approach, designed to balance capital preservation with value creation. In each of his last four startup companies, Mr. Hightower has completed initial acquisitions in less than nine months. Since 1995, Mr. Hightower has created and led five oil and gas exploration and production companies through acquisition, growth and value creation strategies, including the following:

 

    In March 1995, Mr. Hightower assembled a highly experienced and multi-skilled management team to form Titan Resources, L.P. (“Titan”). Mr. Hightower served as Chairman, President and CEO of the company, and was responsible for all day-to-day operating, risk management and acquisition decisions. Titan secured its founding equity investment from Natural Gas Partners (“NGP”) and management. In December 1996, Mr. Hightower led an initial public offering of Titan Resources, creating Titan Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEXP), which had a peak market capitalization of $429 million. While at Titan, Mr. Hightower completed several acquisition transactions to acquire proved oil and gas reserves and millions of net acres of mineral rights. In January 2000, Mr. Hightower led efforts to combine TEXP’s assets with Unocal Corporation’s (“Unocal”) Permian Basin and Rocky Mountain assets, thereby creating Pure Resources, Inc. (NYSE: PRS) (“Pure”), which had a peak market capitalization of $1.77 billion. In October 2002, Unocal tendered for the outstanding shares of Pure.

 

    In January 2004, Mr. Hightower and his team formed Celero Energy, LP (“Celero”) with founding equity commitments primarily from Quantum Energy Partners II & III, L.P., Wachovia Capital Investments Inc., and from management. As Chairman, President and CEO, Mr. Hightower was responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operating, risk management and acquisition decisions.

 

    In October 2006, Mr. Hightower and his team formed Celero Energy Company, LP (“Celero II”) with founding equity commitments from Natural Gas Partners VIII, L.P., management, pension funds, university endowments, financial institutions, private foundations and high net worth individuals. While Mr. Hightower elected to pursue other business opportunities in October 2009, Mr. Rodney L. Woodard, Pure’s chief operating officer, continued to lead the Celero II team and develop the properties.

 

    In June 2011, Mr. Hightower formed Bluestem Energy Partners, LP (“Bluestem Energy”), an energy-focused, private-equity backed partnership with founding equity commitments from Quantum Energy Partners, L.P. and from management. In August 2013, Bluestem Energy entered into a joint venture with Rio Oil and Gas, another Quantum Energy Partners portfolio company, and the joint venture’s assets were ultimately sold in August 2014.

We intend to identify and seek to consummate a business combination with a business that could benefit from a hands-on owner with extensive experience in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America and that presents potential for an attractive risk-adjusted return profile under our stewardship. Even fundamentally sound companies can often under-perform their potential due to underinvestment, temporary periods of dislocation in the markets in which they operate, over-levered capital structures, excessive cost structures, incomplete management teams and/or inappropriate business strategies. Our management team has experience in identifying and executing acquisitions and managing assets to performance at potential across the energy industry. In addition, our team has hands-on experience working with private companies in preparing for and executing an initial public offering and serving as active owners and directors by working closely with these companies to continue their transformations and help create value in the public markets.



 

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Prior to a business combination, the management team of our sponsor and its affiliates will provide various administrative and technical services for us including, but not limited to, corporate, financial and accounting services; business target identification; and due diligence; and proved reserve evaluation, including geological, engineering, operational, land, and environmental assessments. Our post business combination management and technical team may include members of our sponsor and its affiliates, members of the seller’s management team, and other technical people with skill-sets specific to the attributes of the target.

We believe that our management team is well positioned to identify attractive risk-adjusted returns in the marketplace, and that its contacts and transaction sources, ranging from industry executives, private owners, private equity funds, and investment bankers will enable us to pursue a broad range of business combination alternatives. Our management believes its ability to identify and implement value creation initiatives will remain central to its differentiated acquisition strategy.

Our management team’s objective is to generate attractive financial returns and create significant value for our stockholders by using its relationships with major integrated oil and gas companies, large-cap independents, energy private equity funds, and other industry players to source primarily negotiated transactions to acquire and operate quality assets with reserve, production and cash flow upside. We believe our management team has significant experience in all areas of oil and gas evaluation and operations, including horizontal drilling and advanced completion techniques, seismic acquisition and interpretation, financial structuring, and value creation methods to maximize production and proved reserves. Moreover, our team has experience investing across a variety of commodity price cycles to deliver strong full-cycle economics and in identifying high-quality assets and businesses with resource and capital optimization potential. Our management team also has consummated a significant number of successful acquisitions and divestitures, and has experience in both taking companies public and financing them in the equity and debt capital markets.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the past performance of Mr. Hightower, our other officers and directors, and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee that we will be able to identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination or realize success with respect to any business combination we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical record of our management’s performance as indicative of our future performance. None of our officers or directors have had experience with blank check companies or special purpose acquisition companies in the past.

Investment Thesis

Our management team’s differentiated approach to creating value in the oil and gas sector combines the elements of a lower-risk and capital preservation approach, balanced with higher return, exploration upside. The fundamental underpinnings of this approach include:

 

    Leverage Intellectual Capital. We strive at all times to utilize the wide range of the team’s and, where relevant, third-party skill-sets, backgrounds, experiences, and other intellectual capital to identify and realize unexploited value.

 

    Conservative Assumptions. We believe in a conservative approach to reserve evaluation and valuation. As such, our management team typically runs a range of sensitivity analyses, including setting a valuation cap based primarily on already-established value (i.e., proved developed producing reserves) under worst-case scenario assumptions for large acquisitions.

 

    Pursuit of Hidden Value. We aggressively and thoroughly investigate the potential upside in the prospective properties we review, including evaluating the viability of overlooked enhanced exploitation opportunities, newly discovered or under-appreciated exploration opportunities, or other creative ways of monetizing value (e.g., by selling exploration rights to third-party entities or immediately disposing of non-core assets).


 

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By taking this differentiated, multi-faceted, and comprehensive approach to evaluating prospective investments, our management team believes it is able to mitigate risk, while maximizing the embedded option value of the investment in terms of its upside potential.

Our management team’s approach to risk mitigation includes identifying, evaluating, and managing risk. Specific elements of our approach to risk mitigation include, but are not limited to:

 

    Thorough field-by-field property evaluation, including an engineering analysis, a geological and geophysical analysis, and a land, lease title, and material contracts review performed internally and in some cases by third-party technical experts;

 

    Evaluation of the production history of the assets;

 

    Environmental liability assessment;

 

    Portfolio balancing analysis to seek an appropriate mix of long-lived/short-lived reserves and exploitation/exploration opportunities;

 

    Identification of opportunities to improve asset efficiency;

 

    In most cases, implementation and maintenance of relevant hedging programs designed to mitigate possible downturns in commodity price cycles; and

 

    Marketing hydrocarbons and negotiating long-term physical sales transactions and pipeline capacity agreements.

By employing this approach to property evaluation and risk mitigation, we seek to consummate a business combination with upside potential.

Our management team members have experience acquiring and unlocking the value of attractive, but less-than-fully exploited, oil and gas assets. Often the value of these assets has not been maximized to date either because the property was not a priority focus for the seller, or because other market participants simply did not recognize the same value creation potential. Due to our team members’ experience and understanding of the applicability and viability of relevant value creation strategies we believe we are well-positioned to seek upside potential. Equally important, with their network of contacts with oil field services providers, our management team believes they are well positioned to execute these strategies by identifying and assembling (often scarce) resources, such as qualified teams and appropriate equipment.

Business Strategy

Our acquisition and value creation strategy will be to identify, acquire and, after our initial business combination, build a company in the energy industry that complements the experience of our management team and can benefit from the application of their operational control. Our acquisition strategy will leverage our team’s network of potential proprietary and public transaction sources where we believe a combination of our relationships, and knowledge and experience in the energy industry could effect a positive transformation or augmentation of existing businesses or properties to improve their overall value proposition.

We plan to utilize the network and energy industry experience of our management team in seeking an initial business combination and employing our acquisition strategy. Over the course of their careers, the members of our management team and their affiliates have developed a broad network of contacts and corporate relationships that we believe will serve as a useful source of acquisition opportunities. We expect these networks will provide our management team with a robust flow of acquisition opportunities. In addition, we anticipate that target asset and/or target business candidates will be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, which may



 

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include investment market participants, private equity groups, investment banking firms, consultants, accounting firms and large business enterprises. Upon completion of this offering, members of our management team will communicate with their networks of relationships to articulate the parameters for our search for target assets and/or companies and a potential business combination, and begin the process of pursuing and reviewing opportunities with value creation potential.

The primary strategies our management team will use to identify a potential business combination to generate favorable returns include seeking to:

 

    Acquire and operate quality, producing assets with a large oil and gas reserve base with production, proved reserve and cash flow upside.

 

    Provide development capital and expertise to partner with companies (including majors and large-cap independents) with high quality assets and core acreage positions at attractive economics.

 

    Leverage proved developed reserves while targeting multiple productive pay zones to increase upside potential.

We believe our key differentiators include:

 

    We believe our team has operating and technical experience in horizontal drilling and completion techniques, seismic interpretation, acquisition evaluation, financial structuring, operational efficiencies, full-cycle economics and the value creation methods to maximize production, proved oil and gas reserves, and cash flow.

 

    We believe our management team is differentiated in its ability to economically, efficiently and consistently obtain the needed services to its properties (or projects) in varying market environments.

 

    We believe our management team has experience in the safe and environmentally-sound drilling practices and production operations, the marketing of hydrocarbons and the implementation of hedging programs.

 

    Cumulatively, our team has managed tens of thousands of producing wells, drilled and completed thousands of horizontal wells and is widely regarded in the industry as prudent operators and partners.

Acquisition Criteria

We have identified the following general criteria and guidelines we believe are important in evaluating prospective targets. We intend to use these criteria and guidelines in evaluating acquisition opportunities, but we may decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target that does not meet these criteria and guidelines. We intend to acquire target businesses we believe:

 

    are fundamentally sound but we believe can achieve better results by leveraging the operating and financial experience of our management team and their affiliates;

 

    can utilize the extensive networks and insights our management team has built in the energy industry;

 

    are at an inflection point, such as requiring additional management expertise, are able to innovate through new operational techniques, or where we believe we can drive improved financial performance;

 

    exhibit unrecognized value or other characteristics, desirable returns on capital, and a need for capital to achieve the company’s growth strategy, that we believe have been misevaluated by the marketplace based on our analysis and due diligence review; and

 

    will offer an attractive risk-adjusted return for our stockholders.


 

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We will seek to acquire the target on terms and in a manner that leverages our management team’s experience investing within the energy industry. Potential upside from growth in the target business and an improved capital structure will be weighed against any identified downside risks designed to balance capital preservation with value creation.

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria our management may deem relevant. In the event we decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet the above criteria and guidelines, we will disclose that the target business does not meet the above criteria in our stockholder communications related to our initial business combination, which, as discussed in this prospectus, would be in the form of proxy solicitation or tender offer materials we would file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

Our Acquisition Process

We expect to conduct a refined, systematic and disciplined approach with respect to evaluating prospective target assets and/or target businesses for our initial business combination.

After progressing past an initial screening, prospective targets will be subjected to a thorough due diligence process. We expect this review will be performed by our experienced management team. The due diligence process examines all important aspects of a prospective target acquisition in detail, with particular attention focused on the proved reserve asset base, production enhancement plans and strategic financial plans, including risk mitigation tools. During our review process of target assets and/or companies for a business combination, our management team will thoroughly review all aspects of the target business, including, as applicable: (i) production rates and ultimate recoverable reserves; (ii) risk profiles of the assets including, but not limited to, an analysis of concentration, reservoir peculiarities, geologic conditions, operational, environmental, health, safety, and other related risks; (iii) lease operating costs and overhead expenses; (iv) historical oil and gas prices and related “basis” risk relative to geographic location and quality of the oil or gas; (v) other potential burdens or benefits to future cash flow, including contingent liabilities; and (vi) any special tax consequences of the transaction. Our management team has reviewed numerous transactions annually and, consequently, we believe their operating experience and contacts enable them to efficiently identify those target opportunities which have the highest probability of success.

Effecting a Business Combination

We will either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of our proposed business combination or allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. In that case, we will file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as is required under the SEC’s proxy rules. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination.



 

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We will have until 18 months from the closing of this offering to consummate an initial business combination. If we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within such time period, we will redeem 100% of our outstanding public shares for a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, subject to applicable law and as further described herein, and then seek to dissolve and liquidate. We expect the pro rata redemption price to be approximately $10.00 per share of Class A common stock (regardless of whether or not the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option), without taking into account any interest earned on such funds. However, we cannot assure you that we will in fact be able to distribute such amounts as a result of claims of creditors which may take priority over the claims of our public stockholders.

Our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination. The fair market value of the target or targets will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow, proved oil and gas reserves, oil and gas production, oil and gas lease acreage and/or book value). Even though our board of directors will rely on generally accepted standards, our board of directors will have discretion to select the standards employed. In addition, the application of the standards generally involves a substantial degree of judgment. Accordingly, investors will be relying on the business judgment of the board of directors in evaluating the fair market value of the target or targets. The proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents used by us in connection with any proposed transaction will provide public stockholders with our analysis of the fair market value of the target business, as well as the basis for our determinations. If our board is not able independently to determine the fair market value of the target business or businesses, we may obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions on the type of target business we are seeking to acquire, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria. Except as required by applicable law, our stockholders may not be provided with a copy of such opinion and may not be permitted to rely on such opinion.

We may pursue an acquisition opportunity jointly with HighPeak LP or one or more other entities affiliated with HighPeak LP which we refer to as an “Affiliated Joint Acquisition.” Any such parties may co-invest with us in the target business at the time of our initial business combination, or we could raise additional proceeds to complete the acquisition by issuing to such parties a class of equity or equity-linked securities. We refer to this potential future issuance, or a similar issuance to other specified purchasers, as a “specified future issuance” throughout this prospectus. Any such Affiliated Joint Acquisition or specified future issuance would be in addition to, and would not include, the securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement. The amount and other terms and conditions of any such specified future issuance would be determined at the time thereof. We are not obligated to make any specified future issuance and may determine not to do so. This is not an offer for any specified future issuance. Pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of our founders’ shares, any such specified future issuance would result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio such that our initial stockholders and their permitted transferees, if any, would retain their aggregate percentage ownership at 20% of the sum of the total number of all shares of Class A common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering plus all shares issued in the specified future issuance, unless the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of founders’ shares agreed to waive such adjustment with respect to the specified future issuance at the time thereof. We cannot determine at this time whether a majority of the holders of our founders’ shares at the time of any such specified future issuance would agree to waive such adjustment to the conversion ratio. If such adjustment is not waived, the specified future issuance would not reduce the percentage ownership of holders of our founders’ shares, but would reduce the percentage ownership of the holders of Class A common stock, other than founders’ Shares, issued pursuant to this offering. If such adjustment is waived, the specified future issuance would reduce the percentage ownership of holders of Class A common stock issued pursuant to this offering and



 

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of the holders of the founders’ shares. The issuance of the securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will not result in such an adjustment to the conversion ratio of our founders’ shares.

We currently anticipate structuring a business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination where we merge directly with the target business or where we acquire less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, including an Affiliated Joint Acquisition, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we could acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target; however, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our stockholders immediately prior to our initial business combination could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses that is owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% fair market value test. If the business combination involves more than one target business, the 80% of net assets test will be based on the aggregate value of all of the target businesses and we will treat the target businesses together as the initial business combination for purposes of a tender offer or for seeking stockholder approval, as applicable.

Potential Conflicts

Each of our officers and our directors other than our “independent directors” is an officer and/or director of our sponsor and/or an affiliated company. We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with or from a company affiliated with, or involving properties operated by, our sponsor or its affiliates or its officers or directors; nor are we prohibited from entering into an agreement with our sponsor or its affiliates or a company affiliated with our officers or directors with respect to the operation of any properties we acquire in connection with the initial business combination. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination with a company affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, may obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA or an independent accounting firm that our initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. Through their direct or indirect interest in a HighPeak affiliated company, members of our management team currently own an indirect interest in us. Each member of our management team may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination. Further, each of our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination.

We currently do not have any specific business combination under consideration. Our officers and directors have neither individually selected nor considered a target business for our initial business combination nor have they had any discussions regarding possible target businesses among themselves or with our underwriters or other advisors. All of the members of our management team are employed by a HighPeak affiliate and are direct investors in a HighPeak affiliate. HighPeak is continuously made aware of potential business opportunities, one or more of which we may desire to pursue for a business combination, but we have not (nor has anyone on our



 

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behalf) contacted any prospective target business or had any discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to a business combination transaction. We have not (nor have any of our agents or affiliates) been approached by any candidates (or representatives of any candidates) with respect to a possible acquisition transaction with us and we will not consider a business combination with any company that has already been identified to HighPeak as a suitable acquisition candidate for it. Additionally, we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, taken any measure, directly or indirectly, to identify or locate any suitable acquisition candidate for us, nor have we engaged or retained any agent or other representative to identify or locate any such acquisition candidate.

Each of our officers and directors presently has, and any of them in the future may have, additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present a business combination opportunity. Accordingly, if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such opportunity to such other entity. We do not believe, however, that the fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our officers or directors will materially affect our ability to complete our business combination. In addition, we may, at our option, pursue an Affiliated Joint Acquisition opportunity with an entity to which an officer or director has a fiduciary or contractual obligation, including a HighPeak affiliate. Any such entity may co-invest with us in the target business at the time of our initial business combination, or we could raise additional proceeds to complete the acquisition by making a specified future issuance to any such entity. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that we renounce our interest in any corporate opportunity offered to our sponsor or its affiliates or our non-employee directors or their affiliates unless such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of our company and such opportunity is one we are legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for us to pursue.

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written letter agreement, not to participate in the formation of, or become an officer or director of, any other blank check company until we have entered into a definitive agreement regarding our initial business combination or we have failed to complete our initial business combination within 18 months after the closing of this offering.

For more information on the relevant pre-existing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our management team, see the section titled “ Management—Conflicts of Interest .”

JOBS Act

We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (which we refer to herein as the JOBS Act) and will remain such for up to five years. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the prices of our securities may be more volatile.

However, if our annual gross revenue is $1.07 billion or more, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three-year period exceeds $1 billion or the market value of our shares of common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year.



 

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As an emerging growth company, we have elected, under Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act, to take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

Corporate Information

Our executive offices are located at 421 West 3 rd Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Our telephone number is (817) 850-9201.

Private Placements

On December 12, 2017, our sponsor purchased an aggregate of 10,062,500 shares of our Class B common stock, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as the “founders’ shares,” for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.002 per share. In March 2018, our sponsor returned to us, at no cost, an aggregate of 1,437,500 founder shares, which we cancelled, leaving an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding. In March 2018, our sponsor transferred 40,000 founders’ shares to each of our independent director nominees. The founders’ shares held by our sponsor includes an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent the underwriters’ over-allotment option is not exercised in full or in part, so that the holders of the founders’ shares will continue to own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares after this offering.

In addition, our sponsor has committed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant ($8.0 million in the aggregate) in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the closing of this offering. Our sponsor has also agreed if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from us at a price of $1.00 per warrant an additional number of warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 warrants) to fund projected offering expenses and working capital requirements.



 

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The Offering

 

Securities offered

30,000,000 units, at $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of Class A common stock and one half of one warrant.

 

Listing of our securities and proposed symbols

We anticipate the units, and the shares of Class A common stock and warrants once they begin separate trading, will be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “PACQU,” “PACQ” and “PACQW,” respectively.

 

Trading commencement and separation of Class A common stock and warrants

The units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The Class A common stock and warrants comprising the units will begin separate trading on the 52 nd day following the date of this prospectus unless Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. inform us of their decision to allow earlier separate trading, subject to our having filed the Current Report on Form 8-K described below and having issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing when such separate trading will begin. However, no fractional warrants will be issued and only whole warrants will trade.

 

  Once the shares of Class A common stock and warrants commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component pieces. Holders will need to have their brokers contact our transfer agent to separate the units into shares of Class A common stock and warrants.

 

  In no event will the Class A common stock and warrants be traded separately until we have filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC containing an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds at the closing of this offering. We will file the Current Report on Form 8-K promptly after the closing of this offering, which is anticipated to take place three business days from the date of this prospectus. If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised following the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K, a second or amended Current Report on Form 8-K will be filed to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. We will also include in a Form 8-K, or amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K, information indicating if Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. have allowed separate trading of the Class A common stock and warrants prior to the 52 nd day after the date of this prospectus.

Units:

 

Number outstanding before this offering

0 units

 

Number outstanding after this offering

30,000,000 units (1)


 

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Shares of common stock:

 

Number outstanding before this offering

8,625,000 shares of Class B common stock (2)

 

Number to be outstanding after this offering

37,500,000 shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock (1)

Warrants:

 

Number outstanding before this offering

0 warrants

 

Number to be sold in private placement simultaneously with this offering

8,000,000 (3)

 

Number to be outstanding after this offering and private placement

23,000,000 (3)

 

  (1) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 1,125,000 founders’ shares have been forfeited.

 

  (2) This number includes an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 founders’ shares that are subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters in full. Founders’ shares are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as described below adjacent to the caption “Securities purchased, or being purchased, by insiders and anti-dilution provisions”.

 

  (3) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised.

 

Exercisability

Each whole warrant is exercisable for one share of Class A common stock. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. The warrants will become exercisable on the later of 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination or 12 months from the date of this prospectus provided in each case that we have an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to them is available (or we permit holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis under the circumstances specified in the warrant agreement).

 

 

We are not registering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants at this time. However, we have agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days after the closing of our initial business combination, we will use our best efforts to file and have an effective registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, to maintain a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock until the warrants expire or are redeemed; provided, that if our Class A common stock is at the time



 

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of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that it satisfies the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, we may, at our option, require holders of public warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event we so elect, we will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, but we will be required to use our best efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available.

 

  The warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, or earlier upon redemption.

 

Exercise price

$11.50 per whole share of Class A common stock.

 

Tender offer for public warrants by our sponsor or an affiliate

Our sponsor has committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our announcement of an initial business combination and occur in connection with such business combination. The warrant tender offer would not be conditioned upon any minimum number of warrants being tendered.

 

  Our sponsor has also committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our filing of a proxy statement or information statement with respect to a proposed amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect the substance of timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering. Any such purchases would occur in connection with the effectiveness of such amendment.

 

 

On the date of this prospectus, our sponsor or its affiliate will either deposit cash funds or a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in an amount equal to $15,000,000 (or $17,250,000 if the over-allotment is exercised in full) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The funds held in the escrow account may be used (or the letter of credit may be drawn upon) to pay $1.00 per warrant to holders of public warrants (excluding private placement warrants or forward purchase warrants) that tender in the tender offer for the public warrants. At any time, our sponsor or its affiliate may substitute a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in lieu of cash or cash in lieu of a letter of credit. Neither funds in the escrow account nor the letter of credit shall be held in trust nor comprise any portion of any pro-rata distribution of our trust account. In the event a business combination is announced and a tender offer for the warrants



 

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is made, but the business combination is later abandoned, the tender offer will not be closed, and the warrants will be returned to the holders.

 

  In the event that we are unable to close a business combination within the allotted time, the escrow agent will be authorized to transfer $1.00 per whole public warrant, to holders of public warrants other than our sponsor and its affiliates, at the same time as we redeem our public shares, and all public warrants will expire worthless.

 

  Following the tender offer or payment to holders of public warrants described above, any amounts remaining in the escrow account will be returned to our sponsor or its affiliate.

 

Redemption of Warrants

We may redeem the outstanding warrants (excluding the private placement warrants and any additional warrants underlying issued to our sponsor, officers or directors in payment of working capital loans made to us) in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per warrant at any time while the warrants are exercisable, upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, if, and only if, the last sales price of our shares of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption; and if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of Class A common stock underlying such warrants.

 

  If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption, each warrant holder can exercise his, her or its warrant prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price of the shares of Class A common stock may fall below the $18.00 trigger price as well as the $11.50 warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.

 

  If we call the warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock for the five trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants.

 

  None of the private placement warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the initial purchasers of the private placement warrants or their permitted transferees.


 

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Securities purchased, or being purchased, by insiders

Our sponsor has purchased an aggregate of 10,062,500 founders’ shares for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000, or approximately $0.002 per share. In March 2018, our sponsor returned to us, at no cost, an aggregate of 1,437,500 founder shares, which we cancelled, leaving an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding. In March 2018 , our sponsor transferred 40,000 founders’ shares to each of our independent director nominees. The 8,625,000 founders’ shares include an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters in full or in part. Our sponsor will be required to forfeit only a number of shares of Class B common stock necessary to continue to maintain the 20.0% ownership interest in our shares of common stock after giving effect to the offering and exercise, if any, of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. If we increase or decrease the size of the offering, we will effect a stock dividend or share contribution back to capital, as applicable, with respect to our Class B common stock immediately prior to the consummation of this offering in such amount as to maintain the ownership of our initial stockholders prior to this offering at 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock upon the consummation of this offering. The founders’ shares are identical to the shares of Class A common stock included in the units being sold in this offering, except:

 

    The founders’ shares automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of our initial business combination, or at any time prior thereto at the option of the holder, on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment pursuant to certain anti-dilution provisions, as described herein;

 

   

Our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed (i) to waive their redemption rights with respect to any founders’ shares and any public shares held by them in connection with the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any founders’ shares held by them if we fail to complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, although they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from our trust account with respect to any public shares they hold if we fail to complete our business combination within the prescribed time frame. If we submit our initial business combination to our public stockholders for a vote, we will complete our initial business combination only if a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the initial business combination. Our initial stockholders have agreed to vote any founders’ shares held by them and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in favor of our initial business combination. As a result, in addition to our initial stockholders’ founders’ shares, we would need 11,250,001, or 37.5%, of the 30,000,000 public shares sold in this offering to be voted in favor of a transaction



 

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(assuming all outstanding shares are voted) in order to have our initial business combination approved (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised).

 

    The founders’ shares are subject to registration rights as described herein.

 

    Our sponsor and officers and directors have agreed (A) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination and (B) not to convert any shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination or sell any shares to us in a tender offer in connection with a proposed initial business combination.

 

  Simultaneously with the consummation of this offering, our sponsor has committed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 private placement warrants at $1.00 per private placement warrant (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) pursuant to a subscription agreement with us. Our sponsor has also agreed that if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from us an additional number of warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 warrants) at a price of $1.00 per warrant necessary to fund offering expenses and projected working capital requirements.

 

Founder shares conversion and anti-dilution rights

In the case additional shares of Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts sold in this offering and related to the closing of the initial business combination, the ratio at which shares of Class B common stock shall convert into shares of Class A common stock will be adjusted (unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock agree to waive such adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance) so that the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of Class B common stock will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of the total number of all shares of common stock outstanding upon the completion of this offering plus all shares of Class A common stock and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued in connection with the business combination (excluding any securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement and any shares or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the business combination).

 

Restrictions on transfer of founders’ shares and private placement warrants

On the date of this prospectus, the founders’ shares will be placed into an escrow account maintained in New York, New York by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as escrow agent. Subject to certain limited exceptions, these shares will not be transferred, assigned, sold or released from escrow until (1) with respect to 50% of the founders’ shares, the earlier of one year after



 

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the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the founders’ shares, one year after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Class B common stock for cash, securities or other property. The limited exceptions include transfers, assignments or sales (i) to our or our sponsor’s officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to an entity’s members upon its liquidation, (iii) to relatives and trusts for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to us for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, or (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination at prices no greater than the price at which the shares were originally purchased, in each case (except for clause (vi) or with our prior consent) where the transferee agrees to the terms of the escrow agreement and to be bound by these transfer restrictions.

 

  The private placement warrants (including the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants) will not be transferable, assignable or salable until after the completion of our initial business combination.

 

Offering proceeds to be held in trust

An aggregate of $10.00 per unit sold to the public in this offering (regardless of whether or not the over-allotment option is exercised) will be placed in a U.S.-based trust account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee pursuant to an agreement to be signed on the date of this prospectus. Except as set forth below, the proceeds held in the trust account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of an initial business combination and our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period. Therefore, unless and until an initial business combination is consummated, the proceeds held in the trust account will not be available for our use for any expenses related to this offering or expenses which we may incur related to the investigation and selection of a target business and the negotiation of an agreement to acquire a target business.

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be released to us from the trust account (i) any interest earned on the funds in the trust account that we need to pay our income or other tax obligations, (ii) up to



 

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$10,000 per month we need for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support, and (iii) up to $50,000 earned on the funds in the trust account that we may need to pay for our liquidation expenses if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within the required time period. With these exceptions, expenses incurred by us may be paid prior to a business combination only from the net proceeds of this offering not held in the trust account (initially estimated to be $1,000,000); provided, however, that to meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering if the funds not held in the trust account are insufficient, our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at the holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant. In the event the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

 

  None of the warrants may be exercised until the later of 30 days after the consummation of a business combination or 12 months from the closing of this offering and, thus, after the proceeds of the trust account have been disbursed. Accordingly, the warrant exercise price will be paid directly to us and not placed in the trust account.

 

Limited payments to insiders

There will be no fees, reimbursements or other cash payments paid to our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates for any services they render prior to, or to effectuate the consummation of, an initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction it is) other than the following payments, none of which (other than the payment of the $10,000 per month) will be made from the proceeds of this offering held in the trust account prior to the completion of our initial business combination:

 

    repayment at the closing of this offering of an aggregate of up to $200,000 of non-interest bearing loans made by our sponsor;

 

    payment of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support;

 

    reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses relating to identifying, investigating, and completing an initial business combination; and

 

   

repayment of loans which may be made by our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial



 

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business combination. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender.

 

Stockholder approval of, or tender offer in connection with, initial business combination

In connection with any proposed initial business combination, we will either (1) seek stockholder approval of such initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. If we determine to engage in a tender offer, such tender offer will be structured so that each stockholder may tender all of his, her or its shares rather than some pro rata portion of his, her or its shares. If enough stockholders tender their shares so that we are unable to satisfy any applicable closing condition set forth in the definitive agreement related to our initial business combination, or we are unable to maintain net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001, we will not consummate such initial business combination. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination.

 

  We chose our net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001 to ensure we would avoid being subject to Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act. However, if we seek to consummate an initial business combination with a target business that imposes any type of working capital closing condition or requires us to have a minimum amount of funds available from the trust account upon consummation of such initial business combination, we may need to have more than $5,000,001 in net tangible assets upon consummation and this may force us to seek third party financing which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. As a result, we may not be able to consummate such initial business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all.


 

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  Our sponsor and officers and directors have agreed (i) to vote any shares owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, (ii) not to convert any shares in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination and (iii) not to sell any shares to us in a tender offer in connection with any proposed business combination.

 

  None of our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or shares of Class A common stock from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, if we hold a meeting to approve a proposed business combination and a significant number of stockholders’ vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against a proposed business combination, our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions in order to influence any vote held to approve a proposed initial business combination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers, directors, sponsor and their affiliates will not make purchases of shares of Class A common stock if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, which are rules designed to stop potential manipulation of a company’s stock.

 

Conversion rights

In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, each public stockholder will have the right, regardless of whether he is voting for or against such proposed business combination, to demand that we convert his shares into a pro rata share of the trust account.

 

  We may require public stockholders, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either (i) physically tender their certificates to our transfer agent or (ii) deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, in each case prior to a date set forth in the tender offer documents or proxy materials sent in connection with the proposal to approve the business combination. There is a nominal cost associated with this tendering process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC system. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $45 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the converting holder.

 

Forward Purchase Agreement

We will enter into a forward purchase agreement with HighPeak LP pursuant to which HighPeak LP will agree to purchase an aggregate of up to 15,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 7,500,000 warrants to purchase one share of Class A common stock, for $10.00 per forward purchase unit, or an aggregate maximum amount of $150,000,000, in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of our initial business combination. HighPeak LP is affiliated with our sponsor and our management team and, consistent with its investment objectives, has or may acquire and operate oil and gas assets including oil and gas reserves; leasehold, working, net



 

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profits, mineral and royalty interests; tertiary recovery reserves; and gas processing plants and pipelines located primarily in North America. HighPeak LP’s obligation to purchase forward purchase units is conditioned on, among other things, our completing an initial business combination with a company engaged in a business that is within the investment objectives of HighPeak LP. HighPeak LP’s commitment is limited to gross proceeds to us necessary to enable us to consummate our initial business combination and pay related fees and expenses, after first applying amounts available to us from the trust account (after giving effect to any redemptions of public shares) and any other equity financing source obtained by us for such purpose at or prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, less the total purchase price paid by our sponsor for public warrants purchased pursuant to tender offers, as described herein, plus any additional amounts mutually agreed by us and HighPeak LP to be retained by the post-business combination company for working capital or other purposes. The proceeds from the forward purchase units may be used as part of the consideration to the sellers in our initial business combination, expenses in connection with our initial business combination, debt reduction, purchases of our securities or for working capital in the post-transaction company.

 

  The shares of Class A common stock received as part of the units acquired pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will be identical to the Class A common stock shares included in the units being sold in this offering, except the shares acquired pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will be subject to transfer restrictions and certain registration rights, as described herein. The warrants received as part of the units purchased pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will have the same terms as the private placement warrants so long as they are held by HighPeak LP or its permitted transferees. Any warrant received pursuant to the forward purchase agreement and held by a holder other than HighPeak LP or its permitted transferees will have the same terms as the warrants included in the units being sold in this offering.

 

  HighPeak LP will have the right to transfer all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the forward purchase agreement to its affiliates and to third parties (“Permitted Transferees”), subject to our consent and compliance with applicable securities laws.

 

Liquidation if no business combination

If we are unable to complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not previously released to us (net of taxes payable and up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption



 

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will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. We cannot assure you that we will have funds sufficient to pay or provide for all creditors’ claims. Although we are required to use our reasonable best efforts to have all third parties (including any vendors or other entities we engage after this offering) and any prospective target businesses enter into agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements. There is also no guarantee that the third parties would not challenge the enforceability of these waivers and bring claims against the trust account for monies owed them.

 

  Our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or by a prospective target business with which we have discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below (i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes. This liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account and except as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, then our sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. We have not independently verified whether our sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believe that our sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company. We have not asked our sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations. None of our officers will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.

 

  The holders of the founders’ shares will not participate in any redemption distribution from our trust account with respect to such founders’ shares.

 

 

If we are unable to conclude an initial business combination and we expend all of the net proceeds of this offering not deposited in the trust account, we expect the initial per-share redemption price will be approximately $10.00 (which is equal to the anticipated aggregate



 

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amount then on deposit in the trust account excluding interest earned on the funds held in the trust account). The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to claims of our creditors in preference to the claims of our stockholders. In addition, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us and is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the actual per-share redemption price will not be less than approximately $10.00.

 

  Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering unless (i) we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to convert their shares of Class A common stock upon the approval of any such amendment at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest not previously released to us but net of franchise and income taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares and (ii) our sponsor or its affiliate offers to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer, as described elsewhere in this prospectus. These rights shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsor, any executive officer, director or any other person.

 

Directed unit program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to     % of the units offered by this prospectus for sale to our directors, officers and certain other individuals associated with us. The number of units available for sale to the general public in this offering will be reduced by the number of units sold pursuant to the directed unit program. Any directed units not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other units offered by this prospectus. The directed share program will be arranged through Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. See “Underwriting—Directed Unit Program.”

Risks

In making your decision on whether to invest in our securities, you should take into account the special risks we face as a blank check company, as well as the fact that this offering is not being conducted in compliance with Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act, and, therefore, you will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors in Rule 419 blank check offerings. For additional information concerning how Rule 419 blank check offerings differ from this offering, please see “ Proposed Business — Comparison to offerings of blank check companies subject to Rule 419 .” You should carefully consider these and the other risks set forth in the section entitled “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 25 of this prospectus.



 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

The following table summarizes the relevant financial data for our business and should be read with our financial statements, which are included in this prospectus. We have not had any significant operations to date, and accordingly only balance sheet data is presented.

 

     December 31, 2017  
     Actual      As Adjusted (1)  

Balance Sheet Data:

     

Working capital (deficiency)

   $ (187,241    $ 301,019,119 (2)  

Total assets

   $ 231,360      $ 301,019,119 (2)  

Total liabilities

   $ 212,241      $ —    

Value of common stock subject to possible redemption

   $ —        $ 296,019,110 (3)  

Stockholders’ equity

   $ 19,119      $ 5,000,009 (4)  

 

(1) Excludes gross proceeds of up to $150,000,000 from the sale of the forward purchase agreement securities that is expected to close simultaneously with the closing of our business combination.

 

(2) The “as adjusted” calculation equals $300,000,000 cash held in trust from the proceeds of this offering and the sale of the private placement warrants, plus $1,000,000 in cash held outside the trust account, plus $19,119 of actual stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2017.

 

(3) The “as adjusted” calculation equals the “as adjusted” total assets, less the “as adjusted” total liabilities, less the “as adjusted” stockholders’ equity, which is set to approximate the minimum net tangible assets threshold of at least $5,000,001.

 

(4) Excludes 29,601,911 shares of Class A common stock purchased in the public market which are subject to redemption in connection with our initial business combination. The “as adjusted” calculation equals the “as adjusted” total assets, less the “as adjusted” total liabilities, less the value of shares of Class A common stock that may be converted in connection with our initial business combination ($10.00 per share).

The “as adjusted” information gives effect to the sale of the units we are offering, including the application of the related gross proceeds and the payment of the estimated remaining costs from such sale and the repayment of the accrued and other liabilities required to be repaid.

The “as adjusted” working capital and total assets amounts include the $300,000,000 to be held in the trust account, which, except for limited situations described in this prospectus, will be available to us only upon the consummation of a business combination within the time period described in this prospectus. If a business combination is not so consummated, the trust account, less amounts we are permitted to withdraw as described in this prospectus, will be distributed solely to our public stockholders (subject to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors).

We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, solely if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination.



 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks described below, which we believe represent the material risks related to the offering, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our units. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks described below.

Risks Associated with Our Business

We are a newly formed company with no operating history and, accordingly, you will not have any basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

We are a newly formed company with no operating results to date. Therefore, our ability to commence operations is dependent upon obtaining financing through the public offering of our securities. Since we do not have an operating history, you will have no basis upon which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective, which is to acquire an operating business. We have not conducted any substantive discussions and we have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective acquisition candidates. We will not generate any revenues until, at the earliest, after the consummation of a business combination.

You will not have any rights or interests in funds from the trust account, except under certain limited circumstances. Therefore, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

Our public stockholders will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with our completion of an initial business combination (including the release of funds to pay any amounts due to any public stockholders who properly exercise their redemption rights in connection therewith), (ii) the redemption of any public shares properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we have not consummated an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, or (iii) the redemption of our public shares if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, subject to applicable law and as further described herein. In addition, if we are unable to complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering for any reason, compliance with Delaware law may require that we submit a plan of dissolution to our then-existing stockholders for approval prior to the distribution of the proceeds held in our trust account. In that case, public stockholders may be forced to wait beyond 18 months from the closing of this offering before they receive funds from our trust account. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder have any right or interest of any kind in the trust account. Holders of warrants will not have any right to the proceeds held in the trust account with respect to the warrants. Accordingly, to liquidate your investment, you may be forced to sell your public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

If we are unable to consummate a business combination, our public stockholders may be forced to wait more than 18 months before receiving distributions from the trust account.

We have 18 months from the closing of this offering in which to complete a business combination. We have no obligation to return funds to investors prior to such date unless we consummate a business combination prior thereto and only then in cases where investors have sought to convert or sell their shares to us. Only after the expiration of this full-time period will public security holders be entitled to distributions from the trust account if we are unable to complete a business combination. Accordingly, investors’ funds may be unavailable to them until after such date and to liquidate your investment, public security holders may be forced to sell their public shares or warrants, potentially at a loss.

 

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The ability of our public stockholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of our shares could increase the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful and that you would have to wait for liquidation to redeem your stock.

If our business combination agreement requires us to use a portion of the cash in the trust account to pay the purchase price, or requires us to have a minimum amount of cash at closing, the probability that our initial business combination would be unsuccessful is increased. If our initial business combination is unsuccessful, you would not receive your pro rata portion of the trust account until we liquidate the trust account. If you are in need of immediate liquidity, you could attempt to sell your stock in the open market; however, at such time our stock may trade at a discount to the pro rata amount per share in the trust account. In either situation, you may suffer a material loss on your investment or lose the benefit of funds expected in connection with our redemption until we liquidate or you are able to sell your stock in the open market.

We may not be able to complete our initial business combination within the 18 months after the closing of this offering, in which case we would cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up and we would redeem our public shares and liquidate.

We may not be able to find a suitable target business and complete our initial business combination within 18 months after the closing of this offering. Our ability to complete our initial business combination may be negatively impacted by general market conditions, volatility in the capital and debt markets and the other risks described herein. If we have not completed our initial business combination within such time period, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest earned on the funds held in the trust account and not previously released to us to pay our franchise and income taxes (less up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. In such case, our public stockholders may only receive $10.00 per share, and our warrants will expire worthless.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination, our initial stockholders, sponsor, directors, officers, advisors and their affiliates may elect to purchase shares from public stockholders or public warrant holders, which may influence a vote on a proposed business combination and reduce the public “float” of our Class A common stock.

If we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination and we do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, our initial stockholders, sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates may purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market either prior to or following the completion of our initial business combination, although they are under no obligation to do so. However, other than as expressly stated herein, they have no current commitments, plans or intentions to engage in such transactions and have not formulated any terms or conditions for any such transactions. None of the funds in the trust account will be used to purchase shares or public warrants in such transactions.

In the event our initial stockholders, sponsor, directors, officers, advisors or their affiliates purchase shares in privately negotiated transactions from public stockholders who have already elected to exercise their redemption rights, such selling stockholders would be required to revoke their prior elections to redeem their shares. The purpose of any such purchases of shares could be to vote such shares in favor of the business combination and thereby increase the likelihood of obtaining stockholder approval of the business combination or to satisfy a

 

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closing condition in an agreement with a target that requires us to have a minimum net worth or a certain amount of cash at the closing of our business combination, where it appears that such requirement would otherwise not be met. Any such purchases may result in the completion of our business combination that may not otherwise have been possible. Any such purchases will be reported pursuant to Section 13 and Section 16 of the Exchange Act to the extent such purchasers are subject to such reporting requirements.

In addition, if such purchases are made, the public “float” of our Class A common stock and the number of beneficial holders of our securities may be reduced, possibly making it difficult to maintain or obtain the quotation, listing or trading of our securities on a national securities exchange.

Our public stockholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on our proposed business combination.

We will either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which public stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this prospectus. Accordingly, it is possible that we will consummate our initial business combination even if holders of a majority of our public shares do not approve of the business combination we consummate. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. For instance, Nasdaq rules currently allow us to engage in a tender offer in lieu of a stockholder meeting but would still require us to obtain stockholder approval if we were seeking to issue more than 20% of our outstanding shares to a target business as consideration in any business combination. Therefore, if we were structuring a business combination that required us to issue more than 20% of our outstanding shares, we would seek stockholder approval of such business combination instead of conducting a tender offer.

You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of blank check companies.

Since the net proceeds of this offering are intended to be used to complete a business combination with a target business that has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a “blank check” company under the United States securities laws. However, since we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful consummation of this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact, we are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors of blank check companies such as Rule 419. Accordingly, investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules which would, for example, completely restrict the transferability of our securities, require us to complete a business combination within 18 months of the effective date of the initial registration statement and restrict the use of interest earned on the funds held in the trust account. Because we are not subject to Rule 419, our units will be immediately tradable, we will be entitled to withdraw amounts from the funds held in the trust account prior to the completion of a business combination and we will have a longer period of time to complete such a business combination than we would if we were subject to such rule.

If we determine to change our acquisition criteria or guidelines, many of the disclosures contained in this prospectus would be rendered irrelevant and you would be investing in our company without any basis on which to evaluate the potential target business we may acquire.

We could seek to deviate from the acquisition criteria or guidelines disclosed in this prospectus although we have no current intention to do so. For instance, we currently anticipate acquiring a target business that is an operating business. However, we are not obligated to do so and may determine to merge with or acquire a company with no

 

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operating history if the terms of the transaction are determined by us to be favorable to our public stockholders. In such event, many of the acquisition criteria and guidelines set forth in this prospectus would be rendered irrelevant. Accordingly, investors may be making an investment in our company without any basis on which to evaluate the potential target business we may acquire.

We may issue shares of our capital stock or debt securities to complete a business combination, which would reduce the equity interest of our stockholders and likely cause a change in control of our ownership.

As of the date of this prospectus, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 200,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.0001 per share, 10,350,000 shares of Class B common stock, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.0001 per share. Immediately after this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), there will be 139,500,000 authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock available for issuance (after appropriate reservation for the issuance of the shares underlying the public and private placement warrants and for conversion of the founders’ shares to Class A common stock). Although we have no commitment as of the date of this offering, we may issue a substantial number of additional shares of Class A common stock or shares of preferred stock, or a combination of Class A common stock and preferred stock, to complete a business combination (including pursuant to a specified future issuance) or under an employee incentive plan after completion of our initial business combination. We may also issue shares of common stock upon conversion of the founders’ shares at a ratio greater than one-to-one at the time of our initial business combination as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. The issuance of additional shares of Class A common stock will not reduce the per-share conversion amount in the trust account. The issuance of additional shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock:

 

    may significantly reduce the equity interest of investors in this offering;

 

    may subordinate the rights of holders of shares of Class A common stock if we issue shares of preferred stock with rights senior to those afforded to our shares of Class A common stock;

 

    may cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of Class A common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; and

 

    may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares of Class A common stock.

Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:

 

    default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after a business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations;

 

    acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;

 

    our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; and

 

    our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding.

If we incur indebtedness, our lenders will not have a claim on the cash in the trust account and such indebtedness will not decrease the per-share conversion amount in the trust account.

Our initial stockholders will receive additional shares of Class A common stock if we issue shares to consummate an initial business combination.

The founders’ shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of our initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends,

 

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reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like and subject to further adjustment as provided herein. In the case additional shares of Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities convertible or exercisable for shares of Class A common stock, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts sold in this offering and related to the closing of our initial business combination, the ratio at which founders’ shares will convert into shares of Class A common stock will be adjusted so that the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all founders’ shares will equal, in the aggregate 20% of the sum of our shares of common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering plus the number of shares of Class A common stock and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued in connection with our initial business combination, excluding any securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement and any shares of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in our initial business combination.

In evaluating a prospective target business for our initial business combination, our management may consider the availability of funds from the sale of units pursuant to the forward purchase agreement, which may be used as part of the consideration to the sellers in the initial business combination. If the sale of some or all of the units under the forward purchase agreement fails to close, we may lack sufficient funds to consummate our initial business combination.

We intend to enter into a forward purchase agreement with HighPeak LP pursuant to which HighPeak LP will subscribe for an aggregate of up to 15,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 7,500,000 private placement warrants to purchase one share of Class A common stock, for $10.00 per unit, or an aggregate maximum amount of $150,000,000, in connection with our initial business combination. HighPeak LP is affiliated with our sponsor and our management team and acquires and operates oil and gas assets including oil and gas reserves; leasehold, working, net profits, mineral and royalty interests; tertiary recovery reserves; and gas processing plants and pipelines located primarily in North America. The funds from the sale of the forward purchase agreement units are expected to be used as part of the consideration to the sellers in our initial business combination, debt reduction, purchases of our securities, and to pay expenses in connection with our initial business combination and may be used for working capital in the post-transaction company.

If HighPeak LP and/or its Permitted Transferees fails to close on the purchase of all or some of the forward purchase units, we may lack sufficient funds to consummate our initial business combination. HighPeak LP’s obligation to purchase forward purchase securities is conditioned on, among other things, our completing an initial business combination with a company engaged in a business that is within the investment objectives of HighPeak LP. Accordingly, if we pursue an acquisition target that is outside of HighPeak LP’s investment objectives, HighPeak LP would not be obligated to purchase any forward purchase units, and we may need to seek alternative financing. HighPeak LP’s commitment is limited to gross proceeds to us necessary to enable us to consummate our initial business combination and pay related fees and expenses, after first applying amounts available to us from the trust account (after giving effect to any redemptions of public shares) and any other equity financing source obtained by us for such purpose at or prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, less the total purchase price paid by our sponsor for public warrants purchased pursuant to tender offers, as described herein, plus any additional amounts mutually agreed by us and HighPeak LP to be retained by the post-business combination company for working capital or other purposes. Additionally, HighPeak LP’s and any Permitted Transferee’s obligations to purchase the forward purchase securities are subject to termination prior to the closing of the sale of such securities by mutual written consent of us and such party, or automatically: (i) if this offering is not consummated on or prior to July 31, 2018; (ii) if our initial business combination is not consummated within 18 months from the closing of this offering; or (iii) if our sponsor or we become subject to any voluntary or involuntary petition under the United States federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law, in each case which is not withdrawn within 60 days after being filed, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer is appointed by a court for business or property of our sponsor or us, in each case which is not removed, withdrawn or terminated within 60 days after such appointment. In addition, HighPeak LP’s obligations to purchase the forward purchase securities are subject to fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including that our initial business combination must be consummated substantially concurrently with the purchase of the forward purchase units. In the event of any such failure to fund by HighPeak LP or any Permitted Transferee, any

 

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obligation is so terminated or any such condition is not satisfied and not waived by such party, we may not be able to obtain additional funds to account for such shortfall on terms favorable to us or at all. Any such shortfall would also reduce the amount of funds that we have available for working capital of the post-business combination company.

If the net proceeds of this offering not being held in trust are insufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months, we may be unable to complete a business combination.

We believe that, upon consummation of this offering, the funds available to us outside of the trust account will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months, assuming that a business combination is not consummated during that time. However, we cannot assure you that our estimates will be accurate. Accordingly, if we use all of the funds held outside of the trust account, we may not have sufficient funds available with which to structure, negotiate or close an initial business combination. In such event, we would need to borrow funds from our sponsor, officers or directors or their affiliates to operate or may be forced to liquidate. Our sponsor, officers, directors and their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount that they deem reasonable in their sole discretion for our working capital needs. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant.

If third parties bring claims against us, the proceeds held in trust could be reduced and the per-share redemption price received by stockholders may be less than $10.00.

Our placing of funds in trust may not protect those funds from third party claims against us. Although we will use our reasonable best efforts to have all vendors and service providers we engage and prospective target businesses we negotiate with execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the trust account for the benefit of our public stockholders, they may not execute such agreements. Furthermore, even if such entities execute such agreements with us, they may seek recourse against the trust account. A court may not uphold the validity of such agreements. Accordingly, the proceeds held in trust could be subject to claims which could take priority over those of our public stockholders. If we are unable to complete a business combination and distribute the proceeds held in trust to our public stockholders, our sponsor has agreed (subject to certain exceptions described elsewhere in this prospectus) that it will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the trust account are not reduced below $10.00 per share by the claims of target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to us. However, it may not be able to meet such obligation. Therefore, the per-share distribution from the trust account may be less than $10.00, plus interest, due to such claims.

Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us and is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, we may not be able to return to our public stockholders at least $10.00.

Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we will continue in existence only until 18 months from the closing of this offering. If we have not completed a business combination by such date, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not previously released to us but net of franchise and income taxes payable, divided by the number of then

 

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outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of the date of distribution. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from our stockholders’ amounts owed to them by us.

If we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us and is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders promptly after expiration of the time we have to complete an initial business combination, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.

Our directors may decide not to enforce our sponsor’s indemnification obligations, resulting in a reduction in the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders.

In the event that the proceeds in the trust account are reduced below $10.00 per public share and our sponsor asserts that it is unable to satisfy its obligations or that it has no indemnification obligations related to a particular claim, our independent directors would determine whether to take legal action against our sponsor to enforce such indemnification obligations. It is possible that our independent directors in exercising their business judgment may choose not to do so in any particular instance. If our independent directors choose not to enforce these indemnification obligations, the amount of funds in the trust account available for distribution to our public stockholders may be reduced below $10.00 per share.

If we do not file and maintain a current and effective prospectus relating to the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, holders will only be able to exercise such warrants on a “cashless basis.”

If we do not file and maintain a current and effective prospectus relating to the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants at the time that holders wish to exercise such warrants, they will only be able to exercise them on a “cashless basis” provided that an exemption from registration is available. As a result, the number of shares of Class A common stock that holders will receive upon exercise of the warrants will be fewer than it would have been had such holder exercised his warrant for cash. Further, if an exemption from registration is not available, holders would not be able to exercise on a cashless basis and would only be able to exercise their warrants for cash if a current and effective prospectus relating to the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is available. Under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts to meet these conditions and to file and maintain a current and effective prospectus relating to the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. If we are unable to do so, the potential “upside” of the holder’s investment in our company may be reduced or the warrants may expire worthless.

 

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An investor will only be able to exercise a warrant if the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon such exercise has been registered or qualified or is deemed exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants.

No warrants will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares of Class A common stock unless the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon such exercise has been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants. If the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not qualified or exempt from qualification in the jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants reside, the warrants may be deprived of any value, the market for the warrants may be limited and they may expire worthless if they cannot be sold.

We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders with the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding warrants.

Our warrants will be issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision. The warrant agreement requires the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding warrants (including the private warrants) in order to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders.

Because we are not limited to a particular industry, sector, or target business with which to pursue our initial business combination, you will be unable to currently ascertain the merits or risks of the industry or business in which we may ultimately operate.

Although we intend to focus our search for target businesses on companies in the energy industry with an emphasis on opportunities in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America where our management team’s networks and experience are suited, we are not limited to any particular industry or type of business and may consummate a business combination with a company in any industry we choose. Accordingly, there is no current basis for you to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the particular industry in which we may ultimately operate or the target business which we may ultimately acquire. To the extent we complete a business combination with a financially unstable company or an entity in its development stage, we may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations of those entities. If we complete a business combination with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk, we may be affected by the currently unascertainable risks of that industry. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular industry or target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors in this offering than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in a target business.

Our ability to successfully effect a business combination and to be successful thereafter will be totally dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following a business combination. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct.

Our ability to successfully effect a business combination is dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our key personnel, at least until we have consummated our initial business combination. We cannot assure you that any of our key personnel will remain with us for the immediate or foreseeable future. In addition, none of our officers are required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs and, accordingly, our officers will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among various business activities, including identifying potential business combinations and monitoring the related due diligence. We do not have employment agreements with, or key-man insurance on the life of, any of our officers. The unexpected loss of the services of our key personnel could have a detrimental effect on us.

 

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The role of our key personnel after a business combination, however, cannot presently be ascertained. Although some of our key personnel may serve in senior management or advisory positions following a business combination, it is likely that most, if not all, of the management of the target business will remain in place. While we intend to closely scrutinize any individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the requirements of operating a public company which could cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such requirements. This could be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to various regulatory issues which may adversely affect our operations.

Because we intend to seek a business combination with a target business or businesses in the energy industry, we expect our future operations to be subject to risks associated with this industry.

We intend to focus our search for a target business in the energy industry, including the upstream oil and gas industry in North America. Risks inherent in investments in the energy industry include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

    Volatility of oil and natural gas prices;

 

    Price and availability of alternative fuels, such as solar, coal, nuclear and wind energy;

 

    Competitive pressures in the utility industry, primarily in wholesale markets, as a result of consumer demand, technological advances, greater availability of natural gas and other factors;

 

    Significant federal, state and local regulation, taxation and regulatory approval processes as well as changes in applicable laws and regulations;

 

    The speculative nature of and high degree of risk involved in investments in the upstream, midstream and oilfield services sectors, including relying on estimates of oil and gas reserves and the impacts of regulatory and tax changes;

 

    Drilling, exploration and development risks, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, blow-outs, equipment failures and other accidents, cratering, sour gas releases, uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas or well fluids, adverse weather conditions, pollution, fires, spills and other environmental risks, any of which could lead to environmental damage, injury and loss of life or the destruction of property;

 

    Proximity and capacity of oil, natural gas and other transportation and support infrastructure to production facilities;

 

    Availability of key inputs, such as strategic consumables, raw materials and drilling and processing equipment;

 

    Changes in global supply and demand and prices for commodities;

 

    Impact of energy conservation efforts;

 

    Technological advances affecting energy production and consumption;

 

    Overall domestic and global economic conditions;

 

    Availability of, and potential disputes with, independent contractors;

 

    Natural disasters, terrorist acts and similar dislocations; and

 

    Value of U.S. dollar relative to the currencies of other countries.

We may seek acquisition opportunities in industries or sectors outside of the energy industry (which industries may or may not be outside of our management’s areas of expertise).

Although we intend to focus on identifying business combination candidates in the energy industry, we will consider a business combination outside of the energy industry if a business combination candidate is presented

 

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to us and we determine that such candidate offers an attractive acquisition opportunity for our company or we are unable to identify a suitable candidate in the energy industry after having expended a reasonable amount of time and effort in an attempt to do so. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular business combination candidate, we cannot assure you that we will adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors. We also cannot assure you that an investment in our units will not ultimately prove to be less favorable to investors in this offering than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in a business combination candidate. In the event we elect to pursue an acquisition outside of the energy industry, our management’s expertise may not be directly applicable to its evaluation or operation, and the information contained in this prospectus regarding the energy industry would not be relevant to an understanding of the business that we elect to acquire. As a result, our management may not be able to adequately ascertain or assess all of the significant risk factors.

Past performance by Mr. Hightower, our other officers and their affiliates may not be indicative of future performance of an investment in the Company.

Information regarding performance by, or businesses associated with, Mr. Hightower, our other officers and their affiliates is presented for informational purposes only. Past performance by Mr. Hightower, our other officers and their affiliates is not a guarantee either (i) of success with respect to any business combination we may consummate or (ii) that we will be able to locate a suitable candidate for our initial business combination. You should not rely on the historical record of Mr. Hightower’s performance or the performance of our other officers or any of their affiliates as indicative of our future performance of an investment in the company or the returns the company will, or is likely to, generate going forward. None of our officers or directors have had experience with blank check companies or special purpose acquisition companies in the past.

Our key personnel may negotiate employment or consulting agreements with a target business in connection with a particular business combination. These agreements may provide for them to receive compensation following a business combination and as a result, may cause them to have conflicts of interest in determining whether a particular business combination is the most advantageous.

Our key personnel will be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination only if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements or other appropriate arrangements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for such individuals to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination. The personal and financial interests of such individuals may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business.

Our officers and directors will allocate their time to other businesses thereby causing conflicts of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs. This could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate a business combination.

Our officers and directors are officers and/or directors of our sponsor and/or a HighPeak affiliate company and will not commit their full time to our affairs. We presently expect each of our employees to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of our initial business combination. The foregoing could have a negative impact on our ability to consummate our initial business combination.

Our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a business combination.

Each of our officers and directors who are not “independent directors” is an officer and/or director of our sponsor and/or of a HighPeak affiliate company.

 

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Additionally, our sponsor has waived its right to convert its founders’ shares or any other shares purchased in this offering or thereafter, or to receive distributions from the trust account with respect to its founders’ shares upon our liquidation if we are unable to consummate a business combination. Accordingly, the shares acquired prior to this offering, as well and any warrants purchased by our officers or directors in the aftermarket, will be worthless if we do not consummate a business combination. The personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may influence their motivation in timely identifying and selecting a target business and completing a business combination. Consequently, our directors’ and officers’ discretion in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular business combination are appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest.

Nasdaq may delist our securities from quotation on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.

We anticipate that our securities will be listed on Nasdaq, a national securities exchange, upon consummation of this offering. Although, after giving effect to this offering, we expect to meet, on a pro forma basis, Nasdaq’s minimum initial listing standards, which generally only requires that we meet certain requirements relating to stockholders’ equity, market capitalization, aggregate market value of publicly held shares and distribution requirements, we cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future prior to an initial business combination. Additionally, in connection with our initial business combination, it is likely that Nasdaq will require us to file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient continued listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.

If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

 

    a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

 

    reduced liquidity with respect to our securities;

 

    a determination that our shares of Class A common stock are “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our shares of Class A common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our shares of Class A common stock;

 

    a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and

 

    a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because we expect that our units and eventually our Class A common stock and warrants will be listed on Nasdaq, our units, Class A common stock and warrants will be covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While we are not aware of a state having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if we were no longer listed on Nasdaq, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

 

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We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our shares of Class A common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years. However, if our non-convertible debt issued within a three-year period or revenues exceeds $1.07 billion, or the market value of our shares of Class A common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million on the last day of the second fiscal quarter of any given fiscal year, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following fiscal year. As an emerging growth company, we are not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and we are exempt from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Additionally, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares of Class A common stock less attractive because we may rely on these provisions. If some investors find our shares of Class A common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our shares and our share price may be more volatile.

We may only be able to complete one business combination with the proceeds of this offering, which will cause us to be solely dependent on a single business which may have a limited number of products or services.

It is likely we will consummate a business combination with a single target business, although we have the ability to simultaneously acquire several target businesses. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments. Further, we would not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a single industry. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may be:

 

    solely dependent upon the performance of a single business, or

 

    dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.

This lack of diversification may subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination.

Alternatively, if we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous closings of the other business combinations, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple business combinations, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business. If we are unable to adequately address these risks, it could negatively impact our profitability and results of operations.

 

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The ability of our stockholders to exercise their conversion rights or sell their shares to us in a tender offer may not allow us to effectuate the most desirable business combination or optimize our capital structure.

If our business combination requires us to use substantially all of our cash to pay the purchase price, because we will not know how many stockholders may exercise conversion rights or seek to sell their shares to us in a tender offer, we may either need to reserve part of the trust account for possible payment upon such conversion, or we may need to arrange third party financing to help fund our business combination. In the event that the acquisition involves the issuance of our stock as consideration, we may be required to issue a higher percentage of our stock to make up for a shortfall in funds. Raising additional funds to cover any shortfall may involve dilutive equity financing or incurring indebtedness at higher than desirable levels. This may limit our ability to effectuate the most attractive business combination available to us.

In connection with any vote to approve a business combination, we will offer each public stockholder the option to vote in favor of a proposed business combination and still seek conversion of his, her or its shares.

In connection with any vote to approve a business combination, we will offer each public stockholder (but not our sponsor, officers or directors) the right to have his, her or its shares of Class A common stock converted to cash (subject to the limitations described elsewhere in this prospectus) regardless of whether such stockholder votes for or against such proposed business combination. This ability to seek conversion while voting in favor of our proposed business combination may make it more likely that we will consummate a business combination.

In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with a proposed business combination to comply with specific requirements for conversion that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their conversion rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights.

In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, each public stockholder will have the right, regardless of whether he is voting for or against such proposed business combination, to demand that we convert his shares into a pro rata share of the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination. We may require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with a proposed business combination to either (i) tender their certificates to our transfer agent or (ii) deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using the Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holders’ option, in each case prior to a date set forth in the tender offer documents or proxy materials sent in connection with the proposal to approve the business combination. In order to obtain a physical stock certificate, a stockholder’s broker and/or clearing broker, DTC and our transfer agent will need to act to facilitate this request. It is our understanding that stockholders should generally allot at least two weeks to obtain physical certificates from the transfer agent. However, because we do not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC, it may take significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate. While we have been advised that it takes a short time to deliver shares through the DWAC System, we cannot assure you of this fact. Accordingly, if it takes longer than we anticipate for stockholders to deliver their shares, stockholders who wish to convert may be unable to meet the deadline for exercising their conversion rights and thus may be unable to convert their shares.

If, in connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed business combination, we require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares to comply with specific requirements for conversion, such converting stockholders may be unable to sell their securities when they wish to in the event that the proposed business combination is not approved.

If we require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares to comply with specific requirements for conversion and such proposed business combination is not consummated, we will promptly return such certificates to the tendering public stockholders. Accordingly, investors who attempted to convert their shares in

 

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such a circumstance will be unable to sell their securities after the failed acquisition until we have returned their securities to them. The market price for our shares of Class A common stock may decline during this time and you may not be able to sell your securities when you wish to, even while other stockholders that did not seek conversion may be able to sell their securities.

Because of our structure, other companies may have a competitive advantage and we may not be able to consummate an attractive business combination.

We expect to encounter intense competition from entities other than blank check companies having a business objective similar to ours, including venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds and operating businesses competing for acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience in identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources than we do and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe that there are numerous potential target businesses that we could acquire with the net proceeds of this offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses. Furthermore, seeking stockholder approval or engaging in a tender offer in connection with any proposed business combination may delay the consummation of such a transaction. Additionally, our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they potentially represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. Any of the foregoing may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination.

We may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to complete a business combination or to fund the operations and growth of the target business, which could compel us to restructure or abandon a particular business combination.

Although we believe that the net proceeds of this offering will be sufficient to allow us to consummate a business combination, because we have not yet identified any prospective target business, we cannot ascertain the capital requirements for any particular transaction. If the net proceeds of this offering prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of the business combination, the depletion of the available net proceeds in search of a target business, or the obligation to convert into cash a significant number of shares from dissenting stockholders, we will be required to seek additional financing. Such financing may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to consummate a particular business combination, we would be compelled to either restructure the transaction or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate. In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we may require additional financing to fund the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our sponsor, officers, directors or stockholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after a business combination.

Our sponsor will control a substantial interest in us and thus may influence certain actions requiring a stockholder vote.

Upon consummation of our offering, our sponsor will own 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock (assuming it does not purchase any units in this offering). Accordingly, it may exert a substantial influence on actions requiring a stockholder vote, potentially in a manner that you do not support, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and approval of major corporate transactions. None of our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units in this offering or any units or shares of Class A common stock from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates could determine in the future to make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions, to the extent permitted by law, in order to influence the vote or magnitude of the number of shareholders seeking to tender their shares to us. In connection

 

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with any vote for a proposed business combination, our sponsor, as well as all of our officers and directors, have agreed to vote the shares of Class B common stock owned by them immediately before this offering as well as any shares of Class A common stock acquired in this offering or in the aftermarket in favor of such proposed business combination.

Our board of directors is and will be divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. It is unlikely that there will be an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the consummation of a business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in office until at least the consummation of the business combination. Accordingly, you may not be able to exercise your voting rights under corporate law for up to 18 months. If there is an annual meeting, as a consequence of our “staggered” board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors will be considered for election and our sponsor, because of their ownership position, will have considerable influence regarding the outcome. Accordingly, our sponsor will continue to exert control at least until the consummation of a business combination.

Our sponsor paid an aggregate of $25,000, or approximately $0.002 per share, for the founders’ shares and, accordingly, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution from the purchase of our shares of Class B common stock.

The difference between the public offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of common stock after this offering constitutes the dilution to the investors in this offering. Our sponsor acquired the founders’ shares at a nominal price, significantly contributing to this dilution. Upon consummation of this offering, you and the other new investors will incur an immediate and substantial dilution of approximately 93.7% or $9.37 per share (the difference between the pro forma net tangible book value per share $0.63, and the initial offering price of $10.00 per unit). This is because investors in this offering will be contributing approximately 100% of the total amount paid to us for our outstanding securities after this offering but will only own approximately 80% of our outstanding securities and this becomes exacerbated to the extent that public stockholders seek to convert their shares into a pro rata share of the trust proceeds. Accordingly, the per-share purchase price you will be paying substantially exceeds our per share net tangible book value. In addition, because of the anti-dilution rights of the founders’ shares, any equity or equity-linked securities issued in connection with our initial business combination would be disproportionately dilutive to our Class A common stock.

Our outstanding warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.

We will be issuing warrants to purchase 15,000,000 shares of Class A common stock as part of the units offered by this prospectus. We have also granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 units to cover over-allotments, if any, which if exercised, will result in the issuance of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 2,250,000 shares of Class A common stock. We will also be issuing 8,000,000 warrants (or 8,900,000 warrants if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) to purchase Class A common stock to our sponsor in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. We may also issue additional private placement warrants to our sponsor, officers or directors in payment of working capital loans made to us as described in this prospectus. To the extent we issue shares of Class A common stock to effect a business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares upon exercise of these warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle in the eyes of a target business. Such securities, when exercised, will increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination. Accordingly, our warrants may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business. Additionally, the sale, or even the possibility of sale, of the shares underlying the warrants could have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain future financing. If and to the extent these warrants are

 

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exercised, you may experience dilution to your holdings. At or following the completion of the business combination to attract and retain key management personnel, we may implement a long-term incentive plan, pursuant to which we could issue stock options, restricted stock and other equity awards, which could further dilute your holdings.

We may redeem your unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your warrants worthless.

We have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants (excluding the private placement warrants and any warrants issued to our sponsor, officers or directors in payment of working capital loans made to us) at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the last reported sales price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third business day prior to proper notice of such redemption provided that on the date we give notice of redemption and during the entire period thereafter until the time we redeem the warrants, we have an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to them is available. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force you (i) to exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) to sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. None of the private warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees.

Our management’s ability to require holders of our warrants to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis will cause holders to receive fewer shares of Class A common stock upon their exercise of the warrants than they would have received had they been able to exercise their warrants for cash.

If we call our public warrants for redemption after the redemption criteria described elsewhere in this prospectus have been satisfied, our management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise his warrant (including any warrants held by our sponsor, officers or directors or their permitted transferees) to do so on a “cashless basis.” If our management chooses to require holders to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis, the number of shares of Class A common stock received by a holder upon exercise will be fewer than it would have been had such holder exercised his warrant for cash. This will have the effect of reducing the potential “upside” of the holder’s investment in our company.

If our security holders exercise their registration rights, it may have an adverse effect on the market price of our shares of Class A common stock and the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effect a business combination.

Our sponsor is entitled to make a demand that we register the resale of the founders’ shares at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which their shares may be released from escrow. The holders of our private placement warrants and their permitted transferees can demand that we register the private placement warrants and the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants and holders of warrants that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans may demand that we register such warrants or the Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants. Pursuant to the forward purchase agreement, we will agree that we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to file within 30 days after the closing of the initial business combination a registration statement with the SEC for a secondary offering of the forward purchase shares and the forward purchase warrants (and the underlying Class A common stock) and to cause such registration statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after it is filed.

 

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Assuming the founders’ shares convert on a one-for-one basis and no warrants are issued upon conversion of working capital loans, an aggregate of up to 38,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and up to 15,500,000 warrants (or up to 40,025,000 shares of Class A common stock and up to 16,400,000 warrants if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) are subject to registration under these agreements. We will bear the cost of registering these securities. The registration and availability of such a significant number of securities for trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common stock. The presence of these additional shares of Class A common stock trading in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities. In addition, the existence of these rights may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring the target business, as the stockholders of the target business may be discouraged from entering into a business combination with us or will request a higher price for their securities because of the potential effect the exercise of such rights may have on the trading market for our shares of Class A common stock.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital may have conflicts of interest in rendering services to us in connection with our initial business combination.

We have engaged Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital to assist us in connection with our initial business combination. We will pay Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital a cash fee for such services upon the consummation of our initial business combination in an amount equal to 3.5% of the total gross proceeds raised in the offering. This financial interest may result in Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital having conflicts of interest when providing the services to us in connection with an initial business combination.

If we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.

A company that, among other things, is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, trading or holding certain types of securities would be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Since we will invest the proceeds held in the trust account, it is possible that we could be deemed an investment company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we do not believe that our anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the proceeds held in trust may be invested by the trustee only in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. By restricting the investment of the proceeds to these instruments, we intend to meet the requirements for the exemption provided in Rule 3a-1 promulgated under the Investment Company Act.

If we are nevertheless deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be subject to certain restrictions that may make it more difficult for us to complete a business combination, including:

 

    restrictions on the nature of our investments; and

 

    restrictions on the issuance of securities.

In addition, we may have imposed upon us certain burdensome requirements, including:

 

    registration as an investment company;

 

    adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and

 

    reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy, compliance policies and procedures and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.

 

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Compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expense for which we have not allotted.

The determination for the offering price of our units is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry.

Prior to this offering there has been no public market for any of our securities. The public offering price of the units and the terms of the warrants were negotiated between us and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. Factors considered in determining the prices and terms of the units, including the shares of Class A common stock and warrants underlying the units, include:

 

    the history and prospects of companies whose principal business is the acquisition of other companies;

 

    prior offerings of those companies;

 

    our prospects for acquiring an operating business at attractive values;

 

    our capital structure;

 

    an assessment of our management and their experience in identifying operating companies; and

 

    general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering.

However, although these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry since we have no historical operations or financial results to compare them to.

If we do not conduct an adequate due diligence investigation of a target business, we may be required to subsequently take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring, and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition, results of operations and our stock price, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.

We must conduct a due diligence investigation of the target businesses we intend to acquire. Intensive due diligence is time consuming and expensive due to the operations, accounting, finance and legal professionals who must be involved in the due diligence process. Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a target business, this diligence may not reveal all material issues that may affect a particular target business, and factors outside the control of the target business and outside of our control may later arise. If our diligence fails to identify issues specific to a target business, industry or the environment in which the target business operates, we may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our Class A common stock. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate net worth or other covenants to which we may be subject as a result of assuming pre-existing debt held by a target business or by virtue of our obtaining post-combination debt financing.

The requirement that we complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering may give potential target businesses leverage over us in negotiating a business combination.

We have 18 months from the closing of this offering to complete an initial business combination. Any potential target business with which we enter into negotiations concerning a business combination will be aware of this requirement. Consequently, such target business may obtain leverage over us in negotiating a business combination, knowing that if we do not complete a business combination with that particular target business, we may be unable to complete a business combination with any other target business. This risk will increase as we get closer to the time limit referenced above.

 

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We may not obtain a fairness opinion with respect to the target business that we seek to acquire and therefore you may be relying solely on the judgment of our board of directors in approving a proposed business combination.

We may obtain a fairness opinion with respect to the target business that we seek to acquire if it is an entity that is affiliated with any of our officers, directors or sponsor; however, we will have no obligation to obtain an opinion. Accordingly, investors will be relying solely on the judgment of our board of directors in approving a proposed business combination.

Resources could be spent researching acquisitions that are not consummated, which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business.

It is anticipated that the investigation of each specific target business and the negotiation, drafting, and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents, and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial costs for accountants, attorneys and others. If a decision is made not to complete a specific business combination, the costs incurred up to that point for the proposed transaction likely would not be recoverable. Furthermore, even if an agreement is reached relating to a specific target business, we may fail to consummate the business combination for any number of reasons including those beyond our control. Any such event will result in a loss to us of the related costs incurred which could materially adversely affect subsequent attempts to locate and acquire or merge with another business.

Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require substantial financial and management resources and may increase the time and costs of completing an acquisition.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls and may require that we have such system of internal controls audited beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2019. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties and/or stockholder litigation. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports could harm our business. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act also requires that our independent registered public accounting firm report on management’s evaluation of our system of internal controls. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition. Furthermore, any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation of adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.

If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, we would be subject to a variety of additional risks that may negatively impact our operations.

We may effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States. If we did, we would be subject to any special considerations or risks associated with companies operating in the target business’ home jurisdiction, including any of the following:

 

    rules and regulations or currency conversion or corporate withholding taxes on individuals;

 

    tariffs and trade barriers;

 

    regulations related to customs and import/export matters;

 

    longer payment cycles;

 

    tax issues, such as tax law changes and variations in tax laws as compared to the United States;

 

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    currency fluctuations and exchange controls;

 

    challenges in collecting accounts receivable;

 

    cultural and language differences;

 

    employment regulations;

 

    crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and wars; and

 

    deterioration of political relations with the United States.

We cannot assure you that we would be able to adequately address these additional risks. If we were unable to do so, our operations might suffer.

If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws applicable to such company will likely govern all of our material agreements and we may not be able to enforce our legal rights.

If we effect a business combination with a company located outside of the United States, the laws of the country in which such company operates will govern almost all of the material agreements relating to its operations. We cannot assure you that the target business will be able to enforce any of its material agreements or that remedies will be available in this new jurisdiction. The system of laws and the enforcement of existing laws in such jurisdiction may not be as certain in implementation and interpretation as in the United States. The inability to enforce or obtain a remedy under any of our future agreements could result in a significant loss of business, business opportunities or capital. Additionally, if we acquire a company located outside of the United States, it is likely that substantially all of our assets would be located outside of the United States and some of our officers and directors might reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our directors or officers or to enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities and criminal penalties of our directors and officers under federal securities laws.

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our Class A common stock and could entrench management.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. As a result, at a given annual meeting only a minority of the board of directors may be considered for election. Since our “staggered board” may prevent our stockholders from replacing a majority of our board of directors at any given annual meeting, it may entrench management and discourage unsolicited stockholder proposals that may be in the best interests of stockholders. Moreover, our board of directors has the ability to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred stock.

We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these provisions may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities.

We do not have a specified maximum redemption threshold. The absence of such a redemption threshold may make it possible for us to complete a business combination with which a substantial majority of our stockholders do not agree.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not provide a specified maximum redemption threshold, except that in no event will we redeem our public shares in an amount that would cause our net

 

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tangible assets to be less than $5,000,001 (such that we are not subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules). As a result, we may be able to complete our business combination even though a substantial majority of our public stockholders do not agree with the transaction and have redeemed their shares or, if we seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination and do not conduct redemptions in connection with our business combination pursuant to the tender offer rules, have entered into privately negotiated agreements to sell their shares to our sponsor, officers, directors, advisors or any of their affiliates. In the event the aggregate cash consideration we would be required to pay for all shares of Class A common stock that are validly submitted for redemption plus any amount required to satisfy cash conditions pursuant to the terms of the proposed business combination exceed the aggregate amount of cash available to us, we will not complete the business combination or redeem any shares, all shares of Class A common stock submitted for redemption will be returned to the holders thereof, and we instead may search for an alternate business combination.

In order to effectuate our initial business combination, we may seek to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or other governing instruments, including our warrant agreement, in a manner that will make it easier for us to complete our initial business combination but that our stockholders or warrant holders may not support.

In order to effectuate a business combination, blank check companies have, in the recent past, amended various provisions of their charters and governing instruments, including their warrant agreements. For example, blank check companies have amended the definition of business combination, increased redemption thresholds, changed industry focus and, with respect to their warrants, amended their warrant agreements to require the warrants to be exchanged for cash and/or other securities. We cannot assure you that we will not seek to amend our charter or other governing instruments or change our industry focus in order to effectuate our initial business combination.

Because we must furnish our stockholders with target business financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards, we will not be able to complete a business combination with prospective target businesses unless their financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The federal proxy rules require that a proxy statement with respect to a vote on a business combination meeting certain financial significance tests include historical and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure in periodic reports. These financial statements may be required to be prepared in accordance with, or be reconciled to, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, or international financial reporting standards, or IFRS, depending on the circumstances, and the historical financial statements may be required to be audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB. We will include the same financial statement disclosure in connection with any tender offer documents we use, whether or not they are required under the tender offer rules. Additionally, to the extent we furnish our stockholders with financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, such financial statements will need to be audited in accordance with U.S. GAAP at the time of the consummation of the business combination. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential target businesses we may acquire.

Cyber incidents or attacks directed at us could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.

We depend on digital technologies, including information systems, infrastructure and cloud applications and services, including those of third parties with which we may deal. Sophisticated and deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in, our systems or infrastructure, or the systems or infrastructure of third parties or the cloud, could lead to corruption or misappropriation of our assets, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. As an early stage company without significant investments in data security protection, we may not be sufficiently protected against such occurrences. We may not have sufficient resources to adequately protect

 

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against, or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to, cyber incidents. It is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could have adverse consequences on our business and lead to financial loss.

There is currently no market for our securities and a market for our securities may not develop, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.

There is currently no market for our securities. Stockholders therefore have no access to information about prior market history on which to base their investment decision. Following this offering, the price of our securities may vary significantly due to one or more potential business combinations and general market or economic conditions. Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.

Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply with any laws and regulations, may adversely affect our business, investments and results of operations.

We are subject to laws and regulations enacted by national, regional and local governments. In particular, we will be required to comply with certain SEC and other legal requirements. Compliance with, and monitoring of, applicable laws and regulations may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Those laws and regulations and their interpretation and application may also change from time to time and those changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, investments and results of operations. In addition, a failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, as interpreted and applied, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

There may be tax consequences to our business combinations that may adversely affect us.

While we expect to undertake any merger or acquisition so as to minimize taxes both to the acquired business and/or assets and us, such business combination might not meet the statutory requirements of a tax-free reorganization, or the parties might not obtain the intended tax-free treatment upon a transfer of shares or assets. A non-qualifying reorganization could result in the imposition of substantial taxes.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained in this prospectus that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipates,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about our:

 

    ability to complete our initial business combination;

 

    success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors following our initial business combination;

 

    officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with our business or in approving our initial business combination, as a result of which they would then receive expense reimbursements;

 

    potential ability to obtain additional financing to complete a business combination;

 

    pool of prospective target businesses;

 

    ability of our officers and directors to generate a number of potential investment opportunities;

 

    potential change in control if we acquire one or more target businesses for stock;

 

    public securities’ potential liquidity and trading;

 

    the lack of a market for our securities;

 

    expectations regarding the time during which we will be an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act;

 

    use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to us from interest income on the trust account balance; or

 

    financial performance following this offering.

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “ Risk Factors .” Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering, in addition to the funds we will receive from the sale of the private units (all of which will be deposited into the trust account), will be as set forth in the following table:

 

    Without Over-
Allotment Option
    Over-Allotment Option
Exercised
 

Gross proceeds

   

From units offered to the public

  $ 300,000,000     $ 345,000,000  

From private placement warrants

    8,000,000       8,900,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross proceeds

    308,000,000       353,900,000  

Offering expenses (1)

   

Underwriting discount (2.0% of gross proceeds from units offered to public)

    6,000,000       6,900,000  

Legal fees and expenses

    300,000       300,000  

Nasdaq Listing Fees

    75,000       75,000  

Printing and engraving expenses

    50,000       50,000  

Accounting fees and expenses

    45,000       45,000  

SEC/FINRA expenses

    103,828       103,828  

Director and Officer liability insurance premiums

    183,500       183,500  

Travel and road show

    55,000       55,000  

Miscellaneous expenses

    187,672       187,672  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total offering expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions)

    1,000,000       1,000,000  

Net proceeds

   

Held in trust

    300,000,000       345,000,000  

Percent of public offering size

    100     100

Not held in trust

    1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net proceeds after offering expenses

  $ 301,000,000     $ 346,000,000  

Use of net proceeds not held in trust (2)

   

Legal, accounting and other third-party expenses attendant to the search for target businesses and to the due diligence investigation, structuring and negotiation of a business combination

  $ 200,000       20

Consulting, travel and miscellaneous expenses incurred during the search for an initial business combination target

    100,000       10

Due diligence of prospective target businesses by officers, directors and sponsor

    150,000       15

Legal and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting obligations

    100,000       10

Working capital to cover miscellaneous expenses, and general corporate purposes (3)

    450,000       45
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,000,000       100.0

 

(1)

A portion of the offering expenses, including the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee, the non-refundable portion of the Nasdaq listing fee and a portion of the legal and audit fees, have been paid

 

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  from the funds we received from our sponsor described below. These funds will be repaid out of the proceeds that have been allocated for the payment of offering expenses (other than underwriting commissions) and proceeds not to be held in the trust account. In the event the offering expenses are less than set forth in this table, any such amounts will be used for post-closing working capital expenses. In the event the offering expenses are more than set forth in this table, we may fund such excess with funds not held in the trust account.

 

(2) These are estimates only. Our actual expenditures for some or all of these items may differ from the estimates set forth herein. For example, we may incur greater legal and accounting expenses than our current estimates in connection with negotiating and structuring our initial business combination based upon the level of complexity of that business combination. We do not anticipate any change in our intended use of proceeds, other than fluctuations among the current categories of allocated expenses, which fluctuations, to the extent they exceed current estimates for any specific category of expenses, would be deducted from our excess working capital.

 

(3) Includes estimated amounts that may also be used in connection with our business combination to fund a “no shop” provision and commitment fees for financing.

$300,000,000, or $345.0 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, of net proceeds of this offering will be placed in a U.S. based trust account at  J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York, as trustee. The funds held in trust will be invested only in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, so that we are not deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Except with respect to (i) interest earned on the funds held in the trust account released to us to pay our income or other tax obligations, (ii) any remaining interest earned on the funds held in the trust account released to us for payment of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates for up to 18 months for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support and (iii) up to $50,000 earned on the funds in the trust account we may need to pay for our liquidation expenses if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within the required time period, the proceeds will not be released from the trust account until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period. The proceeds held in the trust account may be used as consideration to pay the sellers of a target business with which we complete a business combination. Any amounts not paid as consideration to the sellers of the target business may be used to finance operations of the target business.

The payment of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, is for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. This arrangement is being agreed to by our sponsor for our benefit and is not intended to provide our sponsor or affiliated officers and directors with compensation in lieu of a salary. This arrangement will terminate upon completion of our initial business combination or our liquidation. Other than the payment of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support (which payments may be made from the interest on the proceeds of this offering held in the trust account prior to the completion of our initial business combination), and the repayment of a loan in an aggregate amount of up to $200,000 from our sponsor (which repayment will not be made from the proceeds of this offering held in the trust account prior to the completion of our initial business combination), no compensation of any kind will be paid to our sponsor, officers, directors or any of their respective affiliates, for services rendered to us prior to or in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, such entity and individuals will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. Our audit committee will review and

 

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approve all reimbursements and payments made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their respective affiliates, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval. There is no limit on the amount of such expenses reimbursable by us; provided, however, to the extent such expenses exceed the available proceeds not deposited in the trust account, such expenses would not be reimbursed by us unless we consummate an initial business combination. Since the role of present management after a business combination is uncertain, we have no ability to determine what remuneration, if any, will be paid to those persons after a business combination.

Regardless of whether the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the net proceeds from this offering available to us out of trust for our working capital requirements in searching for a business combination will be approximately $1,000,000. We intend to use the proceeds for miscellaneous expenses such as paying fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business and legal, accounting and similar public company costs, with the balance being held in reserve in the event due diligence, legal, accounting and other expenses of structuring and negotiating business combinations exceed our estimates, as well as for reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by our sponsor, officers and directors in connection with activities on our behalf as described below.

The allocation of the net proceeds available to us outside of the trust account represents our best estimate of the intended uses of these funds. In the event our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, we may reallocate some of such proceeds within the above described categories. If our estimate of the costs of undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating a business combination is less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may be required to raise additional capital, the amount, availability and cost of which is currently unascertainable. In this event, we could seek such additional capital through loans or additional investments from members of our management team, but such members of our management team are not under any obligation to advance funds to, or invest in, us.

We may use substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the trust account, to acquire a target business and to pay our expenses relating thereto, including a fee payable to Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds raised in this offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might become payable) upon consummation of our initial business combination for assisting us in connection with our initial business combination, as described under the section titled “ Underwriting — Business Combination Marketing Agreement .” To the extent our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a business combination, the proceeds held in the trust account which are not used to consummate a business combination will be disbursed to the combined company and will, along with any other net proceeds not expended, be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways including continuing or expanding the target business’ operations, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research and development of existing or new products.

To the extent we are unable to consummate a business combination, we will pay the costs of liquidation from the up to $50,000 of interest that may be released to us from the trust account to pay for our liquidation and dissolution expenses. If such interest is insufficient, our sponsor has agreed to advance us the funds necessary to complete such liquidation and has agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses.

As of the date of this prospectus, our sponsor has agreed to loan us up to an aggregate of $200,000 which was used to pay a portion of the expenses of this offering referenced in the line items above for the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee, the non-refundable portion of the Nasdaq listing fee and a portion of the legal and audit fees and expenses. The loan will be payable without interest on the consummation of this offering. The loan will be repaid out of the proceeds of this offering available to us for payment of offering expenses.

We believe that, upon consummation of this offering, we will have sufficient available funds (which includes amounts that may be released to us from the trust account) to operate for the next 18 months, assuming a business combination is not consummated during that time. However, if necessary, to meet our working capital

 

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needs following the consummation of this offering, our sponsor, officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant. In the event the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

A public stockholder will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account (including interest earned on his, her or its portion of the trust account to the extent not previously released to us) only in the event of (i) our redemption of 100% of the outstanding public shares if we have not completed a business combination in the required time period, (ii) if that public stockholder converts such shares, or sells such shares to us in a tender offer, in connection with a business combination which we consummate or (iii) we seek to amend any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering. This redemption right shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, whether proposed by our sponsor, any executive officer, director or director nominee, or any other person. In no other circumstances will a public stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of an initial business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of a business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to a business combination will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time. It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our board of directors does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our board of directors is not currently contemplating and does not anticipate declaring any stock dividends in the foreseeable future, except if we increase the size of the offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, in which case we will effect a stock dividend immediately prior to the consummation of the offering in such amount as to maintain the ownership of our sponsor at 20.0% of our issued and outstanding shares of our Class A common stock upon the consummation of this offering. Further, if we incur any indebtedness, our ability to declare dividends may be limited by restrictive covenants we may agree to in connection therewith.

DILUTION

The difference between the public offering price per share, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants included in the units we are offering by this prospectus and the private warrants, and the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering constitutes the dilution to investors in this offering. Such calculation does not reflect any dilution associated with the sale and exercise of warrants, including the private placement warrants. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value, which is our total tangible assets less total liabilities (including the value of shares of common stock which may be redeemed for cash or sold in a tender offer), by the number of outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, because of the anti-dilution rights of the founders’ shares, any equity or equity-linked securities issued in connection with our initial business combination would be disproportionately dilutive to our Class A common stock.

At December 31, 2017, our net tangible book deficit was $(187,241), or approximately $(0.02) per share of common stock. After giving effect to the sale of 30,000,000 shares of common stock included in the units we are

 

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offering by this prospectus and the deduction of underwriting commissions and estimated expenses of this offering, our pro forma net tangible book value at December 31, 2017 would have been $5,000,009 or $0.63 per share, representing an immediate increase in net tangible book value (as decreased by the value of the approximately 29,601,911 shares of common stock that may be redeemed for cash and assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) of $9.39 per share to our sponsor and an immediate dilution of $10.00 per share or 100% to our public stockholders not exercising their redemption rights. The decrease attributable to public shares subject to redemption is included in the calculation below at $10.00 per share, as all public stockholders have the right to be redeemed. The dilution to new investors if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full would be an immediate dilution of $9.45 per share or 94.5%.

The following table illustrates the dilution to the new investors on a per-share basis, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants included in the units and the private warrants:

 

Public offering price

      $ 10.00  

Net tangible book value before this offering

   $ (0.02   

Increase attributable to public stockholders and private sales

     9.39     

Decrease attributable to public share subject to redemption

     (10.00   
  

 

 

    

Pro forma net tangible book value after this offering and sale of private placement warrants

        0.63  
     

 

 

 

Dilution to public stockholders

      $ 9.37  
     

 

 

 

Percentage of dilution to public stockholders

        93.7

The following table sets forth information with respect to our existing stockholders and the public stockholders:

 

     Shares           Total Consideration     Average Price  
Number    Purchased     Percentage     Amount      Percentage     per Share  

Sponsor – founders’ shares

     7,500,000 (1)       20.0   $ 25,000        0.0   $ 0.003  

Public stockholders

     30,000,000       80.0   $ 300,000,000        100.0   $ 10.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

     37,500,000       100.0   $ 300,025,000        100.0  

 

(1) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 1,125,000 founders’ shares have been forfeited as a result thereof.

 

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The pro forma net tangible book value after the offering is calculated as follows:

 

Numerator:

  

Net tangible book value before the offering

     (187,241

Net proceeds from this offering and private placement warrants, net of expenses

     301,000,000  

Plus: Offering costs accrued for and paid in advance, excluded from tangible book value before this offering

     206,360  

Less: Amount of Class A common stock subject to redemption to maintain net tangible assets of $5,000,001

     (296,019,110
  

 

 

 
   $ 5,000,009  

Denominator:

  

Shares of Class B common stock outstanding prior to this offering

     7,500,000 (1)  

Shares of Class A common stock included in the units offered

     30,000,000  

Less: Shares subject to redemption

     (29,601,911
  

 

 

 
     7,898,089  

 

(1) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 1,125,000 founders’ shares have been forfeited as a result thereof.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization at December 31, 2017 and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of our units and the private units and the application of the estimated net proceeds derived from the sale of such securities:

 

     December 31, 2017  
     Actual      As Adjusted (1)  

Promissory note payable to related party (2)

     —          —    

Class A Common stock, -0- and 29,601,911 shares subject to redemption (3)

     —          296,019,110  

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

     —          —    

Common stock

     

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000 shares authorized (actual) and 200,000,000 (as adjusted); no shares issued and outstanding (actual); 398,089 shares issued (excluding 29,601,911 shares subject to redemption) (as adjusted)

     —          40  

Class B Common stock, $.0001 par value, 12,000,000 shares authorized (actual); 10,350,000 shares authorized (as adjusted); 8,625,000 shares issued and outstanding (actual) (4) ; 7,500,000 shares issued and outstanding (as adjusted)

     863        750  

Additional paid-in capital

     24,137        5,005,100  

Accumulated deficit

     (5,881      (5,881

Total stockholders’ equity:

     19,119        5,000,009  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 19,119      $ 301,019,119  

 

(1) Assumes the over-allotment option has not been exercised and an aggregate of 1,125,000 founders’ shares have been forfeited by our sponsor as a result thereof. Excludes gross proceeds of up to $150,000,000 from the sale of the forward purchase agreement securities that is expected to close simultaneously with the closing of our initial business combination.

 

(2) Our sponsor has agreed to loan us up to $200,000 in the aggregate to be used for a portion of the expenses of this offering. The note is non-interest bearing and is payable on the earlier to occur of July 31, 2018 or the consummation of this offering. The Company executed the promissory note with our Sponsor on December 16, 2017, but no amount had been drawn on the note as of December 31, 2017.

 

(3) Upon the consummation of our initial business combination, we will provide our stockholders (but not our sponsor, officers or directors) with the opportunity to convert or sell their public shares for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination, including interest not previously released to us (less taxes payable), subject to the limitations described herein whereby our net tangible assets will be maintained at a minimum of $5,000,001.

 

(4) Shares and amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the forfeiture of 1,437,500 shares in March 2018.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We were formed on November 13, 2017 for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more target businesses. We intend to focus our search for target businesses in the energy industry with an emphasis on opportunities in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America where our management team’s networks and experience are suited. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this offering, our securities, debt or a combination of cash, securities and debt, in effecting a business combination. The issuance of additional shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock:

 

    may significantly dilute the equity interest of our stockholders in this offering, which dilution would increase if the anti-dilution provisions of the founders’ shares resulted in the issuance of Class A common shares on a greater than a one-to-one basis upon the conversion of the founders’ shares;

 

    may subordinate the rights of holders of shares of Class A common stock if we issue shares of preferred stock with rights senior to those afforded to our shares of Class A common stock;

 

    could cause a change in control if a substantial number of our shares of Class A common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and most likely will also result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors;

 

    may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and

 

    may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our securities.

Similarly, if we issue debt securities, it could result in:

 

    default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after a business combination are insufficient to pay our debt obligations;

 

    acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we have made all principal and interest payments when due if the debt security contains covenants that required the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves and we breach any such covenant without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant;

 

    our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; and

 

    our inability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain additional financing while such security is outstanding.

We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our entire activity since inception has been to prepare for our proposed fundraising through an offering of our equity securities. Following this offering, we will not generate any operating revenues until after completion of our initial business combination. We will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents after this offering. There has been no significant change in our financial or trading position and no material adverse change has occurred since the date of our audited financial statements. After this offering, we expect to incur increased expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses. We expect our expenses to increase substantially after the closing of this offering.

We are an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we have elected to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As such, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

As indicated in the accompanying financial statements, at December 31, 2017, we had $25,000 in cash and a working capital deficiency of $(187,241). Further, we have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of our financing and acquisition plans. Management’s plans to address this uncertainty through this offering are discussed above. We cannot assure you our plans to raise capital or to consummate an initial business combination will be successful.

Our liquidity needs have been satisfied to date through receipt of $25,000 from the sale of the founders’ shares, and a loan from our sponsor in an aggregate amount of up to $200,000 that is more fully described below. We estimate the net proceeds from (i) the sale of the units in this offering, after deducting offering expenses of approximately $1,000,000 and underwriting discounts and commissions of $6.0 million (or $6.9 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and (ii) the sale of the private placement warrants for a purchase price of $8.0 million (or $8.9 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be $301.0 million (or $346.0 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). Of this amount, $300.0 million (or $345.0 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be held in the trust account. The remaining $1.0 million will not be held in trust.

We may use substantially all of the net proceeds of this offering, including the funds held in the trust account, to acquire a target business and to pay our expenses relating thereto, including a fee payable to Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds raised in this offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might become payable) upon consummation of our initial business combination for assisting us in connection with our initial business combination, as described under the section titled “ Underwriting — Business Combination Marketing Agreement .” To the extent our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a business combination, the remaining proceeds held in the trust account as well as any other net proceeds not expended will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business. Such working capital funds could be used in a variety of ways including continuing or expanding the target business’ operations, debt reduction, for strategic acquisitions and for marketing, research and development of existing or new products. Such funds could also be used to repay any operating expenses or finders’ fees which we had incurred prior to the completion of our business combination if the funds available to us outside of the trust account were insufficient to cover such expenses.

We believe, upon consummation of this offering, the approximate $1.0 million of net proceeds not held in the trust account, will be sufficient to allow us to operate for at least the next 18 months, assuming a business combination is not consummated during that time. Over this time period, we will be using these funds for identifying and evaluating prospective acquisition candidates, performing business due diligence on prospective target businesses, traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses, reviewing corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, selecting the target business to acquire and structuring, negotiating and consummating the business combination. We anticipate we will incur approximately:

 

    $200,000 of expenses for the search for target businesses and for the legal, accounting and other third-party expenses attendant to the due diligence investigations, structuring and negotiating of a business combination;  

 

    $150,000 of expenses for the due diligence and investigation of a target business by our officers, directors and sponsor;

 

    $100,000 for consulting, travel and other expenses incurred during the search for a business combination target;

 

    $180,000 for the payment of the administrative fee of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities, and secretarial and administrative support (which payment may be made from the interest on the proceeds of this offering held in the trust account prior to the completion of the initial business combination);

 

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    $100,000 of expenses in legal and accounting fees relating to our SEC reporting obligations; and

 

    $450,000 for general working capital that will be used for miscellaneous expenses and reserves, including general corporate purposes.

If our estimates of the costs of undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial business combination is less than the actual amount necessary to do so, or we earn less interest on the funds held in the trust account than anticipated, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial business combination. Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing either to consummate our initial business combination or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our public shares upon consummation of our initial business combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business combination. We do not have a maximum debt leverage ratio or a policy with respect to how much debt we may incur. The amount of debt we will be willing to incur will depend on the facts and circumstances of the proposed business combination and market conditions at the time of the potential business combination. At this time, other than the forward purchase agreement we intend to enter into, we are not party to any arrangement or understanding with any third party with respect to raising additional funds through the sale of our securities or the incurrence of debt. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would only consummate such financing simultaneously with the consummation of our initial business combination. In the current economic environment, it has become especially difficult to obtain acquisition financing. Following our initial business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet our obligations.

Related Party Transactions

As of the date of this prospectus, our sponsor has agreed to loan us up to an aggregate of $200,000, on a non-interest-bearing basis, for payment of offering expenses on our behalf. The loan will be payable without interest on the earlier to occur of July 31, 2018 or the consummation of this offering. If the offering is consummated, the loan will be repaid out of the proceeds of this offering not being placed in trust.

We are obligated, commencing on the date our securities are first listed on the NASDAQ, to pay our sponsor or one of its affiliates a payment of $10,000 per month, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support.

Our sponsor, officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their affiliates and will determine which expenses and the amount of expenses that will be reimbursed. There is no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on our behalf.

Our sponsor has committed it will purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 private placement warrants at $1.00 per warrant (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) from us. This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Our sponsor has also agreed if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from us an additional number of private placement warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 private placement warrants) at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant necessary to fund projected offering expenses and working capital requirements. We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds following this offering to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we consummate an initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender.

 

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Our sponsor has committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our announcement of an initial business combination and occur in connection with such business combination. The warrant tender offer would not be conditioned upon any minimum number of warrants being tendered.

Our sponsor has also committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our filing of a proxy statement or information statement with respect to a proposed amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect the substance of timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering. Any such purchases would occur in connection with the effectiveness of such amendment.

On the date of this prospectus, our sponsor or an affiliate will either deposit cash funds or a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in an amount equal to $15,000,000 (or $17,250,000 if the over-allotment is exercised in full) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The funds held in the escrow account may be used (or the letter of credit may be drawn upon) to pay $1.00 per warrant to holders of public warrants (excluding private placement warrants or forward purchase warrants) that tender in the tender offer for the public warrants. At any time, our sponsor or its affiliate may substitute a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in lieu of cash or cash in lieu of a letter of credit. Neither funds in the escrow account nor the letter of credit shall be held in trust nor comprise any portion of any pro-rata distribution of our trust account. In the event a business combination is announced and a tender offer for the warrants is made, but the business combination is later abandoned, the tender offer will not be closed, and the warrants will be returned to the holders.

In the event that we are unable to close a business combination within the allotted time, the escrow agent will be authorized to transfer $1.00 per whole public warrant, to holders of public warrants other than our sponsor and its affiliates, at the same time as we redeem our public shares, and all public warrants will expire worthless.

Following the tender offer or payment to holders of public warrants described above, any amounts remaining in the escrow account will be returned to our sponsor or its affiliate.

Controls and Procedures

We are not currently required to maintain an effective system of internal controls as defined by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not completed an assessment, nor have our auditors tested our systems, of internal controls. We expect to assess the internal controls of our target business or businesses prior to the completion of our initial business combination and, if necessary, to implement and test additional controls as we may determine are necessary to state that we maintain an effective system of internal controls. A target business may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of internal controls. Target businesses we may consider for a business combination may have internal controls that need improvement in areas such as:

 

    staffing for financial, accounting and external reporting areas, including segregation of duties;

 

    reconciliation of accounts;

 

    proper recording of expenses and liabilities in the period to which they relate;

 

    evidence of internal review and approval of accounting transactions;

 

    documentation of processes, assumptions and conclusions underlying significant estimates; and

 

    documentation of accounting policies and procedures.

 

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Because it will take time, management involvement and perhaps outside resources to determine what internal control improvements are necessary for us to meet regulatory requirements and market expectations for our operation of a target business, we may incur significant expense in meeting our public reporting responsibilities, particularly in the areas of designing, enhancing, or remediating internal and disclosure controls. Doing so effectively may also take longer than we expect, thus increasing our exposure to financial fraud or erroneous financing reporting.

Once our management’s report on internal controls is complete, we will retain our independent auditors to audit and render an opinion on such report when required by Section 404. The independent auditors may identify additional issues concerning a target business’s internal controls while performing their audit of internal control over financial reporting.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The net proceeds of this offering, including amounts in the trust account, will be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements; Commitments and Contractual Obligations; Quarterly Results

As of the date of this prospectus, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K and did not have any commitments or contractual obligations. No unaudited quarterly operating data is included in this prospectus as we have conducted no operations to date.

 

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PROPOSED BUSINESS

Introduction

We are a Delaware blank check company incorporated on November 13, 2017 formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more target businesses.

We intend to focus our search on businesses in the energy industry with an emphasis on opportunities in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America where our management team’s networks and experience are suited although our efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region. Although we anticipate an initial business combination with an operating business, we are not obligated to do so and may determine to facilitate a transaction with a company with no operating history if we determine that the terms of the transaction are favorable to our public stockholders and the target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination.

In particular, we will seek to capitalize on the operating and investing experience and network of relationships of Jack D. Hightower, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our other officers and directors in consummating an initial business combination. During his career, Mr. Hightower has been involved in merger and acquisition transactions valued at billions of dollars in the aggregate in the energy, banking and real estate industries. Mr. Hightower has over 47 years of operational and financial experience in the oil and gas industry having managed many oil and gas companies as Chairman, President and CEO. He has consistently generated favorable returns throughout industry cycles by applying a disciplined, risk-adjusted investment approach, designed to balance capital preservation with value creation. In each of his last four startup companies, Mr. Hightower has completed initial acquisitions in less than nine months. Since 1995, Mr. Hightower has created and led five oil and gas exploration and production companies through acquisition, growth and value creation strategies, including the following:

 

    In March 1995, Mr. Hightower assembled a highly experienced and multi-skilled management team to form Titan. Mr. Hightower served as Chairman, President and CEO of the company, and was responsible for all day-to-day operating, risk management and acquisition decisions. Titan secured its founding equity investment from NGP and management. In December 1996, Mr. Hightower led an initial public offering of Titan Resources, creating Titan Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEXP), which had a peak market capitalization of $429 million. While at Titan, Mr. Hightower completed several acquisition transactions to acquire proved oil and gas reserves and millions of net acres of mineral rights. In January 2000, Mr. Hightower led efforts to combine TEXP’s assets with Unocal’s Permian Basin and Rocky Mountain assets, thereby creating Pure (NYSE: PRS), which had a peak market capitalization of $1.77 billion. In October 2002, Unocal tendered for the outstanding shares of Pure.

 

    In January 2004, Mr. Hightower and his team formed Celero with founding equity commitments primarily from Quantum Energy Partners II & III, L.P., Wachovia Capital Investments Inc., and from management. As Chairman, President and CEO, Mr. Hightower was responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operating, risk management and acquisition decisions.

 

    In October 2006, Mr. Hightower and his team formed Celero II with founding equity commitments from Natural Gas Partners VIII, L.P., management, pension funds, university endowments, financial institutions, private foundations and high net worth individuals. While Mr. Hightower elected to pursue other business opportunities in October 2009, Mr. Rodney L. Woodard, Pure’s chief operating officer, continued to lead the Celero II team and develop the properties.

 

    In June 2011, Mr. Hightower formed Bluestem Energy, an energy-focused, private-equity backed partnership with founding equity commitments from Quantum Energy Partners, L.P. and from management. In August 2013, Bluestem Energy entered into a joint venture with Rio Oil and Gas, another Quantum Energy Partners portfolio company, and the joint venture’s assets were ultimately sold in August 2014.

 

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We intend to identify and seek to consummate a business combination with a business that could benefit from a hands-on owner with extensive experience in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America and presents potential for an attractive risk-adjusted return profile under our stewardship. Even fundamentally sound companies can often under-perform their potential due to underinvestment, temporary periods of dislocation in the markets in which they operate, over-levered capital structures, excessive cost structures, incomplete management teams and/or inappropriate business strategies. Our management team has extensive experience in identifying and executing acquisitions and managing assets to performance at potential across the energy industries. In addition, our team has significant hands-on experience working with private companies in preparing for and executing an initial public offering and serving as active owners and directors by working closely with these companies to continue their transformations and help create value in the public markets.

Prior to a business combination, the management team of our sponsor and its affiliates will provide various administrative and technical services for us including, but not limited to, corporate financial and accounting services; business target identification; and due diligence; and proved reserve evaluation including geological, engineering, operational, land, and environmental assessments. Our post business combination management and technical team may include members of our sponsor and its affiliates, members of the seller’s management team, and other technical people with skill-sets specific to the attributes of the target.

We believe our management team is well positioned to identify attractive risk-adjusted returns in the marketplace, and its contacts and transaction sources, ranging from industry executives, private owners, private equity funds, and investment bankers will enable us to pursue a broad range of business combination alternatives. Our management believes its ability to identify and implement value creation initiatives will remain central to its differentiated acquisition strategy.

Our management team’s objective is to generate attractive financial returns and create significant value for our stockholders by using its relationships with major integrated oil and gas companies, large-cap independents, energy private equity funds and other industry players to source primarily negotiated transactions to acquire and operate quality assets with significant reserve, production and cash flow upside. We believe our management team has significant operating experience in all areas of oil and gas evaluation and operations, including horizontal drilling and advanced completion techniques, seismic acquisition and interpretation, financial structuring, and value creation methods to maximize production and proved reserves. Moreover, our team has experience investing across a variety of commodity price cycles to deliver strong full-cycle economics and in identifying high-quality assets and businesses with significant resources, capital and optimization potential. Our management team has consummated a significant number of successful acquisitions and divestitures, and has experience in both taking companies public and financing them in the equity and debt capital markets.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the past performance of Mr. Hightower, our other officers and directors, and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee that we will be able to identify a suitable candidate for our initial business combination or realize success with respect to any business combination we may consummate. You should not rely on the historical record of our management’s performance as indicative of our future performance. None of our officers or directors have had experience with blank check companies or special purpose acquisition companies in the past.

Investment Thesis

Our management team’s differentiated approach to creating value in the oil and gas sector combines the elements of a lower-risk and capital preservation approach, balanced with higher return, exploration upside. The fundamental underpinnings of this approach include:

 

    Leverage Intellectual Capital. We strive at all times to utilize the wide range of the team’s and, where relevant, third-party skill-sets, backgrounds, experiences, and other intellectual capital to identify and realize unexploited value.

 

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    Conservative Assumptions. We believe in a conservative approach to reserve evaluation and valuation. As such, our management team typically runs a range of sensitivity analyses, including setting a valuation cap based primarily on already-established value (i.e., proved developed producing reserves) under worst-case scenario assumptions for large acquisitions.

 

    Pursuit of Hidden Value. We aggressively and thoroughly investigate the potential upside in the prospective properties we review, including evaluating the viability of overlooked enhanced exploitation opportunities, newly discovered or under-appreciated exploration opportunities, or other creative ways of monetizing value (e.g., by selling exploration rights to third-party entities or immediately disposing of non-core assets).

By taking this differentiated, multi-faceted, and comprehensive approach to evaluating prospective investments,

Our management team believes it is able to significantly mitigate risk, while maximizing the embedded

option value of every investment in terms of its upside potential.

Our management team’s approach to risk mitigation includes identifying, evaluating, and managing risk. Specific elements of our approach to risk mitigation may include:

 

    Thorough field-by-field property evaluation, including an engineering analysis, a geological and geophysical analysis, and a land, lease title and material contracts review, performed internally and in some cases by third-party technical experts;

 

    Evaluation of the production history of the assets;

 

    Environmental liability assessment;

 

    Portfolio balancing analysis to ensure an appropriate mix of long-lived/short-lived reserves and exploitation/exploration opportunities;

 

    Identification of opportunities to improve asset efficiency;

 

    In most cases, implementation and maintenance of relevant hedging programs designed to mitigate possible downturns in commodity price cycles; and

 

    Marketing hydrocarbons and negotiating long-term physical sales transactions and pipeline capacity agreements.

By employing this approach to property evaluation and risk mitigation, we seek to acquire significant upside potential.

Our management team members have experience acquiring and unlocking the value of attractive, but less-than-fully exploited, oil and gas assets. Often the value of these assets has not been maximized to date either because the property was not a priority focus for the seller, or because other market participants simply did not recognize the same value creation potential. Due to our team members’ experience, and understanding of the applicability and viability of relevant value creation strategies we believe we are well-positioned to seek upside potential. Equally important, with their network of contacts with oil field services providers, our management team believes they are well positioned themselves to execute these strategies by identifying and assembling (often scarce) resources, such as qualified teams and appropriate equipment.

Acquisition Criteria

We have identified the following general criteria and guidelines we believe are important in evaluating prospective targets. We intend to use these criteria and guidelines in evaluating acquisition opportunities, but we may decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target that does not meet these criteria and guidelines. We intend to acquire target businesses we believe:

 

    are fundamentally sound but we believe can achieve better results by leveraging the operating and financial experience of our management team and their affiliates;

 

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    can utilize the extensive networks and insights our management team has built in the energy industry;

 

    are at an inflection point, such as requiring additional management expertise, are able to innovate through new operational techniques, or where we believe we can drive improved financial performance;

 

    exhibit unrecognized value or other characteristics, desirable returns on capital, and a need for capital to achieve the company’s growth strategy, that we believe have been misevaluated by the marketplace based on our analysis and due diligence review; and

 

    will offer an attractive risk-adjusted return for our stockholders.

We will seek to acquire the target on terms and in a manner that leverages our management team’s experience investing within the energy industry. Potential upside from growth in the target business and an improved capital structure will be weighed against any identified downside risks designed to balance value creation with capital preservation.

We believe our management team’s broad industry contacts and experience will yield robust deal flow. Specifically, the primary strategies our management team will use to identify a potential business combination to generate favorable returns include:

 

    Acquire and operate quality, producing assets with a large oil and gas reserve base with substantial production, proved reserve and cash flow upside.

 

    Provide development capital and expertise to partner with companies (including majors and large-cap independents) with high quality assets and core acreage positions at attractive economics.

 

    Leverage proved developed reserves while targeting multiple productive pay zones to increase upside potential.

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular initial business combination may be based, to the extent relevant, on these general guidelines as well as other considerations, factors and criteria our management may deem relevant. In the event we decide to enter into our initial business combination with a target business that does not meet the above criteria and guidelines, we will disclose the target business does not meet the above criteria in our stockholder communications related to our initial business combination, which, as discussed in this prospectus, would be in the form of proxy solicitation or tender offer materials we would file with the SEC.

Competitive Strengths

We believe we have the following competitive strengths:

Management team

We believe our management, technical and operations team will be a preferred acquirer and/or preferred partner due to our competitive strengths that differentiate us from other potential acquirers or partners. We believe our management team’s extensive relationships throughout the industry will enable us to identify potential business combination opportunities with potential upside. We believe our key differentiators include:

 

    Our management team has a combined 116 years of operating and technical experience in horizontal drilling and completion techniques, seismic interpretation, acquisition evaluation, financial structuring, operational efficiencies, full-cycle economics and the value creation methods to maximize production, proved oil and gas reserves, and cash flow.

 

    We believe our management team is differentiated in its ability to economically, efficiently and consistently obtain the needed services to its properties (or projects) in varying market environments.

 

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    Our management team has expertise in the safe and environmentally-sound drilling practices and production operations, the marketing of hydrocarbons and the implementation of hedging programs.

 

    Cumulatively, our team has managed tens of thousands of producing wells, drilled and completed thousands of horizontal wells and is, we believe, regarded in the industry as prudent operators and partners.

Status as a public company

We believe our structure will make us an attractive business combination partner to target businesses. As an existing public company, we offer a target business an alternative to the traditional initial public offering through a merger or other business combination. In this situation, the owners of the target business would exchange their shares of stock in the target business for shares of our stock or for a combination of shares of our stock and cash, allowing us to tailor the consideration to the specific needs of the sellers. We believe target businesses might find this method a more certain and cost-effective method to becoming a public company than the typical initial public offering. In a typical initial public offering, there are additional expenses incurred in marketing, roadshow and public reporting efforts that will likely not be present to the same extent in connection with a business combination with us. Furthermore, once the business combination is consummated, the target business will have effectively become public, whereas an initial public offering is always subject to the underwriters’ ability to complete the offering, as well as general market conditions, that could prevent the offering from occurring. Once public, we believe the target business would then have greater access to capital and an additional means of providing management incentives consistent with stockholders’ interests than it would have as a privately-held company. It can offer further benefits by augmenting a company’s profile among potential new customers and vendors and aid in attracting talented employees.

While we believe that our status as a public company will make us an attractive business partner, some potential target businesses may view the inherent limitations in our status as a blank check company as a deterrent and may prefer to effect a business combination with a more established entity or with a private company. These inherent limitations include limitations on our available financial resources, which may be inferior to those of other entities pursuing the acquisition of similar target businesses; the requirement that we seek shareholder approval of a business combination or conduct a tender offer in relation thereto, which may delay the consummation of a transaction; and the existence of our outstanding warrants, which may represent a source of future dilution.

Financial position

With funds in the trust account of approximately $300.0 million (or $345.0 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) available to use for a business combination (assuming no stockholder seeks conversion of their shares or seeks to sell their shares to us in any tender offer in relation to such business combination), we offer a target business a variety of options such as providing the owners of a target business with shares in a public company and a public means to sell such shares, providing capital for the potential growth and expansion of its operations or strengthening its balance sheet by reducing its debt ratio. Because we are able to consummate our initial business combination using our cash, debt or equity securities, or a combination of the foregoing, we have the flexibility to use the most efficient combination that will allow us to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target business to fit its needs and desires. However, since we have no specific business combination under consideration, we have not taken any steps to secure third party financing, other than the forward purchase agreement we intend to enter into, and there can be no assurance that it will be available to us.

Effecting a Business Combination

General

We are not presently engaged in, and we will not engage in, any substantive commercial business for an indefinite period of time following this offering. We intend to utilize cash derived from the proceeds of this

 

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offering and our capital stock, debt or a combination of these in effecting a business combination which has not yet been identified. Accordingly, investors in this offering are investing without first having an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or risks of any one or more business combinations. A business combination may involve the acquisition of, or merger with, a company which does not need substantial additional capital but which desires to establish a public trading market for its shares, while avoiding what it may deem to be adverse consequences of undertaking a public offering itself. These include time delays, significant expense, loss of voting control and compliance with various federal and state securities laws. In the alternative, we may seek to consummate a business combination with a company that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth. While we may seek to effect simultaneous business combinations with more than one target business, we will probably have the ability, as a result of our limited resources, to effect only a single business combination.

We may pursue an acquisition opportunity jointly with HighPeak LP or one or more other entities affiliated with HighPeak LP which we refer to as an “Affiliated Joint Acquisition.” Any such parties may co-invest with us in the target business at the time of our initial business combination, or we could raise additional proceeds to complete the acquisition by issuing to such parties a class of equity or equity-linked securities. We refer to this potential future issuance, or a similar issuance to other specified purchasers, as a “specified future issuance” throughout this prospectus. Any such Affiliated Joint Acquisition or specified future issuance would be in addition to, and would not include, the securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement. The amount and other terms and conditions of any such specified future issuance would be determined at the time thereof. We are not obligated to make any specified future issuance and may determine not to do so. This is not an offer for any specified future issuance. Pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of our founders’ shares, any such specified future issuance would result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio such that our initial stockholders and their permitted transferees, if any, would retain their aggregate percentage ownership at 20% of the sum of the total number of all shares of Class A common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering plus all shares issued in the specified future issuance, unless the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of founders’ shares agreed to waive such adjustment with respect to the specified future issuance at the time thereof. We cannot determine at this time whether a majority of the holders of our founders’ shares at the time of any such specified future issuance would agree to waive such adjustment to the conversion ratio. If such adjustment is not waived, the specified future issuance would not reduce the percentage ownership of holders of our founders’ shares, but would reduce the percentage ownership of the holders of Class A common stock, other than founders’ Shares, issued pursuant to this offering. If such adjustment is waived, the specified future issuance would reduce the percentage ownership of holders of Class A common stock issued pursuant to this offering and of the holders of the founders’ shares. The issuance of the securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will not result in such an adjustment to the conversion ratio of our founders’ shares.

We Have Not Identified a Target Business

To date, we have not selected any target business on which to concentrate our search for a business combination. None of our sponsor, officers, directors, promoters and other affiliates has engaged in any substantive discussions on our behalf with representatives of other companies regarding the possibility of a potential merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with us. Additionally, we have not engaged or retained any agent or other representative to identify or locate such companies. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to locate a target business or we will be able to engage in a business combination with a target business on favorable terms or at all.

We will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate. We have not established any other specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses. Accordingly, there is no basis for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible merits or risks of the target business with which we may ultimately complete a business combination. To the extent we effect a business combination with a financially unstable company or an entity in its early stage of development or growth, including entities without established records of sales or earnings, we may be affected by numerous risks

 

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inherent in the business and operations of financially unstable and early stage or potential emerging growth companies. Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risk factors.

Sources of Target Businesses

While we have not yet identified any acquisition candidates, we believe based on our management’s business knowledge and past experience there are numerous acquisition candidates. We expect our principal means of identifying potential target businesses will be through the extensive contacts and relationships of our sponsor, officers and directors. While our officers and directors are not required to commit any specific amount of time in identifying or performing due diligence on potential target businesses, our officers and directors believe the relationships they have developed over their careers and their access to our sponsor’s contacts and resources will generate a number of potential business combination opportunities that will warrant further investigation. We also anticipate target business candidates will be brought to our attention from various unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers, venture capital funds, private equity funds, leveraged buyout funds, management buyout funds and other members of the financial community. Target businesses may be brought to our attention by such unaffiliated sources as a result of being solicited by us through calls or mailings. These sources may also introduce us to target businesses they think we may be interested in on an unsolicited basis, since many of these sources will have read this prospectus and know what types of businesses we are targeting. Our sponsor, officers and directors, as well as their affiliates, may also bring to our attention target business candidates they become aware of through their business contacts as a result of formal or informal inquiries or discussions they may have, as well as attending trade shows or conventions. They must present to us all target business opportunities that have a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income accrued in the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations. While we do not presently anticipate engaging the services of professional firms or other individuals that specialize in business acquisitions on any formal basis (other than Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital as described elsewhere in this prospectus), we may engage these firms or other individuals in the future, in which event we may pay a finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation to be determined in an arm’s length negotiation based on the terms of the transaction. In no event, however, will our sponsor, officers, directors or their respective affiliates be paid any finder’s fee, consulting fee or other compensation prior to, or for any services they render to effectuate, the consummation of an initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction it is) other than the payment of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support, the repayment of the loan in the aggregate amount of up to $200,000 from sponsor and reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses. Our audit committee will review and approve all reimbursements and payments made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their respective affiliates, with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval. We have no present intention to enter into a business combination with a target business affiliated with any of our officers, directors or sponsor. However, we are not restricted from entering into any such transactions and may do so if such transaction is approved by a majority of our disinterested independent directors. We may obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions on the type of target business we are seeking to acquire, that the business combination is fair to our unaffiliated stockholders from a financial point of view.

Selection of a Target Business and Structuring of a Business Combination

Subject to the limitations a target business have a fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, as described below in more detail, and that we must acquire a controlling interest in the target business, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective target business. Except for the general criteria and guidelines set forth above under the caption “ Acquisition Criteria ,” we have not established any specific attributes or criteria

 

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(financial or otherwise) for prospective target businesses. In evaluating a prospective target business, our management may consider a variety of factors, including one or more of the following:

 

    financial condition and results of operation;

 

    growth potential;

 

    brand recognition and potential;

 

    experience and skill of management and availability of additional personnel;

 

    capital requirements;

 

    competitive position;

 

    barriers to entry;

 

    stage of development of the products, processes or services;

 

    existing distribution and potential for expansion;

 

    degree of current or potential market acceptance of the products, processes or services;

 

    proprietary aspects of products and the extent of intellectual property or other protection for products or formulas;

 

    impact of regulation on the business;

 

    regulatory environment of the industry;

 

    costs associated with effecting the business combination;

 

    industry leadership, sustainability of market share and attractiveness of market industries in which a target business participates; and

 

    macro competitive dynamics in the industry within which the company competes.

These criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. Any evaluation relating to the merits of a particular business combination will be based, to the extent relevant, on the above factors as well as other considerations deemed relevant by our management in effecting a business combination consistent with our business objective. In evaluating a prospective target business, we will conduct an extensive due diligence review which will encompass, among other things, meetings with incumbent management and inspection of facilities, as well as review of financial and other information which is made available to us. This due diligence review will be conducted either by our management or by unaffiliated third parties we may engage.

The time and costs required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete the business combination cannot presently be ascertained with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to the identification and evaluation of a prospective target business with which a business combination is not ultimately completed will result in a loss to us and reduce the amount of capital available to otherwise complete a business combination.

Fair Market Value of Target Business

The target business or businesses we acquire must collectively have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance of the funds in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for our initial business combination, although we may acquire a target business whose fair market value significantly exceeds 80% of the trust account balance.

We currently anticipate structuring a business combination to acquire 100% of the equity interests or assets of the target business or businesses. We may, however, structure our initial business combination where we merge

 

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directly with the target business or where we acquire less than 100% of such interests or assets of the target business to meet certain objectives of the target management team or shareholders or for other reasons, including an Affiliated Joint Acquisition, but we will only complete such business combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Even if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the voting securities of the target, our stockholders prior to the business combination may collectively own a minority interest in the post-transaction company, depending on valuations ascribed to the target and us in the business combination transaction. For example, we could pursue a transaction in which we issue a substantial number of new shares in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of a target. In this case, we could acquire a 100% controlling interest in the target; however, as a result of the issuance of a substantial number of new shares, our stockholders immediately prior to our initial business combination could own less than a majority of our outstanding shares subsequent to our initial business combination. If less than 100% of the equity interests or assets of a target business or businesses are owned or acquired by the post-transaction company, the portion of such business or businesses owned or acquired is what will be valued for purposes of the 80% of trust account balance test. To consummate such an acquisition, we may issue a significant amount of our debt or equity securities to the sellers of such businesses and/or seek to raise additional funds through a private offering of debt or equity securities. Since we have no specific business combination under consideration, we have not entered into any such fundraising arrangement, other than the forward purchase agreement we intend to enter into, and have no current intention of doing so. The fair market value of the target will be determined by our board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow, oil and gas production, proved oil and gas reserves, acreage position and/or book value). The proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents used by us in connection with any proposed transaction will provide public stockholders with our analysis of the fair market value of the target business, as well as the basis for our determinations. If our board is not able to independently determine the target business has a sufficient fair market value, we may obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated, independent investment banking firm, or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions on the type of target business we are seeking to acquire, with respect to the satisfaction of such criteria.

We will not be required to obtain an opinion from an investment banking firm as to the fair market value if our board of directors independently determines the target business complies with the 80% threshold.

Lack of Business Diversification

We may seek to effect a business combination with more than one target business, and there is no required minimum valuation standard for any single target at the time of such acquisition. We expect to complete only a single business combination, although this process may entail the simultaneous acquisitions of several operating businesses. Therefore, at least initially, the prospects for our success may be entirely dependent upon the future performance of a single business operation. Unlike other entities which may have the resources to complete several business combinations of entities operating in multiple industries or multiple areas of a single industry, it is probable we will not have the resources to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity, our lack of diversification may:

 

    subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent to a business combination, and

 

    result in our dependency upon the performance of a single operating business or the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of products, processes or services.

If we determine to simultaneously acquire several businesses and such businesses are owned by different sellers, we will need for each of such sellers to agree our purchase of its business is contingent on the simultaneous

 

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closings of the other acquisitions, which may make it more difficult for us, and delay our ability, to complete the business combination. With multiple acquisitions, we could also face additional risks, including additional burdens and costs with respect to possible multiple negotiations and due diligence investigations (if there are multiple sellers) and the additional risks associated with the subsequent assimilation of the operations and services or products of the acquired companies in a single operating business.

Limited Ability to Evaluate the Target Business’ Management

Although we intend to scrutinize the management of a prospective target business when evaluating the desirability of effecting a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of the target business’ management will prove to be correct. In addition, we cannot assure you the future management will have the necessary skills, qualifications or abilities to manage a public company. Furthermore, the future role of our officers and directors, if any, in the target business following a business combination cannot presently be stated with any certainty. While it is possible some of our key personnel will remain associated in senior management or advisory positions with us following a business combination, it is unlikely they will devote their full-time efforts to our affairs subsequent to a business combination. Moreover, they would only be able to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination if they are able to negotiate employment or consulting agreements in connection with the business combination. Such negotiations would take place simultaneously with the negotiation of the business combination and could provide for them to receive compensation in the form of cash payments and/or our securities for services they would render to the company after the consummation of the business combination. While the personal and financial interests of our key personnel may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business, their ability to remain with the company after the consummation of a business combination will not be the determining factor in our decision as to whether or not we will proceed with any potential business combination. Additionally, we cannot assure you our officers and directors will have significant experience or knowledge relating to the operations of the particular target business.

Following a business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the incumbent management of the target business. We cannot assure you we will have the ability to recruit additional managers, or any such additional managers we do recruit will have the requisite skills, knowledge or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.

Stockholders May Not Have the Ability to Approve an Initial Business Combination

In connection with any proposed business combination, we will either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described herein. If we determine to engage in a tender offer, such tender offer will be structured so that each stockholder may tender all of his, her or its shares rather than some pro rata portion of his, her or its shares. The decision as to whether we will seek stockholder approval of a proposed business combination or will allow stockholders to sell their shares to us in a tender offer will be made by us, solely in our discretion, and will be based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require us to seek stockholder approval. We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination.

We chose our net tangible asset threshold of $5,000,001 to ensure that we would avoid being subject to Rule 419 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. However, if we seek to consummate an initial

 

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business combination with a target business that imposes any type of working capital closing condition or requires us to have a minimum amount of funds available from the trust account upon consummation of such initial business combination, we may need to have more than $5,000,001 in net tangible assets upon consummation and this may force us to seek third party financing which may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. As a result, we may not be able to consummate such initial business combination and we may not be able to locate another suitable target within the applicable time period, if at all. Public stockholders may therefore have to wait 18 months from the closing of this offering in order to be able to receive a pro rata share of the trust account.

Our sponsor and our officers and directors have agreed (1) to vote any shares of common stock owned by them in favor of any proposed business combination, (2) not to convert any shares of common stock in connection with a stockholder vote to approve a proposed initial business combination and (3) not sell any shares of common stock in any tender in connection with a proposed initial business combination.

None of our officers, directors, sponsor or their affiliates has indicated any intention to purchase units or shares of Class A common stock in this offering or from persons in the open market or in private transactions. However, if we hold a meeting to approve a proposed business combination and a significant number of stockholders’ vote, or indicate an intention to vote, against such proposed business combination, our officers, directors, sponsor or their affiliates could make such purchases in the open market or in private transactions to influence the vote. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our officers, directors, sponsor and their affiliates will not make purchases of shares of Class A common stock if the purchases would violate Section 9(a)(2) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act, which are rules designed to stop potential manipulation of a company’s stock.

Conversion Rights

At any meeting called to approve an initial business combination, public stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination, less any taxes then due but not yet paid. Alternatively, we may provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares of our Class A common stock to us through a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, less any taxes then due but not yet paid.

Our sponsor and our officers and directors will not have conversion rights with respect to any founders’ shares or Class A common stock owned by them, directly or indirectly, whether acquired prior to this offering or purchased by them in this offering or in the aftermarket.

We may require public stockholders, whether they are a record holder or hold their shares in “street name,” to either (i) tender their certificates to our transfer agent or (ii) deliver their shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal At Custodian) System, at the holder’s option, in each case prior to a date set forth in the proxy materials sent in connection with the proposal to approve the business combination.

There is a nominal cost associated with the above-referenced delivery process and the act of certificating the shares or delivering them through the DWAC System. The transfer agent will typically charge the tendering broker $45.00 and it would be up to the broker whether or not to pass this cost on to the holder. However, this fee would be incurred regardless of whether or not we require holders seeking to exercise conversion rights. The need to deliver shares is a requirement of exercising conversion rights regardless of the timing of when such delivery must be effectuated. However, in the event we require stockholders seeking to exercise conversion rights prior to the consummation of the proposed business combination and the proposed business combination is not consummated this may result in an increased cost to stockholders.

 

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Any proxy solicitation materials we furnish to stockholders in connection with a vote for any proposed business combination will indicate whether we are requiring stockholders to satisfy such certification and delivery requirements. Accordingly, a stockholder would have from the time the stockholder received our proxy statement up until the vote on the proposal to approve the business combination to deliver his shares if he wishes to seek to exercise his conversion rights. This time period varies depending on the specific facts of each transaction. However, as the delivery process can be accomplished by the stockholder, whether or not he is a record holder or his shares are held in “street name,” in a matter of hours by simply contacting the transfer agent or his broker and requesting delivery of his shares through the DWAC System, we believe this time period is sufficient for an average investor. However, we cannot assure you of this fact. Please see the risk factor titled “ In connection with any stockholder meeting called to approve a proposed initial business combination, we may require stockholders who wish to convert their shares in connection with a proposed business combination to comply with specific requirements for conversion that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their conversion rights prior to the deadline for exercising their rights ” for further information on the risks of failing to comply with these requirements.

The foregoing is different from the procedures historically used by some blank check companies. Traditionally, to perfect conversion rights in connection with a blank check company’s business combination, the company would distribute proxy materials for the stockholders’ vote on an initial business combination, and a holder could simply vote against a proposed business combination and check a box on the proxy card indicating such holder was seeking to exercise his conversion rights. After the business combination was approved, the company would contact such stockholder to arrange for him to deliver his certificate to verify ownership. As a result, the stockholder then had an “option window” after the consummation of the business combination during which he could monitor the price of the company’s stock in the market. If the price rose above the conversion price, he could sell his shares in the open market before actually delivering his shares to the company for cancellation. As a result, the conversion rights, to which stockholders were aware they needed to commit before the stockholder meeting, would become a “continuing” right surviving past the consummation of the business combination until the holder delivered its certificate. The requirement for physical or electronic delivery prior to the meeting ensures that a holder’s election to convert his shares is irrevocable once the business combination is approved.

Any request to convert such shares once made, may be withdrawn at any time up to the vote on the proposed business combination or the expiration of the tender offer. Furthermore, if a holder of a public share of Class A common stock delivered his certificate in connection with an election of their conversion and subsequently decides prior to the applicable date not to elect to exercise such rights, he may simply request that the transfer agent return the certificate (physically or electronically).

If the initial business combination is not approved or completed for any reason, then our public stockholders who elected to exercise their conversion rights would not be entitled to convert their shares for the applicable pro rata share of the trust account as of two business days prior to the consummation of the initial business combination. In such case, we will promptly return any shares delivered by public holders.

Tender Offer for Public Warrants by our Sponsor or an Affiliate

Our sponsor has committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our announcement of an initial business combination and occur in connection with such business combination. The warrant tender offer would not be conditioned upon any minimum number of warrants being tendered.

Our sponsor has also committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our filing of a proxy statement or information statement with respect to a proposed amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect the substance of timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering. Any such purchases would occur in connection with the effectiveness of such amendment.

 

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On the date of this prospectus, our sponsor or an affiliate will either deposit cash funds or a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in an amount equal to $15,000,000 (or $17,250,000 if the over-allotment is exercised in full) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The funds held in the escrow account may be used (or the letter of credit may be drawn upon) to pay $1.00 per warrant to holders of public warrants (excluding private placement warrants or forward purchase warrants) that tender in the tender offer for the public warrants. At any time, our sponsor or its affiliate may substitute a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in lieu of cash or cash in lieu of a letter of credit. Neither funds in the escrow account nor the letter of credit shall be held in trust nor comprise any portion of any pro-rata distribution of our trust account. In the event a business combination is announced and a tender offer for the warrants is made, but the business combination is later abandoned, the tender offer will not be closed, and the warrants will be returned to the holders.

In the event that we are unable to close a business combination within the allotted time, the escrow agent will be authorized to transfer $1.00 per whole public warrant, to holders of public warrants other than our sponsor and its affiliates, at the same time as we redeem our public shares, and all public warrants will expire worthless.

Following the tender offer or payment to holders of public warrants described above, any amounts remaining in the escrow account will be returned to our sponsor or its affiliate.

Liquidation if No Business Combination

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides we will have only 18 months from the closing of this offering to complete an initial business combination. If we have not completed an initial business combination by such date, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not previously released to us but net of taxes payable and up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed that they will not propose any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering unless (i) we provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to convert their shares of Class A common stock upon such approval at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including interest not previously released to us but net of franchise and income taxes payable and up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares and (ii) our sponsor or an affiliate offers to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer, as described elsewhere in this prospectus. These rights shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsor, any executive officer, director or director nominee, or any other person.

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. The pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of 100% of our outstanding public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within the required time period may be considered a liquidation distribution under Delaware law. If the corporation complies with certain procedures set forth in Section 280 of the Delaware General Corporation Law intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for

 

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all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of stockholders with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution.

Furthermore, if the pro rata portion of our trust account distributed to our public stockholders upon the redemption of 100% of our public shares in the event we do not complete our initial business combination within the required time period is not considered a liquidation distribution under Delaware law and such redemption distribution is deemed to be unlawful, then pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the statute of limitations for claims of creditors could then be six years after the unlawful redemption distribution, instead of three years, as in the case of a liquidation distribution. If we are unable to complete a business combination within the prescribed time frame, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest but net of franchise and income taxes payable and up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law. Accordingly, it is our intention to redeem our public shares as soon as reasonably possible following our 18 th month, and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with those procedures. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such date.

Because we will not be complying with Section 280 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Section 281(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law requires us to adopt a plan, based on facts known to us at such time that will provide for our payment of all existing and pending claims or claims that may be potentially brought against us within the subsequent ten years. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations will be limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors (such as lawyers, investment bankers, etc.) or prospective target businesses.

We are required to use our reasonable best efforts to have all third parties (including any vendors or other entities we engage after this offering) and any prospective target businesses enter into agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the trust account. As a result, the claims that could be made against us will be limited, thereby lessening the likelihood any claim would result in any liability extending to the trust. We therefore believe any necessary provision for creditors will be reduced and should not have a significant impact on our ability to distribute the funds in the trust account to our public stockholders. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you of this fact as there is no guarantee vendors, service providers and prospective target businesses will execute such agreements. Nor is there any guarantee, even if they execute such agreements with us, they will not seek recourse against the trust account. As a result, if we liquidate, the per-share distribution from the trust account could be less than $10.00 due to claims or potential claims of creditors. We will distribute to all of our public stockholders, in proportion to their respective equity interests, an aggregate sum equal to the amount in the trust account, inclusive of any interest, plus any remaining net assets (subject to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors as described below).

Our sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to us if and to the extent any claims by a third party for services rendered or products sold to us, or by a prospective target business with which we have discussed entering into a

 

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transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the trust account to below (i) $10.00 per public share or (ii) such lesser amount per public share held in the trust account as of the date of the liquidation of the trust account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets, in each case net of the interest which may be withdrawn to pay taxes. This liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the trust account and except as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, then our sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. We have not independently verified whether our sponsor has sufficient funds to satisfy its indemnity obligations and believe our sponsor’s only assets are securities of our company. We have not asked our sponsor to reserve for such indemnification obligations. None of our officers will indemnify us for claims by third parties including, without limitation, claims by vendors and prospective target businesses.

We anticipate notifying the trustee of the trust account to begin liquidating such assets promptly after such date and anticipate it will take no more than 10 business days to effectuate such distribution. The holders of the founders’ shares have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to such founders’ shares. There will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless. We will pay any additional liquidation costs from our remaining assets outside of the trust account. If we are unable to complete an initial business combination and expend all of the net proceeds of this offering, other than the proceeds deposited in the trust account, and without taking into account interest, if any, earned on the trust account, the initial per-share redemption price would be $10.00. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to claims of our creditors that are in preference to the claims of public stockholders.

Our public stockholders shall be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of our failure to complete a business combination within the required time period, if the stockholders seek to have us convert or purchase their respective shares upon a business combination which is actually completed by us or upon certain amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation prior to consummating an initial business combination. In no other circumstances shall a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.

If we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us and is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy claims deplete the trust account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public stockholders at least $10.00 per share.

If we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us and is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a “preferential transfer” or a “fraudulent conveyance.” As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders promptly after twenty-four months from the date of this prospectus, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors. We cannot assure you claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains certain requirements and restrictions relating to this offering that will apply to us until the consummation of our initial business combination. These provisions

 

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cannot be amended without the approval of a majority of our stockholders. If we seek to amend any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect our public stockholders’ ability to convert or sell their shares to us in connection with a business combination as described herein or affect the substance or timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, we will provide dissenting public stockholders with the opportunity to convert their public shares in connection with any such vote. This conversion right shall apply in the event of the approval of any such amendment, whether proposed by our sponsor, any executive officer, director or director nominee, or any other person. Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to waive any conversion rights with respect to any founders’ shares and any public shares they may hold in connection with any vote to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Specifically, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides, among other things, that:

 

    we shall either (1) seek stockholder approval of our initial business combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to convert their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against the proposed business combination, into their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), or (2) provide our stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us by means of a tender offer (and thereby avoid the need for a stockholder vote) for an amount equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account (net of taxes payable), in each case subject to the limitations described herein;

 

    we will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, if we seek stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination;

 

    if our initial business combination is not consummated within 18 months from the closing of this offering, then we will redeem all of the outstanding public shares and thereafter liquidate and dissolve our company;

 

    upon the consummation of this offering, $300.0 million, or $345.0 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, shall be placed into the trust account;

 

    we may not consummate any other business combination, merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar transaction prior to our initial business combination; and

 

    prior to our initial business combination, we may not issue additional stock that participates in any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or that votes as a class with the common stock sold in this offering on an initial business combination.

Competition

In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business, we may encounter intense competition from other entities having a business objective similar to ours. Many of these entities are well established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources than us and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of these competitors. While we believe there may be numerous potential target businesses we could acquire with the net proceeds of this offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable target businesses may be limited by our available financial resources.

The following also may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses:

 

    our obligation to seek stockholder approval of a business combination or engage in a tender offer may delay the completion of a transaction;

 

    our obligation to convert or repurchase shares of Class A common stock held by our public stockholders may reduce the resources available to us for a business combination;

 

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    the anti-dilution rights the founders’ shares have upon the issuance of Class A common stock or equity-linked securities in connection with a business combination

 

    our obligation to pay Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital a fee of 3.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering upon consummation of our initial business combination; and

 

    our outstanding warrants, and the potential future dilution they represent.

Any of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a business combination. Our management believes, however, our status as a public entity and potential access to the United States public equity markets may give us a competitive advantage over privately-held entities having a similar business objective as ours in acquiring a target business with significant growth potential on favorable terms.

If we succeed in effecting a business combination, there will be, in all likelihood, intense competition from competitors of the target business. We cannot assure you, subsequent to a business combination, we will have the resources or ability to compete effectively.

Facilities

We currently maintain our principal executive offices at 421 W. 3rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. We consider our current office space, combined with the other office space otherwise available to our executive officers, adequate for our current operations.

Employees

We have three executive officers. These individuals are not obligated to devote any specific number of hours to our matters and intend to devote only as much time as they deem necessary to our affairs. The amount of time they will devote in any time period will vary based on whether a target business has been selected for the business combination and the stage of the business combination process the company is in. Accordingly, once a suitable target business to acquire has been located, management will spend more time investigating such target business and negotiating and processing the business combination (and consequently spend more time on our affairs) than had been spent prior to locating a suitable target business. We presently expect our executive officers to devote such amount of time as they reasonably believe is necessary to our business. We do not intend to have any full-time employees prior to the consummation of a business combination.

Periodic Reporting and Audited Financial Statements

We have registered our units, Class A common stock and warrants under the Exchange Act and have reporting obligations, including the requirement that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, our annual report will contain financial statements audited and reported on by our independent registered public accountants.

We will provide stockholders with audited financial statements of the prospective target business as part of any proxy solicitation materials or tender offer documents sent to stockholders to assist them in assessing the target business. These financial statements will need to be prepared in accordance with or reconciled to United States generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards. We cannot assure you any particular target business identified by us as a potential acquisition candidate will have the necessary financial statements. To the extent this requirement cannot be met, we may not be able to acquire the proposed target business.

We may be required to have our internal control procedures audited for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. A target company may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.

 

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Legal Proceedings

There is no material litigation, arbitration or governmental proceeding currently pending against us or any members of our management team in their capacity as such, and we and the members of our management team have not been subject to any such proceeding in the 12 months preceding the date of this prospectus.

Comparison to Offerings of Blank Check Companies Subject to Rule 419

The following table compares and contrasts the terms of our offering and the terms of an offering of blank check companies under Rule 419 promulgated by the SEC assuming the gross proceeds, underwriting discounts and underwriting expenses for the Rule 419 offering are the same as this offering and that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option. None of the terms of a Rule 419 offering will apply to this offering because we will have net tangible assets in excess of $5,000,000 upon the successful consummation of this offering and will file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including an audited balance sheet demonstrating this fact

 

    

Terms of the Offering

  

Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering

Escrow of offering proceeds

   $300,000,000 of the net proceeds from the public offering and the sale of the private placement warrants will be deposited into a U.S.-based trust account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee    $264,600,000 of the offering proceeds would be required to be deposited into either an escrow account with an insured depositary institution or in a separate bank account established by a broker-dealer in which the broker-dealer acts as trustee for persons having the beneficial interests in the account.  

Investment of net proceeds

   The $300,000,000 of net proceeds from the public offering and the sale of the private placement warrants held in trust will only be invested in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act with a maturity of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations.    Proceeds could be invested only in specified securities such as a money market fund meeting conditions of the Investment Company Act or in securities that are direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the United States.

Limitation on fair value or net assets of target business

   Our initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the trust account (excluding taxes payable on the income earned on the trust account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial business combination.    We would be restricted from acquiring a target business unless the fair value of such business or net assets to be acquired represent at least 80% of the maximum offering proceeds.

 

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Terms of the Offering

  

Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering

Trading of securities issued

   The units may commence trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. The shares of Class A common stock and warrants comprising the units will begin to trade separately on the 52 nd day after the date of this prospectus unless Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. inform us of their decision to allow earlier separate trading, provided we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K, which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the proceeds of this offering, including any proceeds we receive from the exercise of the over-allotment option, if such option is exercised prior to the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K. If the over-allotment option is exercised after the initial filing of such Current Report on Form 8-K, we will file an amendment to the Form 8-K to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise and consummation of the over-allotment option. We will also include in this Form 8-K, an amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K, information indicating if Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. have allowed separate trading of the shares of Class A common stock and warrants prior to the 52 nd day after the date of this prospectus.    No trading of the units or the underlying shares of Class A common stock and warrants would be permitted until the completion of a business combination. During this period, the securities would be held in the escrow or trust account.

Exercise of the warrants

   The warrants cannot be exercised until the later of 30 days after the completion of a business combination or 12 months from the closing of this offering and, accordingly, will be exercised only after the trust account has been terminated and distributed    The warrants could be exercised prior to the completion of a business combination, but securities received and cash paid in connection with the exercise would be deposited in the escrow or trust account.

 

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Terms of the Offering

  

Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering

Election to remain an investor

   We will either (1) give our stockholders the opportunity to vote on the business combination or (2) provide our public stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares of our Class A common stock to us in a tender offer for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, less taxes. If we hold a meeting to approve a proposed business combination, we will send each stockholder a proxy statement containing information required by the SEC. Alternatively, if we do not hold a meeting and instead conduct a tender offer, we will conduct such tender offer in accordance with the tender offer rules of the SEC and file tender offer documents with the SEC which will contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial business combination as we would have included in a proxy statement.    A prospectus containing information required by the SEC would be sent to each investor. Each investor would be given the opportunity to notify the company, in writing, within a period of no less than 20 business days and no more than 45 business days from the effective date of the post-effective amendment, to decide whether he or she elects to remain a stockholder of the company or require the return of his or her investment. If the company has not received the notification by the end of the 45 th business day, funds and interest or dividends, if any, held in the trust or escrow account would automatically be returned to the stockholder. Unless a sufficient number of investors elect to remain investors, all of the deposited funds in the escrow account must be returned to all investors and none of the securities will be issued.

Business combination deadline

   Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, if we are unable to complete our initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust account, including any interest not released to us but net of franchise and income taxes payable and up to $50,000 for liquidation and dissolution expenses, divided by the number of then outstanding public shares,    If an acquisition has not been consummated within 18 months after the effective date of the initial registration statement, funds held in the trust or escrow account would be returned to investors.

 

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Terms of the Offering

  

Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering

   which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject (in the case of (ii) and (iii) above) to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.   

Interest earned on the funds in the trust account

   There can be released to us, from time to time, (i) any interest earned on the funds in the trust account we may need to pay our tax obligations, (ii) up to $10,000 per month we need for office space, utilities, and secretarial and administrative support, and (iii) up to $50,000 earned on the funds in the trust account we may need to pay for our liquidation expenses if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within the required time period. The remaining interest earned on the funds in the trust account will not be released until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.    All interest earned on the funds in the trust account will be held in trust for the benefit of public stockholders until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.

Release of funds

   Except for (i) any interest earned on the funds in the trust account that we may need to pay our tax obligations, (ii) up to $10,000 per month we need for office space, utilities, and secretarial and administrative support, and (iii) up to $50,000 earned on the funds in the trust account that we may need    The proceeds held in the escrow account would not be released to the company until the earlier of the completion of a business combination or the failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.

 

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Terms of the Offering

  

Terms Under a Rule 419 Offering

   to pay for our liquidation expenses if we are unable to consummate an initial business combination within the required time period, the proceeds held in the trust account will not be released to us until the earlier of the completion of a business combination and our liquidation upon failure to effect a business combination within the allotted time.   

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

Our current directors and executive officers are as follows:

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Jack D. Hightower

     69      Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

Rodney L. Woodard

     62      Chief Operating Officer and Director

Steven W. Tholen

     67      Chief Financial Officer

Sylvia K. Barnes

     61      Independent Director Nominee

M. Gregory Colvin

     58      Independent Director Nominee

Jared S. Sturdivant

     39      Independent Director Nominee

Jack D. Hightower has served as our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President since our inception in November 2017. Mr. Hightower has over 47 years of experience in the oil and gas industry managing multiple exploration & production (“E&P”) platforms. Mr. Hightower currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the general partner of HighPeak LP. Mr. Hightower served as Chairman, President and CEO of Bluestem Energy Partners, LP (“Bluestem”) from 2011 to 2013. Prior to forming Bluestem, Mr. Hightower served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Celero II from 2006 to 2009 and as Chairman, President and CEO of Celero from 2004 to 2005. Prior to forming Celero, Mr. Hightower served as Chairman, President and CEO of Pure (NYSE: PRS), which became the 11th largest publicly traded independent E&P company in North America. In October 2002, Unocal tendered for the Pure shares it did not already own. In March 1995, Mr. Hightower founded Titan (Nasdaq: TEXP), the predecessor to Pure, and served as Chairman, President and CEO. Prior to founding Titan, Mr. Hightower served as Chairman, President and CEO of Enertex Inc. (“Enertex”), the general partner and operator of record for several oil and gas partnerships from 1991 to 1994. Mr. Hightower graduated from Texas Tech University in 1970 with Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Administrative Finance and Money, Banking & Investments.

We believe Jack D. Hightower is well-qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his executive leadership and industry experience.

Rodney L. Woodard has served as our Chief Operating Officer and a director since our inception in November 2017. Mr. Woodard has over 39 years of experience in the oil and gas industry as a CEO, COO, and leader of Engineering and Operations of numerous E&P companies. Most recently Mr. Woodard served as the President and COO of Atlantic Resources from 2015 to 2016. Prior to Atlantic, Mr. Woodard served as CEO and COO of Celero II, a Natural Gas Partners portfolio company, with operations principally in the Permian Basin from 2006 to 2015. Prior to Celero II, Mr. Woodard served as Executive Vice President and COO of Celero, a Quantum Energy Partners portfolio company from 2004 to 2006. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Woodard was Vice President of Reserves and Evaluations with Pure Resources (NYSE: PRS) and was a co-founder of its predecessor, Titan Exploration (Nasdaq: TEXP). From 1986 to 1995, Mr. Woodard held various positions of increasing responsibility at Selma International Investments Ltd. (“Selma”). Mr. Woodard graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

We believe Rodney L. Woodard is well-qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his executive leadership and industry and financing experience.

Steven W. Tholen has served as our Chief Financial Officer since our inception in November 2017. Mr. Tholen is a Corporate Finance Executive with over 30 years of experience in building, leading and advising corporations through complex restructurings, purchase and sales transactions, and capital market transactions. Most recently, Mr. Tholen served as Executive Vice President – Finance of Fieldco Construction Services, Inc., a startup company which provides oilfield construction services to clients throughout East Texas & Western Louisiana,

 

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from 2011 to 2013. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Tholen served as President of SDL&T Energy Partners, a source of equity & debt financing to fund energy companies and energy projects worldwide. From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Tholen was Senior Vice President & CFO of Harvest Natural Resources, Inc., an exploration and production company with properties in the United States, Venezuela, Indonesia, Gabon, and Russia. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Tholen served as Vice President and CFO of Penn Virginia Corporation, an independent natural gas and oil company. From 1990 to 1995, Mr. Tholen was Treasurer/Manager of Business Administration of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, a North American independent natural gas producer. Mr. Tholen graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and earned his MBA-Finance from The University of Denver, Daniels School of Business.

Sylvia K. Barnes will serve as a director following the completion of this offering. Ms. Barnes is a Principal and owner of Tanda Resources LLC, a privately-held oil & gas investment and consulting company. From 2011 to March 2015, Ms. Barnes served as Managing Director and Group Head for KeyBanc Capital Markets Oil & Gas Investment and Corporate Banking Group and was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Prior to joining KeyBanc, Ms. Barnes was Head of Energy Investment Banking at Madison Williams, and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch’s energy investment banking practice. She joined Merrill Lynch as part of the firm’s acquisition of Petrie Parkman & Co. From 1994 to 2000, Ms. Barnes worked as Managing Director and SVP for Nesbitt Burns, including serving as head of the firm’s U.S. energy investment banking group. Prior to that she worked in various capacities at Nesbitt Burns and its parent company, Bank of Montreal. As a banker Ms. Barnes devoted her career to serving companies in the upstream oil and gas sector and she successfully executed a variety of mergers, acquisitions and divestiture transactions, and advised on public and private equity offerings and private debt and equity placements. Ms. Barnes is a member of the Board of Directors of SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SD) and serves on its Audit and Compensation Committees. Ms. Barnes previously served on the Board of Directors of Halcón Resources Corporation (NYSE:HK) and as a member of its Audit and Reserves Committees. Ms. Barnes began her career as a reservoir engineer for Esso Resources. Ms. Barnes graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Dean’s List), was a licensed professional engineer in Alberta and earned a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from York University.

We believe Ms. Barnes is well-qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to her insights into corporate strategy, capital allocation, equity and debt financing and the assessment and management of risks faced by energy companies as well as her extensive financial analysis and transaction experience and knowledge of the oil & gas industry and public company corporate board experience.

M. Gregory Colvin will serve as a director following the completion of this offering. Mr. Colvin currently serves on the Board of Directors of Sanchez Energy Corporation, a position he has held since 2012. While at Sanchez, Mr. Colvin chaired the compensation committee, served on the pricing committee for all securities offerings, and was a member of the audit, nominating, and governance committees. From December 2011 to 2014, Mr. Colvin was the Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Sankofa Capital, an investment management firm which he co-founded. Mr. Colvin currently holds a series 24, 7, and 63 securities license. From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Colvin was a licensed broker affiliated with Bluffview Capital, LP, where his focus was on private equity and hedge fund clients. From 1997 to 2006, Mr. Colvin was a Managing Director of the Private Funds Group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp and Credit Suisse LLC. In 1986 Mr. Colvin started his professional career with Stephens Inc. specializing in placing primary and secondary fixed income products to institutional investors. Mr. Colvin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. Mr. Colvin currently serves on the advisory board of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

We believe M. Gregory Colvin is well-qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his extensive experience in leadership positions at large financial institutions, and substantive understanding of capital markets and the upstream oil and gas industry and his public company corporate board experience.

Jared S. Sturdivant will serve as a director following the completion of this offering. Mr. Sturdivant has served as the Managing Partner of Platform Group, LP, a partnership focused on private equity investments since

 

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July 2015 and Source Energy Partners, LLC, a partnership focused on acquiring oil and gas mineral interests since April 2017. Mr. Sturdivant also invests in oil and gas minerals serving as Managing Partner of Alta Mesa Mineral Acquisitions, LLC since December 2013. Previously, Mr. Sturdivant spent over a decade in the hedge fund industry with multi-billion dollar institutions focused on distressed debt investments, deep value equity, debt origination and private equity investments. Prior to that, Mr. Sturdivant served as a restructuring advisor to companies going through chapter 11 reorganizations. Mr. Sturdivant has previously served as a strategic advisor to Mr. Harold C. Simmons. Mr. Sturdivant graduated magna cum laude with a BBA in Finance from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas.

We believe Jared S. Sturdivant is well-qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his more than 18 years of experience as an investor and management of partnerships focused on minerals, exploration & production assets and private equity platforms and his substantive understanding of the upstream oil and gas industry.

Our board of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. The term of office of the first class of directors, consisting of Jared S. Sturdivant, will expire at our first annual meeting of stockholders. The term of office of the second class of directors, consisting of M. Gregory Colvin and Rodney L. Woodard, will expire at the second annual meeting. The term of office of the third class of directors, consisting of Sylvia K. Barnes and Jack D. Hightower, will expire at the third annual meeting.

Assistance from HighPeak LP

In addition to the members of our management team, our investment team will include the HighPeak LP employees noted below. None of these individuals are required to commit any specified amount of time to our affairs; however, we expect certain of these individuals will dedicate a portion of their professional time to our affairs.

Alan R. Huffman is Executive Vice President & Chief Technical Officer of HighPeak LP with experience in exploration risking, evaluation and portfolio management, large project design and management, well design and drilling operations. From 2011 to 2017, Dr. Huffman served as the Chief Technology Officer and Consulting Partner of SIGMA3 Integrated Reservoir Solutions Inc.. From 2003 to 2011, Dr. Huffman served as the President and later Chairman & CEO of Fusion Petroleum Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries. From 1997-2002, Huffman was Manager of The Seismic Imaging Technology Center (SITC) with Conoco. From 1990 to 1997, Huffman was employed by Exxon Corporation, where he worked as a technical specialist on exploration and production projects in The United States, West Africa and The Far East, and was also involved in technology and software development. Dr. Huffman has also been an advisor and expert witness for the United States Department of Justice in the Federal Civil Litigation resulting from the BP Deepwater Horizon Blowout in the Gulf of Mexico from 2011 to 2015.

David F. DeLaO is Vice President – Drilling of HighPeak LP with over 30 years of experience in drilling, completions and production operations. Mr. DeLaO has experience in the Permian Basin, Fort Worth Basin, Gulf Coast, South Texas, Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, Rockies, East Texas, Louisiana, Mid-Continent, Marcellus and Utica regions. Mr. DeLaO most recently worked for Chesapeake Energy from 2004 through 2015. He served as Vice President: Drilling, Northern Division in 2015. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. DeLaO served as Vice President: Operations & Technical Services and from 2012 to 2013, Mr. DeLaO held the position of Vice President Drilling, Engineering & Development. Mr. DeLaO began his career with Chesapeake in 2004 as a Senior Drilling Engineer. Prior to Chesapeake, Mr. DeLaO worked as a Senior Drilling Engineer for Pure Resources from 2001 to 2004 with field assignments in the Permian Basin, Rockies and South Texas. Mr. DeLaO worked as a Staff Drilling Engineer for Conoco in 2000 and 2001 supervising drilling operations in the Val Verde Basin and Southeast New Mexico. Mr. DeLaO began his career with Mobil Oil in 1985 where he held various positions in drilling, completions and production engineering.

 

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Bruce Woodard is Vice President – Operations of HighPeak LP with over 30 years of experience across various spectrums of oil and gas operations. From 2006 through 2014, Mr. Woodard was the VP Operations of Celero Energy II, LP where his primary focus was the implementation of a Phase I Tertiary project in Caprock, NM. Prior to Celero II, he served as District Operations Manager with Saga Petroleum/Latigo Petroleum where he managed the development of assets in the Permian Basin and southeast New Mexico. From 1996 through 2002, Mr. Woodard, worked at Titan Exploration/Pure Resources as the Operations Manager. Prior to Titan, Mr. Woodard worked at Selma International Investments, Ltd.

John Anderson is Vice President – Reservoir and Evaluation Engineering of HighPeak LP with 37 years of oil and gas industry experience in various reservoir development, evaluation, acquisition, and operations functions, including waterfloods and CO2 tertiary evaluation and implementation projects, conventional and unconventional resource play analysis, modeling, and evaluations. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. Anderson served as Vice President of Reservoir Engineering for Aethon Energy, an oil and gas company in Dallas, Texas where his focus was on evaluating, acquiring, and developing unconventional oil and gas assets. From 2000 – 2013, Mr. Anderson worked in reservoir engineering roles, with Bluestem Energy, Celero Energy II, Celero Energy I (Whiting Oil and Gas Corp. for two years as a result of the sale of Celero Energy I), and Pure Resources (UNOCAL). From 1981 to 1998 Mr. Anderson worked at Exxon Company, USA.

James C. Gresham, Jr. is Vice President – Land of HighPeak LP with over 40 years in the oil and gas industry. From 2011 through 2013, Mr. Gresham was VP of Land for Bluestem Energy Partners, LP, a Quantum Energy Partners portfolio company. From 2009 through 2011, Mr. Gresham was Land Director at Celero Fund. From 2004 through 2008, Mr. Gresham was Vice President of Land for LMP Exploration Holdings, LP. From 2002 through 2003, Mr. Gresham was Manager of Land and Business Development with BNP Petroleum Corporation. From 1999 through 2002, Mr. Gresham was Land Director at Pure Resources Corporation in the Corpus Christi office. From 1980 through 1992, Mr. Gresham was with the Dallas-based Edwin L. Cox organization in the Corpus Christi office, and from 1988 to 1992 served as its Land Manager. From 1978 through 1980, Mr. Gresham a Landman with Getty Oil Company in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Michael Metza is Vice President – Engineering of HighPeak LP with 36 years of experience in the oil and gas industry having served in various operations engineering assignments emphasizing reserve development and exploitation in numerous types of oil and gas reservoirs. From 2015 through 2016, Mr. Metza served as Senior Engineer for Atlantic Resources where his primary responsibility was evaluation of well, reserve, and development potential in the Wolfcamp, Spraberry & Cline formations of the Delaware and Midland Basins. Mr. Metza joined Celero Energy II, LP as Senior Production Engineer in 2008 where his principal responsibility was the redevelopment of the Caprock Queen Field CO2 Project. In 2014, Legacy Reserves, LP acquired the Caprock Queen Field from Celero Energy II, LP, and Mr. Metza joined Legacy Reserves as a Senior Engineer to continue working on the Caprock CO2 Project. While at Legacy he was responsible for workover, drilling, design and regulatory activities associated with the operation and expansion of the Caprock Queen Field Project. From 2005 through 2008, Mr. Metza served as Senior Engineer for Whiting Petroleum after Whiting’s acquisition of Celero Energy, LP. In 2004, Mr. Metza joined Celero Energy, LP as Senior Engineer where he was responsible for evaluating a previous 6-section CO2 project and developing a plan for implementing a full-field miscible CO2 project for the N. Ward Estes Field. From 1997 through 2004, Mr. Metza served as a Senior Engineer for Titan Resources and Pure Resources. In 1981, Mr. Metza began a 16-year career with Exxon Company.

Daniel Silver is Vice President – Finance of HighPeak LP with over 13 years of experience in the finance industry. Mr. Silver started with HighPeak LP in 2014. From 2011 through 2013, Mr. Silver was the Financial Analyst for Bluestem Energy Partners, LP, a Quantum Energy Partners portfolio company. From 2005 through 2011, Mr. Silver worked for Whitley Penn LLP as Manager in the Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Department.

Ryan Hightower is Vice President – Business Development of HighPeak LP with over twelve years of industry experience in various land and business development type capacities. Prior to joining HighPeak, Ryan Hightower has worked independently buying oil and gas leases, mineral and royalty interests, and non-operated working

 

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interests in several areas including the Haynesville Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Delaware Basin, Midland Basin and the Eastern Shelf for his own account. In 2007, Mr. Hightower co-founded and was a managing partner of TEMA Fund, LP, a mineral and royalty acquisition fund focused on acquiring oil and gas interests in the East Texas Embayment area. From 2006 through 2007, Mr. Hightower served as a Portfolio Operations Analyst for Highland Capital Management, LP.

Rhett Heartsill is a Geologist for HighPeak LP with over ten years of industry experience in geological and geophysical analysis, geological software, prospecting in conventional and unconventional plays, evaluating reserves, and leasehold acquisitions. From 2010 through 2017, Mr. Heartsill, started and served as CEO and President of DiamondEdge Energy, LLC, an exploration company targeting conventional trends from the Eastern Shelf of the Permian Basin to the re-development of historical fields in urban environments on the Texas Gulf Coast. In 2006, Mr. Heartsill started DiamondEdge Royalty, LLC, a mineral and royalty acquisition company. From 2007 through 2008, Mr. Heartsill was a geologist with Range Resources.

Keith Forbes is the Controller of HighPeak LP with over 26 years of experience in various field and corporate accounting functions and business optimization functions for large, geographically diverse public companies. From 2008 through 2016, Mr. Forbes served in various capacities at Quicksilver Resources Incorporated and most recently as the Director of Business Optimization. From 1987 through 2007, Mr. Forbes served in various accounting capacities with Burlington Resources.

HighPeak LP has a highly experienced management team with expertise across all aspects of sourcing, structuring and operating oil and gas assets.

 

LOGO

Executive Compensation

No executive officer has received any cash compensation for services rendered to us. Commencing on the date of listing of our securities on the NASDAQ through the acquisition of a target business, we will pay $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. However, this arrangement is solely for our benefit and is not intended to provide our executive officers or directors compensation in lieu of a salary.

Other than the repayment of the loan in the aggregate amount of up to $200,000 made by our sponsor to us, no compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s, consulting fees and other similar fees, will be paid to our

 

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sponsor, members of our management team or their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, they will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us.

After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us, if any, may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider an initial business combination, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation. In this event, such compensation will be publicly disclosed at the time of its determination in a Current Report on Form 8-K, as required by the SEC.

Director Independence

Currently Ms. Barnes, Mr. Colvin and Mr. Sturdivant would each be considered an “independent director” under the Nasdaq listing rules, which is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship, which, in the opinion of the company’s board of directors would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

Any affiliated transactions will be on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from independent parties. Our board of directors will review and approve all affiliated transactions with any interested director abstaining from such review and approval.

Audit Committee

Effective upon the date of this prospectus, we will establish an audit committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Ms. Barnes, Mr. Colvin and Mr. Sturdivant, each of whom is an independent director under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

    reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, and recommending to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K;

 

    discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;

 

    discussing with management major risk assessment and risk management policies;

 

    monitoring the independence of the independent auditor;

 

    verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law;

 

    reviewing and approving all related-party transactions;

 

    inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

 

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    pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed;

 

    appointing or replacing the independent auditor;

 

    determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work;

 

    establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies; and

 

    approving reimbursement of expenses incurred by our management team in identifying potential target businesses.

Financial Experts on Audit Committee

The audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively of “independent directors” who are “financially literate” as defined under Nasdaq’s listing standards. Nasdaq’s standards define “financially literate” as being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.

In addition, we must certify to Nasdaq the committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The board of directors has determined Ms. Barnes qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.

Nominating Committee

Effective upon the date of this prospectus, we will establish a nominating committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Mr. Colvin, Ms. Barnes and Mr. Sturdivant, each of whom is an independent director under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The nominating committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on our board of directors. The nominating committee considers persons identified by its members, management, stockholders, investment bankers and others.

Guidelines for Selecting Director Nominees

The guidelines for selecting nominees, which are specified in the Nominating Committee Charter, generally provide persons to be nominated:

 

    should have demonstrated notable or significant achievements in business, education or public service;

 

    should possess the requisite intelligence, education and experience to make a significant contribution to the board of directors and bring a range of skills, diverse perspectives and backgrounds to its deliberations; and

 

    should have the highest ethical standards, a strong sense of professionalism and intense dedication to serving the interests of the stockholders.

The Nominating Committee will consider a number of qualifications relating to management and leadership experience, background and integrity and professionalism in evaluating a person’s candidacy for membership on the board of directors. The nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time and will also consider the overall experience and makeup of its members to obtain a broad and diverse mix of board members. The nominating committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by stockholders and other persons.

 

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Compensation Committee

Effective upon the date of this prospectus, we will establish a compensation committee of the board of directors, which will consist of Mr. Sturdivant, Ms. Barnes and Mr. Colvin, each of whom is an independent director under Nasdaq’s listing standards. The compensation committee’s duties, which are specified in our Compensation Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

    reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;

 

    reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our other executive officers;

 

    reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;

 

    implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;

 

    assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;

 

    approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our executive officers and employees;

 

    if required, producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

 

    reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

Code of Ethics

Effective upon consummation of this offering, we will adopt a code of ethics that applies to all of our executive officers, directors and employees. The code of ethics codifies the business and ethical principles that govern all aspects of our business.

Conflicts of Interest

In general, officers and directors of a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware are required to present business opportunities to a corporation if:

 

    the corporation could financially undertake the opportunity;

 

    the opportunity is within the corporation’s line of business; and

 

    it would not be fair to the corporation and its stockholders for the opportunity not to be brought to the attention of the corporation.

Each of our officers and directors is an officer and/or director of our sponsor and/or of a HighPeak affiliate company. As described elsewhere in this prospectus, HighPeak affiliate companies are oil and gas companies which pursue asset and company acquisitions in the energy industry, the same industry within which we intend to focus our search for a target business. As a result, it is possible that a potential opportunity could be suitable for us as well for a HighPeak affiliate company.

In relation to the foregoing, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that:

 

    we renounce any interest or expectancy in, or being offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunities presented to our sponsor and its affiliates or our non-employee directors and their affiliates (except in the case of a non-employee director, such opportunity is presented solely in his capacity as an officer or director of our company); and

 

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    our officers and directors will not be liable to our company or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of any of our activities or any of our sponsor or its affiliates to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

In addition to our sponsor, our officers and directors are, and may in the future become, affiliated with other companies or have additional, fiduciary or contractual obligations to other entities pursuant to which such officer or director is or will be required to present business combination opportunities to such entity. Accordingly, in the future, if any of our officers or directors becomes aware of a business combination opportunity which is suitable for an entity to which he or she has then-current fiduciary or contractual obligations, he or she will honor his or her fiduciary or contractual obligations to present such opportunity to such entity. We do not believe, however, any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of our officers arising in the future would materially undermine our ability to complete our business combination.

The following table summarizes the relevant pre-existing fiduciary or contractual obligations of our officers and directors besides obligations owed to our sponsor.

 

Individual

 

Entity

 

Entity’s Business

 

Affiliation

Sylvia K. Barnes   Tanda Resources LLC   Oil and gas investment and consulting   Principal and owner
  SandRidge Energy, Inc.   Oil and gas exploration and production   Director
M. Gregory Colvin  

Sanchez Energy

Corporation

 

Vetsource

 

Oil and gas exploration and production

 

Pet pharmaceuticals

 

Director

 

 

 

Director

Jared S. Sturdivant  

Source Energy Partners, LLC

Platform Group, LP

 

Acquisition of oil and gas mineral interests

Private equity

investments

 

Managing Partner

 

Managing Partner

 

Source Energy Operating, LP

Mikada Holdings LLC

 

Acquisition of oil and

gas mineral interests Manufacturing

 

Director

 

Managing Partner

 

Alta Mesa Mineral Acquisitions, LLC

ZTX Drilling, LLC

 

Oil and gas minerals

 

Oil and gas working interests

 

Managing Partner

 

Managing Partner

  Cascata Platform Holdings, LP  

Private equity

investments

  Managing Partner

Investors should also be aware of the following potential conflicts of interest:

 

    None of our officers and directors is required to commit their full time to our affairs and, accordingly, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time among various business activities.

 

    Unless we consummate our initial business combination, our officers, directors and sponsor will not receive reimbursement or repayment for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them, or loans made to us, to the extent that such expenses exceed the amount of available proceeds not deposited in the trust account.

 

   

The founders’ shares beneficially owned by our sponsor will be released from escrow only if a business combination is successfully completed, and the private placement warrants purchased by our sponsor,

 

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and any warrants which our officers or directors may purchase in the aftermarket will expire worthless if a business combination is not consummated. Additionally, our officers and directors will not receive liquidation distributions with respect to any of their founders’ shares. For the foregoing reasons, our board may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate to effect a business combination with.

We are not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with or from a company affiliated with, or involving properties operated by, our sponsor or its affiliates or its officers or directors; nor are we prohibited from entering into an agreement with our sponsor or its affiliates or a company affiliated with our officers or directors with respect to the operation of any properties we acquire in connection with the initial business combination. In the event we seek to complete our initial business combination with a company affiliated with our sponsor, officers or directors, we, or a committee of independent directors, may obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm which is a member of FINRA or an independent accounting firm that our initial business combination is fair to our company from a financial point of view. Through their direct or indirect interest in a HighPeak affiliated company, members of our management team currently own an indirect interest in us. Each member of our management team may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate our initial business combination. Further, each of our officers and directors may have a conflict of interest with respect to evaluating a particular business combination if the retention or resignation of any such officers and directors was included by a target business as a condition to any agreement with respect to our initial business combination.

We currently do not have any specific business combination under consideration. Our officers and directors have neither individually selected nor considered a target business for our initial business combination nor have they had any discussions regarding possible target businesses among themselves or with our underwriters or other advisors. All of the members of our management team are employed by a HighPeak affiliate and are direct investors in a HighPeak affiliate. HighPeak is continuously made aware of potential business opportunities, one or more of which we may desire to pursue for a business combination, but we have not (nor has anyone on our behalf) contacted any prospective target business or had any discussions, formal or otherwise, with respect to a business combination transaction. We have not (nor have any of our agents or affiliates) been approached by any candidates (or representatives of any candidates) with respect to a possible acquisition transaction with us and we will not consider a business combination with any company that has already been identified to HighPeak as a suitable acquisition candidate for it. Additionally, we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, taken any measure, directly or indirectly, to identify or locate any suitable acquisition candidate for us, nor have we engaged or retained any agent or other representative to identify or locate any such acquisition candidate.

Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed, pursuant to a written letter agreement, not to participate in the formation of, or become an officer or director of, any other blank check company until we have entered into a definitive agreement regarding our initial business combination or we have failed to complete our initial business combination within 18 months after the closing of this offering.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares of Class B common stock as of the date of this prospectus and as adjusted to reflect the sale of our shares of Class A common stock included in the units offered by this prospectus (assuming none of the individuals listed purchase units in this offering), by:

 

    each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock;

 

    each of our officers and directors; and

 

    all of our officers and directors as a group.

Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by them. The following table does not reflect record of beneficial ownership of the warrants included in the units offered by this prospectus or the private warrants as these warrants are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus. The following table also does not reflect any units that our directors, director nominees and officers may purchase in this offering pursuant to our directed unit program described under “Underwriting—Directed Unit Program.”

 

     Prior to Offering     After Offering (2)  
Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner (1)
   Amount
and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
     Approximate
Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares of Common
Stock
    Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
     Approximate
Percentage of
Outstanding Shares of
Common Stock
 

Jack D. Hightower (3)

     8,505,000        98.6     7,380,000        19.68

Rodney L. Woodard

     0        0.0        0.0

Steven W. Tholen

     0        0.0        0.0

Sylvia K. Barnes

     40,000                 40,000            

M. Gregory Colvin

     40,000                 40,000            

Jared S. Sturdivant

     40,000                 40,000            

HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC

     8,505,000        98.6     7,380,000        19.68

All directors and executive officers as a group (six individuals)

     8,625,000        100.0     7,500,000        20.00

 

* Less than 1%.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is 421 W. 3rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
(2) Assumes no exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, the forfeiture of an aggregate of 1,125,000 shares of Class B common stock held by our sponsor.
(3) Represents shares held by HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, of which this individual, as a manager, may be deemed to have or share voting and dispositive power over such shares. Mr. Hightower disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of his ultimate pecuniary interest.

Immediately after this offering, our sponsor will beneficially own approximately 20.0% of the then issued and outstanding shares of common stock (assuming they do not purchase any units offered by this prospectus). None of our sponsor, officers and directors has indicated to us it or they intend to purchase our securities in the offering. Because of the ownership block held by our sponsor, officers and directors, such individuals may be able to effectively exercise influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions other than approval of our initial business combination.

 

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If the underwriters do not exercise all or a portion of the over-allotment option, an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 founders’ shares will be forfeited. Only a number of shares necessary to maintain the 20% ownership interest in our shares of common stock after giving effect to the offering and the exercise, if any, of the underwriters’ over-allotment option (and assuming our sponsor does not purchase any units in this offering) will be necessary.

All of the founders’ shares outstanding prior to the date of this prospectus will be placed in escrow with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as escrow agent, until (1) with respect to 50% of the founders’ shares, the earlier of one year after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination and the date on which the closing price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the founders’ shares, one year after the date of the consummation of our initial business combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to our initial business combination, we consummate a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their founders’ shares for cash, securities or other property. Up to 1,125,000 of the founders’ shares may also be released from escrow earlier than this date for cancellation if the over-allotment option is not exercised in full as described above.

During the escrow period, the holders of these shares will not be able to sell or transfer their securities except for transfers, assignments or sales (i) to our or our sponsor’s officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to an entity’s members upon its liquidation, (iii) to relatives and trusts for estate planning purposes, (iv) by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to us for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination, or (vii) in connection with the consummation of a business combination at prices no greater than the price at which the shares were originally purchased, in each case (except for clause (vi) or with our prior consent) where the transferee agrees to the terms of the escrow agreement and to be bound by these transfer restrictions, but will retain all other rights as our stockholders, including, without limitation, the right to vote their founders’ shares and the right to receive cash dividends, if declared. If dividends are declared and payable in shares of Class B common stock, such dividends will also be placed in escrow. If we are unable to effect a business combination and liquidate, there will be no liquidation distribution with respect to the founders’ shares.

Our sponsor has committed to purchase the private placement warrants (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) from us. These purchases will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Our sponsor has also agreed if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from us an additional number of private placement warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 private placement warrants) at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant necessary to fund projected offering expenses and working capital requirements. These additional private placement warrants will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. Our sponsor has agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private placement warrants (except in connection with the same limited exceptions that the founders’ shares may be transferred as described above) until after the completion of our initial business combination.

To meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our sponsor, officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant. In the event the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

Our sponsor and our officers and directors are deemed to be our “promoters,” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws.

 

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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

In December 2017, we issued 10,062,500 shares of Class B common stock to our sponsor, HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, for $25,000 in cash, at a purchase price of approximately $0.002 per share, in connection with our organization. In March 2018, our sponsor returned to us, at no cost, an aggregate of 1,437,500 founder shares, which we cancelled, leaving an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding. In March 2018 , our sponsor transferred 40,000 founders’ shares to each of our independent director nominees.

If the underwriters do not exercise all or a portion of their over-allotment option, our sponsor will forfeit up to an aggregate of 1,125,000 shares of Class B common stock in proportion to the portion of the over-allotment option that was not exercised.

If the underwriters determine the size of the offering should be increased (including pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) or decreased, a share dividend or a contribution back to capital, as applicable, would be effectuated in order to maintain our sponsor’s ownership at a percentage of the number of shares to be sold in this offering.

Our sponsor has committed to purchase, pursuant to a written subscription agreement with us, the 8,000,000 private placement warrants (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) from us. This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. Our sponsor has also agreed if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from us at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant an additional number of private placement warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 warrants) necessary to fund our projected offering expenses and working capital requirements. These additional private placement warrants will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option. The private placement warrants are identical to the warrants attached to the units sold in this offering except the private placement warrants: (i) will not be redeemable by us and (ii) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, as described in this prospectus, so long as they are held our sponsor or any of its permitted transferees. Our sponsor has agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the private placement warrants (except to certain permitted transferees) until after the completion of our initial business combination.

We will enter into a forward purchase agreement with HighPeak LP pursuant to which HighPeak LP will agree to purchase an aggregate of up to 15,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and 7,500,000 warrants to purchase one share of Class A common stock, for $10.00 per forward purchase unit, or an aggregate maximum amount of $150,000,000, in a private placement that will close simultaneously with the closing of our initial business combination. HighPeak LP is affiliated with our sponsor and our management team and has or may acquire and operate oil and gas assets including oil and gas reserves; leasehold, working, net profits, mineral and royalty interests; tertiary recovery reserves; and gas processing plants and pipelines located primarily in North America. HighPeak LP’s obligation to purchase forward purchase units is conditioned on, among other things, our completing an initial business combination with a company engaged in a business that is within the investment objectives of HighPeak LP. HighPeak LP’s commitment is limited to gross proceeds to us necessary to enable us to consummate our initial business combination and pay related fees and expenses, after first applying amounts available to us from the trust account (after giving effect to any redemptions of public shares) and any other equity financing source obtained by us for such purpose at or prior to the consummation of our initial business combination, less the total purchase price paid by our sponsor for public warrants purchased pursuant to tender offers, as described herein, plus any additional amounts mutually agreed by us and HighPeak LP to be retained by the post-business combination company for working capital or other purposes. The proceeds from the forward purchase units may be used as part of the consideration to the sellers in our initial business combination, expenses in connection with our initial business combination, debt reduction, purchases of our securities or for working capital in the post-transaction company.

The shares of Class A common stock received as part of the units acquired pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will be identical to the Class A common stock shares included in the units being sold in this offering,

 

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except the shares acquired pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will be subject to transfer restrictions and certain registration rights, as described in this prospectus. The warrants received as part of the units purchased pursuant to the forward purchase agreement will have the same terms as the private placement warrants so long as they are held by HighPeak LP or its Permitted Transferees. Any warrant received pursuant to the forward purchase agreement and held by a holder other than HighPeak LP or its permitted transferees will have the same terms as the warrants included in the units being sold in this offering.

HighPeak LP will have the right to transfer all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the forward purchase agreement to Permitted Transferees, subject to our consent and compliance with applicable securities laws.

Our sponsor has committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our announcement of an initial business combination and occur in connection with such business combination. The warrant tender offer would not be conditioned upon any minimum number of warrants being tendered.

Our sponsor has also committed to offer or cause an affiliate to offer to purchase, at $1.00 per public warrant (exclusive of commissions), the outstanding public warrants in a tender offer that would commence after our filing of a proxy statement or information statement with respect to a proposed amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect the substance of timing of our obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering. Any such purchases would occur in connection with the effectiveness of such amendment.

On the date of this prospectus, our sponsor or an affiliate will either deposit cash funds or a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in an amount equal to $15,000,000 (or $17,250,000 if the over-allotment is exercised in full) with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The funds held in the escrow account may be used (or the letter of credit may be drawn upon) to pay $1.00 per warrant to holders of public warrants (excluding private placement warrants or forward purchase warrants) that tender in the tender offer for the public warrants. At any time, our sponsor or its affiliate may substitute a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing in lieu of cash or cash in lieu of a letter of credit. Neither funds in the escrow account nor the letter of credit shall be held in trust nor comprise any portion of any pro-rata distribution of our trust account. In the event a business combination is announced and a tender offer for the warrants is made, but the business combination is later abandoned, the tender offer will not be closed, and the warrants will be returned to the holders.

In the event that we are unable to close a business combination within the allotted time, the escrow agent will be authorized to transfer $1.00 per whole public warrant, to holders of public warrants other than our sponsor and its affiliates, at the same time as we redeem our public shares, and all public warrants will expire worthless.

Following the tender offer or payment to holders of public warrants described above, any amounts remaining in the escrow account will be returned to our sponsor or its affiliate.

To meet our working capital needs following the consummation of this offering, our sponsor, officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion. Each loan would be evidenced by a promissory note. The notes would either be paid upon consummation of our initial business combination, without interest, or, at holder’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of the notes may be converted into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant. In the event the initial business combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment.

The holders of our founders’ shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus, as well as the holders of the private placement warrants and any warrants our sponsor, officers, directors or any of their affiliates may

 

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be issued in payment of working capital loans (and all underlying securities) will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands that we register such securities. The holders of the majority of the founders’ shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these founders’ shares are to be released from escrow. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a business combination. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

As of the date of this prospectus, our sponsor has loaned us up to an aggregate of $200,000 to cover expenses related to this offering. The loan will be payable without interest on the consummation of this offering. We intend to repay this loan from the proceeds of this offering not being placed in trust.

Commencing on the date of listing of our securities on the NASDAQ through the acquisition of a target business, we will pay $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support.

No compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s, consulting fees and other similar fees, will be paid to our sponsor, members of our management team or their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the consummation of our initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). However, such individuals will receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf, such as identifying potential target businesses, performing business due diligence on suitable target businesses and business combinations as well as traveling to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses to examine their operations. There is no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket expenses reimbursable by us.

After our initial business combination, members of our management team who remain with us, if any, may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent then known, in the proxy solicitation materials furnished to our stockholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider an initial business combination, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation. In this event, such compensation will be publicly disclosed at the time of its determination in a Current Report on Form 8-K, as required by the SEC.

All ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable to us than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will require prior approval by a majority of our uninterested “independent” directors or the members of our board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at our expense, to our attorneys or independent legal counsel. We will not enter into any such transaction unless our disinterested “independent” directors determine that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to us than those that would be available to us with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.

Related Party Policy

Our Code of Ethics requires us to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, except under guidelines approved by the board of directors (or the audit committee). Related-party transactions are defined as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) we or any of our subsidiaries is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5% beneficial owner of our shares of common stock, or (c) immediate family member, of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). A conflict of interest situation can arise when a

 

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person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position.

Our audit committee, pursuant to its written charter, will be responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions to the extent we enter into such transactions. The audit committee will consider all relevant factors when determining whether to approve a related party transaction, including whether the related party transaction is on terms no less favorable to us than terms generally available from an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No director may participate in the approval of any transaction in which he is a related party, but that director is required to provide the audit committee with all material information concerning the transaction. We also require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.

These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

General

As of the date of this prospectus, we will be authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001, 10,350,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001. As of the date of this prospectus, 8,625,000 shares of Class B common stock are outstanding. No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding. The following description summarizes the material terms of our securities. Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a complete description you should refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, bylaws and the form of warrant agreement, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to the applicable provisions of Delaware law.

Units

Each unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one half of one warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock. The shares of Class A common stock and warrants will begin to trade separately on the 52 nd day after the date of this prospectus unless Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. inform us of their decision to allow earlier separate trading, provided in no event may the shares of Class A common stock and warrants be traded separately until we have filed with the SEC a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet reflecting our receipt of the gross proceeds of this offering. Once the shares of Class A common stock and warrants commence separate trading, holders will have the option to continue to hold units or separate their units into the component pieces. However, no fractional warrants will be issued and only whole warrants will trade.

We will file a Current Report on Form 8-K which includes an audited balance sheet promptly upon the consummation of this offering. The audited balance sheet will reflect proceeds we receive from the exercise of the over-allotment option, if the over-allotment option is exercised on the date of this prospectus. If the over-allotment option is exercised after the date of this prospectus, we will file an amendment to the Form 8-K to provide updated financial information to reflect the exercise of the over-allotment option. We will also include in this Form 8-K, an amendment thereto, or in a subsequent Form 8-K information indicating if Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. have allowed separate trading of the shares of Class A common stock and warrants prior to the 52 nd day after the date of this prospectus.

Common Stock

Our stockholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. In connection with any vote held to approve our initial business combination, our sponsor, as well as all of our officers and directors, have agreed to vote their respective founders’ shares owned by them immediately prior to this offering and any shares purchased in this offering or following this offering in the open market in favor of the proposed business combination.

We will consummate our initial business combination only if we have net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation and, solely if a vote is held to approve a business combination, a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock voted are voted in favor of the business combination.

Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares eligible to vote for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.

Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, if we do not consummate an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, our corporate existence will cease except for the

 

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purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating. If we are forced to liquidate prior to an initial business combination, our public stockholders are entitled to share ratably in the trust account, based on the amount then held in the trust account, and any assets remaining available for distribution to them. Our sponsor, officers and directors have agreed to waive their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution occurring upon our failure to consummate an initial business combination with respect to the founder’s shares. Our sponsor, officers and directors will therefore not participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to such shares. They will, however, participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to any shares of Class A common stock acquired in, or following, this offering.

Our stockholders have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the shares of Class A common stock, except public stockholders have the right to sell their shares to us in a tender offer or have their shares of Class A common stock converted to cash equal to their pro rata share of the trust account if they vote on the proposed business combination in connection with such business combination and the business combination is completed. Public stockholders who sell or convert their stock into their share of the trust account still have the right to exercise the warrants that they received as part of the units.

Founders’ Shares

The founders’ shares are identical to the shares of Class A common stock included in the Units being sold in this offering, and holders of founders’ shares have the same stockholder rights as public stockholders, except that (i) the founders’ shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in more detail below, (ii) our sponsor, officers and directors have entered into a letter agreement with us, pursuant to which they have agreed (A) to waive their redemption rights with respect to any founders’ shares and any public shares held by them in connection with the completion of our business combination and (B) to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to any founders’ shares held by them if we fail to complete our business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, although they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the trust account with respect to any public shares they hold if we fail to complete our business combination within such time period, (iii) the founders’ shares are shares of our Class B common stock that will automatically convert into shares of our Class A common stock at the time of our initial business combination, or at any time prior thereto at the option of the holder, on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment pursuant to certain anti-dilution rights, as described herein and (iv) are subject to registration rights. If we submit our business combination to our public stockholders for a vote, our initial stockholders have agreed to vote any founders’ shares held by them and any public shares purchased during or after this offering in favor of our initial business combination. The founders’ shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of our initial business combination on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like), and subject to further adjustment as provided herein. In the case additional shares of common stock, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in this prospectus and related to the closing of the business combination (other than the equity and equity linked securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement and equity and equity linked securities issued to the seller of the target business), including pursuant to a specified future issuance, the ratio at which founders’ shares shall convert into shares of Class A common stock will be adjusted (unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding founders’ shares agree to waive such adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance, including a specified future issuance) so that the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all of the founders’ shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of the total number of all shares of Class A common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering plus all shares of Class A common stock and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued in connection with the business combination (excluding any equity or equity linked securities issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreement and any shares or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the business combination). Holders of founders’ shares may also elect to convert their founders’ shares into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, subject to adjustment as provided above, at any time. With certain limited exceptions, the founder shares are not transferable, assignable or salable

 

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(except to our officers and directors and other persons or entities affiliated with our sponsor, each of whom will be subject to the same transfer restrictions), with respect to 50% of the founders’ shares, until the earlier of (A) one year after the completion of our initial business combination or (B) subsequent to our initial business combination, if the last sale price of our Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after our initial business combination, and with respect to the remaining 50% of the founders’ shares, until one year after the consummation of our initial business combination or, in either case, such earlier date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Class A common stock for cash, securities or other property.

Preferred Stock

There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors. No shares of preferred stock are being issued or registered in this offering. Accordingly, our board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of Class A common stock. However, the underwriting agreement prohibits us, prior to a business combination, from issuing preferred stock which participates in any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or which votes as a class with the Class A common stock on a business combination. We may issue some or all of the preferred stock to effect a business combination. In addition, the preferred stock could be utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of us. Although we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future.

Warrants

No warrants are currently outstanding. Each whole warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing on the later of 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination or 12 months from the closing of this offering. However, no warrants will be exercisable for cash unless we have an effective and current registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and a current prospectus relating to such shares of Class A common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the public warrants is not effective within a specified period following the consummation of our initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” for this purpose will mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock for the 5 trading days ending on the trading day prior to the date of exercise. The warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

The private placement warrants, as well as any warrants underlying additional units we issue to our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us, will be identical to the warrants underlying the units being offered by this prospectus except that such warrants will be exercisable for

 

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cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and will not be redeemable by us, in each case so long as they are still held by our sponsor or its permitted transferees.

We may call the warrants for redemption (excluding the private placement warrants including any private placement warrants issued to our sponsor, officers or directors in payment of working capital loans made to us), in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per warrant,

 

    at any time after the warrants become exercisable,

 

    upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder,

 

    if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations), for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders; and

 

    if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of Class A common stock underlying such warrants.

The right to exercise will be forfeited unless the warrants are exercised prior to the date specified in the notice of redemption. On and after the redemption date, a record holder of a warrant will have no further rights except to receive the redemption price for such holder’s warrant upon surrender of such warrant.

We have established the third of the redemption criterion discussed above to prevent a redemption call unless there is, at the time of the call, a significant premium to the warrant exercise price. If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption of the warrants, each warrantholder will be entitled to exercise its warrant prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price of the Class A common stock may fall below the $18.00 redemption trigger price (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) as well as the $11.50 (for whole shares) warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.

If we call the warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock for the 5 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of warrants.

The warrants will be issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval, by written consent or vote, of the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding warrants (including the private warrants) to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders.

The exercise price and number of shares of Class A common stock issuable on exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of Class A common stock at a price below their respective exercise prices.

The warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified or official bank check

 

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payable to us, for the number of warrants being exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Class A common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Class A common stock. After the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.

Under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts to have declared effective a prospectus relating to the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and keep such prospectus current until the expiration of the warrants. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so and, if we do not maintain a current prospectus relating to the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, holders will be unable to exercise their warrants for cash and we will not be required to net cash settle or cash settle the warrant exercise.

Warrant holders may elect to be subject to a restriction on the exercise of their warrants such that an electing warrant holder would not be able to exercise their warrants to the extent that, after giving effect to such exercise, such holder would beneficially own in excess of 9.8% of the shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the warrants. If, upon exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round up to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Class A common stock to be issued to the warrant holder.

Dividends

We have not paid any cash dividends on our shares of Class A common stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends prior to the completion of a business combination. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be dependent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of a business combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to a business combination will be within the discretion of our then board of directors. It is the present intention of our board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our board does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future.

Our Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent

The transfer agent for our securities and warrant agent for our warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 1 State Street, 30 th Floor, New York, New York 10004.

Listing of our Securities

We expect our units, Class A common stock and warrants quoted on Nasdaq under the symbols “PACQU,” “PACQ,” and “PACQW,” respectively. We anticipate our units will be listed on Nasdaq on or promptly after the effective date of the registration statement. Following the date the shares of our Class A common stock and warrants are eligible to trade separately, we anticipate the shares of our Class A common stock and warrants will be listed separately and as a unit on Nasdaq.

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws

Staggered board of directors

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors of approximately equal size. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of our board only by successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings.

 

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Special meeting of stockholders

Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by a majority vote of our board of directors, by our president or by our chairman or by our secretary at the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority of our issued and outstanding capital stock entitled to vote.

Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations

Our bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice will need to be delivered to our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the scheduled date of the annual meeting of stockholders. In the event that less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting of stockholders is given, a stockholder’s notice shall be timely if delivered to our principal executive offices not later than the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of our annual meeting of stockholders is first made or sent by us. Our bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

Authorized but unissued shares

Our authorized but unissued Class A common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved Class A common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Exclusive Forum Selection

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe this provision benefits our company by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors and officers will be indemnified by us to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law as it now exists or may in the future be amended. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, unless they violated their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived an improper personal benefit from their actions as directors.

Our bylaws also will permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. We will purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify the directors and officers.

 

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These provisions may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder’s investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. We believe these provisions, the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Immediately after this offering, we will have 37,500,000 shares of common stock outstanding, or 43,125,000 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full. Of these shares, the 30,000,000 shares sold in this offering, or 34,500,000 shares if the over-allotment option is exercised in full, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by one of our affiliates within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. All of the remaining shares are restricted securities under Rule 144, in that they were issued in private transactions not involving a public offering. All of those shares have been placed in escrow and will not be transferable until they are released except in limited circumstances described elsewhere in this prospectus.

Rule 144

A person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of common stock or warrants for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding, a sale and (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least three months before the sale. Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of common stock for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the three months preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:

 

    1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal 375,000 shares immediately after this offering (or 431,250 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full); and

 

    the average weekly trading volume of the shares of common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.

Sales under Rule 144 are also limited by manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

Restrictions on the Use of Rule 144 by Shell Companies or Former Shell Companies

Historically, the SEC staff had taken the position that Rule 144 is not available for the resale of securities initially issued by companies that are, or previously were, blank check companies, like us. The SEC has codified and expanded this position in the amendments discussed above by prohibiting the use of Rule 144 for resale of securities issued by any shell companies (other than business combination related shell companies) or any issuer that has been at any time previously a shell company. The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, if the following conditions are met:

 

    the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company;

 

    the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

 

    the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Form 8-K reports; and

 

    at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company.

As a result, it is likely that pursuant to Rule 144, our sponsor will be able to sell its founders’ shares freely without registration one year after we have completed our initial business combination assuming it is not an affiliate of ours at that time.

 

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Registration Rights

The holders of our founders’ shares issued and outstanding on the date of this prospectus and holders of the private placement warrants sold concurrently with this offering will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands that we register such securities. The holders of the majority of the founders’ shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these shares of common stock are to be released from escrow. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a business combination. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

This is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our units, Class A common stock and warrants, which we refer to collectively as our securities, purchased by public stockholders pursuant to this offering. Because the components of a unit are separable at the option of the holder, the holder of a unit generally should be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as the owner of the underlying Class A common stock and one half of one warrant component of the unit, as the case may be. As a result, the discussion below with respect to actual holders of Class A common stock and warrants should also apply to holders of units (as the deemed owners of the underlying Class A common stock and warrants that comprise the units). This discussion assumes that stockholders will hold our securities as capital assets within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

This discussion does not describe all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, including the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax on certain investment income and the different consequences that may apply if you are subject to special rules that apply to certain types of investors, such as:

 

    banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions;

 

    qualified foreign pension funds (or any entities all of the interests of which are held by a qualified foreign pension fund);

 

    dealers and traders in securities or foreign currencies;

 

    traders in securities that use the mark-to-market method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

    persons deemed to sell our securities under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

    persons that acquired our securities through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan;

 

    persons holding our securities as part of a hedge, straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, conversion transaction or other integrated investment or risk reduction transaction;

 

    certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

    U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

    partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or holders of interests therein; and

 

    tax-exempt or governmental organizations.

This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations, judicial opinions, published positions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and all other applicable authorities, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. taxation, or any U.S. federal taxes other than income taxes (such as gift and estate taxes).

If an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our securities, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the entity. If you are a partner in such an entity, you should consult your tax advisor.

WE URGE PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. INCOME, ESTATE AND OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS WITH RESPECT TO ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF OUR SECURITIES.

 

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Company

Personal Holding Company Status

We could be subject to a second level of U.S. federal income tax on a portion of our income if we are determined to be a personal holding company (“PHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. corporation generally will be classified as a PHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a given taxable year if (i) at any time during the last half of such taxable year, five or fewer individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency and including as individuals for this purpose certain entities such as certain tax-exempt organizations, pension funds, and charitable trusts) own or are deemed to own (pursuant to certain constructive ownership rules) more than 50% of the stock of the corporation by value and (ii) at least 60% of the corporation’s adjusted ordinary gross income, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for such taxable year consists of PHC income (which includes, among other things, dividends, interest, certain royalties, annuities and, under certain circumstances, rents).

Depending on the date and size of our initial business combination, it is possible that at least 60% of our adjusted ordinary gross income may consist of PHC income as discussed above. In addition, depending on the concentration of our stock in the hands of individuals, including the members of our sponsor and certain tax-exempt organizations, pension funds, and charitable trusts, it is possible that more than 50% of our stock will be owned or deemed owned (pursuant to the constructive ownership rules) by such persons during the last half of a taxable year. Thus, no assurance can be given that we will not become a PHC following this offering or in the future. If we are or were to become a PHC in a given taxable year, we would be subject to an additional PHC tax on our undistributed taxable income, subject to certain adjustments. The tax rate on undistributed PHC income is currently 20%.

Owners of our Securities

General

No authority directly addresses the U.S. federal income tax treatment of securities with terms substantially the same as the units, and, therefore, that treatment is not entirely clear. The acquisition of a unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the acquisition of one share of our Class A common stock and one half of one warrant to acquire one share of our Class A common stock. This treatment requires each holder of a unit to allocate the purchase price paid by such holder for such unit between the share of Class A common stock and the one half of one warrant based on their respective relative fair market values. A holder’s initial tax basis in the Class A common stock and the one half of one warrant included in each unit should equal the portion of the purchase price of the unit allocated thereto. Any disposition of a unit should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a disposition of the Class A common stock and one half of one warrant comprising the unit, and the amount realized on the disposition should be allocated between the Class A common stock and one half of one warrant based on their respective relative fair market values. The separation of the Class A common stock and one half of one warrant comprising a unit should not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The foregoing treatment of the Class A common stock and warrants and a holder’s purchase price allocation are not binding on the IRS or the courts. Because there are no authorities that directly address instruments that are similar to the units, no assurance can be given that the IRS or the courts will agree with the characterization described above or the discussion below. Accordingly, each prospective investor is urged to consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and any foreign tax consequences of an investment in a unit (including alternative characterizations of a unit). Unless otherwise stated, the following discussions are based on the assumption that the characterization of the Class A common stock and warrants and the allocation described above are accepted for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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U.S. Holders

This section applies to you if you are a “U.S. holder.” A U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of our units, shares of Class A common stock or warrants who or that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

    an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

    a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

    an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

 

    a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons (within the meaning of the Code) who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has in effect a valid election under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

Taxation of Distributions

If we pay cash distributions to U.S. holders of shares of our common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital that will be applied against and reduce (but not below zero) the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the common stock and will be treated as described under “U.S. Holders — Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock” below.

Dividends we pay to a U.S. holder that is a taxable corporation generally will qualify for the dividends received deduction if the requisite holding period is satisfied. With certain exceptions (including, but not limited to, dividends treated as investment income for purposes of investment interest deduction limitations), and provided certain holding period requirements are met, dividends we pay to a non-corporate U.S. holder will constitute “qualified dividends” that will be subject to tax at the maximum tax rate accorded to long-term capital gains. It is unclear whether the conversion feature of the common stock described under “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights” may be viewed as a position with respect to substantially similar or related property which diminishes your risk of loss and thereby affects your ability to satisfy the holding period requirements for the dividends received deduction or the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income with respect to the time period prior to the approval of an initial business combination.

Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock

A U.S. holder must treat any gain or loss recognized upon a sale, taxable exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock (which would include a dissolution and liquidation in the event we do not complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering) as capital gain or loss. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for the common stock so disposed of exceeds one year. It is unclear, however, as to whether the conversion feature of the common stock described under “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights” may suspend the running of the applicable holding period for this purpose. A U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received in such disposition (or, if the common stock is held as part of a unit at the time of the disposition, the portion of the amount realized on such disposition that is allocated to the common stock based upon the then fair market values of the Class A common stock and the one half of one warrant included in the unit) and (ii) the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its common stock so disposed of. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its common stock generally will equal the U.S. holder’s acquisition cost (that is, as discussed above, the

 

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portion of the purchase price of a unit allocated to a share of common stock) less any prior distributions treated as a return of capital. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations, as is the deduction for losses realized upon a taxable disposition by a U.S. holder of our common stock (whether or not held as part of a unit) if, within a period beginning 30 days before the date of such disposition and ending 30 days after such date, such U.S. holder has acquired (by purchase or by an exchange on which the entire amount of gain or loss was recognized by law), or has entered into a contract or option so to acquire, substantially identical stock or securities.

Conversion of Class A Common Stock

If you convert your Class A common stock into a right to receive cash as described in “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights”, the treatment of the transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes will depend on whether the conversion qualifies as a sale of the Class A common stock under Section 302 of the Code. If that conversion or redemption qualifies as a sale of Class A common stock, the U.S. holder will be treated as described under “U.S. Holders — Gain or Loss on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock” above. If that conversion does not qualify as a sale of Class A common stock, the U.S. holder will be treated as receiving a corporate distribution with the tax consequences described above under “U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions”. Whether that conversion qualifies for sale treatment will depend largely on the total number of shares of our stock treated as held by the U.S. holder (including any stock constructively owned by the U.S. holder as a result of owning warrants) relative to all of our shares both before and after the redemption. The conversion of Class A common stock will be treated as a sale of the Class A common stock (rather than as a corporate distribution) if the redemption (i) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the U.S. holder, (ii) results in a “complete termination” of the U.S. holder’s interest in us or (iii) is “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. holder. These tests are explained more fully below.

In determining whether any of the foregoing tests are satisfied, a U.S. holder takes into account not only stock actually owned by the U.S. holder, but also shares of our stock that are constructively owned by it. A U.S. holder may constructively own, in addition to stock owned directly, stock owned by certain related individuals and entities in which the U.S. holder has an interest or that have an interest in such U.S. holder, as well as any stock the U.S. holder has a right to acquire by exercise of an option, which would include Class A common stock which could be acquired pursuant to the exercise of the warrants. In order to meet the substantially disproportionate test, the percentage of our outstanding voting stock actually and constructively owned by the U.S. holder immediately following the redemption of Class A common stock must, among other requirements, be less than 80 percent of the percentage of our outstanding voting stock actually and constructively owned by the U.S. holder immediately before the redemption. There will be a complete termination of a U.S. holder’s interest if either (i) all of the shares of our stock actually and constructively owned by the U.S. holder are redeemed or (ii) all of the shares of our stock actually owned by the U.S. holder are redeemed and the U.S. holder is eligible to waive, and effectively waives in accordance with specific rules, the attribution of stock owned by certain family members and the U.S. holder does not constructively own any other stock. The conversion of the Class A common stock will not be essentially equivalent to a dividend if a U.S. holder’s conversion results in a “meaningful reduction” of the U.S. holder’s proportionate interest in us. Whether the conversion will result in a meaningful reduction in a U.S. holder’s proportionate interest in us will depend on the particular facts and circumstances. However, the IRS has indicated in a published ruling that even a small reduction in the proportionate interest of a small minority stockholder in a publicly held corporation who exercises no control over corporate affairs may constitute such a “meaningful reduction.” A U.S. holder should consult with its own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of a conversion.

If none of the foregoing tests are satisfied, then the conversion will be treated as a corporate distribution and the tax effects will be as described under “U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions,” above. After the application of those rules, any remaining tax basis of the U.S. holder in the converted Class A common stock will be added to the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its remaining stock, or, if it has none, to the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its warrants or possibly in other stock constructively owned by it.

 

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Exercise of a Warrant

Except as discussed below with respect to the cashless exercise of a warrant, a U.S. holder will not be required to recognize taxable gain or loss upon exercise of a warrant. The U.S. holder’s tax basis in the share of our Class A common stock received upon exercise of the warrant will be an amount equal to the sum of the U.S. holder’s initial investment in the warrant (i.e., the portion of the U.S. holder’s purchase price for units that is allocated to the warrant, as described above under “— General”) and the exercise price. The U.S. holder’s holding period for the share of our Class A common stock received upon exercise of the warrants will begin on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the date of exercise) of the warrants and will not include the period during which the U.S. holder held the warrants.

The tax consequences of a cashless exercise of a warrant are not clear under current tax law. A cashless exercise may be tax-free, either because the exercise is not a gain realization event or because the exercise is treated as a recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In either tax-free situation, a U.S. holder’s basis in the Class A common stock received would equal the holder’s basis in the warrant. If the cashless exercise were treated as not being a gain realization event, a U.S. holder’s holding period in the Class A common stock would be treated as commencing on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the date of exercise) of the warrant. If the cashless exercise were treated as a recapitalization, the holding period of the Class A common stock would include the holding period of the warrant.

It is also possible that a cashless exercise could be treated in part as a taxable exchange in which gain or loss would be recognized. In such event, a U.S. holder would recognize gain or loss with respect to the portion of the exercised warrants treated as surrendered to pay the exercise price of the warrants (the “surrendered warrants”). The U.S. holder would recognize capital gain or loss with respect to the surrendered warrants in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the fair market value of the Class A common stock that would have been received with respect to the surrendered warrants in a regular exercise of warrants and (ii) the sum of the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the surrendered warrants and the aggregate cash exercise price of such warrants (if they had been exercised in a regular exercise). In this case, a U.S. holder’s tax basis in the Class A common stock received would equal the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the warrants exercised plus (or minus) the gain (or loss) recognized with respect to the surrendered warrants. A U.S. holder’s holding period for the Class A common stock would commence on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the date of exercise) of the warrant.

Due to the absence of authority on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a cashless exercise, there can be no assurance which, if any, of the alternative tax consequences and holding periods described above would be adopted by the IRS or a court of law. Accordingly, U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of a cashless exercise.

Sale, Taxable Exchange, Redemption or Expiration of a Warrant

Upon a sale, taxable exchange (other than by exercise), redemption, or expiration of a warrant, a U.S. holder will be required to recognize taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized upon such disposition or expiration (or, if the warrant is held as part of units at the time of the disposition of the units, the portion of the amount realized on such disposition that is allocated to the warrant based on the then fair market values of the warrant and the Class A common stock included in the units) and (ii) the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the warrant (that is, the portion of the U.S. holder’s purchase price for units that is allocated to the warrant, as described above under “— General”). Such gain or loss would be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the warrant was held by the U.S. holder for more than one year at the time of such disposition or expiration. As discussed above, the deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations, as is the deduction for losses upon a taxable disposition by a U.S. holder of a warrant (whether or not held as part of units) if, within a period beginning 30 days before the date of such disposition and ending 30 days after such date, such U.S. holder has acquired (by purchase or by an exchange on which the entire amount of gain or loss was recognized by law), or has entered into a contract or option so to acquire, substantially identical stock or securities.

 

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Possible Constructive Distributions

The terms of each warrant provide for an adjustment to the number of shares of Class A common stock for which the warrant may be exercised or to the exercise price of the warrant in certain events, as discussed in the section of this prospectus captioned “Description of Securities — Warrants.” An adjustment which has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. Nevertheless, a U.S. holder of warrants would be treated as receiving a constructive distribution from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the holder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through an increase in the number of shares of Class A common stock that would be obtained upon exercise) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of shares of our Class A common stock which is taxable to the U.S. holders of such shares as described under “U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions” above. Such constructive distribution would be subject to tax as described under that section in the same manner as if such U.S. holder received a cash distribution from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information reporting requirements will apply to payments of dividends and proceeds of sales of securities to U.S. holders that are not exempt recipients (such as corporations). Backup withholding, currently at a rate of 24%, will apply to such payments if the U.S. holder (i) fails to provide to the payment agent a taxpayer identification number, (ii) furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number, (iii) is notified by the IRS that it has failed to properly report payments of interest and dividends, or (iv) under certain circumstances, fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that it has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely provided to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders

This section is addressed to non-U.S. holders of the securities. For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a security (other than an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.

Taxation of Distributions

Any distributions of cash or property on our common stock will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the non-U.S. holder’s tax basis in our common stock and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such common stock. See “— Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock and Warrants” below. Subject to the withholding rules under FATCA (as defined below) and with respect to effectively connected dividends, each of which is discussed below, any distribution made to a non-U.S. holder on our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for a lower rate. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable or successor form) certifying qualification for the reduced rate. In addition, if we determine that we are classified as a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (see “— Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock and Warrants” below), we may withhold 15% of any distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are treated as

 

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attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons (as defined under the Code). Such effectively connected dividends will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies certain certification requirements by providing the applicable withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI certifying eligibility for exemption. If the non-U.S. holder is a non-U.S. corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items), which will include effectively connected dividends.

Exercise of a Warrant

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a non-U.S. holder’s exercise of a warrant generally will correspond to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the exercise of a warrant by a U.S. holder, as described under “U.S. Holders — Exercise of a Warrant” above, although to the extent a cashless exercise results in a taxable exchange, the consequences would be similar to those described below in “Non-U.S. Holders — Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock and Warrants.”

Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Class A Common Stock and Warrants

A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax in respect of gain recognized on a sale, taxable exchange or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock, which would include a dissolution and liquidation in the event we do not complete an initial business combination within 18 months from the closing of this offering, or warrants (including an expiration or redemption of our warrants), in each case without regard to whether those securities were held as part of a unit, unless:

 

    the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, under certain income tax treaties, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder);

 

    the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and certain other conditions are met; or

 

    we are or have been a “U.S. real property holding corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held our common stock, and, in the case where shares of our common stock are regularly traded on an established securities market, the non-U.S. holder has owned, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of our common stock at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or such non-U.S. holder’s holding period for the shares of our common stock. There can be no assurance that our common stock will be treated as regularly traded on an established securities market for this purpose. Special rules may apply to the determination of the 5% threshold in the case of a holder of a warrant. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of holding the warrants on the calculation of such 5% threshold.

Unless an applicable treaty provides otherwise, gain described in the first bullet point above will be subject to tax at generally applicable U.S. federal income tax rates. Any gains described in the first bullet point above of a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or lower treaty rate). Gain described in the second bullet point above (which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses) will be subject to a flat 30% U.S. federal income tax. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding possible eligibility for benefits under income tax treaties.

If the third bullet point above applies to a non-U.S. holder, gain recognized by such holder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock or warrants will be subject to tax at generally applicable U.S. federal income tax rates. In addition, a buyer of our common stock or warrants from such holder may be required to

 

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withhold U.S. income tax at a rate of 15% of the amount realized upon such disposition. Although we currently are not a U.S. real property holding corporation, we cannot determine whether we will be a U.S. real property holding corporation in the future until we complete an initial business combination. We will be classified as a U.S. real property holding corporation if the fair market value of our “U.S. real property interests” equals or exceeds 50 percent of the sum of the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests plus our other assets used or held for use in a trade or business, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Conversion of Common Stock

The characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of the conversion of a non-U.S. holder’s common stock pursuant to the conversion provisions described in this prospectus under “Proposed Business — Effecting a Business Combination — Conversion Rights”, generally will correspond to the U.S. federal income tax characterization of such a redemption of a U.S. holder’s common stock, as described under “U.S. Holders — Conversion of Common Stock” above, and the consequences of the conversion to the non-U.S. holder will be as described above under “Non-U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions” and “Non-U.S. Holders — Gain on Sale, Taxable Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock and Warrants,” as applicable.

Possible Constructive Distributions

The terms of each warrant provide for an adjustment to the number of shares of Class A common stock for which the warrant may be exercised or to the exercise price of the warrant in certain events, as discussed in the section of this prospectus captioned “Description of Securities — Warrants.” An adjustment which has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. Nevertheless, a non-U.S. holder of warrants would be treated as receiving a constructive distribution from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the holder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through an increase in the number of shares of Class A common stock that would be obtained upon exercise) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of shares of our Class A common stock which is taxable to the non-U.S. holders of such shares as described under “Non-U.S. Holders — Taxation of Distributions” above. A non-U.S. Holder would be subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding under that section in the same manner as if such non-U.S. Holder received a cash distribution from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest without any corresponding receipt of cash.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

We must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends or other distributions we may pay to you on your shares of common stock and the amount of tax we withhold on any such distributions, regardless of whether withholding is required. In the case of a non-U.S. holder, the IRS may make copies of the information returns reporting those dividends and amounts withheld available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides pursuant to the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or exchange of information treaty.

The gross amount of dividends and proceeds from the disposition of our common stock or warrants paid to a holder that fails to provide the appropriate certification in accordance with applicable U.S. Treasury regulations generally will be subject to backup withholding at the applicable rate.

Information reporting and backup withholding generally are not required with respect to the amount of any proceeds from the sale by a non-U.S. holder of common stock or warrants outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker that does not have certain specified connections to the United States. However, if a non-U.S. holder sells common stock or warrants through a U.S. broker or the U.S. office of a foreign broker, the broker will be required to report to the IRS the amount of proceeds paid to such holder, unless the non-U.S. holder provides appropriate certification (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E) to the broker of its status as a non-U.S. holder or such non-U.S. holder is an exempt recipient. In addition, for information

 

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reporting purposes, certain non-U.S. brokers with certain type of relationships with the United States will be treated in a manner similar to United States brokers.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts we withhold with respect to your shares of common stock or warrants under the backup withholding rules may be refunded to you or credited against your United States federal income tax liability, if any, by the IRS provided that certain required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance promulgated thereunder (commonly referred as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” or “FATCA”) generally impose withholding at a rate of 30% in certain circumstances on dividends in respect of, and, after December 31, 2018, gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our securities which are held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless any such institution (i) enters into, and complies with, an agreement with the IRS to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to interests in, and accounts maintained by, the institution that are owned by certain U.S. persons and by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments, or (ii) if required under an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, reports such information to its local tax authority, which will exchange such information with the U.S. authorities. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. Accordingly, the entity through which our securities are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in respect of, and, after December 31, 2018, gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our securities held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity that does not qualify under certain exceptions will generally be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies to us or the applicable withholding agent that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which will in turn be provided to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in our securities.

 

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UNDERWRITING

We are offering the units described in this prospectus through the underwriters named below. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. are acting as representatives of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the representatives. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, the number of units listed next to each of its name in the following table:

 

Underwriter    Number of
Units
 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

  

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

  

Total

     30,000,000  

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters must buy all of the units if they buy any of them. However, the underwriters are not required to purchase the units covered by the option to purchase additional units as described below.

Our units are offered subject to a number of conditions, including:

receipt and acceptance of our units by the underwriters; and

the underwriters’ right to reject orders in whole or in part.

In connection with this offering, the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses electronically.

Option To Purchase Additional Units

We have granted the underwriters an option to buy up to an aggregate of 4,500,000 additional units. The underwriters have 45 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option. If the underwriters exercise this option, they will purchase additional units approximately in proportion to the amounts specified in the table above.

Underwriting Discount

Units sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any units sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $                per unit from the initial public offering price and the dealers may reallow a concession not in excess of $                per unit to other dealers. Sales of units made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters. If all the units are not sold at the initial public offering price, the representative may change the offering price and the other selling terms. Upon execution of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase the units at the prices and upon the terms stated therein.

The following table shows the per unit and total underwriting discount we will pay to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional units.

 

     No Exercise      Full Exercise  

Per Unit

   $ 0.20      $ 0.20  

Total

   $ 6,000,000      $ 6,900,000  

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, not including the underwriting discount, will be approximately $1,000,000, which includes out-of-pocket fees and expenses up to an aggregate of $150,000 for which we have agreed to reimburse the underwriters.

 

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Lock-Up

We, our sponsor and our officers, directors and director-nominees and participants in our directed unit program have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any units, warrants, shares of common stock (including any units, warrants or shares of common stock acquired pursuant to our directed unit program) or any other securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, shares of common stock, subject to certain exceptions. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., in their sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time without notice, other than in the case of the officers and directors, which shall be with notice. Our sponsor, officers and directors are also subject to separate transfer restrictions on their founder shares and private placement warrants pursuant to the insider letters as described herein.

Directed Unit Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to     % of the units offered by this prospectus for sale to our directors, officers and certain other individuals associated with us. If these persons purchase reserved units, it will reduce the number of units available for sale to the general public. Any reserved units that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other units offered by this prospectus. Any units purchased through the directed unit program will be subject to the 180-day lock-up restriction described above. Such restrictions may be waived with the prior written consent of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., as described above. The directed share program will be arranged through Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. The underwriters will receive the same underwriting discount on any units purchased pursuant to this program as they will on any other units sold to the public in this offering. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act, in connection with the directed share program.

Indemnification

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act. If we are unable to provide this indemnification, we have agreed to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

NASDAQ Listing

We intend to apply to have our units listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “PACQU” and, once the Class A common stock and warrants begin separate trading, to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “PACQ” and “PACQW,” respectively.

Business Combination Marketing Agreement

We have engaged Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital severally as advisors in connection with our business combination to assist us in arranging meetings with our shareholders to discuss the potential business combination and the target business’ attributes, introduce us to potential investors that are interested in purchasing our securities, assist us in obtaining shareholder approval for the business combination and assist us with the preparation of our press releases and public filings in connection with the business combination. We will pay Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital a cash fee for such services upon the consummation of our initial business combination in an amount equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might become payable). Pursuant to the terms of the business combination marketing agreement, no fee will be due if we do not complete an initial business combination.

 

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Price Stabilization, Short Positions

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of units during and after this offering, including:

 

    stabilizing transactions;

 

    short sales;

 

    purchases to cover positions created by short sales;

 

    imposition of penalty bids; and

 

    syndicate covering transactions.

Stabilizing transactions consist of bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our units while this offering is in progress. Stabilization transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. These transactions may also include making short sales of our units, which involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of units than they are required to purchase in this offering and purchasing units on the open market to cover short positions created by short sales. Short sales may be “covered short sales,” which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units referred to above, or may be “naked short sales,” which are short positions in excess of that amount.

The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option, in whole or in part, or by purchasing units in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of units available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase units through the over-allotment option.

Naked short sales are short sales made in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing units in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the units in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchased in this offering.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the representative of the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representative has repurchased units sold by or for the account of that underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

These stabilizing transactions, short sales, purchases to cover positions created by short sales, the imposition of penalty bids and syndicate covering transactions may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our units or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our units. As a result of these activities, the price of our units may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the units. Neither we, nor the underwriters, make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these stabilization transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Determination of Offering Price

Prior to this offering, there was no public market for our units. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiation between us and the representative of the underwriters. The principal factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price include:

 

    the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representative;

 

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    our history and prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

 

    our past and present financial performance;

 

    our prospects for future earnings and the present state of our development;

 

    the general condition of the securities market at the time of this offering;

 

    the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded units of generally comparable companies; and

 

    other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us.

The estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this preliminary prospectus is subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors. Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our units, warrants or Class A common stock or that the units will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

Affiliations

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital and their respective affiliates are financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital and their respective affiliates may from time to time in the future engage with us and perform services for us for which they will receive customary fees and expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve our securities and/or instruments. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of our securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in our securities and instruments.

Additional Future Arrangements

Except as described herein, we are not under any contractual obligation to engage any of the underwriters to provide any services for us after this offering, and have no present intent to do so. However, the underwriters may introduce us to potential target businesses or assist us in raising additional capital in the future. If any of the underwriters provide services to us after this offering, we may pay such underwriter fair and reasonable fees that would be determined at that time in an arm’s length negotiation; provided that no agreement will be entered into with any underwriter and no fees for such services will be paid to any underwriter prior to the date that is 90 days from the date of this prospectus, unless FINRA determines that such payment would not be deemed underwriter’s compensation in connection with this offering.

Electronic Distribution

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by the underwriters participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of units for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

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Selling Restrictions

Canada

Resale Restrictions

We intend to distribute our securities in the Province of Ontario, Canada (the “Canadian Offering Jurisdiction”) by way of a private placement and exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in such Canadian Offering Jurisdiction. Any resale of our securities in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws that will vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Canadian resale restrictions in some circumstances may apply to resales of interests made outside of Canada. Canadian purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of our securities. We may never be a “reporting issuer”, as such term is defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, in any province or territory of Canada in which our securities will be offered and there currently is no public market for any of the securities in Canada, and one may never develop. Canadian investors are advised that we have no intention to file a prospectus or similar document with any securities regulatory authority in Canada qualifying the resale of the securities to the public in any province or territory in Canada.

Representations of Purchasers

A Canadian purchaser will be required to represent to us and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:

 

    the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase our securities without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under those securities laws;

 

    where required by law, that the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent;

 

    the purchaser has reviewed the text above under Resale Restrictions; and

 

    the purchaser acknowledges and consents to the provision of specified information concerning its purchase of our securities to the regulatory authority that by law is entitled to collect the information.

Rights of Action — Ontario Purchasers Only

Under Ontario securities legislation, certain purchasers who purchase a security offered by this prospectus during the period of distribution will have a statutory right of action for damages, or while still the owner of our securities, for rescission against us in the event that this prospectus contains a misrepresentation without regard to whether the purchaser relied on the misrepresentation. The right of action for damages is exercisable not later than the earlier of 180 days from the date the purchaser first had knowledge of the facts giving rise to the cause of action and three years from the date on which payment is made for our securities. The right of action for rescission is exercisable not later than 180 days from the date on which payment is made for our securities. If a purchaser elects to exercise the right of action for rescission, the purchaser will have no right of action for damages against us. In no case will the amount recoverable in any action exceed the price at which our securities were offered to the purchaser and if the purchaser is shown to have purchased the securities with knowledge of the misrepresentation, we will have no liability. In the case of an action for damages, we will not be liable for all or any portion of the damages that are proven to not represent the depreciation in value of our securities as a result of the misrepresentation relied upon. These rights are in addition to, and without derogation from, any other rights or remedies available at law to an Ontario purchaser. The foregoing is a summary of the rights available to an Ontario purchaser. Ontario purchasers should refer to the complete text of the relevant statutory provisions.

 

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Enforcement of Legal Rights

All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein are located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada upon us or those persons. All of our assets and the assets of those persons are located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.

Collection of Personal Information

If a Canadian purchaser is resident in or otherwise subject to the securities laws of the Province of Ontario, the Purchaser authorizes the indirect collection of personal information pertaining to the Canadian purchaser by the Ontario Securities Commission (the “OSC”) and each Canadian purchaser will be required to acknowledge and agree that the Canadian purchaser has been notified by us (i) of the delivery to the OSC of personal information pertaining to the Canadian purchaser, including, without limitation, the full name, residential address and telephone number of the Canadian purchaser, the number and type of securities purchased and the total purchase price paid in respect of the securities, (ii) that this information is being collected indirectly by the OSC under the authority granted to it in securities legislation, (iii) that this information is being collected for the purposes of the administration and enforcement of the securities legislation of Ontario, and (iv) that the title, business address and business telephone number of the public official in Ontario who can answer questions about the OSC’s indirect collection of the information is the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Corporate Finance, the Ontario Securities Commission, Suite 1903, Box 5520, Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3S8, Telephone: (416) 593-8086, Facsimile: (416) 593-8252.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “relevant member state”), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that relevant member state (the “relevant implementation date”), an offer of units described in this prospectus may not be made to the public in that relevant member state prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the units that has been approved by the competent authority in that relevant member state or, where appropriate, approved in another relevant member state and notified to the competent authority in that relevant member state, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that, with effect from and including the relevant implementation date, an offer of our units may be made to the public in that relevant member state at any time:

 

    to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

    to fewer than 100, or, if the relevant member state has implemented the relevant provisions of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by the issuer for any such offer; or natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined below) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriter for any such offer; or

 

    in any other circumstances that do not require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

Each purchaser of units described in this prospectus located within a relevant member state will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purpose of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the units to

 

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be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the units, as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that member state, and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the PD 2010 Amending Directive to the extent implemented by the relevant member state) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state, and the expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.

We have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of units through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters with a view to the final placement of the units as contemplated in this prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the units, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the units on behalf of us or the underwriters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA), and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

This prospectus is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive that are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as a “relevant person”). The units are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to purchase or otherwise acquire such units will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

Notice to Prospective Investors in France

Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the units described in this prospectus has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers or by the competent authority of another member state of the European Economic Area and notified to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The units have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the units has been or will be:

 

    released, issued, distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed to the public in France; or

 

    used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of the units to the public in France.

 

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Such offers, sales and distributions will be made in France only:

 

    to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) and/or to a restricted circle of investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs), in each case investing for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Article L.411-2, D.411-1, D.411-2, D.734-1, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code monétaire et financier;

 

    to investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management on behalf of third parties; or

 

    in a transaction that, in accordance with article L.411-2-II-1° -or-2° -or 3° of the French Code monétaire et financier and article 211-2 of the General Regulations (Règlement Général) of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, does not constitute a public offer (appel public à l’épargne).

The units may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 through L.621-8-3 of the French Code monétaire et financier.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Israel

In the State of Israel, the units offered hereby may not be offered to any person or entity other than the following:

 

    a fund for joint investments in trust (i.e., mutual fund), as such term is defined in the Law for Joint Investments in Trust, 5754-1994, or a management company of such a fund;

 

    a provident fund as defined in Section 47(a)(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance of the State of Israel, or a management company of such a fund;

 

    an insurer, as defined in the Law for Oversight of Insurance Transactions, 5741-1981, (d) a banking entity or satellite entity, as such terms are defined in the Banking Law (Licensing), 5741-1981, other than a joint services company, acting for their own account or fro the account of investors of the type listed in Section 15A(b) of the Securities Law 1968;

 

    a company that is licensed as a portfolio manager, as such term is defined in Section 8(b) of the Law for the Regulation of Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers, 5755-1995, acting on its own account or for the account of investors of the type listed in Section 15A(b) of the Securities Law 1968;

 

    a company that is licensed as an investment advisor, as such term is defined in Section 7(c) of the Law for the Regulation of Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers, 5755-1995, acting on its own account;

 

    a company that is a member of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, acting on its own account or for the account of investors of the type listed in Section 15A(b) of the Securities Law 1968;

 

    an underwriter fulfilling the conditions of Section 56(c) of the Securities Law, 5728-1968;

 

    a venture capital fund (defined as an entity primarily involved in investments in companies which, at the time of investment, (i) are primarily engaged in research and development or manufacture of new technological products or processes and (ii) involve above-average risk);

 

    an entity primarily engaged in capital markets activities in which all of the equity owners meet one or more of the above criteria; and

 

    an entity, other than an entity formed for the purpose of purchasing units in this offering, in which the shareholders equity (including pursuant to foreign accounting rules, international accounting regulations and U.S. generally accepted accounting rules, as defined in the Securities Law Regulations (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements), 1993) is in excess of NIS 250 million.

Any offeree of the units offered hereby in the State of Israel shall be required to submit written confirmation that it falls within the scope of one of the above criteria. This prospectus will not be distributed or directed to investors in the State of Israel who do not fall within one of the above criteria.

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Italy

The offering of the units offered hereby in Italy has not been registered with the Commissione Nazionale per la Società e la Borsa (“CONSOB”) pursuant to Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, the units offered hereby cannot be offered, sold or delivered in the Republic of Italy (“Italy”) nor may any copy of this prospectus or any other document relating to the units offered hereby be distributed in Italy other than to professional investors ( operatori qualificati ) as defined in Article 31, second paragraph, of CONSOB Regulation No. 11522 of 1 July, 1998 as subsequently amended. Any offer, sale or delivery of the units offered hereby or distribution of copies of this prospectus or any other document relating to the units offered hereby in Italy must be made:

 

    by an investment firm, bank or intermediary permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998 and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993 (the “Banking Act”);

 

    in compliance with Article 129 of the Banking Act and the implementing guidelines of the Bank of Italy; and

 

    in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations and other possible requirements or limitations which may be imposed by Italian authorities.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Sweden

This prospectus has not been nor will it be registered with or approved by Finansinspektionen (the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority). Accordingly, this prospectus may not be made available, nor may the units offered hereunder be marketed and offered for sale in Sweden, other than under circumstances which are deemed not to require a prospectus under the Financial Instruments Trading Act (1991: 980). This offering will be made to no more than 100 persons or entities in Sweden.

LEGAL MATTERS

Thompson & Knight LLP, Dallas, Texas, is acting as our counsel in connection with the registration of our securities under the Securities Act, and as such, will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this offering. Greenberg Traurig, LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel to the underwriters.

EXPERTS

The balance sheet of Pure Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows for the period from November 13, 2017 (inception) to December 31, 2017 included in this Prospectus have been audited by WithumSmith+Brown, PC, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report, thereon, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and are included in reliance on such report given upon such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities we are offering by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information about us and our securities, you should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement. Whenever we make reference in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the references are materially complete but may not include a description of all aspects of such contracts, agreements or other documents, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or other document.

 

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Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act and will file annual, quarterly and current event reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facility at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.

You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of

Pure Acquisition Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, the related statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows, for the period from November 13, 2017 (inception) to December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from November 13, 2017 (inception) to December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

New York, New York

March 22, 2018

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2017

 

ASSETS

  

Current Assets:

  

Cash

   $ 25,000  

Other Assets:

  

Deferred offering costs

     206,360  
  

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 231,360  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

  

Current Liabilities: Accrued formation and offering costs

   $ 212,241  

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 5)

  

Stockholder’s Equity:

  

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —    

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —    

Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 12,000,000 shares authorized, 8,625,000 (1) (2) issued and outstanding

     863  

Additional paid-in capital

     24,137  

Accumulated deficit

     (5,881
  

 

 

 

Total Stockholder’s Equity

     19,119  
  

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

   $ 231,360  
  

 

 

 

 

(1)   This number includes 1,125,000 shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment is not exercised by the underwriters

 

(2)   Shares and amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect forfeiture of 1,437,500 shares in March 2018. (see Note 4).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

 

Formation and operating costs

   $ 5,881  
  

 

 

 

NET LOSS

   $ (5,881
  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (1) (2)

     7,500,000  
  

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.00
  

 

 

 

 

(1) This number excludes 1,125,000 shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment is not exercised by the underwriters

 

(2)   Shares and amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect forfeiture of 1,437,500 shares in March 2018. (see Note 4).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

 

     Class B Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
     Accumulated
Deficit
    Stockholder’s
Equity
 
     Shares      Amount          

Balance, November 13, 2017 (Inception)

     —        $ —        $ —      $ —       $ —    

Issuance of Class B common stock to Sponsor (1) (2)

     8,625,000        863        24,137        —         25,000  

Net Loss

     —          —          —          (5,881     (5,881
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

     8,625,000      $ 863      $ 24,137      $ (5,881   $ 19,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) This number includes 1,125,000 shares subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment is not exercised by the underwriters

 

(2)   Shares and amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect forfeiture of 1,437,500 shares in March 2018. (see Note 4).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  

Net loss

   $ (5,881

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

  

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     5,881  
  

 

 

 

Net change in Operating Activities

     —    
  

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  

Proceeds from Issuance of Class B common stock to Sponsor

     25,000  
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by Financing Activities

     25,000  
  

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH

     25,000  

Cash, Beginning of Period

     —    
  

 

 

 

Cash, End of Period

   $ 25,000  
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Financing Activities:

  

Deferred offering costs included in accrued formation and offering costs:

   $ 206,360  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations

Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated in Delaware on November 13, 2017 as a blank check company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities (a “Business Combination”). We intend to focus our search for target businesses in the energy industry with an emphasis on opportunities in the upstream oil and gas industry in North America.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had not yet commenced any operations. All activity from November 13, 2017 (inception) through December 31, 2017 relates to the Company’s formation and the proposed public offering described below. The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year-end. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.

The Company’s ability to commence operations is contingent upon obtaining adequate financial resources through the proposed public offering of 30,000,000 Units (or 34,500,000 units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) at a purchase price of $10.00 per Unit as discussed in Note 3 (the “Proposed Public Offering”). Each unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one half of one warrant (a “Unit”). Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50. Each warrant will become exercisable on the later of 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination or 12 months from the closing of this offering and will expire on the fifth anniversary of our completion of an initial business combination, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 Units to cover over-allotments, if any.

HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC (“HighPeak” and the “Sponsor”) has committed to purchase from us an aggregate of 8,000,000 private placement warrants at $1.00 per private placement warrant (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. The Sponsor has also agreed if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from us additional private placement warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 private placement warrants) at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant for a total purchase price of up to $900,000. These additional private placement warrants will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of Units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option.

The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully. Upon the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, management has agreed that at least $10.00 per Unit sold in the Proposed Public Offering will be held in a trust account (“Trust Account”) until the earlier of (i) the consummation of its initial Business Combination or (ii) the Company’s failure to consummate a Business Combination within 18 months from the consummation of the Proposed Public Offering. Placing funds in the Trust Account may not protect those funds from third party claims against the Company. Although the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to have all vendors, service providers, prospective target businesses or other entities it engages, execute agreements with the Company waiving any claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account, there is no guarantee such persons will execute such agreements. The remaining net proceeds (not held in the Trust Account) may be used to pay for business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective acquisitions and continuing general and administrative expenses. Additionally, the interest earned on the Trust Account balance may be released to

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (Continued)

 

the Company for any amounts necessary to pay (i) the Company’s income and other tax obligations, (ii) payment of $10,000 per month to our sponsor or one of its affiliates, for up to 18 months, for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support commencing on the date of listing of the Company’s securities on the NASDAQ, and (iii) the Company’s liquidation expenses if the Company is unable to consummate a Business Combination within the required time period (up to a maximum of $50,000).

The amount of proceeds not held in Trust is expected to be approximately $1.0 million, after the payment of approximately $7.0 million in expenses related to the Proposed Public Offering, inclusive of $6.0 million of underwriting fees. To meet its working capital needs following the consummation of the Proposed Public Offering, the Company’s Sponsor or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required. The loans would either be paid upon consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be converted upon consummation of the Company’s Business Combination into private placement warrants at a price of $1.00 per unit. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination, the loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside of the Trust Account.

Initial Business Combination

Pursuant to the NASDAQ Capital Markets listing rules, the Company’s initial Business Combination must be with a target business or businesses whose collective fair market value is at least equal to 80% of the balance in the Trust Account, net of taxes payable, at the time of the execution of a definitive agreement for such Business Combination, although this may entail simultaneous acquisitions of several target businesses. The fair market value of the target will be determined by the Company’s board of directors based upon one or more standards generally accepted by the financial community (such as actual and potential sales, earnings, cash flow, proved oil and gas reserves, oil and gas production, oil and gas lease acreage and/or book value). The target business or businesses the Company acquires may have a collective fair market value substantially in excess of 80% of the Trust Account balance. To consummate such a Business Combination, the Company may issue a significant amount of its debt or equity securities to the sellers of such business and/or seek to raise additional funds through a private offering of debt or equity securities. If the Company’s securities are not listed on NASDAQ after the Proposed Public Offering, the Company would not be required to satisfy the 80% requirement. However, the Company intends to satisfy the 80% requirement even if the Company’s securities are not listed on NASDAQ at the time of the initial Business Combination.

The Company will provide the public stockholders, who are the holders of the Class A common stock (“Public Shares”) which will be sold as part of the Units in the Proposed Public Offering, whether they are purchased in the Proposed Public Offering or in the aftermarket and the Company’s stockholders prior to the Proposed Public Offering (including the Sponsor) (the “Initial Stockholders”) to the extent that they purchase such Public Shares (“Public Stockholders”), with an opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction or if the Company conducts a tender offer, upon the completion of the initial Business Combination either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination, or (ii) by means of a tender offer, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest (net of taxes payable, divided by the number of then outstanding shares of Class A common stock. The amount in the Trust Account is initially anticipated to be $10.00 per Public Share. The Class A common stock subject to redemption will be recorded at a redemption value and classified a temporary equity upon the completion of the Proposed Public Offering, in accordance with Accounting Standards

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (Continued)

 

Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity”. In such case, the Company will proceed with a Business Combination only if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and in the case of a stockholder vote, a majority of the outstanding shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination. The decision as to whether the Company will seek stockholder approval of a proposed Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its discretion, based on a variety of factors such as the timing of the transaction and whether the terms of the transaction would otherwise require it to seek stockholder approval under the law or stock exchange listing requirement. If a stockholder vote is not required and the Company decides not to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to the proposed amended and restated certificate of incorporation, (i) conduct the redemptions pursuant to Rule 13e-4 and Regulation 14E of the Exchange Act, which regulate issuer tender offers, and (ii) file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing the initial Business Combination which contain substantially the same financial and other information about the initial Business Combination and the redemption rights as is required under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, which regulates the solicitation of proxies.

The Initial Stockholders will agree to vote their founders’ shares (as described in Note 6) and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Proposed Public Offering in favor of the initial Business Combination, and the Company’s executive officers, directors and director nominees have also agreed to vote any Public Shares purchased during or after the Proposed Public Offering in favor of the initial Business Combination. The Initial Stockholders will enter into a letter agreement, pursuant to which they agree to waive their redemption rights with respect to the Initial Business Combination as to their founders’ shares as well as any Public Shares purchased by the Initial Stockholders. In addition, the Initial Stockholders will also agree to waive their rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to the founders’ shares if the Company fails to complete the initial Business Combination within the prescribed time frame. However, if the Initial Stockholders (or any of the Company’s executive officers, directors or affiliates) acquire Public Shares in or after the Proposed Public Offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to such Public Shares in the event the Company does not complete the initial Business Combination within such applicable time period.

Failure to Consummate a Business Combination

If the Company is unable to complete the initial Business Combination within 18 months from the consummation of the Proposed Public Offering, the Company must: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable and up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses) divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s Board of Directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) to the Company’s obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

 

Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the accounting and disclosure rules and regulations of the SEC. In connection with the Company’s going concern considerations in accordance with ASU 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”, as of December 31, 2017, the Company does not have sufficient liquidity to meet its current obligations. However, management has determined the Company has access to funds from the Sponsor, including up to an aggregate of $200,000 provided under the Promissory Note (See Note 4), that are sufficient to fund the working capital needs until the earlier of the consummation of the Proposed Offering or minimum of one year from the date of issuance of these financial statements.

Emerging growth company

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act of 2012, (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017.

Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. At December 31, 2017, the Company had not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Loss per share

Net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period excluding shares subject to forfeiture. The number of weighted average shares was reduced by an aggregate of 1,125,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters. At December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any dilutive securities and other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into common stock and then share in the earnings of the Company. As a result, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet, primarily due to their short-term nature.

Deferred offering costs

Deferred offering costs consist principally of legal, underwriting fees, and other costs incurred through the balance sheet date directly related to the Proposed Public Offering and will be charged to stockholder’s equity upon the receipt of the capital raised. Should the Proposed Public Offering prove to be unsuccessful, these deferred costs as well as additional expenses to be incurred will be charged to operations.

Income taxes

The Company follows the asset and liability method for accounting for income taxes under FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes.” ASC 740 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. ASC 740 additionally requires a valuation allowance to be established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

ASC 740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Based on the Company’s evaluation, it has been concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements. The Company believes its income tax positions and deductions would be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material changes to its financial position. The Company is subject to income tax examination by major authorities since inception.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Company has evaluated recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and does not believe they would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Note 3 — Proposed Public Offering and Private Placement

Proposed Public Offering

The Proposed Public Offering calls for the Company to offer for public sale 30,000,000 Units at a proposed offering price of $10.00 per Unit (plus up to an additional 4,500,000 Units solely to cover over-allotments, if any). Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock and one-half of one warrant, each whole warrant to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (“Warrants”). The Warrants will become exercisable on the later of (i) 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination and (ii) 12 months from the closing of the Proposed Public Offering, and will expire five years after the completion of the initial Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

The Company may redeem the Warrants, in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per Warrant upon 30 days’ notice (“30-day redemption period”), only in the event the last sale price of the Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given, provided there is an effective registration statement with respect to the shares of Class A common stock underlying such Warrants and a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock is available throughout the 30-day redemption period. If the Company calls the Warrants for redemption as described above, the Company’s management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders to exercise their warrants on a “cashless basis,” the management will consider, among other factors, the Company’s cash position, the number of Warrants outstanding and the dilutive effect on the Company’s stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants.

There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Warrants, which will expire worthless if we fail to complete our business combination within the 18-month time period.

Private Placement

The Sponsor has committed to purchase from the Company an aggregate of 8,000,000 private placement warrants at $1.00 per private placement warrant (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the consummation of this offering. The Sponsor has also agreed if the overallotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from the Company additional private placement warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 private placement warrants) at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant. These additional private placement warrants will be purchased in a private placement that will occur simultaneously with the purchase of units resulting from the exercise of the over-allotment option.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

 

Note 4 — Related Party Transactions

Founders’ Shares

In connection with the organization of the Company, a total of 10,062,500 shares of Class B common stock were sold to the Sponsor at a price of approximately $0.002 per share for an aggregate of $25,000 (“Founders’ Shares”). In March 2018, our sponsor returned to us, at no cost, an aggregate of 1,437,500 founder shares, which we cancelled, leaving an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding. The 8,625,000 Founders’ Shares include an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters in full or in part. The Sponsor will be required to forfeit only a number of shares of Class B common stock necessary to continue to maintain the 20.0% ownership interest in our shares of common stock after giving effect to the offering and exercise, if any, of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

Related Party Loans

The Sponsor will loan the Company an aggregate of up to $200,000 to cover expenses related to the Company’s formation and the Proposed Public Offering. This note is payable without interest and shall be payable on the earlier of (i) July 31, 2018, or (ii) consummation of the initial Business Combination. The Company intends to repay the note from the proceeds of the Proposed Public Offering not placed in the Trust Account. The note was executed on December 16, 2017 and the Company requested and received $200,000 in funds on January 5, 2018.

We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds following this offering to meet the expenditures required for operating our business. However, to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we consummate an initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event the initial Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our Trust Account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into private placement warrants of the post business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant at the option of the lender.

Administrative Service Agreement

Commencing on the date of the listing of our securities on the NASDAQ through the earlier of our consummation of our initial Business Combination or our liquidation, we have agreed to pay our Sponsor or one of its affiliates $10,000 per month for up to 18 months to entice our Sponsor to make available to us certain general and administrative services, including office space, utilities and administrative support, as we may require from time to time.

Private Placement

As discussed in Note 1, the Sponsor has committed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 private placement warrants at $1.00 per private placement warrant (for a total purchase price of $8,000,000) from us simultaneous with the closing of the Proposed Public Offering. The Sponsor has also agreed if the over-allotment option is exercised by the underwriters in full or in part, it will purchase from the Company an additional number of private placement warrants (up to a maximum of 900,000 private placement warrants) at a price of $1.00 per private placement warrant necessary to fund offering expenses and commissions and to fund initial working capital requirements.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

 

Note 5 — Commitments and Contingencies

Agreements with underwriters

The Company will grant the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional Units to cover the over-allotment at the Proposed Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. In addition, the underwriters will be entitled to an underwriting discount of 2.0%, payable in cash at the closing of the Proposed Public Offering.

Business Combination Marketing Agreement

The Company engaged the underwriters as advisors in connection with our business combination to assist us in holding meetings with our stockholders to discuss the potential business combination and the target business’ attributes, introduce us to potential investors interested in purchasing our securities, assist us in obtaining stockholder approval for the business combination and assist us with our press releases and public filings in connection with the business combination. The Company will pay Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital a cash fee for such services upon the consummation of our initial business combination an amount equal to 3.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might become payable).

Registration Rights

The holders of our Founders’ Shares issued and outstanding on the date of the prospectus for the Proposed Public Offering, and any private placement warrants issued to our Sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us (and all underlying securities), will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering. The holders of a majority of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands that we register such securities. The holders of the majority of the Founders’ Shares can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these shares of Class B common stock are to be released from escrow. The holders of a majority of the Units issued pursuant to the private placement warrants issued to our sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates in payment of working capital loans made to us (or underlying securities) can elect to exercise these registration rights at any time after we consummate a Business Combination. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our consummation of a Business Combination. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

Note 6 — Stockholder’s Equity

Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. As of December 31, 2017, no preferred stock is issued or outstanding.

Common Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share and 12,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of December 31, 2017, no Class A common stock is issued or outstanding.

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 6 — Stockholder’s Equity (Continued)

 

A total of 10,062,500 Founders’ Shares of Class B common stock were sold to the Sponsor at a price of approximately $0.002 per share for an aggregate of $25,000. In March 2018, our sponsor returned to us, at no cost, an aggregate of 1,437,500 founder shares, which we cancelled, leaving an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding. The Founders’ Shares include an aggregate of up to 1,125,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent the over-allotment option is not exercised by the underwriters in full or in part. The Sponsor will be required to forfeit only a number of shares of Class B common stock necessary to continue to maintain the 20.0% ownership interest in our shares of common stock after giving effect to the offering and exercise, if any, of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

Subject to certain limited exceptions, 50% of the Founders’ Shares will not be transferred, assigned, sold until the earlier of: (i) one year after the date of the consummation of the initial Business Combination or (ii) the date on which the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after the initial Business Combination, and the remaining 50% of the Founders’ Shares will not be transferred, assigned, sold until one year after the date of the consummation of the initial Business Combination, or earlier, in either case, if, subsequent to the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Company consummates a subsequent liquidation, merger, stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction which results in all of stockholders having the right to exchange their common stock for cash, securities or other property.

Warrants

Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of shares. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants will become exercisable on the later of (a) 30 days after the consummation of a Business Combination or (b) 12 months from the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Proposed Public Offering. No Warrants will be exercisable for cash unless the Company has an effective and current registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and a current prospectus relating to such shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants is not effective within the number of days as specified in the warrant agreement from the consummation of a Business Combination, the holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company shall have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise the Warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to an available exemption from registration under the Securities Act. If an exemption from registration is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their Warrants on a cashless basis. The Warrants will expire five years from the consummation of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

The private placement warrants will be identical to the Warrants underlying the Units being sold in the Proposed Public Offering, except the private placement warrants will be exercisable for cash (even if a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of such private placement warrants is not effective) or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and will not be redeemable by the Company, in each case so long as they are still held by the Initial Stockholders, the sponsor, its affiliates or their Permitted Transferees.

The Company may call the Warrants for redemption (excluding the private placement warrants), in whole and not in part, at a price of $.01 per Warrant:

 

    at any time while the Warrants are exercisable,

 

    upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each Warrant holder,

 

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PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Period from November 13, 2017 (Inception) to December 31, 2017

Note 6 — Stockholder’s Equity (Continued)

 

    if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share, for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to Warrant holders, and

 

    if, and only if, there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of Class A common stock underlying such Warrants at the time of redemption and for the entire 30-day redemption period and continuing each day thereafter until the date of redemption.

If the Company calls the Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement.

The exercise price and number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the Warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of Class A common stock at a price below its exercise price. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the Warrants. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of Warrants will not receive any of such funds with respect to their Warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with respect to such Warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.

Note 7 — Subsequent Events

The Company evaluated subsequent evets and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to March     , 2018, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Per the note executed on December 16, 2017, the Company requested and received $200,000 on January 5, 2018.

 

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30,000,000 Units

Pure Acquisition Corp.

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

[ ]        , 2018

 

 

Oppenheimer & Co.

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

Until [●], 2018 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our Class A common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the offering described in this registration statement (other than the underwriting discount and commissions) will be as follows:

 

SEC Registration Fee

   $ 42,953  

FINRA filing fee

     60,875  

Accounting fees and expenses

     45,000  

Nasdaq listing fees

     75,000  

Printing and engraving expenses

     50,000  

Directors & Officers liability insurance premiums

     183,500 (1)  

Legal fees and expenses

     300,000  

Travel and road show

     55,000  

Miscellaneous

     187,672 (2)  

Total

   $ 1,000,000  

 

(1) This amount represents the approximate amount of director and officer liability insurance premiums the registrant anticipates paying following the consummation of its initial public offering and until it consummates a business combination.

 

(2) This amount represents additional expenses that may be incurred by the Company in connection with the offering over and above those specifically listed above, including distribution and mailing costs.

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Our certificate of incorporation provides that all directors, officers, employees and agents of the registrant shall be entitled to be indemnified by us to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law concerning indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents is set forth below.

“Section 145. Indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents; insurance.

 

(a) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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(b) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

(c) To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

 

(d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.

 

(e) Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.

 

(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

 

(g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this section.

 

(h)

For purposes of this section, references to “the corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such

 

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  constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

(i) For purposes of this section, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the corporation” as referred to in this section.

 

(j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

(k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation’s obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys’ fees).”

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person in a successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to the court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Paragraph B of Article Eighth of our certificate of incorporation provides:

“The Corporation, to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the GCL, as amended from time to time, shall indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which such officer or director may be entitled to indemnification hereunder shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized hereby.”

We will enter into indemnity agreements with each of our officers and directors, a form of which is to be filed as an exhibit to this Registration Statement. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.

Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement, we have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters and the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify us against certain civil liabilities that may be incurred in connection with this offering, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

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Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

  (a) During the past three years, we sold the following shares of Class B common stock without registration under the Securities Act:

 

Stockholder    Number of
Shares
 

HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC

     10,062,500  

Such shares were issued on December 12, 2017 in connection with our organization pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as the shares were sold to an accredited investor. The shares issued were sold for an aggregate offering price of $25,000 at an average purchase price of approximately $0.002 per share. In March 2018, our sponsor returned to us, at no cost, an aggregate of 1,437,500 founder shares, which we cancelled, leaving an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding.

HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC has also committed to purchase from us 8,000,000 private placement warrants at $1.00 per private placement warrant (for an aggregate purchase price of $8,000,000). This purchase will take place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the consummation of our initial public offering. It has also committed to purchase up to a maximum of 900,000 private placement warrants in proportion to the amount of the underwriters’ over-allotment option that is exercised. These issuances will be made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such sales.

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement.*
  1.2    Form of Business Combination Marketing Agreement between the Registrant, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.*
  3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
  3.2    Form of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.*
  3.3    By-laws.
  4.1    Specimen Unit Certificate.
  4.2    Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate.
  4.3    Specimen Warrant Certificate.
  4.4    Form of Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant.
  5.1    Opinion of Thompson & Knight LLP.*
10.1    Form of Letter Agreement from each of the Registrant’s sponsor, officers and directors.
10.2    Form of Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant.
10.3    Form of Stock Escrow Agreement between the Registrant, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC
10.4    Promissory Note issued to HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC
10.5    Securities Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC
10.6    Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC
10.7    Form of Private Placement Warrant Agreement.
10.8    Form of Administrative Services Agreement.
10.9    Form of Forward Purchase Agreement
10.10    Form of Indemnity Agreement
10.11    Form of Escrow Agreement among HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC and Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company.*

 

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Exhibit
No.

  

Description

14    Code of Ethics.
23.1    Consent of WithumSmith+Brown, PC.
23.2    Consent of Thompson & Knight LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).*
24    Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this Registration Statement).
99.1    Consent of Sylvia K. Barnes
99.2    Consent of M. Gregory Colvin
99.3    Consent of Jared S. Sturdivant

* To be filed by amendment.

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

(a) The undersigned hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

  (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Fort Worth, Texas, on the 22 nd day of March, 2018.

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

/s/ Jack Hightower

  Name: Jack Hightower
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jack D. Hightower, Steven W. Tholen and Rodney L. Woodard his true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments including pre- and post-effective amendments to this registration statement, any subsequent registration statement for the same offering which may be filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and pre- or post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact or his substitute, each acting alone, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name    Position   Date

/s/ Jack Hightower

Jack Hightower

  

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  March 22, 2018

/s/ Steven W. Tholen

Steven W. Tholen

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  March 22, 2018

/s/ Rodney L. Woodard

Rodney L. Woodard

   Chief Operating Officer and Director   March 22, 2018

 

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Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

Pursuant to Section 102 of the

Delaware General Corporation Law

Pure Acquisition Corp., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), by its sole incorporator, hereby certifies as follows:

1. The name of the Corporation is “Pure Acquisition Corp.”;

2. The Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation was filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 13, 2017 (the “Certificate of Incorporation”);

3. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates, integrates and amends the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation;

4. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by the sole incorporator of the Corporation in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 241 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”);

5. The Corporation has not received any payment for any of its capital stock; and

6. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read, in full, as follows:

FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Pure Acquisition Corp.

SECOND: The registered office of the Corporation is to be located at c/o Capitol Services, Inc., 1675 South State St., Suite B, Kent County, Dover, Delaware 19901. The name of its registered agent at that address is Capitol Services, Inc.

THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation shall be to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 13,001,000 of which 12,001,000 shares shall be Common Stock of the par value of $.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), including 1,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (“Class A Common Stock”) and 12,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (“Class B Common Stock”) and 1,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock of the par value of $.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”).

A. Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors is expressly granted authority to issue shares of the Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and to fix for each such series such voting powers, full or limited, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as shall be stated

 

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and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series (a “Preferred Stock Designation”) and as may be permitted by the DGCL. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, without a separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to any Preferred Stock Designation.

B. Common Stock .

(a) The holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders on which the holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to vote. Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders the Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate (including a Preferred Stock Designation), holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate (including any amendment to any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation.)

(b) Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions (payable in cash, property or capital stock of the Corporation) when, as and if declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of any assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor and shall share equally on a per share basis in such dividends and distributions.

(c) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock in respect thereof, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them.

(d) Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis (the “Initial Conversion Ratio”) and shall automatically convert into Class A Common Stock at the time of the closing of the Business Combination (as defined below). Notwithstanding the Initial Conversion Ratio, in the case that additional shares of Class A Common Stock, or Equity-linked Securities (as defined below) (excluding the warrants to be issued in a private placement that closes simultaneously with the closing of the Corporation’s initial public offering (the “IPO”)

 

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and up to 1,500,000 private placement warrants issued for the repayment of debt), are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in the IPO, all issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock shall automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock at the time of the closing of the Corporation’s initial merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”) at a ratio for which:

 

    the numerator shall be equal to the sum of (A) 25% of all shares of Class A Common Stock issued or issuable (upon the conversion or exercise of any Equity-linked Securities or otherwise) by the Corporation, related to or in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination (excluding any securities issued or issuable to any seller in the Business Combination) plus (B) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the closing of the Business Combination; and

 

    the denominator shall be the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the closing of the Business Combination.

For purposes of this Certificate, “Equity-linked Securities” shall mean any securities of the Corporation or any of the Corporation’s subsidiaries which are convertible into, or exchangeable for, equity securities of the Corporation or such subsidiary, including any securities issued by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries which are pledged to secure any obligation of any holder to purchase equity securities of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the foregoing adjustment to the Initial Conversion Ratio may be waived as to any particular issuance or deemed issuance of additional shares of Class A Common Stock or Equity-linked Securities by the written consent or agreement of holders of a majority of the shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding (without the necessity of calling, noticing or holding a meeting of holders of Class B Common Stock), consenting or agreeing separately as a single class, and (ii) in no event may the Class B Common Stock convert into Class A Common Stock at a ratio that is less than one-for-one.

Each share of Class B Common Stock shall convert into its pro rata number of shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this subsection (d). The pro rata share for each holder of Class B Common Stock will be determined as follows: Each share of Class B Common Stock shall convert into such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as is equal to the product of one multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock shall be converted pursuant to this subsection (d) and the denominator of which shall be the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock at the time of conversion.

 

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FIFTH: The name and mailing address of the sole incorporator of the Corporation are as follows:

 

Name

  

Address

Daniel Silver    421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000
   Fort Worth, Texas 76102

SIXTH: The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C. The number of directors in each class shall be as nearly equal as possible. At the first election of directors by the incorporator, the incorporator shall elect a Class C director for a term expiring at the Corporation’s third Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Class C director shall then appoint additional Class A, Class B and Class C directors, as necessary. The directors in Class A shall be elected for a term expiring at the first Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the directors in Class B shall be elected for a term expiring at the second Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the directors in Class C shall be elected for a term expiring at the third Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Commencing at the first Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and at each annual meeting thereafter, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election. Except as the DGCL may otherwise require, in the interim between annual meetings of stockholders or special meetings of stockholders called for the election of directors and/or the removal of one or more directors and the filling of any vacancy in that connection, newly created directorships and any vacancies in the Board of Directors, including unfilled vacancies resulting from the removal of directors for cause, may be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, although less than a quorum (as defined in the Corporation’s bylaws), or by the sole remaining director. All directors shall hold office until the expiration of their respective terms of office and until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. A director elected to fill a vacancy resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a director shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the director whose death, resignation or removal shall have created such vacancy and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified.

SEVENTH: The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

A. Election of directors need not be by ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation so provide.

B. The Board of Directors shall have the power, without the assent or vote of the stockholders, to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation.

C. The directors in their discretion may submit any contract or act for approval or ratification at any annual meeting of the stockholders or at any meeting of the stockholders called for the purpose of considering any such act or contract, and any contract or act that shall be approved or be ratified by the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation which is represented in person or by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat (provided that a lawful quorum of stockholders be there represented in person or by proxy) shall be as valid and binding upon the Corporation and upon all the stockholders as though it had been approved or ratified by every stockholder of the Corporation, whether or not the contract or act would otherwise be open to legal attack because of directors’ interests, or for any other reason.

 

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D. In addition to the powers and authorities hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation; subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the statutes of Delaware, of this Certificate of Incorporation, and to any bylaws from time to time made by the stockholders; provided, however, that no bylaw so made shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such bylaw had not been made.

EIGHTH: A. A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of this paragraph A by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation with respect to events occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

B. The Corporation, to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, as amended from time to time, shall indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto. Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which such officer or director may be entitled to indemnification hereunder shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized hereby.

NINTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under Section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.

 

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TENTH: A. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Certificate or the Corporation’s bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction.

B. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Section A immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Section A immediately above (an “Foreign Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such Foreign Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.

C. If any provision or provisions of this Article TENTH shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article TENTH (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article TENTH containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article TENTH.

ELEVENTH: A. In recognition and anticipation that (i) certain directors, principals, and officers of HighPeak Energy Partners, LP, HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC and their Affiliates (as defined below) (the “Sponsor Parties”) may serve as directors or officers of the Corporation, (ii) the Sponsor Parties and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (iii) members of the Board who are not employees of the Corporation (“Non-Employee Directors”)

 

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and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, the provisions of this Article ELEVENTH are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve the Sponsor Parties, the Non-Employee Directors or their respective Affiliates and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the Corporation and its directors, officers and stockholders in connection therewith.

B. None of (i) any Sponsor Parties or any of its Affiliates or (ii) any Non-Employee Director or his or her Affiliates (the Persons (as defined below) identified in (i) and (ii) above being referred to, collectively, as “Identified Persons” and, individually, as an “Identified Person”) shall have any duty to refrain from directly or indirectly (x) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar business activities or lines of business in which the Corporation or any of its Affiliates proposes to engage or (y) otherwise competing with the Corporation, and, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, no Identified Person shall (A) be deemed to have acted in bad faith or in a manner inconsistent with the best interests of the Corporation or its stockholders or to have acted in a manner inconsistent with or opposed to any fiduciary duty to the Corporation or its stockholders or (B) be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty, in each case, by reason of the fact that such Identified Person engages in any such activities. The Corporation hereby renounces any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for an Identified Person and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in paragraph C of this Article ELEVENTH. In the event that any Identified Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for itself or himself and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, such Identified Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or other business opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, shall not (A) be deemed to have acted in bad faith or in a manner inconsistent with the best interests of the Corporation or its stockholders or to have acted in a manner inconsistent with or opposed to any fiduciary duty to the Corporation or its stockholders or (B) be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder, director or officer of the Corporation, in each case, by reason of the fact that such Identified Person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself or himself, or offers or directs such corporate opportunity to another Person.

C. The Corporation does not renounce its interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of this Corporation) if such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation and the provisions of paragraph B. of this Article ELEVENTH shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.

D. In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article ELEVENTH, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for the Corporation if it is a business opportunity that the Corporation is not financially able or contractually permitted or legally able to undertake, or that is, from its nature, not in the line of the Corporation’s business or is of no practical advantage to it or that is one in which the Corporation has no interest or reasonable expectancy.

 

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E. For purposes of this Article ELEVENTH, (i) “Affiliate” shall mean (A) in respect of a Sponsor Party, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Sponsor Party, controls such Sponsor Party or is under common control with such Sponsor Party and shall include any principal, member, director, partner, shareholder, or officer, of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (B) in respect of a Non-Employee Director, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Non-Employee Director (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation) and (C) in respect of the Corporation, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Corporation; and (ii) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, association or any other entity.

F. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article ELEVENTH.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by the sole incorporator this 12th day of December, 2017.

 

/s/ Daniel Silver

Daniel Silver, Sole Incorporator

 

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Exhibit 3.3

Adopted as of December 12, 2017

BYLAWS

OF

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

1.1 Registered Office . The registered office of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware shall be established and maintained at 1675 South State St., Suite B, Dover, Delaware 19901, County of Kent and Capitol Services, Inc. shall be the registered agent of the corporation in charge thereof.

1.2 Other Offices . The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

2.1 Place of Meetings . All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

2.2 Annual Meetings . The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be fixed by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of only such other business as is properly brought before the meeting in accordance with these Bylaws (the “Bylaws”).

Written notice of an annual meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting.

To be properly brought before the annual meeting, business must be either (i) specified in the notice of annual meeting (or any supplement or amendment thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (ii) otherwise brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by a stockholder. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting; provided,

 


however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by a stockholder, to be timely, must be received no later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, and (ii) any material interest of the stockholder in such business, and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and record address of the stockholder and (ii) the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article II, Section 2.2. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the annual meeting that business was not properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Article II, Section 2.2, and if such officer should so determine, such officer shall so declare to the annual meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

2.3 Special Meetings . Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), may only be called by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, or the President or the Chairman, and shall be called by the Secretary at the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority in amount of the entire capital stock of the corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.

Unless otherwise provided by law, written notice of a special meeting of stockholders, stating the time, place and purpose or purposes thereof, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, not less than ten (10) or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for the meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.

2.4 Quorum . The holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

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2.5 Organization . The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall act as chairman of meetings of the stockholders. The Board of Directors may designate any other officer or director of the Corporation to act as chairman of any meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors may further provide for determining who shall act as chairman of any stockholders meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and such designee.

The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all meetings of the stockholders, but in the absence of the Secretary the presiding officer may appoint any other person to act as secretary of any meeting.

2.6 Voting . Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any question (other than the election of directors) brought before any meeting of stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. At all meetings of stockholders for the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect. Each stockholder represented at a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize any person or persons to act for him by proxy. All proxies shall be executed in writing and shall be filed with the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the day on which exercised. No proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

2.7 Action of Shareholders Without Meeting . Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.

2.8 Voting List . The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose

 

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germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the election, either at a place within the city, town or village where the election is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not specified, at the place where said meeting is to be held. The list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of election during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present.

2.9 Stock Ledger . The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 8 of this Article II or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

2.10 Adjournment . Any meeting of the stockholders, including one at which directors are to be elected, may be adjourned for such periods as the presiding officer of the meeting or the stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall direct.

2.11 Ratification . Any transaction questioned in any stockholders’ derivative suit, or any other suit to enforce alleged rights of the Corporation or any of its stockholders, on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of any director, officer or stockholder, nondisclosure, miscomputation or the application of improper principles or practices of accounting may be approved, ratified and confirmed before or after judgment by the Board of Directors or by the holders of Common Stock and, if so approved, ratified or confirmed, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned transaction had been originally duly authorized, and said approval, ratification or confirmation shall be binding upon the Corporation and all of its stockholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned transaction.

2.12 Inspectors . The election of directors and any other vote by ballot at any meeting of the stockholders shall be supervised by at least one inspector. Such inspectors shall be appointed by the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting. If the inspector so appointed shall refuse to serve or shall not be present, such appointment shall be made by the officer presiding at the meeting.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

3.1 Powers; Number; Qualifications . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided by law or in the Certificate of Incorporation. The number of directors which shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be not less than one (1) nor more than nine (9). The exact number of directors shall be fixed from time to time, within the limits specified in this Article III Section 3.1 or in the Certificate of Incorporation, by the Board of Directors. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation. The Board may be divided into Classes as more fully described in the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

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3.2 Election; Term of Office; Resignation; Removal; Vacancies . Each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders at which his Class stands for election or until such director’s earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or from any other cause may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and each director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.

3.3 Nominations . Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be made at such meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, by any committee or persons appointed by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article III, Section 3.3. Such nominations by any stockholder shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting; provided however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must be received no later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs. Such stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (a) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (b) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (c) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person, and (d) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name and record address of the stockholder and (b) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth herein. The officer of the Corporation presiding at an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

3.4 Meetings . The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the meeting of the stockholders at which it is elected and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected directors in order to legally constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or a majority of the

 

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entire Board of Directors. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone, facsimile, telegram or e-mail on twenty-four (24) hours notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.

3.5 Quorum . Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of the entire Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

3.6 Organization of Meetings . The Board of Directors shall elect one of its members to be Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall lead the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities as set forth in these Bylaws, including its responsibility to oversee the performance of the Corporation, and shall determine the agenda and perform all other duties and exercise all other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors.

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or in his or her absence, by the President, or in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President by such other person as the Board of Directors may designate or the members present may select.

3.7 Actions of Board of Directors Without Meeting . Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filled with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

3.8 Removal of Directors by Stockholders . The entire Board of Directors or any individual Director may be removed from office with or without cause by a majority vote of the holders of the outstanding shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Corporation’s board is classified, stockholders may effect such removal only for cause. In case the Board of Directors or any one or more Directors be so removed, new Directors may be elected at the same time for the unexpired portion of the full term of the Director or Directors so removed.

3.9 Resignations . Any Director may resign at any time by submitting his written resignation to the Board of Directors or Secretary of the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the Corporation unless another time be fixed in the resignation, in which case it shall become effective at the time so fixed. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to make it effective.

 

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3.10 Committees . The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided by law and in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of Incorporation, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution or amending the Bylaws of the Corporation; and, unless the resolution expressly so provides, no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock or to adopt a certificate of ownership and merger. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.

3.11 Compensation . The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed amount (in cash or other form of consideration) for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

3.12 Interested Directors . No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted for such purpose, if (i) the material facts as to his or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to his or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

 

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3.13 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone . Members of the Board of Directors or any committee designed by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this subsection shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

4.1 General . The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors and may consist of: a Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also elect one or more Vice Presidents (including Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents), Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, a Controller and such other officers as in the judgment of the Board of Directors may be necessary or desirable. Any number of offices may be held by the same person and more than one person may hold the same office, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation, nor need such officers be directors of the Corporation.

4.2 Election . The Board of Directors at its first meeting held after each annual meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided in this Article IV, any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors. The salaries of all officers who are directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

4.3 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation . Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the President or any Vice President, and any such officer may, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

4.4 Chief Executive Officer . Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer shall have ultimate authority for decisions relating to the general management and control of the affairs and business of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors.

 

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4.5 President . At the request of the Chief Executive Officer, or in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the President shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon such office. The President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.

4.6 Chief Financial Officer . The Chief Financial Officer shall have general supervision, direction and control of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers which are or from time to time may be delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws, all in accordance with basic policies as established by and subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors. In the absence of a named Treasurer, the Chief Financial Officer shall also have the powers and duties of the Treasurer as hereinafter set forth and shall be authorized and empowered to sign as Treasurer in any case where such officer’s signature is required.

4.7 Vice Presidents . At the request of the President or in the absence of the President, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President or the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon such office. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of such officer to act, shall perform the duties of such office, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon such office.

4.8 Secretary . The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, then any Assistant Secretary shall perform such actions. If there be no Assistant Secretary, then the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

 

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4.9 Treasurer . The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.

4.10 Assistant Secretaries . Except as may be otherwise provided in these Bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

4.11 Assistant Treasurers . Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer. If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.

4.12 Controller . The Controller shall establish and maintain the accounting records of the Corporation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, maintain proper internal control of the assets of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, the President or any Vice President of the Corporation may prescribe.

4.13 Other Officers . Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

4.14 Vacancies . The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill any vacancies in any office occurring from whatever reason.

 

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4.15 Resignations . Any officer may resign at any time by submitting his written resignation to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the Corporation, unless another time be fixed in the resignation, in which case it shall become effective at the time so fixed. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to make it effective.

4.16 Removal . Subject to the provisions of any employment agreement approved by the Board of Directors, any officer of the Corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

CAPITAL STOCK

5.1 Form of Certificates . The shares of stock in the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be in uncertificated form. Stock certificates shall be in such forms as the Board of Directors may prescribe and signed by the Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation.

5.2 Signatures . Any or all of the signatures on a stock certificate may be a facsimile, including, but not limited to, signatures of officers of the Corporation and countersignatures of a transfer agent or registrar. In case an officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

5.3 Lost Certificates . The Board of Directors may direct a new stock certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any stock certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new stock certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

5.4 Transfers . Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of certificated stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued. Transfers of uncertificated stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person then registered on the books of the Corporation as the owner of such shares or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and written instruction to the Corporation containing such information as the Corporation or its agents may

 

11


prescribe. No transfer of uncertificated stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred. The Corporation shall have no duty to inquire into adverse claims with respect to any stock transfer unless (a) the Corporation has received a written notification of an adverse claim at a time and in a manner which affords the Corporation a reasonable opportunity to act on it prior to the issuance of a new, reissued or re-registered share certificate, in the case of certificated stock, or entry in the stock record books of the Corporation, in the case of uncertificated stock, and the notification identifies the claimant, the registered owner and the issue of which the share or shares is a part and provides an address for communications directed to the claimant; or (b) the Corporation has required and obtained, with respect to a fiduciary, a copy of a will, trust, indenture, articles of co-partnership, Bylaws or other controlling instruments, for a purpose other than to obtain appropriate evidence of the appointment or incumbency of the fiduciary, and such documents indicate, upon reasonable inspection, the existence of an adverse claim. The Corporation may discharge any duty of inquiry by any reasonable means, including notifying an adverse claimant by registered or certified mail at the address furnished by him or, if there be no such address, at his residence or regular place of business that the security has been presented for registration of transfer by a named person, and that the transfer will be registered unless within thirty days from the date of mailing the notification, either (a) an appropriate restraining order, injunction or other process issues from a court of competent jurisdiction; or (b) an indemnity bond, sufficient in the Corporation’s judgment to protect the Corporation and any transfer agent, registrar or other agent of the Corporation involved from any loss which it or they may suffer by complying with the adverse claim, is filed with the Corporation.

5.5 Fixing Record Date . In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date of action with a meeting is adopted by the Board of Directors, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action. If no record date is fixed:

(a) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

(b) The record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is necessary, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent is delivered to the Corporation.

 

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(c) The record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

5.6 Registered Stockholders . Prior to due presentment for transfer of any share or shares, the Corporation shall treat the registered owner thereof as the person exclusively entitled to vote, to receive notifications and to all other benefits of ownership with respect to such share or shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State Delaware.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

6.1 Form of Notice . Notices to directors and stockholders other than notices to directors of special meetings of the board of Directors which may be given by any means stated in Article III, Section 3.4, shall be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to the directors or stockholders at their addresses appearing on the books of the corporation. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be mailed. Notice to directors may also be given by telegram.

6.2 Waiver of Notice . Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of law or the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws of the Corporation, a written waiver, signed by the person or persons entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular, or special meeting of the stockholders, Directors, or members of a committee of Directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation.

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

7.1 The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he

 

13


acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

7.2 The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

7.3 To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 7.1 or 7.2 of this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

7.4 Any indemnification under Sections 7.1 or 7.2 of this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in such section. Such determination shall be made:

(a) By the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or

(b) If such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or

(c) By the stockholders.

 

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7.5 Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Section. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

7.6 The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to the other sections of this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

7.7 The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article.

7.8 For purposes of this Article, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting Corporation, any constituent Corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer employee or agent of such constituent Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Article with respect to the resulting or surviving Corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent Corporation of its separate existence had continued.

7.9 For purposes of this Article, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article.

7.10 The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

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7.11 No director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or to any stockholder of the Corporation for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, provided that this provision shall not limit the liability of a director or officer (i) for any breach of the director’s or the officer’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

8.1 Reliance on Books and Records . Each Director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer of the Corporation, shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation, including reports made to the Corporation by any of its officers, by an independent certified public accountant, or by an appraiser selected with reasonable care.

8.2 Maintenance and Inspection of Records . The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board of Directors, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these by-laws, as may be amended to date, minute books, accounting books and other records.

Any such records maintained by the Corporation may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device or method, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. When records are kept in such manner, a clearly legible paper form produced from or by means of the information storage device or method shall be admissible in evidence, and accepted for all other purposes, to the same extent as an original paper form accurately portrays the record.

Any stockholder of record, in person or by attorney or other agent, shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records and to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder. In every instance where an attorney or other agent is the person who seeks the right to inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of attorney or such other writing that authorizes the attorney or other agent to so act on behalf of the stockholder. The demand under oath shall be directed to the Corporation at its registered office in Delaware or at its principal executive office.

8.3 Inspection by Directors . Any director shall have the right to examine the Corporation’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records for a purpose reasonably related to his or her position as a director.

 

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8.4 Dividends . Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the Directors shall think conducive to the interest of the Corporation, and the Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

8.5 Checks . All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

8.6 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as determined by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors shall fail to do so, the President shall fix the fiscal year.

8.7 Seal . The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any manner reproduced.

8.8 Amendments . The original or other Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at any regular or special meeting or, if the Certificate of Incorporation so provides, by the Board of Directors. The fact that such power has been so conferred upon the Board of Directors shall not divest the stockholders of the power nor limit their power to adopt, amend or repeal Bylaws.

8.9 Interpretation of Bylaws . All words, terms and provisions of these Bylaws shall be interpreted and defined by and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended, and as amended from time to time hereafter.

 

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Exhibit 4.1

NUMBER UNITS

SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

CUSIP [●]

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

UNITS CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

AND ONE-HALF OF ONE WARRANT TO PURCHASE ONE SHARE OF

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

THIS CERTIFIES THAT                    is the owner of    Units.

Each Unit (“Unit”) consists of one (1) share of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“ Common Stock ”), of Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and one-half (1/2) of one warrant (each whole warrant, a “ Warrant ”). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share (subject to adjustment) of Common Stock for $11.50 per share (subject to adjustment). Each Warrant will become exercisable on the later of (i) thirty (30) days after the Company’s completion of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses (each a “ Business Combination ”), or (ii) twelve (12) months from the closing of the Company’s initial public offering, and will expire unless exercised before 5:00 p.m., New York City Time, on the date that is five (5) years after the date on which the Company completes its initial Business Combination, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation (the “ Expiration Date ”). The Common Stock and Warrants comprising the Units represented by this certificate are not transferable separately prior to            , 2018, unless Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. elect to allow earlier separate trading, subject to the Company’s filing of a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission containing an audited balance sheet reflecting the Company’s receipt of the gross proceeds of the offering and issuing a press release announcing when separate trading will begin. The terms of the Warrants are governed by a Warrant Agreement, dated as of            , 2018, between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent, and are subject to the terms and provisions contained therein, all of which terms and provisions the holder of this certificate consents to by acceptance hereof. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file at the office of the Warrant Agent at 1 State Street, 30 th Floor, New York, New York 10004, and are available to any Warrant holder on written request and without cost.

This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Company.

This certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.


Page 2 of 5

 

Witness the facsimile signature of its duly authorized officers.

 

 

Secretary

   

 

Chief Executive Officer


Page 3 of 5

 

Pure Acquisition Corp.

The Company will furnish without charge to each unitholder who so requests, a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Company and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM – as tenants in common

TEN ENT –  as tenants by the entireties

  

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -              Custodian             

                                         (Cust)                 (Minor)

JT TEN -      as joint tenants with right of

                     survivorship and not

                     as tenants in common

  

Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

 

                             (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For value received,                                         hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR

OTHER

IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE,

OF ASSIGNEE)

Units represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint                                          Attorney to transfer the said Units on the books of the within named Company with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated

 

 

Notice : The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.


Page 4 of 5

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed:

 

                                                                          

THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT


Page 5 of 5

 

TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15 (OR ANY SUCCESSOR RULE).

In each case, as more fully described in the Company’s final prospectus dated            , 2018, the holder(s) of this certificate shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of certain funds held in the trust account established in connection with the Company’s initial public offering only in the event that (i) the Company redeems the shares of Class A common stock sold in its initial public offering and liquidates because it does not consummate an initial business combination by            , 2019, (ii) the Company redeems the shares of Class A common stock sold in its initial public offering in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Class A common stock if it does not consummate an initial business combination by            , 2019, or (iii) if the holder(s) seek(s) to redeem for cash his, her or its respective shares of Class A common stock in connection with a tender offer (or proxy solicitation, solely in the event the Company seeks stockholder approval of the proposed initial business combination) setting forth the details of a proposed initial business combination. In no other circumstances shall the holder(s) have any right or interest of any kind in or to the trust account.

Exhibit 4.2

NUMBER

 

C    NUMBER
   SHARES
   SEE REVERSE FOR
   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
   CUSIP [•]

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

 

This Certifies that 

   

 

is the owner of 

   

FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE PAR VALUE OF $0.0001 EACH OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

(THE “CORPORATION”)

transferable on the books of the Corporation in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed.

The Corporation will be forced to redeem all of its shares of Class A common stock if it is unable to complete a business combination by                , 2019, all as more fully described in the Corporation’s final prospectus dated                , 2018.

This certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

Witness the seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers.

 

 

   [Corporate Seal]   

 

Chief Financial Officer    Delaware    Chief Executive Officer


PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

The Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof of the Corporation and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. This certificate and the shares represented thereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and all amendments thereto and resolutions of the Board of Directors providing for the issue of securities (copies of which may be obtained from the secretary of the Corporation), to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM    —     as tenants in common    UNIF GIFT MIN ACT —    _________Custodian
TEN ENT    —     as tenants by the entireties      

_________

(Cust)

   (Minor)            
JT TEN    —     as joint tenants with right       under Uniform Gifts to Minors
     of survivorship and not as tenants in common      
        Act     
           (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

For value received,                     hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

(PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER(S) OF ASSIGNEE(S))

(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES), INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE(S))

Shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints

Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

Signature(s) Guaranteed:

By

THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15).

In each case, as more fully described in the Corporation’s final prospectus dated                 , 2018, the holder(s) of this certificate shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of certain funds held in the trust account established in connection with its initial public offering only in the event that the Corporation redeems the shares of Class A common stock sold in its initial public offering and liquidates because it does not consummate an initial business combination by                 , 2019, (ii) the Corporation redeems the shares of Class A common stock sold in its initial public offering in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the Corporation’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Corporation’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Class A common stock if it does not consummate an initial business combination by             , 2019, or


(iii) if the holder(s) seek(s) to redeem for cash his, her or its respective shares of Class A common stock in connection with a tender offer (or proxy solicitation, solely in the event the Corporation seeks stockholder approval of the proposed initial business combination) setting forth the details of a proposed initial business combination. In no other circumstances shall the holder(s) have any right or interest of any kind in or to the trust account.

 

 

Exhibit 4.3

[Form of Warrant Certificate] [FACE]

Number

Warrants

 

 

THIS WARRANT SHALL BE VOID IF NOT EXERCISED PRIOR TO

THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXERCISE PERIOD PROVIDED FOR

IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DESCRIBED BELOW

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of Delaware

CUSIP [●]

Warrant Certificate

This Warrant Certificate certifies that                     , or registered assigns, is the registered holder of                      warrant(s) evidenced hereby (the “ Warrants ” and each, a “ Warrant ”) to purchase shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“ Common Stock ”), of Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”). Each Warrant entitles the holder, upon exercise during the period set forth in the Warrant Agreement referred to below, to receive from the Company that number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as set forth below, at the exercise price (the “ Exercise Price ”) as determined pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, payable in lawful money (or through “ cashless exercise ” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement) of the United States of America upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate and payment of the Exercise Price at the office or agency of the Warrant Agent referred to below, subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Warrant Agreement. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

Each Warrant is initially exercisable for one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

The initial Exercise Price per share of Common Stock for any Warrant is equal to $11.50 per share. The Exercise Price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

Subject to the conditions set forth in the Warrant Agreement, the Warrants may be exercised only during the Exercise Period and to the extent not exercised by the end of such Exercise Period, such Warrants shall become void.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Warrant Certificate set forth on the reverse hereof and such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.

 

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This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid unless countersigned by the Warrant Agent, as such term is used in the Warrant Agreement.

This Warrant Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

                                          

Name:  
Title:  
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER& TRUST COMPANY, as Warrant Agent
By:  

                                          

Name:  
Title:  

 

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[Form of Warrant Certificate]

[Reverse]

The Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate are part of a duly authorized issue of Warrants entitling the holder on exercise to receive                shares of Common Stock and are issued or to be issued pursuant to a Warrant Agreement dated as of            , 2018 (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), duly executed and delivered by the Company to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent (the “ Warrant Agent ”), which Warrant Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference in and made a part of this instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the holders (the words “ holders ” or “ holder ” meaning the Registered Holders or Registered Holder) of the Warrants. A copy of the Warrant Agreement may be obtained by the holder hereof upon written request to the Company. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

Warrants may be exercised at any time during the Exercise Period set forth in the Warrant Agreement. The holder of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate may exercise them by surrendering this Warrant Certificate, with the form of election to purchase set forth hereon properly completed and executed, together with payment of the Exercise Price as specified in the Warrant Agreement (or through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement) at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent. In the event upon any exercise of Warrants evidenced hereby, the number of Warrants exercised shall be less than the total number of Warrants evidenced hereby, there shall be issued to the holder hereof or his, her or its assignee, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of Warrants not exercised.

Notwithstanding anything else in this Warrant Certificate or the Warrant Agreement, no Warrant may be exercised unless at the time of exercise (i) a registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise is effective under the Securities Act and (ii) a prospectus thereunder relating to the shares of Common Stock is current, except through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement.

The Warrant Agreement provides upon the occurrence of certain events the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants set forth on the face hereof may, subject to certain conditions, be adjusted. If, upon exercise of a Warrant, the holder thereof would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the Company shall, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the holder of the Warrant.

Warrant Certificates, when surrendered at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent by the Registered Holder thereof in person or by legal representative or attorney duly authorized in writing, may be exchanged, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, but without payment of any service charge, for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants.

 

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Upon due presentation for registration of transfer of this Warrant Certificate at the office of the Warrant Agent a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants shall be issued to the transferee(s) in exchange for this Warrant Certificate, subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, without charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.

The Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the Registered Holder(s) hereof as the absolute owner(s) of this Warrant Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone), for the purpose of any exercise hereof, of any distribution to the holder(s) hereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. Neither the Warrants nor this Warrant Certificate entitles any holder hereof to any rights of a stockholder of the Company.

 

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Election to Purchase

(To Be Executed Upon Exercise of Warrant)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right, represented by this Warrant Certificate, to receive                shares of Common Stock and herewith tenders payment for such shares of Common Stock to the order of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “Company” ) in the amount of $        in accordance with the terms hereof. The undersigned requests a certificate for such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of                    , whose address is                    and such shares of Common Stock be delivered to                whose address is                    . If said number of shares of Common Stock is less than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder, the undersigned requests a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of                    , whose address is                    and such Warrant Certificate be delivered to                    , whose address is                    .

In the event the Warrant has been called for redemption by the Company pursuant to Section  6 of the Warrant Agreement and the Company has required cashless exercise pursuant to Section  6.3 of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(b) and Section  6.3 of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event the Warrant is a Private Placement Warrant or an Forward Purchase Warrant to be exercised on a “cashless” basis pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(c) of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(c) of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event the Warrant is to be exercised on a “cashless” basis pursuant to Section  7.4 of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with Section  7.4 of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event the Warrant may be exercised, to the extent allowed by the Warrant Agreement, through cashless exercise (i) the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for would be determined in accordance with the relevant section of the Warrant Agreement which allows for such cashless exercise and (ii) the holder hereof shall complete the following: The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right, represented by this Warrant Certificate, through the cashless exercise provisions of the Warrant Agreement, to receive shares of Common Stock. If said number of shares is less than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder (after giving effect to the cashless exercise), the undersigned requests a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of                    , whose address is                    and such Warrant Certificate be delivered to                    , whose address is                    .

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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Date:            , 20    

 

(Signature)

(Address)

(Tax Identification Number)

Signature Guaranteed:

 

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15 (OR ANY SUCCESSOR RULE)).

 

6


 

7

Exhibit 4.4

FORM OF WARRANT AGREEMENT

between

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

and

CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY


WARRANT AGREEMENT

THIS WARRANT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [●], 2018, is by and between Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent (the “ Warrant Agent ”, also referred to herein as the “ Transfer Agent ”).

WHEREAS, on [●], 2018, the Company entered into that certain Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement with HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Sponsor ”), pursuant to which the Sponsor will purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants (or up to 8,900,000 warrants if the Over-allotment Option (as defined below) in connection with the Offering (as defined below) is exercised in full) simultaneously with the closing of the Offering (and the closing of the Over-allotment Option, if applicable) bearing the legend set forth in Exhibit B hereto (the “ Private Placement Warrants ”) at a purchase price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant; and

WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in an initial public offering (the “ Offering ”) of units of the Company’s equity securities, each such unit comprised of one share of Common Stock (as defined below) and one-half of one Public Warrant (as defined below) (the “ Units ”) and, in connection therewith, has determined to issue and deliver up to 15,000,000 warrants (including up to 2,225,000 warrants subject to the Over-allotment Option) to public investors in the Offering (the “ Public Warrants ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement on Form S-1, No. 333-[●] (the “ Registration Statement ”) and prospectus (the “ Prospectus ”), for the registration, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of the Units, the Public Warrants and the Common Stock included in the Units; and

WHEREAS, the Company intends to enter into a Forward Purchase Agreement (the “ Forward Purchase Agreement ”), with HighPeak Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ HighPeak ” and together with its permitted transferees, if any, thereunder the “ Forward Purchasers ”) pursuant to which the Forward Purchasers will purchase 15,000,000 units, each such unit consisting of one share of Common Stock and one-half of one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (the “ Forward Purchase Warrants ” and, together with the Private Placement Warrants and the Public Warrants, the “ Warrants ”) for $10.00 per unit in a private placement transaction to occur at or prior to the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination (as defined below). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (“ Common Stock ”), for $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described herein. The Forward Purchase Warrants will bear the legend set forth in Exhibit C hereto; and

WHEREAS, to finance the Company’s transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as the Company may require, of which up to $1,500,000 may be convertible into up to an additional 1,500,000 Private Placement Warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant; and

 

2


WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing to so act, in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange, redemption and exercise of the Warrants; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide for the form and provisions of the Warrants, the terms upon which they shall be issued and exercised, and the respective rights, limitation of rights, and immunities of the Company, the Warrant Agent, and the holders of the Warrants; and

WHEREAS, all acts and things have been done and performed which are necessary to make the Warrants, when executed on behalf of the Company and countersigned by or on behalf of the Warrant Agent, as provided herein, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.     Appointment of Warrant Agent . The Company hereby appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the Company for the Warrants, and the Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2.     Warrants .

2.1     Form of Warrant . Each Warrant shall be issued in registered form only.

2.2     Effect of Countersignature . If a physical certificate is issued, unless and until countersigned by the Warrant Agent pursuant to this Agreement, a Warrant shall be invalid and of no effect and may not be exercised by the holder thereof.

2.3     Registration .

2.3.1     Warr ant Register . The Warrant Agent shall maintain books (the “ Warrant Register ”), for the registration of original issuance and the registration of transfer of the Warrants. Upon the initial issuance of the Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall issue and register the Warrants in the names of the respective holders thereof in such denominations and otherwise in accordance with instructions delivered to the Warrant Agent by the Company. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Public Warrants shall be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership shall be effected through, records maintained by institutions that have accounts with the Depository Trust Company (the “ Depositary ”) (such institution, with respect to a Warrant in its account, a “ Participant ”).

If the Depositary subsequently ceases to make its book-entry settlement system available for the Public Warrants, the Company may instruct the Warrant Agent regarding

 

3


making other arrangements for book-entry settlement. In the event the Public Warrants are not eligible for, or it is no longer necessary to have the Public Warrants available in, book-entry form, the Warrant Agent shall provide written instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the Warrant Agent for cancellation each book-entry Public Warrant, and the Company shall instruct the Warrant Agent to deliver to the Depositary definitive certificates in physical form evidencing such Warrants which shall be in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A .

Physical certificates, if issued, shall be signed by, or bear the facsimile signature of, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or other principal officer of the Company. In the event the person whose facsimile signature has been placed upon any Warrant shall have ceased to serve in the capacity in which such person signed the Warrant before such Warrant is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he or she had not ceased to be such at the date of issuance.

2.3.2     Registered Holder . Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Warrant, the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in whose name such Warrant is registered in the Warrant Register (the “ Registered Holder ”) as the absolute owner of such Warrant and of each Warrant represented thereby (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing on any physical certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Warrant Agent), for the purpose of any exercise thereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

2.4     Detachability of Warrants . The Common Stock and Public Warrants comprising the Units shall begin separate trading on the 52nd day following the date of the Prospectus or, if such 52nd day is not on a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, on which banks in New York City are generally open for normal business (a “ Business Day ”), then on the immediately succeeding Business Day following such date, or earlier (the “ Detachment Date ”) with the consent of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters, but in no event shall the Common Stock and the Public Warrants comprising the Units be separately traded until (A) the Company has filed a current report on Form 8-K with the Commission containing an audited balance sheet reflecting the receipt by the Company of the gross proceeds of the Offering, including the proceeds received by the Company from the exercise by the underwriters of their right to purchase additional Units in the Offering (the “ Over-allotment Option ”), if the Over-allotment Option is exercised prior to the filing of the Form 8-K, and (B) the Company issues a press release and files with the Commission a current report on Form 8-K announcing when such separate trading shall begin.

2.5     No Fractional Warrants Other Than as Part of Units . The Company shall not issue fractional Warrants other than as part of Units, each of which is comprised of one share of Common Stock and one-half of one Public Warrant. If, upon the detachment of Public Warrants from Units or otherwise, a holder of Warrants would be entitled to receive a fractional Warrant, the Company shall round down to the nearest whole number the number of Warrants to be issued to such holder.

 

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2.6     Private Placement Warrant, Forward Purchase Warrants .

2.6.1    The Private Placement Warrants shall be identical to the Public Warrants, except so long as they are held by the Sponsor (or other initial purchaser thereof) or any of its Permitted Transferees (as defined below) the Private Placement Warrants: (i) may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(c) hereof, (ii) may not be transferred, assigned or sold until after the completion by the Company of an initial Business Combination (as defined below), and (iii) shall not be redeemable by the Company; provided , however , in the case of (ii), the Private Placement Warrants and any shares of Common Stock held by the Sponsor (or other initial purchaser thereof) or any of its Permitted Transferees and issued upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants may be transferred by the holders thereof:

(a)    to the Sponsor’s or the Company’s officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates,

(b)    to the Sponsor’s (or other initial purchaser of the Private Placement Warrants, if such purchaser is an entity) members upon the Sponsor’s (or other initial purchaser’s) liquidation,

(c)    in the case of an individual, by bona fide gift to a member of the individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the individual or a member of the individual’s immediate family for estate planning purposes,

(d)    in the case of an individual, by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death,

(e)    in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order,

(f)    to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination or

(g)    in connection with the consummation of an initial Business Combination, by private sales at prices no greater than the price at which the securities were originally purchased;

(h)    in the event of the Company’s liquidation prior to the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination; or

(i)    in the event of the Company’s liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination;

 

5


provided , however , in the case of clauses (a) through (e) and (g), these transferees (the “ Permitted Transferees ”) must enter into a written agreement agreeing to be bound by the transfer restrictions in this Agreement.

2.6.2     Forward Purchase Warrants . The Forward Purchase Warrants shall have the same terms and be in the same form as the Private Placement Warrants so long as the Forward Purchase Warrants are held by the Forward Purchasers or their Permitted Transferees.

3.     Terms and Exercise of Warrants .

3.1     Warrant Price . Each Warrant shall, when countersigned by the Warrant Agent, entitle the Registered Holder thereof, subject to the provisions of such Warrant and of this Agreement, to purchase from the Company the number of shares of Common Stock stated therein, at the price of $11.50 per share, subject to the adjustments provided in Section  4 hereof and in the last sentence of this Section  3.1 . The term “Warrant Price” as used in this Agreement shall mean the price per share at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased at the time a Warrant is exercised. The Company in its sole discretion may lower the Warrant Price at any time prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) for a period of not less than twenty (20) Business Days, provided, the Company shall provide at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of such reduction to Registered Holders of the Warrants and, provided further any such reduction shall be identical among all of the Warrants.

3.2     Duration of Warrants . A Warrant may be exercised only during the period (the “ Exercise Period ”) commencing on the later of: (i) the date that is thirty (30) days after the first date on which the Company completes a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses (a “ Business Combination ”), or (ii) the date that is twelve (12) months from the date of the closing of the Offering, and terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the earlier to occur of: (x) the date that is five (5) years after the date on which the Company completes its Business Combination, (y) the liquidation of the Company if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination, or (z) other than with respect to the Private Placement Warrants and the Forward Purchase Warrants, the Redemption Date (as defined below) as provided in Section  6.2 hereof (the “ Expiration Date ”); provided , however , the exercise of any Warrant shall be subject to the satisfaction of any applicable conditions, as set forth in subsection 3.3.2 below with respect to an effective registration statement. Except with respect to the right to receive the Redemption Price (as defined below) (other than with respect to a Private Placement Warrant or a Forward Purchase Warrant) in the event of a redemption (as set forth in Section  6 hereof), each Warrant (other than a Private Placement Warrant or a Forward Purchase Warrant in the event of a redemption) not exercised on or before the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights thereunder and all rights in respect thereof under this Agreement shall cease at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Expiration Date. The Company in its sole discretion may extend the duration of the Warrants by delaying the Expiration Date; provided , the Company shall provide at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of any such extension to Registered Holders of the Warrants and, provided further any such extension shall be identical in duration among all the Warrants.

 

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3.3     Exercise of Warrants .

3.3.1     Payment . Subject to the provisions of the Warrant and this Agreement, a Warrant, when countersigned by the Warrant Agent, may be exercised by the Registered Holder thereof by surrendering it, at the office of the Warrant Agent, or at the office of its successor as Warrant Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, with the subscription form, as set forth in the Warrant, duly executed, and by paying in full the Warrant Price for each full share of Common Stock as to which the Warrant is exercised and any and all applicable taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Warrant, the exchange of the Warrant for the shares of Common Stock and the issuance of such shares of Common Stock, as follows:

(a)    in lawful money of the United States, in good certified check or good bank draft payable to the Warrant Agent;

(b)    in the event of a redemption pursuant to Section  6 hereof in which the Company’s board of directors (the “ Board ”) has elected to require all holders of the Warrants to exercise such Warrants on a “cashless basis,” by surrendering the Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the excess of the “Fair Market Value”, as defined in this subsection 3.3.1(b) over the Warrant Price by (y) the Fair Market Value. Solely for purposes of this subsection 3.3.1(b) and Section  6.3 , the “Fair Market Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common Stock for the five (5) trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of the Warrants, pursuant to Section  6 hereof;

(c)    with respect to any Private Placement Warrant, so long as such Private Placement Warrant is held by the Sponsor or its Permitted Transferees, and with respect to any Forward Purchase Warrant, so long as such Forward Purchase Warrant is held by a Forward Purchaser or its Permitted Transferees, by surrendering the Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the excess of the “Fair Market Value”, as defined in this subsection  3.3.1(c) , over the Warrant Price by (y) the Fair Market Value. Solely for purposes of this subsection 3.3.1(c) , the “Fair Market Value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common Stock for the ten (10) trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which notice of exercise of the Warrant is sent to the Warrant Agent; or

 

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(d)    as provided in Section  7.4 hereof.

3.3.2     Issuance of Shares of Common Stock on Exercise . As soon as practicable after the exercise of any Warrant and the clearance of the funds in payment of the Warrant Price (if payment is pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(a) ), the Company shall issue to the Registered Holder of such Warrant a book-entry position or certificate, as applicable, for the number of full shares of Common Stock to which he, she or it is entitled, registered in such name or names as may be directed by him, her or it, and if such Warrant shall not have been exercised in full, a new book-entry position or countersigned Warrant, as applicable, for the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such Warrant shall not have been exercised. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a Warrant and shall have no obligation to settle such Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company’s satisfying its obligations under Section  7.4 . No Warrant shall be exercisable and the Company shall not be obligated to issue shares of Common Stock upon exercise of a Warrant unless the Common Stock issuable upon such Warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the Registered Holder of the Warrants. In the event the conditions in the two immediately preceding sentences are not satisfied with respect to a Warrant, the holder of such Warrant shall not be entitled to exercise such Warrant and such Warrant may have no value and expire worthless, in which case the purchaser of a Unit containing such Public Warrants shall have paid the full purchase price for the Unit solely for the shares of Common Stock underlying such Unit. In no event will the Company be required to net cash settle any Warrants. The Company may require holders of Public Warrants to settle the Warrant on a “cashless basis” pursuant to Section  7.4 . If, by reason of any exercise of warrants on a “cashless basis”, the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise of such Warrant, to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the Company shall round down to the nearest whole number, the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to such holder.

3.3.3     Valid Issuance . All shares of Common Stock issued upon the proper exercise of a Warrant in conformity with this Agreement shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

3.3.4     Date of Issuance . Each person in whose name any book-entry position or certificate, as applicable, for shares of Common Stock is issued shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock on the date on which the Warrant, or book-entry position representing such Warrant, was surrendered and payment of the Warrant Price was made, irrespective of the date of delivery of such certificate in the case of a certificated Warrant, except, if the date of such surrender and payment is a date when the share transfer books of the Company or book-entry system of the Warrant Agent are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the holder of such shares of Common Stock at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the share transfer books or book-entry system are open.

 

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3.3.5     Maximum Percentage . A holder of a Warrant may notify the Company in writing in the event it elects to be subject to the provisions contained in this subsection 3.3.5 ; however , no holder of a Warrant shall be subject to this subsection 3.3.5 unless he, she or it makes such election. If the election is made by a holder, the Warrant Agent shall not effect the exercise of the holder’s Warrant, and such holder shall not have the right to exercise such Warrant, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, such person (together with such person’s affiliates), to the Warrant Agent’s actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 9.8% (the “ Maximum Percentage ”) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person and its affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant with respect to which the determination of such sentence is being made, but shall exclude shares of Common Stock that would be issuable upon (x) exercise of the remaining, unexercised portion of the Warrant beneficially owned by such person and its affiliates and (y) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other securities of the Company beneficially owned by such person and its affiliates (including, without limitation, any convertible notes or convertible preferred stock or warrants) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this paragraph, beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”). For purposes of the Warrant, in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (1) the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q, current report on Form 8-K or other public filing with the Commission as the case may be, (2) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (3) any other notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. For any reason at any time, upon the written request of the holder of the Warrant, the Company shall, within two (2) Business Days, confirm orally and in writing to such holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of equity securities of the Company by the holder and its affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. By written notice to the Company, the holder of a Warrant may from time to time increase or decrease the Maximum Percentage applicable to such holder to any other percentage specified in such notice; provided , however , any such increase shall not be effective until the sixty-first (61st) day after such notice is delivered to the Company.

 

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4.     Adjustments .

4.1     Stock Dividends .

4.1.1     Split-Ups . If after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section  4.6 below, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is increased by a stock dividend payable in shares of Common Stock, or by a split-up of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such stock dividend, split-up or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be increased in proportion to such increase in the outstanding shares of Common Stock. A rights offering to holders of the Common Stock entitling holders to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the “Fair Market Value” (as defined below) shall be deemed a stock dividend of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for the Common Stock) multiplied by (ii) one (1) minus the quotient of (x) the price per share of Common Stock paid in such rights offering divided by (y) the Fair Market Value. For purposes of this subsection 4.1.1 , (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock, in determining the price payable for Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion and (ii) “Fair Market Value” means the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first date on which the shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such rights.

4.1.2     Extraordinary Dividends . If the Company, at any time while the Warrants are outstanding and unexpired, shall pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash, securities or other assets to the holders of the Common Stock on account of such shares of Common Stock (or other shares of the Company’s capital stock into which the Warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described in subsection 4.1.1 above, (b) Ordinary Cash Dividends (as defined below), (c) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of the Common Stock in connection with a proposed initial Business Combination, (d) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of Common Stock in connection with a stockholder vote to amend the Company’s certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the shares of Common Stock included in the Units sold in the Offering if the Company does not complete the Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of the Offering, or, (e) in connection with the redemption of the shares of Common Stock included in the Units sold in the Offering upon the failure of the Company to complete its initial Business Combination and any subsequent distribution of its assets upon its liquidation (any such non-excluded event being referred to herein as an “ Extraordinary Dividend ”), then the Warrant Price shall be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such Extraordinary Dividend, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value (as determined by the Board, in good faith) of any securities or other assets paid on each share of Common Stock in respect of such Extraordinary Dividend. For purposes of this subsection 4.1.2 , “ Ordinary Cash Dividends ” means any cash dividend or cash distribution which, when combined on a per share basis, with the per share

 

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amounts of all other cash dividends and cash distributions paid on the Common Stock during the 365-day period ending on the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution (as adjusted to appropriately reflect any of the events referred to in other subsections of this Section 4 and excluding cash dividends or cash distributions that resulted in an adjustment to the Warrant Price or to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant) does not exceed $0.50 (being 5% of the offering price of the Units in the Offering).

4.2     Aggregation of Shares . If after the date hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section  4.6 hereof, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse stock split or reclassification of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse stock split, reclassification or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Warrant shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares of Common Stock.

4.3     Adjustments in Exercise Price . Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants is adjusted, as provided in subsection 4.1.1 or Section  4.2 above, the Warrant Price shall be adjusted (to the nearest cent) by multiplying such Warrant Price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment, and (y) the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock so purchasable immediately thereafter.

4.4     Replacement of Securities upon Reorganization, etc . In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than a change under subsections 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 or Section  4.2 hereof or that solely affects the par value of such shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing corporation and does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Company is dissolved, the holders of the Warrants shall thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the Warrants and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock of the Company immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, the holder of the Warrants would have received if such holder had exercised his, her or its Warrant(s) immediately prior to such event (the “ Alternative Issuance ”); provided , however , (i) if the holders of the Common Stock were entitled to exercise a right of election as to the kind or amount of securities, cash or other assets receivable upon such consolidation or merger, then the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets constituting the Alternative Issuance for which each Warrant shall become exercisable shall be deemed to be the weighted average of the kind and amount received per

 

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share by the holders of the Common Stock in such consolidation or merger that affirmatively make such election, and (ii) if a tender, exchange or redemption offer shall have been made to and accepted by the holders of the Common Stock (other than a tender, exchange or redemption offer made by the Company in connection with redemption rights held by stockholders of the Company as provided for in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation or as a result of the repurchase of shares of Common Stock by the Company if a proposed initial Business Combination is presented to the stockholders of the Company for approval) under circumstances in which, upon completion of such tender or exchange offer, the maker thereof, together with members of any group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule)) of which such maker is a part, and together with any affiliate or associate of such maker (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule)) and any members of any such group of which any such affiliate or associate is a part, own beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor rule)) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holder of a Warrant shall be entitled to receive as the Alternative Issuance, the highest amount of cash, securities or other property to which such holder would actually have been entitled as a stockholder if such Warrant holder had exercised the Warrant prior to the expiration of such tender or exchange offer, accepted such offer and all of the Common Stock held by such holder had been purchased pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, subject to adjustments (from and after the consummation of such tender or exchange offer) as nearly equivalent as possible to the adjustments provided for in this Section  4 ; provided, further, that if less than 70% of the consideration receivable by the holders of the Common Stock in the applicable event is payable in the form of common stock in the successor entity listed for trading on a national securities exchange or is quoted in an established over-the-counter market, or is to be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the Registered Holder properly exercises the Warrant within thirty (30) days following the public disclosure of the consummation of such applicable event by the Company pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission, the Warrant Price shall be reduced by an amount (in dollars) equal to the difference of (i) the Warrant Price in effect prior to such reduction minus (ii) (A) the Per Share Consideration (as defined below) (but in no event less than zero) minus (B) the Black-Scholes Warrant Value (as defined below). The “ Black-Scholes Warrant Value ” means the value of a Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of the applicable event based on the Black-Scholes Warrant Model for a Capped American Call on Bloomberg Financial Markets (“ Bloomberg ”). For purposes of calculating such amount, (1)  Section  6 of this Agreement shall be taken into account, (2) the price of each share of Common Stock shall be the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the effective date of the applicable event, (3) the assumed volatility shall be the 90 day volatility obtained from the HVT function on Bloomberg determined as of the trading day immediately prior to the day of the announcement of the applicable event, and (4) the assumed risk-free interest rate shall correspond to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the remaining term of the Warrant. “ Per Share Consideration ” means (i) if the consideration paid to holders of the Common Stock consists exclusively of cash, the amount of such cash per share of Common Stock, and (ii) in all other cases, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the effective date of the applicable event. If any reclassification or reorganization also results in a

 

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change in shares of Common Stock covered by subsection 4.1.1 , then such adjustment shall be made pursuant to subsection 4.1.1 or Sections 4.2 , 4.3 and this Section  4.4 . The provisions of this Section  4.4 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, reorganizations, mergers or consolidations, sales or other transfers. In no event will the Warrant Price be reduced to less than the par value per share issuable upon exercise of the Warrant.

4.5     Notices of Changes in Warrant . Upon every adjustment of the Warrant Price or the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, the Company shall give written notice thereof to the Warrant Agent, which notice shall state the Warrant Price resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease, if any, in the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable at such price upon the exercise of a Warrant, setting forth in reasonable detail the method of calculation and the facts upon which such calculation is based. Upon the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 or 4.4 , the Company shall give written notice of the occurrence of such event to each holder of a Warrant, at the last address set forth for such holder in the Warrant Register, of the record date or the effective date of the event. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of such event.

4.6     No Fractional Shares . Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not issue fractional shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of Warrants. If, by reason of any adjustment made pursuant to this Section  4 , the holder of any Warrant would be entitled, upon the exercise of such Warrant, to receive a fractional interest in a share, the Company shall, upon such exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to such holder.

4.7     Form of Warrant . The form of Warrant need not be changed because of any adjustment pursuant to this Section  4 , and Warrants issued after such adjustment may state the same Warrant Price and the same number of shares of Common Stock as is stated in the Warrants initially issued pursuant to this Agreement; provided , however , the Company may at any time in its sole discretion make any change in the form of Warrant that the Company may deem appropriate and does not affect the substance thereof, and any Warrant thereafter issued or countersigned, whether in exchange or substitution for an outstanding Warrant or otherwise, may be in the form as so changed.

4.8     Other Events . In case any event shall occur affecting the Company as to which none of the provisions of preceding subsections of this Section  4 are strictly applicable, but which would require an adjustment to the terms of the Warrants to (i) avoid an adverse impact on the Warrants and (ii) effectuate the intent and purpose of this Section  4 , then, in each such case, the Company shall appoint a firm of independent public accountants, investment banking or other appraisal firm of recognized national standing, which shall give its opinion as to whether or not any adjustment to the rights represented by the Warrants is necessary to effectuate the intent and purpose of this Section  4 and, if they determine an adjustment is necessary, the terms of such adjustment; provided , however , that under no circumstances shall the Warrants be adjusted pursuant to this Section  4.8 as a result of any issuance of securities in connection with a Business Combination. The Company shall adjust the terms of the Warrants in a manner that is consistent with any adjustment recommended in such opinion.

 

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5.     Transfer and Exchange of Warrants .

5.1     Registration of Transfer . The Warrant Agent shall register the transfer, from time to time, of any outstanding Warrant upon the Warrant Register, upon surrender of such Warrant for transfer, properly endorsed with signatures properly guaranteed and accompanied by appropriate instructions for transfer. Upon any such transfer, a new Warrant representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants shall be issued and the old Warrant shall be cancelled by the Warrant Agent. The Warrants so cancelled shall be delivered by the Warrant Agent to the Company from time to time upon request.

5.2     Procedure for Surrender of Warrants . Warrants may be surrendered to the Warrant Agent, together with a written request for exchange or transfer, and thereupon the Warrant Agent shall issue in exchange therefor one or more new Warrants as requested by the Registered Holder of the Warrants so surrendered, representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants; provided , however , in the event a Warrant surrendered for transfer bears a restrictive legend (as in the case of the Private Placement Warrants and the Forward Purchase Warrants), the Warrant Agent shall not cancel such Warrant and issue new Warrants in exchange thereof until the Warrant Agent has received an opinion of counsel for the Company stating such transfer may be made and indicating whether the new Warrants must also bear a restrictive legend.

5.3     Fractional Warrants . The Warrant Agent shall not be required to effect any registration of transfer or exchange which shall result in the issuance of a warrant certificate or book-entry position for a fraction of a warrant, except as part of the Units.

5.4     Service Charges . No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Warrants.

5.5     Warrant Execution and Countersignature . The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized to countersign and to deliver, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Warrants required to be issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section  5 , and the Company, whenever required by the Warrant Agent, shall supply the Warrant Agent with Warrants duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purpose.

5.6     Transfer of Warrants . Prior to the Detachment Date, the Public Warrants may be transferred or exchanged only together with the Unit in which such Warrant is included, and only for the purpose of effecting, or in conjunction with, a transfer or exchange of such Unit. Furthermore, each transfer of a Unit on the register relating to such Units shall operate also to transfer the Warrants included in such Unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section  5.6 shall have no effect on any transfer of Warrants on and after the Detachment Date.

6.     Redemption .

6.1     Redemption . Subject to Section  6.4 hereof, not less than all of the outstanding Warrants may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, at any time while they are exercisable and prior to their expiration, at the office of the Warrant Agent, upon notice to the Registered Holders of the Warrants, as described in Section  6.2 below, at the price of $0.01 per

 

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Warrant (the Redemption Price ), provided the last sales price of the Common Stock reported has been at least $18.00 per share (subject to adjustment in compliance with Section  4 hereof), on each of twenty (20) trading days within the thirty (30) trading-day period ending on the third Business Day prior to the date on which notice of the redemption is given and provided there is an effective registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and a current prospectus relating thereto, available throughout the 30-day Redemption Period (as defined in Section  6.2 below) or the Company has elected to require the exercise of the Warrants on a “cashless basis” pursuant to subsection 3.3.1 .

6.2     Date Fixed for, and Notice of, Redemption . In the event the Company elects to redeem all of the Warrants, the Company shall fix a date for the redemption (the “ Redemption Date ”). Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, by the Company not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Redemption Date (the “ 30-day Redemption Period ”) to the Registered Holders of the Warrants to be redeemed at their last addresses as they shall appear on the registration books. Any notice mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the Registered Holder received such notice.

6.3     Exercise After Notice of Redemption . The Warrants may be exercised, for cash (or on a “cashless basis” in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(b) of this Agreement) at any time after notice of redemption shall have been given by the Company pursuant to Section  6.2 hereof and prior to the Redemption Date. In the event the Company determines to require all holders of Warrants to exercise their Warrants on a “cashless basis” pursuant to subsection 3.3.1 , the notice of redemption shall contain the information necessary to calculate the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Warrants, including the “Fair Market Value” (as such term is defined in subsection 3.3.1(b) hereof) in such case. On and after the Redemption Date, the record holder of the Warrants shall have no further rights except to receive, upon surrender of the Warrants, the Redemption Price.

6.4     Exclusion of Private Placement Warrants and Forward Purchase Warrants. The Company agrees the redemption rights provided in this Section  6 shall not apply to the Private Placement Warrants or Forward Purchase Warrants if at the time of the redemption such Private Placement Warrants or Forward Purchase Warrants, as applicable, continue to be held by the Sponsor or other initial purchaser or Forward Purchaser thereof or its respective Permitted Transferees. However , once such Private Placement Warrants or Forward Purchase Warrants, as applicable, are transferred (other than to Permitted Transferees under Section  2.6 ), the Company may redeem the Private Placement Warrants, or Forward Purchase Warrants, as applicable, provided the criteria for redemption are met, including the opportunity of the holder of such Warrants to exercise the Warrants prior to redemption pursuant to Section  6.3 . Private Placement Warrants or Forward Purchase Warrants, as applicable, transferred to persons other than Permitted Transferees shall upon such transfer cease to be Private Placement Warrants, or Forward Purchase Warrants, as applicable, and shall become Public Warrants under this Agreement.

 

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7.     Other Provisions Relating to Rights of Holders of Warrants .

7.1     No Rights as Stockholder . A Warrant does not entitle the Registered Holder thereof to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, or other distributions, exercise any preemptive rights to vote or to consent or to receive notice as a stockholder in respect of the meetings of stockholders or the election of directors of the Company or any other matter.

7.2     Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Warrants . If any Warrant is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the Company and the Warrant Agent may on such terms as to indemnity or otherwise as they may in their discretion impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include the surrender thereof), issue a new Warrant of like denomination, tenor, and date as the Warrant so lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. Any such new Warrant shall constitute a substitute contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the allegedly lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed Warrant shall be at any time enforceable by anyone.

7.3     Reservation of Common Stock . The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available a number of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to this Agreement.

7.4     Registration of Common Stock; Cashless Exercise at Company’s Option .

7.4.1     Registration of the Common Stock . The Company agrees as soon as practicable, but in no event later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the closing of its initial Business Combination, it shall use its best efforts to file with the Commission a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the same to become effective and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement, and a current prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration of the Warrants in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. If any such registration statement has not been declared effective by the 60th Business Day following the closing of the Business Combination, holders of the Warrants shall have the right, during the period beginning on the 61st Business Day after the closing of the Business Combination and ending upon such registration statement being declared effective by the Commission, and during any other period when the Company shall fail to have maintained an effective registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, to exercise such Warrants on a “cashless basis,” by exchanging the Warrants (in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act (or any successor rule) or another exemption) for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the Warrant Price and the “Fair Market Value” (as defined below) by (y) the Fair Market Value. Solely for purposes of this subsection 7.4.1 , “Fair Market Value” shall mean the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock as reported during the five (5) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the date that notice of exercise is received by the Warrant Agent from the holder of such Warrants or its securities broker or intermediary. The date that notice of cashless exercise is received by the Warrant Agent shall be conclusively determined by the Warrant Agent. In connection with the “cashless

 

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exercise” of a Public Warrant, the Company shall, upon request, provide the Warrant Agent with an opinion of counsel for the Company (which shall be an outside law firm with securities law experience) stating (i) the exercise of the Warrants on a cashless basis in accordance with this subsection 7.4.1 is not required to be registered under the Securities Act and (ii) the shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise shall be freely tradable under United States federal securities laws by anyone who is not an affiliate (as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule)) of the Company and, accordingly, shall not be required to bear a restrictive legend. Except as provided in subsection 7.4.2 , for the avoidance of any doubt, unless and until all of the Warrants have been exercised, the Company shall continue to be obligated to comply with its registration obligations under the first three sentences of this subsection 7.4.1 .

7.4.2     Cashless Exercise at Company’s Option . If the Common Stock is at the time of any exercise of a Warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that it satisfies the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act (or any successor rule), the Company may, at its option, (i) require holders of Public Warrants who exercise Public Warrants to exercise such Public Warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act (or any successor rule) as described in subsection 7.4.1 and (ii) in the event the Company so elects, the Company shall (x) not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, and (y) use its best efforts to register or qualify the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrant under the blue sky laws of the state of residence of the exercising Public Warrant holder to the extent an exemption is not available.

8.     Concerning the Warrant Agent and Other Matters .

8.1     Payment of Taxes . The Company shall from time to time promptly pay all taxes and charges that may be imposed upon the Company or the Warrant Agent in respect of the issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Warrants, but the Company shall not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in respect of the Warrants or such shares of Common Stock.

8.2     Resignation, Consolidation, or Merger of Warrant Agent .

8.2.1     Appointment of Successor Warrant Agent . The Warrant Agent, or any successor to it hereafter appointed, may resign its duties and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder after giving sixty (60) days’ notice in writing to the Company. If the office of the Warrant Agent becomes vacant by resignation or incapacity to act or otherwise, the Company shall appoint in writing a successor Warrant Agent in place of the Warrant Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of thirty (30) days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of a Warrant (who shall, with such notice, submit his Warrant for inspection by the Company), then the holder of any

 

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Warrant may apply to the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York for the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent at the Company’s cost. Any successor Warrant Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such court, shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, in good standing and having its principal office in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority. After appointment, any successor Warrant Agent shall be vested with all the authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations of its predecessor Warrant Agent with like effect as if originally named as Warrant Agent hereunder, without any further act or deed; but if for any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate, the predecessor Warrant Agent shall execute and deliver, at the expense of the Company, an instrument transferring to such successor Warrant Agent all the authority, powers, and rights of such predecessor Warrant Agent hereunder; and upon request of any successor Warrant Agent the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually vesting in and confirming to such successor Warrant Agent all such authority, powers, rights, immunities, duties, and obligations.

8.2.2     Notice of Successor Warrant Agent . In the event a successor Warrant Agent shall be appointed, the Company shall give notice thereof to the predecessor Warrant Agent and the Transfer Agent for the Common Stock not later than the effective date of any such appointment.

8.2.3     Merger or Consolidation of Warrant Agent . Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this Agreement without any further act.

8.3     Fees and Expenses of Warrant Agent .

8.3.1     Remuneration . The Company agrees to pay the Warrant Agent reasonable remuneration for its services as such Warrant Agent hereunder and shall, pursuant to its obligations under this Agreement, reimburse the Warrant Agent upon demand for all expenditures the Warrant Agent may reasonably incur in the execution of its duties hereunder.

8.3.2     Further Assurances . The Company agrees to perform, execute, acknowledge, and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged, and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments, and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Warrant Agent for the carrying out or performing of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

18


8.4     Liability of Warrant Agent .

8.4.1     Reliance on Company Statement . Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or Chairman of the Board of the Company and delivered to the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent may rely upon such statement for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

8.4.2     Indemnity . The Warrant Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Company agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent and save it harmless against any and all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees, for anything done or omitted by the Warrant Agent in the execution of this Agreement, except as a result of the Warrant Agent’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.

8.4.3     Exclusions . The Warrant Agent shall have no responsibility with respect to the validity of this Agreement or with respect to the validity or execution of any Warrant (except its countersignature thereof). The Warrant Agent shall not be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any Warrant. The Warrant Agent shall not be responsible to make any adjustments required under the provisions of Section  4 hereof or responsible for the manner, method, or amount of any such adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment; nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant or as to whether any shares of Common Stock shall, when issued, be valid and fully paid and non-assessable.

8.5     Acceptance of Agency . The Warrant Agent hereby accepts the agency established by this Agreement and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions herein set forth and among other things, shall account promptly to the Company with respect to Warrants exercised and concurrently account for, and pay to the Company, all monies received by the Warrant Agent for the purchase of shares of Common Stock through the exercise of the Warrants.

8.6     Waiver . The Warrant Agent has no right of set-off or any other right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“ Claim ”) in, or to any distribution of, the Trust Account (as defined in that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Warrant Agent as trustee thereunder) and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever. The Warrant Agent hereby waives any and all Claims against the Trust Account and any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account.

 

19


9.     Miscellaneous Provisions .

9.1     Successors . All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

9.2     Notices . Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of any Warrant to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five (5) days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent), as follows:

Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the holder of any Warrant or by the Company to or on the Warrant Agent shall be sufficiently given when so delivered if by hand or overnight delivery or if sent by certified mail or private courier service within five (5) days after deposit of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Warrant Agent with the Company), as follows:

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street Plaza

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Compliance Department

9.3     Applicable Law . The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement and of the Warrants shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The Company hereby agrees any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

9.4     Persons Having Rights under this Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto and the Registered Holders of the Warrants any right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof. All covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises, and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns and of the Registered Holders of the Warrants.

 

20


9.5     Examination of the Warrant Agreement . A copy of this Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the office of the Warrant Agent in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, for inspection by the Registered Holder of any Warrant. The Warrant Agent may require any such holder to submit such holder’s Warrant for inspection by the Warrant Agent.

9.6     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

9.7     Effect of Headings . The section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation thereof.

9.8     Amendments . This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto without the consent of any Registered Holder for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, or curing, correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained herein or adding or changing any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement as the parties may deem necessary or desirable and the parties deem shall not adversely affect the interest of the Registered Holders. All other modifications or amendments, including any amendment to increase the Warrant Price or shorten the Exercise Period and any amendment to the terms of only the Private Placement Warrants and/or the Forward Purchase Warrants, shall require the vote or written consent of the Registered Holders of 50% of the then-outstanding Public Warrants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may lower the Warrant Price or extend the duration of the Exercise Period pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 , respectively, without the consent of the Registered Holders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any modification or amendment to the terms of the Forward Purchase Warrants shall require the vote or written consent of the Registered Holders of 50% of the then-outstanding Forward Purchase Warrants.

9.9     Severability . This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

 

21


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

                                          

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, as Warrant Agent
By:  

                                                              

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Warrant Agreement]


Exhibit A

[Form of Warrant Certificate] [FACE]

Number

Warrants

 

 

THIS WARRANT SHALL BE VOID IF NOT EXERCISED PRIOR TO

THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXERCISE PERIOD PROVIDED FOR

IN THE WARRANT AGREEMENT DESCRIBED BELOW

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

Incorporated Under the Laws of the State of Delaware

CUSIP [●]

Warrant Certificate

This Warrant Certificate certifies that                      , or registered assigns, is the registered holder of                      warrant(s) evidenced hereby (the “ Warrants ” and each, a “ Warrant ”) to purchase shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“ Common Stock ”), of Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”). Each Warrant entitles the holder, upon exercise during the period set forth in the Warrant Agreement referred to below, to receive from the Company that number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as set forth below, at the exercise price (the “ Exercise Price ”) as determined pursuant to the Warrant Agreement, payable in lawful money (or through “ cashless exercise ” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement) of the United States of America upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate and payment of the Exercise Price at the office or agency of the Warrant Agent referred to below, subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Warrant Agreement. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

Each Warrant is initially exercisable for one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

The initial Exercise Price per share of Common Stock for any Warrant is equal to $11.50 per share. The Exercise Price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

Subject to the conditions set forth in the Warrant Agreement, the Warrants may be exercised only during the Exercise Period and to the extent not exercised by the end of such Exercise Period, such Warrants shall become void.

 

A-1


Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Warrant Certificate set forth on the reverse hereof and such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.

This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid unless countersigned by the Warrant Agent, as such term is used in the Warrant Agreement.

This Warrant Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

                                          

Name:  
Title:  
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER& TRUST COMPANY, as Warrant Agent
By:  

                                          

Name:  
Title:  


[Form of Warrant Certificate]

[Reverse]

The Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate are part of a duly authorized issue of Warrants entitling the holder on exercise to receive                  shares of Common Stock and are issued or to be issued pursuant to a Warrant Agreement dated as of             , 2018 (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), duly executed and delivered by the Company to Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent (the “ Warrant Agent ”), which Warrant Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference in and made a part of this instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the holders (the words “ holders ” or “ holder ” meaning the Registered Holders or Registered Holder) of the Warrants. A copy of the Warrant Agreement may be obtained by the holder hereof upon written request to the Company. Defined terms used in this Warrant Certificate but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Warrant Agreement.

Warrants may be exercised at any time during the Exercise Period set forth in the Warrant Agreement. The holder of Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate may exercise them by surrendering this Warrant Certificate, with the form of election to purchase set forth hereon properly completed and executed, together with payment of the Exercise Price as specified in the Warrant Agreement (or through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement) at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent. In the event upon any exercise of Warrants evidenced hereby, the number of Warrants exercised shall be less than the total number of Warrants evidenced hereby, there shall be issued to the holder hereof or his, her or its assignee, a new Warrant Certificate evidencing the number of Warrants not exercised.

Notwithstanding anything else in this Warrant Certificate or the Warrant Agreement, no Warrant may be exercised unless at the time of exercise (i) a registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise is effective under the Securities Act and (ii) a prospectus thereunder relating to the shares of Common Stock is current, except through “cashless exercise” as provided for in the Warrant Agreement.

The Warrant Agreement provides upon the occurrence of certain events the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants set forth on the face hereof may, subject to certain conditions, be adjusted. If, upon exercise of a Warrant, the holder thereof would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share of Common Stock, the Company shall, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the holder of the Warrant.

Warrant Certificates, when surrendered at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent by the Registered Holder thereof in person or by legal representative or attorney duly authorized in writing, may be exchanged, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, but without payment of any service charge, for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants.

 

A-3


Upon due presentation for registration of transfer of this Warrant Certificate at the office of the Warrant Agent a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number of Warrants shall be issued to the transferee(s) in exchange for this Warrant Certificate, subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement, without charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.

The Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the Registered Holder(s) hereof as the absolute owner(s) of this Warrant Certificate (notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon made by anyone), for the purpose of any exercise hereof, of any distribution to the holder(s) hereof, and for all other purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. Neither the Warrants nor this Warrant Certificate entitles any holder hereof to any rights of a stockholder of the Company.


Election to Purchase

(To Be Executed Upon Exercise of Warrant)

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right, represented by this Warrant Certificate, to receive                  shares of Common Stock and herewith tenders payment for such shares of Common Stock to the order of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “Company” ) in the amount of $         in accordance with the terms hereof. The undersigned requests a certificate for such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of                     , whose address is                      and such shares of Common Stock be delivered to                      whose address is                     . If said number of shares of Common Stock is less than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder, the undersigned requests a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of                     , whose address is                      and such Warrant Certificate be delivered to                     , whose address is                     .

In the event the Warrant has been called for redemption by the Company pursuant to Section  6 of the Warrant Agreement and the Company has required cashless exercise pursuant to Section  6.3 of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(b) and Section  6.3 of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event the Warrant is a Private Placement Warrant or an Forward Purchase Warrant to be exercised on a “cashless” basis pursuant to subsection 3.3.1(c) of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with subsection 3.3.1(c) of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event the Warrant is to be exercised on a “cashless” basis pursuant to Section  7.4 of the Warrant Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for shall be determined in accordance with Section  7.4 of the Warrant Agreement.

In the event the Warrant may be exercised, to the extent allowed by the Warrant Agreement, through cashless exercise (i) the number of shares of Common Stock this Warrant is exercisable for would be determined in accordance with the relevant section of the Warrant Agreement which allows for such cashless exercise and (ii) the holder hereof shall complete the following: The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the right, represented by this Warrant Certificate, through the cashless exercise provisions of the Warrant Agreement, to receive shares of Common Stock. If said number of shares is less than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder (after giving effect to the cashless exercise), the undersigned requests a new Warrant Certificate representing the remaining balance of such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of                     , whose address is                      and such Warrant Certificate be delivered to                     , whose address is                     .

[Signature Page Follows]

 

A-5


Date:  

            , 20    

(Signature)

(Address)

(Tax Identification Number)

Signature Guaranteed:

 

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15 (OR ANY SUCCESSOR RULE)).

 

A-6


Exhibit B

Legend

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, SUBJECT TO ANY ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER DESCRIBED IN THE LETTER AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG PURE ACQUISITION CORP. (THE “COMPANY”), HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC AND THE OTHER PARTIES THERETO, THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO THE DATE UPON WHICH THE COMPANY COMPLETES ITS INITIAL BUSINESS COMBINATION (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3 OF THE WARRANT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) EXCEPT TO A PERMITTED TRANSFEREE (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2 OF THE WARRANT AGREEMENT) WHO AGREES IN WRITING WITH THE COMPANY TO BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TRANSFER PROVISIONS.

SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF SUCH SECURITIES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS UNDER A REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT TO BE EXECUTED BY THE COMPANY.”

No.                      Warrants

 

B-1


Exhibit C

Legend

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN VIOLATION OF SUCH ACT AND LAWS. THE SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, OR TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A CERTAIN FORWARD PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE HOLDER AND THE COMPANY. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE COMPANY.”

 

B-1

Exhibit 10.1

[    ], 2018

Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Re: Initial Public Offering

Gentlemen:

This letter (this “ Letter Agreement ”) is being delivered to you in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) to be entered into by and among Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Oppenheimer & Co. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., as representatives (the “ Representatives ”) of the several underwriters (each, an “ Underwriter ” and collectively, the “ Underwriters ”), relating to an underwritten initial public offering (the “ Public Offering ”), of up to 34,500,000 of the Company’s units (including up to 4,500,000 units that may be purchased to cover over-allotments, if any) (the “ Units ”), each comprised of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), and one-half of one warrant. Each whole Warrant (each, a “ Warrant ”) entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The Units shall be sold in the Public Offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 and prospectus (the “ Prospectus ”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) and the Company shall apply to have the Units listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in paragraph 11 hereof.

To induce the Company and the Underwriters to enter into the Underwriting Agreement and to proceed with the Public Offering and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC (the “ Sponsor ”) and each of the undersigned individuals, each of whom is a member of the Company’s board of directors and/or management team (each, an “ Insider ” and collectively, the “ Insiders ”), hereby agrees with the Company as follows:

 

  1. The Sponsor and each Insider agrees if the Company seeks stockholder approval of a proposed Business Combination, then in connection with such proposed Business Combination, it, he or she shall (i) vote any shares of Capital Stock owned by it, him or her in favor of any proposed Business Combination and (ii) not redeem any shares of Common Stock owned by it, him or her in connection with such stockholder approval.

 

  2.

The Sponsor and each Insider hereby agrees in the event the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of the Public Offering, or such later period approved by the Company’s stockholders in accordance with the Company’s certificate of incorporation, the Sponsor and each Insider shall take all reasonable steps to cause the Company to (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than 10 business days thereafter, subject to lawfully available funds therefor, redeem 100% of the Common Stock sold as part of the Units in the Public Offering (the “ Offering Shares ”), at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company (net of taxes payable and up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Offering Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish all Public Stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, dissolve and liquidate, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and other requirements of applicable law. The Sponsor and each Insider agrees to not propose any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation that would modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Offering Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination within 18 months from the closing of the Public Offering, unless the Company provides its public stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of Common Stock upon approval of any such amendment at a per-


  share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its franchise and income taxes payable and up to $50,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses, divided by the number of then outstanding Offering Shares.

The Sponsor and each Insider acknowledges it, he or she has no right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account or any other asset of the Company as a result of any liquidation of the Company with respect to the Founder Shares held by it, him or her. The Sponsor and each Insider hereby further waives, with respect to any shares of Common Stock held by it, him or her, if any, any redemption rights it, he or she may have in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination, including, without limitation, any such rights available in the context of a stockholder vote to approve such Business Combination or in the context of a tender offer made by the Company to purchase shares of Common Stock (although the Sponsor, the Insiders and their respective affiliates shall be entitled to redemption and liquidation rights with respect to any Offering Shares it or they hold if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within 18 months from the date of the closing of the Public Offering).

 

  3. During the period commencing on the effective date of the Underwriting Agreement and ending 180 days after such date, the Sponsor and each Insider shall not, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, (i) sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to any Units, shares of Common Stock, Warrants or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock owned by it, him or her, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Units, shares of Common Stock, Warrants or any securities convertible into, or exercisable, or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock owned by it, him or her, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (iii) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii). The foregoing shall apply to any Units (and underlying securities) acquired by the Sponsor and each Insider pursuant to the Directed Unit Program (as such term is defined in the Underwriting Agreement). Each of the Insiders and the Sponsor acknowledges and agrees that, prior to the effective date of any release or waiver of the restrictions set forth in this paragraph 3 or in the Stock Escrow Agreement (as defined in paragraph 4 below), the Company shall announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (i) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer of securities that is not for consideration and (ii) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this Letter Agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.

 

  4. In addition to the restrictions set forth in paragraph 3 above, the undersigned will, on the date of the Underwriting Agreement, place into escrow all of its, his or her Founders’ Shares, if any, pursuant to the terms of a Stock Escrow Agreement which the Company will enter into with the undersigned and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as escrow agent, as described in the Prospectus (the “ Stock Escrow Agreement ”).

 

  5.

In the event of the liquidation of the Trust Account, the Sponsor (which for purposes of clarification shall not extend to any other equityholders, officers, members or managers of the Sponsor) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, whether pending or threatened, or any claim whatsoever) to which the Company may become subject as a result of any claim by (i) any third party for services rendered or products sold to the Company or (ii) a prospective target business with which the Company has entered into an acquisition agreement (a “ Target ”); provided, however, such indemnification of the Company by


  the Sponsor shall apply only to the extent necessary to ensure such claims by a third party for services rendered (other than the Company’s independent public accountants) or products sold to the Company or a Target do not reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account to below (i) $10.00 per share of the Offering Shares or (ii) such lesser amount per share of the Offering Shares held in the Trust Account due to reductions in the value of the trust assets as of the date of the liquidation of the Trust Account, in each case, net of the amount of interest earned on the property in the Trust Account which may be withdrawn to pay taxes, except as to any claims by a third party (including a Target) who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account and except as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In the event any such executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against such third party, the Sponsor shall not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. The Sponsor shall have the right to defend against any such claim with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to the Company if, within 15 days following written receipt of notice of the claim to the Sponsor, the Sponsor notifies the Company in writing it shall undertake such defense.

 

  6. The Sponsor agrees that it will effect, or cause an affiliate of the Sponsor to effect, a tender offer for the Warrants sold in the Public Offering (the “ Public Warrants ”) not owned by the Sponsor or its affiliates at a price of $1.00 per Public Warrant, which will occur promptly after any occurrence of (a) the Company’s announcement of an initial Business Combination or (b) any filing by the Company of a proxy statement or information statement with respect to a proposed amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation that would affect the substance of timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Offering Shares if the Company does not complete a business combination within 18 months from the closing of the Public Offering (each, a “ Sponsor Tender Offer ”). The Sponsor agrees to deposit with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as escrow agent, (i) on the date of the Underwriting Agreement, cash or a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing (or a combination thereof) in the amount of $15,000,000 (representing $1.00 per Public Warrant for up to 100% of the Public Warrants) and (ii) on the date of any closing of all or a portion of the underwriters’ over-allotment option under the Underwriting Agreement, cash or a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing (or a combination thereof) in an amount equal to $0.50 multiplied by the number of Public Units sold at such closing, in each case to be held in escrow (the “ Escrow Account ”) pursuant to the terms of an escrow agreement to be entered into on the date of the Underwriting Agreement among the Company, the Sponsor and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “ Cash Escrow Agreement ”). At any time, the Sponsor or one of its affiliates may substitute a letter of credit from a financially capable bank in good standing for cash in the Escrow Account or cash for a letter of credit. The Sponsor further agrees that in the event the Company is unable to consummate the initial Business Combination within the allotted time for such initial Business Combination, it shall cause Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company to distribute from the Escrow Account, pursuant to the terms of the Cash Escrow Agreement, to holders of the Public Warrants an amount of $1.00 per Public Warrant not previously purchased by the Sponsor pursuant to a Sponsor Tender Offer, at the same time as the redemption of the Offering Shares described in paragraph 2 above. The funds in the Escrow Account shall be used or the letter of credit shall be drawn upon to purchase Public Warrants in any Sponsor Tender Offer and/or to make the payments described in the immediately preceding sentence.

 

  7. (a) The Sponsor and each Insider hereby agrees not to participate in the formation of, or become an officer or director of, any other blank check company unless the Company has failed to complete a Business Combination within 18 months after the closing of the Public Offering. Such restriction does not preclude (i) the Sponsor from pursuing limited partnership interests in asset management companies or (ii) any position as an officer or director of another blank check company held on the date hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sponsor and each Insider are allowed to participate in the formation of, or become an officer or director of, another blank check company upon the Company entering into a definitive agreement with respect to a Business Combination.


(b) The Sponsor and each Insider hereby agrees and acknowledges that: (i) the Underwriters and the Company would be irreparably injured in the event of a breach by such Sponsor or an Insider of its, his or her obligations under paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7(a), and 9 of this Letter Agreement (ii) monetary damages may not be an adequate remedy for such breach and (iii) the non-breaching party shall be entitled to injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedy such party may have in law or in equity, in the event of such breach.

 

  8. The Sponsor and each Insider represents and warrants that it, he or she has never been suspended or expelled from membership in any securities or commodities exchange or association or had a securities or commodities license or registration denied, suspended or revoked. Each Insider’s biographical information furnished to the Company (including any such information included in the Prospectus) is true and accurate in all respects and does not omit any material information with respect to the Insider’s background. The Sponsor and each Insider’s questionnaire furnished to the Company is true and accurate in all respects. The Sponsor and each Insider represents and warrants that: it, he or she is not subject to or a respondent in any legal action for, any injunction, cease-and-desist order or order or stipulation to desist or refrain from any act or practice relating to the offering of securities in any jurisdiction; it, he or she has never been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, any crime (i) involving fraud, (ii) relating to any financial transaction or handling of funds of another person, or (iii) pertaining to any dealings in any securities and it, he or she is not currently a defendant in any such criminal proceeding.

 

  9. Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Sponsor nor any Insider nor any affiliate of the Sponsor or any Insider, nor any director or officer of the Company, shall receive from the Company any finder’s fee, reimbursement, consulting fee, monies in respect of any repayment of a loan or other compensation prior to, or in connection with any services rendered to effectuate the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination (regardless of the type of transaction it is), other than the following, none of which will be made from the proceeds held in the Trust Account prior to the completion of the initial Business Combination: repayment of a loan and advances up to an aggregate of $200,000 made to the Company by the Sponsor; payment to an affiliate of the Sponsor for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support for a total of $10,000 per month; reimbursement for any reasonable out- of- pocket expenses related to identifying, investigating and consummating an initial Business Combination; and repayment of loans, if any, and on such terms as to be determined by the Company from time to time, made by the Sponsor or any of the Company’s officers or directors to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, provided, if the Company does not consummate an initial Business Combination, a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account may be used by the Company to repay such loaned amounts so long as no proceeds from the Trust Account are used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender. Such warrants would be identical to the Private Placement Warrants, including as to exercise price, exercisability and exercise period. Nothing in this Section 8 or otherwise shall be deemed to limit the right of any director, officer or other person entitled to indemnification under the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law, or to proceeds under any applicable directors & officers’ insurance policy.

 

  10. The Sponsor and each Insider has full right and power, without violating any agreement to which it is bound (including, without limitation, any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or former employer), to enter into this Letter Agreement and, as applicable, to serve as a director on the board of directors of the Company and hereby consents to being named in the Prospectus as a director of the Company.

 

  11.

As used herein, (i) “ Business Combination ” shall mean a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses; (ii) “ Capital Stock ” shall mean, collectively, the Common Stock and the Founder Shares; (iii) “ Founder Shares ” shall mean up to the 8,625,000 shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, (or 7,500,000 shares if the over-allotment option is not exercised by the Underwriters) held by the Initial Stockholders on the date hereof; (iv) “ Initial Stockholders ” shall mean the Sponsor and any other holder of Founder Shares immediately prior to the Public Offering; (v) “ Private Placement Warrants ” shall mean the warrants to purchase up to 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the


  Company (or 8,900,000 shares of Common Stock if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) the Sponsor has agreed to purchase for an aggregate purchase price of $8,000,000 in the aggregate (or $8,900,000 if the over-allotment option is exercised in full), or $1.00 per warrant, in a private placement that shall occur simultaneously with the consummation of the Public Offering; (vi) “ Public Stockholders ” shall mean the holders of securities issued in the Public Offering; (vii) “ Trust Account ” shall mean the trust fund into which a portion of the net proceeds of the Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants shall be deposited; and (viii) “ Transfer ” shall mean the (a) sale or assignment of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to, any security, (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (c) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (a) or (b).

 

  12. This Letter Agreement, the Stock Escrow Agreement and the Cash Escrow Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Letter Agreement may not be changed, amended, modified or waived (other than to correct a typographical error) as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto; provided , however , that the provisions set forth in paragraphs 3 and 4 shall not be amended or modified without the written consent of the Representatives. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge the Underwriters are third party beneficiaries of paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Letter Agreement.

 

  13. No party hereto may assign either this Letter Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee. This Letter Agreement shall be binding on the Sponsor and each Insider and their respective successors, heirs and assigns and permitted transferees.

 

  14. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. The parties hereto (i) all agree any action, proceeding, claim or dispute arising out of, or relating in any way to, this Letter Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of or federal courts located in the State of Delaware, and irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction and venue, which jurisdiction and venue shall be exclusive and (ii) waive any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and venue or that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

 

  15. Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Letter Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or facsimile transmission.

 

  16. This Letter Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the Business Combination or (ii) the liquidation of the Company; provided, however, this Letter Agreement shall earlier terminate in the event the Public Offering is not consummated and closed by July 31, 2018; provided further that paragraph 5 of this Letter Agreement shall survive such liquidation.

[Signature Page Follows]


Sincerely,

HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Jack Hightower
Title:   Chief Executive Officer & President
By:  

 

Name:   Jack Hightower
By:  

 

Name:   Rodney L. Woodard
By:  

 

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
By:  

 

Name:   Sylvia K. Barnes
By:  

 

Name:   M. Gregory Colvin
By:  

 

Name:   Jared S. Sturdivant

 

[Signature Page to Letter Agreement]

Exhibit 10.2

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TRUST AGREEMENT

This Investment Management Trust Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made effective as of [    ], 2018 by and between Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation (the “ Trustee ”).

WHEREAS, the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1, No. 333-[    ] (the “ Registration Statement ”) and prospectus (the “ Prospectus ”) for the initial public offering of the Company’s units (the “ Units ”), each of which consists of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), and one-half of one warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one share of Common Stock (such initial public offering hereinafter referred to as the “ Offering ”), has been declared effective as of the date hereof by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. as representatives (the “ Representatives ”) of the several underwriters (the “ Underwriters ”) named therein; and

WHEREAS, as described in the Prospectus, $300,000,000 of the gross proceeds of the Offering and sale of the Private Placement Warrants (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement) (or $345,000,000 if the Underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be delivered to the Trustee to be deposited and held in a segregated trust account located at all times in the United States (the “ Trust Account ”) for the benefit of the Company and the holders of the Common Stock included in the Units issued in the Offering as hereinafter provided (the amount to be delivered to the Trustee (and any interest subsequently earned thereon) is referred to herein as the “ Property, ” the stockholders for whose benefit the Trustee shall hold the Property will be referred to as the “ Public Stockholders, ” and the Public Stockholders and the Company will be referred to together as the “ Beneficiaries ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Trustee shall hold the Property.

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1.     Agreements and Covenants of Trustee . The Trustee hereby agrees and covenants to:

(a)    Hold the Property in trust for the Beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in the Trust Account established by the Trustee in the United States of America at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and at a brokerage institution selected by the Trustee reasonably satisfactory to the Company;

(b)    Manage, supervise and administer the Trust Account subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein;


(c)    In a timely manner, upon the written instruction of the Company, invest and reinvest the Property in United States government securities within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money market funds meeting the conditions of paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3) and (d)(4) of Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (or any successor rule), which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations, as determined by the Company; the Trustee may not invest in any other securities or assets, it being understood that the Trust Account will earn no interest while account funds are uninvested awaiting the Company’s instructions hereunder and the Trustee may earn bank credits or other consideration during such periods;

(d)    Collect and receive, when due, all interest or other income arising from the Property, which shall become part of the “ Property, ” as such term is used herein;

(e)    Promptly notify the Company and the Representatives of all communications received by the Trustee with respect to any Property requiring action by the Company;

(f)    Supply any necessary information or documents as may be requested by the Company (or its authorized agents) in connection with the Company’s preparation of the tax returns relating to assets held in the Trust Account;

(g)    Participate in any plan or proceeding for protecting or enforcing any right or interest arising from the Property if, as and when instructed by the Company to do so;

(h)    Render to the Company monthly written statements of the activities of, and amounts in, the Trust Account reflecting all receipts and disbursements of the Trust Account;

(i)    Commence liquidation of the Trust Account only after and promptly after (x) receipt of, and only in accordance with, the terms of a letter from the Company (“ Termination Letter A ”) in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit A signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or Chairman of the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) or other authorized officer of the Company, and complete the liquidation of the Trust Account and distribute the Property in the Trust Account, only as directed in the Termination Letter A and the other documents referred to therein, or (y) receipt of, and only in accordance with, the terms of a letter from the Company (“ Termination Letter B ”) in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit B signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or Chairman of the Board or other authorized officer of the Company, and complete the liquidation of the Trust Account and distribute the Property in the Trust Account, including interest not previously released to the Company to pay for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support of $10,000 per month and its franchise and income taxes (net of any taxes payable and up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses) only as directed in the Termination Letter B and the other documents referred to therein, or (z) upon the date which is the later of (i) 18 months after the closing of the Offering and (ii) such later date as may be approved by the Company’s stockholders in accordance with the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, if neither a Termination Letter A nor a Termination Letter B has been received by the Trustee prior to such date, in which case the Trust

 

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Account shall be liquidated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Termination Letter B attached as Exhibit B and the Property in the Trust Account, including interest not previously released to the Company to pay for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support of $10,000 per month and its franchise and income taxes (net of taxes payable and up to $50,000 of interest that may be released to the Company to pay dissolution expenses) shall be distributed to the Public Stockholders of record as of such date; provided, however , in the event the Trustee receives a Termination Letter B in a form substantially similar to Exhibit B hereto, or if the Trustee begins to liquidate the Property because it has received no such Termination Letter A or Termination Letter B by the date specified in clause (z) of this Section  1(i) , the Trustee shall keep the Trust Account open until twelve (12) months following the date the Property has been distributed to the Public Stockholders;

(j)    Upon written request from the Company, which may be given from time to time in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit C (a “ Tax Payment Withdrawal Instruction ”), withdraw from the Trust Account and distribute to the Company the amount of interest earned on the Property requested by the Company to cover any income or franchise tax obligation owed by the Company as a result of assets of the Company or interest or other income earned on the Property, which amount shall be delivered directly to the Company by electronic funds transfer or other method of prompt payment, and the Company shall forward such payment to the relevant taxing authority; provided, however , to the extent there is not sufficient cash in the Trust Account to pay such tax obligation, the Trustee shall liquidate such assets held in the Trust Account to make such distribution so long as there is no reduction in the principal amount initially deposited in the Trust Account; provided, further, if the tax to be paid is a franchise tax, the written request by the Company to make such distribution shall be accompanied by a copy of the franchise tax bill from the State of Delaware for the Company and a written statement from the principal financial officer of the Company setting forth the actual amount payable (it being acknowledged and agreed any such amounts, together with any amounts distributed pursuant to paragraph (k) below, in excess of interest income earned on the Property shall not be payable from the Trust Account). The written request of the Company referenced above shall constitute presumptive evidence the Company is entitled to said funds, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility to look beyond said request;

(k)    Upon written request from the Company, which may be given from time to time in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit D (an “ Administrative Service Withdrawal Instruction ”), withdraw from the Trust Account and distribute to the Company the amount of interest earned on the Property requested by the Company to cover any expenses for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support, owed by the Company, not to exceed $10,000 per month (it being acknowledged and agreed any such amounts, together with any amounts distributed pursuant to paragraph (j) above, in excess of interest income earned on the Property shall not be payable from the Trust Account), which amount shall be delivered directly to the Company by electronic funds transfer or other method of prompt payment. The written request of the Company referenced above shall constitute presumptive evidence the Company is entitled to said funds, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility to look beyond said request;

 

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(l)    Upon written request from the Company, which may be given from time to time in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto as Exhibit E (a “ Stockholder Redemption Withdrawal Instruction ”), the Trustee shall distribute on behalf of the Company the amount requested by the Company to be used to redeem shares of Common Stock from Public Stockholders properly submitted in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of its public shares of Common Stock if the Company has not consummated an initial Business Combination within such time as is described in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation. The written request of the Company referenced above shall constitute presumptive evidence the Company is entitled to distribute said funds, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility to look beyond said request; and

(m)    Not make any withdrawals or distributions from the Trust Account other than pursuant to Section  1(i) , (j) , (k) , or (l)  above.

2.     Agreements and Covenants of the Company . The Company hereby agrees and covenants to:

(a)    Give all instructions to the Trustee hereunder in writing, signed by the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Secretary. In addition, except with respect to its duties under Sections 1(i) , 1(j) , 1(k) , and 1(l) hereof, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, any verbal or telephonic advice or instruction which it, in good faith and with reasonable care, believes to be given by any one of the persons authorized above to give written instructions, provided that the Company shall promptly confirm such instructions in writing;

(b)    Subject to Section  4 hereof, hold the Trustee harmless and indemnify the Trustee from and against any and all expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and disbursements, or losses suffered by the Trustee in connection with any action taken by it hereunder and in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding brought against the Trustee involving any claim, or in connection with any claim or demand, which in any way arises out of or relates to this Agreement, the services of the Trustee hereunder, or the Property or any interest earned on the Property, except for expenses and losses resulting from the Trustee’s gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct. Promptly after the receipt by the Trustee of notice of demand or claim or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, pursuant to which the Trustee intends to seek indemnification under this Section  2(b) , it shall notify the Company in writing of such claim (hereinafter referred to as the “ Indemnified Claim ”). The Trustee shall have the right to conduct and manage the defense against such Indemnified Claim; provided the Trustee shall obtain the consent of the Company with respect to the selection of counsel, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Trustee may not agree to settle any Indemnified Claim without the prior written consent of the Company, which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company may participate in such action with its own counsel;

(c)    Pay the Trustee the fees set forth on Schedule A hereto, including an initial acceptance fee, annual administration fee, and transaction processing fee which fees shall be subject to modification by the parties from time to time. It is expressly understood the Property shall not be used to pay such fees unless and until it is distributed to the Company pursuant to Sections 1(i) through 1(k) hereof. The Company shall pay the Trustee the initial

 

4


acceptance fee and the first annual administration fee at the consummation of the Offering. The Trustee shall refund to the Company the annual administration fee (on a pro rata basis) with respect to any period after the liquidation of the Trust Account. The Company shall not be responsible for any other fees or charges of the Trustee except as set forth in this Section  2(c) , Schedule A and as may be provided in Section  2(b) hereof;

(d)    In connection with any vote of the Company’s stockholders regarding a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination involving the Company and one or more businesses (the “ Business Combination ”), provide to the Trustee an affidavit or certificate of the inspector of elections for the stockholder meeting verifying the vote of such stockholders regarding such Business Combination;

(e)    Provide the Representatives with a copy of any Termination Letter(s) and/or any other correspondence that is sent to the Trustee with respect to any proposed withdrawal from the Trust Account promptly after it issues the same;

(f)    Instruct the Trustee to make only those distributions permitted under this Agreement, and refrain from instructing the Trustee to make any distributions not permitted under this Agreement.

3.     Limitations of Liability . The Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability to:

(a)    Imply obligations, perform duties, inquire or otherwise be subject to the provisions of any agreement or document other than this Agreement and that which is expressly set forth herein;

(b)    Take any action with respect to the Property, other than as directed in Section  1 hereof, and the Trustee shall have no liability to any party except for liability arising out of the Trustee’s gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct;

(c)    Institute any proceeding for the collection of any principal and income arising from, or institute, appear in or defend any proceeding of any kind with respect to, any of the Property unless and until it shall have received instructions from the Company given as provided herein to do so and the Company shall have advanced or guaranteed to it funds sufficient to pay any expenses incident thereto;

(d)    Refund any depreciation in principal of any Property;

(e)    Assume that the authority of any person designated by the Company to give instructions hereunder shall not be continuing unless provided otherwise in such designation, or unless the Company shall have delivered a written revocation of such authority to the Trustee;

(f)    The other parties hereto or to anyone else for any action taken or omitted by it, or any action suffered by it to be taken or omitted, in good faith and in the Trustee’s best judgment, except for the Trustee’s gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct. The Trustee may rely conclusively and shall be protected in acting upon any order, notice, demand,

 

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certificate, opinion or advice of counsel (including counsel chosen by the Trustee, which counsel may be the Company’s counsel), statement, instrument, report or other paper or document (not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth and acceptability of any information therein contained) which the Trustee believes, in good faith and with reasonable care, to be genuine and to be signed or presented by the proper person or persons. The Trustee shall not be bound by any notice or demand, or any waiver, modification, termination or rescission of this Agreement or any of the terms hereof, unless evidenced by a written instrument delivered to the Trustee, signed by the proper party or parties and, if the duties or rights of the Trustee are affected, unless it shall give its prior written consent thereto;

(g)    Verify the accuracy of the information contained in the Registration Statement;

(h)    Provide any assurance that any Business Combination entered into by the Company or any other action taken by the Company is as contemplated by the Registration Statement;

(i)    File information returns with respect to the Trust Account with any local, state or federal taxing authority or provide periodic written statements to the Company documenting the taxes payable by the Company, if any, relating to any interest income earned on the Property;

(j)    Prepare, execute and file tax reports, income or other tax returns and pay any taxes with respect to any income generated by, and activities relating to, the Trust Account, regardless of whether such tax is payable by the Trust Account or the Company, including, but not limited to, franchise and income tax obligations, except pursuant to Section  1(j) hereof; or

(k)    Verify calculations, qualify or otherwise approve the Company’s written requests for distributions pursuant to Sections 1(i) , 1(j) , 1(k) , and 1(l) hereof.

4.     Trust Account Waiver . The Trustee has no right of set-off or any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“ Claim ”) to, or to any monies in, the Trust Account, and hereby irrevocably waives any Claim to, or to any monies in, the Trust Account it may have now or in the future. In the event the Trustee has any Claim against the Company under this Agreement, including, without limitation, under Section  2(b) or Section  2(c) hereof, the Trustee shall pursue such Claim solely against the Company and its assets outside the Trust Account and not against the Property or any monies in the Trust Account.

5.     Termination . This Agreement shall terminate as follows:

(a)    If the Trustee gives written notice to the Company that it desires to resign under this Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to locate a successor trustee, pending which the Trustee shall continue to act in accordance with this Agreement. At such time the Company notifies the Trustee a successor trustee has been appointed and has agreed to become subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Trustee shall transfer the management of the Trust Account to the successor trustee, including but not limited to the transfer of copies of the reports and statements relating to the Trust Account, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate;

 

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provided, however , in the event the Company does not locate a successor trustee within ninety (90) days of receipt of the resignation notice from the Trustee, the Trustee may submit an application to have the Property deposited with any court in the State of New York or with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and upon such deposit, the Trustee shall be immune from any liability whatsoever; or

(b)    At such time the Trustee has completed the liquidation of the Trust Account and its obligations in accordance with the provisions of Section  1(i) hereof (which section may not be amended under any circumstances) and distributed the Property in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Termination Letter, this Agreement shall terminate except with respect to Section  2(b) .

6.     Miscellaneous .

(a)    The Company and the Trustee each acknowledge the Trustee will follow the security procedures set forth below with respect to funds transferred from the Trust Account. The Company and the Trustee will each restrict access to confidential information relating to such security procedures to authorized persons. Each party must notify the other party immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have obtained access to such confidential information, or of any change in its authorized personnel. In executing funds transfers, the Trustee shall rely upon all information supplied to it by the Company, including, account names, account numbers, and all other identifying information relating to a Beneficiary, Beneficiary’s bank or intermediary bank. Except for any liability arising out of the Trustee’s gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct, the Trustee shall not be liable for any loss, liability or expense resulting from any error in the information or transmission of the funds.

(b)    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. This Agreement may be executed in several original or facsimile counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an original, and together shall constitute but one instrument.

(c)    This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. Except for Sections 1(i) and 1(l) hereof (which sections may not be modified, amended or deleted without the affirmative vote of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting as a single class; provided no such amendment will affect any Public Stockholder who has otherwise indicated his election to redeem his shares of Common Stock in connection with a stockholder vote sought to amend this Agreement), this Agreement or any provision hereof may only be changed, amended or modified (other than to correct a typographical error) by a writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

(d)    The parties hereto consent to the jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in the City of New York, State of New York, for purposes of resolving any disputes hereunder. AS TO ANY CLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

7


(e)    Any notice, consent or request to be given in connection with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by express mail or similar private courier service, by certified mail (return receipt requested), by hand delivery or email transmission:

if to the Trustee, to:

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street

30 th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Steven Nelson and Sharmin Carter

Email:                     

if to the Company, to:

Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

Email: stholen@highpeakenergy.com

in each case, with copies to:

Thompson & Knight, LLP

One Arts Plaza

1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attn: Amy Curtis, Esq.

Email: amy.curtis@tklaw.com

and

Oppenheimer & Co.

85 Broad Street, 23rd Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn.: Richard Mandery

Email: richard.mandery@opco.com

 

8


and

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

366 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attn.: Steven Levine

Email: slevine@elocap.com

and

Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

MetLife Building

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10166

Attn.: Alan Annex

Email: annexa@gtlaw.com

(f)    Each of the Company and the Trustee hereby represents it has the full right and power and has been duly authorized to enter into this Agreement and to perform its respective obligations as contemplated hereunder. The Trustee acknowledges and agrees it shall not make any claims or proceed against the Trust Account, including by way of set-off, and shall not be entitled to any funds in the Trust Account under any circumstance.

(g)    Each of the Company and the Trustee hereby acknowledges and agrees each of the Representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, are third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

(h)    Except as specified herein, no party to this Agreement may assign its rights or delegate its obligations hereunder to any other person or entity.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have duly executed this Investment Management Trust Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company,

as Trustee

By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
Pure Acquisition Corp.
By:  

 

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

Signature Page to

Investment Management Trust Agreement


SCHEDULE A

 

Fee Item

  

Time and method of payment

   Amount  
Initial set-up/Acceptance fee    Initial closing of Offering by wire transfer.    $ 3,500.00  
IPO closing fee    Initial closing of Offering by wire transfer.    $ 4,500.00  
Trustee administration fee    Payable annually. First year fee payable at initial closing of Offering by wire transfer; thereafter, payable by wire transfer or check.    $ 10,000.00  
Paying Agent services as required pursuant to Section 1(i)    Billed to Company upon delivery of service pursuant to Section 1(i)      Prevailing rates  


EXHIBIT A

[Letterhead of Company]

[Insert date]

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street

30 th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Steven Nelson and Sharmin Carter

 

  Re: Trust Account No. [    ] Termination Letter

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section  1(i) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “ Trustee ”), dated as of [ ], 2018 (the “ Trust Agreement ”), this is to advise you the Company has entered into an agreement with (the “ Target Business ”) to consummate a business combination with Target Business (the “ Business Combination ”) on or about [insert date]. The Company shall notify you at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the actual date of the consummation of the Business Combination (the “ Consummation Date ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.

In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to commence to liquidate all of the assets of the Trust Account on [insert date], and to transfer the proceeds into the trust checking account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. to the effect that, on the Consummation Date, all of the funds held in the Trust Account will be immediately available for transfer to the account or accounts the Company shall direct on the Consummation Date. It is acknowledged and agreed while the funds are on deposit in the trust checking account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. awaiting distribution, the Company will not earn any interest or dividends.

On the Consummation Date (i) counsel for the Company shall deliver to you written notification that the Business Combination has been consummated, or will be consummated concurrently with your transfer of funds to the accounts as directed by the Company (the “ Notification ”) and (ii) the Company shall deliver to you (a) [an affidavit] [a certificate] of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which verifies the Business Combination has been approved by a vote of the Company’s stockholders, if a vote is held and (b) a written instruction signed by the Company with respect to the transfer of the funds held in the Trust Account (the “ Instruction Letter ”). You are hereby directed and authorized to transfer the funds held in the Trust Account immediately upon your receipt of the Notification and the Instruction Letter, in accordance with the terms of the Instruction Letter. In the event certain deposits held in the Trust Account may not be liquidated by the Consummation Date without penalty, you will notify the Company in writing of the same and the Company shall direct you as to whether such funds should remain in the Trust Account and be distributed after the Consummation Date to the Company. Upon the distribution of all the funds, net of any payments necessary for reasonable unreimbursed expenses related to liquidating the Trust Account, your obligations under the Trust Agreement shall be terminated.


In the event the Business Combination is not consummated on the Consummation Date described in the notice thereof and we have not notified you on or before the original Consummation Date of a new Consummation Date, then upon receipt by the Trustee of written instructions from the Company, the funds held in the Trust Account shall be reinvested as provided in Section  1(c) of the Trust Agreement on the business day immediately following the Consummation Date as set forth in such written instruction as soon thereafter as possible.

 

Very truly yours,
Pure Acquisition Corp.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
cc: Oppenheimer & Co.

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.


EXHIBIT B

[Letterhead of Company]

[Insert date]

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street

30 th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Steven Nelson and Sharmin Carter

 

  Re: Trust Account No. [    ] Termination Letter

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section  1(i) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “ Trustee ”), dated as of [    ], 2018 (the “ Trust Agreement ”), this is to advise you the Company has been unable to effect a business combination with a Target Business within the time frame specified in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as described in the Company’s Prospectus relating to the Offering. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.

In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, we hereby authorize you to liquidate all of the assets in the Trust Account on [            ], 20[    ] and to transfer the total proceeds into the trust checking account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. to await distribution to the Public Stockholders. The Company has selected [    ] 1 as the record date for the purpose of determining the Public Stockholders entitled to receive their share of the liquidation proceeds. You agree to be the Paying Agent of record and, in your separate capacity as Paying Agent, agree to distribute said funds (net of taxes payableand up to $50,000 for dissolution expenses) directly to the Public Stockholders in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Upon the distribution of all the funds, net of any payments necessary for reasonable unreimbursed expenses related to liquidating the Trust Account, your obligations under the Trust Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section  1(j) of the Trust Agreement.

 

Very truly yours,
Pure Acquisition Corp.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
cc: Oppenheimer & Co.

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

 

1   18 months from the closing of the Offering.


EXHIBIT C

[Letterhead of Company]

[Insert date]

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street

30 th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: [Accounting Department: ●]

 

  Re: Trust Account No. [    ] Tax Payment Withdrawal Instruction

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section  1(j) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “ Trustee ”), dated as of [            ], 2018 (the “ Trust Agreement ”), the Company hereby requests you deliver to the Company $[            ] of the interest income earned on the Property as of the date hereof. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.

The Company needs such funds to pay for the tax obligations as set forth on the attached tax return or tax statement. In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, you are hereby directed and authorized to transfer (via wire transfer) such funds promptly upon your receipt of this letter to the Company’s operating account at:

[WIRE INSTRUCTION INFORMATION]

 

Very truly yours,
Pure Acquisition Corp.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
cc: Oppenheimer & Co.

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.


EXHIBIT D

[Letterhead of Company]

[Insert date]

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street

30 th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: [Accounting Department: ●]

 

  Re: Trust Account No. [    ] Administrative Service Withdrawal Instruction

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section  1(k) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “ Trustee ”), dated as of [            ], 2018 (the “ Trust Agreement ”), the Company hereby requests you deliver to the Company $[            ] of the interest income earned on the Property as of the date hereof. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.

The Company needs such funds to pay for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative expenses. In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, you are hereby directed and authorized to transfer (via wire transfer) such funds promptly upon your receipt of this letter to the Company’s operating account at:

[WIRE INSTRUCTION INFORMATION]

 

Very truly yours,

Pure Acquisition Corp.

By:  

 

Name:

 

Title:

 
cc: Oppenheimer & Co.

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.


EXHIBIT E

[Letterhead of Company]

[Insert date]

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street

30 th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Steven Nelson and Sharmin Carter

 

  Re: Trust Account No. [    ] Stockholder Redemption Withdrawal Instruction

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section  1(l) of the Investment Management Trust Agreement between Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”) and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “ Trustee ”), dated as of [            ], 2018 (the “ Trust Agreement ”), the Company hereby requests you deliver to the redeeming Public Stockholders of the Company $[            ] of the principal and interest income earned on the Property as of the date hereof. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Trust Agreement.

The Company needs such funds to pay its Public Stockholders who have properly elected to have their shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company in connection with a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of its public shares of Common Stock if the Company has not consummated an initial Business Combination within such time as is described in the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation. As such, you are hereby directed and authorized to transfer (via wire transfer) such funds promptly upon your receipt of this letter to the redeeming Public Stockholders in accordance with your customary procedures.

 

Very truly yours,

Pure Acquisition Corp.

By:  

 

Name:

 

Title:

 
cc: Oppenheimer & Co.

EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

Exhibit 10.3

FORM OF STOCK ESCROW AGREEMENT

STOCK ESCROW AGREEMENT, dated as of [            ], 2018 (“ Agreement ”), by and among PURE ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation (“ Company ”), HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC., a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Sponsor ”), the other parties hereto named on Exhibit A attached hereto (together with Sponsor and any permitted transferee of the Sponsor or such other parties after the date hereof in accordance with the terms hereof being referred to individually as an “ Initial Stockholder or collectively as the “ Initial Stockholders ”) and CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, a New York corporation (“ Escrow Agent ”).

WHEREAS, the Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement, dated [              ], 2018 (“ Underwriting Agreement ”), with Oppenheimer & Co. and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. (the “ Representatives ”) acting as representatives of the several underwriters (collectively, the “ Underwriters ”), pursuant to which, among other matters, the Underwriters have agreed to purchase 30,000,000 units (“ Units ”) of the Company, plus an additional 4,500,000 Units if the Representatives exercise the over-allotment option in full. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $.0001 per share (“ Common Stock ”), and one half of one Warrant, each whole Warrant to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock, in the Company’s initial public offering (the “ IPO ”), all as more fully described in the Company’s final Prospectus, dated [            ], 2018 (“ Prospectus ”) comprising part of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-            ) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“ Registration Statement ”), declared effective on [            ], 2018 (“ Effective Date ”).

WHEREAS, the Initial Stockholders have agreed as a condition of the sale of the Units to deposit its 8,625,000 shares (the “ Escrow Shares ”) of Class B Common Stock of the Company, up to 1,125,000 of which shares will be forfeited by the Sponsor if the Underwriters’ over-allotment option in connection with the IPO is not exercised in full, in escrow as hereinafter provided.

WHEREAS, the Company and the Initial Stockholders desire the Escrow Agent to accept the Escrow Shares, in escrow, to be held and disbursed as hereinafter provided.

IT IS AGREED:

1.     Escrow Agent. The Company and the Initial Stockholders hereby appoint the Escrow Agent to act in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Escrow Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act in accordance with and subject to such terms.

2.     Deposit of Shares . On or before the Effective Date, the Initial Stockholders shall have delivered to the Escrow Agent certificates representing the Initial Stockholders’ shares, to be held and disbursed subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Initial Stockholders acknowledge the certificates representing the Initial Stockholders’ shares are legended to reflect the deposit of such shares under this Agreement.


3.     Disbursement of the Escrow Shares .

3.1    If the Underwriters do not exercise in full their over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 Units of the Company within 45 days of the date of the Prospectus (as described in the Underwriting Agreement), the Sponsor agrees the Escrow Agent shall return to the Company for cancellation, at no cost, a number of Escrow Shares determined by multiplying 1,125,000 by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is 4,500,000 minus the number of shares of Common Stock, if any, purchased by the Underwriters upon the exercise of their over-allotment option, and (ii) the denominator of which is 4,500,000. The Company shall promptly provide notice to the Escrow Agent of the expiration or termination of the Underwriters’ over-allotment option and the number of Units, if any, purchased by the Underwriters in connection with their exercise thereof.

3.2    Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Escrow Agent shall hold the Escrow Shares until (i) with respect to 50% of the Escrow Shares (or, if any Escrow Shares are cancelled pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof, 50% of the remaining Escrow Shares after giving effect to such cancellation), on the earlier of (x) one year after the date of the consummation of the Company’s initial merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities (“ Business Combination ”), and (y) the date on which the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after the Company’s initial Business Combination and (ii) with respect to the remaining Escrow Shares, one year after the date of the consummation of an initial Business Combination (the “ Escrow Period ”). The Company shall promptly provide notice of the consummation of a Business Combination to the Escrow Agent. Upon completion of the Escrow Period, the Escrow Agent shall disburse such amount of each Initial Stockholder’s Escrow Shares (and any applicable share power) to such Initial Stockholder; provided, however, if the Escrow Agent is notified by the Company pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof that the Company is being liquidated because it failed to consummate a Business Combination within the time period specified in the Prospectus, then the Escrow Agent shall promptly destroy the certificates representing the Escrow Shares; provided further, however, if, within one year after the Company consummates a Business Combination, the Company (or the surviving entity) subsequently consummates a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the stockholders of such entity having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property, then the Escrow Agent will, upon receipt of a notice executed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or other authorized officer of the Company, in form reasonably acceptable to the Escrow Agent, certifying such transaction is then being consummated or such conditions have been achieved, as applicable, release the Escrow Shares to the Initial Stockholders. The Escrow Agent shall have no further duties hereunder after the disbursement or destruction of the Escrow Shares in accordance with this Section 3.

 

2


4.     Rights of Initial Stockholders in Escrow Shares .

4.1     Voting Rights as a Stockholder . Subject to the terms of the Insider Letters described in Section 4.4 hereof and except as herein provided, the Initial Stockholders shall retain all of their rights as stockholders of the Company as long as any shares are held in escrow pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, the right to vote such shares.

4.2     Dividends and Other Distributions in Respect of the Escrow Shares . For as long as any shares are held in escrow pursuant to this Agreement, all dividends payable in cash with respect to the Escrow Shares shall be paid to the Initial Stockholders, but all dividends payable in stock or other non-cash property (“ Non-Cash Dividends ”) shall be delivered to the Escrow Agent to hold in accordance with the terms hereof. As used herein, the term “ Escrow Shares ” shall be deemed to include the Non-Cash Dividends distributed thereon, if any.

4.3     Restrictions on Transfer . During the Escrow Period, no sale, transfer or other disposition may be made of any or all of the Escrow Shares by the holder thereof except (i) to the Sponsor’s or the Company’s officers, directors, consultants or their affiliates, (ii) to such holder’s members upon such holder’s liquidation, in each case if the holder is an entity, (iii) in the case of an individual, by bona fide gift to a member of the applicable holder’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is such holder or a member of such holder’s immediate family for estate planning purposes, (iv) in the case of an individual, by virtue of the laws of descent and distribution upon death, (v) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, (vi) to the Company for no value for cancellation in connection with the consummation of a Business Combination or (vii) in connection with the consummation of an initial Business Combination, by private sales of the Escrow Shares at prices no greater than the price at which the Escrow Shares were originally purchased; provided, however, except for clause (vi) or with the Company’s prior written consent, such permissive transfers may be implemented only upon the respective transferee’s written agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and of the Insider Letter signed by the Sponsor.

4.4     Insider Letter . The Initial Stockholders have executed a letter agreement with the Company and the Representatives, dated as indicated on Exhibit A hereto, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (“ Insider Letter ”), respecting the rights and obligations of the Initial Stockholders in certain events, including, but not limited to, the liquidation of the Company and certain voting obligations in respect of the Escrow Shares.

5.     Concerning the Escrow Agent .

5.1     Good Faith Reliance . The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in the exercise of its own best judgment, and may rely conclusively and shall be protected in acting upon any order, notice, demand,

 

3


certificate, opinion or advice of counsel (including counsel chosen by the Escrow Agent), statement, instrument, report or other paper or document (not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth and acceptability of any information therein contained) which is believed by the Escrow Agent to be genuine and to be signed or presented by the proper person or persons. The Escrow Agent shall not be bound by any notice or demand, or any waiver, modification, termination or rescission of this Agreement unless evidenced by a writing delivered to the Escrow Agent signed by the proper party or parties and, if the duties or rights of the Escrow Agent are affected, unless it shall have given its prior written consent thereto.

5.2     Indemnification . The Escrow Agent shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from and against any expenses, including reasonable counsel fees and disbursements, or loss suffered by the Escrow Agent in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding involving any claim which in any way, directly or indirectly, arises out of or relates to this Agreement, the services of the Escrow Agent hereunder, or the Escrow Shares held by it hereunder, other than expenses or losses arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Escrow Agent. Promptly after the receipt by the Escrow Agent of notice of any demand or claim or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, the Escrow Agent shall notify the other parties hereto in writing. In the event of the receipt of such notice, the Escrow Agent, in its sole discretion, may commence an action in the nature of interpleader in an appropriate court to determine ownership or disposition of the Escrow Shares or it may deposit the Escrow Shares with the clerk of any appropriate court or it may retain the Escrow Shares pending receipt of a final, non-appealable order of a court having jurisdiction over all of the parties hereto directing to whom and under what circumstances the Escrow Shares are to be disbursed and delivered. The provisions of this Section 5.2 shall survive in the event the Escrow Agent resigns or is discharged pursuant to Sections 5.5 or 5.6 below.

5.3     Compensation . The Escrow Agent shall be entitled to reasonable compensation from the Company for all services rendered by it hereunder. The Escrow Agent shall also be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for all reasonable expenses paid or incurred by it in the administration of its duties hereunder including, but not limited to, all counsel, advisors’ and agents’ fees and disbursements and all taxes or other governmental charges.

5.4     Further Assurances . From time to time on and after the date hereof, the Company and the Initial Stockholders shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Escrow Agent such further documents and instruments and shall do or cause to be done such further acts as the Escrow Agent shall reasonably request to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement, to evidence compliance herewith or to assure itself that it is protected in acting hereunder.

5.5     Resignation . The Escrow Agent may resign at any time and be discharged from its duties as escrow agent hereunder by its giving the other parties hereto written notice and such resignation shall become effective as hereinafter provided. Such resignation shall become effective at such time that the Escrow Agent shall turn over to a

 

4


successor escrow agent appointed by the Company and approved by the Representatives, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, the Escrow Shares held hereunder. If no new escrow agent is so appointed within the 60-day period following the giving of such notice of resignation, the Escrow Agent may deposit the Escrow Shares with any court it reasonably deems appropriate in the State of New York.

5.6     Discharge of Escrow Agent . The Escrow Agent shall resign and be discharged from its duties as escrow agent hereunder if so requested in writing at any time by the other parties hereto, jointly, provided, however, such resignation shall become effective only upon acceptance of appointment by a successor escrow agent as provided in Section 5.5.

5.7     Liability . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Escrow Agent shall not be relieved from liability hereunder for its own gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct.

5.8     Waiver . The Escrow Agent hereby waives any right of set-off or any other right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“ Claim ”) in, or to any distribution of, the Trust Account (as defined in that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Escrow Agent as trustee thereunder) and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever.

6.     Miscellaneous .

6.1     Governing Law . This Agreement shall for all purposes be deemed to be made under and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such personal jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. Each of the parties hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

6.2     Third Party Beneficiaries . The Initial Stockholders hereby acknowledge the Underwriters are third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

6.3     Entire Agreement . This Agreement and each Insider Letter contain the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and, except as expressly provided herein, may not be changed or modified except by an instrument in writing signed by the party to be charged.

6.4     Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation thereof.

 

5


6.5     Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective parties hereto and their legal representatives, successors and assigns.

6.6     Notices . Any notice or other communication required or which may be given hereunder shall be in writing and either be delivered personally, by email transmission, or be mailed, certified or registered mail, or by private national courier service, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given when so delivered personally or, if mailed, four business days after the date of mailing, as follows:

 

If to the Company, to:

Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

Email: stholen@highpeakenergy.com

 

with a copy to:

Thompson & Knight, LLP

One Arts Plaza

1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attn: Amy Curtis, Esq.

Email: amy.curtis@tklaw.com

If to any of the Initial Stockholders, to its address set forth in Exhibit A.

 

and if to the Escrow Agent, to:

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

1 State Street Plaza

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Steven Nelson and Sharmin Carter

Email:                     

A copy of any notice sent hereunder shall be sent to:

Oppenheimer & Co.

85 Broad Street, 23 rd Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Richard Mandery

Email: richard.mandery@opco.com

 

6


EarlyBirdCapital, Inc.

366 Madison Avenue, 8 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attn: Steven Levine

Email: slevine@elocap.com

 

with a copy to:

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Met Life Building

200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10166

Attn: Alan I. Annex, Esq.

Email: annexa@gtlaw.com

The parties may change the persons and addresses to which the notices or other communications are to be sent by giving written notice to any such change in the manner provided herein for giving notice.

6.7     Liquidation of the Company . The Company shall give the Escrow Agent written notification of the liquidation and dissolution of the Company in the event that the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within the time period specified in the Prospectus.

6.8     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each one of which shall constitute an original and may be delivered by facsimile transmission and together shall constitute one instrument.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

7


WITNESS the execution of this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

                                          

 

Name: Steven W. Tholen

Chief Financial Officer

SPONSOR:
HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC
By:  

                                          

  Name:   Jack D. Hightower
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
By:  

                                          

  Name:  

                                          

  Title:  

                                          

 

Sylvia K. Barnes

 

M. Gregory Colvin

 

Jared S. Sturdivant

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

Name and Address

   Number
of Shares
     Stock
Certificate
Number
     Date of
Insider Letter
 

HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Email: jhightower@highpeak.com

     8,505,000        [                          [            ], 2018  

Sylvia K. Barnes

c/o Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Email:                     

     40,000        [                          [            ], 2018  

M. Gregory Colvin

c/o Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Email:

     40,000        [                          [            ], 2018  

Jared S. Sturdivant

c/o Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Email:                     

     40,000        [                          [            ], 2018  

Exhibit 10.4

THIS PROMISSORY NOTE (“NOTE”) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OF THE RESALE THEREOF UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY IN FORM, SCOPE AND SUBSTANCE TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

Principal Amount: $200,000.00

  

Dated as of December 16, 2017

Fort Worth, Texas

Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Maker”), promises to pay to the order of HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC or its registered assigns or successors in interest (the “Payee”), or order, the principal sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) or such lesser amount as shall have been advanced by Payee to Maker and shall remain unpaid under this Note on the Maturity Date (as defined below) in lawful money of the United States of America, on the terms and conditions described below. All payments on this Note shall be made by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds or as otherwise determined by the Maker to such account as the Payee may from time to time designate by written notice in accordance with the provisions of this Note.

 

  1. Principal. The entire unpaid principal balance of Note shall be payable on the earlier of: (i) July 31, 2018, or (ii) the date on which Maker consummates an initial public offering of its securities (such earlier date, the “Maturity Date”). The principal balance may be prepaid at any time. Under no circumstances shall any individual, including but not limited to any officer, director, employee or shareholder of the Maker, be obligated personally for any obligations or liabilities of the Maker hereunder.

 

  2. Drawdown Requests. Maker and Payee agree that Maker may request, from time to time, up to Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) in draw downs under this Note to be used for costs and expenses related to Maker’s formation and the proposed initial public offering of its securities (the “IPO”). Principal of this Note may be drawn down from time to time prior to the Maturity Date upon written request from Maker to Payee (each, a “Drawdown Request”). Each Drawdown Request must state the amount to be drawn down, and must not be an amount less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). Payee shall fund each Drawdown Request no later than three (3) business days after receipt of a Drawdown Request; provided, however, that the maximum amount of drawdowns outstanding under this Note at any time may not exceed Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00). No fees, payments or other amounts shall be due to Payee in connection with, or as a result of, any Drawdown Request by Maker.

 

  3. Interest. No interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of this Note.

 

  4. Application of Payments. All payments shall be applied first to payment in full of any costs incurred in the collection of any sum due under this Note, including (without limitation) reasonable attorney’s fees, then to the payment in full of any late charges and finally to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance of this Note.

 

  5. Events of Default. The following shall constitute an event of default (“Event of Default”):

 

  (a) Failure to Make Required Payments. Failure by Maker to pay the principal amount due pursuant to this Note within five (5) business days of the date specified in Section 1 above.

 

  (b) Voluntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The commencement by Maker of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation or other similar law, or the consent by it to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator (or other similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure of Maker generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of corporate action by Maker in furtherance of any of the foregoing.


  (c) Involuntary Bankruptcy, Etc. The entry of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of Maker in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator (or similar official) of Maker or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding- up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

  6. Remedies.

 

  (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 5(a) hereof, Payee may, by written notice to Maker, declare this Note to be due immediately and payable, whereupon the unpaid principal amount of this Note, and all other amounts payable thereunder, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the documents evidencing the same to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

  (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 5(b) or 5(c), the unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all other sums payable with regard to this Note, shall automatically and immediately become due and payable, in all cases without any action on the part of Payee.

 

  7. Waivers. Maker and all endorsers and guarantors of, and sureties for, this Note waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, and notice of protest with regard to the Note, all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, and all benefits that might accrue to Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof, on any writ of execution issued hereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.

 

  8. Unconditional Liability. Maker hereby waives all notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and agrees that its liability shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consented to by Payee, and consents to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or modifications that may be granted by Payee with respect to the payment or other provisions of this Note, and agrees that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to Maker or affecting Maker’s liability hereunder.

 

  9. Trust Waiver. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Payee hereby waives any and all right, title, interest or claim of any kind ( Claim ) in or to any distribution of or from the trust account to be established in which the proceeds of the IPO (including the deferred underwriters discounts and commissions) and the proceeds of the sale of the units issued in a private placement to occur prior to the effectiveness of the IPO are to be deposited, as described in greater detail in the registration statement and prospectus to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the IPO, and hereby agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction for any Claim against the trust account for any reason whatsoever.

 

  10. Notices. All notices, statements or other documents which are required or contemplated by this Agreement shall be: (i) in writing and delivered personally or sent by first class registered or certified mail, overnight courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission to the address designated in writing, (ii) by facsimile to the number most recently provided to such party or such other address or fax number as may be designated in writing by such party and (iii) by electronic mail, to the electronic mail address.

[signature page follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Note to be duly executed by the undersigned as of the day and year first above written.

 

Pure Acquisition Corp.
By:  

/s/ Steven W. Tholen

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 10.5

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Securities Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), effective as of December 6, 2017, is made and entered into by and between Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Buyer ”).

RECITALS:

WHEREAS , the Buyer wishes to purchase from the Company an aggregate of 10,062,500 shares (the “ Shares ”) of the Company’s Class B Common Stock (as defined below), and the Company wishes to sell the Shares to the Buyer, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

AGREEMENT:

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises, representations, warranties and the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

The terms defined in this Article I shall have for all purposes of this Agreement the respective meanings set forth below:

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Buyer ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Class  A Common Stock ” shall mean the Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company.

Class  B Common Stock ” shall mean the Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company. Pursuant to the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended to the date hereof, shares of Class B Common Stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment, upon the terms and conditions sets forth therein.

Closing ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section  2.3 of this Agreement.

Closing Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section  2.3 of this Agreement.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Consent ” means any consent, approval, notification, waiver, or other similar action that is necessary or convenient.

 

1


Governmental Body ” shall mean any legislature, agency, bureau, branch, department, division, commission, court, tribunal or other similar recognized organization or body of any federal, state, county, municipal, local or foreign government or other similar recognized organization or body exercising similar powers or authority.

Law ” shall mean any law (statutory, common or otherwise), constitution, ordinance, rule, regulation, executive order or other similar authority enacted, adopted, promulgated or applied by any Governmental Body.

Lien ” shall mean a mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, encumbrance, charge, restriction, lien (statutory or otherwise, including, without limitation, any lien for taxes), security interest, preference, participation interest, priority or security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing and the filing of any document under the law of any applicable jurisdiction to evidence any of the foregoing, other than (i) statutory, mechanics’ or other Liens incurred in the Company’s ordinary course of business or (ii) Liens for taxes incurred but not yet due.

Order ” shall mean an order, ruling, decision, award, judgment, injunction or other similar determination or finding by, before or under the supervision of any Governmental Body or arbitrator.

Permit ” shall mean a permit, license, certificate, waiver, notice or similar authorization.

Purchase Price ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section  2.2 of this Agreement.

SEC ” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act ” shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated and in effect from time to time thereunder.

Shares ” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this Agreement “ Shares ” shall be deemed to include any shares of Class A Common Stock issued upon conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock comprising the Shares.

ARTICLE II

PURCHASE OF THE SHARES

Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale of the Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the parties contained or incorporated by reference herein, simultaneous with the execution hereof, the Company shall sell and deliver to the Buyer, and the Buyer shall purchase from the Company, the Shares, in consideration of the payment of the Purchase Price noted herein.

 

2


Section 2.2 Purchase Price . As payment in full for the Shares being purchased under this Agreement and against delivery of the certificates therefor, simultaneous with the execution hereof, the Buyer shall pay $25,000 to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by such other method as may be reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “ Purchase Price ”).

Section 2.3 Closing . The closing of the purchase and sale of the Shares (the “ Closing ”) shall be held on the date of this Agreement (“ Closing Date ”) at the offices of the Buyer, 421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, or such other place as may be agreed upon by the parties hereto.

Section 2.4 Closing Deliveries . All actions taken at the Closing shall be deemed to have been taken simultaneously.

(a) Buyer Deliveries . At the Closing the Buyer shall deliver to the Company the Purchase Price.

(b) Company Deliveries . At the Closing, or within a reasonable time after the Closing but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Buyer the certificates representing the Shares.

Section 2.5 Further Assurances . The parties hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as any party reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 2.6 Legend . Each certificate evidencing the Shares and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the transfer of any Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN VIOLATION OF SUCH ACT AND LAWS.”

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER

The Buyer represents and warrants that the statements contained in this ARTICLE III are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement.

Section 3.1 Organization and Good Standing . The Buyer is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware.

 

3


Section 3.2 Power and Authority; Enforceability . This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Buyer, enforceable against the Buyer in accordance with its terms. The Buyer has full entity power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The Buyer has taken all actions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and is enforceable against, the Buyer.

Section 3.3 Investment Representations .

(a) The Buyer is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

(b) The Buyer has received, has thoroughly read, is familiar with and understands the contents of this Agreement.

(c) The Buyer hereby acknowledges that an investment in the Shares involves certain significant risks. The Buyer acknowledges that there is a substantial risk that it will lose all or a portion of its investment and that it is financially capable of bearing the risk of such investment for an indefinite period of time. The Buyer has no need for liquidity in its investment in the Shares for the foreseeable future and is able to bear the risk of that investment for an indefinite period. The Buyer understands that there presently is no public market for the Shares and none is anticipated to develop in the foreseeable future. The Buyer’s present financial condition is such that the Buyer is under no present or contemplated future need to dispose of any portion of the Shares subscribed for hereby to satisfy any existing or contemplated undertaking, need or indebtedness. The Buyer’s overall commitment to investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to its net worth and the investment in the Company will not cause such overall commitment to become excessive.

(d) The Buyer acknowledges that the Shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities act, and are being sold on the basis of exemptions from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities acts, except those state securities acts that require registration of the Shares thereunder. Reliance on such exemptions, where applicable, is predicated in part on the accuracy of the Buyer’s representations and warranties set forth herein. The Buyer acknowledges and hereby agrees that the Shares will not be transferable under any circumstances unless the Buyer either registers the Shares in accordance with federal and state securities laws or finds and complies with an available exemption under such laws. Accordingly, the Buyer hereby acknowledges that there can be no assurance that it will be able to liquidate its investment in the Company.

(e) There are substantial risk factors pertaining to an investment in the Company. The Buyer acknowledges that it has read the information set forth above regarding certain of such risks and is familiar with the nature and scope of all such risks, including, without limitation, risks arising from the fact that the Company is an entity with limited operating history and financial resources; and the Buyer is fully able to bear the economic risks of such investment for an indefinite period, and can afford a complete loss thereof.

 

4


(f) The Buyer has been given the opportunity to (i) ask questions of and receive answers from the Company and its designated representatives concerning the terms and conditions of the offering, the Company and the business and financial condition of the Company and (ii) obtain any additional information that the Company possesses or can acquire without unreasonable effort or expense that is necessary to assist the Buyer in evaluating the advisability of the purchase of the Shares and an investment in the Company. The Buyer further represents and warrants that, prior to signing this Agreement, it has asked such questions, received such answers and obtained such information as it has deemed necessary or advisable to evaluate the merits and risks of the purchase of the Shares and an investment in the Company. The Buyer is not relying on any oral representation made by any person as to the Company or its operations, financial condition or prospects.

(g) The Buyer understands that no federal, state or other governmental authority has made any recommendation, findings or determination relating to the merits of an investment in the Company.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Section 4.1 Organization and Good Standing . The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 4.2 Power and Authority; Enforceability . This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. The Company has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The Company has taken all actions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by, and is enforceable against, the Company.

Section 4.3 No Violation; Necessary Approvals . Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, nor the consummation or performance by the Company of any of transactions contemplated hereby, will: (a) with or without notice or lapse of time, constitute, create or result in a breach or violation of, default under, loss of benefit or right under or acceleration of performance of any obligation required under any Law, Order, contract or Permit to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound or any of its assets are subject, or any provision of the Company’s organizational documents as in effect on the Closing Date, (b) result in the imposition of any lien, claim or encumbrance upon any assets owned by the Company; (c) require any Consent under any contract or organizational document to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound; or (d) require any Permit under any Law or Order other than (i) required filings, if any, with the SEC and (ii) notifications or other filings with state or federal regulatory agencies after the Closing that are necessary or convenient and do not require approval of the agency as a condition to the validity of the transactions contemplated hereunder; or (e) trigger any rights of first refusal, preferential purchase or similar rights with respect to any of the Shares.

Section 4.4 Authorization of the Shares . The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued in accordance with this Agreement, the Shares will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class B Common Stock and will be free and clear of all Liens and claims, other than restrictions on transfer imposed by the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

 

5


ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.1 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the certificates, documents, instruments and writings that are delivered pursuant hereto, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 5.2 Successors . All of the terms, agreements, covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the parties hereto and their respective successors.

Section 5.3 Assignments . Except as otherwise provided herein, no party hereto may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section  5.3 shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee.

Section 5.4 Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTIES HERETO EACH HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THE RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO JURY TRIAL OF ANY DISPUTE BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATING HERETO OR ANY DEALINGS AMONG THEM RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL ACTIONS THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THE PARTIES HERETO EACH ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP AND THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THE WAIVER IN THEIR RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS. EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THE WAIVER WILL APPLY TO ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING HERETO. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO TRIAL BY A COURT.

 

6


Section 5.5 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 5.6 Headings . The article and section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 5.7 Governing Law . This Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort, statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its choice of laws principles.

Section 5.8 Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by the parties hereto.

Section 5.9 Severability . The provisions of this Agreement will be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided that if any provision of this Agreement, as applied to any party hereto or to any circumstance, is adjudged by a Governmental Body, arbitrator, or mediator not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the parties hereto agree that the Governmental Body, arbitrator, or mediator making such determination will have the power to modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its reduced form, such provision will then be enforceable and will be enforced.

Section 5.10 Expenses . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each party hereto will bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, financial advisors, legal counsel and accountants.

Section 5.11 Construction . The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto because of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign Law will be deemed also to refer to Law as amended and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The words “ include ,” “ includes ,” and “ including ” will be deemed to be followed by “ without limitation .” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “ this Agreement ,” “ herein ,” “ hereof ,” “ hereby ,” “ hereunder ,” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties hereto intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party hereto has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists

 

7


another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which such party hereto has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such party hereto is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant.

Section 5.12 Waiver . No waiver by any party hereto of any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, may be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising because of any prior or subsequent occurrence.

[Signature page follows]

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

COMPANY:

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

By:

  /s/ Steven W. Tholen

Name:

 

Steven W. Tholen

Title:

 

Chief Financial Officer

BUYER:

HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC

By:

  /s/ Jack D. Hightower

Name:

 

Jack D. Hightower

Title:

 

President & CEO

[Signature Page to Securities Purchase Agreement]

Exhibit 10.6

FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [            ], 2018, is made and entered into by and among Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Sponsor ”), and the undersigned parties listed under Holder on the signature page hereto (each such party, together with the Sponsor and any person or entity who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement, a “ Holder ” and collectively the “ Holders ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , the Company and the Sponsor have entered into that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2017, pursuant to which the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 10,062,500 shares (the “ Founder Shares ”) of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Class  B Common Stock ”);

WHEREAS , the Sponsor subsequently transferred 1,437,500 Founder Shares back to the Company and transferred an aggregate of 120,000 Founder Shares to the other Holders;

WHEREAS , the Founder Shares are convertible into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Common Stock ”), on the terms and conditions provided in the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation;

WHEREAS , on [            ], 2018, the Company and the Sponsor entered into that certain Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Sponsor agreed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants (or up to 8,900,000 warrants if the over-allotment option in connection with the Company’s initial public offering is exercised in full) (the “ Private Placement Warrants ”), in a private placement transaction occurring simultaneously with the closing of the Company’s initial public offering; and

WHEREAS , the Company and the Holders desire to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Company shall grant the Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement.

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the representations, covenants and agreements contained herein, and certain other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Definitions . The terms defined in this Article I shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:

Adverse Disclosure ” shall mean any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer or principal financial officer of the Company, after consultation with counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any prospectus and any preliminary prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, and (iii) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.

Agreement ” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

Board ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.


Business Combination ” shall mean any merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses, involving the Company.

Commission ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Stock ” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Company ” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

Demand Registration ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Demanding Holder ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.

Form S-1 ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Form S-3 ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.

Founder Shares ” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto and shall be deemed to include the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

Founder Shares Lock-up Period ” shall mean, (1) with respect to 50% of the Founder Shares, the period ending on the earlier of (A) one year after the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to the Business Combination, if the last sale price of Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after the Company’s initial Business Combination and (2) with respect to the remaining 50% of the Founder Shares, one year after the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination, or earlier, in either case, subsequent to the initial Business Combination on the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of Common Stock for cash, securities or other property.

Holders ” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

Insider Letter ” shall mean that certain letter agreement, dated as of [], 2018, by and among the Company, the Sponsor and each of the Company’s officers, directors and director nominees.

Maximum Number of Securities ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.

Misstatement ” shall mean an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading.

Permitted Transferees ” shall mean any person or entity to whom a Holder of Registrable Securities is permitted to transfer such Registrable Securities prior to the expiration of the Founder Shares Lock-up Period or Private Placement Lock-up Period, as the case may be, under the Insider Letter and any other applicable agreement between such Holder and the Company, and to any transferee thereafter.

Piggyback Registration ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.

Private Placement Lock-up Period ” shall mean, with respect to Private Placement Warrants held by the initial purchasers of such Private Placement Warrants or their Permitted Transferees, and any of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise or conversion of the Private Placement Warrants and held by the initial purchasers of the Private Placement Warrants or their Permitted Transferees, the period ending upon the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination.


Private Placement Warrants ” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Prospectus ” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Security ” shall mean (a) the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of any Founder Shares, (b) the Private Placement Warrants (including any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any such Private Placement Warrants), (c) any outstanding share of Common Stock or any other equity security (including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company held by a Holder as of the date of this Agreement, (d) any equity securities (including the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any such equity security) of the Company issuable upon conversion of any working capital loans in an amount up to $1,500,000 made to the Company by a Holder, and (e) any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any such share of Common Stock by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, as to any particular Registrable Security, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; (B) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for such securities not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (C) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (D) such securities may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission) (but with no volume or other restrictions or limitations); or (E) such securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction.

Registration ” shall mean a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.

Registration Expenses ” shall mean the out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, including, without limitation, the following:

 

  (A) all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.) and any securities exchange on which Common Stock is then listed;

 

  (B) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);

 

  (C) printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses;

 

  (D) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company;

 

  (E) reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration; and

 

  (F) reasonable fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating a Demand Registration to be registered for offer and sale in the applicable Registration.

Registration Statement ” shall mean any registration statement that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.


Requesting Holder ” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Sponsor ” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Underwriter ” shall mean a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.

Underwritten Registration ” or “ Underwritten Offering ” shall mean a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATIONS

2.1 Demand Registration .

2.1.1 Request for Registration . Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.1.4 and Section 2.4 hereof, at any time and from time to time on or after (i) three months prior to the end of the Founder Share Lock-Up Period with respect to the Founder Shares and (ii) the date the Company consummates the Business Combination with respect to all other Registrable Securities, the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the then-outstanding number of Registrable Securities (the “ Demanding Holders ”) may make a written demand for Registration of all or part of their Registrable Securities, which written demand shall describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such Registration and the intended method(s) of distribution thereof (such written demand a “ Demand Registration ”). The Company shall, within ten (10) days of the Company’s receipt of the Demand Registration, notify, in writing, all other Holders of Registrable Securities of such demand, and each Holder of Registrable Securities who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration (each such Holder that includes all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration, a “ Requesting Holder ”) shall so notify the Company, in writing, within five (5) days after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. Upon receipt by the Company of any such written notification from a Requesting Holder(s) to the Company, such Requesting Holder(s) shall be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration and the Company shall effect, as soon thereafter as practicable, but not more than forty five (45) days immediately after the Company’s receipt of the Demand Registration, the Registration of all Registrable Securities requested by the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders pursuant to such Demand Registration. Under no circumstances shall the Company be obligated to effect more than an aggregate of three (3) Registrations pursuant to a Demand Registration under this subsection 2.1.1 with respect to any or all Registrable Securities; provided, however, that a Registration shall not be counted for such purposes unless a Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration statement that may be available at such time (“ Form S-1 ”) has become effective and all of the Registrable Securities requested by the Requesting Holders to be registered on behalf of the Requesting Holders in such Form S-1 Registration have been sold, in accordance with Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

2.1.2 Effective Registration . Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2.1.1 above or any other part of this Agreement, a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration shall not count as a Registration unless and until (i) the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration has been declared effective by the Commission and (ii) the Company has complied with all of its obligations under this Agreement with respect thereto; provided, further, that if, after such Registration Statement has been declared effective, an offering of Registrable Securities in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration is subsequently interfered with by any stop order or injunction of the Commission, federal or state court or any other governmental agency, the Registration Statement with respect to such Registration shall be deemed not to have been declared effective, unless and until, (i) such stop order or injunction is removed, rescinded or otherwise terminated, and (ii) a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Demand Registration thereafter affirmatively elect to continue with such Registration and accordingly notify the Company in writing, but in no


event later than five (5) days, of such election; provided, further, that the Company shall not be obligated or required to file another Registration Statement until the Registration Statement that has been previously filed with respect to a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration becomes effective or is subsequently terminated.

2.1.3 Underwritten Offering . Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.1.4 and Section 2.4 hereof, if a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders so advise the Company as part of their Demand Registration that the offering of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering, then the right of such Demanding Holder or Requesting Holder (if any) to include its Registrable Securities in such Registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such Underwritten Offering and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering to the extent provided herein. All such Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.1.3 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating the Demand Registration.

2.1.4 Reduction of Underwritten Offering . If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other Common Stock or other equity securities the Company desires to sell and the Common Stock, if any, as to which a Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other stockholders who desire to sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “ Maximum Number of Securities ”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering, as follows: (i) first, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities each Demanding Holder and Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Registration and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders have requested be included in such Underwritten Registration (such proportion is referred to herein as “ Pro Rata ”)) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), Common Stock or other equity securities the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (iii) third, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), Common Stock or other equity securities of other persons or entities the Company is obligated to register in a Registration pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons and can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

2.1.5 Demand Registration Withdrawal . A majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating a Demand Registration or a majority-in-interest of the Requesting Holders (if any), pursuant to a Registration under subsection 2.1.1 shall have the right to withdraw from a Registration pursuant to such Demand Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to the Registration of their Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.1.5.

2.2 Piggyback Registration .

2.2.1 Piggyback Rights . If, at any time on or after the date the Company consummates a Business Combination, the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (or by the Company and by the stockholders of the Company including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof), other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing stockholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity


securities of the Company or (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities as soon as practicable but not less than ten (10) days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities the opportunity to register the sale of such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within five (5) days after receipt of such written notice (such Registration a “ Piggyback Registration ”). The Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and shall use its best efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Holders pursuant to this subsection 2.2.1 to be included in a Piggyback Registration on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such Registration and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. All such Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.2.1 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the Company.

2.2.2 Reduction of Piggyback Registration . If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of Common Stock the Company desires to sell, taken together with (i) the Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, and (iii) the Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:

 

  (a) If the Registration is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, Common Stock or other equity securities the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1 hereof, Pro Rata, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (C) third, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the Common Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

 

  (b) If the Registration is pursuant to a request by persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting persons or entities, other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1, Pro Rata based on the number of Registrable Securities each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Registration and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Registration, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (C) third, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), Common Stock or other equity securities the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), Common Stock or other equity securities for the account of other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons or entities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.


2.2.3 Piggyback Registration Withdrawal . Any Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of his, her or its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration. The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.2.3.

2.2.4 Unlimited Piggyback Registration Rights . For purposes of clarity, any Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof shall not be counted as a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration effected under Section 2.1 hereof.

2.3 Registrations on Form S-3 . The Holders of Registrable Securities may at any time, and from time to time, request in writing that the Company, pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission), register the resale of any or all of their Registrable Securities on Form S-3 or any similar short form registration statement that may be available at such time (“ Form S-3 ”); provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to effect such request through an Underwritten Offering. Within five (5) days of the Company’s receipt of a written request from a Holder or Holders of Registrable Securities for a Registration on Form S-3, the Company shall promptly give written notice of the proposed Registration on Form S-3 to all other Holders of Registrable Securities, and each Holder of Registrable Securities who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration on Form S-3 shall so notify the Company, in writing, within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. As soon as practicable thereafter, but not more than twelve (12) days after the Company’s initial receipt of such written request for a Registration on Form S-3, the Company shall register all or such portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities as are specified in such written request, together with all or such portion of Registrable Securities of any other Holder or Holders joining in such request as are specified in the written notification given by such Holder or Holders; provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such Registration pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof if (i) a Form S-3 is not available for such offering; or (ii) the Holders of Registrable Securities, together with the Holders of any other equity securities of the Company entitled to inclusion in such Registration, propose to sell the Registrable Securities and such other equity securities (if any) at any aggregate price to the public of less than $10,000,000.

2.4 Restrictions on Registration Rights . If (A) during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days prior to the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date one hundred and twenty (120) days after the effective date of, a Company initiated Registration and provided the Company has delivered written notice to the Holders prior to receipt of a Demand Registration pursuant to subsection 2.1.1 and it continues to actively employ, in good faith, all reasonable efforts to cause the applicable Registration Statement to become effective; (B) the Holders have requested an Underwritten Registration and the Company and the Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite the offer; or (C) in the good faith judgment of the Board such Registration would be seriously detrimental to the Company and the Board concludes as a result it is essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement at such time, then in each case the Company shall furnish to such Holders a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board stating in the good faith judgment of the Board it would be seriously detrimental to the Company for such Registration Statement to be filed in the near future and that it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement. In such event, the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period of not more than thirty (30) days; provided, however, the Company shall not defer its obligation in this manner more than once in any 12-month period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no Registration shall be effected or permitted and no Registration Statement shall become effective, with respect to any Registrable Securities held by any Holder, until after the expiration of the Private Placement Lock-Up Period, and no sale of any Registrable Securities held by any Holder shall be permitted in violation of the applicable Founder Share Lock-Up Period or Private Placement Lock-Up Period.


ARTICLE III

COMPANY PROCEDURES

3.1 General Procedures . If at any time on or after the date the Company consummates a Business Combination the Company is required to effect the Registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall use its best efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

3.1.1 prepare and file with the Commission as soon as practicable a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold;

3.1.2 prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be requested by the Holders or any Underwriter of Registrable Securities or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

3.1.3 prior to filing a Registration Statement or prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Holders’ legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters and the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Holders may request to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders;

3.1.4 prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its best efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;

3.1.5 cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

3.1.6 provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

3.1.7 advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

3.1.8 at least five (5) days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document to be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement or Prospectus, furnish a copy thereof to each seller of such Registrable Securities or its counsel;


3.1.9 notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4 hereof;

3.1.10 permit a representative of the Holders, the Underwriters, if any, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter to participate, at each such person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that such representatives or Underwriters enter into a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;

3.1.11 obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Registration, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Holders;

3.1.12 on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the Holders, the placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the Underwriters, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the Holders, placement agent, sales agent, or Underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority in interest of the participating Holders;

3.1.13 in the event of any Underwritten Offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter of such offering;

3.1.14 make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission);

3.1.15 if the Registration involves the Registration of Registrable Securities involving gross proceeds in excess of $50,000,000, use its reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in any Underwritten Offering; and

3.1.16 otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders, in connection with such Registration.

3.2 Registration Expenses . The Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the Holders shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, Underwriter marketing costs and, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” all reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel representing the Holders.

3.3 Requirements for Participation in Underwritten Offerings . No person may participate in any Underwritten Offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

3.4 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure . Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the


Misstatement (it being understood that the Company hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until it is advised in writing by the Company the use of the Prospectus may be resumed. If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any Registration at any time would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure or would require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements unavailable to the Company for reasons beyond the Company’s control, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time, but in no event more than thirty (30) days, determined in good faith by the Company to be necessary for such purpose. In the event the Company exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities. The Company shall immediately notify the Holders of the expiration of any period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 3.4.

3.5 Reporting Obligations . As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and to promptly furnish the Holders with true and complete copies of all such filings. The Company further covenants that it shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell shares of Common Stock held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission), including providing any legal opinions. Upon the request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

ARTICLE IV

INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

4.1 Indemnification .

4.1.1 The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers and directors and each person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers and directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.

4.1.2 In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and agents and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however, the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.


4.1.3 Any person entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

4.1.4 The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Holder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

4.1.5 If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 hereof from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, the liability of any Holder under this subsection 4.1.5 shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in subsections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 above, any legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this subsection 4.1.5. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Notices . Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be in writing and given by (i) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (ii) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (iii) transmission by hand delivery, electronic mail, telecopy, telegram or facsimile. Each notice or communication mailed, delivered, or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received, in the case


of mailed notices, on the third business day following the date on which it is mailed and, in the case of notices delivered by courier service, hand delivery, electronic mail, telecopy, telegram or facsimile, at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the delivery receipt or the affidavit of messenger) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed, if to the Company, to: 421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, TX 76102, Attention: Chief Financial Officer or by facsimile at (817) 887 - 3430, and, if to any Holder, at such Holder’s address or facsimile number as set forth in the Company’s books and records. Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties hereto, and such change of address shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice as provided in this Section 5.1.

5.2 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries .

5.2.1 This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part.

5.2.2 Prior to the expiration of the Founder Shares Lock-up Period or the Private Placement Lock-up Period, as the case may be, no Holder may assign or delegate such Holder’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, except in connection with a transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder to a Permitted Transferee, but only if such Permitted Transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the transfer restrictions set forth in this Agreement, the Letter Agreement, and any other applicable agreement containing restrictions on transfer of the Registrable Securities.

5.2.3 This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and its successors and the permitted assigns of the Holders, which shall include Permitted Transferees.

5.2.4 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any persons that are not parties hereto, other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement and Section 5.2 hereof.

5.2.5 No assignment by any party hereto of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless and until the Company shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment as provided in Section 5.1 hereof and (ii) the written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement). Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 5.2 shall be null and void.

5.3 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including facsimile or PDF counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute the same instrument, but only one of which need be produced.

5.4 Governing Law; Jurisdiction . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. THE PARTIES (I) SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE COURTS AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT, (II) AGREE NOT TO COMMENCE ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT EXCEPT IN STATE COURTS OF OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, AND (III) HEREBY WAIVE, AND AGREE NOT TO ASSERT, BY WAY OF MOTION, AS A DEFENSE, OR OTHERWISE, IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM IT IS NOT SUBJECT PERSONALLY TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURTS, ITS PROPERTY IS EXEMPT OR IMMUNE FROM ATTACHMENT OR EXECUTION, THE SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, THE VENUE OF THE SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS IMPROPER OR THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF MAY NOT BE ENFORCED IN OR BY SUCH COURT.

5.5 Amendments and Modifications . Upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities at the time in question, compliance with any of the provisions,


covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement may be waived, or any of such provisions, covenants or conditions may be amended or modified; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that adversely affects one Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of the shares of capital stock of the Company, in a manner materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder so affected. No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party hereto or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial

exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party.

5.6 Other Registration Rights . The Company represents and warrants that no person, other than (i) a Holder of Registrable Securities and (ii) HighPeak Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ HighPeak LP ”), and any of its permitted transferees (who have registration rights pursuant to that certain Forward Purchase Agreement, dated as of [], 2018, between HighPeak LP and the Company), has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other person. Further, the Company represents and warrants that this Agreement supersedes any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.

5.7 Term . This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date of this Agreement or (ii) the date as of which (A) all of the Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to a Registration Statement (but in no event prior to the applicable period referred to in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act and Rule 174 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission)) or (B) the Holders of all Registrable Securities are permitted to sell the Registrable Securities under Rule 144 (or any similar provision) under the Securities Act without limitation on the amount of securities sold or the manner of sale. The provisions of Section 3.5 and Article IV shall survive any termination.

[ Signature Page Follows ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

 

COMPANY :

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.,

a Delaware corporation

By:  

                                          

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
HOLDER :

HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:  

                                          

Name:   Jack D. Hightower
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
By:  

                                          

Sylvia K. Barnes
By:  

                                          

M. Gregory Colvin
By:  

                                          

Jared S. Sturdivant

 

S IGNATURE P AGE TO R EGISTRATION R IGHTS A GREEMENT

Exhibit 10.7

FORM OF

PRIVATE PLACEMENT WARRANTS PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS PRIVATE PLACEMENT WARRANTS PURCHASE AGREEMENT, effective as of [                    ], 2018 (as it may from time to time be amended, this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and among Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Purchaser ”).

WHEREAS

The Company intends to consummate an initial public offering of the Company’s units (the “ Public Offering ”), each unit consisting of one share of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (each, a “ Share ”), and one-half of one warrant as set forth in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) (the “ Registration Statement ”), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”);

Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $11.50 per Share; and

The Purchaser has agreed to purchase an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants (or up to 8,900,000 warrants if the over-allotment option in connection with the Public Offering is exercised in full) (the “ Private Placement Warrants ”), each Private Placement Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $11.50 per Share.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement hereby, intending legally to be bound, agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

Section  1. Authorization, Purchase and Sale; Terms of the Private Placement Warrants .

 

  A. Authorization of the Private Placement Warrants . The Company has duly authorized the issuance and sale of the Private Placement Warrants to the Purchaser.

 

  B. Purchase and Sale of the Private Placement Warrants . On the date one business day prior to the date of the consummation of the Public Offering or on such earlier time and date as may be mutually agreed by the Purchaser and the Company (the “ Initial Closing Date ”), the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Company 8,000,000 Private Placement Warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant for an aggregate purchase price of $8,000,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”), which shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company in accordance with the Company’s wiring instructions. On the Initial Closing Date, upon the payment by the Purchaser of the Purchase Price payable by it by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company, the Company, at its option, shall effect delivery in book-entry form of the Private Placement Warrants purchased by the Purchaser on such date duly registered in the Purchaser’s name to the Purchaser. On the date one business day prior to each date of the consummation of the closing of the over-allotment option in connection with the Public Offering or on such earlier time and date as may be mutually agreed by the Purchaser and the Company (each such date, an “ Over-allotment Closing Date ,” and each Over-allotment Closing Date (if any) and the Initial Closing Date being sometimes referred to herein as a “ Closing Date ”), the Company shall issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Company, up to an aggregate of 900,000 Private Placement Warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant for an aggregate purchase price of up to $900,000 (if the over-allotment option in connection with the Public Offering is exercised in full) (the “ Over-allotment Purchase Price ”), which shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company in accordance with the Company’s wiring instructions. On the Over-allotment Closing Date, upon the payment by the Purchaser of the Over-allotment Purchase Price payable by it by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company, the Company shall, at its option, deliver a certificate evidencing the Private Placement Warrants purchased by the Purchaser on such date duly registered in the Purchaser’s name to the Purchaser, or effect such delivery in book-entry form.

 

  C. Terms of the Private Placement Warrants .

 

  (i) Each Private Placement Warrant shall have the terms set forth in a Warrant Agreement to be entered into by the Company and a warrant agent, in connection with the Public Offering (the “ Warrant Agreement ”).

 

  (ii) At the time of the closing of the Public Offering, the Company and the Purchaser shall enter into a registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) pursuant to which the Company will grant certain registration rights to the Purchaser relating to the Private Placement Warrants and the Shares underlying the Private Placement Warrants.


Section  2. Representations and Warranties of the Company . As a material inducement to the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement and purchase the Private Placement Warrants, the Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser (which representations and warranties shall survive each Closing Date) that:

 

  A. Organization and Corporate Power . The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, operating results or assets of the Company. The Company possesses all requisite corporate power and authority necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Warrant Agreement.

 

  B. Authorization; No Breach .

 

  (i) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Private Placement Warrants have been duly authorized by the Company as of the Closing Date. This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Upon issuance in accordance with, and payment pursuant to, the terms of the Warrant Agreement and this Agreement, the Private Placement Warrants will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms as of the Closing Date.

 

  (ii) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the Private Placement Warrants, the issuance and sale of the Private Placement Warrants, the issuance of the Shares upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants and the fulfillment of and compliance with the respective terms hereof and thereof by the Company, do not and will not as of the Closing Date (a) conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (b) constitute a default under, (c) result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon the Company’s capital stock or assets under, (d) result in a violation of, or (e) require any authorization, consent, approval, exemption or other action by or notice or declaration to, or filing with, any court or administrative or governmental body or agency pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company or the Bylaws of the Company (in effect on the date hereof or as may be amended prior to completion of the contemplated Public Offering), or any material law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Company is subject, or any agreement, order, judgment or decree to which the Company is subject, except for any filings required after the date hereof under federal or state securities laws.

 

  C. Title to Securities . Upon issuance in accordance with, and payment pursuant to, the terms hereof and the Warrant Agreement, the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Upon issuance in accordance with, and payment pursuant to, the terms hereof and the Warrant Agreement, the Purchaser will have good title to the Private Placement Warrants purchased by it and the Shares issuable upon exercise of such Private Placement Warrants, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances of any kind, other than (i) transfer restrictions hereunder and under the other agreements contemplated hereby, (ii) transfer restrictions under federal and state securities laws, and (iii) liens, claims or encumbrances imposed due to the actions of the Purchaser.

 

  D. Governmental Consents . No permit, consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration to or filing with, any governmental authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement or the consummation by the Company of any other transactions contemplated hereby.

Section  3. Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser . As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement and issue and sell the Private Placement Warrants to the Purchaser, the Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company (which representations and warranties shall survive each Closing Date) that:

 

  A. Organization and Requisite Authority . The Purchaser possesses all requisite power and authority necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  B. Authorization; No Breach .

 

  (i) This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or law).

 

  (ii) The execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the fulfillment of and compliance with the terms hereof by the Purchaser does not and shall not as of each Closing Date conflict with or result in a breach by the Purchaser of the terms, conditions or provisions of any agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Purchaser is subject.


  C. Investment Representations .

 

  (i) The Purchaser is acquiring the Private Placement Warrants and, upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants, the Shares issuable upon such exercise (collectively, the “ Securities ”) for the Purchaser’s own account, for investment purposes only and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, any public sale or distribution thereof.

 

  (ii) The Purchaser is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

 

  (iii) The Purchaser understands the Securities are being offered and will be sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and the Purchaser’s compliance with, the representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth herein to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Purchaser to acquire such Securities.

 

  (iv) The Purchaser decided to enter into this Agreement not as a result of any general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502(c) under the Securities Act.

 

  (v) The Purchaser has been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and materials relating to the offer and sale of the Securities which have been requested by the Purchaser. The Purchaser has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the executive officers and directors of the Company. The Purchaser understands its investment in the Securities involves a high degree of risk and it has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to the acquisition of the Securities.

 

  (vi) The Purchaser understands no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the Securities by the Purchaser nor have such authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Securities.

 

  (vii) The Purchaser understands: (a) the Securities have not been and are not being registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (1) subsequently registered thereunder or (2) sold in reliance on an exemption therefrom; and (b) except as specifically set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, neither the Company nor any other person is under any obligation to register the Securities under the Securities Act or any state securities laws or to comply with the terms and conditions of any exemption thereunder. In this regard, the Purchaser understands the SEC has taken the position that promoters or affiliates of a blank check company and their transferees, both before and after a business combination, are deemed to be “underwriters” under the Securities Act when reselling the securities of a blank check company. Based on that position, Rule 144 adopted pursuant to the Securities Act would not be available for resale transactions of the Securities despite technical compliance with the requirements of such Rule, and the Securities can be resold only through a registered offering or in reliance upon another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

  (viii) The Purchaser has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, knows of the high degree of risk associated with investments in the securities of companies in the development stage such as the Company, is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities and is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Securities in the amount contemplated hereunder for an indefinite period of time. The Purchaser has adequate means of providing for its current financial needs and contingencies and will have no current or anticipated future needs for liquidity which would be jeopardized by the investment in the Securities. The Purchaser can afford a complete loss of its investment in the Securities.

Section  4. Conditions of the Purchaser’s Obligations . The obligations of the Purchaser to purchase and pay for the Private

Placement Warrants are subject to the fulfillment, on or before each Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

  A. Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 2 shall be true and correct at and as of such Closing Date as though then made.

 

  B. 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 such Closing Date.

 

  C. No Injunction . No litigation, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by or in any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or any self-regulatory organization having authority over the matters contemplated hereby, which prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Warrant Agreement.


  D. Warrant Agreement . The Company shall have entered into a Warrant Agreement with a warrant agent on terms satisfactory to the Purchaser.

Section  5. Conditions of the Company’s Obligations . The obligations of the Company to the Purchaser under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, on or before each Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

  A. Representations and Warranties . The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 3 shall be true and correct at and as of such Closing Date as though then made.

 

  B. Performance . The Purchaser 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 the Purchaser on or before such Closing Date.

 

  C. Corporate Consents . The Company shall have obtained the consent of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Warrant Agreement and the issuance and sale of the Private Placement Warrants hereunder.

 

  D. No Injunction . No litigation, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by or in any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or any self-regulatory organization having authority over the matters contemplated hereby, which prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Warrant Agreement.

 

  E. Warrant Agreement . The Company shall have entered into a Warrant Agreement with a warrant agent on terms satisfactory to the Company.

Section  6. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time after July 31, 2018 upon the election by either the Company or the Purchaser upon written notice to the other party if the closing of the Public Offering does not occur prior to such date.

Section  7. Survival of Representations and Warranties . All of the representations and warranties contained herein shall survive each Closing Date.

Section  8. Definitions . Terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the Registration Statement.

Section  9. Miscellaneous .

 

  A. Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement by or on behalf of any of the parties hereto shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors of the parties hereto whether so expressed or not. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, the parties may not assign this Agreement, other than assignments by the Purchaser to affiliates thereof (including, without limitation one or more of its members).

 

  B. Severability . Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Agreement.

 

  C. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, none of which need contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  D. Descriptive Headings; Interpretation . The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation.

 

  E. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of New York and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.


  F. Jurisdiction . The parties (i) submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (ii) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and (iii) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

 

  G. Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.

[ Signature page follows ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

COMPANY:
PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

 

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
PURCHASER:
HIGHPEAK PURE ACQUISITION, LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Jack D. Hightower
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

SIGNATURE PAGE TO PRIVATE PLACEMENT WARRANTS PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.8

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

421 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

[    ], 2018

HighPeak Pure Acquisition LLC

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Re: Administrative Services Agreement

Gentlemen:

This letter agreement by and between Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) and HighPeak Energy Partners, LP (“HighPeak LP”), an affiliate of our sponsor, HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, dated as of the date hereof, will confirm our agreement that, commencing on the date the securities of the Company are first listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market (the “Listing Date”), pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 and prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Registration Statement”) and continuing until the earlier of the consummation by the Company of an initial business combination or the Company’s liquidation (in each case as described in the Registration Statement) (such earlier date hereinafter referred to as the “Termination Date”):

(i) HighPeak LP shall make available to the Company, at 421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 (or any successor location of HighPeak LP), certain office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support as may be reasonably required by the Company. In exchange therefor, the Company shall pay HighPeak LP the sum of $10,000 per month on the Listing Date and continuing monthly thereafter until the Termination Date; and

(ii) HighPeak LP hereby irrevocably waives any and all right, title, interest, causes of action and claims of any kind as a result of, or arising out of, this letter agreement (each, a “Claim”) in or to, and any and all right to seek payment of any amounts due to it out of, the trust account established for the benefit of the public stockholders of the Company and into which substantially all of the proceeds of the Company’s initial public offering will be deposited (the “Trust Account”), and hereby irrevocably waives any Claim it may have in the future, which Claim would reduce, encumber or otherwise adversely affect the Trust Account or any monies or other assets in the Trust Account, and further agrees not to seek recourse, reimbursement, payment or satisfaction of any Claim against the Trust Account or any monies or other assets in the Trust Account for any reason whatsoever.

This letter agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.

This letter agreement may not be amended, modified or waived as to any particular provision, except by a written instrument executed by the parties hereto.

No party hereto may assign either this letter agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party. Any purported assignment in violation of this paragraph shall be void and ineffectual and shall not operate to transfer or assign any interest or title to the purported assignee.

This letter agreement constitutes the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort, statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its choice of laws principles.

The parties (i) submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts and federal courts located in the State of Delaware for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (ii) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in


state courts of or federal courts located in the State of Delaware, and (iii) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

[ Signature Page  Follows ]


Very truly yours,

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

By:

 

 

  Name: Steven W. Tholen
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

HIGHPEAK ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

  By: HIGHPEAK ENERGY PARTNERS GP, LP, its general partner
 

By: HIGHPEAK GP, LLC,

its general partner

  By:                                                           
 

Name: Jack Hightower

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

S IGNATURE P AGE TO A DMINISTRATIVE S ERVICES A GREEMENT

Exhibit 10.9

FORWARD PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Forward Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of                      , 2018 between Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and HighPeak Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Purchaser ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (a “ Business Combination ”);

WHEREAS, the Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) a registration statement on Form S-1 ( the “ Registration Statement ”) for its initial public offering (“ IPO ”) of 30,000,000 units (or 34,500,000 units if the IPO over-allotment option (the “ IPO Option ”) is exercised in full) (the “ Public Units ”), at a price of $10.00 per Public Unit, each Public Unit comprised of one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Class  A Common Stock ”, and the shares of Class A Common Stock included in the Public Units, the “ Public Shares ”), and one-half of one warrant, where each whole warrant is exercisable to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “ Warrants ”, and the Warrants included in the Public Units, the “ Public Warrants ”);

WHEREAS, following the closing of the IPO (the “ IPO Closing ”), the Company will seek to identify and consummate a Business Combination;

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Company will undertake a private placement that will close simultaneously with the IPO Closing of an aggregate of 8,000,000 warrants (or 8,900,000 warrants if the IPO Option is exercised in full), each exercisable for one share of Class A Common Stock at $11.50 per share, at a price of $1.00 per warrant (the “ Private Placement Warrants ”);

WHEREAS, proceeds from the IPO and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants in an aggregate amount equal to the gross proceeds from the IPO will be deposited into a trust account for the benefit of the holders of the Public Shares (the “ Trust Account ”), as described in the Registration Statement; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Purchaser shall subscribe for an aggregate of up to 15,000,000 units (the “ Forward Purchase Units ”), consisting of one share of Class A Common Stock (the “ Forward Purchase Shares ”) and one-half of one warrant to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock (the “ Forward Purchase Warrants ”, and together with the Forward Purchase Shares, the “ Forward Purchase Securities ”), for $10.00 per unit (the “ Forward Purchase Price ”), or an aggregate maximum amount of $150,000,000, immediately prior to the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination (the “ Business Combination Closing ”).


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, representations, warranties and the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

 

  1.    Sale and Purchase.

(a)     Forward Purchase Securities .

(i)    The Company shall issue and sell to Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase from the Company that number of Forward Purchase Shares, up to a maximum of 15,000,000 Forward Purchase Shares (the “ Maximum Shares ”) plus that number of Forward Purchase Warrants up to a maximum of 7,500,000 Forward Purchase Warrants (the “ Maximum Warrants ”) in each case as determined as set forth in clause 1(a)(ii), for $10.00 per Forward Purchase Unit, or an aggregate maximum amount of $150,000,000.

(ii)    The number of Forward Purchase Units to be issued and sold by the Company and purchased by the Purchaser hereunder shall equal that number which, after payment of the aggregate Forward Purchase Price by the Purchaser, will result in gross proceeds to the Company in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of funds necessary for the Company to consummate the Business Combination and pay related fees and expenses, less amounts available to the Company from the Trust Account (after giving effect to any redemptions of Public Shares), any other equity financing source obtained by the Company for such purpose at or prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, and amounts the Purchaser or its affiliates have expended to repurchase Public Warrants in any tender offer, plus any additional amounts mutually agreed by the Company and the Purchaser that may be retained by the post-Business Combination company for working capital or other purposes, but in no event shall the number of Forward Purchase Shares or Forward Purchase Warrants purchased hereunder exceed the Maximum Shares or the Maximum Warrants, respectively.

(iii)    Each Forward Purchase Warrant will have the same terms as each Private Placement Warrant, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Warrant Agreement to be entered into between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent, in connection with the IPO (the “ Warrant Agreement ”). Each Forward Purchase Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described in the Warrant Agreement, and only whole Forward Purchase Warrants will be exercisable. The Forward Purchase Warrants will become exercisable on the later of 30 days after the Business Combination Closing and 12 months following the IPO Closing, and will expire five years after the Business Combination Closing or earlier upon the liquidation of the Company, as described in the Warrant Agreement. The Forward Purchase Warrants will be non-redeemable and exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Purchaser or its Transferees (as defined below). If the Forward Purchase Warrants are held by Persons (as defined below) other than the Purchaser or its Transferees, the Forward Purchase Warrants will have the same terms as the Public Warrants, as set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

 

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(iv)    The Company shall require the Purchaser to purchase the Forward Purchase Securities by delivering notice to the Purchaser, following the close of business two (2) Business Days before the Business Combination Closing, specifying the number of Forward Purchase Shares and Forward Purchase Warrants the Purchaser is required to purchase, the date of the Business Combination Closing, the aggregate Forward Purchase Price and instructions for wiring the Forward Purchase Price. The closing of the sale of Forward Purchase Securities (the “ Forward Closing ”) shall be on the same date and immediately prior to the Business Combination Closing (such date being referred to as the “ Forward Closing Date ”).

(v)    At least one (1) Business Day prior to the date of the Business Combination Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver to the Company, to be held in escrow until the Forward Closing, the aggregate Forward Purchase Price for the Forward Purchase Securities by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company in such notice. Immediately prior to the Forward Closing, (A) the aggregate Forward Purchase Price shall be released from escrow automatically and without further action by the Company or the Purchaser, and (B) upon such release, the Company shall issue the Forward Purchase Securities to the Purchaser in book-entry form, free and clear of any liens or other restrictions whatsoever (other than those arising under state or federal securities laws), registered in the name of the Purchaser (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions), or to a custodian designated by the Purchaser, as applicable. In the event the Business Combination Closing does not occur on the date scheduled for closing, the Forward Closing shall not occur and the Company shall promptly (but not later than one (1) Business Day thereafter) return the aggregate Forward Purchase Price to the Purchaser. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Business Day ” means any day, other than a Saturday or a Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are generally authorized or required by law or regulation to close in the City of New York, New York.

(b)     Legends . Each book entry for the Forward Purchase Securities shall contain a notation, and each certificate (if any) evidencing the Forward Purchase Securities shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend, in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN VIOLATION OF SUCH ACT AND LAWS. THE SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, OR TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A CERTAIN FORWARD PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE HOLDER AND THE COMPANY. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE COMPANY.”

 

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2.    Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser. The Purchaser represents and warrants to the Company as follows, as of the date hereof:

(a)     Organization and Power . The Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

(b)     Authorization . The Purchaser has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Purchaser, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and any other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies, or (iii) to the extent the indemnification provisions contained in the Registration Rights (as defined below) may be limited by applicable federal or state securities laws.

(c)     Governmental Consents and Filings . 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 Purchaser in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(d)     Compliance with Other Instruments . The execution, delivery and performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any violation or default (i) of any provisions of its organizational documents, (ii) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree to which it is a party or by which it is bound, (iii) under any note, indenture or mortgage to which it is a party or by which it is bound, (iv) under any lease, agreement, contract or purchase order to which it is a party or by which it is bound or (v) of any provision of federal or state statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Purchaser, in each case (other than clause (i)), which would have a material adverse effect on the Purchaser or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(e)     Purchase Entirely for Own Account . This Agreement is made with the Purchaser in reliance upon the Purchaser’s representation to the Company, which by the Purchaser’s execution of this Agreement, the Purchaser hereby confirms, that the Forward Purchase Securities to be acquired by the Purchaser will be acquired for investment for the Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of any state or federal securities laws, and that the Purchaser has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same in violation of law. By executing this Agreement, the Purchaser further represents that the Purchaser does not presently 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 Forward Purchase Securities. For purposes of this Agreement, “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity or any government or any department or agency thereof.

 

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(f)     Disclosure of Information . The Purchaser has had an opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management, financial affairs and the terms and conditions of the offering of the Forward Purchase Securities, as well as the terms of the Company’s proposed IPO, with the Company’s management.

(g)     Restricted Securities . The Purchaser understands that the offer and sale of the Forward Purchase Securities to the Purchaser has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), by reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act which depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of the Purchaser’s representations as expressed herein. The Purchaser understands that the Forward Purchase Securities are “restricted securities” under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that, pursuant to these laws, the Purchaser must hold the Forward Purchase Securities indefinitely unless they are registered with the SEC and qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available. The Purchaser acknowledges that the Company has no obligation to register or qualify the Forward Purchase Securities, or any shares of Class A Common Stock for which they may be exercised, for resale, except as provided herein (the “ Registration Rights ”). The Purchaser further acknowledges that if an exemption from registration or qualification is available, it may be conditioned on various requirements including, but not limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period for the Forward Purchase Securities, and on requirements relating to the Company which are outside of the Purchaser’s control, and which the Company is under no obligation and may not be able to satisfy. The Purchaser acknowledges that the Company has filed the Registration Statement for its proposed IPO. The Purchaser understands that the offering of Forward Purchase Securities and transactions contemplated hereunder are not and are not intended to be part of the IPO, and that the Purchaser will not be able to rely on the protection of Section 11 of the Securities Act.

(h)     No Public Market . The Purchaser understands that no public market now exists for the Forward Purchase Securities, and that the Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Forward Purchase Securities.

(i)     High Degree of Risk . The Purchaser understands that its agreement to purchase the Forward Purchase Securities involves a high degree of risk which could cause the Purchaser to lose all or part of its investment, and that it will be contractually obligated to vote or cause the Sponsor to vote the Sponsor Founder Shares in favor of the Business Combination as provided herein.

(j)     Accredited Investor . The Purchaser is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

(k)     No General Solicitation . Neither the Purchaser, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners has either directly or indirectly, including, through a broker or finder (i) engaged in any general solicitation, or (ii) published any advertisement in connection with the offer and sale of the Forward Purchase Securities.

 

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(l)     Residence . The Purchaser’s principal place of business is the office or offices located at the address of the Purchaser set forth on the signature page hereof.

(m)     Adequacy of Financing . The Purchaser has available to it sufficient funds to satisfy its obligations under this Agreement.

(o)     Affiliation of Certain FINRA Members . The Purchaser is neither a person associated nor affiliated with Oppenheimer & Co. or EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. or, to its actual knowledge, any other member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”) that is participating in the IPO.

(p)     No Other Representations and Warranties; Non-Reliance . Except for the specific representations and warranties contained in this  Section 2  and in any certificate or agreement delivered pursuant hereto, none of the Purchaser nor any person acting on behalf of the Purchaser nor any of the Purchaser’s affiliates (the “ Purchaser Parties ”) has made, makes or shall be deemed to make any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Purchaser and this offering, and the Purchaser Parties disclaim any such representation or warranty. Except for the specific representations and warranties expressly made by the Company in Section  3 of this Agreement and in any certificate or agreement delivered pursuant hereto, the Purchaser Parties specifically disclaim that they are relying upon any other representations or warranties that may have been made by the Company, any person on behalf of the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates (collectively, the “ Company Parties ”).

3.     Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:

(a)     Organization and Corporate Power . The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. The Company has no subsidiaries.

(b)     Capitalization . On the date hereof, the authorized share capital of the Company consists of:

(i)    200,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, none of which are issued and outstanding.

(ii)    10,350,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Class  B Common Stock ”), 8,625,000 of which are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof. All of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock have been duly authorized, are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

(iii)    1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, none of which are issued and outstanding.

 

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(c)     Authorization . All corporate action required to be taken by the Company to authorize the Company to enter into this Agreement, and to issue the Forward Purchase Securities at the Forward Closing, and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Forward Purchase Warrants, has been taken or will be taken prior to the Forward Closing. All corporate action on the part of the Company necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of all obligations of the Company under this Agreement to be performed as of the Forward Closing, and the issuance and delivery of the Forward Purchase Securities and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Forward Purchase Warrants has been taken or will be taken prior to the Forward Closing. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Company, shall constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, or other laws of general application relating to or 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, or (iii) to the extent the indemnification provisions contained in the Registration Rights may be limited by applicable federal or state securities laws.

(d)     Valid Issuance of Securities . The Forward Purchase Securities, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms and for the consideration set forth in this Agreement, and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Forward Purchase Warrants, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Forward Purchase Warrants and this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, as applicable, and free of all preemptive or similar rights, taxes, liens, encumbrances and charges with respect to the issue thereof and restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer specified under this Agreement, applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by the Purchaser. Assuming the accuracy of the representations of the Purchaser in this Agreement and subject to the filings described in Section 3(e) below, the Forward Purchase Securities will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.

(e)     Governmental Consents and Filings . Assuming the accuracy of the representations made by the Purchaser in this Agreement, 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 consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for filings pursuant to applicable state securities laws, if any, and pursuant to the Registration Rights.

(f)     Compliance with Other Instruments . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any violation or default (i) of any provisions of the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Charter”), or other governing documents of the Company, (ii) of any instrument, judgment, order, writ or decree to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, (iii) under any note, indenture or mortgage to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, (iv) under any lease, agreement, contract or purchase order to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound or (v) of any provision of federal or state statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, in each case (other than clause (i)) which would have a material adverse effect on the Company or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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(g)     Operations . As of the date hereof, the Company has not conducted, and prior to the IPO Closing the Company will not conduct, any operations other than organizational activities and activities in connection with offerings of its securities.

(h)     No General Solicitation . Neither the Company, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or stockholders has either directly or indirectly, including, through a broker or finder (i) engaged in any general solicitation, or (ii) published any advertisement in connection with the offer and sale of the Forward Purchase Securities.

(i)     No Other Representations and Warranties; Non-Reliance . Except for the specific representations and warranties contained in this Section  3 and in any certificate or agreement delivered pursuant hereto, none of the Company Parties has made, makes or shall be deemed to make any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company, this offering, the proposed IPO or a potential Business Combination, and the Company Parties disclaim any such representation or warranty. Except for the specific representations and warranties expressly made by the Purchaser in Section  2 of this Agreement and in any certificate or agreement delivered pursuant hereto, the Company Parties specifically disclaim that they are relying upon any other representations or warranties that may have been made by the Purchaser Parties.

4.    Registration Rights; Transfer.

(a)     Registration . The Company agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC (at the Company’s sole cost and expense), within thirty (30) calendar days after the Business Combination Closing, a registration statement (the “ Forward  Registration Statement ”) registering the resale of the Forward Purchase Securities and the Class A Common Stock underlying the Forward Purchase Warrants (collectively, the “ Registrable Securities ”), and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Forward Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof; provided, however , that the Company’s obligations to include the Registrable Securities in the Forward Registration Statement are contingent upon the Purchaser furnishing in writing to the Company such information regarding the Purchaser, the securities of the Company held by the Purchaser and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities as shall be reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities, and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations.

(b)     Indemnification .

(i)    The Company shall, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, indemnify, defend and hold harmless any Purchaser (to the extent a seller under the Forward Registration Statement), the officers, directors, agents, partners, members, managers, stockholders, affiliates, employees and investment advisers of the Purchaser, each person who controls the Purchaser (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)), and the officers, directors, partners, members, managers, stockholders, agents, affiliates, employees and investment advisers of each such controlling person, to

 

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the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, reasonable costs of preparation and investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees) and expenses (collectively, “ Losses ”), as incurred, that arise out of or are based upon (A) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Forward Registration Statement, any prospectus included in the Forward Registration Statement or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, or (B) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities law or any rule or regulation thereunder, in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Section  4 , except to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statements, alleged untrue statements, omissions or alleged omissions are based solely upon information regarding the Purchaser furnished in writing to the Company by the Purchaser expressly for use therein. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of the Registrable Securities by the Company. The Company shall notify the Purchaser promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of any proceeding arising from or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Section  4 of which the Company is aware.

(ii)    The Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers, agents and employees, each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of such controlling persons, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Losses, as incurred, arising out of or that are based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Forward Registration Statement, any prospectus included in the Forward Registration Statement, or any form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus, or any form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statements or omissions are based solely upon information regarding the Purchaser furnished in writing to the Company by the Purchaser expressly for use therein. In no event shall the liability of the Purchaser be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by the Purchaser upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

 

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(c)     Transfer . This Agreement and all of the Purchaser’s rights and obligations hereunder (including Purchaser’s obligation to purchase the Forward Purchase Securities, may be transferred or assigned, at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, to one or more third parties (each such transferee, a “Transferee”) with the written consent of the Company. Upon any such assignment:

(i)    the applicable Transferee shall execute a signature page to this Agreement, substantially in the form of the Purchaser’s signature page hereto (the “ Joinder Agreement ”), which shall reflect the number of Forward Purchase Shares and Forward Purchase Warrants to be purchased by such Transferee (the “ Transferee Securities ”), and, upon such execution, such Transferee shall have all the same rights and obligations of the Purchaser hereunder with respect to the Transferee Securities, and references herein to the “ Purchaser ” shall be deemed to refer to and include any such Transferee with respect to such Transferee and to its Transferee Securities; provided, that any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Purchaser and any such Transferee shall be several and not joint and shall be made as to the Purchaser or any such Transferee, as applicable, as to itself only; and

(ii)    upon a Transferee’s execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement, the number of Forward Purchase Shares and Forward Purchase Warrants to be purchased by the Purchaser hereunder shall be reduced by the total number of Forward Purchase Shares and Forward Purchase Warrants to be purchased by the applicable Transferee pursuant to the applicable Joinder Agreement, which reduction shall be evidenced by the Purchaser and the Company amending Schedule A to this Agreement to reflect each transfer and updating the “Number of Forward Purchase Shares”, “Number of Forward Purchase Warrants”, and “Aggregate Purchase Price for Forward Purchase Securities” on the Purchaser’s signature page hereto to reflect such reduced number of Forward Purchase Securities. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement need not be amended and restated in its entirety, but only Schedule A and the Purchaser’s signature page hereto need be so amended and updated and executed by each of the Purchaser and the Company upon the occurrence of any such transfer of Transferee Securities.

 

  5.    Additional Agreements and Acknowledgements of the Purchaser.

(a)     Trust Account .

(i)    The Purchaser hereby acknowledges that it is aware that the Company will establish the Trust Account for the benefit of its public stockholders upon the IPO Closing. The Purchaser, for itself and its affiliates, hereby agrees that it has no right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account, or any other asset of the Company as a result of any liquidation of the Company, except for redemption and liquidation rights, if any, the Purchaser may have in respect of any Public Shares held by it.

(ii)    The Purchaser hereby agrees that it shall have no right of set-off or any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (“ Claim ”) to, or to any monies in, the Trust Account, and hereby irrevocably waives any Claim to, or to any monies in, the Trust Account that it may have now or in the future, except for redemption and liquidation rights, if any, the Purchaser may have in respect of any Public Shares held by it. In the event the

 

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Purchaser has any Claim against the Company under this Agreement, the Purchaser shall pursue such Claim solely against the Company and its assets outside the Trust Account and not against the property or any monies in the Trust Account, except for redemption and liquidation rights, if any, the Purchaser may have in respect of any Public Shares held by it.

(b)     Voting . The Purchaser hereby agrees that if the Company seeks stockholder approval of a proposed Business Combination, then in connection with such proposed Business Combination, the Purchaser shall vote any shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock owned by it in favor of any proposed Business Combination.

(c)     No Short Sales . The Purchaser hereby agrees that neither it, nor any person or entity acting on its behalf or pursuant to any understanding with it, will engage in any Short Sales with respect to securities of the Company prior to the Business Combination Closing. For purposes of this Section, “ Short Sales ” shall include, without limitation, all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act, and all types of direct and indirect stock pledges (other than pledges in the ordinary course of business as part of prime brokerage arrangements), forward sale contracts, options, puts, calls, swaps and similar arrangements (including on a total return basis), and sales and other transactions through non-U.S. broker dealers or foreign regulated brokers.

6.    Listing. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Public Shares and Public Warrants on the NASDAQ Capital Market (or another national securities exchange).

 

  7.    Conditions for the Forward Closing.

(a)    The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase the Forward Purchase Securities at the Forward Closing under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Forward Closing of each of the following conditions, any of which, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, may be waived by the Purchaser:

(i)    The Business Combination shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the purchase of the Forward Purchase Securities;

(ii)    The Business Combination shall be consummated with a company engaged in a business that is within the investment objectives of the Purchaser;

(iii)    The Company shall have delivered to the Purchaser a certificate evidencing the Company’s good standing as a Delaware corporation;

(iv)    The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section  3 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true and correct as of the Forward Closing Date, as applicable, with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (other than any such representation or warranty that is made by its terms as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date), except where the failure to be so true and correct would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

 

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(v)    The Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Forward Closing; and

(vi)    No order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, or award shall have been entered by or with any governmental, regulatory, or administrative authority or any court, tribunal, or judicial, or arbitral body, and no other legal restraint or prohibition shall be in effect, preventing the purchase by the Purchaser of the Forward Purchase Securities.

(b)    The obligation of the Company to sell the Forward Purchase Securities at the Forward Closing under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Forward Closing of each of the following conditions, any of which, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, may be waived by the Company:

(i)    The Business Combination shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the purchase of the Forward Purchase Securities;

(ii)    The representations and warranties of the Purchaser set forth in Section  2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true and correct as of the Forward Closing Date, as applicable, with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (other than any such representation or warranty that is made by its terms as of a specified date, which shall be true and correct as of such specified date), except where the failure to be so true and correct would not have a material adverse effect on the Purchaser or its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(iii)    The Purchaser shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Purchaser at or prior to the Forward Closing; and

(iv)    No order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, or award shall have been entered by or with any governmental, regulatory, or administrative authority or any court, tribunal, or judicial, or arbitral body, and no other legal restraint or prohibition shall be in effect, preventing the purchase by the Purchaser of the Forward Purchase Securities.

8.    Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Forward Closing:

(a)    by mutual written consent of the Company and the Purchaser;

(b)    automatically

 

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(i)    if the IPO is not consummated on or prior to July 31, 2018;

(ii)    if the Business Combination is not consummated within 24 months from the IPO Closing, unless extended up to a maximum of sixty (60) days in accordance with the Charter; or

(iii)    if the Sponsor or the Company becomes subject to any voluntary or involuntary petition under the United States federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law, in each case which is not withdrawn within sixty (60) days after being filed, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer is appointed by a court for business or property of the Sponsor or the Company, in each case which is not removed, withdrawn or terminated within sixty (60) days after such appointment.

In the event of any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section  8 , the Forward Purchase Price (and interest thereon, if any), if previously paid, and all Purchaser’s funds paid in connection herewith shall be promptly returned to the Purchaser, and thereafter this Agreement shall forthwith become null and void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of the Purchaser or the Company and their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, managers, members, or stockholders and all rights and obligations of each party shall cease; provided, however , that nothing contained in this Section  8 shall relieve either party from liabilities or damages arising out of any fraud or willful breach by such party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement.

 

  9. General Provisions.

(a)     Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt, or (i) personal delivery to the party to be notified, (ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile (if any) during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next Business Day, (iii) five (5) Business Days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (iv) one (1) Business Day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next Business Day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications sent to the Company shall be sent to: Pure Acquisition Corp., 421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Attention: Chief Financial Officer, with a copy to the Company’s counsel at Thompson & Knight, One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas 75201, Attention: Amy Curtis.

All communications to the Purchaser shall be sent to the Purchaser’s address as set forth on the signature page hereof, or to such email address, facsimile number (if any) or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section  9(a).

(b)     No Finder’s Fees . Each party represents that it neither is nor will be obligated for any finder’s fee or commission in connection with this transaction. The Purchaser agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless the Company from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the

 

13


Purchaser or any of its officers, employees or representatives are responsible. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of a finder’s or broker’s fee arising out of this transaction (and the costs and expenses of defending against such liability or asserted liability) for which the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible.

(c)     Survival of Representations and Warranties . All of the representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the Forward Closing.

(d)     Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with any documents, instruments and writings that are delivered pursuant hereto or referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.

(e)     Successors . All of the terms, agreements, covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the parties hereto and their respective successors. 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.

(f)     Assignments . Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no party hereto may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party.

(g)     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

(h)     Headings . The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(i)     Governing Law . This Agreement, the entire relationship of the parties hereto, and any litigation between the parties (whether grounded in contract, tort, statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to its choice of laws principles.

(j)     Jurisdiction . The parties (i) submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (ii) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in state courts of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and (iii) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject

 

14


personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.

(k)     Waiver of Jury Trial . The parties hereto hereby waive any right to a jury trial in connection with any litigation pursuant to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(l)     Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived as to any particular provision, except with the prior written consent of the Company and the Purchaser.

(m)     Severability . The provisions of this Agreement will be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided that if any provision of this Agreement, as applied to any party hereto or to any circumstance, is adjudged by a governmental authority, arbitrator, or mediator not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the parties hereto agree that the governmental authority, arbitrator, or mediator making such determination will have the power to modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its reduced form, such provision will then be enforceable and will be enforced.

(n)     Expenses . Each of the Company and the Purchaser will bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees and expenses of agents, representatives, financial advisors, legal counsel and accountants. The Company shall be responsible for the fees of its transfer agent; stamp taxes and all The Depository Trust Company fees associated with the issuance of the Forward Purchase Securities and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Forward Purchase Warrants.

(o)     Construction . The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto because of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign law will be deemed also to refer to law as amended and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties hereto intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party hereto has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of

 

15


the relative levels of specificity) which such party hereto has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such party hereto is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant.

(p)     Waiver . No waiver by any party hereto of any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, may be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising because of any prior or subsequent occurrence.

(q)     Specific Performance . The Purchaser agrees that irreparable damage may occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was not performed by the Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof and that the Company shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

[Signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

PURCHASER:
HIGHPEAK ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
By:  

 

Name:   Jack Hightower
Title:   President, HighPeak Energy Partners, GP
  Its General Partner
Address for Notices :
HighPeak Energy Partners, LP

ATTN: Chief Financial Officer

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 100

Fort Worth, Texas 76102
COMPANY:
PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

 

Name:   Steven W. Tholen
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Signature Page

To

Forward Purchase Agreement


TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COMPANY

 

Number of Forward Purchase Shares:

  
  

 

 

 

Number of Forward Purchase Warrants

  
  

 

 

 

Aggregate Purchase Price for Forward Purchase Units:

   $                       
  

 

 

 

TO BE EXECUTED UPON ANY ASSIGNMENT AND/OR REVISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGREEMENT TO NUMBER OF “FORWARD PURCHASE SHARES,” “NUMBER OF FORWARD PURCHASE WARRANTS,” AND “AGGREGATE PURCHASE PRICE FOR FORWARD PURCHASE SECURITIES” SET FORTH ABOVE:

Number of Forward Purchase Shares, Number of Forward Purchase Warrants and Aggregate Purchase Price for Forward Purchase Securities as of             , 201[    ], accepted and agreed to as of this              day of            , 201[    ].

 

HIGHPEAK ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
Address for Notices :
HighPeak Energy Partners, LP

ATTN: Chief Financial Officer

421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 100

Fort Worth, Texas 76102
PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

Signature Page

To

Forward Purchase Agreement


SCHEDULE A

SCHEDULE OF TRANSFERS OF FORWARD PURCHASE SECURITIES

The following transfers of a portion of the original number of Forward Purchase Shares and Forward Purchase Warrants have been made:

 

Date of

Transfer

   Transferee      Number of
Forward
Purchase Shares
Transferred
     Number of
Forward
Purchase
Warrants
Transferred
     Purchaser’s Revised
Forward Purchase
Share Amount
     Purchaser’s Revised
Forward Purchase
Warrant Amount
 
              
              
              

TO BE EXECUTED UPON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR FINAL DETERMINATION OF FORWARD PURCHASE SECURITIES:

Schedule A as of             , 201[    ], accepted and agreed to as of this day of             , 201[    ] by:

 

TRANSFEROR:
[NAME]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

TRANSFEREE:
[NAME]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Schedule A

To

Forward Purchase Agreement

Exhibit 10.10

FORM OF INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of [    ], 2018, by and between Pure Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [    ] (“ Indemnitee ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of such corporations;

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined, to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Charter ”) and the Bylaws (the “ Bylaws ”) of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“ DGCL ”). The Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement and reimbursement rights;

WHEREAS , the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS , the Board has determined the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and the Company should act to assure such persons there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS , it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern they will not be so protected against liabilities;


WHEREAS , this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter and Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS , Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as an officer or director, advisor or in another capacity without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein and subject to the provisions of the letter agreement dated as of [    ], 2018 between the Company and Indemnitee pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement between the Company and the Underwriters in connection with the Company’s initial public offering, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

1. SERVICES TO THE COMPANY . In consideration of the Company’s covenants and obligations hereunder, Indemnitee will serve or continue to serve as an officer, director, advisor, key employee or any other capacity of the Company, as applicable, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or retained or until Indemnitee tenders Indemnitee’s resignation or until Indemnitee is removed. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director, officer, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as provided in Section 17. This Agreement, however, shall not impose any obligation on Indemnitee or the Company to continue Indemnitee’s service to the Company beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties, if any.

 

2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement:

 

(a) References to “ agent ” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

 

(b) The terms “ Beneficial Owner ” and “ Beneficial Ownership ” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below) as in effect on the date hereof.

 

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(c) A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party . Other than an affiliate of HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person (as defined below) results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in advance by the Continuing Directors (as defined below) and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under part (iii) of this definition;

 

(ii) Change in Board of Directors . Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election for nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the “ Continuing Directors ”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

(iii) Corporate Transactions . The effective date of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses (a “ Business Combination ”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries (as defined below)) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (2) other than an affiliate of HighPeak Pure Acquisition, LLC, no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving corporation except to the extent such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;

 

(iv) Liquidation . The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than factoring the Company’s current receivables or escrows due (or, if such stockholder approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or

 

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(v) Other Events . There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or any successor rule) (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

(d) Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise (as defined below) which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

 

(e) Delaware Court ” shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.

 

(f) Disinterested Director ” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(g) Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent.

 

(h) Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(i) Expenses ” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of private investigators and professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (as defined below), including reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he or she is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. “Expenses” also shall include expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding (as defined below), including without limitation the principal, premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. “Expenses,” however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

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(j) References to “ fines ” shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “ serving at the request of the Company ” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “ not opposed to the best interests of the Company ” as referred to in this Agreement.

 

(k) Independent Counsel ” shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm with significant experience in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding (as defined below) giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

(l) The term “ Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, “Person” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiaries (as defined below) of the Company; (iii) any employment benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company; and (iv) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

(m) The term “ Proceeding ” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative or related nature, in which Indemnitee was, is, will or might be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by Indemnitee or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee’s part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

 

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(n) The term “ Subsidiary ,” with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

 

3. INDEMNITY IN THIRD-PARTY PROCEEDINGS . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

4. INDEMNITY IN PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, to be held harmless or to exoneration.

 

5.

INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A PARTY WHO IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY SUCCESSFUL . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement except for Section 27, to the extent that Indemnitee was or is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify,

 

6


  hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue, or matter on which Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement except for Section 27, to the extent Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness or deponent in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee was or is not a party or threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

 

7. ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND EXONERATION RIGHTS.

 

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, except for Section 27, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights shall be available under this Section 7(a) on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or is an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law.

 

(b) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, 5 or 7(a), except for Section 27, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding.

 

7


8. CONTRIBUTION IN THE EVENT OF JOINT LIABILITY.

 

(a) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification, hold harmless and/or exoneration rights provided for in this Agreement are unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying, holding harmless or exonerating Indemnitee, shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have at any time against Indemnitee.

 

(b) The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

(c) The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

 

9. EXCLUSIONS . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, except for Section 27, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification, advance of expenses, hold harmless or exoneration payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

 

(a) for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or other indemnity or advancement provision or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity or advancement provision or otherwise;

 

(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor rule) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or

 

(c) except as otherwise provided in Sections 14(f)-(g) hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, advance of expenses, hold harmless or exoneration payment, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law. Indemnitee shall seek payments or advances from the Company only to the extent such payments or advances are unavailable from any insurance policy of the Company covering Indemnitee.

 

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10. ADVANCES OF EXPENSES; DEFENSE OF CLAIM .

 

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, except for Section 27, and to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Company shall pay the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, prior to the final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. To the fullest extent required by applicable law, such payments of Expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon the Company’s receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of Indemnitee, to repay the advanced amounts to the extent it is ultimately determined Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws, applicable law or otherwise. This Section 10(a) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which an indemnification, advance of expenses, hold harmless or exoneration payment is excluded pursuant to Section 9.

 

(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

 

(c) The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, liability, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

 

11. PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION .

 

(a) Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding, claim, issue or matter therein which may be subject to indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights, or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.

 

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(b) Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

 

12. PROCEDURE UPON APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION .

 

(a) A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods, which shall be at the election of Indemnitee: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, (iii) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if such directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (iv) by vote of the stockholders. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

(b)

In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request such selection be made by the Board), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. If the Independent Counsel is selected by the Board, the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, such objection may be asserted only on the ground the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the

 

10


  requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(b) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

(c) The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify and hold harmless such Independent Counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

13. PRESUMPTIONS AND EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS .

 

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(b) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

(b)

If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in

 

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  connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination any or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, manager, or officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member, or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member, by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

 

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

14. REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE .

 

(a)

In the event (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6, 7 or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to Section 8 of this

 

12


  Agreement, (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vii) payment to Indemnitee pursuant to any hold harmless or exoneration rights under this Agreement or otherwise is not made in accordance with this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or advancement rights. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

 

(b) In the event a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.

 

(c) In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 10 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).

 

(d) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(e) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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(f) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) pay to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee: (i) to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of the outcome and whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration right, advancement, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be (unless such judicial proceeding or arbitration was not brought by Indemnitee in good faith).

 

(g) Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies, holds harmless or exonerates, or advances, or is obliged to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate or advance for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee requests indemnification, to be held harmless, exonerated, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

15. SECURITY . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, except for Section 27, to the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

 

16. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS; INSURANCE; SUBROGATION .

 

(a) The rights of Indemnitee as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any Proceeding (regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) or claim, issue or matter therein arising out of, or related to, any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

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(b) The DGCL and the Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond (“ Indemnification Arrangements ”) on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against Indemnitee or incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of Indemnitee’s status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify Indemnitee against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.

 

(c) To the extent the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managers, managing members, fiduciaries, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managers, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

(e)

The Company’s obligation to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary except for Section 27, (i) Indemnitee shall have no obligation to reduce, offset, allocate, pursue or apportion any indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement, contribution or insurance coverage among multiple parties possessing such duties to

 

15


  Indemnitee prior to the Company’s satisfaction and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) the Company shall perform fully its obligations under this Agreement without regard to whether Indemnitee holds, may pursue or has pursued any indemnification, advancement, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or insurance coverage rights against any person or entity other than the Company.

 

17. DURATION OF AGREEMENT . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, whether or not Indemnitee is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

 

18. SEVERABILITY . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

19. ENFORCEMENT AND BINDING EFFECT .

 

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or key employee of the Company, and the Company acknowledges Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or key employee of the Company.

 

(b) Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or Bylaws as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

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(c) The indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise at the Company’s request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

 

(d) The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(e) The Company and Indemnitee agree herein a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree Indemnitee may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, enforce this Agreement by seeking, among other things, injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which Indemnitee may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

20. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the Company and Indemnitee. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

21. NOTICES . All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

 

(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.

 

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(b) If to the Company, to:

Pure Acquisition Corp.

421 W. 33rd Street, Suite 1000

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

With a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

Thompson & Knight LLP

One Arts Plaza

1722 Routh Street, Suite 1500

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attn: Amy Curtis, Esq.

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

 

22. APPLICABLE LAW AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION . This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

 

(a) agree any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country;

 

(b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement;

 

(c) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and

 

(d) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereby agree the mailing of process and other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided by Section 21 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.

 

23. IDENTICAL COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

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24. MISCELLANEOUS . Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

 

25. PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS . No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two- year period; provided, however, if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.

 

26. ADDITIONAL ACTS . If for the validation of any of the provisions in this Agreement any act, resolution, approval or other procedure is required to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company undertakes to cause such act, resolution, approval or other procedure to be affected or adopted in a manner that will enable the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

 

27. WAIVER OF CLAIMS TO TRUST ACCOUNT . Indemnitee hereby agrees it does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (each, a “ Claim ”) in or to any monies in the trust account established in connection with the Company’s initial public offering for the benefit of the Company and holders of shares issued in such offering, and hereby waives any Claim it may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any services provided to the Company and will not seek recourse against such trust account for any reason whatsoever.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Indemnity Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.
By:  

 

  Name: Steven W. Tholen
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
INDEMNITEE
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
  Address:

Exhibit 14

CODE OF ETHICS

OF

PURE ACQUISITION CORP.

 

1. Introduction

It is the policy of Pure Acquisition Corp. that the conduct of every director, officer and employee while acting on behalf of the Company shall be based upon the highest ethical standards and compliance with the law. This code of business ethics covers a wide range of business practices and procedures. The Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of Pure Acquisition Corp. has adopted this code of ethics (this “ Code ”), which is applicable to all directors, officers and employees (each a “person,” as used herein) of the Company (as defined below), to:

 

    promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

    promote the full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”), as well as in other public communications made by or on behalf of the Company;

 

    promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

    deter wrongdoing; and

 

    require prompt internal reporting of breaches of, and accountability for adherence to, this Code.

This Code may be amended or modified by the Board. In this Code, references to the “ Company ” mean Pure Acquisition Corp. and, in appropriate context, the Company’s subsidiaries, if any.

 

2. Honest, Ethical and Fair Conduct

Each person owes a duty to the Company to act with integrity. Integrity requires, among other things, being honest, fair and candid. Deceit, dishonesty and subordination of principle are inconsistent with integrity. Service to the Company should never be subordinated to personal gain or advantage.

Each person must:

 

    Act with integrity, including being honest and candid while still maintaining the confidentiality of the Company’s information where required or when in the Company’s interests;

 

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    Firmly commit to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and firmly commit to provide a workplace free of discrimination, harassment or segregation based on sex, race, color age, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law;

 

    Observe all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

    Maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accident, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions;

 

    Firearms and other weapons are strictly prohibited on Company property or on the person of an employee while conducting Company business, unless authorized in writing for special circumstances by the Chief Executive Officer;

 

    Report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of drugs or alcohol;

 

    Comply with the requirements of applicable accounting and auditing standards, as well as Company policies, to maintain a high standard of accuracy and completeness in the Company’s financial records and other business-related information and data;

 

    Refrain from releasing information to the public concerning the Company’s business, strategies, activities and plans without prior approval from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer;

 

    Maintain the confidentiality of confidential or proprietary information entrusted to them by the Company or other with whom the Company does business unless authorized by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer;

 

    Adhere to a high standard of business ethics and not seek competitive advantage through unlawful or unethical business practices;

 

    Deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors and employees;

 

    Refrain from taking advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair-dealing practice;

 

    Protect the assets of the Company and ensure their proper use; and

 

   

Avoid conflicts of interest, wherever possible, including all related-party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, except under guidelines approved by the Board (or the audit committee). Related-party transactions are defined as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount

 

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involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) the Company is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5% beneficial owner of our shares of common stock, or (c) immediate family member, of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). A conflict of interest situation can arise when a person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position. Anything that would be a conflict for a person subject to this Code also will be a conflict for a member of his or her immediate family or any other close relative. Examples of conflict of interest situations include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

    any significant ownership interest in any supplier or customer;

 

    any consulting or employment relationship with any supplier or customer;

 

    the receipt of any money, non-nominal gifts or excessive entertainment from any entity with which the Company has current or prospective business dealings;

 

    selling anything to the Company or buying anything from the Company, except on the same terms and conditions as comparable officers or directors are permitted to so purchase or sell;

 

    any other financial transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) involving the Company; and

 

    any other circumstance, event, relationship or situation in which the personal interest of a person subject to this Code interferes — or even appears to interfere — with the interests of the Company as a whole.

 

3. Disclosure

The Company strives to ensure the contents of and the disclosures in the reports and documents that the Company files with the SEC and other public communications shall be full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable in accordance with applicable disclosure standards, including standards of materiality, where appropriate. Each person must:

 

    not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company’s independent registered public accountants, governmental regulators, self-regulating organizations and other governmental officials, as appropriate; and

 

    in relation to his or her area of responsibility, properly review and critically analyze proposed disclosure for accuracy and completeness.

 

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In addition to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company and each subsidiary of the Company (or persons performing similar functions), and each other person typically involved in the financial reporting of the Company, must familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company as well as the business and financial operations of the Company.

Each person must promptly bring to the attention of the Chairperson of the Board any information he or she may have concerning (a) significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal and/or disclosure controls that could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (b) any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.

 

4. Compliance

It is the Company’s obligation and policy to comply with all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations. Obeying the law, both in letter and spirit, is the foundation on which the Company’s ethical standards are built. All directors, officers and employees must respect and obey the laws of the cities, states and countries in which we operate. It is the personal responsibility of each person to, and each person must, adhere to the standards and restrictions imposed by those laws, rules and regulations, including those relating to accounting and auditing matters.

 

5. Reporting and Accountability

The Board is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented to it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. Any person who becomes aware of any existing or potential breach of this Code is required to notify the Chairperson of the Board promptly. Failure to do so is, in and of itself, a breach of this Code. Concerns reported to the Chairperson of the Board should be written, sealed in an envelope, marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and addressed to the Chairperson of the Board Pure Acquisition Corp., 421 W. 3 rd Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

Specifically, each person must:

 

    Notify the Chairperson of the Board promptly of any existing or potential violation of this Code; and

 

    Not retaliate against any other person for reports of potential violations made in good faith.

 

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The Company will follow the following procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code and in reporting on this Code:

 

    The Board will take all appropriate action to investigate any breaches reported to it; and

 

    Upon determination by the Board that a breach has occurred, the Board (by majority decision) will take or authorize such disciplinary or preventive action as it deems appropriate, after consultation with the Company’s internal or external legal counsel, up to and including dismissal or, in the event of criminal or other serious violations of law, providing notification to the SEC or other appropriate law enforcement authorities.

No person following the above procedure shall, as a result of following such procedure, be subject by the Company or any officer or employee thereof to discharge, demotion, suspension, threat, harassment or, in any manner, discrimination against such person in terms and conditions of employment.

 

6. Waivers and Amendments

Any waiver (defined below) or implicit waiver (defined below) from a provision of this Code for the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions, or any amendment (as defined below) to this Code is required to be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. In lieu of filing a Form 8-K to report any such waivers or amendments, the Company may provide such information on its website, in the event it establishes one in the future, and keep such information on the website for at least 12 months and disclose the website address as well as any intention to provide such disclosures in this manner in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

A “waiver” means the approval by the Board of a material departure from a provision of this Code. An “implicit waiver” means the Company’s failure to take action within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from a provision of this Code that has been made known to an executive officer of the Company. An “amendment” means any amendment to this Code other than minor technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments hereto.

All persons should note that it is not the Company’s intention to grant or to permit waivers from the requirements of this Code. The Company expects full compliance with this Code.

 

7. Insider Information and Securities Trading

No person who is aware of material, non-public information about the Company may, directly or indirectly, buy or sell the Company’s securities or engage in another action to take advantage of such information. It is also against the law to trade or to “tip” others who might make an investment decision based on material, non-public information about the Company. For example, using material, non-public information to buy or sell the Company’s securities, options in the Company’s securities or the securities of any Company supplier, customer or competitor is prohibited. The consequences of insider trading violations can be severe. These rules also apply to the use of material, nonpublic information about other companies (including, for example, our customers, competitors and potential business partners). In addition to directors, officers or employees, these rules apply to each such person’s spouse, children, parents and siblings, as well as any other family members living in such person’s home.

 

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8. Financial Statements and Other Records

All of the Company’s books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company’s transactions and must both conform to applicable legal requirements and to the Company’s system of internal controls. Unrecorded or “off the books” funds or assets should not be maintained unless permitted by applicable law or regulation.

Records should always be retained or destroyed according to the Company’s record retention policies. In accordance with those policies, in the event of litigation or governmental investigation, please consult the Board or the Company’s internal or external legal counsel.

 

9. Improper Influence on Conduct of Audits

No director or officer, or any other person acting under the direction thereof, shall directly or indirectly take any action to coerce, manipulate, mislead or fraudulently influence any public or certified public accountant engaged in the performance of an audit or review of the financial statements of the Company or take any action such person knows or should know that if successful could result in rendering the Company’s financial statements materially misleading. Any person who believes such improper influence is being exerted should report such action to such person’s supervisor, or if impractical under the circumstances, to any of our directors.

Types of conduct that could constitute improper influence include, but are not limited to, directly or indirectly:

 

    Offering or paying bribes or other financial incentives, including future employment or contracts for non-audit services;

 

    Providing an auditor with an inaccurate or misleading legal analysis;

 

    Threatening to cancel or canceling existing non-audit or audit engagements if the auditor objects to the Company’s accounting;

 

    Seeking to have a partner removed from the audit engagement because the partner objects to the Company’s accounting;

 

    Blackmailing; and

 

    Making physical threats.

 

10. Anti-Corruption Laws

The Company complies with the anti-corruption laws of the countries in which it does business, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. To the extent prohibited by applicable law, directors, officers and employees will not directly or indirectly give anything of

 

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value to government officials, including employees of state-owned enterprises or foreign political candidates. These requirements apply both to Company employees and agents, such as third party sales representatives, no matter where they are doing business. If you are authorized to engage agents, you are responsible for ensuring they are reputable and for obtaining a written agreement to uphold the Company’s standards in this area.

 

11. Violations

Violation of this Code is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Such action is in addition to any civil or criminal liability which might be imposed by any court or regulatory agency.

 

12. Other Policies and Procedures

The requirements of any other policy or procedure set out by the Company in writing or made generally known to employees, officers or directors of the Company prior to the effective date hereof or hereafter are separate requirements and remain in full force and effect.

 

13. Inquiries

All inquiries and questions in relation to this Code or its applicability to particular people or situations should be addressed to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, or such other compliance officer as shall be designated from time to time by the Company.

 

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PROVISIONS FOR

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

The CEO and all senior financial officers, including the CFO and principal accounting officer, are bound by the provisions set forth herein relating to ethical conduct, conflicts of interest, and compliance with law. In addition to this Code, the CEO and senior financial officers are subject to the following additional specific policies:

1. Act with honesty and integrity, avoiding actual or apparent conflicts between personal, private interests and the interests of the Company, including receiving improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position.

2. Disclose to the CEO and the Board any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest.

3. Perform responsibilities with a view to causing periodic reports and documents filed with or submitted to the SEC and all other public communications made by the Company to contain information that is accurate, complete, fair, objective, relevant, timely and understandable, including full review of all annual and quarterly reports.

4. Comply with laws, rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments applicable to the Company and with the rules and regulations of private and public regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Company.

5. Act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without misrepresenting or omitting material facts or allowing independent judgment to be compromised or subordinated.

6. Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of performance of his or her responsibilities except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to disclose any such information; not use confidential information acquired in the course of performing his or her responsibilities for personal advantage.

7. Share knowledge and maintain skills important and relevant to the needs of the Company, its stockholders and other constituencies and the general public.

8. Proactively promote ethical behavior among subordinates and peers in his or her work environment and community.

9. Use and control all corporate assets and resources employed by or entrusted to him or her in a responsible manner.

10. Not use corporate information, corporate assets, corporate opportunities or his or her position with the Company for personal gain; not compete directly or indirectly with the Company, subject to the Company’s certificate of incorporation in effect from time to time and to any other fiduciary or contractual obligations such officer may have.

11. Comply in all respects with this Code.

12. Advance the Company’s legitimate interests when the opportunity arises.

 

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The Board will investigate any reported violations and will oversee an appropriate response, including corrective action and preventative measures. Any officer who violates this Code will face appropriate, case specific disciplinary action, which may include demotion or discharge.

Any request for a waiver of any provision of this Code must be in writing and addressed to the Chairperson of the Board. Any waiver of this Code will be disclosed as provided in Section 6 of this Code.

 

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Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated March 22, 2018, relating to the balance sheet of Pure Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows for the period from November 13, 2017 (inception) through December 31, 2017, and to the reference to our Firm under the caption “Experts” in the Prospectus.

/s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC    

New York, New York    

March 22, 2018    

Exhibit 99.1

Consent of Director Nominee

Pure Acquisition Corp.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “ Registration Statement ”) of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”), the undersigned hereby consents to being named and described as a director nominee in the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to any prospectus included in such Registration Statement, any amendment to such Registration Statement or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and to the filing or attachment of this consent with such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this consent as of March 22, 2018.

 

/s/ Sylvia K. Barnes

Name: Sylvia K. Barnes

Exhibit 99.2

Consent of Director Nominee

Pure Acquisition Corp.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “ Registration Statement ”) of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”), the undersigned hereby consents to being named and described as a director nominee in the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to any prospectus included in such Registration Statement, any amendment to such Registration Statement or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and to the filing or attachment of this consent with such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this consent as of March 22, 2018.

 

/s/ M. Gregory Colvin

Name: M. Gregory Colvin

Exhibit 99.3

Consent of Director Nominee

Pure Acquisition Corp.

Pursuant to Rule 438 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “ Registration Statement ”) of Pure Acquisition Corp. (the “ Company ”), the undersigned hereby consents to being named and described as a director nominee in the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to any prospectus included in such Registration Statement, any amendment to such Registration Statement or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and to the filing or attachment of this consent with such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this consent as of March 22, 2018.

 

/s/ Jared S. Sturdivant

Name: Jared S. Sturdivant