As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2020

 

Registration No. 333-_______

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   6770   82-1231127

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505

Boca Raton, FL 33433

Telephone: (855) 345-9467

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

 

Jed Kaplan

Chief Executive Officer

625 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 600

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Telephone: (855) 345-9467

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

 

Copies to:

 

Laura Anthony, Esq.

Craig D. Linder, Esq.

Anthony L.G., PLLC

625 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 600

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

Telephone: (561) 514-0936

 

Steven Uslaner, Esq.

Hermione Krumm, Esq.

Littman Krooks LLP

655 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Telephone: (212) 490-2020

 

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. [X]

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please 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 [X] Smaller reporting company [X]
   
  Emerging growth company [X]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check market 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 Securities to be Registered  

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price(1)

   

Amount of

Registration Fee

 
Units(2)   $ 10,350,000     $ 1,344  
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, included in the units     (4)     (4)
Warrants to purchase common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, included in the units     (4)     (4)
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, underlying the warrants included in the units(3)   $ 12,937,500     $ 1,679  
Underwriter’s warrant to purchase common stock   $ (5)   $ (5)
Common stock issuable upon exercise of Underwriter’s warrants to purchase common stock (6)   $ 646,875     $ 84  
TOTAL   $ 23,934,375     $ 3,107  

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
   
(2) Each unit consists of one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.  Includes             shares of common stock and/or warrants to purchase           shares of common stock, which may be issued upon exercise of a 45-day option granted to the underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any.
   
(3) The warrants are exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to ___% of the public offering price per share of common stock. The proposed maximum aggregate public offering price of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants was calculated to be $12,937,500 (which is 125% of $10,350,000 since each investor will receive a warrant to purchase one share of common stock for each share of common stock purchased in this offering). Pursuant to Rule 416, the registrant is also registering an indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock that are issuable by reason of the anti-dilution provisions of the warrants.
   
(4) Included in the price of the units. No fee required pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
   
(5) No fee required pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
   
(6) The underwriter’s warrants are exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price per share. As estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the representative’s warrants is $646,875, which is equal to 125% of $517,500 (5% of $10,350,000). Pursuant to Rule 416, the registrant is also registering an indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock that are issuable by reason of the anti-dilution provisions of the underwriter’s warrants.

 

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 Section 8(a) may determine.

 

 

 

 
 

 

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

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION   DATED APRIL 10, 2020

 

Units

Each Unit Consisting of One Share of Common Stock and

One Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock

 

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

We are offering          units of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a Delaware corporation. Each unit consists of one share of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one warrant to purchase one share of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at an exercise price per share of $            (    % of the public offering price of one unit in this offering). The warrants will expire on the five-year anniversary of the initial exercise date. The units will have no stand-alone rights and will not be issued or certificated as stand-alone securities. Purchasers will receive only shares of common stock and warrants. The shares of common stock and warrants may be transferred separately, immediately upon issuance. The offering also includes the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the warrants.

 

Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Market Group, Inc. under the symbol “WINR.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on April 6, 2020 was $1.10 per share. Our warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 are currently listed on OTCQB under the symbol “WINRW.” The last reported sale price of our warrants on April 6, 2020 was $0.12 per warrant. At present, there is a very limited market for our common stock and warrants. We intend to apply to list our common stock and warrants on The NYSE American (“NYSE American”) under the symbols “XXX” and “XXX,” respectively. There is no assurance that our listing application will be approved by the NYSE American. The approval of our listing on the NYSE American is a condition of closing this offering.

 

For purposes of this prospectus, the assumed public offering price per Unit is $    , which was the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on April 10, 2020. The actual offering price per Unit will be as determined between ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. (the “Underwriter”) and us at the time of pricing and may be issued at a discount to the current market price of our Common Stock.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” under applicable federal securities laws and are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 9 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 passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

    Per Unit     Total  
Public offering price (1)   $       $    
Underwriting discounts and commissions (2)   $       $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us (3)   $       $    

 

(1) The public offering price and underwriting discount and commissions in respect of each unit correspond to a public offering price per share of common stock of $             and a public offering price per accompanying warrant of $            .
   
(2) This table depicts broker-dealer commissions of 7.00% of the gross offering proceeds. Underwriting discounts and commissions do not include a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1.0% of the public offering price payable to the Underwriter. See “Underwriting” beginning on page 69 for disclosure regarding compensation payable to the Underwriter by us.
   
(3) We estimate the total expenses of this offering will be approximately $                 . Assumes no exercise of the over-allotment option we have granted to the Underwriter as described below.

 

We have granted the Underwriter an option for a period of 45 days from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to an additional                shares of common stock and/or warrants to purchase          shares of common stock at the public offering price less the underwriting discount and commissions solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

The Underwriter expects to deliver our securities to purchasers in the offering on or about                              , 2020.

 

ThinkEquity

a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.

 

The date of this prospectus is                               , 2020

 

 
 

  

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ii
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA ii
TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS ii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 1
RISK FACTORS 9
USE OF PROCEEDS 32
DIVIDEND POLICY 32
CAPITALIZATION 33
MARKET PRICE FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 33
DILUTION 38
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 39
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 46

MANAGEMENT

55
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 62
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 64
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 67
UNDERWRITING 69
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES 77
LEGAL MATTERS 84
EXPERTS 85
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION’S POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES 85
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 85
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1

 

No dealer, salesperson or other individual has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus in connection with the offer made by this prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs or that information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.

 

For investors outside the United States: We have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of our common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

 

  i  

 

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Specifically, forward-looking statements may include statements relating to:

 

  our future financial performance;
     
  changes in the market for our products and services;
     
  our expansion plans and opportunities; and
     
  other statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or similar expressions.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this prospectus and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:

 

  the level of demand for our products and services;
     
  competition in our markets;
     
  our ability to grow and manage growth profitably;
     
  our ability to access additional capital;
     
  changes in applicable laws or regulations;
     
  our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
     
  the possibility that we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and
     
  other risks and uncertainties indicated in this prospectus, including those under “Risk Factors.”

 

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

 

We are responsible for the disclosure in this prospectus. However, this prospectus includes industry data that we obtained from internal surveys, market research, publicly available information and industry publications. The market research, publicly available information and industry publications that we use generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The information therein represents the most recently available data from the relevant sources and publications and we believe remains reliable. We did not fund and are not otherwise affiliated with any of the sources cited in this prospectus. Forward-looking information obtained from these sources is subject to the same qualifications and additional uncertainties regarding the other forward-looking statements in this prospectus.

 

TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS

 

We own or have rights to trademarks or trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business, including our corporate names, logos and website names. In addition, we own or have the rights to copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary rights that protect the content of our products and the formulations for such products. This prospectus may also contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this prospectus is not intended to, and should not be read to, imply a relationship with or endorsement or sponsorship of us. Solely for convenience, some of the copyrights, trade names and trademarks referred to in this prospectus are listed without their ©, ® and ™ symbols, but we will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our copyrights, trade names and trademarks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

  ii  

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights certain information about us, this offering, and selected information contained in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding whether to invest in our Units. For a more complete understanding of the Company and this offering, we encourage you to read and consider the more detailed information in this prospectus, including “Risk Factors” and the financial statements and related notes. Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company” refers to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company,” a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Simplicity Esports LLC” means our wholly owned subsidiary, Simplicity Esports, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “PLAYlive” means our wholly owned subsidiary PLAYlive Nation, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Simplicity One” means our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One Brasil Ltda, a Brazilian limited liability company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Industry Overview

 

Esports is the competitive playing of video games by amateur and professional teams for cash prizes. Esports typically takes the form of organized, multiplayer video games that include real-time strategy, fighting, first-person shooter, and multiplayer online battle arena games. As of April 10, 2020, the three largest selling esports games are Dota 2®, League of Legends® (both multiplayer online battle arena games) and Counter Strike: Global Offensive® (a first-person shooter game). Other popular games include SMITE®, StarCraft II®, Call of Duty®¸ Heroes of the Storm®, Hearthstone® and Fortnite®. Most major professional esports events and a wide range of amateur esports events are broadcast live via streaming services including twitch.tv, azubu.tv, ustream.tv and youtube.com. Esports also includes games which can be played, primarily by amateurs, in multiplayer competitions on the Sony PlayStation®, Microsoft Xbox® and WII Nintendo® systems.

 

Although official competitions have long been a part of video game culture, participation and spectatorship of such events have seen a global surge in popularity over the last few years with the rapid growth of online streaming. The advent of online streaming technology has turned esports into a global industry that includes professional players and teams competing in major events that are simultaneously watched in person in stadiums, and by online viewers, which regularly exceed 1,000,000 viewers for major tournaments. According to Business Insider, over 100 million viewers saw the 2019 League of Legends® World Championships in person and online. CNBC reported in April 2019 that League of Legends® World Championships attract more viewers than the Super Bowl. Much like how there is a worldwide gaming market for the sports industry, there has now developed a worldwide gaming market for the esports industry. The impact has been so significant that many video game developers are now building features into their games designed to facilitate competition.

 

According to Newzoo, a global leader in esports, games and mobile intelligence, the total global esports audience was expected to reach 495 million in 2019, with an anticipated 27.5 million American gamers. In addition, according to Newzoo, esports produced $909 million in 2018 revenue and is projected to reach $1.1 billion in 2019. Esports enthusiasts, which are people who watch professional esports content at least once a month, made up 201.2 million of the 2018 total, up from 143.2 million in 2017. With a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) (2017-2022) of +15.7%, this number is expected to reach almost 297 million in 2022. The global average revenue per esports enthusiast, which includes not only gaming revenue, but also sponsorships advertising and all other esports related revenues, is projected to be $5.45 in 2019, up +8.9% from $5.00 in 2018. The number of occasional esports viewers, (people who watch professional esports content less than once a month), is expected to reach 252.6 million in 2019, up from 221.6 million in 2018, and is projected to grow with a CAGR of +12.6% to surpass 347 million in 2022. The number of people who are aware of esports worldwide is expected to reach 1.8 billion in 2019, up from 1.6 billion in 2018. According to Newtech Mag, China and the U.S. have the largest populations of esports fans, with Brazil ranking first in Latin America, and third globally, with 20 million fans. The increasing prominence of esports as a mainstream entertainment industry is driving the growth in awareness in most regions. Audience and awareness growth in the emerging regions of Latin America, Middle East and Africa, Southeast Asia, and Rest of Asia is largely driven by improving IT infrastructure and urbanization. We believe the rise of new franchises, such as Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds® or PubG®, is an important global growth factor as the influx of millennials should continue to drive the growth of the esports industry’s audience and in turn, the esports gaming industry.

 

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In 2018, there were 737 major esports events that generated an estimated $54.7 million in ticket revenues. The total prize money of all esports events held in 2018 reached $150.8 million, after breaking the $100 million mark for the first time in 2017. The League of Legends® World Championship was 2018’s biggest tournament by live viewership hours on Twitch, with 53.8 million hours. It also produced $1.9 million in ticket revenues. The Overwatch® League was the most-watched league by live viewership hours on Twitch, generating 79.5 million hours.

 

Business Overview

 

We are a global esports organization, with an established brand, that is capitalizing on the growth in esports through three business units, Simplicity One Brasil Ltda (“Simplicity One”), Simplicity Esports, LLC (“Simplicity Esports LLC”) and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”).

 

Our Esports Teams

 

We own and manage numerous professional esports teams domestically and internationally.  Revenue is generated from prize winnings, corporate sponsorships, advertising, league subsidy payments and potential league revenue sharing payments from the publishers of video games.

 

Domestic Esports Teams – Simplicity Esports LLC

 

Through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC, we own and manage numerous professional esports teams competing in games such as Overwatch, Apex Legends, PUBG and more. We are committed to growing and enhancing the esports industry, fostering the development of amateurs to compete professionally and signing established professional gamers to support their paths to greater success.

 

International Esports Team - Simplicity One

 

Through our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One, we manage Flamengo eSports, one of the leading Brazilian League of Legends® teams. Flamengo eSports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo eSports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019, which qualified the team to compete at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world.

 

Our Gaming Centers

 

We own and operate corporate and franchise esports gaming centers, through our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive, throughout the U.S. giving casual gamers the opportunity to play in a social setting with other members of the gaming community. In addition, aspiring and established professional gamers have the opportunity to compete in local and national esports tournaments held in our gaming centers for prizes, notoriety, and potential contracts to play for one of our professional esports teams.  In this business unit, revenue is generated from the sale of game time, memberships, tournament entry fees, birthday party events, corporate party events, concessions and gaming-related merchandise.

 

Our business plan encompasses a brick and click physical and digital approach to further recognize revenue from all verticals, which we believe to be unique in the industry.  The physical centers, together with our esports teams, lifestyle brand and marketing campaigns offer opportunities for additional revenue via strategic partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. Our ultimate goal is to further engage a diverse fan base with a 360-degree approach driving traffic to both our digital platform and physical real estate to maximize the monetization opportunities with these relationships. In addition, we have proprietary intellectual capital, fan engagement strategies and brand development blueprints which complement our publicly available information.

 

Optimally, the esports gaming centers of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers”) will measure between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, with dozens of gaming stations. The Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will feature cutting edge technology, futuristic aesthetic décor and dynamic high-speed gaming equipment. We believe our brick-and-click strategy will present attractive opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to connect with our audience, creating an intriguing monetization opportunity for sponsors and advertisers.

 

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Creating content that engages fans, sponsors and developers, while promoting our brand is one of our primary goals. Our talented team will continue to produce unique in-depth content which showcases aspects of esports for fans. We seek to reach a broad demographic encompassing the casual, amateur and professional gaming community. Our philosophy is to enhance our footprint for both endemic and non-endemic partnerships. We believe we possess a deep perception of our markets and understand the new age of branding while maintaining authenticity to the gaming community that comprises our fanbase.

 

Corporate Gaming Centers

 

Simplicity Esports LLC has already opened and is operating four corporate-owned retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Our first Simplicity Esports Gaming Center was opened on May 3, 2019. Furthermore, we have engaged a national tenant representation real estate broker to assist in the strategic planning and negotiations for our future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center locations. We contemplate that new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will be funded by us as well as a combination of tenant improvement allowances from landlords and sponsorships.

 

Franchised Gaming Centers

 

Due to unsolicited interest from potential franchisees, we have launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly-owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and operate gaming centers. Franchise revenue is generated from the sale of franchise territories, supplying furniture, equipment and merchandise to the franchisees for buildout of their centers, a gross sales royalty fee and a national marketing fee. We license the use of our branding, assist in identifying and negotiating commercial locations, assist in overseeing the buildout and development, provide access to proprietary software for point of sale, inventory management, employee training and other HR functions. Franchisees also have the opportunity to participate in our national esports tournament events, and benefit from the growing profile of our professional esports teams. Once an esports gaming center is opened, we provide operational guidance, support and use of branding elements in exchange for a monthly royalty fee calculated as 6% of gross sales and a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales. To date, we have sold five of these franchises.

 

The combination of the esports gaming centers, owned or franchised by our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC or PLAYlive, provides us with what we believe will be the largest footprint of esports gaming centers in North America. Over the next 12 months, existing PLAYlive esports gaming centers will be rebranded to Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All newly opened franchise esports gaming centers will be branded as Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All gaming centers in our footprint will be participating venues in our national esports tournaments.

 

Our Stream Team

 

The Simplicity Esports LLC stream team encompasses over 50 commentators (commonly known as “casters”), influencers and personalities who connect to a dedicated fan base. Our electric group of live personalities represent our organization to the fullest with their own unique style. We are proud to support and present a diverse group of gamers as we engage fans across a multiple of esports genres. Our Twitch affiliation has enabled our stream team influences to reach a broad fan base. Additionally, we have created several niches within the streaming community which has enabled us to engage fans within certain titles on a 24/7 basis. Our notoriety in the industry is evidenced by our audience that views millions of minutes of Simplicity Esports’ content monthly, via various social media outlets including YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. Through Simplicity Esports LLC, we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.

 

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Summary Risk Factors

 

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  our history of losses;
     
  our inability to attract sufficient demand for our services and products;
 
  our ability to successfully execute our growth and acquisition strategy and manage effectively our growth;
     
  changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets we serve, and our ability to compete effectively;
     
  our dependence on a strong brand image;
     
  our cash needs and the adequacy of our cash flows and earnings;
     
  our ability to access additional capital;
     
  our dependence upon our executive officers, founders and key employees;
     
  our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
     
  our reliance on our technology systems, the impact of technological changes and cybersecurity risks;
     
  changes in applicable laws or regulations;
     
  our ability to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property rights;
     
  potential litigation from competitors or customers;
     
  public health epidemics or outbreaks (such as the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19)) could materially and adversely impact our business; and
     
  the possibility that we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

 

In addition, our auditors have raised substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern as a result of our historical recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financings in our audit report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Corporate Information

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 505, Boca Raton, Florida 33433, and our telephone number at that location is (855) 345-9467.

 

The name of the Company, the logos of the Company, and other trade names, trademarks or service marks of the Company appearing in this prospectus are the property of the Company. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other organizations appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective holders.

 

NYSE Listing, Reverse Stock Split and Increase in Authorized Shares of Common Stock

 

We intend to apply to list of our common stock and warrants on the NYSE American. If our application to the NYSE American is not approved or we otherwise determine that we will not be able to secure the listing of the common stock and warrants on the NYSE American, we will not complete the offering.

 

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In order to obtain NYSE American listing approval, we have recently filed a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) calling for a special meeting of our shareholders to be held on                , 2020 for the purpose of having our shareholders approve a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock in the range from one-for-two (1-for-2) to one-for-fifteen (1-for-15), which ratio is to be selected by the board of directors. The board of directors anticipates setting the ratio of the reverse stock split, and the reverse stock split becoming effective following approval of the board of directors and stockholders of the Company and approval by FINRA of the reverse stock split, prior to the effective date of the registration statement (of which this prospectus forms a part). The reverse stock split is intended to allow us to meet the minimum share price requirement of the NYSE American.

 

Except as otherwise indicated and except in our financial statements and the notes thereto, all references to our common stock, share data, per share data and related information has been adjusted to depict an assumed reverse stock split ratio of 1-for- (“Reverse Stock Split”) until final determination by the board of directors as if it was effective and as if it had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Reverse Stock Split, when effective, will combine each            shares of our outstanding common stock into one share of common stock, without any change in the par value per share, and the Reverse Stock Split correspondingly will adjust, among other things, the exercise rate of our warrants and options into our common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, and any fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

 

In addition, all share and per-share information, as well as all financial information, contained in this prospectus has been adjusted to depict an assumed reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-         (“Reverse Stock Split”) until final determination by the board of directors as if it was effective and as if it had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.  The Reverse Stock Split, when effective, will combine each            shares of our outstanding common stock into one share of common stock, without any change in the par value per share, and the Reverse Stock Split correspondingly will adjust, among other things, the exercise rate of our warrants and options into our common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, and any fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

 

The Offering
     
Issuer   Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company
     
Securities offered by us                      Units, each unit consists of one share of our Common Stock and one (1) warrant to purchase one (1) share of common stock (or          Units if the Underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full). The Units will not be certificated and the shares of our common stock and the warrants are immediately separable at closing and will be issued and tradeable separately, but will be purchased together as a unit in this offering.

 

Offering Price:

 

 

$             per Unit

  

Terms of Warrants issued as part of a unit offered by us   Each warrant will have an exercise price per share of $              , which is equal to     % of the offering price of a Unit in this offering, will be immediately exercisable and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date. The warrants do not have any price protection features or cashless exercise provisions.
     
Over-allotment option   We have granted the Underwriter an option to purchase up to an additional                shares of common stock and/or warrants to purchase up to                shares of common stock (equal to 15% of the number of shares of common stock and warrants underlying the Units sold in the offering), from us in any combination thereof, at the public offering price less the underwriting discount and commissions solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The Underwriter may exercise this option in full or in part at any time and from time to time until 45 days after the date of this prospectus.

 

  5  
 

 

 

Common stock outstanding before this offering                     shares of common stock (7,863,975 pre-reverse split)
     
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering                     shares (assuming that none of the warrants are exercised) and             if the warrants offered hereby are exercised in full. If the representatives’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after this offering would be               (assuming that none of the warrants are exercised) and               if the warrants offered hereby are exercised in full.
     
Underwriter   ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. (“ThinkEquity”) is acting as the sole underwriter of this offering.
     
Underwriter Warrant   Upon the closing of this offering, we have agreed to issue to the Underwriter warrants to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to five percent (5.0%) of the shares of common stock, forming part of the units and exercised over-allotment option, sold in this offering (“Underwriter Warrants”).  The Underwriter Warrants are exercisable commencing 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering, and will be exercisable until the fifth anniversary of the effective date. The Underwriter Warrants are not redeemable by us. The Underwriter Warrants have an exercise price of $             per share (equal to 125% of the implied price per share of common stock, forming a part of the units offered in the offering).
     
Use of proceeds   We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $           (or approximately $           if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option) after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions         (7.00% of the gross proceeds of the offering), and after our offering expenses, estimated at $               . We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund the expansion of our operations by the acquisition and/or build-out of new gaming center locations, strategic acquisition of other companies, products or technologies, working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”
     
Risk factors   See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 of this prospectus for a discussion of some of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common stock.
     
Trading symbols   Our common stock is presently quoted on the OTCQB Market under the symbol “WINR.” Our warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 are currently listed on OTCQB under the symbol “WINRW.”    
     
Listing Application; Separation  

We intend to apply to list our common stock on the NYSE American under the symbol “XXX” and warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 and the warrants forming part of the Units on the NYSE American under the symbols “XXX” and “XXX,” respectively. The approval of our listing on the NYSE American is a condition of closing this offering.

 

We will not be issuing physical units in this offering. At closing, we will issue to investors only the shares of common stock and warrants underlying the units offered hereby.

 

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Dividend policy   We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our common stock following our public offering.
     
Reverse Stock Split   In order to obtain NYSE American listing approval, we have recently filed a proxy statement with the SEC calling for a special meeting of our shareholders to be held on                , 2020 for the purpose of having our shareholders approve a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock in the range from one-for-two (1-for-2) to one-for-fifteen (1-for-15), which ratio is to be selected by the board of directors.  The board of directors anticipates setting the ratio of the reverse stock split, and the reverse stock split becoming effective following approval of the board of directors and stockholders of the Company and approval by FINRA of the reverse stock split, prior to the effective date of the registration statement (of which this prospectus forms a part).  Except as otherwise indicated and except in our financial statements and the notes thereto, all references to our common stock, share data, per share data and related information depict an assumed reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-                 (“Reverse Stock Split”) as if it was effective and as if it had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this prospectus:

 

  give pro forma effect to the assumed Reverse Stock Split of our outstanding shares of common stock, options and warrants and the corresponding adjustment of all common stock price per share and stock option and warrant exercise price data, except for the financial statements and the notes thereto;
     
  is based on                  (7,863,975 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of April 10, 2020;
     
  assumes no exercise by the Underwriter of its option to purchase up to an additional           shares of common stock and/or warrants to purchase            shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any;
     
  excludes                  shares of common stock issuable upon the full exercise of the warrants (forming part of the units and over-allotment option) offered hereby;

 

  excludes                  (6,424,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $              ($10.38 pre-reverse split) per share as of April 10, 2020; and
     
  excludes             shares of our common stock underlying the Underwriter’s Warrant to be issued to the Underwriter in connection with this offering, including the exercise of any over-allotment in full.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table presents our selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 and the balance sheet data as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 are derived from the audited financial statements. The summary historical financial data for the six months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 and the balance sheet data as of November 30, 2019 and 2018 are derived from our unaudited financial statements.

 

Historical results are included for illustrative and informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of results we expect in future periods, and results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The data presented below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   

Year Ended

May 31,

    Six Months Ended November 30,  
    2019     2018     2019     2018  
                (unaudited)  
Statement of Operations Data                        
Total revenues   $ 37,995     $ 0     $ 319,991     $ 0  
Total operating expenses     4,353,189       530,564       1,258,257       3,381,602  
Loss from operations     (4,315,194 )     (530,564 )     (938,266 )     (3,381,602 )
Total other income     749,922       521,702       83,372       401,418  
Loss before provision for taxes     (3,565,272 )     (8,862 )     (854,894 )     (2,980,184 )
Income tax provisions     0       0       0       0  
Net income (loss)   $ (3,565,272 )   $ (8,862 )   $ (846,722 )   $ (2,980,184 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share   $ (1.00 )   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (1.27 )
                                 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)                                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,540,158     $ 458,062     $ 647,460     $ 414,396  
Working capital (deficit) (1)     (277,588 )     216,034       (1,721,894 )     (10,379,958 )
Total assets     7,754,543       53,356,883       10,164,505       8,184,882  
Total liabilities     1,886,622       2,065,197       3,534,454       10,794,408  
Commitments     -       46,291,685       -       0  
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)     5,867,921       5,000,001       6,630,051       (2,609,526 )

 

(1) Working capital represents total current assets less total current liabilities.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities carries a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this prospectus, including our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before you decide to purchase our securities. Any one of these risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause material adverse effects on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements expressed by us and a significant decrease in the value of our common shares and warrants. Refer to “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

We may not be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any of the following risks and uncertainties may cause. These potential risks and uncertainties may not be a complete list of the risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties that we are presently unaware of, or presently consider immaterial, that may become material in the future and have a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

We have a relatively limited operating history and limited revenues to date and thus are subject to risks of business development and you have no basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objective.

 

Because we have a relatively limited operating history and limited revenues to date, you should consider and evaluate our operating prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by early-stage operating companies in rapidly evolving markets. These risks include:

 

  that we may not have sufficient capital to achieve our growth strategy;
     
  that we may not develop our product and service offerings in a manner that enables us to be profitable and meet our customers’ requirements;
     
  that our growth strategy may not be successful; and
     
  that fluctuations in our operating results will be significant relative to our revenues.

 

Our future growth will depend substantially on our ability to address these and the other risks described in this section. If we do not successfully address these risks, our business could be significantly harmed.

 

We have a history of operating losses and our auditors have indicated that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

To date, we have not been profitable and have incurred significant losses and cash flow deficits. For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, we reported net losses of $3,565,272 and $8,862, respectively, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,395,255 and $470,153, respectively. For the six months ended November 30, 2019, we reported a net loss of $846,722, and had negative cash flow from operating activities of $835,796. As of November 30, 2019, we had an aggregate accumulated deficit of approximately $4,421,528.  We anticipate that we will continue to report losses and negative cash flow. As a result of these net losses and cash flow deficits as well as our dependence on private equity and financings, our independent auditors have indicated that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern in our audit report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. These adjustments would likely include substantial impairment of the carrying amount of our assets and potential contingent liabilities that may arise if we are unable to fulfill various operational commitments. In addition, the value of our securities, including common stock issued in this offering, would be greatly impaired. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon generating sufficient cash flow from operations and obtaining additional capital and financing, including funds to be raised in this offering. If our ability to generate cash flow from operations is delayed or reduced and we are unable to raise additional funding from other sources, we may be unable to continue in business even if this offering is successful. For further discussion about our ability to continue as a going concern and our plan for future liquidity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.”

 

We are a holding company and depend upon our subsidiaries for our cash flows.

 

We are a holding company. All of our operations are conducted, and almost all of our assets are owned, by our subsidiaries. Consequently, our cash flows and our ability to meet our obligations depend upon the cash flows of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by these subsidiaries to us in the form of dividends, distributions or otherwise. The ability of our subsidiaries to make any payments to us depends on their earnings, the terms of their indebtedness, including the terms of any credit facilities and legal restrictions. Any failure to receive dividends or distributions from our subsidiaries when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Future acquisitions or strategic investments could disrupt our business and harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We may in the future explore potential acquisitions of companies or strategic investments to strengthen our business. Even if we identify an appropriate acquisition candidate, we may not be successful in negotiating the terms or financing of the acquisition, and our due diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or challenges of an acquired business.

 

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Acquisitions involve numerous risks, any of which could harm our business, including:

 

  straining our financial resources to acquire a company;
     
  anticipated benefits may not materialize as rapidly as we expect, or at all;
     
  diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to address acquisition integration challenges;
     
  retention of employees from the acquired company;
     
  cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization;
     
  integration of the acquired company’s accounting, management information, human resources and other administrative systems;
     
  the need to implement or improve controls, procedures and policies at a business that prior to the acquisition may have lacked effective controls, procedures and policies; and
     
  litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, former stockholders or other third parties.

 

Failure to appropriately mitigate these risks or other issues related to such strategic investments and acquisitions could result in reducing or completely eliminating any anticipated benefits of transactions, and harm our business generally. Future acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses or the impairment of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We may require additional funding for our growth plans, and such funding may result in a dilution of your investment.

 

We attempted to estimate our funding requirements in order to implement our growth plans. If the costs of implementing such plans should exceed these estimates significantly or if we come across opportunities to grow through expansion plans which cannot be predicted at this time, and our funds generated from our operations prove insufficient for such purposes, we may need to raise additional funds to meet these funding requirements.

 

These additional funds may be raised by issuing equity or debt securities or by borrowing from banks or other resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain any additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we fail to obtain additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, we will not be able to implement such plans fully if at all. Such financing even if obtained, may be accompanied by conditions that limit our ability to pay dividends or require us to seek lenders’ consent for payment of dividends, or restrict our freedom to operate our business by requiring lender’s consent for certain corporate actions.

 

Further, if we raise additional funds by way of a rights offering or through the issuance of new shares, any shareholders who are unable or unwilling to participate in such an additional round of fund raising may suffer dilution in their investment.

 

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We may not have sufficient capital to fund our ongoing operations, effectively pursue our strategy or sustain our growth initiatives.

 

After the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive Nation, Inc., our remaining liquidity and capital resources may not be sufficient to allow us to fund our ongoing operations, effectively pursue our strategy or sustain our growth initiatives. If we require additional capital resources, we may seek such funds directly from third party sources; however, we may not be able to obtain sufficient equity capital and/or debt financing from third parties to allow us to fund our expected ongoing operations or we may not be able to obtain such equity capital or debt financing on acceptable terms or conditions. Factors affecting the availability of equity capital or debt financing to us on acceptable terms and conditions include:

 

  Our current and future financial results and position;
     
  the collateral availability of our otherwise unsecured assets;
     
  the market’s, investors and lenders’ view of our industry and products;
     
  the perception in the equity and debt markets of our ability to execute our business plan or achieve our operating results expectations; and
     
  the price, volatility and trading volume and history of our Common Stock.

 

If we are unable to obtain the equity capital or debt financing necessary to fund our ongoing operations, pursue our strategy and sustain our growth initiatives, we may be forced to scale back our operations or our expansion initiatives, and our business and operating results will be materially adversely affected.

 

Our growth strategy depends on the availability of suitable locations for our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and our ability to open new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and operate them profitably.

 

A key element of our growth strategy is to extend our brand by opening corporate owned as well as franchising retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in locations in the United States that we believe will provide attractive returns on investment. We have initially identified five sites for potential corporate Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers and nine sites for potential franchised esports gaming centers, in the United States, however, desirable locations for additional Simplicity Esports Gaming Center openings may not be available at an acceptable cost when we identify a particular opportunity for a new Simplicity Esports Gaming Center.

 

In addition, our ability to open new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers on a timely and cost-effective basis, or at all, is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our ability or the ability of the selected franchisee to:

 

  reach acceptable agreements regarding the lease of the locations;
     
  comply with applicable zoning, licensing, land use and environmental regulations;
     
  raise or have available an adequate amount of cash or currently available financing for construction and opening costs;
     
  timely hire, train and retain the skilled management and other employees necessary to meet staffing needs;
     
  obtain, for acceptable cost, required permits and approvals, including liquor licenses; and
     
  efficiently manage the amount of time and money used to build and open each new Simplicity Esports Gaming Center.

 

If we succeed in opening new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers on a timely and cost-effective basis, we may nonetheless be unable to attract enough customers to the new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers because potential customers may be unfamiliar with our brands or concepts, or our entertainment and menu options might not appeal to them. Our new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may not meet or exceed our performance targets, including target cash-on-cash returns. New Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may even operate at a loss, which could have a significant adverse effect on our overall operating results.

 

  11  
 

 

Our operations of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are significantly dependent on changes in public and customer tastes and discretionary spending patterns. Our inability to successfully anticipate customer preferences or to gain popularity for such Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers games may negatively impact our profitability.

 

Our success depends significantly on public and customer tastes and preferences, which can be unpredictable. If we are unable to successfully anticipate customer preferences or increase the popularity of the games offered at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, the per capita revenue and overall customer expenditures at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers may decrease, and thereby negatively impact our profitability. In response to such developments, we may need to increase our marketing and product development efforts and expenditures, adjust our game or product sale pricing, modify the games themselves, or take other actions, which may further erode our profit margins, or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In particular, we may need to expend considerable cost and effort in carrying out extensive research and development to assess the potential interest in a game, testing and launching new games, and to remain abreast with continually evolving technology and trends, as well as the success and popularity of Simplicity stream team’s casters, influencers and personalities among Simplicity Esports LLC’s dedicated fan base.

 

While we may incur significant expenditures of this nature, including in the future as we continue to expand our operations, there can be no assurance that any such expenditures or investments by us will yield expected or commensurate returns or results, within a reasonable or anticipated time, or at all.

 

The nature of our business exposes us to negative publicity or customer complaints, including in relation to, among other things, accidents, injuries or thefts at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, or health and safety concerns arising from improper use of our game equipment or at our food and beverage venues.

 

Our business inherently exposes us to negative publicity or customer complaints as a result of accidents, injuries, or in extreme cases, deaths, arising from instances of air-borne, water-borne or food-borne contagion or illness, food contamination, spoilage, tampering, equipment failure, improper use of our equipment, fire, explosion, terrorist attacks or civil riots, and other safety or security issues, such as kidnapping, or associated risks arising from other actual or perceived non-compliance with safety, quality or service standards or norms in relation to the various game, entertainment and food and beverage attractions at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.  Even isolated or sporadic incidents or accidents may have a negative impact on our brand image and reputation, and the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers’, or games’ or our own popularity with customers. The considerable expansion of social media in recent years has compounded the effect of any potential negative publicity.

 

We cannot guarantee that our or our franchisee’s employee training, internal controls and other precautions will be sufficient to prevent any such occurrence at the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, in relation to our Simplicity global virtual reality gaming and fully integrated esports platform, or to control or mitigate any negative consequences. In addition, we or our franchisees rely on third-party security and housekeeping staff for certain non-core functions, as well as certain technology vendors and partners. Although we monitor vendors and partners and, in certain cases, may have a contractual indemnity or recourse in case of any default on their part, our ability to assure a safe and satisfactory experience to our customers is necessarily limited to the extent of our or our franchisees’, dependence on third parties, from time to time. Moreover, we may not be able to distance or insulate ourselves from any adverse publicity or reputational damage arising from any act, omission or negligence on the part of a vendor or other third party, which may negatively affect a customer’s experience at any of the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.

 

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We or our franchisees may not be able to operate in the United States, or obtain and maintain licenses and permits necessary for such operation, in compliance with laws, regulations and other requirements, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center will be subject to licensing and regulation by alcoholic beverage control, amusement, health, sanitation, safety, building code and fire agencies in the country, state, county and/or municipality in which the Simplicity Esports Gaming Center is located. In the United States, each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center with a restaurant or bar will be required to obtain a license to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises from a state authority and, in certain locations, county and municipal authorities. Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. In some states, the loss of a license for cause with respect to one Simplicity Esports Gaming Center may lead to the loss of licenses at all Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in that state and could make it more difficult to obtain additional licenses in that state. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of the daily operations of each Simplicity Esports Gaming Center, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale purchasing, inventory control and handling and storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. Our failure or a failure by a franchisee in obtaining and maintaining the required licenses, permits and approvals at any one Simplicity Esports Gaming Center could impact the continuing operations of existing Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, or delay or prevent the opening of new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Although we do not anticipate any material difficulties occurring in the future, the failure to receive or retain a liquor license, or any other required permit or license, in a particular location, or to continue to qualify for, or renew licenses, could have a material adverse effect on operations and our ability to obtain such a license or permit in other locations.

 

As a result of operating certain entertainment games and attractions, including skill-based games that offer redemption prizes, the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in the United States are subject to amusement licensing and regulation by the countries, states, provinces, counties and municipalities in which our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are located. These laws and regulations can vary significantly by country, state, province, county, and municipality and, in some jurisdictions, may require us to modify our business operations or alter the mix of redemption games and simulators we offer. Moreover, as more states in the United States and local communities implement legalized gambling, the laws and corresponding enabling regulations may also be applicable to our redemption games and regulators may create new licensing requirements, taxes or fees, or restrictions on the various types of redemption games we offer. Furthermore, other states, provinces, counties and municipalities may make changes to existing laws to further regulate legalized gaming and illegal gambling. Adoption of these laws, or adverse interpretation of existing laws, after we have established a Simplicity Esports Gaming Center in the jurisdiction could require the existing center in these jurisdictions to alter the mix of games, modify certain games, change the mix of prizes that we may offer or terminate the use of specific games, any of which could adversely affect our operations.

 

We are also subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including those related to minimum wage requirements, exempt status, overtime, health insurance mandates, working and safety conditions, immigration status requirements, child labor, and non-discrimination. Additionally, changes in federal labor laws, including card verification regulations, could result in portions of our workforce being subjected to greater organized labor influence, which could result in an increase to our labor costs. A significant portion of Simplicity Esports Gaming Center personnel will be paid at minimum wage rates established by federal, state and municipal law. Increases in the minimum wage result in higher labor costs, which may be only partially offset by price increases and operational efficiencies.

 

We are also subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission and various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. The Federal Trade Commission and various state laws require that we furnish a franchise disclosure document containing certain information to prospective franchisees, and a number of states require registration of the franchise disclosure document with state authorities. State laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist in a substantial number of states, and bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The state laws often limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise and the ability of a franchisor to designate sources of supply. We shall endeavor to make sure that any franchise disclosure document we provide, together with any applicable state versions or supplements, and franchising procedures, comply in all material respects with both the Federal Trade Commission guidelines and all applicable state laws regulating franchising in those states in which we have offered franchises.

 

If we and our franchisees fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we may be subject to various sanctions and/or penalties and fines or may be required to cease operations until we achieve compliance, which could have an adverse effect on our business and our financial results.

 

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Our growth through franchising may not occur as rapidly as we currently anticipate and may be subject to additional risks.

 

As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to seek franchisees to operate Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers in certain strategic domestic locations or venues. We believe that our ability to recruit, retain and contract with qualified franchisees will be increasingly important to our operations as we expand. Our franchisees are dependent upon the availability of adequate sources of financing in order to meet their development obligations. Such financing may not be available to our franchisees, or only available upon disadvantageous terms. Our franchise strategy may not enhance our results of operations.

 

Expanding through franchising exposes our business and brand to risks because the quality of the franchised operations will be beyond our immediate control, including risks associated with our confidential information, intellectual properties (including trademarks) and brand reputation. Even if we have contractual remedies to cause franchisees to maintain operational standards, enforcing those remedies may require litigation and therefore our image and reputation may suffer, unless and until such litigation is successfully concluded.

 

We could face liability from or as a result of our franchisees.

 

Various state and federal laws will govern the relationship between us and our franchisees and the potential sale of a franchise. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be liable for damages to franchisees and fines or other penalties. A franchisee or government agency may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationship. Also, under the franchise business model, we may face claims and liabilities based on vicarious liability, joint-employer liability, or other theories or liabilities. Such legal actions could result in expensive litigation with our franchisees or government agencies that could adversely affect both our profit and our important relations with our franchisees. In addition, regulatory or legal developments could result in changes to laws or the franchisor/franchisee relationship that could negatively impact the franchise business model and, accordingly, our profit.

 

We may not be able to compete favorably in the highly competitive out-of-home and home-based entertainment market in the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

The out-of-home entertainment market in the United States is highly competitive. Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers that we or our franchisees operate will compete for customers’ discretionary entertainment dollars with providers of out-of-home entertainment, including localized attraction facilities such as movie theatres, sporting events, bowling alleys, sports activity centers, arcades and entertainment centers, nightclubs and restaurants as well as theme parks. Many of the entities operating these businesses are larger and have significantly greater financial resources, a greater number of locations, have been in business longer, have greater name and brand recognition and are better established in the local markets where Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers are planned to be located. As a result, they may be able to invest greater resources than we can in attracting customers and succeed in attracting customers who would otherwise come to the Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers we or our franchisees operate. In the United States, the legalization of casino gambling in geographic areas near any future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center would create the possibility for adult entertainment alternatives, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We will also face competition from local, regional and national establishments that offer entertainment experiences similar to us. Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers we or our franchisees operate will also face competition from increasingly sophisticated home-based forms of entertainment, such as internet and video gaming and home movie streaming and delivery. If we fail to compete favorably in the competitive out-of-home and home-based entertainment markets it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our senior management team has limited experience in establishing, operating, licensing rights to and franchising entertainment centers and related products.

 

The members of our senior management team have extensive backgrounds in finance and the management of financial services businesses, however, they have limited prior experience in establishing, operating, licensing rights to and franchising entertainment centers. We will need to expand our management team, to include individuals with expertise in establishing and operating entertainment centers as well as individuals with expertise in product licensing and franchise operations. If we are unable to recruit professionals with acceptable backgrounds in establishing and operating entertainment centers and with backgrounds in product licensing and financing, we may not be able to pursue our growth strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

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Our success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain qualified management and operating personnel at Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers.

 

We and our franchisees must attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified management and operating personnel in order to maintain consistency in our service, hospitality, quality and atmosphere of our Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Qualified management and operating personnel are typically in high demand. If we and our franchisees are unable to attract and retain a satisfactory number of qualified management and operating personnel, labor shortages could delay the planned openings of new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

Acquisitions, other strategic alliances and investments could result in operating difficulties, dilution, and other harmful consequences that may adversely impact our business and results of operations.

 

Acquisitions are an important element of our overall corporate strategy and use of capital, and these transactions could be material to our financial condition and results of operations.  We expect to continue to evaluate and enter into discussions regarding a wide array of potential strategic transactions. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or product has created, and will continue to create, unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures.  The areas where we face risks may include, but are not limited to:

 

  diversion of management’s time and focus from operating our business to acquisition integration challenges;
  failure to successfully further develop the acquired business or product lines;
  implementation or remediation of controls, procedures and policies at the acquired company;
  integration of the acquired company’s accounting, human resources and other administrative systems, and coordination of product, engineering and sales and marketing functions;
  transition of operations, users and customers onto our existing platforms;
  reliance on the expertise of our strategic partners with respect to market development, sales, local regulatory compliance and other operational matters;
  failure to obtain required approvals on a timely basis, if at all, from governmental authorities, or conditions placed upon approval, under competition and antitrust laws which could, among other things, delay or prevent us from completing a transaction, or otherwise restrict our ability to realize the expected financial or strategic goals of an acquisition;
  in the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries;
  cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization, and retention of employees from the businesses we acquire;
  liability for or reputational harm from activities of the acquired company before the acquisition or from our strategic partners, including patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities; and
  litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former shareholders or other third parties.

 

Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and investments or strategic alliances could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, investments or alliances, incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally.

 

Our acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses, or impairment of goodwill and purchased long-lived assets, and restructuring charges, any of which could harm our financial condition or results of operations and cash flows.  Also, the anticipated benefits of many of our acquisitions may not materialize.

 

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Our insurance coverage may not adequately protect us against all future risks, which may adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

We maintain insurance coverage, including for fire, acts of god and perils, terrorism, burglary, money, loss of profit, fidelity guarantee, fixed glass and sanitary fitting, electronic equipment, machinery breakdown, portable equipment, sign boards, commercial general liability, marine transit, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, as well as employee health and medical insurance, with standard exclusions in each instance. While we maintain insurance in amounts that we consider reasonably sufficient for a business of our nature and scale, with insurers that we consider reliable and credit worthy, we may face losses and liabilities that are uninsurable by their nature, or that are not covered, fully or at all, under our existing insurance policies. Moreover, coverage under such insurance policies would generally be subject to certain standard or negotiated exclusions or qualifications and, therefore, any future insurance claims by us may not be honored by our insurers in full, or at all. In addition, our premium payments under our insurance policies may require a significant investment by us.

 

To the extent that we suffer loss or damage that is not covered by insurance or that exceeds our insurance coverage, the loss will have to be borne by us and our business, cash flow, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be adversely affected.

 

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 are 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.

 

We are dependent upon our executive officers and directors and their departure could adversely affect our ability to operate.

 

Our operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of individuals and, in particular, our executive officers and directors. We believe that our success depends on the continued service of our executive officers and directors. We do not have key-man insurance on the life of any of our directors or executive officers. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of our directors or executive officers could have a detrimental effect on us.

 

Our executive officers, directors, security holders and their respective affiliates may have competitive pecuniary interests that conflict with our interests.

 

We have not adopted a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, executive officers, security holders or affiliates from having a direct or indirect pecuniary or financial interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. While our employment agreements with our key executive officers contain non-compete provisions, we do not have a policy that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such persons or entities may have a conflict between their interests and ours.

 

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We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor internal controls attestation requirements of Section 404 of 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 nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any November 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following May 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.

 

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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. We have 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, we, 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 our 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.

 

Compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may require substantial financial and management resources.

 

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal controls beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2019. As long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Provisions in our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, 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 Common Stock and could entrench management.

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, contains provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. These provisions include a staggered board of directors and the ability of the board of directors to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred shares, which 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.

 

If we fail to keep pace with changing industry technology and consumer preferences, we will be at a competitive disadvantage.

 

The Simplicity products and services compete within industries that are characterized by swiftly changing technology, evolving industry standards, frequent new and enhanced product introductions, rapidly changing consumer preferences and product obsolescence. In order to continue to compete effectively, we need to respond quickly to technological changes and to understand their impact on customers’ preferences. We may take significant time and resources to respond to these technological changes and changes in consumer preferences. Our business and results of operations may be negatively impacted if our products and services fail to keep pace with these changes.

 

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Various product safety laws and governmental regulations applicable to the distributor of Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our distribution of Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products will be subject to numerous federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations, including laws and regulations with respect to product safety, including regulations enforced by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission. We and our franchisees could incur costs in complying with these regulations and, if they fail to comply, could incur significant penalties. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or concerns about product safety, may also lead to a recall or post-manufacture repair of selected Simplicity Esports LLC’s and/or PLAYlive Nation, Inc.’s products, resulting in the rejection of the products by our franchisees, lost sales, increased customer service and support costs, and costly litigation.

 

Public health epidemics or outbreaks, such as COVID-19, could materially and adversely impact our business.

 

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While initially the outbreak was largely concentrated in China and caused significant disruptions to its economy, it has now spread to several other countries and infections have been reported globally.

 

Because COVID-19 infections have been reported throughout the United States, certain federal, state and local governmental authorities have issued stay-at-home orders, proclamations and/or directives aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Additional, more restrictive proclamations and/or directives may be issued in the future. As a result, all of our corporate and franchised Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers have been closed effective April 1, 2020. Although our franchise agreements with franchisees of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers require a minimum monthly royalty payment to us from the franchisees regardless of whether the franchised Simplicity Gaming Centers are operating, there is a potential risk that franchisees of Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will default in their obligations to pay their minimum monthly royalty payment to us.

 

The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations is unknown and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any additional preventative and protective actions that governments, or the Company, may direct, which may result in an extended period of continued business disruption, reduced customer traffic and reduced operations. Any resulting financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but is anticipated to have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

  

The measures taken to date will impact the Company’s business for the fiscal fourth quarter and potentially beyond. Management expects that all of its business segments, across all of its geographies, will be impacted to some degree, but the significance of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company’s business and the duration for which it may have an impact cannot be determined at this time.

 

Risks Relating to Our Esports Business

 

Our esports businesses are substantially dependent on the continuing popularity of the esports industry as a whole.

 

The esports industry is in the early stages of its respective development. Although the esports industry has experienced rapid growth, consumer preferences may shift and there is no assurance this growth will continue in the future. We have taken steps to diversify their businesses and mitigate these risks to an extent and continue to seek out new opportunities in the esports industry. However, due to the rapidly evolving nature of technology and online gaming, the esports industry may experience volatile and declining popularity as new options for online gaming and esports become available, or consumer preferences shift to other forms of entertainment, and as a consequence, our businesses and results of operations may be materially negatively affected.

 

Our esports business faces intense and wide-ranging competition, which may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

 

The success of our esports business is dependent upon the performance and/or popularity of its teams. Simplicity Esports LLC’s teams compete, in varying respects and degrees, with other live sporting events, and with sporting events delivered over television networks, radio, the Internet and online services, mobile applications and other alternative sources. For example, our esports teams compete for attendance, viewership and advertising with a wide range of alternatives available in major metropolitan areas. During some or all of the esports season, our teams face competition, in varying respects and degrees, from professional and collegiate basketball, hockey, baseball, football, and soccer, among others.

 

As a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the sports and gaming fan. We must compete with other esports teams, traditional sports teams and sporting events, in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of the teams we field, their success in the leagues, tournaments and genres in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining environment at any esports games that we host at our centers, prices charged for tickets and the viewing availability of our teams on multiple media alternatives. Given the nature of esports and sports in general, there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively, including with companies that may have greater resources than we have, and as a consequence, our business and results of operations may be materially negatively affected by competition.

 

Our businesses are substantially dependent on the continued popularity and/or competitive success of Simplicity Esports LLC’s teams, which cannot be assured.

 

Our future financial results will be dependent on the Simplicity teams becoming and remaining popular with our fan base and, in varying degrees, on the teams achieving in-game success, which can generate fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket and merchandise sales during the season. Furthermore, success in the regular season at certain tournaments may qualify one or more of our esports teams for participation in post-season playoffs, which provides us with additional revenue from prize money by increasing the number of games played by our sports teams and, more importantly, by generating increased excitement and interest in our esports teams, which can improve attendance in subsequent seasons. There can be no assurance that any of our esports teams, will develop a significant fan base, maintain continued popularity or compete in post-season play in the future.

 

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Defection of our esports players to other teams or managers could hinder our success.

 

We compete with other esports athlete management businesses to sign and retain world class esports players, some of which have greater resources or brand recognition and popularity than ours. Our players may choose to defect to other esports organizations for various reasons, including that they have been made a superior offer or they have chosen to pursue new or other opportunities. The loss or defection of any of our esports players could have negative consequences on our businesses and results of operations. While we take or intend to take, all appropriate steps to retain our players and protect their interests, there can be no assurances that players will not defect to other esports organizations.

 

The actions of the various esports leagues and tournaments may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.

 

The governing bodies of the various esports leagues and tournaments, under certain circumstances, can take actions that they deem to be in the best interests of their respective leagues or tournaments, which may not necessarily be consistent with maximizing our results of operations and which could affect our esports teams in ways that are different than the impact on other esports teams. For example they can take actions relating to the rights to telecast the games of league members or tournament participants, including the Simplicity team, licensing of the rights to produce and sell merchandise bearing the logos and/or other intellectual property of our esports teams and the leagues or tournaments, and the internet-based activities of our esports teams. Certain of these decisions by the esports leagues and tournaments could have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations. From time to time, we may disagree with or challenge actions that the leagues or tournaments take or the power and authority they assert.

 

We may be unable to effectively manage the growth in the scope and complexity of our business, including our expansion into the esports business which is untested and into adjacent business opportunities.

 

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to manage our expanded business, including our aspirations for continued expansion. We intend to dedicate resources to a new business model that is largely untested, as is the case with esports. We do not know to what extent our future expansions will be successful. Further, even if successful, the growth of our business could create significant challenges for our management, operational, and financial resources, and could increase existing strain on, and divert focus from, our core businesses. If not managed effectively, this growth could result in the over-extension of our operating infrastructure, and our management systems, information technology systems, and internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to support this growth. Failure to adequately manage our growth in any of these ways may cause damage to our brand, damage our reputation or otherwise negatively impact our business.

 

Our industry is subject to rapid technological change, and if we do not adapt to, and appropriately allocate our resources among, emerging technologies and business models, our business may be negatively impacted.

 

Technology changes rapidly in the interactive entertainment industry. We must continually anticipate and adapt our products, services and business models to emerging technologies and delivery platforms in order to stay competitive. Forecasting our revenues and profitability for these new products, services and business models is inherently uncertain and volatile, and if we invest in the development of interactive entertainment products or services incorporating a new technology or for a new platform that does not achieve significant commercial success, whether because of competition or otherwise, we may not recover the often substantial “up front” costs of developing and marketing those products and services, or recover the opportunity cost of diverting management and financial resources away from other products or services. Further, our competitors may adapt to an emerging technology or business model more quickly or effectively than we do, creating products that are technologically superior to ours, more appealing to consumers, or both.

 

If, on the other hand, we elect not to pursue the development of products or services incorporating a new technology or for new platforms, or otherwise elect not to pursue new business models, that achieve significant commercial success, it may have adverse consequences. It may take significant time and resources to shift product development resources to that technology, platform or business model, as the case may be, and may be more difficult to compete against existing products and services incorporating that technology or for that platform or against companies using that business model.

 

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Many elements of our business are unique, evolving and relatively unproven. Our business and prospects depend on the continuing development of live streaming of competitive esports gaming. The market for esports and amateur online gaming competition is relatively new and rapidly developing and are subject to significant challenges. Our business relies upon our ability to cultivate and grow an active gamer community, and our ability to successfully monetize such community through tournament fees, subscriptions for our esports gaming services, and advertising and sponsorship opportunities. In addition, our continued growth depends, in part, on our ability to respond to constant changes in the esports gaming industry, including rapid technological evolution, continued shifts in gamer trends and demands, frequent introductions of new games and titles and the constant emergence of new industry standards and practices. Developing and integrating new games, titles, content, products, services or infrastructure could be expensive and time-consuming, and these efforts may not yield the benefits we expect to achieve at all. We cannot assure you that we will succeed in any of these aspects or that the esports gaming industry will continue to grow as rapidly as it has in the past.

 

We may encounter difficulties in integrating Simplicity Esports LLC’s esports businesses or otherwise realizing the anticipated benefits of the transaction.

 

As part of our business strategy, from time to time, we acquire, make investments in, or enter into strategic alliances and joint ventures with, complementary businesses, such as the acquisition of the Simplicity esports business in January 2019. The acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC involves significant risks and uncertainties, including: (i) the potential for Simplicity Esports LLC’s business to underperform relative to our expectations and the acquisition price, (ii) the potential for Simplicity Esports LLC’s business to cause our financial results to differ from expectations in any given period, or over the longer-term, (iii) unexpected tax consequences from the acquisition, or the tax treatment of Simplicity Esports LLC’s business’s operations going forward, giving rise to incremental tax liabilities that are difficult to predict, (iv) difficulty in integrating Simplicity Esports LLC’s business, its operations and its employees in an efficient and effective manner, (v) any unknown liabilities or internal control deficiencies assumed as part of the acquisition, and (vi) the potential loss of key employees of Simplicity Esports LLC’s businesses. Further, the transaction may involve the risk that our senior management’s attention will be excessively diverted from our other operations, the risk that the gaming industry does not evolve as anticipated and that any intellectual property or personnel skills acquired do not prove to be those needed for our future success, and the risk that our strategic objectives, cost savings or other anticipated benefits are otherwise not achieved.

 

Our business may be harmed if our licensing partners, or other third parties with whom we do business, act in ways that put our brand at risk.

 

We anticipate that our business partners shall be given access to sensitive and proprietary information or control over our intellectual property in order to provide services and support to our teams. These third parties may misappropriate our information or intellectual property and engage in unauthorized use of it or otherwise act in a way that places our brand at risk. The failure of these third parties to provide adequate services and technologies, the failure of third parties to adequately maintain or update their services and technologies or the misappropriation or misuse of this information or intellectual property could result in a disruption to our business operations or an adverse effect on our reputation, and may negatively impact our business.

 

Our business is highly dependent on the success and availability of video game platforms manufactured by third parties.

 

We expect to derive a substantial portion of our revenues from esports games played on game platforms manufactured by third parties, such as Sony’s PS4®, Microsoft’s Xbox One®, and Nintendo’s Wii U® and Switch®, and PCs. The success of our business will be driven in large part by our ability to accurately predict which platforms will be successful in the marketplace. We also rely on the availability of an adequate supply of these video game consoles and the continued support for these consoles by their manufacturers. We may be required to commit significant resources well in advance of the anticipated introduction of a new platform. If increased costs are not offset by higher revenues and other cost efficiencies, our business could be negatively impacted. If the platforms for which we invested resources do not attain significant market acceptance, we may not be able to recover our costs, which could be significant.

 

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The games we support are subject to scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of their content. If the publishers and distributors we partner with fail to receive their target ratings for certain titles, or if retailers refuse to sell such titles due to what they perceive to be objectionable content, it could have a negative impact on our business.

 

Console and PC games are subject to ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (the “ESRB”), a self-regulatory body based in the U.S. that provides U.S. and Canadian consumers of interactive entertainment software with ratings information, including information on the content in such software, such as violence, nudity or sexual content, along with an assessment of the suitability of the content for certain age groups. Certain other countries have also established content rating systems as prerequisites for product sales in those countries. In addition, certain stores use other ratings systems, such as Apple’s use of its proprietary “App Rating System” and Google Play’s use of the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) rating system. If the software publishers that supply our games are unable to obtain the ratings they have targeted for their products, it could have a negative impact on our business. In some instances, the software publishers and developers may be required to modify their products to comply with the requirements of the rating systems, which could delay or disrupt the release of any given product, or may prevent its sale altogether in certain territories, which would limited its availability for use in the games that our teams play.

 

We will depend on servers to operate our games with online features. If we were to lose server functionality for any reason, our business may be negatively impacted.

 

Our business at our game centers will rely on the continuous operation of servers, some of which are owned and operated by third parties. Although we shall strive to maintain more than sufficient server capacity, and provide for active redundancy in the event of limited hardware failure, any broad-based catastrophic server malfunction, a significant service-disrupting attack or intrusion by hackers that circumvents security measures, a failure of disaster recovery service or the failure of a company on which we are relying for server capacity to provide that capacity for whatever reason would likely degrade or interrupt the functionality of our games with online features, and could prevent the operation of such games altogether, any of which could result in the loss of sales for, or in, such games.

 

We also rely on networks operated by third parties, such as the PlayStation® Network, Xbox Live® and Steam®, for the functionality of the games we use which have online features. An extended interruption to any of these services could adversely affect our ability to operate our games with online features, negatively impacting our business.

 

Further, insufficient server capacity could also negatively impact our game center business. Conversely, if we overestimate the amount of server capacity required by our business, we may incur unnecessary additional operating costs.

 

The esports gaming industry is very “hit” driven. We may not have access to “hit” games or titles.

 

Select game titles dominate competitive esports and online gaming, including League of Legends, Minecraft, Fortnite and Overwatch, and many new games titles are regularly introduced in each major industry segment (console, mobile and PC free-to-download). Despite the number of new entrants, only a very few “hit” titles account for a significant portion of total revenue in each segment.

 

The size and engagement level of our online and in person gamers are critical to our success and are closely linked to the quality and popularity of the esports game publishers with which we have licenses. Esports game publishers on our gaming platform, including those who have entered into license agreements with us, may leave us for other gaming platforms or leagues which may offer better competition, and terms and conditions than we do. Furthermore, we may lose esports game publishers if we fail to generate the number of gamers to our tournaments and league competitions expected by such publishers. In addition, if popular esports game publishers cease to license their games to us, or our live streams fail to attract gamers, we may experience a decline in gamer traffic, subscriptions and engagement, which may have a material and adverse impact on our results of operations and financial conditions.

 

We must continue to attract and retain the most popular esports gaming titles in order to maintain and increase the popularity of our leagues, tournaments and competitions, and ensure the sustainable growth of our gamer community. We must continue to identify and enter into license agreements with esports gaming publishers developing “hit’ games that resonate with our community on an ongoing basis. We cannot assure you that we can continue to attract and retain the same level of first-tier esports game publishers and our ability to do so is critical to our future success.

 

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If we fail to keep our existing gamers highly engaged, to acquire new gamers, to successfully implement a membership model for our gaming community, our business, profitability and prospects may be adversely affected.

 

Our success depends on our ability to maintain and grow the number of gamers attending and participating in our in-person and online tournaments and competitions, and using our gaming platform, and keeping our gamers highly engaged. Of particular importance is the successful deployment and expansion of our membership model to our gaming community for purposes of creating predictable recurring revenues.

 

In order to attract, retain and engage gamers and remain competitive, we must continue to develop and expand our leagues, including internationally, produce engaging tournaments and competitions, successfully license the newest “hit” esports games and titles, implement new technologies and strategies, improve features of our gaming platform and stimulate interactions in our gamer community.

 

A decline in the number of our gamers in our ecosystem may adversely affect the engagement level of our gamers, the vibrancy of our gamer community, or the popularity of our league play, which may in turn reduce our monetization opportunities, and have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to attract and retain gamers, our revenues may decline and our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.

 

We cannot assure you that our online and in person gaming platform and centers will remain sufficiently popular with gamers to offset the costs incurred to operate and expand them. It is vital to our operations that we remain sensitive and responsive to evolving gamer preferences and offer first-tier esports game content that attracts our gamers. We must also keep providing gamers with new features and functions to enable superior content viewing, and social interaction. Further, we will need to continue to develop and improve our gaming platform and centers and to enhance our brand awareness, which may require us to incur substantial costs and expenses. If such increased costs and expenses do not effectively translate into an improved gamer experience and long-term engagement, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Risks Related to International Operations

 

The risks related to international operations, in particular in countries outside of the United States, could negatively affect the Company’s results.

 

It is expected that the Company will derive between 15% to 20% of its revenue from transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, such as Brazil, and the Company expects that receivables with respect to foreign sales will account for a significant amount of its total accounts and receivables. As such, the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign government policies and legislation or social instability and other factors which are not within the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, recessions in foreign economies, expropriation, nationalization and limitation or restriction on repatriation of funds, assets or earnings, longer receivables collection periods and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable, changes in consumer tastes and trends, renegotiation or nullification of existing contracts or licenses, changes in gaming policies, regulatory requirements or the personnel administering them, currency fluctuations and devaluations, exchange controls, economic sanctions and royalty and tax increases, risk of terrorist activities, revolution, border disputes, implementation of tariffs and other trade barriers and protectionist practices, taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, volatility of financial markets and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, difficulties in the protection of intellectual property particularly in countries with fewer intellectual property protections, the effects that evolving regulations regarding data privacy may have on the Company’s online operations, adverse changes in the creditworthiness of parties with whom the Company has significant receivables or forward currency exchange contracts, labor disputes and other risks arising out of foreign governmental sovereignty over the areas in which the Company’s operations are conducted. The Company’s operations may also be adversely affected by social, political and economic instability and by laws and policies of such foreign jurisdictions affecting foreign trade, taxation and investment. If the Company’s operations are disrupted and/or the economic integrity of its contracts is threatened for unexpected reasons, its business may be harmed.

 

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The Company’s international activities may require protracted negotiations with host governments, national companies and third parties. Foreign government regulations may favor or require the awarding of contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. In the event of a dispute arising in connection with the Company’s operations in a foreign jurisdiction where it conducts its business, the Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdictions of the courts of United States or enforcing American judgments in such other jurisdictions. The Company may also be hindered or prevented from enforcing its rights with respect to a governmental instrumentality because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Accordingly, the Company’s activities in foreign jurisdictions could be substantially affected by factors beyond the Company’s control, any of which could have a material adverse effect on it. The Company believes that management’s experience to date in commercializing its products, services and solutions in Brazil may be of assistance in helping to reduce these risks. Some countries in which the Company may operate may be considered politically and economically unstable.

 

Doing business in the industries in which the Company operates often requires compliance with numerous and extensive procedures and formalities. These procedures and formalities may result in unexpected or lengthy delays in commencing important business activities. In some cases, failure to follow such formalities or obtain relevant evidence may call into question the validity of the entity or the actions taken. Management of the Company is unable to predict the effect of additional corporate and regulatory formalities which may be adopted in the future including whether any such laws or regulations would materially increase the Company’s cost of doing business or affect its operations in any area.

 

The Company may in the future enter into agreements and conduct activities outside of the jurisdictions where it currently carries on business, which expansion may present challenges and risks that the Company has not faced in the past, any of which could adversely affect the results of operations and/or financial condition of the Company.

 

The Company is subject to foreign exchange and currency risks that could adversely affect its operations, and the Company’s ability to mitigate its foreign exchange risk through hedging transactions may be limited.

 

The Company expects that it will derive between 15% and 20% of its revenues in currencies other than the United States dollar; however, a substantial portion of the Company’s operating expenses are incurred in United States dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar, the Real (Brazil) and other currencies may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. The Company’s consolidated financial results are affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange rate exposures arise from current transactions and anticipated transactions denominated in currencies other than United States dollars and from the translation of foreign-currency-denominated balance sheet accounts into United States dollar-denominated balance sheet accounts. The Company is exposed to currency exchange rate fluctuations because portions of its revenue and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, particularly the Real. In particular, uncertainty regarding economic conditions in Brazil pose risk to the stability of the Real. Exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect the Company’s operating results and cash flows and the value of its assets outside of United States. If a foreign currency is devalued in a jurisdiction in which the Company is paid in such currency, then the Company’s customers may be required to pay higher amounts for the Company’s products or services, which they may be unable or unwilling to pay.

 

While the Company may enter into forward currency swaps and other derivative instruments intended to mitigate the foreign currency exchange risk, there can be no assurance the Company will do so or that any instruments that the Company enters into will successfully mitigate such risk. If the Company enters into foreign currency forward or other hedging contracts, the Company would be subject to the risk that a counterparty to one or more of these contracts defaults on its performance under the contracts. During an economic downturn, a counterparty’s financial condition may deteriorate rapidly and with little notice, and the Company may be unable to take action to protect its exposure. In the event of a counterparty default, the Company could lose the benefit of its hedging contract, which may harm its business and financial condition. In the event that one or more of the Company’s counterparties becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, its ability to eventually recover any benefit lost as a result of that counterparty’s default may be limited by the liquidity of the counterparty. The Company expects that it will not be able to hedge all of its exposure to any particular foreign currency, and it may not hedge its exposure at all with respect to certain foreign currencies. Changes in exchange rates and the Company’s limited ability or inability to successfully hedge exchange rate risk could have an adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity and results of operations.

 

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We may be unable to obtain licenses in new jurisdictions where our customers operate.

 

We are subject to regulation in any jurisdiction where our customers access our website. To expand into any such jurisdiction we may need to be licensed, or obtain approvals of our products or services. If we do not receive, or receive a revocation of a license in a particular jurisdiction for our products or services, we would not be able to sell or place our products or services in that jurisdiction. Any such outcome could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and any growth plans for our business.

 

Privacy concerns could result in regulatory changes and impose additional costs and liabilities on the Company, limit its use of information, and adversely affect its business.

 

Personal privacy has become a significant issue in the United States, Brazil, Europe, and many other countries in which the Company currently operates and may operate in the future. Many federal, state, and foreign legislatures and government agencies have imposed or are considering imposing restrictions and requirements about the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information obtained from individuals. Changes to laws or regulations affecting privacy could impose additional costs and liability on the Company and could limit its use of such information to add value for customers. If the Company were required to change its business activities or revise or eliminate services, or to implement burdensome compliance measures, its business and results of operations could be harmed. In addition, the Company may be subject to fines, penalties, and potential litigation if it fails to comply with applicable privacy regulations, any of which could adversely affect the Company’s business, liquidity and results of operation.

 

The Company’s results of operations could be affected by natural events in the locations in which it operates or where its customers or suppliers operate.

 

The Company, its customers, and its suppliers have operations in locations subject to natural occurrences such as severe weather and other geological events, including hurricanes, earthquakes, or flood that could disrupt operations. Any serious disruption at any of the Company’s facilities or the facilities of its customers or suppliers due to a natural disaster could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and increase its costs and expenses. If there is a natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of the Company’s facilities, it could impair its ability to adequately supply its customers, cause a significant disruption to its operations, cause the Company to incur significant costs to relocate or re-establish these functions and negatively impact its operating results. While the Company intends to seek insurance against certain business interruption risks, such insurance may not adequately compensate the Company for any losses incurred as a result of natural or other disasters. In addition, any natural disaster that results in a prolonged disruption to the operations of the Company’s customers or suppliers may adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Risks Related to Regulation

 

The Company is subject to various laws relating to trade, export controls, and foreign corrupt practices, the violation of which could adversely affect its operations, reputation, business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

 

We are subject to risks associated with doing business outside of the United States, including exposure to complex foreign and U.S. regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and other anti-corruption laws which generally prohibit U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Violations of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal and civil sanctions and other penalties. It may be difficult to oversee the conduct of any contractors, third-party partners, representatives or agents who are not our employees, potentially exposing us to greater risk from their actions. If our employees or agents fail to comply with applicable laws or company policies governing our international operations, we may face legal proceedings and actions which could result in civil penalties, administration actions and criminal sanctions. Any determination that we have violated any anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse impact on our business. Changes in trade sanctions laws may restrict the Company’s business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries or with sanctioned entities.

 

Violations of these laws and regulations could result in significant fines, criminal sanctions against the Company, its officers or its employees, requirements to obtain export licenses, disgorgement of profits, cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries, prohibitions on the conduct of its business and its inability to market and sell the Company’s products or services in one or more countries. Additionally, any such violations could materially damage the Company’s reputation, brand, international expansion efforts, ability to attract and retain employees and the Company’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

 

Regulations that may be adopted with respect to the internet and electronic commerce may decrease the growth in the use of the internet and lead to the decrease in the demand for Esports’ products and services.

 

The Company may become subject to any number of laws and regulations that may be adopted with respect to the internet and electronic commerce. New laws and regulations that address issues such as user privacy, pricing, online content regulation, taxation, advertising, intellectual property, information security, and the characteristics and quality of online products and services may be enacted. As well, current laws, which predate or are incompatible with the internet and electronic commerce, may be applied and enforced in a manner that restricts the electronic commerce market. The application of such pre-existing laws regulating communications or commerce in the context of the internet and electronic commerce is uncertain. Moreover, it may take years to determine the extent to which existing laws relating to issues such as intellectual property ownership and infringement, libel and personal privacy are applicable to the internet. The adoption of new laws or regulations relating to the internet, or particular applications or interpretations of existing laws, could decrease the growth in the use of the internet, decrease the demand for esports’ products and services, increase esports’ cost of doing business or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on esports’ business, revenues, operating results and financial condition.

 

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Risks Relating to Our Common Stock, Our Warrants and the Offering

 

Once our common stock and warrants are listed on NYSE American, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with NYSE American’s continued listing standards.

 

As a condition to consummating this offering, our common stock and the warrants offered in this prospectus must be listed on the NYSE American or another national securities exchange. Accordingly, in connection with the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we intend to apply to list our common stock and warrants on the NYSE American under the symbols “XXX” and “XXX”, respectively. Assuming that our common stock and warrants are listed and after the consummation of this offering, there can be no assurance any broker will be interested in trading our stock. Therefore, it may be difficult to sell your shares of common stock or warrants if you desire or need to sell them. Our underwriters are not obligated to make a market in our securities, and even if it makes a market, it can discontinue market making at any time without notice. Neither we nor the underwriters can provide any assurance that an active and liquid trading market in our securities will develop or, if developed, that such market will continue.

 

Once our common stock and warrants are approved for listing on the NYSE American, there is no guarantee that we will be able to maintain such listing for any period of time by perpetually satisfying NYSE American’s continued listing requirements. Our failure to continue to meet these requirements may result in our securities being delisted from NYSE American.

 

The market price of our common stock and warrants is likely to be highly volatile because of several factors, including a limited public float.

 

The market price of our common stock has been volatile in the past and the market price of our common stock and our warrants is likely to be highly volatile in the future. You may not be able to resell shares of our common stock or our warrants following periods of volatility because of the market’s adverse reaction to volatility.

 

Other factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:

 

  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
     
  the absence of securities analysts covering us and distributing research and recommendations about us;
     
  we may have a low trading volume for a number of reasons, including that a large portion of our stock is closely held;

 

  overall stock market fluctuations;
     
  announcements concerning our business or those of our competitors;
     
  actual or perceived limitations on our ability to raise capital when we require it, and to raise such capital on favorable terms;
     
  conditions or trends in the industry;
     
  litigation;
     
  changes in market valuations of other similar companies;
     
  future sales of common stock;
     
  departure of key personnel or failure to hire key personnel; and
     
  general market conditions.

 

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Any of these factors could have a significant and adverse impact on the market price of our common stock and/or warrants. In addition, the stock market in general has at times experienced extreme volatility and rapid decline that has often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and/or warrants, regardless of our actual operating performance.

 

Our common stock has in the past been a “penny stock” under SEC rules, and our warrants may be subject to the “penny stock” rules in the future. It may be more difficult to resell securities classified as “penny stock.”

 

In the past (including immediately prior to this offering), our common stock was a “penny stock” under applicable SEC rules (generally defined as non-exchange traded stock with a per-share price below $5.00). While our common stock (and trading warrants) will not be considered “penny stock” following this offering since they will be listed on the NYSE American, if we are unable to maintain that listing and our common stock and warrants are no longer listed on the NYSE American, unless we maintain a per-share price above $5.00, our common stock and warrants will become “penny stock.” These rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that recommend the purchase or sale of penny stocks to persons other than those who qualify as “established customers” or “accredited investors.” For example, broker-dealers must determine the appropriateness for non-qualifying persons of investments in penny stocks. Broker-dealers must also provide, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, disclose the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, furnish monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account, provide a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser, and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction.

 

Legal remedies available to an investor in “penny stocks” may include the following:

 

  If a “penny stock” is sold to the investor in violation of the requirements listed above, or other federal or states securities laws, the investor may be able to cancel the purchase and receive a refund of the investment.
     
  If a “penny stock” is sold to the investor in a fraudulent manner, the investor may be able to sue the persons and firms that committed the fraud for damages.

 

These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock or our warrants and may affect your ability to resell our common stock and our warrants.

 

Many brokerage firms will discourage or refrain from recommending investments in penny stocks. Most institutional investors will not invest in penny stocks. In addition, many individual investors will not invest in penny stocks due, among other reasons, to the increased financial risk generally associated with these investments.

 

For these reasons, penny stocks may have a limited market and, consequently, limited liquidity. We can give no assurance at what time, if ever, our common stock or our warrants will not be classified as a “penny stock” in the future.

 

If the benefits of any proposed acquisition do not meet the expectations of investors, stockholders or financial analysts, the market price of our Common Stock may decline.

 

If the benefits of any proposed acquisition do not meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the market price of our Common Stock prior to the closing of the proposed acquisition may decline. The market values of our Common Stock at the time of the proposed acquisition may vary significantly from their prices on the date the acquisition target was identified.

 

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In addition, broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our Common Stock irrespective of our operating performance. The stock market in general has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the particular companies affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of our securities, may not be predictable. A loss of investor confidence in the market for retail stocks or the stocks of other companies which investors perceive to be similar to us could depress our stock price regardless of our business, prospects, financial conditions or results of operations. A decline in the market price of our securities also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.

 

Changes in accounting principles and guidance, or their interpretation, could result in unfavorable accounting charges or effects, including changes to our previously filed financial statements, which could cause our stock price to decline.

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These principles are subject to interpretation by the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles and guidance. A change in these principles or guidance, or in their interpretations, may have a significant effect on our reported results and retroactively affect previously reported results.

 

Being a public company results in additional expenses, diverts management’s attention and could also adversely affect our ability to attract and retain qualified directors.

 

As a public reporting company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. These requirements generate significant accounting, legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more difficult, time consuming or costly and may place significant strain on our personnel and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to establish the requisite disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, significant resources and management oversight are required.

 

As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could have an adverse and even material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These rules and regulations may also make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. If we are unable to obtain appropriate director and officer insurance, our ability to recruit and retain qualified officers and directors, especially those directors who may be deemed independent, could be adversely impacted.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” and our election to delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies may result in our financial statements not being comparable to those of some other public companies. As a result of this and other reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our securities may be less attractive to investors.

 

As a public reporting company with less than $1,070,000,000 in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of certain other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. In particular, as an emerging growth company we:

 

  are not required to obtain an attestation and report from our auditors on our management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
     
  are not required to provide a detailed narrative disclosure discussing our compensation principles, objectives and elements and analyzing how those elements fit with our principles and objectives (commonly referred to as “compensation discussion and analysis”);
     
  are not required to obtain a non-binding advisory vote from our stockholders on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements (commonly referred to as the “say-on-pay,” “say-on-frequency” and “say-on-golden-parachute” votes);

 

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  are exempt from certain executive compensation disclosure provisions requiring a pay-for-performance graph and CEO pay ratio disclosure;
     
  may present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”); and
     
  are eligible to claim longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act.

 

We intend to take advantage of all of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act. Our election to use the phase-in periods may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the phase-in periods under §107 of the JOBS Act.

 

Certain of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions were already available to us due to the fact that we also qualify as a “smaller reporting company” under SEC rules. For instance, smaller reporting companies are not required to obtain an auditor attestation and report regarding management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting; are not required to provide a compensation discussion and analysis; are not required to provide a pay-for-performance graph or Chief Executive Officer pay ratio disclosure; and may present only two years of audited financial statements and related MD&A disclosure.

 

Under the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of the above-described reduced reporting requirements and exemptions for up to five years after our initial sale of common equity pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or such earlier time that we no longer meet the definition of an emerging growth company. In this regard, the JOBS Act provides that we would cease to be an “emerging growth company” if we have more than $1,070,000,000 in annual revenues, have more than $700 million in market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion in principal amount of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. Further, under current SEC rules we will continue to qualify as a “smaller reporting company” for so long as we have a public float (i.e., the market value of common equity held by non-affiliates) of less than $75 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

We cannot predict if investors will find our securities less attractive due to our reliance on these exemptions.

 

If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, the price of our securities may be adversely affected.

 

Our internal control over financial reporting have weaknesses and conditions that require correction or remediation. For the year ended May 31, 2019 and the quarter ended August 31, 2019, we identified a material weakness in our assessment of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures. We did not effectively segregate certain accounting duties due to the small size of our accounting staff. We are dependent upon our Chief Financial Officer, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the application of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, to maintain our disclosure controls and procedures and the preparation of our financial statements for the foreseeable future. We plan to increase the size of our accounting staff at the appropriate time for our business and its size to ameliorate our concern that we do not effectively segregate certain accounting duties, which we believe would resolve the material weakness in disclosure controls and procedures, but there can be no assurances as to the timing of any such action or that we will be able to do so.

 

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We are required to comply with certain provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and if we fail to continue to comply, our business could be harmed, and the price of our securities could decline.

 

Rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act require an annual assessment of internal control over financial reporting, and for certain issuers an attestation of this assessment by the issuer’s independent registered public accounting firm. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal control over financial reporting as effective are evolving and complex, and require significant documentation, testing, and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards. We expect to incur significant expenses and to devote resources to Section 404 compliance on an ongoing basis. It is difficult for us to predict how long it will take or costly it will be to complete the assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for each year and to remediate any deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we may not be able to complete the assessment and remediation process on a timely basis. In the event that our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer determines that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective as defined under Section 404, we cannot predict how regulators will react or how the market prices of our securities will be affected; however, we believe that there is a risk that investor confidence and the market value of our securities may be negatively affected.

 

Our management team will have immediate and broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering and we may use the net proceeds in ways with which you disagree.

 

The net proceeds from this offering will be immediately available to our management to use at their discretion. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund the expansion of our operations by the acquisition and/or build-out of new gaming center locations, strategic acquisition of other companies, products or technologies, working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.” We have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds from this offering for any of the foregoing purposes. Accordingly, our management will have significant discretion and flexibility in applying the net proceeds of this offering. You will be relying on the judgment of our management with regard to the use of these net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. It is possible that the net proceeds will be invested in a way that does not yield a favorable, or any, return for us or our stockholders. The failure of our management to use such funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operation.

 

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering and may experience additional dilution in the future.

 

You will incur immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering. After giving effect to the sale by us of up to $                        in units (of which our common stock forms a part) offered in this offering, at a public offering price of $                     per unit, and after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by us, investors in this offering can expect an immediate dilution of $          per share, or %, at the assumed public offering price. We also have a large number of outstanding stock options to purchase common stock with exercise prices that are below the public offering price of our common stock. To the extent that these options are exercised, you will experience further dilution.

 

Shares eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market.

 

From time to time, certain of our stockholders may be eligible to sell all or some of their shares of common stock by means of ordinary brokerage transactions in the open market pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, subject to certain limitations. In general, pursuant to Rule 144, non-affiliate stockholders may sell freely after six months, subject only to the current public information requirement. Affiliates may sell after six months, subject to the Rule 144 volume, manner of sale (for equity securities), current public information, and notice requirements. Of the approximately                             (7,858,975 pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2019, approximately           (4,632,878 pre-reverse split) shares are tradable without restriction. Given the limited trading of our common stock, resale of even a small number of shares of our common stock pursuant to Rule 144 or an effective registration statement may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

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Our officers, directors and principal shareholders own, and will continue to own after giving effect to this offering, a controlling interest in our voting stock and investors will not have any voice in our management, which could result in decisions adverse to our general stockholders.

 

Our officers, directors and principal shareholders, in the aggregate, beneficially own or have the right to vote approximately             % of our outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis, and will continue to beneficially own after giving effect to this offering (assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option and no exercise of the warrants forming part of the units and over-allotment option), approximately or have the right to vote approximately % of our outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, have the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval including:

 

  election of our board of directors
     
  removal of any of our directors
     
  amendment of our Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws
     
  adoption of measures that could delay or prevent a change in control or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination involving us

 

As a result of their ownership and positions, our officers and directors collectively are able to influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. The interests of our officers may differ from the interests of the other stockholders, and they may influence decisions with which the other stockholders may not agree. Such decisions may be detrimental to our business plan and/or operations and they may cause our business to fail in which case you may lose your entire investment.

 

Anti-takeover provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could impair a takeover attempt.

 

The Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in our management without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions include:

 

  no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
     
  the exclusive right of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or the resignation, death, or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors;
     
  the ability of our board of directors to determine whether to issue shares of our preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer;
     
  limiting the liability of, and providing indemnification to, our directors and officers;
     
  controlling the procedures for the conduct and scheduling of stockholder meetings;
     
  providing that directors may be removed prior to the expiration of their terms by stockholders only for cause; and
     
  advance notice procedures that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company.

 

These provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers and changes in control of the Company or changes in our board of directors and management.

 

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Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our security holders to receive a premium for their securities and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our securities.

 

We have never paid dividends on our common stock and have no plans to do so in the future.

 

Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. To date, we have paid no cash dividends on our shares of common stock and we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to provide funds for operations of our business. Therefore, any return investors in our common stock may have will be in the form of appreciation, if any, in the market value of their shares of common stock. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

We will indemnify and hold harmless our officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law.

 

Our Bylaws provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless our officers and directors against claims arising from our activities, to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. If we were called upon to perform under our indemnification agreement, then the portion of our assets expended for such purpose would reduce the amount otherwise available for our business.

 

We anticipate effecting a reverse stock split of our outstanding Common Stock prior to the effective date of the registration statement (of which this prospectus forms a part). However, the reverse stock split may not increase our stock price sufficiently while the stock is trading, and we may not be able to list our Common Stock on a national securities exchange in which case we will not be able to close this offering.

 

We expect that the Reverse Stock Split will increase the market price of our Common Stock while our stock is trading and enable us to meet the minimum market price requirement of the listing rules of a national securities exchange. However, the effect of a reverse stock split upon the market price of our Common Stock cannot be predicted with certainty, and the results of reverse stock splits by companies in similar circumstances have been varied. It is possible that the market price of our Common Stock following the reverse stock split will not increase sufficiently for us to be in compliance with the minimum market price requirement of a national securities exchange (in which case we will not be able to consummate this offering), or if it does, that such price will be sustained. If we are unable to meet the minimum market price requirement prior to this offering and we are unable to list our shares on a national securities exchange, we will not be able to complete this offering. Further, if following the listing, we are unable to maintain our stock price such that it falls below the minimum stock price required by the NYSE American, our shares may be delisted.

 

Even if the Reverse Stock Split achieves the requisite increase the market price of our Common Stock, there can be no assurance that we will be approved for listing on a national securities exchange or able to comply with other continued listing standards of a national securities exchange.

 

Even if the market price of our Common Stock increases sufficiently so that we comply with the minimum market price requirement, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the other standards that we are required to meet in order to be approved for listing on a national securities exchange or maintain a listing of our Common Stock on such exchange. Our failure to meet these requirements prior to listing will result in the offering not occurring and our failure to meet these requirements following listing may result in our Common Stock being delisted from a national securities exchange.

 

The Reverse Stock Split may decrease the liquidity of the shares of our Common Stock.

 

The liquidity of the shares of our Common Stock may be affected adversely by the Reverse Stock Split given the reduced number of shares that will be outstanding following the Reverse Stock Split. In addition, the Reverse Stock Split may increase the number of shareholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares) of our Common Stock, creating the potential for such shareholders to experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and greater difficulty affecting such sales.

 

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If an active, liquid trading market for our warrants does not develop, you may not be able to sell your warrants quickly or at a desirable price.

 

The warrants forming a part of the units issued in this offering will be immediately exercisable and expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance. The warrants will have an initial exercise price per share equal to $9.96. In the event that the stock price of our common stock does not exceed the exercise price of the warrants during the period when the warrants are exercisable, the warrants may not have any value.

 

There is no established trading market for the warrants sold in this offering, and the market for the warrants may be highly volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance. We have applied for the warrants offered in this offering to be listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “XXX”. However, an active public market for our warrants may not develop or be sustained. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in our company will lead to the development of an active trading market in our warrants or how liquid that market might become. If a market does not develop or is not sustained, it may be difficult for you to sell your warrants at the time you wish to sell them, at a price that is attractive to you, or at all.

 

Holders of our warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.

 

Until you acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of your warrants, you will have no rights with respect to our common stock. Upon exercise of your warrants, you will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the units we are offering will be approximately $     million. If the underwriters fully exercise the over-allotment option, the net proceeds of the units we sell will be approximately $      million. “Net proceeds” is what we expect to receive after deducting the underwriting discount and commission and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily to fund to fund the expansion of our operations by the acquisition and/or build-out of new gaming center locations, strategic acquisition of other companies and/or esports teams, products or technologies, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The amounts that we actually spend for any specific purpose may vary significantly, and will depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the pace of progress of our research and development, market conditions, and our ability to qualify vendors. In addition, we may use a portion of any net proceeds to acquire complementary compounds; however, we do not have plans for any acquisitions at this time.

 

This expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors. As a result, our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering. We may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds from this offering for other purposes, and we will have broad discretion in the application of net proceeds from this offering.

 

Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The agreements into which we may enter in the future, including indebtedness, may impose limitations on our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions on our capital stock. Payment of future dividends on our common stock, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table shows:

 

  Our capitalization as of November 30, 2019; and
     
  On a pro forma basis, our unaudited capitalization as of November 30, 2019, as adjusted to reflect the receipt of the net proceeds from the sale by us in this offering of units, after deducting $         in estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We derived this table from, and it should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our historical and unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. You should also read this table in conjunction with “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial and Operating Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

    As of November 30, 2019  
    Actual     As Adjusted (1)  
    (unaudited)        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 647,460     $                 
Stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized and            (7,858,975 pre-reverse split) shares issued and outstanding on an actual basis, and 50,000,000 shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding on an adjusted basis, and     786          
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value 1,000,000 shares authorized and 0 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     -          
Additional paid-in capital     11,034,952          
Accumulated deficit     (4,421,528 )        
Total stockholders’ equity     6,614,210          
Total capitalization   $ 7,686,684     $  

 

(1) The number of shares of common stock to be outstanding after the offering is based on      (7,863,975 pre-reverse split), which is the number of shares outstanding on April 10, 2020, assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, and excludes:

 

                 (6,424,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $     ($10.38 pre-reverse split) per share as of April 10, 2020;
  shares of common stock issuable upon the full exercise of the warrants (forming part of the units) offered hereby; and
     
  shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter’s Warrant granted to the Underwriter upon completion of this offering.

 

MARKET PRICE FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Market Group, Inc. under the symbol “WINR.” Our warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 are currently listed on OTCQB under the symbol “WINRW.” The OTC Market is a network of security dealers who buy and sell stock. The dealers are connected by a computer network that provides information on current “bids” and “asks”, as well as volume information.

 

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On October 9, 2017, our common stock and warrants commenced public trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbols “IAM” and “IAMXW”, respectively. On November 20, 2018, we changed the symbols of our common stock and warrants to “SMSH” and “SMSHW”, respectively, in conjunction with our name change from “I-AM Capital Acquisition Company” to “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” On January 10, 2019, we changed the symbols of our common stock and warrants to “WINR” and “WINRW”, respectively, in conjunction with our name change from “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.” However, on January 25, 2019, the NASDAQ suspended our common stock and warrants from trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market and the OTCQB commenced the quotation of our common stock and warrants. On April 2, 2019, the NASDAQ Capital Market filed a Form 25 for our common stock and warrants, which became effective ten days thereafter.

 

We intend to apply to list our common stock and warrants forming part of the Units on The NYSE American (“NYSE American”) under the symbols “XXX” and “XXX,” respectively. There is no assurance that our listing application will be approved by the NYSE American. The approval of our listing on the NYSE American is a condition of closing this offering.

 

The following table includes the high and low bids for our common stock and warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 for the periods presented, since the consummation of our IPO on August 22, 2017. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. Prices in the tables below have been presented to reflect the assumed Reverse Stock Split of our outstanding shares of common stock as well as the pre-reverse stock split prices.

 

Common Stock

 

    Post-Reverse(1)     Pre-Reverse (1)  
    High     Low     High     Low  
Fiscal Year 2020                                
March 1 to April 6, 2020   $       $       $ 1.48     $ 0.80  
December 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020   $       $       $ 1.69     $ 0.80  
September 1 to November 30, 2019   $       $       $ 2.69     $ 1.50  
June 1 to August 31, 2019   $       $       $ 2.46     $ 1.32  
    $       $                    
Fiscal Year 2019   $       $                    
March 1 to May 30, 2019   $       $       $ 2.20     $ 0.56  
December 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019   $       $       $ 6.62     $ 1.23  
September 1 to November 30, 2018   $       $       $ 11.05     $ 3.15  
June 1 to August 31, 2018   $       $       $ 11.05     $ 9.86  
    $       $                    
Fiscal Year 2018   $       $                    
March 1 to May 31, 2018   $       $       $ 10.52     $ 9.90  
December 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018   $       $       $ 10.02     $ 9.80  
September 1 to November 30, 2017   $       $       $ 9.98     $ 9.80  
August 16 to August 31, 2017 (2)   $       $       $ N/A     $ N/A  

 

(1) Our common stock began separate trading on NASDAQ on October 9, 2017.
   
(2) Our common stock did not trade separately from the Public Units until October 9, 2017.

 

On April 6, 2020, the last reported sale price for our common stock on the OTCQB was $      ($1.10 pre-reverse split) per share.

 

The volume of shares of common stock traded on the OTCQB was insignificant and therefore, does not represent a reliable indication of the fair market value of these shares.

 

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Warrants

 

    Post-Reverse(1)     Pre-Reverse (1)  
    High     Low     High     Low  
Fiscal Year 2020                                
March 1 to April 6, 2020   $       $       $ 0.25     $ 0.06  
December 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020   $       $       $ 0.45     $ 0.11  
September 1 to November 30, 2019   $       $       $ 0.66     $ 0.16  
June 1 to August 31, 2019   $       $       $ 0.58     $ 0.25  
                                 
Fiscal Year 2019                                
March 1 to May 30, 2019   $       $       $ 0.49     $ 0.04  
December 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019   $       $       $ 0.52     $ 0.06  
September 1 to November 30, 2018   $       $       $ 0.46     $ 0.17  
June 1 to August 31, 2018   $               $ 0.50     $ 0.20  
                                 
Fiscal Year 2018                                
March 1 to May 31, 2018   $       $       $ 0.50     $ 0.34  
December 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018   $       $       $ 0.60     $ 0.21  
September 1 to November 30, 2017   $       $       $ 0.34     $ 0.26  
August 16 to August 31, 2017 (2)   $       $       $ N/A     $ N/A  

 

(1) Our warrants began separate trading on NASDAQ on October 9, 2017.
   
(2) Our warrants did not trade separately from the Public Units until October 9, 2017.

 

On April 6, 2020, the last reported sale price for our warrants on the OTCQB was $           ($0.12 pre-reverse split) per share.

 

The volume of warrants traded on the OTCQB was insignificant and therefore, does not represent a reliable indication of the fair market value of these warrants.

 

Holders of Common Stock

 

As of April 10, 2020, there were approximately 99 record holders of our common stock and 60 record holders of our warrants. The number of record holders does not include beneficial owners of common stock and warrants whose shares and warrants are held in the names of banks, brokers, nominees or other fiduciaries.

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business.

 

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Historical Common Equity Transactions

 

The following is a summary of transactions by us since our inception on April 17, 2017 involving registered and unregistered issuances and redemption of our common equity securities.

 

On May 31, 2017, we issued                (1,437,500 pre-reverse split) Founder Shares to Sponsor in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000. Upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on September 13, 2017,                (137,500 pre-reverse split) Founder Shares were forfeited by the Sponsor, for a balance of                (1,300,000) Founder Shares held by our Sponsor. Such securities were issued in connection with our organization pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Our sponsor is an accredited investor for purposes of Rule 501 of Regulation D. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such sales.

 

On August 22, 2017, we sold 5,000,000 units at a purchase price of $10.00 per unit in our initial public offering (“IPO”) of public units (“Public Units”), generating gross proceeds of $50.0 million. Each Public Unit consisted of one share of our Common Stock (“Public Shares”), one right to receive one-tenth of one share our Common Stock upon consummation of an initial business combination (“Public Right”), and one redeemable warrant (“Public Warrants”). Each warrant entitled the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $                ($11.50 pre-reverse split) per share, subject to adjustment.

 

On August 22, 2017, simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO and the sale of the Public Units, we consummated the private placement of 254,500 units (“Private Placement Units”) at a price of $10.00 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $2,545,000. Each unit consisted of (i) one share of Common Stock, (ii) one right receive one-tenth (1/10) of one share of Common Stock upon the consummation of an initial business combination (“Private Placement Rights”), and (iii) one 5-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $                ($11.50 pre-reverse split) per share. The Private Placement Units, which were purchased by the Sponsor, are identical to the Public Units, except the Private Placement Warrants underlying the Private Placement Units are non-redeemable and exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its affiliates or designees. If the Private Placement Units are held by someone other than the initial holder, or its permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants. The issuance of the Private Placement Units was made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On August 22, 2017, we issued                (50,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock to Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) in connection with its services as underwriter for the IPO. Such shares of Common Stock were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Contained in the underwriting agreement for the IPO was an over-allotment option allowing the underwriters to purchase from the Company up to an additional                750,000 Public Units (the “Over-Allotment Units”) and, in addition, the Company received a commitment from the Sponsor to purchase up to an additional 26,250 Private Placement Units. On September 13, 2017, the underwriters partially exercised their option and purchased 200,000 Over-Allotment Units, which were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $2,000,000.

 

On September 13, 2017, simultaneously with the underwriter’s partial exercise of the over-allotment option, we consummated the sale of an additional                (7,000 pre-reverse split) Private Placement Units, generating gross proceeds of $70,000. The issuance of additional Private Placement Units was made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On September 13, 2017, we issued Maxim an additional                (2,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock upon partial exercise of the over-allotment. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

At the Special Meeting on November 20, 2018, holders of                (4,448,260 pre-reverse split) Public Shares exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of $                ($10.2187363 pre-reverse split) per share, for an aggregate of approximately $45,455,596.

 

On November 20, 2018, we issued                (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock to AHA Holdings Private Limited as an upfront portion of the newly issued shares of our Common Stock to be exchanged for all of the ownership interest in Smaaash Private within 6 months after the closing of the Business Combination. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

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On November 20, 2018, we issued                (208,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock to Chardan Capital Markets, LLC (“Chardan”) in consideration of services rendered. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The shares issued to Chardan are subject to the same lock-up and will have the same registration rights as the shares of the Company held by the Sponsor.

 

On November 20, 2018, we issued                (520,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Public Rights.

 

On November 20, 2018, upon the consummation of the Business Combination with Smaaash Private, we issued                (26,150 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock underlying the Private Placement Rights to the holders of the Private Placement Rights. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, we issued                (300,000 pre-reverse split),                (700,000 pre-reverse split), and                (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock, respectively, to the Simplicity Owners on January 4, 2019, January 7, 2019, and March 27, 2019 in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding equity interest of Simplicity Esports LLC held by Simplicity Owners. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On January 4, 2019, upon the closing of the Acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, the Series A-1 Note in the amount of $500,000 and held by Maxim automatically converted into                (193,648 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

During the period from March 1, 2019 through July 1, 2019, we sold an aggregate of 987,500 units at a purchase price of $2.00 per unit to 12 accredited investors in exchange for receipt of $1,975,000. Each unit consisted of (i) one share of Common Stock, and (ii) a 5-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at a purchase price of $                ($4.00 pre-reverse split). We sold the units in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Jed Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors,                (120,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine month period. As of April 10, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors,                (36,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine month period. As of April 10, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Steve Grossman, President of Simplicity Esports, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of our Company at such time,                (24,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine month period. As of April 10, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

 

Each of the Restricted Stock Awards was entered into in connection with entry into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Kaplan, Franklin and Grossman on December 31, 2018. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On May 31, 2019, we issued                (100,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock to Polar in exchange for Polar Asset Management Partners Inc.’s (“Polar”) forgiveness of $143,476 owed by us to Polar under that that certain Debt Conversion Agreement entered into in May 2019 between Polar and us. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On July 30, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of a 100% interest in PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”) by way of merger, the Company issued                (750,000 pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock from the owners of PLAYlive. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act

 

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Nasdaq Delisting

 

On December 10, 2018, the Company received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Division of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company has not complied with the requirements of IM-5101-2 of the listing rules of Nasdaq (the “Listing Rules”).

 

The Notice stated that after its Business Combination, the Company had not demonstrated that its common stock met Listing Rule 5505(b)(1) that requires a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million. Additionally, the Company has not provided evidence that its common stock has at least 300 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5505(a)(3) and that its public warrant has at least 400 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5515(a)(4). Finally, the Company does not comply with Listing Rule 5515(a)(2) which requires that for initial listing of a warrant the underlying security must be listed on Nasdaq.

 

On January 7, 2019, the Company received a second written notice from Nasdaq informing it that the Company failed to comply with Listing Rule 5250(e)(2) which requires companies listed on Nasdaq to timely file notification forms for the Listing of Additional Shares (the “LAS Notification”).

 

The Company was required to submit the LAS Notification 15 days prior to the issuance of the securities, however, the Company filed the LAS Notification for the issuance of the Series A-1 Note and Series A-2 Note and for the share exchange under our Share Exchange Agreement after such 15-day periods. Nasdaq notified the Company that each of these matters serves as an additional and separate basis for delisting the Company’s securities and that the review panel will consider these matters in rendering a determination regarding the Company’s continued listing on Nasdaq.

 

The Company’s management has decided that moving from Nasdaq to the OTCQB is more appropriate for the Company at this time, while the Company builds out its planned network of retail esport centers.

 

On April 1, 2019, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it would delist the Company’s common stock and public warrants. The Company’s common stock and public warrants were previously suspended from trading on Nasdaq, effective January 25, 2019.

 

On April 2, 2019, Nasdaq filed a Notification of Removal from Listing and/or Registration under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act on Form 25 with the SEC relating to the Company’s common stock and public warrants. As a result, the Company’s common stock and public warrants were delisted from Nasdaq effective April 2, 2019.

 

The Company’s common stock and public warrants currently are quoted on the OTCQB under the symbols “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively.

 

DILUTION

 

If you invest in our units (comprised of our common stock and warrants) in this offering, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of common stock (which forms a part of a unit) and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering.

 

The net tangible book value of our common stock as of November 30, 2019 was $        or approximately $         per share after giving pro forma effect to the Reverse Stock Split of our outstanding common stock. Net tangible book value per share represents our total tangible assets less our total tangible liabilities, divided by the number of shares of common stock.

 

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Net tangible book value dilution per share of common stock in each unit to new investors represents the difference between the amount per share of common stock in each unit paid by purchasers in this offering and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after the completion of this offering, after giving pro forma effect to the Reverse Stock Split of our outstanding common stock. After giving effect to our issuance and sale of units in this offering at the public offering price of $       per unit, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our pro forma net tangible book value as of November 30, 2019 would have been $         per share after giving pro forma effect to the Reverse Stock Split of our outstanding common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $         per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $     per share to purchasers of units in this offering, as illustrated in the following table:

 

Assumed public offering price per unit         $  
Net tangible book value per share as of November 30, 2019   $          
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors   $          
Less: pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the offering           $  
Immediate dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors           $  

 

The foregoing illustration also does not reflect the dilution that would result from the exercise of any of the warrants sold in the offering.

 

The following table sets forth, as of November 30, 2019, the assumed number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders and to be paid by new investors purchasing units (of which shares of common stock form a part) in this offering, after giving pro forma effect to the new investors in this offering at the public offering price of $          per unit, together with the total consideration paid an average price per share paid by each of these groups, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

 

    Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Average
Price
 
    Number     Percent     Amount     Percent     per Share  
Existing stockholders                             %   $                            %   $           
New investors                     %   $               %   $             
Total           100.0 %   $       100.0 %   $  

 

If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full for shares of common stock at the assumed offering price, the number of shares held by new investors will increase to (assuming no exercise of the warrants), or approximately % of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding after this offering and the shares held by existing stockholders will be           (            pre-reverse split) shares of common stock but the percentage of shares held by existing stockholders will decrease to % of the total shares outstanding.

 

To the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised or any warrants or options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors.

 

The foregoing discussion and tables above do not give effect to the dilution that would result from (i)          (6,424,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of our issued and outstanding warrants at an average exercise price of $          ($10.38 pre-reverse split) per share and (ii)        shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter’s Warrant granted to the Underwriter upon completion of this offering, including the exercise of any over-allotment in full.

 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company” refers to (i) “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company” after the consummation of the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC , (ii) “Smaaash Entertainment Inc.” before the consummation of the Acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC but after the closing of the Transactions with Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, and (iii) I-AM Capital Acquisition Company prior to the closing of the Transactions with Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited. “Simplicity Esports LLC” means our wholly-owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “PLAYlive” means our wholly-owned subsidiary PLAYlive Nation, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Simplicity One” means our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One Brasil Ltda, a Brazilian limited liability company and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Smaaash Private” means Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

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Industry Overview

 

Esports is the competitive playing of video games by amateur and professional teams for cash prizes. Esports typically takes the form of organized, multiplayer video games that include real-time strategy, fighting, first-person shooter, and multiplayer online battle arena games. As of April 10, 2020, the three largest selling esports games are Dota 2®, League of Legends® (both multiplayer online battle arena games) and Counter Strike: Global Offensive® (a first-person shooter game). Other popular games include SMITE®, StarCraft II®, Call of Duty®¸ Heroes of the Storm®, Hearthstone® and Fortnite®. Most major professional esports events and a wide range of amateur esports events are broadcast live via streaming services including twitch.tv, azubu.tv, ustream.tv and youtube.com. Esports also includes games which can be played, primarily by amateurs, in multiplayer competitions on the Sony PlayStation®, Microsoft Xbox® and WII Nintendo® systems.

 

Although official competitions have long been a part of video game culture, participation and spectatorship of such events have seen a global surge in popularity over the last few years with the rapid growth of online streaming. The advent of online streaming technology has turned esports into a global industry that includes professional players and teams competing in major events that are simultaneously watched in person in stadiums, and by online viewers, which regularly exceed 1,000,000 viewers for major tournaments. According to Business Insider, over 100 million viewers saw the 2019 League of Legends® World Championships in person and online. CNBC reported in April 2019 that League of Legends® World Championships attract more viewers than the Super Bowl. Much like how there is a worldwide gaming market for the sports industry, there has now developed a worldwide gaming market for the esports industry. The impact has been so significant that many video game developers are now building features into their games designed to facilitate competition.

 

According to Newzoo, a global leader in esports, games and mobile intelligence, the total global esports audience was expected to reach 495 million in 2019, with an anticipated 27.5 million American gamers. In addition, according to Newzoo, esports produced $909 million in 2018 revenue and is projected to reach $1.1 billion in 2019. Esports enthusiasts, which are people who watch professional esports content at least once a month, made up 201.2 million of the 2018 total, up from 143.2 million in 2017. With a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) (2017-2022) of +15.7%, this number is expected to reach almost 297 million in 2022. The global average revenue per esports enthusiast, which includes not only gaming revenue, but also sponsorships advertising and all other esports related revenues, is projected to be $5.45 in 2019, up +8.9% from $5.00 in 2018. The number of occasional esports viewers, (people who watch professional esports content less than once a month), is expected to reach 252.6 million in 2019, up from 221.6 million in 2018, and is projected to grow with a CAGR of +12.6% to surpass 347 million in 2022. The number of people who are aware of esports worldwide is expected to reach 1.8 billion in 2019, up from 1.6 billion in 2018. According to Newtech Mag, China and the U.S. have the largest populations of esports fans, with Brazil ranking first in Latin America, and third globally, with 20 million fans. The increasing prominence of esports as a mainstream entertainment industry is driving the growth in awareness in most regions. Audience and awareness growth in the emerging regions of Latin America, Middle East and Africa, Southeast Asia, and Rest of Asia is largely driven by improving IT infrastructure and urbanization. We believe the rise of new franchises, such as Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds® or PubG®, is an important global growth factor as the influx of millennials should continue to drive the growth of the esports industry’s audience and in turn, the esports gaming industry.

 

In 2018, there were 737 major esports events that generated an estimated $54.7 million in ticket revenues. The total prize money of all esports events held in 2018 reached $150.8 million, after breaking the $100 million mark for the first time in 2017. The League of Legends® World Championship was 2018’s biggest tournament by live viewership hours on Twitch, with 53.8 million hours. It also produced $1.9 million in ticket revenues. The Overwatch® League was the most-watched league by live viewership hours on Twitch, generating 79.5 million hours.

 

Business Overview

 

We are a global esports organization, with an established brand, that is capitalizing on the growth in esports through three business units, Simplicity One Brasil Ltda (“Simplicity One”), Simplicity Esports, LLC (“Simplicity Esports LLC”) and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”).

 

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Our Esports Teams

 

We own and manage numerous professional esports teams domestically and internationally. Revenue is generated from prize winnings, corporate sponsorships, advertising, league subsidy payments and potential league revenue sharing payments from the publishers of video games.

 

Domestic Esports Teams – Simplicity Esports LLC

 

Through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC, we own and manage numerous professional esports teams competing in games such as Overwatch, Apex Legends, PUBG and more. We are committed to growing and enhancing the esports industry, fostering the development of amateurs to compete professionally and signing established professional gamers to support their paths to greater success.

 

International Esports Team - Simplicity One

 

Through our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One, we manage Flamengo eSports, one of the leading Brazilian League of Legends® teams. Flamengo eSports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo eSports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019, which qualified the team to compete at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world.

 

Our Gaming Centers

 

We own and operate corporate and franchise esports gaming centers, through our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive, throughout the U.S. giving casual gamers the opportunity to play in a social setting with other members of the gaming community. In addition, aspiring and established professional gamers have the opportunity to compete in local and national esports tournaments held in our gaming centers for prizes, notoriety, and potential contracts to play for one of our professional esports teams. In this business unit, revenue is generated from the sale of game time, memberships, tournament entry fees, birthday party events, corporate party events, concessions and gaming-related merchandise.

 

Our business plan encompasses a brick and click physical and digital approach to further recognize revenue from all verticals, which we believe to be unique in the industry. The physical centers, together with our esports teams, lifestyle brand and marketing campaigns offer opportunities for additional revenue via strategic partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. Our ultimate goal is to further engage a diverse fan base with a 360-degree approach driving traffic to both our digital platform and physical real estate to maximize the monetization opportunities with these relationships. In addition, we have proprietary intellectual capital, fan engagement strategies and brand development blueprints which complement our publicly available information.

 

Optimally, the esports gaming centers of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers”) will measure between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, with dozens of gaming stations. The Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will feature cutting edge technology, futuristic aesthetic décor and dynamic high-speed gaming equipment. We believe our brick-and-click strategy will present attractive opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to connect with our audience, creating an intriguing monetization opportunity for sponsors and advertisers.

 

Creating content that engages fans, sponsors and developers, while promoting our brand is one of our primary goals. Our talented team will continue to produce unique in-depth content which showcases aspects of esports for fans. We seek to reach a broad demographic encompassing the casual, amateur and professional gaming community. Our philosophy is to enhance our footprint for both endemic and non-endemic partnerships. We believe we possess a deep perception of our markets and understand the new age of branding while maintaining authenticity to the gaming community that comprises our fanbase.

 

Corporate Gaming Centers

 

Simplicity Esports LLC has already opened and is operating four corporate-owned retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Our first Simplicity Esports Gaming Center was opened on May 3, 2019. Furthermore, we have engaged a national tenant representation real estate broker to assist in the strategic planning and negotiations for our future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center locations. We contemplate that new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will be funded by us as well as a combination of tenant improvement allowances from landlords and sponsorships.

 

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Franchised Gaming Centers

 

Due to unsolicited interest from potential franchisees, we have launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly-owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and operate gaming centers. Franchise revenue is generated from the sale of franchise territories, supplying furniture, equipment and merchandise to the franchisees for buildout of their centers, a gross sales royalty fee and a national marketing fee. We license the use of our branding, assist in identifying and negotiating commercial locations, assist in overseeing the buildout and development, provide access to proprietary software for point of sale, inventory management, employee training and other HR functions. Franchisees also have the opportunity to participate in our national esports tournament events, and benefit from the growing profile of our professional esports teams. Once an esports gaming center is opened, we provide operational guidance, support and use of branding elements in exchange for a monthly royalty fee calculated as 6% of gross sales and a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales. To date, we have sold five of these franchises.

 

The combination of the esports gaming centers, owned or franchised by our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC or PLAYlive, provides us with what we believe will be the largest footprint of esports gaming centers in North America. Over the next 12 months, existing PLAYlive esports gaming centers will be rebranded to Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All newly opened franchise esports gaming centers will be branded as Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All gaming centers in our footprint will be participating venues in our national esports tournaments.

 

Our Stream Team

 

The Simplicity Esports LLC stream team encompasses over 50 commentators (commonly known as “casters”), influencers and personalities who connect to a dedicated fan base. Our electric group of live personalities represent our organization to the fullest with their own unique style. We are proud to support and present a diverse group of gamers as we engage fans across a multiple of esports genres. Our Twitch affiliation has enabled our stream team influences to reach a broad fan base. Additionally, we have created several niches within the streaming community which has enabled us to engage fans within certain titles on a 24/7 basis. Our notoriety in the industry is evidenced by our audience that views millions of minutes of Simplicity Esports’ content monthly, via various social media outlets including YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. Through Simplicity Esports LLC, we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.

 

Material Acquisitions and Licensing

 

Acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC

 

On January 4, 2019, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by that certain share exchange agreement, dated December 21, 2018 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 28, 2018 and by Amendment No. 2 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 30, 2018, the “Share Exchange Agreement”) by and among the Company, Simplicity Esports, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Simplicity Esports LLC”), each of the equity holders of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Owners”) and Jed Kaplan, in the capacity as the representative of the Simplicity Owners (the “Representative”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement the Simplicity Owners transferred all the issued and outstanding equity interests of Simplicity Esports LLC to the Company in exchange for an aggregate of             (3,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock of the Company (the “Simplicity Esports Acquisition”). As of January 4, 2019, upon the completion of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, esports gaming became the primary business of the Company.

 

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The acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC created a pure play esports team and entertainment platform opportunity, which we believe will increase shareholder value and boost our growth strategy as we endeavor the build out of our brick and mortar Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Through Simplicity Esports LLC, the Company has begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience.

 

Acquisition of PLAYlive

 

On July 30, 2019, we acquired a 100% interest in PLAYlive by way of merger pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 25, 2019, whereby we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of PLAYlive from the selling stockholders (“PLAYlive Stockholders”) of PLAYlive in exchange for         (750,000 shares pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock. Following this merger, PLAYlive became our wholly owned subsidiary. On the closing date of this merger, each of the PLAYlive Stockholders entered into a one-year lock-up agreement with the Company and each of Duncan Wood, Jordan C. Jenson, and Alec T. Carpenter entered into an employment agreement with PLAYlive.

 

Licensing of Flamengo Esports

 

Effective January 20, 2020, Simplicity One entered into an Exclusive Trademark and Symbol Use License Agreement, and Other Covenants (the “License Agreement”), dated November 5, 2019 with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (one of the most successful Brazilian sports organizations, known for its world-famous soccer team), whereby Clube de Regatas do Flamengo agreed to exclusively license its intellectual property rights (“Flamengo IP Rights”) to Simplicity One (an entity which the Company and Team One E-Sports Ltda – ME own a 90% and 10% equity interest in, respectively), authorizing Simplicity One to use the Flamengo IP Rights on a League of Legends team in esports as well as in other modalities in esports, which will be maintained and assembled by Simplicity One during the term of the Licensing Agreement. The Company has appointed Fred Tannure to act as Simplicity One’s General Manager. The License Agreement has a term of three years, beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2022, and may be renewed by mutual written agreement by the parties. In exchange for the exclusive license, the Company shall pay Clube de Regatas do Flamengo an annual fee for the first, second and third year in the amount of US$32,882 (Reais$170,000.00),      US$35,784 (Reais$185,000.00), and    US$38,685      (Reais$200,000.00), respectively, as well as the payment of royalties in the amount of 8% of the gross revenues (less taxes) of the eSports teams pursuant to the terms of the Licensing Agreement. If either party unilaterally terminates the Agreement or gives rise to certain termination grounds set forth in the Agreement, the terminating party will pay the other party a non-compensatory fine in the amount of approximately $23,870 (Reais $100,000) to indemnify the other party, without prejudice to any losses or damages that exceed such amount.

 

Flamengo Esports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo Esports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019 and competed at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world.

 

Equity Line

 

On March 12, 2020, the Company entered into an Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Triton Funds LP (“Selling Stockholder”), dated as of March 11, 2020, pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the Selling Stockholder is committed to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an aggregate price of up to $500,000 (the “Maximum Commitment Amount”) over the course of the commitment period which ends on the earlier of (i) the date on which the Selling Stockholder purchases the Maximum Commitment Amount and (ii) December 31, 2020 (the “Equity Line”). In connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company registered the resale of up to              (725,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock issuable under the Equity Line in the amount of the Maximum Commitment Amount pursuant to a registration statement declared effective by the SEC on March 30, 2020. In addition, in connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue, and issued on March 11, 2020,             (5,000 pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s Common Stock to Selling Stockholder as a donation.

 

Corporate History

 

Formation

 

We were initially a blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 17, 2017 under the name I-AM Capital Acquisition Company. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Although we were not limited to a particular industry or geographic region for purposes of consummating a business combination, we focused on businesses with a connection to India. On November 20, 2018, we changed our name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. On January 2, 2019, we changed our name from Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.

 

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Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited

 

Business Combination

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company and Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India (“Smaaash Private”), consummated the transactions (the “Transactions” or the “Business Combination”) contemplated by the share subscription agreement (as amended, the “Subscription Agreement”), following the approval at the special meeting of the stockholders of the Company held on November 9, 2018 (the “Special Meeting”).

 

Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, the purchase price of $150,000 was paid by the Company to Smaaash Private in exchange for 294,360 newly issued equity shares of Smaaash Private at the closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”), representing less than 1% of Smaaash Private at such time.

 

At the time of the Closing, AHA Holdings Private Limited (“AHA Holdings”) and Shripal Morakhia (together with AHA Holdings, the “Smaaash Founders”) agreed to transfer all of their ownership interest in Smaaash Private (the “Additional Smaaash Shares”) to the Company in exchange for newly issued shares of our Common Stock (the “Transferred Company Shares”). In furtherance of the foregoing, at the Closing, the Company issued an aggregate of              (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of its common stock to the Smaaash Founders as an upfront portion of the Transferred Company Shares (the “Upfront Company Shares”). In connection with the issuance of the Upfront Company Shares, the Company and the Smaaash Founders entered into an escrow agreement pursuant to which the Upfront Company Shares would be held in escrow and will be either, (i) if the Additional Smaaash Shares are not transferred in full to the Company within the designated six-month period, cancelled, or (ii) if the Additional Smaaash Shares are transferred in full to the Company within the designated six-month period, released from escrow and the number of Upfront Company Shares will be deducted from the Transferred Company Shares that will be issued to the Smaaash Founders upon the delivery of the Additional Smaaash Shares. Pursuant to the terms of the escrow agreement, the Upfront Company Shares have been cancelled because the Additional Smaaash Shares were not transferred in full to the Company in the designated six-month period.

 

In connection with the Closing, the Company changed its name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment Inc., changed its stock symbols for its Common Stock, Public Rights, and Public Warrants to “IAM,” “IAMXR” and “IAMXW,” respectively, and entered into a master franchise agreement (“Master Franchise Agreement”) and a master license and distribution agreement (“Master Distribution Agreement”) with Smaaash Private. After the Closing, the Company’s primary assets consisted of shares in Smaaash Private and the rights granted under the Master Franchise Agreement and the Master Distribution Agreement.

 

Business of Smaaash Private

 

At the time of closing of the Smaaash transaction, Smaaash Private operated 40 state-of-the-art games and entertainment centers (“Smaaash Centers”), including 39 Smaaash Centers in India and one international Smaaash Center in the U.S., in addition to carrying out product sales of its games and equipment that Smaaash has developed in-house, supported by its sponsorship and other revenues.

 

Smaaash Private’s core concept was to offer an interactive, immersive and fun experience to customers at its Smaaash Centers, blending Augmented Reality (“AR”) and Virtual Reality (“VR”) and other games, indoor entertainment, and attractive food and beverage options, customized to the tastes and preferences of a diverse set of customers across age groups, genders and backgrounds, including corporate customers, families, friends and children. Smaaash Private’s game concepts are supported by its in-house technology, value engineering and systems integration capabilities.

 

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Master Franchise Agreement

 

Under the Master Franchise Agreement, Smaaash Private has granted to the Company an exclusive right to establish and operate Smaaash Centers (as defined under the Master Franchise Agreement) and to sublicense the right to establish and operate Smaaash Centers to third party franchisees, and a license to use the products and other services developed by Smaaash Private with respect to the Smaaash Centers, in the United States (“Territory”). Further, Smaaash Private has granted to the Company the limited license to use the Trademarks of Smaaash Private (as set out in the Master Franchise Agreement) for the purposes of establishing and operating the Smaaash Centers in the Territory. The Master Franchise Agreement has been executed on an arms’ length basis between Smaaash Private and the Company.

 

On November 29, 2018, the Company and Smaaash Private executed an addendum to the Master Franchise Agreement (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, Smaaash Private grants the Company the exclusive rights to set up family and entertainment centers under the name “Total Sports Center” in the United States (“Total Sports Centers”) in which 51% of the investment will be borne by the Company and 49% by Smaaash Private. Smaaash Private will be responsible for identifying the locations for setting up, managing and controlling the Total Sports Centers and will carry out all the fit out requirements for such centers. Smaaash Private will also appoint the management team for the centers. Smaaash Private will be entitled to 3% of the net revenue of each center, subject to conditions to be confirmed by the parties.

 

Master License and Distribution Agreement

 

Under the Master Distribution Agreement, Smaaash Private has granted to the Company an exclusive right to purchase from Smaaash Private specialized video game equipment and products related to sports and recreational activities (“Products”) in the territory under the brand name of Smaaash Private and sell them with a 15% markup to the customers which will be the sub-franchisees of the Company who will operate the Smaaash Centers, as specified in the Master Franchise Agreement.

 

Shift of Business Focus to Esports Gaming

 

Following the January 2019 acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC described below, we determined to shift our current primary focus to esports gaming. Accordingly, we did not generate any revenues from Smaaash in 2019. The Master Franchise Agreement, as amended, and the Master Distribution Agreement continue in full force and effect, however, and we may now or in the future pursue Smaaash Private business opportunities.

 

Polar and K2

 

On November 2, 2018, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with each of Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (“Polar”) and K2 Principal Fund L.P. (“K2”), pursuant to which Polar and K2 agreed to sell up to        (490,000 pre-reverse split) and              (220,000 pre-reverse split) shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the transactions at a price of $             ($11.23 pre-reverse split) contemplated by the share subscription agreement with Smaaash Private.

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company, Polar, K2 and the Escrow Agent, entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”), pursuant to which, among other things, the stock purchase agreements with Polar and K2 were amended to (x) reduce the purchase price per share payable by the Company at the closing of the Stock Sales from $       ($11.23 pre-reverse split) per share to (1) first $      ($6.00 pre-reverse split) per share up to 20% of the original number of Shares (as defined in the respective Purchase Agreement), (2) then $      ($5.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (3) then $       ($4.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (4) then $         ($3.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, and (5) then $         ($2.00 pre-reverse split) per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (y) to extend the outside date of the closing of the Stock Sales until January 18, 2019, and (z) to authorize the issuance of $3,542,700 and $1,590,600 from the Escrow Account to Polar and K2, respectively, as partial payment for the Shares prior to the final closing of the Stock Sales.

 

The Amendment also included provisions regarding the reduction of the exercise price and amendment of redemption provisions of the Company’s Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants. On August 18, 2019, the Company held a special meeting of its public warrant holders to approve the foregoing. However, these proposals were not approved by the requisite votes.

 

Acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC

 

In connection with the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, the Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of             (300,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock at the closing on January 4, 2019, an additional aggregate of                 (700,000 pre-reverse split) shares of common stock on January 7, 2019 and the remaining (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares in March of 2019.

 

In connection with the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, on January 2, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate Amendment”) with the Delaware Secretary of State to change the Company’s name from “Smaaash Entertainment, Inc.” to “Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.” In addition, the Company changed the ticker symbols of its common stock and public warrants to “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively, and commenced trading of its common stock and public warrants under such new ticker symbols on the OTCQB on January 10, 2019.

 

NYSE Listing, Reverse Stock Split and Increase in Authorized Shares of Common Stock

 

We intend to apply to list of our common stock and warrants on the NYSE American. If our application to the NYSE American is not approved or we otherwise determine that we will not be able to secure the listing of the common stock and warrants on the NYSE American, we will not complete the offering.

 

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In order to obtain NYSE American listing approval, we have recently filed a proxy statement with the SEC calling for a special meeting of our shareholders to be held on                 , 2020 for the purpose of having our shareholders approve (i) a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock in the range from one-for-two (1-for-2) to one-for-fifteen (1-for-15), which ratio is to be selected by the board of directors and (ii) an increase in our authorized shares of common stock from 20,000,000 to 50,000,000 shares of common stock. The board of directors anticipates setting the ratio of the reverse stock split, and the reverse stock split becoming effective following approval of the board of directors and stockholders of the Company and approval by FINRA of the reverse stock split and increase in authorized shares prior to the effective date of the registration statement (of which this prospectus forms a part).

 

Except as otherwise indicated and except in our financial statements and the notes thereto, all references to our common stock, share data, per share data and related information depict an assumed reverse stock split ratio of 1-for- (“Reverse Stock Split”) as if it was effective and as if it had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The Reverse Stock Split, when effective, will combine each         shares of our outstanding common stock into one share of common stock, without any change in the par value per share, and the Reverse Stock Split correspondingly will adjust, among other things, the exercise rate of our warrants and options into our common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, and any fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

 

Employees

 

As of April 10, 2020, we had eleven full-time employees and three part-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a union. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. To the knowledge of our management, there are no legal proceedings currently pending against us which we believe would have a material effect on our business, financial position or results of operations and, to the best of our knowledge, there are no such legal proceedings contemplated or threatened.

 

Properties

 

We lease approximately 250 rentable square feet of office space from an unaffiliated third party for our corporate office located at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 505, Boca Raton, Florida 33433. This lease expires on June 1, 2022. Terms of the office lease provide for a base rent payment of $800 per month. We also lease approximately 1,200 rentable square feet of retail space from an unaffiliated third party for our Boca Raton Simplicity Esports Gaming Center. This lease expires in 2024. Terms of the retail lease provide for a base rent payment of $2,200 per month and a share of the buildings operating expenses such as taxes and maintenance of $760 per month. We also lease approximately 1,500 rentable square feet of retail space from an unaffiliated third party for our DeLand Simplicity Esports Gaming Center. This lease expires in 2024. Terms of the retail lease provide for a gross lease of $2,500 per month. We also lease approximately 3,000 rentable square feet of retail space from an unaffiliated third party for our Redmond Simplicity Esports Gaming Center. The lease expires in 2022. The terms of the retail lease provide for a base rent of $6,500 per month. The lease expires in 2025. We believe that these facilities are adequate for our current and near-term future needs.

 

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

 

References in this prospectus to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, formerly known as Smaaash Entertainment Inc. and prior to that as I-AM Capital Acquisition Company. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

We are a global esports organization, with an established brand, that is capitalizing on the growth in esports through three business units, Simplicity One Brasil Ltda (“Simplicity One”), Simplicity Esports, LLC (“Simplicity Esports LLC”) and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”).

 

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Our Esports Teams

 

We own and manage numerous professional esports teams domestically and internationally. Revenue is generated from prize winnings, corporate sponsorships, advertising, league subsidy payments and potential league revenue sharing payments from the publishers of video games.

 

Domestic Esports Teams – Simplicity Esports LLC

 

Through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC, we own and manage numerous professional esports teams competing in games such as Overwatch, Apex Legends, PUBG and more. We are committed to growing and enhancing the esports industry, fostering the development of amateurs to compete professionally and signing established professional gamers to support their paths to greater success.

 

International Esports Team - Simplicity One

 

Through our 90% owned subsidiary Simplicity One, we manage Flamengo eSports, one of the leading Brazilian League of Legends® teams. Flamengo eSports was established in 2017 as the Esports division of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a successful Brazilian sports organization, known for its world-famous soccer team. Flamengo eSports’ League of Legends® team won the CBLoL Championship in September 2019, which qualified the team to compete at the 2019 League of Legends® World Championship in Europe as one of 24 teams from 13 different regions around the world.

 

Our Gaming Centers

 

We own and operate corporate and franchise esports gaming centers, through our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC and PLAYlive, throughout the U.S. giving casual gamers the opportunity to play in a social setting with other members of the gaming community. In addition, aspiring and established professional gamers have the opportunity to compete in local and national esports tournaments held in our gaming centers for prizes, notoriety, and potential contracts to play for one of our professional esports teams. In this business unit, revenue is generated from the sale of game time, memberships, tournament entry fees, birthday party events, corporate party events, concessions and gaming-related merchandise.

 

Our business plan encompasses a brick and click physical and digital approach to further recognize revenue from all verticals, which we believe to be unique in the industry. The physical centers, together with our esports teams, lifestyle brand and marketing campaigns offer opportunities for additional revenue via strategic partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic brands. Our ultimate goal is to further engage a diverse fan base with a 360-degree approach driving traffic to both our digital platform and physical real estate to maximize the monetization opportunities with these relationships. In addition, we have proprietary intellectual capital, fan engagement strategies and brand development blueprints which complement our publicly available information.

 

Optimally, the esports gaming centers of Simplicity Esports LLC (“Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers”) will measure between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet, with dozens of gaming stations. The Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will feature cutting edge technology, futuristic aesthetic décor and dynamic high-speed gaming equipment. We believe our brick-and-click strategy will present attractive opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to connect with our audience, creating an intriguing monetization opportunity for sponsors and advertisers.

 

Creating content that engages fans, sponsors and developers, while promoting our brand is one of our primary goals. Our talented team will continue to produce unique in-depth content which showcases aspects of esports for fans. We seek to reach a broad demographic encompassing the casual, amateur and professional gaming community. Our philosophy is to enhance our footprint for both endemic and non-endemic partnerships. We believe we possess a deep perception of our markets and understand the new age of branding while maintaining authenticity to the gaming community that comprises our fanbase.

 

Corporate Gaming Centers

 

Simplicity Esports LLC has already opened and is operating four corporate-owned retail Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers. Our first Simplicity Esports Gaming Center was opened on May 3, 2019. Furthermore, we have engaged a national tenant representation real estate broker to assist in the strategic planning and negotiations for our future Simplicity Esports Gaming Center locations. We contemplate that new Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers will be funded by us as well as a combination of tenant improvement allowances from landlords and sponsorships.

 

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Franchised Gaming Centers

 

Due to unsolicited interest from potential franchisees, we have launched a franchising program to accelerate the expansion of our planned nationwide footprint. We sell specific franchise territories, through our wholly-owned subsidiary PLAYlive, and assist with the establishment and buildout of esports gaming centers to potential business owners that desire to use our branding, infrastructure and process to open and operate gaming centers. Franchise revenue is generated from the sale of franchise territories, supplying furniture, equipment and merchandise to the franchisees for buildout of their centers, a gross sales royalty fee and a national marketing fee. We license the use of our branding, assist in identifying and negotiating commercial locations, assist in overseeing the buildout and development, provide access to proprietary software for point of sale, inventory management, employee training and other HR functions. Franchisees also have the opportunity to participate in our national esports tournament events, and benefit from the growing profile of our professional esports teams. Once an esports gaming center is opened, we provide operational guidance, support and use of branding elements in exchange for a monthly royalty fee calculated as 6% of gross sales and a national marketing fee of 1% of gross sales. To date, we have sold five of these franchises.

 

The combination of the esports gaming centers, owned or franchised by our wholly owned subsidiaries Simplicity Esports LLC or PLAYlive, provides us with what we believe will be the largest footprint of esports gaming centers in North America. Over the next 12 months, existing PLAYlive esports gaming centers will be rebranded to Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All newly opened franchise esports gaming centers will be branded as Simplicity Esports gaming centers. All gaming centers in our footprint will be participating venues in our national esports tournaments.

 

Our Stream Team

 

The Simplicity Esports LLC stream team encompasses over 50 commentators (commonly known as “casters”), influencers and personalities who connect to a dedicated fan base. Our electric group of live personalities represent our organization to the fullest with their own unique style. We are proud to support and present a diverse group of gamers as we engage fans across a multiple of esports genres. Our Twitch affiliation has enabled our stream team influences to reach a broad fan base. Additionally, we have created several niches within the streaming community which has enabled us to engage fans within certain titles on a 24/7 basis. Our notoriety in the industry is evidenced by our audience that views millions of minutes of Simplicity Esports’ content monthly, via various social media outlets including YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. Through Simplicity Esports LLC, we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry.

 

Our Financial Position

 

For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, we generated revenues of $37,995 and $0, respectively, and reported net losses of $3,565,272 and $8,862, respectively, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,395,255 and $470,153, respectively. For the six months ended November 30, 2019, we generated revenues of $319,991, reported a net loss of $846,722, and had negative cash flow from operating activities of $835,796. As noted in our consolidated financial statements, as of November 30, 2019, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $4,421,528. We anticipate that we will continue to report losses and negative cash flow. Our auditors have raised substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern as a result of our historical recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations as well as our dependence on private equity and financings. See “Risk Factors—We have a history of operating losses and our auditors have indicated that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.”

 

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Results of Operations

 

Our only activities from April 17, 2017 (date of inception) through November 20, 2018 were organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the IPO, which was consummated on August 22, 2017, and identifying a target company for a business combination. Following the IPO through and after our business combination, we had not generated any operating revenues.

 

Following the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC, the Company began generating revenue and incurring additional expenses.

 

Segment and Related Information

 

Historically, the Company had one operating segment. However, with the acquisition of PLAYlive and the opening of two Company-owned retail stores, the Company’s operations are now managed through three operating segments: Franchise royalties and license fees, Company-owned stores and Esports revenue. These three operating segments and corporate are presented below as its reportable segments.

 

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments for the six months ended November 30, 2019 is shown in the following table:

 

    Revenues     Net
Loss
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Capital
Expenditures
    Goodwill     Total
Assets
 
                                     
Franchise royalties and license fees   $ 247,000     $ (9,000 )   $ 2,000     $ -     $ 2,226,000     $ 3,147,000  
Company-owned stores     50,000       (142,000 )     19,000       153,000       -       558,000  
Esports revenue     23,000       (97,000 )     103,000       3,000       4,456,000       5,890,000  
Corporate     -       (607,000 )     -       -       -       569,000  
Total   $ 320,000     $ (855,000 )   $ 124,000     $ 156,000     $ 6,682,000     $ 10,164,000  

 

Summary of Statement of Operations for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

Other Income

 

We generated $2,305 of non-operating income, $457 of interest income, $6,675 in interest expense and $8,523 in debt forgiveness income, for the three months ended November 30, 2019, as compared to $163,694 of interest income, $0 of interest expense and $0 in debt forgiveness income for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

 

Revenue

 

The Company’s revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2019 was $245,498, a 100% increase over the November 30, 2018 revenue of $0. This increase is due to the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC and PLAYlive.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2019 was $819,305 as compared to $3,139,567 for the three months ended November 30, 2018, a decrease of $2,320,262. The change is primarily attributable to the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC and PLAYlive. The selling, general and administrative expenses of Simplicity Esports, LLC consist primarily of payroll and related costs, operating costs, stock based compensation, professional services, rent and depreciation and amortization. The selling, general and administrative expenses of PLAYlive consist primarily of payroll and related costs, operating costs, computer and software related costs and rent. The general and administrative costs for the three months ended November 30, 2018 consisted primarily of stock-based compensation and legal fees.

 

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Net Loss

 

Net loss for the three months ended November 30, 2019 was $563,329, as compared to net loss of $2,975,873 for the three months ended November 30, 2018.

 

Summary of Statement of Operations for the Six Months Ended November 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

Other Income

 

We generated $83,372 of non-operating income, $2,961 of interest income, $13,350 in interest expense and $93,731 in debt forgiveness income, for the six months ended November 30, 2019 as compared to $401,418 of interest income, $0 in interest expense and $0 in debt forgiveness income for the six months ended November 30, 2018.

 

Revenue

 

The Company’s revenue for the six months ended November 30, 2019 was $319,991, a 100% increase over the November 30, 2018 revenue of $0. This increase is due to the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC and PLAYlive.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for the six months ended November 30, 2019 was $1,258,257 as compared to $3,381,602 for the six months ended November 30, 2018, a decrease of $2,123,345. The change is primarily attributable to the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC and PLAYlive. The selling, general and administrative expenses of Simplicity Esports, LLC consist primarily of payroll and related costs, operating costs, stock based compensation, professional services, rent and depreciation and amortization. The selling, general and administrative expenses of PLAYlive consist primarily of payroll and related costs, operating costs, computer and software related costs and rent. The general and administrative costs for the six months ended November 30, 2018 consisted primarily of stock-based compensation and legal fees. For the six months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 general and administrative Expenses included non-cash expenses of $277,241 and $2,125,000, respectively. For the six months ended November 30, 2019 non-cash expenses consisted of depreciation, amortization and common shares issued for services. For the six months ended November 30, 2018 non-cash expenses consisted of common shares issued for services.

 

Net Loss

 

Net loss for the six months ended November 30, 2019 was $846,722, as compared to net loss of $2,980,184 for the six months ended November 30, 2018.

 

Summary of Statement of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

Other Income

 

We generated $403,984 of non-operating income in the form of interest income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 as compared to $521,702 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018.

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had debt forgiveness income of $369,206 and $0, respectively. The debt forgiveness income in 2019 was primarily due to the exchange notes with Maxim. The original Maxim promissory note was $1,800,000 and this was exchanged for two convertible notes totaling $1,500,000. Also, in December 2018, one of the convertible notes was converted into 193,648 shares of common stock.

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company incurred $23,268 and $0, respectively, of interest expense. The interest expense in 2019 was incurred due to the notes payable to Maxim and the loan payable to a related party.

 

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Revenue

 

The Company’s revenue for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 was $37,995, a 100% increase over the revenue of $0 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. This increase is due to the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 was $4,353,189 as compared to $530,564 for fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, an increase of $3,822,625. The change is primarily attributable to two events, first the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC. The selling, general and administrative expenses of this new acquisition consist primarily of payroll and related costs, stock-based compensation and professional services. Second the issuance of shares for services in November 2018.

 

Net Loss

 

Net loss for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 was $3,565,272, as compared to net loss of $8,862, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The completion of the Initial Public Offering and simultaneous Private Placement, inclusive of the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option, generated gross proceeds to the Company of $54,615,000. Related transaction costs amounted to approximately $3,838,000, consisting of $3,360,000 of underwriting fees, including $1,820,000 of deferred underwriting commissions payable (which was held in the Trust Account) and $478,000 of Initial Public Offering costs.

 

Following the Initial Public Offering and the underwriter’s partial exercise of the over-allotment option, a total of $52,780,000 was placed in the Trust Account and we had $552,190 of cash held outside of the Trust Account, after payment of all costs related to the Initial Public Offering.

 

On November 20, 2018, in connection with the closing of our initial Business Combination, the funds in the Trust Account were used for, among other things, the following:

 

  $45,455,596 to redeem                (4,448,260 pre-reverse split) shares;
  $7,255,306 to fund the escrow agreement for Polar and K2;
  $150,000 to fund our investment in Smaaash.

 

As of May 31, 2019, we had no cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account.

 

As of May 31, 2019, we had cash of $1,540,158, which is available for use by us to cover the costs associated with due diligence procedures and other general corporate purposes. In addition, as of May 31, 2019, we had accrued expenses of $691,940.

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019, cash used in operating activities amounted to $1,395,256, mainly resulting from a net loss of $3,565,272, offset by stock issued for services of $2,170,110. Changes in our operating liabilities and assets generated cash of $532,120. Cash used in investing activities amounted to $195,824, mainly resulting from a write off of a cost method investment of $150,000 and the purchase of property and equipment of $122,529, offset by $75,930 of cash acquired in the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC. Cash provided from financing activities amounted to $2,673,175, mainly resulting from the sale of common stock of $1,925,000 and the net effect of the settlement of the redeemable common stock obligation of $736,000.

 

As of November 30, 2019, we had cash of $647,460, which is available for use by us to cover the Company’s expenses, including those associated with due diligence procedures and other general corporate purposes. In addition, as of November 30, 2019, we had accrued expenses of $602,839.

 

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For the six months ended November 30, 2019, cash used in operating activities amounted to $835,796, primarily resulting from net loss of $854,894, a decrease of $97,624 of accrued expenses, an increase of accounts receivable of $67,971 and an addback of debt forgiveness income of $85,238, offset by stock issued for services of $153,000, and amortization and depreciation expense of $123,960. Changes in our operating liabilities and assets used cash of $172,635.

 

We will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business.

 

Off-balance sheet financing arrangements

 

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit at November 30, 2019, a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the reporting period then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company has commenced operations and has begun to generate revenue; however, the Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support the Company’s daily operations. Management intends to raise additional funds by way of a private or public offering. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to generate sufficient revenue and in its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenue and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering.

 

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Equity Line

 

On March 12, 2020, the Company entered into an Common Stock Purchase Agreement with Triton Funds LP (“Selling Stockholder”), dated as of March 11, 2020, pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the Selling Stockholder is committed to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an aggregate price of up to $500,000 (the “Maximum Commitment Amount”) over the course of the commitment period which ends on the earlier of (i) the date on which the Selling Stockholder purchases the Maximum Commitment Amount and (ii) December 31, 2020 (the “Equity Line”). In connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company registered the resale of up to                 (725,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock issuable under the Equity Line in the amount of the Maximum Commitment Amount pursuant to a registration statement declared effective by the SEC on March 30, 2020. In addition, in connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue, and issued on March 11, 2020,           (5,000 pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s Common Stock to Selling Stockholder as a donation.

 

Contractual obligations

 

We do not have any long-term capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities, except as follows:

 

Attorney Settlement Agreement

 

In March of 2019, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with its prior attorney. The settlement agreement called for $200,000 to be paid upon signing the settlement agreement and then another approximate $525,000 to be paid over time. As of April 10, 2020, the Company owes this attorney approximately $300,000.

 

Maxim Settlement Agreement

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) with Maxim Group LLC, the underwriter for the Company’s IPO (“Maxim”). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $20,000 to Maxim and issued a demand secured promissory note in favor of Maxim in the amount of $1.8 million (the “Note”) to settle the payment obligations of the Company under the underwriting agreement dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company and Maxim. The Company also agreed to remove the restrictive legends on an aggregate of           (52,000 pre-reverse split) shares of its common stock held by Maxim and its affiliate. The Note was surrendered and exchanged pursuant to the securities exchange agreement described below.

 

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Maxim Exchange Agreement

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company entered into a securities exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) with Maxim. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, Maxim agreed to surrender and exchange the Note in the amount of $1.8 million which was issued to Maxim pursuant to the Settlement Agreement (discussed immediately above). In exchange, the Company issued to the Maxim a Series A-1 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Series A-1 Note”) and a Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Series A-2 Note,” and collectively with Series A-1 Note, the “Exchange Notes”).

 

As of December 31, 2018, upon the closing of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, the Series A-1 Note automatically converted into            (193,648 pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Series A-2 Note bears interest at 2.67% per annum, payable quarterly and has a maturity date of June 20, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”). The Company may pay the interest in cash or at its sole discretion, in shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. However, the Company may only pay the interest in shares of its common stock if (i) all the equity conditions specified in the note (“Equity Conditions”) have been met (unless waived by the Holder in writing) during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the interest payment date (“Interest Notice Period”), (ii) the Company has provided proper notice pursuant to the terms of the note and (iii) the Company has delivered to the Holder’s account certain number of shares of its common stock to be applied against such interest payment prior to (but no more than five trading days before) the Interest Notice Period.

 

The Series A-2 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock (“Conversion Shares”) at an initial conversion price of $           ($1.93 pre-reverse split) per share, subject to adjustment for any stock dividends and splits, rights offerings, distributions, combinations or similar transactions. Upon the Maturity of the Series A-2 Note, the conversion price will be automatically adjusted to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect and (ii) the greater of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the notice of conversion and $           ($0.50 pre-reverse split) . The Holder may convert the Series A-2 Note at any time, in whole or in part, provided that upon receipt of a notice of conversion from the Holder, the Company has the right to repay all or any portion of the Series A-2 Note included in the notice of conversion.

 

Additionally, the Series A-2 Note will automatically convert into shares of the Company’s common stock on the Maturity Date provided that (i) no event of default then exists, and (ii) each of the Equity Conditions have been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the 20 trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the automatic conversation date.

 

At any time prior to the Maturity Date, the Company may also elect to redeem some or all of the outstanding principal amount for cash in an amount (the “Optional Redemption Amount”) equal to the sum of (a) 100% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note, (b) accrued but unpaid interest and (c) all liquidated damages and other amounts due in respect of the note (the “Optional Redemption”). The Company may only effect an Optional Redemption if each of the Equity Conditions have been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the period commencing on the date when the notice of the Optional Redemption is delivered to the date of the Optional Redemption and through and including the date payment of the Optional Redemption Amount is actually made in full.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Series A-2 Note, including, without limitation, an Optional Redemption, the Company may not prepay any portion of the principal amount of the note without the prior written consent of the Holder.

 

The Company is not permitted to convert any portion of the Series A-2 Note if doing so results in the Holder beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after giving effect to such conversion, provided that on 61 days’ prior written notice from the Holder to the Company, that percentage may increase to 9.99%. However, if there is an automatic conversion, and the conversion would result in the Company issuing a number of shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation, then any such shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation will be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the beneficial ownership limitation, at which time or times the Holder will be issued such shares to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation.

 

The Series A-2 Note contains restrictive covenants which, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to repay or repurchase any indebtedness, make distributions on or repurchase its common stock or enter into transactions with its affiliates.

 

Operating Lease

 

In February 2019, the Company entered into a 5-year operating lease in Boca Raton, Florida in connection with the opening of its first gaming center. Rent is approximately $2,300 per month for the first year and contains customary escalation clauses. In June of 2019, the Company entered into a 5-year operating lease for its corporate office, rent is approximately $700 per month. In August of 2019, the Company opened its second gaming center and in connection with this gaming center entered into a 5-year operating lease in Deland, Florida. Rent is approximately $2,500 per month for the first year and contains customary escalation clauses.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). The new guidance sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in GAAP. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales occur once control is transferred upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods and services. Our revenue is derived from two sources, the first is from the sale of the rights to our players to third parties and second from participation and prize money awarded at gaming tournaments.

 

The following describes principal activities, separated by major product or service, from which the Company generates its revenues:

 

Company-owned Stores Sales

 

The Company-owned stores principally generate revenue from retail esports gaming centers. Revenues from Company-owned stores are recognized when the products are delivered or the service is provided.

 

Franchise Royalties and Fees

 

Franchise royalties which are based on a percentage of franchise store sales are recognized as sales occur. Any royalty reductions, including waivers or those offered as part of a new store development incentive or as incentive for other behaviors are recognized at the same time as the related royalty as they are not separately distinguishable from the full royalty rate. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis.

 

The Company recognizes initial franchise license fee revenue, net of costs incurred, when the Company has performed substantially all the services required in the franchise agreement. Fees received that do not meet these criteria are recorded as deferred revenues until earned. Initial franchise fees are generally recognized once a location is opened to the public which is when management deems substantially all services required under the franchise agreements have been performed.

 

The Company offers various incentive programs for franchisees including royalty incentives, new restaurant opening incentives (i.e. development incentives) and other support initiatives. Royalties and franchise fees sales are reduced to reflect any royalty incentives earned or granted under these programs that are in the form of discounts.

 

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Esports revenue

 

Esports revenue is a form of competition using video games. Most commonly, esports takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Revenues from Esports revenue are recognized when the competition is completed and prize money is awarded.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Management believes that all accounts receivable are collectible; therefore, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of specific customers (i.e. franchisees), taking into consideration the age of past due accounts and an assessment of the customer’s ability to pay. Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance when management determines it is probable the receivable is worthless. Customer account balances with invoices dated over 90 days old are considered delinquent and considered in the allowance assessment. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers and, generally, requires no collateral.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Our assessment date was January 31, 2019 and qualitative considerations indicated no impairment.

 

Intangible Assets and impairment

 

Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company had intangible assets subject to amortization related to its acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC. These costs were included in intangible assets on our balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over the estimated useful lives of the costs, which is 3 to 5 years.

 

The Company periodically reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less that the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers:

 

Name   Age   Position
Jed Kaplan   55   Chief Executive Officer, interim Chief Financial Officer, and Class II Director of the Company
Donald R. Caldwell   72   Chairman and Class I Director of the Company
Roman Franklin   36   President and Class I Director of the Company
Suhel Kanuga   44   Class II Director of the Company
Max Hooper   72   Class II Director of the Company
Frank Leavy   66   Class I Director of the Company
Edward Leonard Jaroski   72   Class I Director of the Company
William H. Herrmann, Jr.   73   Class II Director of the Company

 

Jed Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan has been a member of our board of directors since December 31, 2018 and our sole Chief Executive Officer since February 8, 2019. From December 31, 2018 to February 8, 2019, Mr. Kaplan served as our co-Chief Executive Officer. He founded and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Shearson Financial Services, a FINRA-registered broker dealer, since May 1995. As a natural leader possessing a passion for sports management, Mr. Kaplan has been involved in a wide variety of professional sports ventures. Most recently Mr. Kaplan successfully sold the NBA G League Team, Iowa Energy to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently Mr. Kaplan is also a minority owner of both the Memphis Grizzlies and Swansea City of the English Championship League. Mr. Kaplan’s insight, vision and knowledge are all represented as an appointed founding member of the NBA G League leadership committee. Mr. Kaplan graduated from City University of New York in 1989 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

 

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The Company believes Mr. Kaplan’s strong expertise in the financial services and sports management industries qualifies him to serve on its board of directors.

 

Suhel Kanuga. Mr. Kanuga has been a member of our board of directors since April 17, 2017 (date of inception). From April 17, 2017 to February 8, 2019, Mr. Kanuga served as our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. He is also one of the managing members of our Sponsor. Mr. Kanuga co-founded Millennium India, completing a $58 million initial public offering in July 2006 and consummated a business combination with SMC and served at various positions including President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer and Director from March 2006 through May 2015. Mr. Kanuga has significant international management experience, having worked with businesses across the United States, Europe and Asia. Mr. Kanuga has been interviewed in the media for his views and expertise on emerging markets/India investments and governance, and has also presented at industry conferences. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Economics from Lawrence University.

 

We believe Mr. Kanuga’s deep understanding of finance and international business management and transactions qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

 

Donald R. Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell, who has been an independent director and the Chairman of our board of directors since August 16, 2017, is an experienced investor, co-founded Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc., a venture capital management company, where he has served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1999. At Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc., Mr. Caldwell has raised four investment funds totaling over $500 million of committed capital and is responsible for the firm’s operations, building the investment team, and growing the Cross Atlantic franchise through fundraising, network development, and deal flow generation. Prior to founding Cross Atlantic Capital Partners, Inc. in March 1999, Mr. Caldwell was President and Chief Operating Officer of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE: SFE) (“Safeguard”) from 1996 to 1999, where he also previously served as Executive Vice President from 1993 to 1996. In addition to his service on our board, Mr. Caldwell currently serves on the board of directors of three public companies: InsPro Technologies Corporation (OTC: ITCC) since 2008, where he serves as chairman of the board and member of the audit committee; Lightning Gaming, Inc., since June 2015, where he serves as a director and chairman of the audit committee; and Quaker Chemical Corporation (NYSE: KWR) since 1997, where he serves as lead director, as chairman of the executive committee and member of the compensation and audit committees; Mr. Caldwell was previously a member of the board of directors of Diamond Cluster International, Inc. from 1994 to 2010 and has served as a director for several private companies and non-profit organizations, including software and money management firms as well as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Committee for Economic Development. Mr. Caldwell is a Certified Public Accountant (Retired) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Babson College and a Master of Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business at Harvard University.

 

We believe Mr. Caldwell’s deep financial, entrepreneurial and business expertise and extensive experience as a member of the boards and board committees of other public companies qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

 

Roman Franklin. Mr. Franklin has been a member of our board of directors since August 16, 2017 and our President since December 31, 2018. Mr. Franklin was Chief Investment Officer of SMC Global USA from March 2016 until December 31, 2016, and prior, President of Franklin Financial Planning from 2005 to 2016. Roman Franklin is a 16-year veteran of the financial services industry. By the age of 22 he held FINRA Series 7, Series 66, and Life, Health, and Variable Insurance Licenses. In 2005, he founded a fee-only registered investment advisory firm. In 2008, he was one of the youngest recipients of the National Association of Financial Advisors (“NAPFA”) Registered Financial Advisor (RFA) designation. In 2015, he was elected as a Board Member of the NAPFA, South Region Board of Directors, overseeing more than a dozen states from Texas, to Florida, to North Carolina. Mr. Franklin has experience in domestic and international investment, and has been involved in multiple business transactions tied to India, including the sale of a 50% equity stake in his wealth management business to Indian financial services firm SMC. Mr. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Barry University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Stetson University. His civic organization roles include School Advisory Council for Volusia County Schools, City of DeLand Economic Development Committee, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Central Florida.

 

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We believe Mr. Franklin’s strong expertise in finance and international and domestic business transactions qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

 

Max Hooper. Mr. Hooper, who has been an independent member of our board of directors since August 16, 2017, serves as Managing Director of Merging Traffic, a web-based crowdsourcing portal, since September 2015 and Head of Investment Banking and Senior Vice President of Triloma Securities, a subsidiary of Triloma Financial Group LLC, since January 2016. Dr. Hooper is also the founder and owner of Partners Advisory Group and Partners Capital Group, two financial advisory firms since January 2014. Since February 2018, Dr. Hooper’s primary focus has been as Managing Director/CEO of Managing Traffic and co-owner of Triloma Financial Group. Prior to that, Dr. Hooper was co-founder of Equity Broadcasting Corporation, a media company that owned and operated more than one hundred television stations across the United States. Dr. Hooper is an accomplished entrepreneur and has started multiple businesses in technology/internet, lodging, and services industries. Dr. Hooper has served on the investment committee of several venture capital and angel funds, and has completed “work out” transactions as a Certified Debt Arbitrator representing banks and private transactions. Dr. Hooper also has prior experience with SPACs such as transaction structuring, administration, research, and execution. Dr. Hooper has earned five doctorate degrees from a variety of institutions.

 

We believe Dr. Hooper’s expertise in investment, management and mergers and acquisitions over various industries qualify him to serve on our board of directors.

 

Frank Leavy. Mr. Leavy has been an independent member of our board of directors since August 16, 2017. Since 2007, Mr. Leavy has been the Senior Vice President and Director of Finance and Administration for Blake’s All Natural Foods, a manufacturer of “better for you” frozen entrees. Prior to that, he held various financial officer positions at member companies of Group Rossignol, a world leading company in the winter sports industry. Specifically, he was Controller of Rossignol Ski Company from 1982 to 2006 and Vice President of Finance of Skis Dynastar, Inc. and Skis Dynastar Canada from 2000 to 2006. He also served as Chief Operating Officer at Roger Cleveland Golf Company, a subsidiary of Group Rossignol from 1999 to 2000 and was elected a director of the company from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Leavy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Science degree in accounting from the Graduate School of Professional Accounting at Northeastern University.

 

We believe Mr. Leavy’s extensive experience in corporate finance qualify him to serve on our board of directors.

 

Edward Leonard Jaroski. Mr. Jaroski has been an independent member of our board of directors since October 2017. Mr. Jaroski was the founder of Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at Capstone Asset Management Company and has served as its President and Chief Executive Officer since 1987. Mr. Jaroski has been Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of various Capstone/Steward Funds in the fund complex from 1987 through 2016. Mr. Jaroski was at Tenneco Financial Services from 1981 to 1987, where he was the Executive Vice President. He started his career at Philadelphia Life Insurance Company as Manager of Investments in 1969, where he served until 1981 and also served as its Vice President of Finance. He also served as a Director of Philadelphia Life Asset Management Company. Mr. Jaroski holds the insurance industry professional designations of Chartered Life Underwriter, Charter Financial Consultant and Fellow Life Management Institute. He holds a B.B.A. degree in Accounting from Temple University.

 

We believe Mr. Jaroski’s experience in investments and asset management qualify him to serve on our board of directors.

 

William H. Herrmann, Jr. Mr. Herrmann has been an independent member of our board of directors since October 2017. Mr. Herrmann has over 40 years of experience in financial services, and insurance and investment planning industries. Presently, Mr. Herrmann is the Owner of Herrmann & Associates, a financial services firm affiliated with Hudson Heritage Capital Management Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor since February 15, 2006. Mr. Herrmann has also served as Director of Steward Funds, since 2011, and presently serves as its lead independent director. Mr. Herrmann serves as the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Steward Funds. He previously served as the Chairman of the Contracts Committee of Steward Funds. Mr. Herrmann is also a Director of Church Capital Fund, where he serves as the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. Mr. Herrmann is also a Trustee of LuLu Shriners Investment Advisory Committee and the Chairman of Beta Rho Property Company. Mr. Herrmann holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Temple University, and holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from American College. Mr. Herrmann holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses as well as insurance licenses in multiple states.

 

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We believe Mr. Herrmann’s experience in financial services and the investment planning industry qualify him to serve on our board of directors.

 

Steven Grossman. Mr. Grossman served as the President of our wholly-owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports, LLC from January 2018 until his resignation on February 1, 2020. Mr. Grossman has been employed by Shearson Financial Services, a FINRA registered broker dealer, since February 2001 and has served as its President since January 2010. Mr. Grossman graduated from Towson University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

 

Mr. Kaplan is the brother-in-law of Mr. Grossman, the former President of our wholly-owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports LLC. There are no other family relationships among any of the Company’s directors or executive officers.

 

Our officers and board of directors are well qualified as leaders. In their prior positions they have gained experience in core management skills, such as strategic and financial planning, public company financial reporting, compliance, risk management, and leadership development. Our officers and directors also have experience serving on boards of directors and board committees of other public companies and private companies, and have an understanding of corporate governance practices and trends, which provides an understanding of different business processes, challenges, and strategies.

 

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

 

Our board of directors is comprised of 9 directors, divided into two classes, Class I and Class II, with only one class of directors being elected in each year and each class serving a two-year term. There are four Class I directors and five Class II directors. However, as of January 1, 2020, there is a board vacancy. The board is conducting a search for a replacement director to fill the vacancy. Once a suitable replacement is found, he or she will serve as a Class II director.

 

Our officers are elected by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors, rather than for specific terms of office. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint persons to the offices set forth in our bylaws as it deems appropriate. Our bylaws provide that our officers may consist of a Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretaries, Treasurer and such other offices as may be determined by the board of directors.

 

Board Committees and Director Independence

 

Our common stock is presently quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “WINR.” Our warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 are currently listed on OTCQB under the symbol “WINRW.” Under the rules of the OTCQB, we are not required to maintain a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors and we are not required to establish committees of the Board of Directors consisting of independent directors. However, we intend to apply to list our common stock and our warrants on The NYSE American (“NYSE American”). In order to list our common stock and our warrants on the NYSE American, we are required to comply with the NYSE American standards relating to corporate governance, requiring, among other things, that:

 

  A majority of our Board of Directors to consist of “independent directors” as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE American;
     
  The compensation of our executive officers to be determined, or recommended to the Board of Directors for determination, by independent directors constituting a majority of the independent directors of the Board in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a Compensation Committee comprised solely of independent directors;

 

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  That director nominees to be selected, or recommended to the Board of Directors for selection, by independent directors constituting a majority of the independent directors of the Board in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a nomination committee comprised solely of independent directors; and
     
  Establishment of an audit committee with at least three independent directors as well as composed entirely of independent directors, where at least one of the independent directors qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules and as a financially sophisticated audit committee member under the NYSE American rules.

 

Under applicable NYSE American rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of the listed company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries. Our Board of Directors has determined in its business judgment that each of Messrs. Caldwell, Leavy, Jaroski and Herrmann and Dr. Hooper is independent within the meaning of the NYSE American rules for U.S. Companies, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related SEC rules. Therefore, a majority of the members of our Board of Directors is independent.

 

In addition, our Board of Directors has two standing committees: an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors has two standing committees: an audit committee and a compensation committee. Both our audit committee and our compensation committee are composed solely of independent directors.

 

Audit Committee

 

Messrs. Caldwell and Leavy and Dr. Hooper will serve as members of our audit committee. Mr. Caldwell serves as chairman of the audit committee. Under NYSE American listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have three members of the audit committee, all of whom must be independent. Messrs. Caldwell, and Leavy and Dr. Hooper are independent.

 

Each member of the audit committee is financially literate and our board of directors has determined that Mr. Caldwell qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.

 

Responsibilities of the audit committee include:

 

  the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and any other independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;
     
  pre-approving all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors or any other registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures;
     
  reviewing and discussing with the independent auditors all relationships the auditors have with us in order to evaluate their continued independence;
     
  setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors;
     
  setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

 

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   obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent auditors describing (i) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures and (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within, the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues;
     
  reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and
     
  reviewing with management, the independent auditors, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The members of our compensation committee are Messrs. Caldwell and Jaroski and Dr. Hooper. Mr. Caldwell serves as chairman of the compensation committee. We have adopted a compensation committee charter, which details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:

 

  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;
     
  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.

 

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by NYSE American and the SEC.

 

Director Nominations

 

We do not have a standing nominating committee. In accordance with Section 804(a) of the NYSE American Company Guide, a majority of the independent directors may recommend a director nominee for selection by the board of directors. The board of directors believes that the independent directors can satisfactorily carry out the responsibility of properly selecting or approving director nominees without the formation of a standing nominating committee. The directors who shall participate in the consideration and recommendation of director nominees are Messrs. Caldwell, Jaroski, Leavy, and Herrmann, and Dr. Hooper. In accordance with Section 804(a) of the NYSE American Company Guide, all such directors are independent. As there is no standing nominating committee, we do not have a nominating committee charter in place.

 

The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election. Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to the board of directors should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

 

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We have not formerly established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees. We previously filed a copy of our form of Code of Ethics as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form S-1 (File 333-219251). You will be able to review these documents by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us. We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of Ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

 

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that our officers and directors 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 restated certificate provides that our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages to us for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted by the DGCL.

 

We have entered into agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in our third amended and restated certificate. Our bylaws also permit us to maintain 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 such indemnification. We have purchased a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures our officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures us against our obligations to indemnify our officers and directors.

 

Our officers and directors have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the trust account, and have agreed to waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any services provided to us and will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever. Accordingly, any indemnification we provide to our officers and directors will only be able to be satisfied by us if we have sufficient funds outside of the trust account.

 

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 officers and directors, 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 officers and directors pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

 

We believe that these provisions, the insurance and the indemnity agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced officers and directors.

 

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

Although our management is primarily responsible for managing our risk exposure on a daily basis, our board of directors oversees the risk management processes. Our board, as a whole, determines the appropriate level of risk for our Company, assesses the specific risks that we face, and reviews management’s strategies for adequately mitigating and managing the identified risks. Although our board administers this risk management oversight function, our audit committee supports our board in discharging its oversight duties and addresses risks inherent in its area.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table summarizes all compensation recorded by us in the past two fiscal years ending May 31, 2019 for:

 

  our principal executive officer or other individual serving in a similar capacity, and
     
  our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our principal executive officer, who were serving as corporate officers at May 31, 2019.

 

For definitional purposes, these individuals are sometimes referred to as the “named executive officers.”

 

Name and Principal Position  

Fiscal Year

Ended

   

Salary

($)

   

Bonus

($)

   

Stock Awards

($) (1)

   

Option Awards

($)

   

All Other Compensation

($)

   

Total

($)

 
Jed Kaplan,     5/31/2019     $ -     $ -     $ 72,000     $ -       -     $ 72,000  
Chief Executive Officer     5/31/2018     $ -     $         -       -     $        -              -     $ -  
                                                         
Roman Franklin,     5/31/2019     $ 41,666     $ -     $ 21,600     $ -       -     $ 63,266  
President     5/31/2018     $ -     $ -       -     $ -       -     $ -  
                                                         
Steven Grossman,     5/31/2019     $ 26,042     $ -     $ 14,400     $ -       -     $ 40,442  
President, Simplicity Esports, LLC     5/31/2018     $ -     $ -       -     $ -       -     $ -  

 

  (1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for all restricted stock granted to the named executive officers in the fiscal year indicated, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. For information about the assumptions made in this valuation, refer to Note 9 to the Company’s financial statements beginning on page F-1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

None of our executive officers or directors received any cash (or non-cash) compensation for services rendered to us for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, we paid an affiliate of our executive officers a total of $10,000 per month for office space, utilities and secretarial support. Our Sponsor, executive officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, were entitled to 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.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2019 Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table sets forth information on outstanding options and stock awards on a pre-reverse split basis held by the named executive officers as of May 31, 2019.

 

    Option Awards   Stock Awards  
Name   Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable     Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable     Option Exercise Price ($)     Option Expiration Date   Number of Shares or Units Of Stock that Have Not Vested (#) (1)     Market Value Of Shares Or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)  
Jed Kaplan            -              -     $ N/A     N/A     70,000     $ 102,900  
                                             
Roman Franklin     -       -     $ N/A     N/A     21,000     $ 30,870  
                                             
Steven Grossman     -       -     $ N/A     N/A     14,000     $ 20,580  

 

(1) The shares were issued in conjunction with the respective named executive officer’s employment agreement and vest ratably through December 31, 2019.

 

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2019 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

 

The following table sets forth the vesting of restricted stock on a pre-reverse split basis during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 for the named executive officers:

 

    Stock Awards  
Name   Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting     Value Realized on Vesting  
Jed Kaplan     50,000     $ 30,000  
                 
Roman Franklin     15,000     $ 9,000  
                 
Steven Grossman     10,000     $ 6,000  

  

Executive Officer and Director Compensation

 

The Company intends to develop an executive compensation program that is consistent with its existing compensation policies and philosophies, which are designed to align compensation with our business objectives and the creation of stockholder value, while enabling us to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to the long-term success of the Company.

 

Decisions on the executive compensation program will be made by the compensation committee. The following discussion is based on the present expectations as to the executive compensation program to be adopted by the compensation committee. The executive compensation program actually adopted will depend on the judgment of the members of the compensation committee and may differ from that set forth in the following discussion.

 

We anticipate that decisions regarding executive compensation will reflect our belief that the executive compensation program must be competitive in order to attract and retain our executive officers. We anticipate that the compensation committee will seek to implement our compensation policies and philosophies by linking a significant portion of our executive officers’ cash compensation to performance objectives and by providing a portion of their compensation as long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity awards.

 

We anticipate that compensation for our executive officers will have three primary components: base salary, an annual cash incentive bonus and long-term incentive compensation in the form of share-based awards, if any.

 

Base Salary

 

Our compensation committee will determine base salaries and manage the base salary review process, subject to existing employment agreements.

 

Annual Bonuses

 

We intend to use annual cash incentive bonuses for the executive officers to tie a portion of their compensation to financial and operational objectives achievable within the applicable fiscal year. We expect that, near the beginning of each year, the compensation committee will select the performance targets, target amounts, target award opportunities and other term and conditions of annual cash bonuses for the executive officers, subject to the terms of any employment agreement. Following the end of each year, the compensation committee will determine the extent to which the performance targets were achieved and the amount of the award that is payable to the executive officers.

 

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Stock-Based Awards

 

We intend to use stock-based awards to reward long-term performance of the executive officers. We believe that providing a meaningful portion of the total compensation package in the form of stock-based awards will align the incentives of its executive officers with the interests of its stockholders and serve to motivate and retain the individual executive officers. Stock-based awards will be awarded under the Incentive Plan, which has been adopted by our Board of Directors and is being submitted to our shareholders for approval at the special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting.

 

Restricted Stock Award

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Jed Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors,              (120,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine month period. As of April 10, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors,             (36,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine month period. As of April 10, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Steve Grossman, President of Simplicity Esports, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of our company,           (24,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine month period. As of April 10, 2020, all of such shares have vested.

 

Each of the Restricted Stock Awards was entered into in connection with entry into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Kaplan, Franklin and Grossman on December 31, 2018.

 

Executive Employment Agreements

 

On December 31, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Jed Kaplan, pursuant to which he shall serve as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company until March 31, 2019, at which point he automatically became the sole Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Kaplan shall not receive a salary or other monetary compensation and in lieu thereof he shall receive an equity grant of              (10,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock per month, which shares shall be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Kaplan shall also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares, and shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. The term of Mr. Kaplan’s employment agreement is for an initial one-year term, which shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the agreement at the conclusion of the then applicable term. The term of the employment agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Kaplan with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein.

 

On December 31, 2018, the Company also entered into an employment agreement with Roman Franklin, pursuant to which he shall serve as the President of the Company. During the term of his employment agreement, Mr. Franklin shall receive (i) a monthly base salary of $8,333.33 and (ii) an equity grant of                (3,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock per month, which shares shall be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Franklin shall also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares, and shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans. The term of Mr. Franklin’s employment agreement is for an initial one-year term, which shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the agreement at the conclusion of the then applicable term. The term of the employment agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Franklin with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein.

 

On December 31, 2018, the Company also entered into an employment agreement with Steven Grossman, pursuant to which he shall continue to serve as the President of Simplicity Esports, LLC. During the term of his employment agreement, Mr. Grossman shall receive (i) a monthly base salary of $5,208.33 and (ii) an equity grant of                    (2,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock per month, which shares shall be fully vested upon grant. Mr. Grossman shall also be eligible to receive a quarterly bonus in the form of cash or equity shares, and shall be entitled to participate in Company’s employee benefit plans. The term of Mr. Grossman’s employment agreement is for an initial one-year term, which shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides 60 days’ advance written notice of its intention not to renew the agreement at the conclusion of the then applicable term. The term of the employment agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without cause or by Mr. Grossman with or without good reason, as such terms are defined therein. Mr Grossman resigned as President of Simplicity Esports LLC on February 1, 2020 and no further obligations exist under his employment agreement.

 

Each of the employment agreements contain customary non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for a period of one year after the termination of the executive’s employment.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares of and percent of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned as of April 10, 2020 (pre-reverse split and post-reverse split), by all directors, our named executive officers, our directors and executive officers as a group, and persons or groups known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of our common stock, immediately prior to this Offering, and immediately after the closing of this offering, as adjusted to reflect the assumed sale of units (which includes shares of our common stock and immediately exercisable warrants to purchase shares of our common stock) in this Offering and the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option in full to purchase additional shares of common stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock, but assumes the warrants forming part of the units and over-allotment option are not exercised.

 

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The business address of each of the beneficial owners listed below is c/o Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, 7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505, Boca Raton, FL 33433.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner   Pre-Reverse Split Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership     Post-Reverse Split Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership     Pre-Closing Percentage of Class (1)     Post-Closing Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership     Post-Closing Percentage of Class (1)  
Directors and Executive Officers                                        
Jed Kaplan (2)     1,201,614                 %               %
Roman Franklin     297,679                 %               %
Steve Grossman (3)     328,020                 %               %
Suhel Kanuga     307,287                 %               %
Donald R. Caldwell (4)     97,000                 %               %
Max Hooper (5)     29,500                 %               %
Frank Leavy (6)     27,625                 %               %
Edward Leonard Jaroski (7)     128,500                 %               %
William H. Herrmann, Jr. (8)     28,500                 %               %
All directors and officers as a group (10 persons) (9)     2,753,011                 %               %
Principal Shareholders (more than 5%):                                        
The K2 Principal Fund, L.P. (10)     875,476                 %               %
Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (11)     759,919                 %               %
IRIS Cantor Trust (12)     395,164                 %               %
Timothy P. Schenden – SEP IRA (13)     515,322                 %               %

 

  

* less than 1%.

 

(1) The pre-closing percentages in the table have been calculated on the basis of treating as outstanding for a particular person, all shares of our capital stock outstanding on April 10, 2020. The post-closing percentages in the table have been calculated on the basis of treating as outstanding for a particular person, all shares of our capital stock outstanding on April 10, 2020, plus the assumed sale of  units (which includes  shares of our common stock and immediately exercisable warrants to purchase  shares of our common stock) in this Offering and the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option in full to purchase  shares of common stock and warrants to purchase  shares of common stock, but assumes the warrants forming part of the units and over-allotment option are not exercised. On April 10, 2020, there were            (7,863,975 pre-reverse split) shares of our common stock outstanding. To calculate a stockholder’s percentage of beneficial ownership, we include in the numerator and denominator the common stock outstanding and all shares of our common stock issuable to that person in the event of the exercise of outstanding warrants and other derivative securities owned by that person which are exercisable within 60 days of April 10, 2020. Common stock warrants and derivative securities held by other stockholders are disregarded in this calculation. Therefore, the denominator used in calculating beneficial ownership among our stockholders may differ. Unless we have indicated otherwise, each person named in the table has sole voting power and sole investment power for the shares listed opposite such person’s name.

 

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(2) Includes                 (50,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of                 (50,000 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $        ($4.00 pre-reverse split) which expire on February 24, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.
   
(3) Mr. Grossman resigned as President of Simplicity Esports, LLC on February 1, 2020.
   
(4) Includes                      (20,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of (20,000 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $      ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.
   
(5) Includes               (14,500 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock owned directly by Merging Traffic, Inc.,            (10,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of            (10,000 pre-reverse split) warrants owned directly by Merging Traffic, Inc. with an exercise price of $      ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020, and           (5,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock owned directly by Max Hooper. Max Hooper is Managing Director of Merging Traffic, Inc.
   
(6) Includes             (7,500 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of             (7,500 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $        ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.
   
(7) Includes             (60,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of             (60,000 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $       ($4.00 pre-reverse split) which expire on February 24, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.
   
(8) Includes           (10,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of            (10,000 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $       ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.
   
(9) Includes                 (157,500 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of        (157,500 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $         ($4.00 pre-reverse split) which expire on February 24, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.
   
(10) K2 GenPar 2017 Inc., an Ontario corporation (“GenPar”), is the general partner of The K2 Principal Fund, L.P., an Ontario limited partnership (the “Fund”). GenPar is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Shawn Kimel Investments, Inc., an Ontario corporation (“SKI”). K2 & Associates Investment Management Inc., an Ontario corporation (“K2 & Associates”), is a direct 66.5% owned subsidiary of SKI, and is the investment manager of the Fund. Shawn Kimel is the chairman of each of SKI, GenPar and K2 & Associates. The principal office of the stockholder is 2 Bloor St West, Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3E2. The number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Fund includes (i)               (66,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock transferred by the Sponsor to the Fund as additional consideration for the Fund agreeing to potentially sell shares of our Common Stock to the Company pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated November 5, 2018 by and between the Company and the Fund and (ii)       (795,144 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of               (795,144 pre-reverse split) warrants with an exercise price of $      ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.

 

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(11)

Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (“Polar”) serves as investment advisor to Polar Multi-Strategy Master Fund (“PMSMF”), Crown Managed Accounts SPC (“CMA”) and certain managed accounts (together with PMSMF and CMA, the “Polar Vehicles”) and has sole voting and investment discretion with respect to the securities which are held by the Polar Vehicles. The principal office of the stockholder is 401 Bay Street, Suite 1900, PO Box 19, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2Y4, Canada. The number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Polar includes (i)           (20,203 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock held by CMA and           (283,116 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock held by Polar (which includes         (150,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock transferred by the Sponsor to the Polar as additional consideration for Polar agreeing to potentially sell shares of our Common Stock to the Company pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated November 2, 2018 by and between the Company and Polar) and (ii)            (456,600 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of              (423,712 pre-reverse split) warrants held by CMA with an exercise price of $     ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020 and            (32,888 pre-reverse split) warrants held by Polar with an exercise price of $     ($11.50 pre-reverse split) which expire on May 22, 2024 that have vested or will vest within 60 days of April 10, 2020.

   
(12) The principal office of the stockholder is 220 Banyan Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480-4804.
   
(13) The principal office of the stockholder is 6599 NW 33rd Ave., Boca Raton, Florida 33496-3317.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Our audit committee must review and approve any related person transaction we propose to enter into. Our audit committee charter details the policies and procedures relating to transactions that may present actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and may raise questions as to whether such transactions are consistent with the best interest of our company and our stockholders. A summary of such policies and procedures is set forth below.

 

Any potential related party transaction that is brought to the audit committee’s attention will be analyzed by the audit committee, in consultation with outside counsel or members of management, as appropriate, to determine whether the transaction or relationship does, in fact, constitute a related party transaction. At its meetings, the audit committee will be provided with the details of each new, existing or proposed related party transaction, including the terms of the transaction, the business purpose of the transaction and the benefits to us and to the relevant related party.

 

In determining whether to approve a related party transaction, the audit committee must consider, among other factors, the following factors to the extent relevant:

 

  whether the terms of the transaction are fair to us and on the same basis as would apply if the transaction did not involve a related party;
     
  whether there are business reasons for us to enter into the transaction;
     
  whether the transaction would impair the independence of an outside director; and
     
  whether the transaction would present an improper conflict of interest for any director or executive officer.

 

Any member of the audit committee who has an interest in the transaction under discussion must abstain from any voting regarding the transaction, but may, if so requested by the chairman of the audit committee, participate in some or all of the audit committee’s discussions of the transaction. Upon completion of its review of the transaction, the audit committee may determine to permit or to prohibit the transaction.

 

Working Capital Loan

 

The Sponsor has loaned us $201,707 in the aggregate, to be used for a portion of the expenses of the IPO and working capital purposes. The loan is non-interest bearing, unsecured and was due at the earlier of December 31, 2017 or the closing of the IPO. As of November 30, 2018, $120,089 of the Sponsor’s loan has been repaid. As of May 31, 2019, the balance of the Sponsor loan was $93,761, including imputed interest of $8,523. In August of 2019, the sponsor forgave this remaining balance and the Company recorded it as debt forgiveness income.

 

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Cash Balance

 

We maintain our cash balance at a financial services company that is owned by an officer of our company.

 

Related Officers

 

Jed Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer, is the brother-in-law of Steven Grossman, the former President of our subsidiary, Simplicity Esports, LLC.

 

Restricted Stock Awards to Certain Officers

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Jed Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors,              (120,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted common stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine months. Also on March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors,                 (36,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted common stock. Such shares vested over the succeeding nine months also. Lastly, on March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award and collectively with the Kaplan Restricted Stock Award and the Franklin Restricted Stock Award, we granted Steve Grossman, the former President of Simplicity Esports, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of our company,                     (24,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted common stock. Such shares also vested over the succeeding nine months.

 

Each of the Restricted Stock Awards was entered into in connection with entry into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Kaplan, Franklin and Grossman on December 31, 2018.

 

Director Independence

 

Our common stock is presently quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “WINR.” Our warrants issued in connection with our initial public offering in August 2017 are currently listed on OTCQB under the symbol “WINRW.” Under the rules of the OTCQB, we are not required to maintain a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors and we are not required to establish committees of the Board of Directors consisting of independent directors. However, we intend to apply to list our common stock and our warrants on The NYSE American (“NYSE American”). In order to list our common stock and our warrants on the NYSE American, we are required to comply with the NYSE American standards relating to corporate governance, requiring, among other things, that:

 

  A majority of our Board of Directors to consist of “independent directors” as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE American;
     
  The compensation of our executive officers to be determined, or recommended to the Board of Directors for determination, by independent directors constituting a majority of the independent directors of the Board in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a Compensation Committee comprised solely of independent directors;
     
  That director nominees to be selected, or recommended to the Board of Directors for selection, by independent directors constituting a majority of the independent directors of the Board in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a nomination committee comprised solely of independent directors; and
     
  Establishment of an audit committee with at least three independent directors as well as composed entirely of independent directors, where at least one of the independent directors qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules and as a financially sophisticated audit committee member under the NYSE American rules.

 

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Under applicable NYSE American rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of the listed company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries. Our Board of Directors has determined in its business judgment that each of Messrs. Caldwell, Leavy, Jaroski and Herrmann and Dr. Hooper is independent within the meaning of the NYSE American rules for U.S. Companies, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related SEC rules. Therefore, a majority of the members of our Board of Directors is independent.

 

UNDERWRITING

 

ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., is acting as the representative of the underwriters of the offering. We have entered into an underwriting agreement dated , 2020 with the representative. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to each underwriter named below, and each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase from us, at the public offering price per unit less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of units listed next to its name in the following table:

 

Name of Underwriter   Number of Units  
ThinkEquity      
              
Total        

 

The underwriters are committed to purchase all the units offered by the Company, other than those covered by the over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of common stock and/or warrants described below. The obligations of the underwriters may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the underwriting agreement. Furthermore, the underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the securities offered by us in this prospectus are subject to various representations and warranties and other customary conditions specified in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

 

The underwriters are offering the units subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel and other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

We have granted the underwriters an over-allotment option. This option, which is exercisable for up to 45 days after the date of this prospectus, permits the underwriters to purchase up to an additional                  shares of our common stock and/or up to an additional                    warrants at the public offering price per security, less underwriting discounts and commissions, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If the underwriters exercise this option in whole or in part, then the underwriters will be severally committed, subject to the conditions described in the underwriting agreement, to purchase the additional shares of common stock and/or units in proportion to their respective commitments set forth in the prior table.

 

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Discounts, Commissions and Reimbursement

 

The representative has advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the units to the public at the initial public offering price per unit set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may offer units to securities dealers at that price less a concession of not more than $         per unit of which up to $         per unit may be reallowed to other dealers. After the initial offering to the public, the public offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the representative.

 

The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds, before expenses, to us assuming both no exercise and full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option:

 

            Total  
      Per Unit       Without Option       With Option  
Public offering price   $     $     $  
Underwriting discounts and commissions (7%)   $     $     $  
Non-accountable expense allowance (1%) (1)   $     $     $  
Proceeds, before expenses, to us   $     $     $  

 

(1)

The non-accountable expense allowance of 1% is not payable with respect to shares and/or warrants sold upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

We have paid an expense deposit of $40,000 to (or on behalf of) the representative, which will be applied against the actual out-of-pocket accountable expenses that will be paid by us to the underwriters in connection with this offering, and will be reimbursed to us to the extent not incurred.

 

In addition, we have also agreed to pay the following expenses of the underwriters relating to the offering: (a) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of our officers and directors in an amount not to exceed $15,000 in the aggregate; (b) all filing fees and communication expenses associated with the review of this offering by FINRA; (c) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of securities offered under the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions designated by the underwriter, including without limitation, all filing and registration fees, and if the offering is commenced on either The Nasdaq Global Market, The Nasdaq Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange or NYSE American, we will pay $5,000 for the reasonable fees and expenses of the underwriter’s blue sky counsel at the closing of this offering, or if the offering is commenced on The Nasdaq Capital Market, the NYSE American or OTCQB, we will pay $5,000 to such counsel upon the commencement of blue-sky work by such counsel and an additional $10,000 at the closing of this offering; (d) $29,500 for the underwriters’ use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for this offering; (e) $3,000 for the costs associated with commemorative mementos and lucite tombstones, (f) the fees and expenses of the representatives’ legal counsel incurred in connection with this offering in an amount up to $125,000; and (g) up to $10,000 of the representative’s actual accountable road show expenses for the offering.

 

We estimate the expenses of this offering payable by us, not including underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $           .

 

Representative’s Warrants

 

Upon the closing of this offering, we have agreed to issue to the representative warrants, or the Representative’s Warrants, to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 5% of the total number of shares of common stock sold as part of the units sold in this public offering. The Representative’s Warrants will be exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price per unit sold in this offering. The Representative’s Warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, during the four and one half year period commencing 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering. The Representative’s Warrants also provide for one demand registration right of the shares of common stock underlying the Representative’s Warrants, and unlimited “piggyback” registration rights with respect to the registration of the shares of common stock underlying the Representative’s Warrants and customary antidilution provisions. The demand registration right provided will not be greater than five years from the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G). The piggyback registration right provided will not be greater than seven years from the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G).

 

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The Representative’s Warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the Representative’s Warrants, have been deemed compensation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA. The representative, or permitted assignees under such rule, may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the Representative’s Warrants or the securities underlying the Representative’s Warrants, nor will the representative engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the Representative’s Warrants or the underlying shares of common stock for a period of 180 days from the effective date of the registration statement. Additionally, the Representative’s Warrants may not be sold transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated for a 180-day period following the effective date of the registration statement except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the offering and their bona fide officers or partners. The Representative’s Warrants will provide for adjustment in the number and price of the Representative’s Warrants and the shares of common stock underlying such Representative’s Warrants in the event of recapitalization, merger, stock split or other structural transaction, or a future financing undertaken by us.

 

Right of First Refusal

 

Until , 2021, twelve (12) months from the closing of this offering, the representative shall have an irrevocable right of first refusal to act as sole investment banker, sole book-runner and/or sole placement agent, at the representative sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offerings for the Company, or any successor to or any subsidiary of the Company, including all equity linked financings, on terms customary to the representative. The representative shall have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker-dealer shall have the right to participate in any such offering and the economic terms of any such participation. The representative will not have more than one opportunity to waive or terminate the right of first refusal in consideration of any payment or fee.

 

Discretionary Accounts

 

The underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the securities offered hereby to any accounts over which they have discretionary authority.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

The Company, each of its directors and officers and 5% or greater holders of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock as of the date of this prospectus, have agreed for a period of (i) [six] months after the date of this prospectus in the case of directors and officers and (ii) [three] months after the date of this prospectus in the case of the Company and the 5% or greater holders of the Company’s outstanding common stock, without the prior written consent of the representative, not to directly or indirectly:

 

● issue (in the case of us), offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of common stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock or other capital stock; or

 

● in the case of the Company, file or cause the filing of any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any shares of common stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock or other capital stock; or

 

● complete any offering of debt securities of the Company, other than entering into a line of credit, term loan arrangement or other debt instrument with a traditional bank; or

 

● enter into any swap or other agreement, arrangement, hedge or transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock or other capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock or other capital stock, whether any transaction described in any of the foregoing bullet points is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other capital stock, other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly announce an intention to do any of the foregoing.

 

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Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Securities

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters or selling group members. The representative may agree to allocate a number of securities to underwriters and selling group members for sale to its online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us, and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Stabilization

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate-covering transactions, penalty bids and purchases to cover positions created by short sales.

 

Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase securities so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum, and are engaged in for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress.

 

Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of securities in excess of the number of securities the underwriters are obligated to purchase. This creates a syndicate short position which may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of securities over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of securities that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of securities involved is greater than the number of securities in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing securities in the open market.

 

Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of securities to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of securities available for purchase in the open market as compared with the price at which they may purchase securities through exercise of the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more securities than could be covered by exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, have a naked short position, the position can be closed out only by buying securities in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that after pricing there could be downward pressure on the price of the securities in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

Penalty bids permit the representative to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions.

 

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our securities or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our securities. As a result, the price of our common stock in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. 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 our common stock. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

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Other Relationships

 

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates for which they may in the future receive customary fees.

 

Offer restrictions outside the United States

 

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

Australia

 

This prospectus is not a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act, has not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act. Accordingly, (i) the offer of the securities under this prospectus is only made to persons to whom it is lawful to offer the securities without disclosure under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act under one or more exemptions set out in section 708 of the Australian Corporations Act, (ii) this prospectus is made available in Australia only to those persons as set forth in clause (i) above, and (iii) the offeree must be sent a notice stating in substance that by accepting this offer, the offeree represents that the offeree is such a person as set forth in clause (i) above, and, unless permitted under the Australian Corporations Act, agrees not to sell or offer for sale within Australia any of the securities sold to the offeree within 12 months after its transfer to the offeree under this prospectus.

 

China

 

The information in this document does not constitute a public offer of the securities, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the People’s Republic of China (excluding, for purposes of this paragraph, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan). The securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly in the PRC to legal or natural persons other than directly to “qualified domestic institutional investors.”

 

European Economic Area—Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands

 

The information in this document has been prepared on the basis that all offers of securities will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Directive 2003/71/EC (“Prospectus Directive”), as implemented in Member States of the European Economic Area (each, a “Relevant Member State”), from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

 

An offer to the public of securities has not been made, and may not be made, in a Relevant Member State except pursuant to one of the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive as implemented in that Relevant Member State:

 

● to legal entities that are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

 

● to any legal entity that has two or more of (i) an average of at least 250 employees during its last fiscal year; (ii) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 (as shown on its last annual unconsolidated or consolidated financial statements) and (iii) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000 (as shown on its last annual unconsolidated or consolidated financial statements);

 

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● to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Company or any underwriter for any such offer; or

 

● in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of securities shall result in a requirement for the publication by the Company of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

France

 

This document is not being distributed in the context of a public offering of financial securities (offre au public de titres financiers) in France within the meaning of Article L.411-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code (Code Monétaire et Financier) and Articles 211-1 et seq. of the General Regulation of the French Autorité des marchés financiers (“AMF”). The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France.

 

This document and any other offering material relating to the securities have not been, and will not be, submitted to the AMF for approval in France and, accordingly, may not be distributed or caused to distributed, directly or indirectly, to the public in France.

 

Such offers, sales and distributions have been and shall only be made in France to (i) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) acting for their own account, as defined in and in accordance with Articles L.411-2-II-2° and D.411-1 to D.411-3, D.744-1, D.754-1 ;and D.764-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and any implementing regulation and/or (ii) a restricted number of non-qualified investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs) acting for their own account, as defined in and in accordance with Articles L.411-2-II-2° and D.411-4, D.744-1, D.754-1; and D.764-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and any implementing regulation.

 

Pursuant to Article 211-3 of the General Regulation of the AMF, investors in France are informed that the securities cannot be distributed (directly or indirectly) to the public by the investors otherwise than in accordance with Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 to L.621-8-3 of the French Monetary and Financial Code.

 

Ireland

 

The information in this document does not constitute a prospectus under any Irish laws or regulations and this document has not been filed with or approved by any Irish regulatory authority as the information has not been prepared in the context of a public offering of securities in Ireland within the meaning of the Irish Prospectus (Directive 2003/71/EC) Regulations 2005 (the “Prospectus Regulations”). The securities have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered, sold or delivered directly or indirectly in Ireland by way of a public offering, except to (i) qualified investors as defined in Regulation 2(l) of the Prospectus Regulations and (ii) fewer than 100 natural or legal persons who are not qualified investors.

 

Israel

 

The securities offered by this prospectus have not been approved or disapproved by the Israeli Securities Authority (the ISA), or ISA, nor have such securities been registered for sale in Israel. The securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in Israel, absent the publication of a prospectus. The ISA has not issued permits, approvals or licenses in connection with the offering or publishing the prospectus; nor has it authenticated the details included herein, confirmed their reliability or completeness, or rendered an opinion as to the quality of the securities being offered. Any resale in Israel, directly or indirectly, to the public of the securities offered by this prospectus is subject to restrictions on transferability and must be effected only in compliance with the Israeli securities laws and regulations.

 

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Italy

 

The offering of the securities in the Republic of Italy has not been authorized by the Italian Securities and Exchange Commission (Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa, “CONSOB” pursuant to the Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, no offering material relating to the securities may be distributed in Italy and such securities may not be offered or sold in Italy in a public offer within the meaning of Article 1.1(t) of Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998 (“Decree No. 58”), other than:

 

● to Italian qualified investors, as defined in Article 100 of Decree no.58 by reference to Article 34-ter of CONSOB Regulation no. 11971 of 14 May 1999 (“Regulation no. 1197l”) as amended (“Qualified Investors”); and

 

● in other circumstances that are exempt from the rules on public offer pursuant to Article 100 of Decree No. 58 and Article 34-ter of Regulation No. 11971 as amended.

 

Any offer, sale or delivery of the securities or distribution of any offer document relating to the securities in Italy (excluding placements where a Qualified Investor solicits an offer from the issuer) under the paragraphs above must be:

 

● made by investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993 (as amended), Decree No. 58, CONSOB Regulation No. 16190 of 29 October 2007 and any other applicable laws; and

 

● in compliance with all relevant Italian securities, tax and exchange controls and any other applicable laws.

 

Any subsequent distribution of the securities in Italy must be made in compliance with the public offer and prospectus requirement rules provided under Decree No. 58 and the Regulation No. 11971 as amended, unless an exception from those rules applies. Failure to comply with such rules may result in the sale of such securities being declared null and void and in the liability of the entity transferring the securities for any damages suffered by the investors.

 

Japan

 

The securities have not been and will not be registered under Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948), as amended (the “FIEL”) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements applicable to a private placement of securities to Qualified Institutional Investors (as defined in and in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 3 of the FIEL and the regulations promulgated thereunder). Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan other than Qualified Institutional Investors. Any Qualified Institutional Investor who acquires securities may not resell them to any person in Japan that is not a Qualified Institutional Investor, and acquisition by any such person of securities is conditional upon the execution of an agreement to that effect.

 

Portugal

 

This document is not being distributed in the context of a public offer of financial securities (oferta pública de valores mobiliários) in Portugal, within the meaning of Article 109 of the Portuguese Securities Code (Código dos Valores Mobiliários). The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in Portugal. This document and any other offering material relating to the securities have not been, and will not be, submitted to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (Comissăo do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários) for approval in Portugal and, accordingly, may not be distributed or caused to distributed, directly or indirectly, to the public in Portugal, other than under circumstances that are deemed not to qualify as a public offer under the Portuguese Securities Code. Such offers, sales and distributions of securities in Portugal are limited to persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Portuguese Securities Code). Only such investors may receive this document and they may not distribute it or the information contained in it to any other person.

 

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Sweden

 

document has not been, and will not be, registered with or approved by Finansinspektionen (the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority). Accordingly, this document may not be made available, nor may the securities be offered for sale in Sweden, other than under circumstances that are deemed not to require a prospectus under the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act (1991:980) (Sw. lag (1991:980) om handel med finansiella instrument). Any offering of securities in Sweden is limited to persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Financial Instruments Trading Act). Only such investors may receive this document and they may not distribute it or the information contained in it to any other person.

 

Switzerland

 

The securities 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 material relating to the securities may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

Neither this document nor any other offering material relating to the securities 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 securities will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

This document is personal to the recipient only and not for general circulation in Switzerland.

 

United Arab Emirates

 

Neither this document nor the securities have been approved, disapproved or passed on in any way by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or any other governmental authority in the United Arab Emirates, nor has the Company received authorization or licensing from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or any other governmental authority in the United Arab Emirates to market or sell the securities within the United Arab Emirates. This document does not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of an offer or invitation. No services relating to the securities, including the receipt of applications and/or the allotment or redemption of such securities, may be rendered within the United Arab Emirates by the Company.

 

No offer or invitation to subscribe for securities is valid or permitted in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

 

United Kingdom

 

Neither the information in this document nor any other document relating to the offer has been delivered for approval to the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom and no prospectus (within the meaning of section 85 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (“FSMA”) has been published or is intended to be published in respect of the securities. This document is issued on a confidential basis to “qualified investors” (within the meaning of section 86(7) of FSMA) in the United Kingdom, and the securities may not be offered or sold in the United Kingdom by means of this document, any accompanying letter or any other document, except in circumstances which do not require the publication of a prospectus pursuant to section 86(1) FSMA. This document should not be distributed, published or reproduced, in whole or in part, nor may its contents be disclosed by recipients to any other person in the United Kingdom.

 

Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) received in connection with the issue or sale of the securities has only been communicated or caused to be communicated and will only be communicated or caused to be communicated in the United Kingdom in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply to the Company.

 

In the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed at, persons (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) (investment professionals) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotions) Order 2005 (“FPO”), (ii) who fall within the categories of persons referred to in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the FPO or (iii) to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (together “relevant persons”). The investments to which this document relates are available only to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to purchase will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

 

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Canada

 

The securities may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws. Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor. Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The following description of our capital stock is based upon our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws and applicable provisions of law, in each case as currently in effect. This discussion does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws, copies of which are filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

Authorized Capital Stock

 

Assuming the filing and effectiveness of a Certificate of Amendment to increase the authorized shares of common stock from 20,000,000 to 50,000,000, our authorized capital stock consists of (i) 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and (ii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”). At April 10, 2020, we had               (7,863,975 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and no Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

 

As of April 10, 2020, there were 99 holders of record of our Common Stock.

 

Common Stock

 

Common stockholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Unless specified in our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, or bylaws, or as required by applicable provisions of the DGCL or applicable stock exchange rules, the affirmative vote of a majority of our shares of Common Stock that are voted is required to approve any such matter voted on by our stockholders. Our board of directors is divided into two classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of two 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 voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors. Our stockholders are entitled to receive ratable dividends when, as and if declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor.

 

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Preferred Stock

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors will be authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of directors will be able to, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us or the removal of existing management. We have no preferred stock outstanding at the date hereof. 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. No shares of preferred stock are being issued or registered in this offering.

 

Warrants

 

Public Stockholders’ Warrants

 

In August 2017, we issued                     (5,200,000 pre-reverse split) warrants (“Public Warrants”) forming a part of units which we originally issued in our initial public offering. Each Public Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of our Common Stock at a price of $        ($11.50 pre-reverse split) per share, subject to adjustment. The Public Warrants may be exercised at any time commencing on December 20, 2018 until November 19, 2023. On September 30, 2019, the            (5,200,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants became registered under the Securities Act.

 

Notwithstanding the above, if our 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, 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 or register or qualify the shares under blue sky laws, and in the event we do not so elect, we will use our best efforts to register or qualify the shares under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the warrants were initially offered by us in this offering.

 

Once the warrants become exercisable, we may call the warrants for redemption:

 

  in whole and not in part;
     
  at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
     
  upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption (the “30-day redemption period”) to each warrant holder; and
     
  if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $                  ($21.00 pre-reverse split) per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date we send to the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

 

If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws and we are unable to effect such registration or qualification, subject to our obligation in such case to use our best efforts to register or qualify the shares of Common Stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the warrants were initially offered by us in this offering.

 

We have established the last 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 warrant holder will be entitled to exercise his, her or its warrant prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price of the common stock may fall below the $        ($21.00 pre-reverse split) redemption trigger price as well as the $             ($11.50 pre-reverse split) warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.

 

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If we call the warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise his, her or its warrant to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders to exercise their warrants on a “cashless basis,” our management will consider, among other factors, our cash position, the number of warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect on our stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of our warrants. If our management takes advantage of this option, all holders of warrants would pay the exercise price by surrendering their 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 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 common stock for the 10 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. If our management takes advantage of this option, the notice of redemption will 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” in such case. Requiring a cashless exercise in this manner will reduce the number of shares to be issued and thereby lessen the dilutive effect of a warrant redemption. We believe this feature is an attractive option to us if we do not need the cash from the exercise of the warrants after our initial business combination. If we call our warrants for redemption and our management does not take advantage of this option, the initial purchasers and their permitted transferees would still be entitled to exercise their Private Placement Warrants contained in the Private Placement Units for cash or on a cashless basis using the same formula described above that other warrant holders would have been required to use had all warrant holders been required to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis, as described in more detail below.

 

A holder of a warrant may notify us in writing in the event it elects to be subject to a requirement that such holder will 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 4.9% or 9.8% (or such other amount as a holder may specify) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise.

 

If 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 will be increased in proportion to such increase in the outstanding shares of Common Stock. A rights offering to holders of common stock entitling holders to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the fair market value will 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 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 these purposes (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, in determining the price payable for common stock, there will 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 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.

 

In addition, if we, at any time while the warrants are outstanding and unexpired, pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash, securities or other assets to the holders of common stock on account of such shares of Common Stock (or other shares of our capital stock into which the warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described above, (b) certain ordinary cash dividends, (c) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of common stock in connection with a proposed initial business combination, (d) as a result of the repurchase of shares of Common Stock by the company if the proposed initial business combination is presented to the stockholders of the company for approval, or (e) in connection with the redemption of our Public Shares upon our failure to complete our initial business combination, then the warrant exercise price will be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such event, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any securities or other assets paid on each share of common stock in respect of such event. If the number of outstanding shares of our 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 will be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares of Common Stock.

 

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Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the warrants is adjusted, as described above, the warrant exercise price will be adjusted by multiplying the warrant exercise price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which will 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 will be the number of shares of Common Stock so purchasable immediately thereafter.

 

In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than those described above or that solely affects the par value of such shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which we are the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of our 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 us as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which we are dissolved, the holders of the warrants will 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 our Common Stock 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, that the holder of the warrants would have received if such holder had exercised their warrants immediately prior to such event. However, if such holders 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 for which each warrant will become exercisable will be deemed to be the weighted average of the kind and amount received per share by such holders in such consolidation or merger that affirmatively make such election, and if a tender, exchange or redemption offer has been made to and accepted by such holders (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) 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) 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) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holder of a warrant will be entitled to receive 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 the warrant agreement. Additionally, if less than 70% of the consideration receivable by the holders of common stock in such a transaction is payable in the form of common stock in the successor entity that is 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 of the warrant properly exercises the warrant within thirty days following public disclosure of such transaction, the warrant exercise price will be reduced as specified in the warrant agreement based on the per share consideration minus Black-Scholes Warrant Value (as defined in the warrant agreement) of the warrant in order to determine and realize the option value component of the warrant. This formula is to compensate the warrant holder for the loss of the option value portion of the warrant value due to the requirement that the warrant holder exercise the warrant within 30 days of the event. The Black-Scholes model is an accepted pricing model for estimating fair market value where no quoted market price for an instrument is available.

 

The warrants have been issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. You should review a copy of the warrant agreement, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants. 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 the holders of at least 65% of the then outstanding Public Warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of Public Warrants.

 

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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 (or on a cashless basis, if applicable), by certified or official bank check payable to us, for the number of warrants being exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of 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. Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of shares of Common Stock. 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 down to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the warrant holder.

 

As of April 10, 2020,           (5,200,000 pre-reverse split) Public Warrants remain outstanding.

 

Private Placement Warrants

 

In August 2017, we issued            (261,500 pre-reverse split) warrants (“Private Placement Warrants”) forming a part of units which we originally issued in a private placement that closed simultaneously with the consummation of our initial public offering. Each Private Placement Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of our Common Stock at a price of $          ($11.50 pre-reverse split) per share, subject to adjustment. The Private Placement Warrants may be exercised at any time commencing on December 20, 2018 until November 19, 2023. On September 30, 2019, the               (261,500 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants became registered under the Securities Act.

 

The Private Placement Warrants (including the common stock issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants), will not be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. Otherwise, the Private Placement Warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the warrants being sold as part of the units in the IPO. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by holders other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

 

If holders of the Private Placement Warrants elect to exercise them on a cashless basis, they would pay the exercise price by surrendering his, her or its 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 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 common stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of warrant exercise is sent to the warrant agent. The reason that we have agreed that these warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the initial purchasers and their permitted transferees is because it is not known at this time whether they will be affiliated with us following a business combination. If they remain affiliated with us, their ability to sell our securities in the open market will be significantly limited. We expect to have policies in place that prohibit insiders from selling our securities except during specific periods of time. Even during such periods of time when insiders will be permitted to sell our securities, an insider cannot trade in our securities if he or she is in possession of material non-public information. Accordingly, unlike Public Stockholders who could exercise their warrants and sell the shares of Common Stock received upon such exercise freely in the open market in order to recoup the cost of such exercise, the insiders could be significantly restricted from selling such securities. As a result, we believe that allowing the holders to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis is appropriate.

 

As of April 10, 2020,                 (261,500 pre-reverse split) Private Placement Warrants remain outstanding.

 

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2019 Warrants

 

During the period from March 1, 2019 through July 1, 2019, the Company issued                  (987,500 pre-reverse split) warrants (“2019 Warrants”) which formed a part of units privately placed in a units offering. The warrants expire 5-years from the date of issuance and are exercisable at a purchase price of $             ($4.00 pre-reverse split) per share. On September 30, 2019, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the 2019 Warrants became registered under the Securities Act.

 

As of April 10, 2020,          (987,500 pre-reverser split) 2019 Warrants remain outstanding.

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock to date and do not intend to pay cash dividends. 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 cash dividends will be within the discretion of our board of directors at such time. 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 initial stockholders prior to this offering at 20% of our issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock upon the consummation of this offering (not including the Private Placement Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable to Maxim 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.

 

Description of Securities in this Offering

 

Units

 

Each unit consists of one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one warrant to purchase one share of our common stock, each as described further below. No units will actually be issued in this offering and the common stock and warrants will be immediately separable and will be issued separately.

 

Warrants

 

In connection with the purchase of each unit, each investor will receive one share of common stock and one warrant. Accordingly, upon completion of this offering based on the assumed offering price we expect to have an additional warrants outstanding (if the warrants reserved for the over-allotment are sold). Each warrant is exercisable for one share of common stock at an exercise price of        % of the price of each unit sold in the offering and is exercisable for a period of five years from the initial exercise date.

 

The number of warrants outstanding, and the exercise price of those securities, will be adjusted proportionately in the event of a reverse or forward stock split of our common stock, a recapitalization or reclassification of our common stock, payment of dividends or distributions in common stock to our common stock holders, or similar transactions. In the event that the Company effects a rights offering to its common stock holders or a pro rata distribution of its assets among its common stock holders, then the holder of the warrants will have the right to participate in such distribution and rights offering to the extent of their pro rata share of the Company’s outstanding common stock assuming they owned the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of their warrants. In the event of a “Fundamental Transaction” by the Company, such as a merger or consolidation of it with another company, the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in one or a series of related transactions, a purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer, or any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Company’s common stock, then the warrant holder will have the right to receive, for each share of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrant, at the option of the holder, the number of shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration payable as a result of the Fundamental Transaction, that would have been issued or conveyed to the warrant holder had the holder exercised the warrant immediately preceding the closing of the Fundamental Transaction. In lieu of receiving such common stock and additional consideration in the Fundamental Transaction, the warrant holder may elect to have the Company or the successor entity purchase the warrant holder’s warrant for its fair market value.

 

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The Company will promptly notify the warrant holders in writing of any adjustment to the exercise price or to the number of the outstanding warrants, declaration of a dividend or other distribution, a special non-recurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the common stock, the authorization of a rights offering, the approval of the stock holders required for any proposed reclassification of the common stock, a consolidation or merger by the Company, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, any compulsory share exchange, or the authorization of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Company.

 

The warrants will be issued in registered form, in each case pursuant to a Warrant Agency Agreement between the transfer agent and registrar, as warrant agent, and us. You should review a copy of the Warrant Agency Agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants.

 

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as Amended, and Bylaws

 

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. This statute prevents certain Delaware corporations, under certain circumstances, from engaging in a “business combination” with:

 

  a stockholder who owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock (otherwise known as an “interested stockholder”);
     
  an affiliate of an interested stockholder; or
     
  an associate of an interested stockholder, for three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder.

 

A “business combination” includes a merger or sale of more than 10% of our assets. However, the above provisions of Section 203 do not apply if:

 

  our board of directors approves the transaction that made the stockholder an “interested stockholder,” prior to the date of the transaction;
     
  after the completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, that stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than statutorily excluded shares of Common Stock; or
     
  on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at a meeting of our stockholders, and not by written consent, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that our board of directors will be classified into two classes of directors. 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.

 

Our authorized but unissued 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 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 for Certain Lawsuits

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, will require, 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 such suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe this provision benefits us 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.

 

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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 Chief Executive Officer or by our Chairman.

 

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 received by the secretary to our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to the scheduled date of the annual meeting of stockholders. If our annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 45 days before or after such anniversary date, a stockholder’s notice will need to be received not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day before the meeting and not later than the later of (x) the close of business on the 90th day before the meeting or (y) the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which we first publicly announce the date of the annual meeting. Our bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice for an annual meeting. Specifically, a stockholder’s notice must include: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the text of the proposal or business and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and record address of such stockholder and the name and address of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, (iii) the class or series and number of shares of our capital stock owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and by the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder, (v) any material interest of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made in such business and (vi) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before such meeting. These notice requirements will be deemed satisfied by a stockholder as to any proposal (other than nominations) if the stockholder has notified us of such stockholder’s intention to present such proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, and such stockholder has complied with the requirements of such rule for inclusion of such proposal in the proxy statement we prepare to solicit proxies for such annual meeting. Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, proposals seeking inclusion in our annual proxy statement must comply with the notice periods contained therein. The foregoing provisions may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Our Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent

 

The transfer agent for our Common Stock and warrant agent for our Warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. We have agreed to indemnify Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company in its roles as transfer agent and warrant agent, its agents and each of its stockholders, directors, officers and employees against all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to any gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the indemnified person or entity.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Anthony L.G., PLLC, 625 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 600, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Littman Krooks LLP.

 

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EXPERTS

 

Our balance sheets as of May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018 and the related statement of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 included in this registration statement and prospectus have been audited by Prager Metis, independent registered public accounting firm, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION’S POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

 

Our directors and officers are indemnified as provided by Delaware law, our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws. We have agreed to indemnify each of our directors and certain officers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the provisions described above, 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 our payment of expenses incurred or paid by our director, officer or controlling person 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, we will, unless in the opinion of our 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC the registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act for the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which is a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information in the registration statement and the exhibits filed with it, portions of which have been omitted as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. For further information concerning us and the securities offered by this prospectus, we refer to the registration statement and to the exhibits filed with it. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the content of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. In each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contracts and/or other documents filed as exhibits to the registration statement.

 

The registration statement on Form S-1, of which this prospectus forms a part, including exhibits, is available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with, or furnish to, the SEC at its public reference facilities:

 

  Public Reference Room Office
  100 F Street, N.E.
  Room 1580
  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., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Callers in the United States can also call (202) 551-8090 for further information on the operations of the public reference facilities.

 

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SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 (Audited) F-3
Consolidated Statement of Operations, Fiscal Years Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 (Audited) F-4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder’s Equity, Fiscal Years Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 (Audited) F-5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, Fiscal Years Ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 (Audited) F-6
Notes to Audited Financial Statements F-7
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of November 30, 2019 (Unaudited) and May 31, 2019 F-25
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-26
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder’s Equity for the Three and Six Months Ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-27
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 (Unaudited) F-29
Notes to Interim Unaudited Financial Statements F-30

 

  F-1  
 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company and Subsidiary (formerly known as I-AM Capital Acquisition Company)

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company and Subsidiary (formerly known as I-AM Capital Acquisition Company) (the “Company”) as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 and the related notes and schedules (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 May 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 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 audits. 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 audits 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 audits 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 audits 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Substantial Doubt About the Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has negative working capital at May 31, 2019, has incurred recurring losses and recurring negative cash flow from operating activities which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

/s/ Prager Metis CPAs, LLC  

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

Basking Ridge, New Jersey

August 29, 2019

 

  F-2  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    May 31,     May 31,  
    2019     2018  
ASSETS                
                 
Current Assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,540,158     $ 458,063  
Prepaid expenses     -       3,168  
Total Current Assets     1,540,158       461,231  
                 
Other Assets                
Goodwill     4,456,250       -  
Intangible assets, net     1,528,441       -  
Property and equipment     117,231       -  
Right of use asset, operating lease     100,146       -  
Security deposit     12,317       -  
Cash held in trust account     -       52,895,652  
Total Other Assets     6,214,385       52,895,652  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 7,754,543     $ 53,356,883  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                 
Current Liabilities                
Loan payable- related party   $ 93,761     $ 81,618  
Accrued expenses     691,940       63,579  
Convertible note payable     1,000,000       -  
Operating lease obligation, current     32,045       -  
Deferred legal fees     -       100,000  
Total Current Liabilities     1,817,746       245,197  
                 
Operating lease obligation, net of current portion     68,876       -  
Deferred underwriting fees     -       1,820,000  
                 
Total Liabilities     1,886,622       2,065,197  
                 
Commitments                
Common stock subject to possible redemption, $0.0001 par value; -0- and 4,560,757 shares as of May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively at redemption value     -       46,291,685  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity                
Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding     -       -  
Common stock - $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 7,003,975 and 2,252,743 shares issued and outstanding as of May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively     700       225  
Additional paid-in capital     9,442,027       5,009,310  
Accumulated deficit     (3,574,806 )     (9,534 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity     5,867,921       5,000,001  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 7,754,543     $ 53,356,883  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

  F-3  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    For the Year Ended  
    May 31, 2019     May 31, 2018  
             
Revenue                
Revenue   $ 37,995     $ -  
                 
Operating Expenses                
General and Administrative expenses     (4,353,189 )     (530,564 )
Loss from Operations     (4,315,194 )     (530,564 )
                 
Other Income / (Expense)                
Debt Forgiveness Income     369,206       -  
Interest Expense     (23,268 )     -  
Interest Income     403,984       521,702  
Total Other Income / (Expense)     749,922       521,702  
                 
Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes     (3,565,272 )     (8,862 )
                 
Provision for Income Taxes     -       -  
                 
Net Loss   $ (3,565,272 )   $ (8,862 )
                 
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per share   $ (1.00 )   $ (0.00 )
                 
Basic and diluted Weighted Average Number of common shares outstanding     3,566,488       2,050,790  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

  F-4  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
    Accumulated     Total Stockholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity  
                               
Balance - May 31, 2017     1,437,500     $ 144     $ 24,856     $ (672 )   $ 24,328  
                                         
Sale of 5,200,000 Units, net of underwriting discount and offering expenses     5,200,000       520       48,160,700       -       48,161,220  
                                         
Sale of 261,500 Private Units     261,500       26       2,614,974       -       2,615,000  
                                         
Issuance of shares to underwriter     52,000       5       499,995       -       500,000  
                                         
Common Stock Subject to Redemption     (4,560,757 )     (456 )     (46,291,229 )     -       (46,291,685 )
                                         
Common Stock Forfeited by Sponsor     (137,500 )     (14 )     14       -       -  
                                         
Net loss     -       -       -       (8,862 )     (8,862 )
                                         
Balance - May 31, 2018     2,252,743     $ 225     $ 5,009,310     $ (9,534 )   $ 5,000,001  
                                         
Common Stock Subject to Redemption not redeemed     112,497       11               -       11  
                                         
Common stock redemption     (451,563 )     (45 )     (6,635,207 )     -       (6,635,252 )
                                         
Shares issued for advisory services     208,000       21       2,124,979       -       2,125,000  
                                         
Common stock issued to Smaaash Founders     2,000,000       200       -       -       200  
                                         
Cancellation of Smaaash Founders shares     (2,000,000 )     (200 )     200       -       -  
                                         
Rights shares     546,150       54       383,161       -       383,215  
                                         
Common Shares Issued in Acquisition     3,000,000       300       6,089,700               6,090,000  
                                         
Common shares issued in Private Placement     962,500       96       1,924,904               1,925,000  
                                         
Common Shares Issued from Employment Agreements     180,000       18       -       -       18  
                                         
Vesting of Common Shares     -       -       45,000       -       45,000  
                                      -  
Common Shares issued for convertible note     193,648       20       499,980       -       500,000  
                                         
Net loss     -       -       -       (3,565,272 )     (3,565,272 )
                                         
Balance - May 31, 2019     7,003,975       700       9,442,027       (3,574,806 )     5,867,921  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

  F-5  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEAR ENDED

 

    May 31, 2019     May 31, 2018  
             
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net (loss) income   $ (3,565,272 )   $ (8,862 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) operating activities:                
Interest earned on marketable securities held in trust account     (403,984 )     (521,702 )
Depreciation expense     5,298       -  
Amortization expense     85,677       -  
Impairment of cost method investment     150,000       -  
Debt forgiveness income     (369,206 )     -  
Issuance of shares for services     2,170,110       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses     3,170       -  
Security deposits     (12,318 )     -  
Deferred legal fees     (100,000 )     -  
Accrued expenses     641,270       63,579  
Income taxes payable     -       (3,168 )
                 
Net cash used in operating activities     (1,395,255 )     (470,153 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Investment of cash in Trust Account     -       (52,780,000 )
Interest income released from Trust Account     -       406,050  
Cash purchased in acquisition     75,930       -  
Lease liability net of lease asset     775          
Investment at cost     (150,000 )     -  
Purchase of property and equipment     (122,529 )     -  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (195,824 )     (52,373,950 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Gross proceeds from sale of Units, net of commissions     -       50,860,100  
Proceeds from sale of Private Units     1,925,000       2,615,000  
Proceeds from note payable - related party, net     12,143       171,035  
Repayment of note payable - related party, net     -       (120,089 )
Settlement of redeemable common stock     (46,291,685 )     -  
Cash held in trust account used to settle common stock redemption obligation     (7,620,432 )     -  
Cash in trust     54,648,148       -  
Repayment of offering costs     -       (253,880 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities     2,673,174       53,272,166  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents     1,082,095       428,063  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period     458,063       30,000  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period   $ 1,540,158     $ 458,063  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:                
                 
Cash paid for interest   $ -     $ -  
Cash paid for income taxes   $ -     $ -  
                 
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Information                
                 
Deferred underwriting fees charged to additional paid in capital   $ -     $ 1,820,000  
Deferred legal fees charged to additional paid in capital   $ -     $ 100,000  
Issuance of common stock issued to underwriters charged to additional paid in capital   $ -     $ 44,327,271  
Change in value of common stock subject to possible redemption   $ -     $ 1,967,441  
Offering costs charged to additional paid capital   $ -     $ 25,000  
Common stock issued for consideration in an acquisition   $ 6,090,000     $ -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

  F-6  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MAY 31, 2019

 

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company F/K/A Smaaash Entertainment Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), was an organized blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 17, 2017. The Company was formed under the name I-AM Capital Acquisition Company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Business Combination”). On November 20, 2018, the Company changed its name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment Inc. On January 2, 2019, the Company changed its name from Smaaash Entertainment Inc. to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.

 

Through our wholly subsidiary, Simplicity Esports, LLC, acquired on January 2, 2019 (see Note 4). The Company has begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry. Simplicity is an established brand in the Esports industry with an engaged fan base competing in popular games across different genres, including PUBG, Gears of War, Smite, Guns of Boom, and multiple EA Sports titles. Additionally, the Simplicity stream team encompasses a unique group of casters, influencers, and personalities all of whom connect to Simplicity’s dedicated fan base. Simplicity also has begun to open and operate esports gaming centers that will provide the public an opportunity to experience and enjoy gaming and Esports in a social setting, regardless of skill or experience.

 

The Company’s sponsor was I-AM Capital Partners LLC (the “Sponsor”). The Company selected May 31 as its fiscal year end.

 

Financing

 

The registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (as described in Note 3) was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 16, 2017. The Company financed the Business Combination with the net proceeds from the sale of $50,000,000 of units in the initial public offering (the “Public Units”) and the sale of $2,545,000 of units (the “Private Units” and, together with the Public Units, the “Units”) in the simultaneous private placement (the “Private Placement” as described in Note 3). Upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement on August 22, 2017, $50,750,000 was deposited in a trust account with Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company acting as trustee (the “Trust Account”) as discussed below.

 

Contained in the underwriting agreement for the Initial Public Offering was an over-allotment option allowing the underwriters to purchase from the Company up to an additional 750,000 Public Units (the “Over-Allotment Units”) and, in addition, the Company received a commitment from the Sponsor to purchase up to an additional 26,250 Private Units in order to maintain the amount of cash in the Trust Account equal to $10.15 per Public Unit sold in the Initial Public Offering. On September 13, 2017, the underwriters partially exercised their option and purchased 200,000 Over-Allotment Units, which were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $2,000,000. Also on September 13, 2017, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-Allotment Units, the Company consummated the sale of an additional 7,000 Placement Units (the “Over-Allotment Placement Units”), generating gross proceeds of $70,000.

 

Trust Account

 

The Trust Account was invested only in U.S. government treasury bills with a maturity of one hundred and eighty (180) days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which invested only in direct U.S. government obligations. Funds were to remain in the Trust Account until the earlier of (i) the consummation of its first Business Combination or (ii) the distribution of the Trust Account as described below. The remaining proceeds outside the Trust Account were allowed to be used to pay for business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective acquisitions and continuing general and administrative expenses.

 

  F-7  
 

 

Initial Business Combination

 

The Company’s management had broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering.

 

On August 21, 2018, the Company deposited into the Trust Account an aggregate of $303,610 (including interest earned on the funds in the Trust Account available for withdrawal), representing $0.058 per public share. As a result of such payment, the Company extended the period of time it had to consummate a Business Combination by three months to November 21, 2018.

 

On November 20, 2018, the parties consummated the initial Business Combination.

 

Upon consummation of the Business Combination, the Company issued 208,000 restricted shares to Chardan Capital Markets in consideration for advisory services provided. These restricted shares are valued at $10.21 per share totaling $2,125,000 and are on the statement of operations included in general and administrative expenses.

 

At the special meeting of stockholders held on November 9, 2018, holders of 4,448,260 shares of the Company’s common stock sold in its Initial Public Offering (Public Shares”) exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash at a price of $10.2187363 per share, for an aggregate of approximately $45,455,596. Immediately after giving effect to the initial Business Combination (including as a result of the redemptions described above) the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of common stock to the Smaaash founders, the issuance of 520,000 shares of common stock upon conversion of the rights at the Closing and the issuance of 208,000 shares of common stock to Chardan Capital Markets as consideration for services), there were 5,119,390 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase approximately 5,461,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Upon the Closing, the Company’s rights ceased to exist, and its common stock and warrants began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).

 

On the Closing Date, the Company entered into a master franchise agreement (“Master Franchise Agreement”) and a master license and distribution agreement (“Master Distribution Agreement”) with Smaaash, as of February 28, 2019 this master franchise agreement and master distribution agreement are no longer in effect.

 

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (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 registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 an 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.

 

  F-8  
 

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Simplicity Esports, LLC.

 

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers short-term interest bearing investments with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has no cash equivalents.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which at times, may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company’s 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). The new guidance sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in U.S. GAAP. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales occur once control is transferred upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods and services. Our revenue is derived from two sources, the first is from the sale of the rights to our players to third parties and second from participation and prize money awarded at gaming tournaments.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at its historical cost. The cost of property and equipment is depreciated over the estimated useful lives, when placed in service, (ranging from 3 -5 years) of the related assets utilizing the straight-line method of depreciation. The cost of leasehold improvements is depreciated (amortized) over the lesser of the length of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred and major repairs will be capitalized and expensed if it benefits future periods.

 

  F-9  
 

 

Intangible Assets and impairment

 

Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company had intangible assets subject to amortization related to its acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC. These costs were included in intangible assets on our balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over the estimated useful lives of the costs, which is 3 to 5 years.

 

The Company periodically reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less that the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Our assessment date was January 31, 2019 and qualitative considerations indicated no impairment.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation and ASC 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Equity instruments issued to employees and the cost of the services received as consideration are measured and recognized based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued and are recognized over the employees required service period, which is generally the vesting period.

 

Restricted Cash Held in Escrow and Common Stock Redemption Obligations

 

This amount is held in escrow with respect to a certain stock purchase agreement with Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (“Polar”), pursuant to which Polar agreed to sell up to 490,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the transactions and a separate certain stock purchase agreement with the K2 Principal Fund L.P. (“K2”), pursuant to which K2 agreed to sell up to 220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Transactions. These purchase agreements were subsequently amended as of December 20, 2018, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company distributed to Polar and K2 an aggregate of $5,133,300 out of the escrow. See below “Amendments to Forward Purchase Agreements and Warrants,” for a more detailed description of the amendment. Under the terms of the purchase agreements, as amended, the Company will use the funds held in escrow to pay for such shares; however, the Company is only required to repurchase shares that were not previously sold by Polar and K2. Therefore, if the investors had already sold such shares by the determination date, then the Company would be able to keep a portion of the remaining funds held in escrow, depending on the prices at which the shares were sold by the investors. All shares were redeemed during the year, see statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

Amendments to Forward Purchase Agreements and Warrants

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company, Polar, K2 and the Escrow Agent, entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”), pursuant to which, among other things, the stock purchase agreements with Polar and K2 were amended to (x) reduce the purchase price per share payable by the Company at the closing of the Stock Sales from $11.23 per share to (1) first $6.00 per share up to 20% of the original number of Shares (as defined in the respective Purchase Agreement), (2) then $5.00 per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (3) then $4.00 per remaining share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (4) then $3.00 per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, and (5) then $2.00 per remaining Share up to 20% of the original number of Shares, (y) to extend the outside date of the closing of the Stock Sales until January 18, 2019, and (z) to authorize the issuance of $3,542,700 and $1,590,600 from the Escrow Account to Polar and K2, respectively, as partial payment for the Shares prior to the final closing of the Stock Sales.

 

  F-10  
 

 

Investments

 

Investments in non-consolidated entities are accounted for using the equity method or cost basis depending upon the level of ownership and/or the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. When the equity method is used, investments are recorded at original cost and adjusted periodically to recognize the Company’s proportionate share of the investees’ net income or losses after the date of investment. When net losses from an investment accounted for under the equity method exceed its carrying amount, the investment balance is reduced to zero and additional losses are not provided for. The Company resumes accounting for the investment under the equity method if the entity subsequently reports net income and the Company’s share of that net income exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended. Investments are written down only when there is clear evidence that a decline in value that is other than temporary has occurred.

 

Investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for consolidation or the equity method are carried at cost. Dividends received from those companies are included in other income. Dividends received in excess of the Company’s proportionate share of accumulated earnings are applied as a reduction of the cost of the investment. Other than temporary impairments to fair value are charged against current period income. Our investments in privately held entities are accounted for under the cost method. During the quarter ended February 28, 2019 the Company recognized $150,000 of impairment expense related to the Smaaash acquisition.

 

Leases

 

In February of 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02-Leases (Topic 842), which significantly amends the way companies are required to account for leases. Under the updated leasing guidance, some leases that did not have to be reported previously are now required to be presented as an asset and liability on the balance sheet. In addition, for certain leases, what was previously classified as an operating expense must now be allocated between amortization expense and interest expense. The Company adopted this update as of January l 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method and prior periods have not been restated. Upon implementation, the Company recognized an initial operating lease right-of-use asset of $110,003 and operating lease liability of $107,678. Due to the simplistic nature of the Company’s leases, no retained earnings adjustment was required. See Note 8 for further details

 

Offering Costs

 

The Company complies with the requirements of ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 5A — “Expenses of Offering”. Offering costs of approximately $3,728,000 consisting principally of underwriter discounts of $3,250,000 (including approximately $1,800,000 of which payment was deferred until the Company issued the underwriter a secured demand promissory note in the amount of $1,800,000) and approximately $478,000 of professional, printing, filing, regulatory and other costs have been charged to additional paid in capital upon completion of the Initial Public Offering.

 

Common stock subject to possible redemption

 

The Company accounts for its common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock are classified as stockholders’ equity. The Company’s common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events.

 

  F-11  
 

 

Basic Income (Loss) per share

 

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Shares of common stock subject to possible redemption at May 31, 2018 have been excluded from the calculation of basic income (loss) per share and diluted loss per share for the year ended May 31, 2018 since such shares, if redeemed, only participate in their pro rata share of the Trust Account earnings. The Company has not considered the effect of (1) warrants sold in the Initial Public Offering and Private Placement to purchase shares of common stock (2) rights sold in the Initial Public Offering and Private Placement that convert into shares of common stock, and (3) the unit purchase option granted to the underwriter in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share, for the year ended May 31, 2018, since the exercise of the warrants and the conversion of the rights into shares of common stock is contingent upon the occurrence of future events.

 

At May 31, 2019 the Company had a convertible note, and warrants that could be converted into approximately, 6,942,000 common shares. These are not presented in the consolidated statements of operations as the effect of these shares is anti- dilutive.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statements recognition and measurement of tax positions 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.

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) was signed into law. As a result of Tax Reform, the U.S. statutory tax rate was lowered from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, among other changes. ASC Topic 740 requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment; therefore, the Company was required to revalue its deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new rate. The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain tax effects of Tax Reform. The ultimate impact may differ from this provisional amount, possibly materially, as a result of additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of Tax Reform.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting standards promulgated by the FASB are subject to change. Changes in such standards may have an impact on the Company’s future financial statements. The following are a summary of recent accounting developments.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which aligns accounting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees to that of employees under the existing guidance of Topic 718, with certain exceptions. This update supersedes previous guidance for equity-based payments to nonemployees under Subtopic 505-50, Equity—Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019. Based on the completed analysis, the Company has determined the adjustment will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

  F-12  
 

 

The Company periodically reviews new accounting standards that are issued. Although some of these accounting standards may be applicable to the Company, the Company has not identified any other new standards that it believes merit further discussion, and the Company expects that none would have a significant impact on its financial statements.

 

Going Concern

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit at May 31, 2019, a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the reporting period then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company is attempting to commence operations and generate sufficient revenue; however, the Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support the Company’s daily operations. Management intends to raise additional funds by way of a private or public offering. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to commence operations and generate sufficient revenue and in its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenue and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering.

 

The financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

NOTE 3 — INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND PRIVATE PLACEMENT

 

Initial Public Offering

 

On August 22, 2017, the Company sold 5,000,000 Public Units at a purchase price of $10.00 per Public Unit in the Initial Public Offering, generating gross proceeds of $50.0 million. The Company incurred offering costs of approximately $3.7 million, inclusive of approximately $3.2 million of underwriting fees. The Company paid $1 million of underwriting fees upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering, issued 50,000 shares of common stock for underwriting fees, and deferred $1.82 million of underwriting fees until the consummation of the initial Business Combination.

 

Each Unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock, one right to receive one-tenth of one share of the Company’s common stock upon consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination (“Right”), and one redeemable warrant (“Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants became exercisable 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination 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 that the last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $21.00 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 common stock underlying such Warrants and a current prospectus relating to those shares of 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,” management will consider, among other factors, the Company’s cash position, the number of Warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect on the Company’s stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants.

 

  F-13  
 

 

Each holder of a Right received one-tenth (1/10) of one share of common stock upon consummation of the Business Combination. No fractional shares were issued upon exchange of the Rights. No additional consideration was paid by a holder of Rights in order to receive its additional shares upon consummation of the Business Combination as the consideration related thereto has been included in the Unit purchase price paid for by investors in the Initial Public Offering.

 

The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 750,000 additional Public Units to cover any over-allotment, at the initial public offering price less any underwriting discounts and commissions. On September 13, 2017 the underwriters purchased 200,000 additional Public Units for gross proceeds of $2,000,000 less commissions of 110,000, of which $70,000 are deferred.

 

The Company issued Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), as compensation for the Initial Public Offering, an aggregate of 52,000 shares, including 2,000 shares issued in connection with the partial exercise of the over-allotment option. The Company accounted for the fair value of these shares as an expense of the Initial Public Offering resulting in a charge directly to stockholders’ equity.

 

Settlement Agreement

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement (“Settlement Agreement”) with Maxim. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company made a cash payment of $20,000 to Maxim and issued the Note in favor of Maxim in order to settle the payment obligations of the Company under the underwriting agreement dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company and Maxim. The Company also agreed to remove the restrictive legends on an aggregate of 52,000 shares of its common stock held by Maxim and its affiliate. See “Note Payable” under Note 2 above.

 

Unit Purchase Option

 

At the time of the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company sold to Maxim, for an aggregate of $100, an option (the “UPO”) to purchase 250,000 Units (which increased to 260,000 units upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) (See Note 5). The Company has accounted for the fair value of the UPO, inclusive of the receipt of the $100 cash payment, as an expense of the Initial Public Offering resulting in a charge directly to shareholders’ equity. The Company estimates that the fair value of this UPO is approximately $743,600 (or $2.86 per Unit) using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the UPO is estimated as of the date of grant using the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility of 35%, (2) risk-free interest rate of 1.73% and (3) expected life of five years. The UPO may be exercised for cash or on a “cashless” basis, at the holder’s option (except in the case of a forced cashless exercise upon the Company’s redemption of the Warrants, as described above), such that the holder may use the appreciated value of the UPO (the difference between the exercise prices of the UPO and the underlying Warrants and Rights, and the market price of the Units and underlying shares of common stock) to exercise the UPO without the payment of any cash. The Company will have no obligation to net cash settle the exercise of the UPO or the Warrants or Rights underlying the UPO. The holder of the UPO will not be entitled to exercise the UPO or the Warrants or Rights underlying the UPO unless a registration statement covering the securities underlying the UPO is effective or an exemption from registration is available. If the holder is unable to exercise the UPO or underlying Warrants or Rights, the UPO, Warrants or Rights, as applicable, will expire worthless.

 

The Company granted the holders of the UPO, demand and “piggy back” registration rights for periods of five and seven years, respectively, from the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering, including securities directly and indirectly issuable upon exercise of the UPO.

 

Private Placement

 

Concurrently with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 254,500 Private Units at $10.00 per Private Unit, generated gross proceeds of $2,545,000 in a Private Placement. The proceeds from the Private Units was added to the proceeds from the Initial Public Offering held in the Trust Account. The Private Units (including their component securities) were not transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination and the warrants included in the Private Units (the “Private Placement Warrants”) will be non-redeemable so long as they are held by the Sponsor or their permitted transferees. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the Sponsor or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Warrants included in the Public Units sold in the Initial Public Offering. Otherwise, the Private Placement Warrants and the Rights underlying the Private Units have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the Warrants and Rights, respectively, sold as part of the Public Units in the Initial Public Offering and have no net cash settlement provisions.

 

  F-14  
 

 

On September 13, 2017 the Sponsor purchased 7,000 additional Private Units for gross proceeds of $70,000 upon the partial exercise of the over-allotment option.

 

NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

The following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment—at cost, less accumulated depreciation:

 

    May 31,
2019
 
Leasehold improvements     14,818  
Property and equipment     107,711  
         
Total cost     122,529  
         
Less accumulated depreciation     (5,298 )
         
Net, property plant and equipment   $ 117,231  

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 was $5,298 and $0, respectively.

 

NOTE 5 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following tables set forth the intangible assets, including accumulated amortization as of May 31, 2019:

 

    May 31, 2019
    Remaining         Accumulated     Net Carrying  
    Useful Life   Cost     Amortization     Value  
Non-Competes   4.50 years   $ 1,023,118     $ 85,260     $ 937,858  
Trademarks   Indefinite     588,000       -       588,000  
Internet domain   2.50 years     3,000       417       2,583  
        $ 1,614,118     $ 85,677     $ 1,528,441  

 

The following table sets forth the future amortization of the Company’s intangible assets at May 31, 2019:

 

    2020     2021     2022     2023     2024     Thereafter     Total  
Non-Competes   $ 204,624     $ 204,624     $ 204,624     $ 204,624     $ 119,362     $                   -     $ 937,858  
Internet domain     1,000       1,000       583       -       -       -       2,583  
Total   $ 205,624     $ 205,624     $ 205,207     $ 204,624     $ 119,362     $ -     $ 940,441  

 

Amortization expense for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 was $85,677 and $0, respectively.

 

NOTE 6 - ACQUISITIONS

 

The Simplicity Esports, LLC Acquisition

 

On January 4, 2019, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by the share exchange agreement, dated December 21, 2018 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 28, 2018 and by Amendment No. 2 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 30, 2018, the “Share Exchange Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. (“Smaaash”), each of the equity holders of Simplicity (“Simplicity Owners”) and Jed Kaplan, in the capacity as the representative of the Simplicity Owners (the “Representative”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement the Simplicity Owners transferred all the issued and outstanding equity interests of Simplicity to the Company in exchange for newly issued shares of common stock of the Company (the “Acquisition”).

 

  F-15  
 

 

The Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock at the closing of the Acquisition and an additional aggregate of 700,000 shares of common stock on January 7, 2019 and the remaining 2,000,000 shares in March of 2019.

 

The acquisition of Simplicity, in an all-stock deal, creates a pure play esports team and entertainment platform opportunity, which we believe will increase shareholder value and boost our growth strategy as we endeavor the build out of our brick and mortar esports centers.

 

The acquisition was accounted for by the Company using the acquisition method under business combination accounting. Under this method, the purchase price paid by the acquirer is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based on the fair value. Determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities assumed is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. All fair value measurements of acquired assets and liabilities assumed are non-recurring in nature and classified as level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

 

The aggregate purchase price consisted of the following:

 

Restricted stock consideration     6,090,000  
Total   $ 6,090,000  

 

As noted in the table above, the Company issued 3,000,000 restricted shares of common stock as consideration which was valued at market at the date of the closing, fair value of approximately $6,090,000.

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of The Simplicity Esports, LLC assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Cash     76,000  
Internet Domain     3,000  
Trade names and trademarks     588,000  
Non-Competes     1,023,118  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (56,000 )
Goodwill (provisional)     4,455,882  
Total   $ 6,090,000  

 

Revenue and net loss included in the year ended May 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements attributable to Simplicity Esports, LLC is approximately $38,000 and $400,000, respectively.

 

The following unaudited pro forma information below presents the consolidated results operations data as if the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC took place on June 1, 2017:

 

   

Year Ended

May 31, 2019

   

Year Ended

May 31, 2018

 
             
Total Revenue   $ 53,932     $  
Net (Loss)   $ (3,767,067 )   $ (210,657 )
Basic Net Loss Per Share   $ (1.06 )   $ 0.00  

 

  F-16  
 

 

NOTE 7 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Founder Shares

 

On May 31, 2017, the Company issued 1,437,500 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Sponsor (the “Founder Shares”) in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000. 137,500 of the Founder Shares were forfeited by the Sponsor upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

The Founder Shares are identical to the shares of common stock included in the Units and holders of Founder Shares have the same stockholder rights as public stockholders, except that (i) the Founder Shares and the shares of common stock underlying the Private Units are subject to certain transfer restrictions, and (ii) the Sponsor has entered into a letter agreement, pursuant to which it has agreed (A) to waive its redemption rights with respect to the Founder Shares, and the shares of common stock underlying the Private Units and the Public Units in connection with the completion of a Business Combination and (B) to waive its rights to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to the Founder Shares and the shares of common stock underlying the Private Units if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within 12 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering (or up to 21 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering if the Company extends the period of time to consummate a Business Combination).

 

With certain limited exceptions, the Founder Shares are not transferable, assignable or salable (except to the Company’s officers and directors and other persons or entities affiliated with the Sponsor, each of whom will be subject to the same transfer restrictions) until the earlier of one year after the completion of an initial Business Combination or earlier of (i) subsequent to the Company’s Business Combination, the last sale price of the 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 at least 150 days after an initial Business Combination, or (ii) the date following the completion of an Initial Business Combination on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction that results in all stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property.

 

Private Units

 

In addition, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 254,500 Private Units at $10.00 per Private Unit for proceeds of $2,545,000 in the aggregate in the Private Placement. This purchase took place on a private placement basis simultaneously with the completion of the Initial Public Offering. This issuance was be made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

The Sponsor committed to purchase from the Company up to an additional 26,250 Private Units if the underwriters’ over-allotment option was exercised in full.

 

On September 13, 2017, 7,000 additional Private Units were purchased by the Sponsor at $10.00 per Private Unit upon the partial exercise of the over-allotment option.

 

Administrative Service Fee

 

The Company agreed, commencing on the effective date of the Initial Public Offering through the earlier of the Company’s consummation of a Business Combination or its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor a monthly fee of $10,000 for office space, utilities and secretarial and administrative support. For the three months ended November 30, 2018, the Company has paid $30,080 which is presented as general and administrative expense on the accompanying statement of operations. In December 2018, this monthly administrative service fee agreement was terminated.

 

Loan

 

The Sponsor loaned the Company $201,707 in the aggregate, to be used for a portion of the expenses of the Initial Public Offering and working capital purposes. The loan is non-interest bearing, unsecured and due at the earlier of December 31, 2017 or the closing of the Initial Public Offering. As of November 30, 2018, $120,089 of the Sponsor’s loan has been repaid. As of May 31, 2019, the balance of the Sponsor loan is $93,761.

 

  F-17  
 

 

The Company maintains its cash balance at a financial services company that is owned by an officer of the Company.

 

NOTE 8 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Nasdaq Delisting

 

On December 10, 2018, the Company received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Division of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company has not complied with the requirements of IM-5101-2 of the listing rules of Nasdaq (the “Listing Rules”).

 

The Notice stated that after its Business Combination, the Company had not demonstrated that its common stock met Listing Rule 5505(b)(1) that requires a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million. Additionally, the Company has not provided evidence that its common stock has at least 300 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5505(a)(3) and that its warrant has at least 400 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5515(a)(4). Finally, the Company does not comply with Listing Rule 5515(a)(2) which requires that for initial listing of a warrant the underlying security must be listed on Nasdaq.

 

On January 7, 2019, the Company received a second written notice from Nasdaq informing it that the Company failed to comply with Listing Rule 5250(e)(2) which requires companies listed on Nasdaq to timely file notification forms for the Listing of Additional Shares (the “LAS Notification”).

 

The Company was required to submit the LAS Notification 15 days prior to the issuance of the securities, however, the Company filed the LAS Notification for the issuance of the Series A-1 Note and Series A-2 Note and for the share exchange under our Share Exchange Agreement after such 15-day periods. Nasdaq notified the Company that each of these matters serves as an additional and separate basis for delisting the Company’s securities and that the review panel will consider these matters in rendering a determination regarding the Company’s continued listing on Nasdaq.

 

Management of Simplicity Esports and Gamily Company has decided that moving from The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) to the OTCQB is more appropriate for the Company at this time, while the Company builds out its planned network of retail esport centers.

 

On April 1, 2019, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it would delist the Company’s common stock and warrants. The Company’s common stock and warrants were previously suspended from trading on Nasdaq, effective January 25, 2019.

 

On April 2, 2019, Nasdaq filed a Notification of Removal from Listing and/or Registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the Company’s common stock and warrants. As a result, the Company’s common stock and warrants were delisted from Nasdaq effective April 2, 2019.

 

The Company’s common stock and warrants currently have been quoted on the OTCQB under the symbols “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively.

 

Registration Rights

 

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement the Company entered into with its initial stockholders and initial purchasers of the Private Units (and constituent securities) at the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company is required to register certain securities for sale under the Securities Act. These holders are entitled under the registration rights agreement to make up to three demands that the Company register certain of its securities held by them for sale under the Securities Act and to have the securities covered thereby registered for resale pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders have the right to include their securities in other registration statements filed by the Company. The Company will bear the costs and expenses of filing any such registration statements.

 

  F-18  
 

 

Unit Purchase Option

 

The Company sold to the underwriters (and/or their designees), for $100, an option to purchase up to a total of 250,000 Units (which increased to 260,000 Units upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), exercisable at $11.50 per Unit (or an aggregate exercise price of $2,990,000) upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. The UPO may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, at any time during the period commencing on the later of the first anniversary of the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering and the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination and terminating on the fifth anniversary of such effectiveness date. The Units issuable upon exercise of this UPO are identical to those offered in the Initial Public Offering, except that the exercise price of the warrants underlying the Units sold to the underwriters is $13.00 per share.

 

Note Payable

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company paid its underwriter $20,000 and issued its underwriter a secured demand promissory note (the “Note”) in the amount of $1,800,000. The Note accrued interest at 8% per annum from the date of the Note through and including May 20, 2019, 12% per annum from and including May 21, 2019 through and including August 20, 2019, and 15% per annum from and including August 21, 2019, through and including November 20, 2019. If a late payment had occurred and continued, the interest rate would have increased to 12% per annum from the date of the Note through and including August 20, 2019 and 18% per annum from after August 21, 2019. If a late payment had remained outstanding for over 48 hours, Maxim could have required the Company to redeem all or any part of the Note at a redemption price equal to 125% of the Alternate Payment Amount.

 

The principal and interest of the Note was payable upon demand by Maxim or from time to time, in accordance the following schedule:

 

  (i) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on May 20, 2019;
  (ii) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on August 20, 2019; and
  (iii) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on November 20, 2019.

 

The Note was secured by a first priority security interest in all personal property and assets of the Company excluding the assets held in escrow with respect to (i) that certain stock purchase agreement with Polar, pursuant to which Polar agreed to sell up to 490,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Business Combination and (ii) that certain stock purchase agreement with K2, pursuant to which K2 agreed to sell up to 220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

The amount payable under the Note could also have been paid in shares of common stock of the Company or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of common stock of the Company (the “Alternate Equity Payment”) if and only if the Company and Maxim mutually agree on both the purchase price and, if applicable, the conversion and/or exercise price of each security of the Company issued in such Alternative Equity Payment. Otherwise, the payment should be made in cash only.

 

So long as any amount under the Note remained outstanding, all cash proceeds received by the Company from any sales of its securities was to be used to repay this Note.

 

Convertible Note Payable

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company entered into a securities exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) with Maxim Group LLC (the “Holder”). Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Holder agreed to surrender and exchange the Note. In exchange, the Company issued to the Holder a Series A-1 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Series A-1 Note”) and a Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Series A-2 Note,” and collectively with Series A-1 Note, the “Exchange Notes”).

 

The original amount of the promissory note was $1,800,000, the total amount of the two exchange notes is $1,500,000, and the difference of $300,000 has been recorded as debt forgiveness income.

 

  F-19  
 

 

The Series A-1 Note bears interest at 2.67% per annum, payable quarterly and has a maturity date of the earlier of the closing date of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition (as defined below) or June 20, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”). The Company may pay the interest in cash or at its sole discretion, in shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. However, the Company may only pay the interest in shares of its common stock if (i) all the equity conditions specified in the note (“Equity Conditions”) have been met (unless waived by the Holder in writing) during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the interest payment date (“Interest Notice Period”), (ii) the Company has provided proper notice pursuant to the terms of the note and (iii) the Company has delivered to the Holder’s account certain number of shares of its common stock to be applied against such interest payment prior to (but no more than five trading days before) the Interest Notice Period.

 

The Series A-1 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock (“Conversion Shares”) at an initial conversion price of $1.93 per share, subject to adjustment for any stock dividends and splits, rights offerings, distributions, combinations or similar transactions. Upon the closing of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, the conversion price will be automatically adjusted to equal the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the closing date of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition. The Holder may convert the Series A-1 Note at any time, in whole or in part, provided that upon receipt of a notice of conversion from the Holder, the Company has the right to repay all or any portion of the Series A-1 Note included in the notice of conversion.

 

Additionally, the Series A-1 Note will automatically convert into shares of the Company’s common stock on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the closing date of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition provided that (i) no event of default then exists, and (ii) solely if such automatic conversion date is also the Maturity Date, each of the Equity Conditions have been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the 20 trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the automatic conversation date.

 

At any time prior to the Maturity Date, the Company may also elect to redeem some or all of the outstanding principal amount for cash in an amount (the “Optional Redemption Amount”) equal to the sum of (a) 100% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note, (b) accrued but unpaid interest and (c) all liquidated damages and other amounts due in respect of the note (the “Optional Redemption”). The Company may only effect an Optional Redemption if each of the Equity Conditions have been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the period commencing on the date when the notice of the Optional Redemption is delivered to the date of the Optional Redemption and through and including the date payment of the Optional Redemption Amount is actually made in full.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Series A-1 Note, including, without limitation, an Option Redemption, the Company may not prepay any portion of the principal amount of the note without the prior written consent of the Holder.

 

The Company is not permitted to convert any portion of the Series A-1 Note if doing so results in the Holder beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after giving effect to such conversion, provided that on 61 days’ prior written notice from the Holder to the Company, that percentage may increase to 9.99%. However, if there is an automatic conversion, and the conversion would result in the Company issuing a number of shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation, then any such shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation will be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the beneficial ownership limitation, at which time or times the Holder will be issued such shares to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation.

 

The Series A-1 Note contains restrictive covenants which, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to repay or repurchase any indebtedness, make distributions on or repurchase its common stock or enter into transactions with its affiliates.

 

The Series A-2 Note has terms substantially similar to those of the Series A-1 Note except that the Series A-2 Note has a maturity date of June 20, 2020 and an initial conversion price of $1.93 which will be automatically adjusted to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect and (ii) the greater of the arithmetic average of the VWAP of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the notice of conversion and $0.50.

 

  F-20  
 

 

As of December 31, 2018, upon the closing of the Simplicity Esports Acquisition, the Series A-1 Note automatically converted into 193,648 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Operating Lease Right of Use Obligation

 

The Company adopted Topic 842 on January 1, 2019. The Company elected to adopt this standard using the optional modified retrospective transition method and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet on the date of adoption. Comparative periods have not been restated. With the adoption of Topic 842, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet now contains the following line items: Operating lease right-of-use assets, Current portion of operating lease liabilities and Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion.

 

As all the existing leases subject to the new lease standard were previously classified as operating leases by the Company, they were similarly classified as operating leases under the new standard. The Company has determined that the identified operating leases did not contain non-lease components and require no further allocation of the total lease cost. Additionally, the agreements in place did not contain information to determine the rate implicit in the leases, so we used our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Our weighted average discount rate is 12% and the weighted average remaining lease term is 56 months.

 

As of May 31, 2019, operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities arising from operating leases was $100,146 and $100,921, respectively. During the year ended May 31, 2019, cash paid for amounts included for the measurement of lease liabilities was approximately $7,000 and the Company recorded operating lease expense of $10,000.

 

The following is a schedule showing the future minimum lease payments under operating leases by years and the present value of the minimum payments as of May 31, 2019.

 

2020   $ 25,858  
2021   $ 29,311  
2022   $ 30,484  
2023   $ 31,703  
2024   $ 24,484  
Total Operating Lease Obligations   $ 141,840  
Less: Amount representing interest   $ (40,919 )
Present Value of minimum lease payments   $ 100,921  

 

NOTE 9 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Common Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the shares of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At May 31, 2019, there were 7,003,975 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At May 31, 2019, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

 

Private Placement

 

Beginning in February of 2019 and closing in May of 2019, the Company sold units in connection with a private offering by the Company to raise working capital of up to $2,000,000 (the “Offering Amount”) through the sale to accredited investors only of up to up to 1,000,000 “Units” of the Company’s securities, at a purchase price of $2.00 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of (i) one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock, exercisable at a price of $4.00 per share, exercisable at any time within five years of issuance (each, a “Warrant”) as provided for in the Company’s Term Sheet for Unit Offering dated February 6, 2019 (the “Term Sheet”).

 

  F-21  
 

 

The Company sold 962,500 units for gross proceeds of $1,925,000.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

On March 27, 2019 the Company issued 180,000 shares of common stock to 3 employees. The shares were issued in conjunction with their employment agreements and vest ratably through December 31, 2019. As of May 31, 2019, 75,000 shares have vested, and the Company recognized $45,000 of stock-based compensation based on the trading price on March 27, 2019 (measurement date) of $0.60 per share. As of May 31, 2019, unrecognized compensation cost related to these shares is $63,000.

 

Warrants

 

For the year ended May 31, 2018, the Company issued 5,461,500 warrants in conjunction with its Initial Public Offerings. These warrants are exercisable for five years from November 20, 2018, the date of the initial business combination and have an exercise price equal to $11.50.

 

For the year ended May 31, 2019, the Company issued 962,500 warrants in conjunction with the above mentioned private placement. These warrants are exercisable for 5 years and have an exercise price of $4.00

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s outstanding stock warrants for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

 

    Number of
Shares
    Average
Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
Outstanding – May 31, 2017     -     $ -      
Granted – August 2017     5,461,500       11.50     November 2023
Outstanding – May 31, 2018     5,461,500       11.50      
                     
Granted – May 31, 2019     962,500       4.00     May 2024
Outstanding – May 31, 2019     6,424.000     $ 10.38      
Warrants exercisable at May 31, 2019     6,424,000              

 

NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES

 

For the year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, the income tax provisions for current taxes were $0.

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of permanent and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The temporary differences that result in deferred tax assets and liabilities are the results of carry forward tax losses, amortization and impairment expense.

 

The components of the net deferred tax assets for the year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

   

Year ended

May 31, 2019

   

Year ended

May 31, 2018

 
Net Operating Loss   $ 364,000     $ 2,000  
Impairment of cost method investment     38,000       -  
Gross deferred tax asset     402,000       -  
Less: Valuation allowance     (381,000 )     (2,000 )
Net deferred tax asset   $ 21,000     $ -  
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Amortization of intangible assets     (21,000 )     -  
Net deferred assets/liabilities     -       -  

 

  F-22  
 

 

In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences representing net future deductible amounts become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. After consideration of all of the information available, management believes that significant uncertainty exists with respect to future realization of the deferred tax assets and has therefore established a valuation allowance, in an amount equal to gross deferred tax assets less deferred tax liabilities. For the year ended May 31, 2019, the change in the valuation allowance was $379,000.

 

The table below summarizes the reconciliation of our income tax provision computed at the federal statutory rate of 21% for the year ended May 31, 2019 and 28% for the year ended May 31, 2018 and the actual tax provisions for the year ended May 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    2019     2018  
             
Expected provision (benefit) at statutory rate     (21.0 )%     (28.0 )%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit     (4.4 )%     (0 )%
Change in federal rate     - %     7 %
Permanent differences-stock based compensation     15.0       -  
Increase in valuation allowance     10.4 %     21 %
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes     0.0 %     0.0 %

 

At May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018 the Company had Federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $1,434,000 and $9,500, respectively. The net operating loss of approximately $1,434,000 can be carried forward indefinitely subject to annual usage limitations. In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, deductibility of the Company’s NOLs may be subject to an annual limitation in the event of a change in control as defined under the regulations.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into legislation. As part of the legislation, the U.S. corporate income tax rate was reduced to 21%.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction in various state and local jurisdictions and is subject to examination by the various taxing authorities.

 

NOTE 11 — TRUST ACCOUNT AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Trust Account was invested in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in the Investment Company Act, had a maturity of 180 days or less or in any open-ended investment company that held itself out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act.

 

The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation provided that, other than the withdrawal of interest to pay income taxes and up to $600,000 of interest to pay working capital expenses if any, none of the funds held in the Trust Account would be released until the earlier of: (i) the completion of the Business Combination; (ii) the redemption of 100% of the shares of common stock included in the Public Units sold in the Initial Public Offering if the Company was unable to complete its initial Business Combination within 12 months (or 21 months if extended) from the closing of the Initial Public Offering (subject to the requirements of law). The funds were released from the Trust Account on November 20, 2018 upon the Closing of the initial Business Combination.

 

  F-23  
 

 

The Company followed the guidance in ASC 820 for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually.

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company sought to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy was used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and liabilities:

 

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
   
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
   
Level 3: Unobservable inputs based on our assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at November 30, 2018 and May 31, 2018, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value:

 

Description   Level     May 31, 2019     May 31, 2018  
Assets:                        
Cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     1     $ -0-     $ 52,895,652  

 

NOTE 12 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On July 29, 2019, Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”) for total consideration of 750,000 shares of common stock. The PLAYlive acquisition closed on July 30, 2019. This transaction will be accounted for by the Company using the acquisition method under business combination accounting.

 

Founded in 2009 PLAYlive has a network of 44 franchised Gaming Centers across 11 states, serving over 150,000 unique gamers annually. The PLAYlive Centers offer customers a specialized entertainment gaming experience within a social setting. Customers are provided the opportunity to play and compete across an array of gaming titles on both consoles and high performance gaming PCs. Additionally, PLAYlive Gaming Centers serve as community gathering spaces for enthusiasts to play both board and card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokémon.

 

In June of 2019, the Company entered into a 5 year operating lease for its corporate office, rent is approximately $700 per month. In August of 2019, the Company opened its second gaming center and in connection with this gaming center entered into a 5 year operating lease in Deland, Florida. Rent is approximately $2,500 per month for the first year and contains customary escalation clauses.

 

In August of 2019, the $93,761 Loan Payable - related party was forgiven by the related party. This will be recorded as debt forgiveness by the Company.

 

  F-24  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    November 30, 2019     May 31, 2019  
    (UNAUDITED)        
ASSETS                
                 
Current Assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 647,460     $ 1,540,158  
Accounts receivable     67,971       -  
Inventory     18,984       -  
Prepaid expenses     5,671       -  
Total Current Assets     740,086       1,540,158  
                 
Other Assets                
Goodwill     6,682,416       4,456,250  
Intangible assets, net     1,425,629       1,528,441  
Deferred brokerage fees     800,919       -  
Property and equipment     261,905       117,231  
Right of use asset, operating lease     225,322       100,146  
Security deposits     14,885       12,317  
Due from related party     13,342       -  
Total Other Assets     9,424,419       6,214,385  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 10,164,505     $ 7,754,543  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                 
Current Liabilities                
Loan payable- related party   $ -     $ 93,761  
Accounts payable     17,232       -  
Accrued expenses     602,839       691,940  
Convertible note payable     1,000,000       1,000,000  
Operating lease obligation, current     76,559       32,045  
Current portion of deferred revenues     715,350       -  
Stock payable     50,000       -  
Total Current Liabilities     2,461,980       1,817,746  
                 
Operating lease obligation, net of current portion     148,762       68,876  
Deferred revenues, less current portion     923,712       -  
                 
Total Liabilities     3,534,454       1,886,622  
                 
Commitments     -       -  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity                
Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding     -       -  
Common stock - $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 7,858,975 and 7,003,975 shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2019 and May 31, 2019, respectively     786       700  
Additional paid-in capital     11,034,952       9,442,027  
Accumulated deficit     (4,421,528 )     (3,574,806 )
Total Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company Stockholders’ Equity     6,614,210       5,867,921  
Non-Controlling Interest     15,841       -  
Total Equity     6,630,051       5,867,921  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 10,164,505     $ 7,754,543  

 

The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

  F-25  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    November 30, 2019     November 30, 2018     November 30, 2019     November 30, 2018  
                         
Revenue                                
Franchise royalties and license fees     200,274     $ -     $ 247,012     $ -  
Company-owned stores sales     45,224       -       49,643       -  
Esports revenue     -       -       23,336       -  
Total Revenue     245,498       -       319,991       -  
                                 
Operating Expenses                                
General and Administrative expenses     (819,305 )     (3,139,567 )     (1,258,257 )     (3,381,602 )
Loss from Operations     (573,807 )     (3,139,567 )     (938,266 )     (3,381,602 )
                                 
Other Income / (Expense)                                
Debt Forgiveness Income     8,523       -       93,761       -  
Interest Expense     (6,675 )     -       (13,350 )     -  
Interest Income     457       163,694       2,961       401,418  
Total Other Income / (Expense)     2,305       163,694       83,372       401,418  
                                 
Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes     (571,502 )     (2,975,873 )     (854,894 )     (2,980,184 )
                                 
Provision for Income Taxes     -       -       -       -  
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     8,172               8,172          
                                 
Net loss available to common shareholders   $ (563,329 )   $ (2,975,873 )   $ (846,722 )   $ (2,980,184 )
                                 
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per share   $ (0.07 )   $ (1.21 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (1.27 )
                                 
Basic and diluted Weighted Average Number of common shares outstanding     7,840,513       2,457,256       7,551,106       2,354,655  

 

The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

  F-26  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2019

(UNAUDITED)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
    Non-Controlling     Accumulated     Total
Stockholders’
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Interest     Deficit     Equity  
                                     
Balance - May 31, 2019     7,003,975     $ 700     $ 9,442,027             $ (3,574,806 )   $ 5,867,921  
                                                 
Shares issued for PLAYlive Nation acquisition     750,000       75       1,439,925               -       1,440,000  
                                                 
Vesting of Common Shares     -       -       63,000               -       63,000  
                                                 
Compensation to officer for shares issued for past services     -       -       90,000               -       90,000  
                                                 
Shares issued for vesting of employment agreement awards     105,000       11       -               -       11  
                                                 
Non-controlling interest of original investment in subsidiaries     -       -       -       24,013       -       24,013  
                                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     -       -       -       (8,172 )             (8,172 )
                                                 
Net Loss, six months ended November 30, 2019     -       -       -               (846,722 )     (846,722 )
                                                 
Balance - November 30, 2019     7,858,975     $ 786     $ 11,034,952     $ 15,841     $ (4,421,528 )   $ 6,630,051  

 

The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

  F-27  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2018

(UNAUDITED)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
    Accumulated     Total
Stockholders’
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity  
                               
Balance - May 31, 2018     2,252,743     $ 225     $ 5,009,310     $ (9,534 )   $ 5,000,001  
                                         
Common shares issued     425       -       4,311       -       4,311  
                                      -  
Net loss     -       -       -       (4,311 )     (4,311 )
                                         
Balance - August 31, 2018     2,253,168     $ 225     $ 5,013,621     $ (13,845 )   $ 5,000,001  
                                         
Common stock subject to redemption not redeemed     112,072       11       (7,138,003 )     -       (7,137,992 )
                                         
Shares issued for advisory services     208,000       21       2,124,979       -       2,125,000  
                                         
Common stock issued to Smaaash Founders     2,000,000       200       -       -       200  
                                         
Rights shares     546,150       55       379,083       -       379,138  
                                         
Net loss     -       -       -       (2,975,873 )     (2,975,873 )
                                         
Balance - November 30, 2018     5,119,390     $ 512     $ 379,680     $ (2,989,718 )   $ (2,609,526 )

 

The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

  F-28  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED

(UNAUDITED)

 

    November 30, 2019     November 30, 2018  
             
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net loss   $ (854,895 )   $ (2,980,184 )
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) operating activities:                
Interest earned on marketable securities held in trust account     -       (401,418 )
Accrued expense to related party     -       3,620  
Depreciation expense     21,148       -  
Amortization expense     102,812       -  
Debt forgiveness income     (93,761 )     -  
Issuance of shares for services     153,011       2,125,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (67,971 )     -  
Inventory     (18,984 )     -  
Prepaid expenses     (5,671 )     3,114  
Security deposits     (2,568 )     -  
Deferred brokerage fees     5,056       -  
Deferred revenues     14,812       -  
Accounts payable     13,658       -  
Accrued expenses     (89,101 )     872,291  
Due from related party     (13,342 )     -  
                 
Net cash used in operating activities     (835,796 )     (377,577 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Investment at cost     -       (150,000 )
Interest income released from Trust Account     -       401,418  
Cash purchased in acquisition     26,180       -  
Lease liability net of lease asset     (776 )     -  
Purchase of property and equipment     (156,319 )     -  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (130,915 )     251,418  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Payment of offering costs     -       (20,000 )
Cash in trust     -       53,178,520  
Non-controlling interest of original investment in subsidiaries     24,013       (45,455,596 )
Private placement funds received     50,000       -  
Net cash provided by financing activities     74,013       7,702,924  
                 
Net change in cash     (892,698 )     7,576,765  
                 
Cash - beginning of period     1,540,158       458,063  
                 
Cash - end of period   $ 647,460     $ 8,034,828  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:                
                 
Cash paid for interest   $ -     $ -  
Cash paid for income taxes   $ -     $ -  
                 
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Information                
                 
Common stock redemption obligation   $ -     $ 7,973,300  
Common stock issued for consideration in an acquisition   $ 1,440,000     $ -  
Acquisition of PLAYlive:                
Goodwill   $ 2,226,166     $ -  
Property and equipment   $ 9,503     $ -  
Deferred brokerage fees   $ 805,975     $ -  
Accounts payable   $ (3,574 )   $ -  
Deferred revenue   $ (1,624,250 )   $ -  

 

The accompanying unaudited notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

  F-29  
 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOVEMBER 30, 2019

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company F/K/A Smaaash Entertainment Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), was a blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 17, 2017. The Company was formed under the name I-AM Capital Acquisition Company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (“Business Combination”). On November 20, 2018, the Company changed its name from I-AM Capital Acquisition Company to Smaaash Entertainment Inc. On January 2, 2019, the Company changed its name from Smaaash Entertainment Inc. to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company.

 

Through our wholly owned subsidiary Simplicity Esports, LLC, acquired on January 2, 2019 (see Note 6), we have begun to implement a unique approach to ensure the ultimate fan friendly esports experience. Our intention is to have gamers involved at the grassroots level and feel a sense of unity as we compete with top class talent. Our management and players are known within the esports community and we plan to use their skills to create a seamless content creation plan helping gamers feel closer to our brand than any other in the industry. Simplicity is an established brand in the Esports industry with an engaged fan base competing in popular games across different genres, including Apex Legends®, PUBG®, Gears of War®, Overwatch®, League of Legends®, Smite®, and various EA Sports® titles. Additionally, the Simplicity stream team encompasses a unique group of casters, influencers, and personalities all of whom connect to Simplicity’s dedicated fan base. Simplicity also has begun to open and operate esports gaming centers that will provide the public an opportunity to experience and enjoy gaming and Esports in a social setting, regardless of skill or experience.

 

Through our wholly owned subsidiary, PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”), acquired on July 29, 2019 (see Note 6), the Company has a network of franchised Gaming Centers across 13 states. PLAYlive offers a video gaming lounge concept to qualified franchisees. PLAYlive currently offers single-unit location franchises as well as agreements to develop multiple locations. This PLAYlive model is being interlaced with the esports gaming centers mentioned above to create the ultimate gaming center.

 

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a comprehensive presentation of financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of a normal recurring nature, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on August 29, 2019. The interim results for the three and six months ended November 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending May 31, 2020 or for any future interim periods.

 

  F-30  
 

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (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 registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 an 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.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Simplicity Esports, LLC, PLAYlive Nation, Inc., and PLAYlive Nation Holdings, LLC and its 79% owned subsidiaries Simplicity Happy Valley, LLC and Simplicity Redmond, LLC.

 

In November 2019, the Company organized Happy Valley, LLC and Redmond, LLC for the purpose of converting a franchised store into a Company owned store.

 

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers short-term interest-bearing investments with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has no cash equivalents.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which at times, may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” approximates the carrying amounts represented in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  F-31  
 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”). The new guidance sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in GAAP. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales occur once control is transferred upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods and services. Our revenue is derived from the three sources listed below.

 

The following describes principal activities, separated by major product or service, from which the Company generates its revenues:

 

Company-owned Stores Sales

 

The Company-owned stores principally generate revenue from retail esports gaming centers. Revenues from Company-owned stores are recognized when the products are delivered or the service is provided.

 

Franchise Royalties and Fees

 

Franchise royalties which are based on a percentage of franchise store sales are recognized as sales occur. Any royalty reductions, including waivers or those offered as part of a new store development incentive or as incentive for other behaviors are recognized at the same time as the related royalty as they are not separately distinguishable from the full royalty rate. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis.

 

The Company recognizes initial franchise license fee revenue, when the Company has performed substantially all the services required in the franchise agreement. Fees received that do not meet these criteria are recorded as deferred revenues until earned. The pre-opening services provided to franchisees do not contain separate and distinct performance obligations from the franchise right; thus, the fees collected will be amortized on a straight-line basis beginning at the store opening date through the term of the franchise agreement, which is typically 10 years. Franchise license renewal fees, which generally occur every 10 years, are billed before the renewal date. Fees received for future license renewal periods are amortized over the life of the renewal period.

 

The Company offers various incentive programs for franchisees including royalty incentives, new store opening incentives (i.e. development incentives) and other support initiatives. Royalties and franchise fees sales are reduced to reflect any royalty incentives earned or granted under these programs that are in the form of discounts.

 

Commissary sales are comprised of food and supplies sold to franchised stores and are recognized as revenue upon shipment or delivery of the related products to the franchisees. Payments are generally due within 30 days.

 

Fees for information services, including software maintenance fees, marketing fees and website maintenance, graphic and promotion fees are recognized as revenue as such services are provided.

 

Esports revenue

 

Esports revenue is a form of competition using video games. Most commonly, esports takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Revenues from Esports revenue are recognized when the competition is completed and prize money is awarded.

 

Deferred Revenues

 

Deferred revenues are classified as current or long-term based on when management estimates the revenues will be recognized.

 

  F-32  
 

 

The Company receives payments from franchisees in advance of all performance obligations having been met, including but not limited to franchise locations being opened. As certain conditions agreed to in these franchise agreements are performed, revenues are recognized.

 

Deferred costs include commissions paid to brokers related to the sale of specific new franchises which have not met revenue recognition criteria as of November 30, 2019. These costs are recognized in the same period as the initial franchise fee revenue is recognized.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of specific customers (i.e. franchisees), taking into consideration the age of past due accounts and an assessment of the customer’s ability to pay. Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance when management determines it is probable the receivable is worthless. Customer account balances with invoices dated over 90 days old are considered delinquent and considered in the allowance assessment. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers and, generally, requires no collateral. Management believes that all accounts receivable are collectible; therefore, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at its historical cost. The cost of property and equipment is depreciated over the estimated useful lives, when placed in service, (ranging from 3 -5 years) of the related assets utilizing the straight-line method of depreciation. The cost of leasehold improvements is depreciated (amortized) over the lesser of the length of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred and major repairs will be capitalized and expensed if it benefits future periods.

 

Intangible Assets and impairment

 

Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company has intangible assets subject to amortization related to its acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC and PLAYlive Nation, Inc. These costs are included in intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over their estimated useful lives of the costs, which is 3 to 5 years.

 

The Company periodically reviews its intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less that the carrying amount of the asset. The amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its book value.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is the excess of our purchase cost over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We do not amortize goodwill, but we assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Our assessment date was January 31, 2019 and qualitative considerations indicated no impairment.

 

Franchise Locations

 

Through PLAYlive, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary the Company has entered into franchise agreements with third parties. As of November 30, 2019, approximately 47 locations were open and operating, in various states including Arizona, California, Idaho, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington.

 

  F-33  
 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation and ASC 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Equity instruments issued to employees and the cost of the services received as consideration are measured and recognized based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued and are recognized over the employees required service period, which is generally the vesting period.

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02-Leases (Topic 842), which significantly amends the way companies are required to account for leases. Under the updated leasing guidance, some leases that did not have to be reported previously are now required to be presented as an asset and liability on the balance sheet. In addition, for certain leases, what was previously classified as an operating expense must now be allocated between amortization expense and interest expense. The Company adopted this update as of January l, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method and prior periods have not been restated. Upon implementation, the Company recognized an initial operating lease right-of-use asset of $110,003 and operating lease liability of $107,678. Due to the simplistic nature of the Company’s leases, no retained earnings adjustment was required. See Note 8 for further details

 

Basic Income (Loss) per share

 

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Basic income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the Company’s net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Company’s net income (loss) by the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding is the basic weighted number of shares adjusted for any potentially dilutive debt or equity.

 

At November 30, 2019, the Company had a convertible note and common stock warrants that could be converted into approximately, 6,924,000 common shares. These are not presented in the consolidated statements of operations as the effect of these shares is anti- dilutive.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions 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.

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) was signed into law. As a result of Tax Reform, the U.S. statutory tax rate was lowered from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, among other changes. ASC Topic 740 requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment; therefore, the Company was required to revalue its deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new rate. The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain tax effects of Tax Reform. The ultimate impact may differ from this provisional amount, possibly materially, as a result of additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of Tax Reform.

 

  F-34  
 

 

Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting standards promulgated by the FASB are subject to change. Changes in such standards may have an impact on the Company’s future financial statements. The following are a summary of recent accounting developments.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which aligns accounting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees to that of employees under the existing guidance of Topic 718, with certain exceptions. This update supersedes previous guidance for equity-based payments to nonemployees under Subtopic 505-50, Equity—Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019. Based on the completed analysis, the Company has determined the adjustment did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

The Company periodically reviews new accounting standards that are issued. Although some of these accounting standards may be applicable to the Company, the Company has not identified any other new standards that it believes merit further discussion, and the Company expects that none would have a significant impact on its financial statements.

 

Going Concern, Liquidity and Management’s Plan

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that it will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

As reflected in the consolidated financial statements, the Company has an accumulated deficit at November 30, 2019, a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the reporting period then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company has commenced operations and has begun to generate revenue; however, the Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support the Company’s daily operations. Management intends to raise additional funds by way of a private or public offering. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to commence operations and generate sufficient revenue and in its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect.

 

The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenue and its ability to raise additional funds by way of a public or private offering.

 

The financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

NOTE 3 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

The following is a summary of property, plant, and equipment—at cost, less accumulated depreciation:

 

    November 30, 2019  
Leasehold improvements     52,189  
Property and equipment     236,147  
         
Total cost     288,336  
         
Less accumulated depreciation     (26,431 )
         
Net, property plant and equipment   $ 261,905  

 

  F-35  
 

 

Depreciation expense for the six months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 was $21,148 and $0, respectively.

 

NOTE 4 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following tables set forth the intangible assets, including accumulated amortization as of November 30, 2019:

 

    November 30, 2019
    Remaining         Accumulated     Net Carrying  
    Useful Life   Cost     Amortization     Value  
Non-Competes   4 years   $ 1,023,118     $ 187,572     $ 835,546  
Trademarks   Indefinite     588,000       -       588,000  
Internet domain   2 years     3,000       917       2,083  
        $ 1,614,118     $ 188,489     $ 1,425,629  

 

Amortization expense for the six months ended November 30, 2019 and 2018 was $102,812 and $0, respectively.

 

NOTE 5 - ACQUISITIONS

 

The Simplicity Esports, LLC Acquisition

 

On January 4, 2019, the Company consummated the transactions contemplated by the share exchange agreement, dated December 21, 2018 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 28, 2018 and by Amendment No. 2 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 30, 2018, the “Share Exchange Agreement”) by and among the Company, Smaaash Entertainment, Inc. (“Smaaash”), each of the equity holders of Simplicity (“Simplicity Owners”) and Jed Kaplan, in the capacity as the representative of the Simplicity Owners (the “Representative”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement the Simplicity Owners transferred all the issued and outstanding equity interests of Simplicity to the Company in exchange for newly issued shares of common stock of the Company (the “Acquisition”).

 

The Simplicity Owners received an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock at the closing of the Acquisition and an additional aggregate of 700,000 shares of common stock on January 7, 2019 and the remaining 2,000,000 shares in March of 2019.

 

The acquisition of Simplicity, in an all-stock deal, creates a pure play esports team and entertainment platform opportunity, which we believe will increase shareholder value and boost our growth strategy as we endeavor the build out of our brick and mortar esports centers.

 

The acquisition was accounted for by the Company using the acquisition method under business combination accounting. Under this method, the purchase price paid by the acquirer is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based on the fair value. Determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities assumed is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. All fair value measurements of acquired assets and liabilities assumed are non-recurring in nature and classified as level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

 

The aggregate purchase price consisted of the following:

 

Restricted stock consideration     6,090,000  
Total   $ 6,090,000  

 

As noted in the table above, the Company issued 3,000,000 restricted shares of common stock as consideration which was valued at market at the date of the closing, fair value of approximately $6,090,000.

 

  F-36  
 

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the Simplicity Esports, LLC assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Cash     76,000  
Internet Domain     3,000  
Trade names and trademarks     588,000  
Non-Competes     1,023,118  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (56,000 )
Goodwill     4,455,882  
Total   $ 6,090,000  

 

Revenue and net loss included in the six months ended November 30, 2019 consolidated financial statements attributable to Simplicity Esports, LLC is approximately $67,000 and $413,000, respectively.

 

The following unaudited pro forma information below presents the consolidated results operations data as if the acquisition of Simplicity Esports, LLC took place on June 1, 2018:

 

    Six Months Ended
November 30, 2018
 
       
Total Revenue   $ 16,000  
Net Loss   $ (3,180,000 )
Basic Net Loss Per Share   $ (1.35 )

 

PLAYlive Nation Acquisition

 

On July 29, 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PLAYlive for total consideration of 750,000 shares of common stock. The PLAYlive acquisition closed on July 30, 2019.

 

Founded in 2009 PLAYlive has a network of 44 franchised Gaming Centers across 13 states, serving over 150,000 unique gamers annually. The PLAYlive Centers offer customers a specialized entertainment gaming experience within a social setting. Customers are provided the opportunity to play and compete across an array of gaming titles on both consoles and high performance gaming PCs. Additionally, PLAYlive Gaming Centers serve as community gathering spaces for enthusiasts to play both board and card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokémon.

 

The acquisition was accounted for by the Company using the acquisition method under business combination accounting. Under this method, the purchase price paid by the acquirer is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based on the fair value. Determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities assumed is judgmental in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Certain amounts below are provisional based on our best estimates using information available as of the reporting date. The Company is waiting for information to become available to finalize its valuation of certain elements of this transaction. Specifically, the assigned values for intellectual property, net deferred revenues, customer relationships, and goodwill are provisional in nature and subject to change upon the completion of the final valuation of such elements. All fair value measurements of acquired assets and liabilities assumed are non-recurring in nature and classified as level 3 on the fair value hierarchy.

 

The aggregate purchase price consisted of the following:

 

Restricted stock consideration     1,440,000  
Total   $ 1,440,000  

 

As noted in the table above, the Company issued 750,000 restricted shares of common stock as consideration which was valued at market at the date of the closing, fair value of approximately $1,440,000.

 

  F-37  
 

 

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the PLAYlive assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

Cash     26,000  
Property, plant and equipment (provisional)     9,000  
Net deferred revenue (provisional)     (818,000 )

Customer relationships (provisional)

    -  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (4,000 )
Goodwill (provisional)     2,227,000  
Total   $ 1,440,000  

 

Revenue and net loss included in the six months ended November 30, 2019 consolidated financial statements attributable to PLAYlive is approximately $220,000 and $18,000, respectively.

 

The following unaudited pro forma information below presents the consolidated results operations data as if the acquisition of PLAYlive took place on June 1, 2018:

 

    Six Months Ended
November 30, 2019
    Six Months Ended
November 30, 2018
 
             
Total Revenue   $ 437,000     $ 350,000  
Net Loss   $ (890,000 )   $ (3,017,000 )
Basic Net Loss Per Share   $ (0.12 )   $ (1.28 )

 

NOTE 6 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Sponsor loaned the Company $201,707 in the aggregate, to be used for a portion of the expenses of the Initial Public Offering and working capital purposes. The loan is non-interest bearing, unsecured and due at the earlier of December 31, 2017 or the closing of the Initial Public Offering. At November 30, 2018, $120,089 of the Sponsor’s loan was repaid. As of May 31, 2019, the balance of the Sponsor loan was $93,761, including imputed interest of $8,523. In August of 2019, the sponsor forgave this remaining balance and the Company recorded it as debt forgiveness income.

 

The Company maintains its cash balance at a financial services company that is owned by an officer of the Company.

 

As of November 30, 2019, the Company is owed $13,342 from the former PLAYlive owners. The advance is non-interest bearing and will be paid back within 90 days of the closing of the PLAYlive acquisition.

 

NOTE 7 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Nasdaq Delisting

 

On December 10, 2018, the Company received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Division of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Company has not complied with the requirements of IM-5101-2 of the listing rules of Nasdaq (the “Listing Rules”).

 

The Notice stated that after its Business Combination, the Company had not demonstrated that its common stock met Listing Rule 5505(b)(1) that requires a market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million. Additionally, the Company has not provided evidence that its common stock has at least 300 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5505(a)(3) and that its warrant has at least 400 round lot holders as required by Listing Rule 5515(a)(4). Finally,the Company does not comply with Listing Rule 5515(a)(2) which requires that for initial listing of a warrant the underlying security must be listed on Nasdaq.

 

  F-38  
 

 

On January 7, 2019, the Company received a second written notice from Nasdaq informing it that the Company failed to comply with Listing Rule 5250(e)(2) which requires companies listed on Nasdaq to timely file notification forms for the Listing of Additional Shares (the “LAS Notification”).

 

The Company was required to submit the LAS Notification 15 days prior to the issuance of the securities, however, the Company filed the LAS Notification for the issuance of the Series A-1 Note and Series A-2 Note and for the share exchange under our Share Exchange Agreement after such 15-day periods. Nasdaq notified the Company that each of these matters serves as an additional and separate basis for delisting the Company’s securities and that the review panel will consider these matters in rendering a determination regarding the Company’s continued listing on Nasdaq.

 

The Company’s management decided that moving from Nasdaq to the OTCQB is more appropriate for the Company at this time, while the Company builds out its planned network of retail esport centers.

 

On April 1, 2019, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it would delist the Company’s common stock and warrants. The Company’s common stock and warrants were previously suspended from trading on Nasdaq, effective January 25, 2019.

 

On April 2, 2019, Nasdaq filed a Notification of Removal from Listing and/or Registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the Company’s common stock and warrants. As a result, the Company’s common stock and warrants were delisted from Nasdaq effective April 2, 2019.

 

The Company’s common stock and warrants currently have been quoted on the OTCQB under the symbols “WINR” and “WINRW,” respectively.

 

Registration Rights

 

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement the Company entered into with its initial stockholders and initial purchasers of the Private Units (and constituent securities) at the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company is required to register certain securities for sale under the Securities Act. These holders are entitled under the registration rights agreement to make up to three demands that the Company register certain of its securities held by them for sale under the Securities Act and to have the securities covered thereby registered for resale pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. In addition, these holders have the right to include their securities in other registration statements filed by the Company. The Company will bear the costs and expenses of filing any such registration statements.

 

Unit Purchase Option

 

The Company sold to the underwriters (and/or their designees), for $100, an option to purchase up to a total of 250,000 Units (which increased to 260,000 Units upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option), exercisable at $11.50 per Unit (or an aggregate exercise price of $2,990,000) upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. The UPO may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, at any time during the period commencing on the later of the first anniversary of the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering and the closing of the Company’s initial Business Combination and terminating on the fifth anniversary of such effectiveness date. The Units issuable upon exercise of this UPO are identical to those offered in the Initial Public Offering, except that the exercise price of the warrants underlying the Units sold to the underwriters is $13.00 per share.

 

Note Payable

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company paid its underwriter $20,000 and issued its underwriter a secured demand promissory note (the “Note”) in the amount of $1,800,000. The Note accrued interest at 8% per annum from the date of the Note through and including May 20, 2019, 12% per annum from and including May 21, 2019 through and including August 20, 2019, and 15% per annum from and including August 21, 2019, through and including November 20, 2019. If a late payment had occurred and continued, the interest rate would have increased to 12% per annum from the date of the Note through and including August 20, 2019 and 18% per annum from after August 21, 2019. If a late payment had remained outstanding for over 48 hours, Maxim could have required the Company to redeem all or any part of the Note at a redemption price equal to 125% of the Alternate Payment Amount.

 

  F-39  
 

 

The principal and interest of the Note was payable upon demand by Maxim or from time to time, in accordance the following schedule:

 

  (i) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on May 20, 2019;
  (ii) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on August 20, 2019; and
  (iii) one third of the principal, accrued and unpaid interest and any late charges on November 20, 2019.

 

The Note was secured by a first priority security interest in all personal property and assets of the Company excluding the assets held in escrow with respect to (i) that certain stock purchase agreement with Polar, pursuant to which Polar agreed to sell up to 490,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Business Combination and (ii) that certain stock purchase agreement with K2, pursuant to which K2 agreed to sell up to 220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company thirty days after the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

The amount payable under the Note could also have been paid in shares of common stock of the Company or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of common stock of the Company (the “Alternate Equity Payment”) if and only if the Company and Maxim mutually agree on both the purchase price and, if applicable, the conversion and/or exercise price of each security of the Company issued in such Alternative Equity Payment. Otherwise, the payment should be made in cash only.

 

So long as any amount under the Note remained outstanding, all cash proceeds received by the Company from any sales of its securities was to be used to repay this Note.

 

Convertible Note Payable

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company entered into a securities exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) with Maxim Group LLC (the “Holder”). Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the Holder agreed to surrender and exchange the Note. In exchange, the Company issued to the Holder a Series A-1 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Series A-1 Note”) and a Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Series A-2 Note,” and collectively with Series A-1 Note, the “Exchange Notes”).

 

The original amount of the promissory note was $1,800,000, the total amount of the two exchange notes is $1,500,000, and the difference of $300,000 has been recorded as debt forgiveness income during the three months ended February 28, 2019.

 

The Series A-1 Note bears interest at 2.67% per annum, payable quarterly and has a maturity date of the earlier of the closing date of the Acquisition (as defined below) or June 20, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”). The Company may pay the interest in cash or at its sole discretion, in shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and common stock. However, the Company may only pay the interest in shares of its common stock if (i) all the equity conditions specified in the note (“Equity Conditions”) have been met (unless waived by the Holder in writing) during the 20 trading days immediately prior to the interest payment date (“Interest Notice Period”), (ii) the Company has provided proper notice pursuant to the terms of the note and (iii) the Company has delivered to the Holder’s account certain number of shares of its common stock to be applied against such interest payment prior to (but no more than five trading days before) the Interest Notice Period.

 

The Series A-1 Note is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock (“Conversion Shares”) at an initial conversion price of $1.93 per share, subject to adjustment for any stock dividends and splits, rights offerings, distributions, combinations or similar transactions. Upon the closing of the Acquisition, the conversion price will be automatically adjusted to equal the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the closing date of the Acquisition. The Holder may convert the Series A-1 Note at any time, in whole or in part, provided that upon receipt of a notice of conversion from the Holder, the Company has the right to repay all or any portion of the Series A-1 Note included in the notice of conversion.

 

  F-40  
 

 

Additionally, the Series A-1 Note will automatically convert into shares of the Company’s common stock on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the closing date of the Acquisition provided that (i) no event of default then exists, and (ii) solely if such automatic conversion date is also the Maturity Date, each of the Equity Conditions have been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the 20 trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the automatic conversation date.

 

At any time prior to the Maturity Date, the Company may also elect to redeem some or all of the outstanding principal amount for cash in an amount (the “Optional Redemption Amount”) equal to the sum of (a) 100% of the then outstanding principal amount of the note, (b) accrued but unpaid interest and (c) all liquidated damages and other amounts due in respect of the note (the “Optional Redemption”). The Company may only effect an Optional Redemption if each of the Equity Conditions have been met (unless waived in writing by the Holder) on each trading day during the period commencing on the date when the notice of the Optional Redemption is delivered to the date of the Optional Redemption and through and including the date payment of the Optional Redemption Amount is actually made in full.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Series A-1 Note, including, without limitation, an Option Redemption, the Company may not prepay any portion of the principal amount of the note without the prior written consent of the Holder.

 

The Company is not permitted to convert any portion of the Series A-1 Note if doing so results in the Holder beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock of the Company after giving effect to such conversion, provided that on 61 days’ prior written notice from the Holder to the Company, that percentage may increase to 9.99%. However, if there is an automatic conversion, and the conversion would result in the Company issuing a number of shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation, then any such shares in excess of the beneficial ownership limitation will be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time or times, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the beneficial ownership limitation, at which time or times the Holder will be issued such shares to the same extent as if there had been no such limitation.

 

The Series A-1 Note contains restrictive covenants which, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to repay or repurchase any indebtedness, make distributions on or repurchase its common stock or enter into transactions with its affiliates.

 

The Series A-2 Note has terms substantially similar to those of the Series A-1 Note except that the Series A-2 Note has a maturity date of June 20, 2020 and an initial conversion price of $1.93 which will be automatically adjusted to the lower of (i) the conversion price then in effect and (ii) the greater of the arithmetic average of the VWAP of the Company’s common stock in the five trading days prior to the notice of conversion and $0.50.

 

As of December 31, 2018, upon the closing of the Acquisition, the Series A-1 Note automatically converted into 193,648 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Operating Lease - Right of Use Obligation

 

The Company adopted Topic 842 on January 1, 2019. The Company elected to adopt this standard using the optional modified retrospective transition method and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet on the date of adoption. Comparative periods have not been restated. With the adoption of Topic 842, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet now contains the following line items: Operating lease right-of-use assets, Current portion of operating lease liabilities and Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion.

 

As all the existing leases subject to the new lease standard were previously classified as operating leases by the Company, they were similarly classified as operating leases under the new standard. The Company has determined that the identified operating leases did not contain non-lease components and require no further allocation of the total lease cost. Additionally, the agreements in place did not contain information to determine the rate implicit in the leases, so we used our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Our weighted average discount rate is 12% and 10% and the weighted average remaining lease term is 56 months.

 

  F-41  
 

 

As of November 30, 2019, operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities arising from operating leases was $225,322 and $225,321, respectively. During the six months ended November 30, 2019, cash paid for amounts included for the measurement of lease liabilities was approximately $16,000 and the Company recorded operating lease expense of approximately $32,000.

 

NOTE 8 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Common Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the shares of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At November 30, 2019, there were 7,858,975 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At November 30, 2019, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.

 

Private Placement

 

Beginning in February 2019, the Company sold units in connection with a private offering by the Company to raise working capital of up to $2,000,000 (the “Offering Amount” ) through the sale to accredited investors only of up to up to 1,000,000 “Units” of the Company’s securities, at a purchase price of $2.00 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of (i) one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock, exercisable at a price of $4.00 per share, exercisable at any time within five years of issuance (each, a “Warrant”) as provided for in the Company’s Term Sheet for Unit Offering dated February 6, 2019 (the “Term Sheet”).

 

For the year ended May 31, 2019, the Company sold 962,500 units for gross proceeds of $1,925,000. During the six months ended November 30, 2019, the Company sold 25,000 units for gross proceeds of $50,000, the common shares underlying the units have not been issued yet and the $50,000 is included on the balance sheet with current liabilities.

 

During the six months ended November 30, 2019, the Company issued 750,000 shares of common stock for the acquisition of PLAYlive. The shares were valued at $1,440,000 the fair value at the time of issuance.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

On March 27, 2019, the Company issued 180,000 shares of common stock to three employees. The shares were issued in conjunction with their employment agreements and vest ratably through December 31, 2019. As of November 30, 2019, 180,000 shares have vested, and for the year ended May 31, 2019 and the six months ended November 30, 2019, the Company recognized $27,000 and $63,000 of stock-based compensation, respectively, based on the trading price on March 27, 2019 (measurement date) of $0.60 per share. As of November 30, 2019, unrecognized compensation cost related to these shares is nil.

 

In November 2019, the Company recorded $90,000 of stock-based compensation for shares issued to an officer for past services provided.

 

Warrants

 

For the year ended May 31, 2018, the Company issued 5,461,500 warrants in conjunction with its Initial Public Offering. These warrants are exercisable for five years from November 20, 2018, the date of the initial business combination and have an exercise price equal to $11.50.

 

For the year ended May 31, 2019, the Company issued 962,500 warrants in conjunction with the above-mentioned private placement. These warrants are exercisable for 5 years and have an exercise price of $4.00

 

  F-42  
 

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s outstanding stock warrants for the six months ended November 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Number of
Shares
    Average
Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
Outstanding – May 31, 2019     6,424,000       10.38      
                     
Granted – November 30, 2019     -              
Outstanding – November 30, 2019     6,424.000     $ 10.38     May 2024
Warrants exercisable at November 30, 2019     6,424,000              

 

NOTE 9 — SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

 

Historically, the Company had one operating segment. However, with the acquisition of PLAYlive and the opening of Company-owned retail stores, the Company’s operations are now managed through three operating segments: Franchise royalties and license fees, Company-owned stores and Esports revenue. These three operating segments and corporate are presented below as its reportable segments.

 

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments for the six months ended November 30, 2019 is shown in the following table:

 

    Revenues     Net
Loss
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Capital
Expenditures
    Goodwill     Total
Assets
 
                                     
Franchise royalties and license fees   $ 247,000     $ (9,000 )   $ 2,000     $ -     $ 2,226,000     $ 3,147,000  
Company-owned stores     50,000       (142,000 )     19,000       153,000       -       558,000  
Esports revenue     23,000       (97,000 )     103,000       3,000       4,456,000       5,890,000  
Corporate     -       (607,000 )     -       -       -       569,000  
Total   $ 320,000     $ (855,000 )   $ 124,000     $ 156,000     $ 6,682,000     $ 10,164,000  

 

NOTE 10 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In accordance with ASC 855-10, Company management reviewed all material events through the date of this report and determined that there are no material subsequent events to report.

 

  F-43  
 

 

__________ Units

 

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

 

 
PROSPECTUS
 

 

ThinkEquity

a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.

 

__________, 2020

 

Through and including          , 2020 (the 25th day after the date of this offering), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 
 

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth all expenses to be paid by the registrant, other than estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with our public offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee, the NYSE American listing fee and the FINRA filing fee:

 

Type   Amount  
SEC Registration Fee   $ 3,107  
FINRA Filing Fee     5,000  
NYSE American Listing Fee     50,000  
Legal Fees and Expenses     225,000  
Accounting Fees and Expenses     15,000  
Transfer agent and registrar’s fees and expenses     10,000  
Printing and engraving expenses     6,000  
Non-Accountable Expense Allowance     90,000  
Miscellaneous expense     70,000  
Total Expenses   $ 474,107  

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that all of our directors, officers, employees and agents shall be entitled to be indemnified by us to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). Section 145 of the DGCL 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.
     
  (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.

 

  II-1  
 

 

  (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 officers and directors 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. A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to such provision after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.
     
  (g) A 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 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 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.

 

  II-2  
 

 

  (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 by law, 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.

 

In accordance with Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, will provide that no director shall be personally liable to us or any of our stockholders for monetary damages resulting from breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors, except to the extent such limitation on or exemption from liability is not permitted under the DGCL. The effect of this provision of our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, is to eliminate our rights and those of our stockholders (through stockholders’ derivative suits on our behalf) to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as a director, including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior, except, as restricted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL. However, this provision does not limit or eliminate our rights or the rights of any stockholder to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of a director’s duty of care.

 

If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the liability of directors, then, in accordance with our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, the liability of our directors to us or our stockholders will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as so amended. Any repeal or amendment of provisions of our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, limiting or eliminating the liability of directors, whether by our stockholders or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provisions inconsistent therewith, will (unless otherwise required by law) be prospective only, except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits us to further limit or eliminate the liability of directors on a retroactive basis.

 

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, will also provide that we will, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by applicable law, indemnify our current and former officers and directors, as well as those persons who, while directors or officers of our corporation, are or were serving as directors, officers, employees or agents of another entity, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, in connection with any threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, against all expense, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by any such person in connection with any such proceeding.

 

  II-3  
 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person eligible for indemnification pursuant to our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, will be indemnified by us in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if such proceeding was authorized by our board of directors, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification.

 

The right to indemnification which will be conferred by our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, is a contract right that includes the right to be paid by us the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding referenced above in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by our officer or director (solely in the capacity as an officer or director of our corporation) will be made only upon delivery to us of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such officer or director, to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, or otherwise.

 

The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses will not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which any person covered by our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, may have or hereafter acquire under law, our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws, an agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

 

Any repeal or amendment of provisions of our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, affecting indemnification rights, whether by our stockholders or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provisions inconsistent therewith, will (unless otherwise required by law) be prospective only, except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits us to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis, and will not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision. Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, will also permit us, to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other that those specifically covered by our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended.

 

Our bylaws, include the provisions relating to advancement of expenses and indemnification rights consistent with those which will be set forth in our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended. In addition, our bylaws provide for a right of indemnity to bring a suit in the event a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses is not paid in full by us within a specified period of time. Our bylaws also permit us to purchase and maintain insurance, at our expense, to protect us and/or any director, officer, employee or agent of our corporation or another entity, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

 

Any repeal or amendment of provisions of our bylaws affecting indemnification rights, whether by our board of directors, stockholders or by changes in applicable law, or the adoption of any other provisions inconsistent therewith, will (unless otherwise required by law) be prospective only, except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits us to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis, and will not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing thereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.

 

The registrant also intends to enter into indemnification agreements with its future directors and executive officers. The registrant has purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. The registrant believes that this insurance is necessary to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

The following is a summary of transactions by us since our inception on April 17, 2017 involving sales of our securities that were not registered under the Securities Act.

 

  II-4  
 

 

On May 31, 2017, we issued            (1,437,500 pre-reverse split) Founder Shares to Sponsor in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000. Upon the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on September 13, 2017,            (137,500 pre-reverse split) Founder Shares were forfeited by the Sponsor, for a balance of            (1,300,000) Founder Shares held by our Sponsor. Such securities were issued in connection with our organization pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Our sponsor is an accredited investor for purposes of Rule 501 of Regulation D. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid with respect to such sales.

 

On August 22, 2017, simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO and the sale of the Public Units, we consummated the private placement of 254,500 Private Placement Units at a price of $10.00 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $2,545,000. Each unit consisted of (i) one share of Common Stock, (ii) one right receive one-tenth (1/10) of one share of Common Stock upon the consummation of an initial business combination (“Private Placement Rights”),and (iii) one 5-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $            ($11.50 pre-reverse split) per share. The Private Placement Units, which were purchased by the Sponsor, are identical to the Public Units, except the Private Placement Warrants underlying the Private Placement Units are non-redeemable and exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its affiliates or designees. If the Private Placement Units are held by someone other than the initial holder, or its permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants. The issuance of the Private Placement Units was made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On August 22, 2017, we issued            (50,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock to Maxim Group LLC in connection with its services as underwriter for the IPO. Such shares of Common Stock were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On September 13, 2017, simultaneously with the underwriter’s partial exercise of the over-allotment option, we consummated the sale of an additional            (7,000 pre-reverse split) Private Placement Units, generating gross proceeds of $70,000. The issuance of additional Private Placement Units was made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On September 13, 2017, we issued Maxim an additional            (2,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock upon partial exercise of the over-allotment. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On November 20, 2018, we issued            (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our Common Stock to AHA Holdings Private Limited as an upfront portion of the newly issued shares of our Common Stock to be exchanged for all of the ownership interest in Smaaash Private within 6 months after the closing of the Business Combination. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On November 20, 2018, we issued            (208,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock to Chardan in consideration of services rendered. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The shares issued to Chardan are subject to the same lock-up and will have the same registration rights as the shares of the Company held by the Sponsor.

 

On November 20, 2018, we issued              (520,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Public Rights.

 

On November 20, 2018, upon the consummation of the Business Combination with Smaaash Private, we issued            (26,150 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock underlying the Private Placement Rights to the holders of the Private Placement Rights. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

In connection with the closing of the Acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, we issued            (300,000 pre-reverse split),            (700,000 pre-reverse split), and            (2,000,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock, respectively, to the Simplicity Owners on January 4, 2019, January 7, 2019, and March 27, 2019 in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding equity interest of Simplicity Esports LLC held by Simplicity Owners. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

  II-5  
 

 

On January 4, 2019, upon the closing of the Acquisition of Simplicity Esports LLC, the Series A-1 Note in the aggregate amount of $500,000 and held by Maxim automatically converted into            (193,648 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

During the period from March 1, 2019 through July 1, 2019, we sold an aggregate of 987,500 units at a purchase price of $2.00 per unit to 12 accredited investors in exchange for receipt of $1,975,000. Each unit consisted of (i) one share of Common Stock, and (ii) a 5-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock at a purchase price of $            ($4.00 pre-reverse split). We sold the units in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Jed Kaplan, our Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer and a member of our board of directors,            (120,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vest over a nine month period. As of April 10, 2020,            (50,000 pre-reverse split) of such shares have vested.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Roman Franklin, our President and a member of our board of directors,            (36,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vest over a nine month period. As of April 10, 2020,            (15,000 pre-reverse split) of such shares have vested.

 

On March 27, 2019, pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, we granted Steve Grossman, President of Simplicity Esports, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of our Company at such time,            (24,000 pre-reverse split) shares of our restricted Common Stock. Such shares vest over a nine month period. As of April 10, 2020,            (10,000 pre-reverse split) of such shares have vested.

 

Each of the Restricted Stock Awards was entered into in connection with entry into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Kaplan, Franklin and Grossman on December 31, 2018. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On May 31, 2019, we issued            (100,000 pre-reverse split) shares of Common Stock to Polar in exchange for Polar Asset Management Partners Inc.’s (“Polar”) forgiveness of $143,476 owed by us to Polar under that that certain Debt Conversion Agreement entered into in May 2019 between Polar and us. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On July 30, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of a 100% interest in PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (“PLAYlive”) by way of merger, the Company issued            (750,000 pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock from the owners of PLAYlive. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On March 11, 2020, in connection with the execution of the Common Stock Purchase agreement with Triton Funds, LP, the Company issued           (5,000 pre-reverse split) shares of the Company’s common stock to Triton Funds, LP as a donation. These shares were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

  (a) Exhibits. The list of exhibits preceding the signature page of this registration statement is incorporated herein by reference.
  (b) Financial Statements. See page F-1 for an index to the financial statements and schedules included in the registration statement.

 

Item 17. Undertakings

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act “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 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 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

  II-6  
 

 

  (a) Rule 415 Offering. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
     
  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
     
   (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
     
  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.
     
  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
     
   (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment 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.
     
  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
     
  (i) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that it will:
     
  a. for determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, treat 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 under Rule 424(b)(1), or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 as part of this registration statement as of the time the Commission declared it effective.
     
  b. for determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, treat each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus as a new registration statement for the securities offered in the registration statement, and that offering of the securities at that time as the initial bona fide offering of those securities.

 

  II-7  
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

  Exhibit
1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement*
2.1   Share Subscription Agreement, dated May 3, 2018, by and among the Company, Smaaash Private, and the Smaaash Founders, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 19, 2018.
2.2   Amendment Cum Addendum to the Share Subscription Agreement Dated May 03, 2018, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 19, 2018.
2.3   Second Amendment Cum Addendum to the Share Subscription Agreement Dated May 03, 2018, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 19, 2018.
2.4   Third Amendment Cum Addendum to the Share Subscription Agreement Dated May 03, 2018, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s Proxy Statement Supplement, which was filed with the SEC on November 5, 2018
2.5   Fourth Amendment Cum Addendum to the Share Subscription Agreement Dated May 03, 2018, dated as of November 15, 2018(1)
3.1   Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation(1)
3.2   Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 2, 2019 (9)
3.3   Bylaws (2)
4.1   Specimen Common Stock Certificate (4)
4.2   Specimen Warrant Certificate (4)
4.3   Warrant Agreement, dated August 16, 2017, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Company (3)
4.4   Form of Warrant (Annex C to the Form of Warrant Agency Agreement attached as Exhibit 4.5)*
4.5   Form of Warrant Agency Agreement by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company*
4.6   Form of Representative’s Warrant*
5.1   Opinion of Anthony L.G., PLLC*
10.1   Master Franchise Agreement, dated November 20, 2018, by and between the Company and Smaaash Private(1)
10.2   Master License and Distribution Agreement, dated November 20, 2018, by and between the Company and Smaaash Private(1)
10.3   Settlement and Release Agreement, dated November 20, 2018, by and between the Company and Maxim Group LLC(1)
10.4   Demand Secured Promissory Note, dated November 20, 2018, issued to Maxim Group LLC(1)
10.5   Escrow Agreement, dated November 20, 2018, by and among the Company, Ellenoff Grossman and Schole LLP and Shripal Morakhia(1)
10.6   Smaaash Entertainment Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex F to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 19, 2018 †
10.7   Side Letter, dated November 16, 2018, by and between the Company and Chardan Capital Markets, LLC (1)
10.8   Letter of Undertaking, dated November 16, 2018, by Smaaash Private and Smaaash Founders(1)
10.9   Addendum to Master Franchise Agreement, dated November 29, 2018, by and between the Company and Smaaash Private(1)
10.10   Promissory Note, dated May 31, 2017, issued to I-AM Capital Partners LLC, our sponsor (2)
10.11   Letter Agreement, dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company, the Sponsor and the officers and directors of the Company (3)
10.12   Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 16, 2017, by and among the Company and our sponsor (3)
10.13   Securities Subscription Agreement, dated May 31, 2017, among the Registrant and our sponsor (2)
10.14   Amended and Restated Unit Purchase Agreement, dated August 11, 2017, between the Registrant and our sponsor (5)

 

  II-8  
 

 

10.15   Form of Indemnity Agreement (4)
10.16   Administrative Services Agreement, dated August 16, 2017, by and between the Company and our sponsor (3)
10.17   Shareholders’ Agreement, dated May 3, 2018, by and among the Company, FW Metis Limited, Mitesh R. Gowani, the Smaaash Founders, and Smaaash Private, incorporated by reference to Annex D to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 19, 2018.
10.18   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2018, by and between the Company and Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (6)
10.19   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2018, by and between the Company and K2 Principal Fund L.P. (6)
10.20   Amendment, dated December 20, 2018, by and among the Company, Polar Asset Management Partners Inc., and The K2 Principal Fund L.P. (7)
10.21   Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 21, 2018, by and among Smaaash Entertainment Inc., Simplicity Esports, LLC, Jed Kaplan and each of the equity holders of Simplicity Esports, LLC (8)
10.22   Amendment No. 1 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 28, 2018, by and among Smaaash Entertainment Inc., Simplicity Esports, LLC, Jed Kaplan and each of the equity holders of Simplicity Esports, LLC (8)
10.23   Securities Exchange Agreement, dated December 20, 2018, by and between Smaaash Entertainment Inc. and Maxim Group LLC (8)
10.24   Series A-1 Exchange Convertible Note (8)
10.25   Series A-2 Exchange Convertible Note (8)
10.26   Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 20, 2018, by and between Smaaash Entertainment Inc. and Maxim Group LLC (8)
10.27   Lock-Up Agreement, dated December 20, 2018, by and between Smaaash Entertainment Inc. and Maxim Group LLC (8)
10.28   Amendment No. 2 to Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 30, 2018, by and among the Company, Simplicity Esports, LLC, and Jed Kaplan (9)
10.29   Voting Agreement, Dated December 31, 2018, between the Company and the stockholders of the Company party thereto (9)
10.30   Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2018, between the Company and Jed Kaplan (9) †
10.32   Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2018, between the Company and Roman Franklin (9) †
10.33   Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2018, between the Company and Steven Grossman (9) †
10.34   Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated March 27, 2019 between the registrant and Jed Kaplan (10) †
10.35   Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated March 27, 2019 between the registrant and Roman Franklin (10) †
10.36   Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated March 27, 2019 between the registrant and Steve Grossman (10) †
10.37   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 25, 2019, among the registrant, PLAYlive Nation, Inc., and owners of PLAYlive Nation, Inc. (11)
10.38   Exclusive Trademark and Symbol Use License Agreement, and Other Covenants, dated November 4, 2019, among Simplicity One Brasil LTDA and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (12)

10.39

  Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2020, between the Company and Triton Funds LP (13)

10.40

  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2020, between the Company and Triton Funds LP (13)
14.1   Code of Ethics (4)
21.1   List of Subsidiaries*
23.1   Consent of Prager Metis CPAs, LLC*
23.2   Consent of Anthony L.G., PLLC (included on Exhibit 5.1)*
24.1   Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Registration Statement)

 

* Filed herewith

† Includes management contracts and compensation plans and arrangements

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2018
(2) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on July 12, 2017
(3) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2017.
(4) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on July 31, 2017
(5)

Incorporated by reference to exhibits to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on August 14, 2017

(6) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2018
(7) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2018
(8) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2018
(9) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2019.
(10) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2019.
(11) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2019.
(12) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2020.
(13) Incorporated by reference to exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2020.

 

  II-9  
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York, on April 10, 2020.

 

  SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
     
  By: /s/ Jed Kaplan
    Jed Kaplan
   

Chief Executive Officer and interim Chief Financial Officer

(principal executive officer and principal financial officer)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jed Kaplan as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the full power of substitution, for him or her in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments), and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities held on April 10, 2020.

 

Name   Position   Date
         
/s/ Jed Kaplan   Chief Executive Officer, interim   April 10, 2020
Jed Kaplan   Chief Financial Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Donald R. Caldwell   Chairman   April 10, 2020
Donald R. Caldwell        
         
/s/ Suhel Kanuga   Director   April 10, 2020
Suhel Kanuga        
         
/s/ Roman Franklin   Director   April 10, 2020
Roman Franklin        
         
/s/ Max Hooper   Director   April 10, 2020
Max Hooper        
         
/s/ Frank Leavy   Director   April 10, 2020
Frank Leavy        
         
/s/ Edward Leonard Jaroski   Director   April 10, 2020
Edward Leonard Jaroski        
         
/s/ William H. Herrmann   Director   April 10, 2020
William H. Herrmann        

 

  II-10  

 

Exhibit 1.1

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

between

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

 

and

 

THINKEQUITY

 

A DIVISION OF FORDHAM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

as Representative of the Several Underwriters

 

     
     

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

New York, New York

_________ [●], 2020

 

ThinkEquity

A Division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.

 

As Representative of the several Underwriters named on Schedule 1 attached hereto
17 State Street, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10004

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned, Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (collectively with its subsidiaries and affiliates, including, without limitation, all entities disclosed or described in the Registration Statement (as hereinafter defined) as being subsidiaries or affiliates of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, the “Company”), hereby confirms its agreement (this “Agreement”) with ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as “you” (including its correlatives) or the “Representative”) and with the other underwriters named on Schedule 1 hereto for which the Representative is acting as representative (the Representative and such other underwriters being collectively called the “Underwriters” or, individually, an “Underwriter”) as follows:

 

1. Purchase and Sale of Securities.

 

1.1 Firm Units.

 

1.1.1. Nature and Purchase of Firm Units.

 

(i) On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of [●] units (“Firm Units”), each consisting of one (1) share (each, a “Firm Share” and collectively, the “Firm Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and one (1) warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock each at an initial exercise price of $____ per share (____% of the public offering price per Firm Share in the Offering) (each, a “Warrant” and collectively, the “Warrants”), subject to adjustment or an aggregate of __________ Warrants to purchase an aggregate of __________ shares of Common Stock (the “Firm Warrants”) . Each Firm Warrant will be exercisable for a period of five (5) years. The Firm Shares and the Firm Warrants will be separated immediately upon issuance.

 

(ii) The Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Units set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule 1 attached hereto and made a part hereof at a purchase price of $[●] per Firm Unit (93% of the per Firm Unit offering price) and the purchase price of the Firm Unit shall be allocated as follows: (i) $____ per Firm Share and (ii) $0.001 per Firm Warrant. The Firm Units are to be offered initially to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined).

 

     
     

 

1.1.2. Firm Units Payment and Delivery.

 

(i) Delivery and payment for the Firm Units shall be made at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the second (2nd) Business Day following the Effective date (or the third (3rd) Business Day following the Effective Date if the Registration Statement is declared effective after 4:01 p.m., Eastern time) or at such earlier time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company, at the offices of Littman Krooks LLP, 655 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (“Representative Counsel”), or at such other place (or remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company. The hour and date of delivery and payment for the Firm Units is referred to as the “Closing Date.”

 

(ii) Payment for the Firm Units shall be made on the Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds, payable to the order of the Company upon delivery of the certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Firm Units (or through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”)) for the account of the Underwriters. The Firm Units shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least two (2) full Business Days prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Firm Units except upon tender of payment by the Representative for all of the Firm Units. The term “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by law to close in New York, New York.

 

1.2 Over-allotment Option.

 

1.2.1. Option Securities. For the purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection with the distribution and sale of the Firm Units, the Company hereby grants to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to [●] additional shares of Common Stock, representing fifteen percent (15%) of the shares of Common Stock sold as part of the Firm Units sold in the offering (the “Option Shares”), and/or up to [●] additional Warrants, representing fifteen percent (15%) of the Warrants sold as part of the Firm Units sold in the offering (the “Option Warrants” and collectively with the Option Shares, the “Option Securities”), from the Company (the “Over-allotment Option”). The purchase price to be paid per Option Share shall be equal to the Firm Share purchase price and the purchase price to be paid per Option Warrant shall be $0.0001. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the Option Warrants are hereinafter referred to as the “Warrant Shares.” The Firm Units, and the Option Securities are hereinafter referred to together as the “Public Securities.” The Firm Warrants and the Option Warrants, if any, shall be issued pursuant to, and shall have the rights and privileges set forth in, a warrant agreement, dated on or before the Closing Date, between the Company and Continental Stock and Transfer Company LLC, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agreement”). The offering and sale of the Public Securities is hereinafter referred to as the “Offering.”

 

1.2.2. Exercise of Option. The Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 1.2.1 hereof may be exercised by the Representative as to all (at any time) or any part (from time to time) of the Option Shares and/or the Option Warrants, in any combination thereof, within 45 days after the Effective Date. The purchase price to be paid per Option Share shall be equal to the Firm Share purchase price. The purchase price to be paid per Option Warrant shall be equal to the Firm Warrant purchase price. The Underwriters shall not be under any obligation to purchase any Option Securities prior to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by the giving of oral notice to the Company from the Representative, which must be confirmed in writing by overnight mail or facsimile or other electronic transmission setting forth the number of Option Shares and/or Option Warrants to be purchased and the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Option Shares and/or Option Warrants (the “Option Closing Date”), which shall not be later than two (2) full Business Days after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative, at the offices of Representative Counsel or at such other place (including remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative. If such delivery and payment for the Option Securities does not occur on the Closing Date, the Option Closing Date will be as set forth in the notice. Upon exercise of the Over-allotment Option with respect to all or any portion of the Option Securities, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (i) the Company shall become obligated to sell to the Underwriters the number of the specific Option Securities specified in such notice and (ii) each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, shall purchase that portion of the total number of Option Securities then being purchased as set forth in Schedule 1 opposite the name of such Underwriter.

 

  Ex. A-2  
     

 

1.2.3. Payment and Delivery. Payment for any Option Securities shall be made on the Option Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds, payable to the order of the Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Option Securities (or through the facilities of DTC) for the account of the Underwriters. The Option Securities shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least one (1) full Business Day prior to the Option Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Option Securities except upon tender of payment by the Representative for applicable Option Securities.

 

1.3 Representative’s Warrants.

 

1.3.1. Purchase Warrants. The Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Representative (and/or its designees) on the Closing Date an option (“Representative’s Warrant”) for the purchase of an aggregate of [●] shares of Common Stock (which is equal to an aggregate of 5% of the Firm Shares sold in the Offering). The Representative’s Warrant Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Representative’s Warrant Agreement”), shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, commencing on a date that is six months after the Effective Date and expiring on the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date at an initial exercise price per share of Common Stock of $ [●], which is equal to 125% of the initial public offering price per Firm Unit. The Representative’s Warrant Agreement and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof are hereinafter referred to together as the “Representative’s Securities.” The Representative understands and agrees that there are significant restrictions pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110 against transferring the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and the underlying shares of Common Stock during the one hundred eighty (180) days after the Effective Date and by its acceptance thereof shall agree that it will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, or any portion thereof, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such securities for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the Effective Date to anyone other than (i) an Underwriter or a selected dealer in connection with the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of the Representative or of any such Underwriter or selected dealer; and only if any such transferee agrees to the foregoing lock-up restrictions. “Effective Date” shall mean the date that the Commission declares the Registration Statement effective.

 

1.3.2. Delivery. Delivery of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement shall be made on the Closing Date and shall be issued in the name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request.

 

  Ex. A-3  
     

 

2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the Underwriters as of the Applicable Time (as defined below), as of the Closing Date and as of the Option Closing Date, if any, as follows:

 

2.1 Filing of Registration Statement.

 

2.1.1. Pursuant to the Securities Act. The Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement, and an amendment or amendments thereto, on Form S-1 (File No. 333-XXXXXX), including any related prospectus or prospectuses, for the registration of the Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement and amendment or amendments have been prepared by the Company in all material respects in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act (the “Securities Act Regulations”) and will contain all material statements that are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Except as the context may otherwise require, such registration statement, as amended, on file with the Commission at the time the registration statement became effective (including the Preliminary Prospectus included in the registration statement, financial statements, schedules, exhibits and all other documents filed as a part thereof or incorporated therein and all information deemed to be a part thereof as of the Effective Date pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A of the Securities Act Regulations (the “Rule 430A Information”)), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement.” If the Company files any registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act Regulations, then after such filing, the term “Registration Statement” shall include such registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b). The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on the date hereof.

 

Each prospectus used prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and each prospectus that omitted the Rule 430A Information that was used after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is herein called a “Preliminary Prospectus.” The Preliminary Prospectus, subject to completion, dated [●], 2020, that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Applicable Time is hereinafter called the “Pricing Prospectus.” The final prospectus in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in the Offering is hereinafter called the “Prospectus.” Any reference to the “most recent Preliminary Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the latest Preliminary Prospectus included in the Registration Statement.

 

Applicable Time” means [TIME] [a.m./p.m.], Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement.

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations (“Rule 433”), including without limitation any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations) relating to the Public Securities that is (i) required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) a “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (iii) exempt from filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Public Securities or of the Offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).

 

Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors (other than a “bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Rule 433 (the “Bona Fide Electronic Road Show”)), as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule 2-B hereto.

 

Pricing Disclosure Package” means any Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus issued at or prior to the Applicable Time, the Pricing Prospectus and the information included on Schedule 2-A hereto, all considered together.

 

  Ex. A-4  
     

 

2.1.2. Pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company has filed with the Commission a Form 8-A (File Number XXX-XXXXX) providing for the registration pursuant to Section 12(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of the shares of Common Stock and a Form 8-A (File Number [XXX-XXXXX]) providing for the registration pursuant to Section 12(b) under the Exchange Act, of the Warrants. The registration of the shares of Common Stock and the Warrants under the Exchange Act has been declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the date hereof. The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the shares of Common Stock or the Warrants under the Exchange Act, nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration.

 

2.2 NYSE American Listing. The shares of Common Stock and the Warrants have been approved for listing on The NYSE American (“NYSE American”), and the Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, delisting the shares of Common Stock from NYSE American, nor has the Company received any notification that NYSE American is contemplating terminating such listing except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.3 No Stop Orders, etc. Neither the Commission nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any state regulatory authority has issued any order preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or has instituted or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened to institute, any proceedings with respect to such an order. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information.

 

2.4 Disclosures in Registration Statement.

 

2.4.1. Compliance with Securities Act and 10b-5 Representation.

 

(i) Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Each Preliminary Prospectus, including the prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment or supplement thereto, and the Prospectus, at the time each was filed with the Commission, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Each Preliminary Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this Offering and the Prospectus was or will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

(ii) Neither the Registration Statement nor any amendment thereto, at its effective time, as of the Applicable Time, at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date (if any), contained, contains or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to the Underwriters’ Information.

 

(iii) The Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date (if any), did not, does not and will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus hereto does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, and each such Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, as supplemented by and taken together with the Pricing Prospectus as of the Applicable Time, did not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleadingprovided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements made or statements omitted in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to the Underwriters by the Representative expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto. The parties acknowledge and agree that such information provided by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists solely of the following disclosure contained in the “Underwriting” section of the Prospectus: (i) the table showing the number of securities to be purchased by each Underwriter, (ii) the first paragraph under the caption “Discounts and Commissions” and (iii) paragraphs __. __ and __ under the caption “Stabilization” (the “Underwriters’ Information”); and

 

  Ex. A-5  
     

 

(iv) Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto (including any prospectus wrapper), as of its issue date, at the time of any filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to the Underwriters’ Information.

 

2.4.2. Disclosure of Agreements. The agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained therein and there are no agreements or other documents required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or to be filed with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement, that have not been so described or filed. Each agreement or other instrument (however characterized or described) to which the Company is a party or by which it is or may be bound or affected and (i) that is referred to in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or (ii) is material to the Company’s business, has been duly authorized and validly executed by the Company, is in full force and effect in all material respects and is enforceable against the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with its terms, except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. None of such agreements or instruments has been assigned by the Company, and neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any other party is in default thereunder and, to the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default thereunder. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, performance by the Company of the material provisions of such agreements or instruments will not result in a violation of any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any governmental agency or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or businesses (each, a “Governmental Entity”), including, without limitation, those relating to environmental laws and regulations.

 

2.4.3. Prior Securities Transactions. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no securities of the Company have been sold by the Company or by or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any person or persons controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Preliminary Prospectus.

 

  Ex. A-6  
     

 

2.4.4. Regulations. The disclosures in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus concerning the effects of federal, state, local and all foreign regulation on the Offering and the Company’s business as currently contemplated are correct in all material respects and no other such regulations are required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which are not so disclosed.

 

2.5 Changes After Dates in Registration Statement.

 

2.5.1. No Material Adverse Change. Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically stated therein: (i) there has been no material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company, nor any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would involve a material adverse change or a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, business, assets or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) taken as a whole (a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) there have been no material transactions entered into by the Company, other than as contemplated pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) there has not been any material change in the capital stock or long-term or short-term debt of the Company, (iv) there have been no transactions entered into by the Company, other than in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect to the Company, individually or taken as a whole, (v) the Company has not sustained any material loss or interference with its business or properties from fire, explosion, flood, earthquake, hurricane, accident or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or any legal or governmental proceeding and (vi) no officer or director of the Company has resigned from any position with the Company.

 

2.5.2. Recent Securities Transactions, etc. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and except as may otherwise be indicated or contemplated herein or disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not: (i) issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other distribution on or in respect to its capital stock.

 

2.6 Disclosures in Commission Filings. Since April 17, 2017, (i) none of the Company’s filings with the Commission contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and (ii) the Company has made all filings with the Commission required under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act Regulations”).

 

2.7 Independent Accountants. To the knowledge of the Company, Prager Metis CPAs, LLC (the “Auditor”), whose report is filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Auditor has not, during the periods covered by the financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is used in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

  Ex. A-7  
     

 

2.8 Financial Statements, etc. The financial statements, including the notes thereto and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, fairly present the financial position and the results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods to which they apply; and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), consistently applied throughout the periods involved (provided that unaudited interim financial statements are subject to year-end audit adjustments that are not expected to be material in the aggregate and do not contain all footnotes required by GAAP); and the supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly the information required to be stated therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations. The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted financial information and the related notes, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been properly compiled and prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and present fairly the information shown therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission), if any, comply with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. Each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus discloses all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), and other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (a) neither the Company nor any of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including each entity disclosed or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus as being a subsidiary of the Company (each, a “Subsidiary” and, collectively, the “Subsidiaries”), has incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions other than in the ordinary course of business, (b) the Company has not declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock, (c) there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, other than in the course of business, any grants under any stock compensation plan, and (d) there has not been any material adverse change in the Company’s long-term or short-term debt.

 

2.9 Authorized Capital; Options, etc. The Company had, at the date or dates indicated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the duly authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth therein. Based on the assumptions stated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company will have on the Closing Date the adjusted stock capitalization set forth therein. Except as set forth in, or contemplated by, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, on the Effective Date, as of the Applicable Time and on the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, there will be no stock options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any authorized, but unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company or any security convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock of the Company, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell shares of Common Stock or any such options, warrants, rights or convertible securities.

 

2.10 Valid Issuance of Securities, etc.

 

2.10.1. Outstanding Securities. All issued and outstanding securities of the Company issued prior to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof have no rights of rescission with respect thereto, and are not subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; and none of such securities were issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company. The authorized shares of Common Stock conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The offers and sales of the outstanding shares of Common Stock were at all relevant times either registered under the Securities Act and the applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws or, based in part on the representations and warranties of the purchasers of such Shares, exempt from such registration requirements.

 

  Ex. A-8  
     

 

2.10.2. Securities Sold Pursuant to this Agreement. The Public Securities and Representative’s Securities have been duly authorized for issuance and sale and, when issued and paid for, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company; and all corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities has been duly and validly taken. The Public Securities and Representative’s Securities conform in all material respects to all statements with respect thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. All corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance, and sale of the Warrants and the Representative’s Warrant has been duly and validly taken; the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the Representative’s Warrant have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and when paid for and issued in accordance with the Warrants, the Warrant Agreement, or the Representative’s Warrant and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, as applicable, such shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal liability solely by reason of being such holders; and such shares of Common Stock are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company.

 

2.11 Registration Rights of Third Parties. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no holders of any securities of the Company or any rights exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into securities of the Company have the right to require the Company to register any such securities of the Company under the Securities Act or to include any such securities in a registration statement to be filed by the Company.

 

2.12 Validity and Binding Effect of Agreements. This Agreement, the Warrants, the Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Warrant and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Company, and, when executed and delivered, will constitute, the valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except: (i) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws; and (iii) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

 

2.13 No Conflicts, etc. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the Warrants, the Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Warrant, the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and all ancillary documents, the consummation by the Company of the transactions herein and therein contemplated and the compliance by the Company with the terms hereof and thereof do not and will not, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both: (i) result in a material breach of, or conflict with any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a material default under, or result in the creation, modification, termination or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party; (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (as the same may be amended or restated from time to time, the “Charter”) or the by-laws of the Company; or (iii) violate any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any Governmental Entity as of the date hereof.

 

  Ex. A-9  
     

 

2.14 No Defaults; Violations. No material default exists in the due performance and observance of any term, covenant or condition of any material license, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, loan or credit agreement, or any other agreement or instrument evidencing an obligation for borrowed money, or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or any Subsidiary may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject. The Company is not in violation of any term or provision of its Charter or by-laws, or in violation of any franchise, license, permit, applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment or decree of any Governmental Entity.

 

2.15 Corporate Power; Licenses; Consents.

 

2.15.1. Conduct of Business. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has all requisite corporate power and authority, and has all necessary authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses, certificates and permits of and from all governmental regulatory officials and bodies that it needs as of the date hereof to conduct its business purpose as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.15.2. Transactions Contemplated Herein. The Company has all corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof, and all consents, authorizations, approvals, and orders required in connection therewith have been obtained. No consent, authorization, or order of, and no filing with, any court, government agency, or other body is required for the valid issuance, sale, and delivery of the Public Securities and the consummation of the transactions and agreements contemplated by this Agreement, the Warrants, the Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Warrant, and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, and the Prospectus, except with respect to applicable federal and state securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

2.16 D&O Questionnaires. To the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the questionnaires (the “Questionnaires”) completed by each of the Company’s directors and officers immediately prior to the Offering (the “Insiders”) as supplemented by all information concerning the Company’s directors, officers and principal shareholders as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as well as in the Lock-Up Agreement (as defined in Section 2.25 below), provided to the Underwriters, is true and correct in all material respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in the Questionnaires to become materially inaccurate and incorrect.

 

2.17 Litigation; Governmental Proceedings. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry, arbitration, investigation, litigation or governmental proceeding pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against, or involving the Company, to the Company’s knowledge, any executive officer or director which has not been disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or in connection with the Company’s listing application for the listing of the Public Securities on the NYSE American.

 

2.18 Good Standing. The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation and is in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware as of the date hereof, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify, singularly or in the aggregate, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

  Ex. A-10  
     

 

2.19 Insurance. The Company carries or is entitled to the benefits of insurance, with reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks which the Company believes are adequate, including, but not limited to, directors and officers insurance coverage at least equal to $5,000,000 and the Company has included each Underwriter as an additional insured party to the directors and officers insurance coverage and all such insurance is in full force and effect. The Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able (i) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.20 Transactions Affecting Disclosure to FINRA.

 

2.20.1. Finder’s Fees. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no claims, payments, arrangements, agreements or understandings relating to the payment of a finder’s, consulting or origination fee by the Company or any Insider with respect to the sale of the Public Securities hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements or understandings of the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its shareholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by FINRA.

 

2.20.2. Payments Within Twelve (12) Months. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) to: (i) any person, as a finder’s fee, consulting fee or otherwise, in consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing to the Company persons who raised or provided capital to the Company; (ii) any FINRA member; or (iii) any person or entity that has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member, within the twelve (12) months prior to the Effective Date, other than the payment to the Underwriters as provided hereunder in connection with the Offering.

 

2.20.3. Use of Proceeds. None of the net proceeds of the Offering will be paid by the Company to any participating FINRA member or its affiliates, except as specifically authorized herein.

 

2.20.4. FINRA Affiliation. There is no (i) officer or director of the Company, (ii) beneficial owner of 5% or more of any class of the Company’s securities or (iii) beneficial owner of the Company’s unregistered equity securities which were acquired during the 180-day period immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement that is an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA).

 

2.20.5. Information. All information provided by the Company in its FINRA questionnaire to Representative Counsel specifically for use by Representative Counsel in connection with its Public Offering System filings (and related disclosure) with FINRA is true, correct and complete in all material respects.

 

2.21 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. None of the Company and its Subsidiaries or, to the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company and its Subsidiaries or any other person acting on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries, has, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any money, gift or similar benefit (other than legal price concessions to customers in the ordinary course of business) to any customer, supplier, employee or agent of a customer or supplier, or official or employee of any governmental agency or instrumentality of any government (domestic or foreign) or any political party or candidate for office (domestic or foreign) or other person who was, is, or may be in a position to help or hinder the business of the Company (or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction) that (i) might subject the Company to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental litigation or proceeding, (ii) if not given in the past, might have had a Material Adverse Change or (iii) if not continued in the future, might adversely affect the assets, business, operations or prospects of the Company. The Company has taken reasonable steps to ensure that its accounting controls and procedures are sufficient to cause the Company to comply in all material respects with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

 

  Ex. A-11  
     

 

2.22 Compliance with OFAC. None of the Company and its Subsidiaries or, to the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company and its Subsidiaries or any other person acting on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries, is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”), and the Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Offering hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

2.23 Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity involving the Company with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

2.24 Officers’ Certificate. Any certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the Company and delivered to you or to Representative Counsel shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

 

2.25 Lock-Up Agreements. Schedule 3 hereto contains a complete and accurate list of the Company’s officers, directors and each owner of at least 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock) (collectively, the “Lock-Up Parties”). The Company has caused each of the Lock-Up Parties (i) who are directors and officers of the Company to deliver to the Representative an executed Lock-Up Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-1 (the “D&O Lock-Up Agreement”) and (ii) who are holders of 5% or more of the Company’s outstanding securities to deliver to the Representative an executed Lock-Up Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-2 (the “Shareholder Lock-Up Agreement” and, together with the D&O Lock-Up Agreement, the “Lock-Up Agreements”), prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

2.26 Subsidiaries. All direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Company are duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the place of organization or incorporation, and each Subsidiary is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the assets, business or operations of the Company taken as a whole. The Company’s ownership and control of each Subsidiary is as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.26 Related Party Transactions.

 

2.27.1 Business Relationships. There are no business relationships or related party transactions involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus that have not been described as required.

 

  Ex. A-12  
     

 

2.27.2 No Relationships with Customers and Suppliers. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of the Company’s affiliates, on the other hand, which is required to be described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or a document incorporated by reference therein and which is not so described.

 

2.27.3 No Unconsolidated Entities. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources required to be described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or a document incorporated by reference therein which have not been described as required.

 

2.27.4 No Loans or Advances to Affiliates. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company or any of their respective family members, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.28 Board of Directors. The board of directors of the Company is comprised of the persons set forth under the heading of the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus captioned “Management.” The qualifications of the persons serving as board members and the overall composition of the board comply with the Exchange Act, the Exchange Act Regulations, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) applicable to the Company and the listing rules of the NYSE American. At least one member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined under Regulation S-K and the listing rules of the NYSE American. In addition, at least a majority of the persons serving on the Board of Directors qualify as “independent,” as defined under the listing rules of the NYSE American.

 

2.29 Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance.

 

2.29.1. Disclosure Controls. The Company has developed and currently maintains disclosure controls and procedures that will comply with Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act Regulations, and such controls and procedures are effective to ensure that all material information concerning the Company will be made known on a timely basis to the individuals responsible for the preparation of the Company’s Exchange Act filings and other public disclosure documents.

 

2.29.2. Compliance. The Company is, or at the Applicable Time and on the Closing Date will be, in material compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act applicable to it, and has implemented or will implement such programs and taken reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s future compliance (not later than the relevant statutory and regulatory deadlines therefor) with all of the material provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

  Ex. A-13  
     

 

2.30 Accounting Controls. The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined under Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act Regulations) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, including, but not limited to, internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal controls. The Company’s Auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company have been advised of: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are known to the Company’s management and that have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud known to the Company’s management, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

2.31 No Investment Company Status. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the Offering and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will not be, required to register as an “investment company,” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

2.32 No Labor Disputes. No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent.

 

  Ex. A-14  
     

 

2.33 Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries own or possess or have valid rights to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and similar rights (“Intellectual Property Rights”) necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. To the knowledge of the Company, no action or use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries necessary for the conduct of its business as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will involve or give rise to any infringement of, or license or similar fees for, any Intellectual Property Rights of others. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice alleging any such infringement, fee or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change (A) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has not received any notice alleging any such infringement, fee or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change, (i) to the knowledge of the Company, there is no infringement, misappropriation or violation by third parties of any of the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company; (ii) except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the rights of the Company in or to any such Intellectual Property Rights, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim, that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.34, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (iii) the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Intellectual Property Rights licensed to the Company have not been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property Rights, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.34, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (iv) except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any Intellectual Property Rights or other proprietary rights of others, the Company has not received any written notice of such claim and the Company is unaware of any other facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.34, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and (v) to the Company’s knowledge, no employee of the Company is in or has ever been in violation in any material respect of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure agreement, invention assignment agreement, non-competition agreement, non-solicitation agreement, nondisclosure agreement or any restrictive covenant to or with a former employer where the basis of such violation relates to such employee’s employment with the Company, or actions undertaken by the employee while employed with the Company and could reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change. To the Company’s knowledge, all material technical information developed by and belonging to the Company which has not been patented has been kept confidential. The Company is not a party to or bound by any options, licenses or agreements with respect to the Intellectual Property Rights of any other person or entity that are required to be set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and are not described therein. The Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus contain in all material respects the same description of the matters set forth in the preceding sentence. None of the technology employed by the Company has been obtained or is being used by the Company in violation of any contractual obligation binding on the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its officers, directors or employees, or otherwise in violation of the rights of any persons.

 

2.34 Taxes. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has filed all returns (as hereinafter defined) required to be filed with taxing authorities prior to the date hereof or has duly obtained extensions of time for the filing thereof. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has paid all taxes (as hereinafter defined) shown as due on such returns that were filed and has paid all taxes imposed on or assessed against the Company or such respective Subsidiary. The provisions for taxes payable, if any, shown on the financial statements filed with or as part of the Registration Statement are sufficient for all accrued and unpaid taxes, whether or not disputed, and for all periods to and including the dates of such consolidated financial statements. Except as disclosed in writing to the Underwriters, (i) no issues have been raised (and are currently pending) by any taxing authority in connection with any of the returns or taxes asserted as due from the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (ii) no waivers of statutes of limitation with respect to the returns or collection of taxes have been given by or requested from the Company or its Subsidiaries. The term “taxes” means all federal, state, local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto. The term “returns” means all returns, declarations, reports, statements and other documents required to be filed in respect to taxes.

 

  Ex. A-15  
     

 

2.35 ERISA Compliance. The Company and any “employee benefit plan” (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (collectively, “ERISA”)) established or maintained by the Company or its “ERISA Affiliates” (as defined below) are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA. “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any member of any group of organizations described in Sections 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”) of which the Company is a member. No “reportable event” (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates. No “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates, if such “employee benefit plan” were terminated, would have any “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” (as defined under ERISA). Neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any material liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “employee benefit plan” or (ii) Sections 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code. Each “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and, to the knowledge of the Company, nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification.

 

2.36 Compliance with Laws. The Company: (i) is and at all times has been in compliance with all statutes, rules, or regulations applicable to the Company’s business and operation, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters (“Applicable Laws”), except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change; (ii) has not received any warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice from any other governmental authority alleging or asserting noncompliance with any Applicable Laws or any licenses, certificates, approvals, clearances, authorizations, permits and supplements or amendments thereto required by any such Applicable Laws (“Authorizations”); (iii) possesses all material Authorizations and such Authorizations are valid and in full force and effect and are not in material violation of any term of any such Authorizations; (iv) has not received notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any governmental authority or third party alleging that any product operation or activity is in violation of any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such governmental authority or third party is considering any such claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding; (v) has not received notice that any governmental authority has taken, is taking or intends to take action to limit, suspend, modify or revoke any Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such governmental authority is considering such action; and (vi) has filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete and correct on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission).

 

2.37 Ineligible Issuer. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the Securities Act Regulations) of the Public Securities and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405, without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer.

 

  Ex. A-16  
     

 

2.38 Environmental Laws. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, (i) the Company and each member of the Company Group is in compliance with all federal, state, local or foreign statutes, laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, policies or rules of common law and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative orders, consents, decrees or judgments, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), (ii) the Company has all material permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and is in compliance with their requirements, (iii) there are no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the Company or any member of the Company Group and (iv) to the Company’s knowledge, there are no events or circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or governmental body or agency, against or affecting the Company or any member of the Company Group relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Laws.

 

2.39 Real Property. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to, or have valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real or personal property which are material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests, claims and defects that do not, singly or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company or its Subsidiaries; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company its subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, and under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries holds properties described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or any Subsidiary under any of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of the Company or such Subsidiary to the continued possession of the leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease. 

 

2.40 Contracts Affecting Capital. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company, any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations) and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ liquidity or the availability of or requirements for their capital resources required to be described or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which have not been described or incorporated by reference as required.

 

2.41 Loans to Directors or Officers. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company or its Subsidiaries to or for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective family members, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.42 Smaller Reporting Company. As of the time of filing of the Registration Statement, the Company was a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act Regulations.

 

2.43 Industry Data. The statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate or represent the Company’s good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources.

 

  Ex. A-17  
     

 

2.44 Reverse Stock Split. The Company has taken all necessary corporate action to effectuate a reverse stock split of its shares of Common Stock on the basis of one (1) such share for each [●] ([●]) issued and outstanding shares thereof (the “Reverse Stock Split”), such Reverse Stock Split to be effective prior to the Effective Date of the Registration Statement.

 

2.45 Emerging Growth Company. The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”).

 

2.46 Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not (i) alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the written consent of the Representative and with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (ii) authorized anyone other than the Representative to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company confirms that the Representative has been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Schedule 2-C hereto. “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

2.47 Electronic Road Show. The Company has made available a Bona Fide Electronic Road Show in compliance with Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) of the Securities Act Regulations such that no filing of any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433(h) of the Securities Act Regulations) is required in connection with the Offering.

 

2.47 Margin Securities. The Company owns no “margin securities” as that term is defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), and none of the proceeds of Offering will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the shares of Common Stock to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meanings of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board. 

 

2.48 Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed by the Company without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed by the Company other than in good faith.

 

2.49 Exchange Act Reports. The Company has filed in a timely manner all reports required to be filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(e), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (except to the extent that Section 15(d) requires reports to be filed pursuant to Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act, which shall be governed by the next clause of this sentence); and the Company has filed in a timely manner all reports required to be filed pursuant to Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act since January 1, 2014, except where the failure to timely file could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.50 Integration. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause the Offering to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of the Securities Act that would require the registration of any such securities under the Securities Act.

 

  Ex. A-18  
     

 

2.51 Confidentiality and Non-Competitions. To the Company’s knowledge, no director, officer, key employee or consultant of the Company is subject to any confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-competition agreement or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or prior employer that could reasonably be expected to materially affect his ability to be and act in his respective capacity of the Company or be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.52 Minute Books. The minute books of the Company have been made available to the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters, and such books (i) contain a complete summary of all meetings and actions of the board of directors (including each board committee) and stockholders of the Company (or analogous governing bodies and interest holders, as applicable), and each of its Subsidiaries since the time of its respective incorporation or organization through the date of the latest meeting and action, and (ii) accurately in all material respects reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes. There are no material transactions, agreements, dispositions or other actions of the Company that are not properly approved and/or accurately and fairly recorded in the minute books of the Company, as applicable.

 

2.53 Stabilization. Neither the Company nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors or stockholders (without the consent of the Representative) has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under Regulation M of the Exchange Act, or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Public Securities.

 

As used herein, the term “to the Company’s knowledge” or similar terminology means the knowledge of the officers and directors of the Company who are named in the Prospectus, with the assumption that such individuals shall have made reasonable and diligent inquiry of the matters presented (with reference to what is customary and prudent for the applicable individuals in connection with the discharge by the applicable individuals of their respective duties as officers or directors). Similarly, the Company’s awareness, which is used in the form of “aware” or “unaware” depending on the context, means the knowledge of such individuals.

 

3. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

 

3.1 Amendments to Registration Statement. The Company shall deliver to the Representative, prior to filing, any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus proposed to be filed after the Effective Date and not file any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative shall reasonably object in writing.

 

3.2 Federal Securities Laws.

 

3.2.1. Compliance. The Company, subject to Section 3.2.2, shall comply with the requirements of Rule 430A of the Securities Act Regulations, and will notify the Representative promptly, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall become effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus shall have been filed; (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission; (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information; (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the Securities Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the Offering of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities. The Company shall effect all filings required under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations, in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)), and shall take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company shall use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order, prevention or suspension and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

 

  Ex. A-19  
     

 

3.2.2. Continued Compliance. The Company shall comply with the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations, the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Public Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172 of the Securities Act Regulations (“Rule 172”), would be) required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Public Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or for the Company, to (i) amend the Registration Statement in order that the Registration Statement will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order that the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser or (iii) amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, in order to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations, the Company will promptly (A) give the Representative notice of such event; (B) prepare any amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus comply with such requirements and, a reasonable amount of time prior to any proposed filing or use, furnish the Representative with copies of any such amendment or supplement and (C) file with the Commission any such amendment or supplement; provided that the Company shall not file or use any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object. The Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request. The Company has given the Representative notice of any filings made pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Exchange Act Regulations within 48 hours prior to the Applicable Time. The Company shall give the Representative notice of its intention to make any such filing from the Applicable Time until the later of the Closing Date and the exercise in full or expiration of the Over-allotment Option specified in Section 1.2 hereof and will furnish the Representative with copies of the related document(s) a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to which the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.

 

3.2.3. Exchange Act Registration. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to maintain the registration of the shares of Common Stock and the Warrants under the Exchange Act. The Company shall not deregister the shares of Common Stock or the Warrants under the Exchange Act during such period without the prior written consent of the Representative.

 

  Ex. A-20  
     

 

3.2.4. Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representative, it shall not make any offer relating to the Public Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” or a portion thereof, required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433; provided that the Representative shall be deemed to have consented to each Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus hereto and any “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i) that has been reviewed by the Representative. The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each such free writing prospectus consented to, or deemed consented to, by the Underwriters as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and that it has complied and will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 433 with respect thereto, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.

 

3.2.5. Testing-the-Waters Communications. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company shall promptly notify the Representative and shall promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.

 

3.3 Delivery to the Underwriters of Registration Statements. The Company has delivered or made available or shall deliver or make available to the Representative and counsel for the Representative, without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith) and signed copies of all consents and certificates of experts, and will also deliver to the Underwriters, without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

3.4 Delivery to the Underwriters of Prospectuses. The Company has delivered or made available or will deliver or make available to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each Preliminary Prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the Securities Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the Securities Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

  Ex. A-21  
     

 

3.5 Effectiveness and Events Requiring Notice to the Representative. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain effective with a current prospectus for at least nine (9) months after the Applicable Time, and shall notify the Representative immediately and confirm the notice in writing: (i) of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto; (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iii) of the issuance by any state securities commission of any proceedings for the suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iv) of the mailing and delivery to the Commission for filing of any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus; (v) of the receipt of any comments or request for any additional information from the Commission; and (vi) of the happening of any event during the period described in this Section 3.5 that, in the judgment of the Company, makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus untrue or that requires the making of any changes in (A) the Registration Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (B) in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Commission or any state securities commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such qualification at any time, the Company shall make every reasonable effort to obtain promptly the lifting of such order.

 

3.6 Review of Financial Statements. For a period of five (5) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company, at its expense, shall cause its regularly engaged independent registered public accounting firm to review (but not audit) the Company’s financial statements for each of the three fiscal quarters immediately preceding the announcement of any quarterly financial information.

 

3.7 Listing. The Company shall use its best efforts to maintain the listing of the shares of Common Stock (including the Public Securities) and Warrants on the NYSE American for at least three years from the date of this Agreement.

 

3.8 Financial Public Relations Firm. As of the Effective Date, the Company shall have retained a financial public relations firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative and the Company, which shall initially be [PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM], which firm shall be experienced in assisting issuers in initial public offerings of securities and in their relations with their security holders, and shall retain such firm or another firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative for a period of not less than two (2) years after the Effective Date.

 

3.9 Reports to the Representative.

 

3.9.1. Periodic Reports, etc. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall furnish or make available to the Representative copies of such financial statements and other periodic and special reports as the Company from time to time furnishes generally to holders of any class of its securities and also promptly furnish to the Representative: (i) a copy of each periodic report the Company shall be required to file with the Commission under the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations; (ii) a copy of every press release and every news item and article with respect to the Company or its affairs which was released by the Company; (iii) a copy of each Form 8-K prepared and filed by the Company; (iv) five copies of each registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act; and (v) such additional documents and information with respect to the Company and the affairs of any future subsidiaries of the Company as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request; provided the Representative shall sign, if requested by the Company, a Regulation FD compliant confidentiality agreement which is reasonably acceptable to the Representative and Representative Counsel in connection with the Representative’s receipt of such information. Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to its EDGAR system shall be deemed to have been delivered to the Representative pursuant to this Section 3.9.1.

 

3.9.2. Transfer Agent; Transfer Sheets. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall retain a transfer agent and registrar acceptable to the Representative (the ”Transfer Agent”) and shall furnish to the Representative at the Company’s sole cost and expense such transfer sheets of the Company’s securities as the Representative may reasonably request, including the daily and monthly consolidated transfer sheets of the Transfer Agent and DTC. ________________ is acceptable to the Representative to act as Transfer Agent for the shares of Common Stock.

 

  Ex. A-22  
     

 

3.9.3 Warrant Agent. For so long as the Warrants are outstanding, the Company shall retain a warrant agent for the Warrants reasonably acceptable to the Representative (the “Warrant Agent”). Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company is acceptable to the Representative to act as Warrant Agent for the Warrants.

 

3.9.3. Trading Reports. During such time as the Public Securities are listed on the NYSE American, the Company shall provide to the Representative, at the Company’s expense, such reports published by the NYSE American relating to price trading of the Public Securities, as the Representative shall reasonably request.

 

3.10 Payment of Expenses

 

3.10.1. General Expenses Related to the Offering. The Company hereby agrees to pay on each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, to the extent not paid at the Closing Date, all expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, including, but not limited to: (i) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the shares of Common Stock and Warrants to be sold in the Offering (including the Over-allotment Securities) with the Commission; (ii) all Public Filing System filing fees associated with the review of the Offering by FINRA; (iii) all fees and expenses relating to the listing of such Public Securities on the NYSE American and such other stock exchanges as the Company and the Representative together determine, including any fees charged by the DTC for new securities; (iv) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of the Company’s officers and directors in an amount not to exceed $15,000 in the aggregate; (v) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration or qualification of the Public Securities under the “blue sky” securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate; (vi) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of the Public Securities under the securities laws of such foreign jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate; (vii) the costs of all mailing and printing of the underwriting documents (including, without limitation, the Underwriting Agreement, any Blue Sky Surveys and, if appropriate, any Agreement Among Underwriters, Selected Dealers’ Agreement, Underwriters’ Questionnaire and Power of Attorney), Registration Statements, Prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final Prospectuses as the Representative may reasonably deem necessary; (viii) the costs and expenses of a public relations firm; (ix) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing the Public Securities; (x) fees and expenses of the transfer agent for the shares of Common Stock and Warrants; (xi) stock transfer and/or stamp taxes, if any, payable upon the transfer of securities from the Company to the Underwriters; (xii) the costs associated with post-Closing advertising the Offering in the national editions of the Wall Street Journal and New York Times; (xiii) the costs associated with bound volumes of the public offering materials as well as commemorative mementos and lucite tombstones, each of which the Company or its designee shall provide within a reasonable time after the Closing Date in such quantities as the Representative may reasonably request, in an amount not to exceed $3,000; (xiv) the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants; (xv) the fees and expenses of the Company’s legal counsel and other agents and representatives; (xvi) the fees and expenses of the Representative’s legal counsel not to exceed $125,000; (xvii) the $29,500 cost associated with the Underwriter’s use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for the Offering; and (xviii) up to $10,000 of the Underwriters’ actual accountable “road show” expenses for the Offering. The Representative may deduct from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to the Company on the Closing Date, or the Option Closing Date, if any, the expenses set forth herein to be paid by the Company to the Underwriters.

 

  Ex. A-23  
     

 

3.10.2. Non-accountable Expenses. The Company further agrees that, in addition to the expenses payable pursuant to Section 3.10.1, on the Closing Date it shall pay to the Representative, by deduction from the net proceeds of the Offering contemplated herein, a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Firm Units (excluding the Option Securities), less the Advance (as such term is defined in Section 8.3 hereof), provided, however, that in the event that the Offering is terminated, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters pursuant to Section 8.3 hereof.

 

3.11 Application of Net Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the Offering received by it in a manner consistent with the application thereof described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

3.12 Delivery of Earnings Statements to Security Holders. The Company shall make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than the first day of the fifteenth (15th) full calendar month following the date of this Agreement, an earnings statement (which need not be certified by independent registered public accounting firm unless required by the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations, but which shall satisfy the provisions of Rule 158(a) under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act) covering a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months beginning after the date of this Agreement.

 

3.13 Internal Controls. The Company shall maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

3.14 Accountants. As of the date of this Agreement, the Company shall retain an independent registered public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative, and the Company shall continue to retain a nationally recognized independent registered public accounting firm for a period of at least three (3) years after the date of this Agreement. The Representative acknowledges that the Auditor is acceptable to the Representative.

 

3.15 FINRA. The Company shall advise the Representative (who shall make an appropriate filing with FINRA) if it is or becomes aware that (i) any officer or director of the Company, (ii) any beneficial owner of 5% or more of any class of the Company’s securities or (iii) any beneficial owner of the Company’s unregistered equity securities which were acquired during the 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement is or becomes an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA).

 

3.16 No Fiduciary Duties. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters’ responsibility to the Company is solely contractual in nature and that none of the Underwriters or their affiliates or any selling agent shall be deemed to be acting in a fiduciary capacity, or otherwise owes any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Offering and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

  Ex. A-24  
     

 

3.17 Company Lock-Up Agreements.

 

3.17.1. Restriction on Sales of Capital Stock. The Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, it will not, for a period of 90 days after the date of this Agreement (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company; (ii) file or caused to be filed any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company; (iii) complete any offering of debt securities of the Company, other than entering into a line of credit with a traditional bank or (iv) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of capital stock of the Company, whether any such transaction described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above is to be settled by delivery of shares of capital stock of the Company or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

 

The restrictions contained in this Section 3.17.1 shall not apply to (i) the shares of Common Stock to be sold hereunder, (ii) the issuance by the Company of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of a stock option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof, of which the Representative has been advised in writing, or (iii) the issuance by the Company of stock options or shares of capital stock of the Company under any equity compensation plan of the Company, provided that in each of (ii) and (iii) above, the underlying shares shall be restricted from sale during the entire Lock-Up Period.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) during the last 17 days of the Lock-Up Period, the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (ii) prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results or becomes aware that material news or a material event will occur during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the Lock-Up Period, the restrictions imposed by this Section 3.17.1 shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of such material news or material event, as applicable, unless the Representative waives, in writing, such extension.

 

3.17.2. Restriction on Continuous Offerings. Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in Section 3.18.1, the Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, it will not, for a period of 12 months after the date of this Agreement, directly or indirectly in any “at-the-market” or continuous equity transaction, offer to sell, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company.

 

3.18 Release of D&O Lock-up Period. If the Representative, in its sole discretion, agrees to release or waive the restrictions set forth in the Lock-Up Agreements described in Section 2.25 hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three (3) Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto through a major news service at least two (2) Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver.

 

3.19 Blue Sky Qualifications. The Company shall use its best efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, if necessary, to qualify the Public Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Representative may designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required to complete the distribution of the Public Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.

 

  Ex. A-25  
     

 

3.20 Reporting Requirements. The Company, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the Securities Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act within the time periods required by the Exchange Act and Exchange Act Regulations. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Public Securities as may be required under Rule 463 under the Securities Act Regulations.

 

3.21 Press Releases. Prior to the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, the Company shall not issue any press release or other communication directly or indirectly or hold any press conference with respect to the Company, its condition, financial or otherwise, or earnings, business affairs or business prospects (except for routine oral marketing communications in the ordinary course of business and consistent with the past practices of the Company and of which the Representative is notified), without the prior written consent of the Representative, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, unless in the judgment of the Company and its counsel, and after notification to the Representative, such press release or communication is required by law.

 

3.22 Sarbanes-Oxley. The Company shall at all times comply with all applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in effect from time to time.

 

4. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Public Securities, as provided herein, shall be subject to (i) the continuing accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company as of the date hereof and as of each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any; (ii) the accuracy of the statements of officers of the Company made pursuant to the provisions hereof; (iii) the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; and (iv) the following conditions:

 

4.1 Regulatory Matters.

 

4.1.1. Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Rule 430A Information. The Registration Statement has become effective not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement or such later date and time as shall be consented to in writing by you, and, at each of the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the Securities Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, contemplated by the Commission. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information. The Prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the Commission in the manner and within the time frame required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)) or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A.

 

4.1.2. FINRA Clearance. On or before the date of this Agreement, the Representative shall have received clearance from FINRA as to the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Underwriters as described in the Registration Statement.

 

4.1.3. Exchange Stock Market Clearance. On the Closing Date, the Company’s shares of Common Stock, including the shares of Common Stock included in the Firm Units, and the Warrants, including the Warrants included in the Firm Units, shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE American, subject only to official notice of issuance. On the first Option Closing Date (if any), the Company’s shares of Common Stock, including the Option Shares and the Option Warrants, shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE American, subject only to official notice of issuance.

 

  Ex. A-26  
     

 

4.2 Company Counsel Matters.

 

4.2.1. Closing Date Opinion of Counsel. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion or opinions of Anthony L.G., PLLC, counsel to the Company, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representative, with respect to the matters contained in Exhibit E attached hereto.

 

4.2.3. Option Closing Date Opinions of Counsel. On the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of counsel listed in Section 4.2.1, dated the Option Closing Date, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, confirming as of the Option Closing Date, the statements made by such counsels in their respective opinions delivered on the Closing Date.

 

4.2.4. Reliance. In rendering such opinions, such counsel may rely: (i) as to matters involving the application of laws other than the laws of the United States and jurisdictions in which they are admitted, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative) of other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representative, familiar with the applicable laws; and (ii) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates or other written statements of officers of the Company and officers of departments of various jurisdictions having custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the Company, provided that copies of any such statements or certificates shall be delivered to Representative Counsel if requested. The opinion of Anthony L.G., PLLC and any opinion relied upon by Anthony L.G., PLLC shall include a statement to the effect that it may be relied upon by Representative Counsel in its opinion delivered to the Underwriters.

 

4.3 Comfort Letters.

 

4.3.1. Cold Comfort Letter. At the time this Agreement is executed you shall have received cold comfort letters containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ comfort letters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory in all respects to you and to the Auditor, dated as of the date of this Agreement.

 

4.3.2. Bring-down Comfort Letter. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received from the Auditor a letter, dated as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable, to the effect that the Auditor reaffirms the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to Section 4.3.1, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable.

 

4.4 Officers’ Certificates.

 

4.4.1. Officers’ Certificate. The Company shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate, dated the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date (if such date is other than the Closing Date), of its Chief Executive Officer, its President and its Chief Financial Officer stating that (i) such officers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and, in their opinion, the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as of its date and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective date thereof and as of the Closing Date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, (ii) since the effective date of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (iii) to the best of their knowledge after reasonable investigation, as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct and the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), and (iv) there has not been, subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Material Adverse Change, except as set forth in the Prospectus.

 

  Ex. A-27  
     

 

4.4.2. Secretary’s Certificate. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Secretary of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Date, as the case may be, respectively, certifying: (i) that each of the Charter and Bylaws is true and complete, has not been modified and is in full force and effect; (ii) that the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors relating to the Offering are in full force and effect and have not been modified; (iii) as to the accuracy and completeness of all correspondence between the Company or its counsel and the Commission; and (iv) as to the incumbency of the officers of the Company. The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such certificate.

 

4.5 No Material Changes. Prior to and on each of the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, if any: (i) there shall have been no Material Adverse Change; (ii) no action, suit or proceeding, at law or in equity, shall have been pending or threatened against the Company or any Insider before or by any court or federal or state commission, board or other administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding may materially adversely affect the business, operations, prospects or financial condition or income of the Company, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (iii) no stop order shall have been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings therefor shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and (iv) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all material statements which are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and shall conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations, and neither the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

4.6 No Material Misstatement or Omission. The Underwriters shall not have discovered and disclosed to the Company on or prior to the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date that the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto contains an untrue statement of a fact which, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, is material or omits to state any fact which, in the opinion of such counsel, is material and is required to be stated therein or is necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto contains an untrue statement of fact which, in the opinion of such counsel, is material or omits to state any fact which, in the opinion of such counsel, is material and is necessary in order to make the statements, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

  Ex. A-28  
     

 

4.7 Corporate Proceedings. All corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident to the authorization, form and validity of each of this Agreement, the Warrants, the Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Warrant, the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, the Public Securities, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, if any, and the Prospectus and all other legal matters relating to this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the Representative’s Warrant and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to counsel for the Underwriters, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel all documents and information that they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

 

4.8 Delivery of Agreements.

 

4.8.1. Lock-Up Agreements. On or before the date of this Agreement, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Lock-Up Agreements from each of the persons listed in Schedule 3 hereto.

 

4.8.2. Warrant Agreement. On or before the Closing Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Warrant Agreement.

 

4.8.3. Representative’s Warrant Agreement. On the Closing Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement.

 

4.9 Additional Documents. At the Closing Date and at each Option Closing Date (if any) Representative Counsel shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of enabling Representative Counsel to deliver an opinion to the Underwriters, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and Representative Counsel.

 

4.11 Reverse Stock Split. Not later than the first trading day of the Firm Units following the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, the Reverse Stock Split shall be effective.

 

5. Indemnification.

 

5.1 Indemnification of the Underwriters.

 

5.1.1. General. Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates and each of its and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, representatives, partners, shareholders, affiliates, counsel, and agents and each person, if any, who controls any such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively the “Underwriter Indemnified Parties,” and each an “Underwriter Indemnified Party”), 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, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and the Company or between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and any third party, or otherwise) to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any other statute or at common law or otherwise or under the laws of foreign countries (a “Claim”), (i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in (A) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or in any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication (as from time to time each may be amended and supplemented); (B) any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the Offering, including any “road show” or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically); or (C) any application or other document or written communication (in this Section 5, collectively called “application”) executed by the Company or based upon written information furnished by the Company in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities under the securities laws thereof or filed with the Commission, any state securities commission or agency, the NYSE American or any other national securities exchange; or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, the Underwriters’ Information or (ii) otherwise arising in connection with or allegedly in connection with the Offering. The Company also agrees that it will reimburse each Underwriter Indemnified Party for all fees and expenses (including but not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and the Company or between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and any third party, or otherwise) (collectively, the “Expenses”), and further agrees wherever and whenever possible to advance payment of Expenses as they are incurred by an Underwriter Indemnified Party in investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any Claim.

 

  Ex. A-29  
     

 

5.1.2. Procedure. If any action is brought against an Underwriter Indemnified Party in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to Section 5.1.1, such Underwriter Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the institution of such action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action, including the employment and fees of counsel (subject to the approval of such Underwriter Indemnified Party) and payment of actual expenses if an Underwriter Indemnified Party requests that the Company do so. Such Underwriter Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, and the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company, and shall be advanced by the Company to the Underwriter Indemnified Party upon request. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any action effected without its consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld). In addition, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Underwriters, settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any pending or threatened action in respect of which advancement, reimbursement, indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not such Underwriter Indemnified Party is a party thereto) unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination (i) includes an unconditional release of each Underwriter Indemnified Party, acceptable to such Underwriter Indemnified Party, from all liabilities, expenses and claims arising out of such action for which indemnification or contribution may be sought and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any Underwriter Indemnified Party.

 

5.2 Indemnification of the Company. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and persons who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the several Underwriters, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any application, in reliance upon, and in strict conformity with, the Underwriters’ Information. In case any action shall be brought against the Company or any other person so indemnified based on any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or any application, and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter, such Underwriter shall have the rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company and each other person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the several Underwriters by the provisions of Section 5.1.2. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Representative of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers, directors or any person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Public Securities or in connection with the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication.

 

  Ex. A-30  
     

 

5.3 Contribution.

 

5.3.1. Contribution Rights. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 shall for any reason be unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 5.1 or 5.2 in respect of any loss, claim, damage or liability, or any action in respect thereof, referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, from the Offering of the Public Securities, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to such Offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the Offering of the Public Securities purchased under this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the one hand, and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters with respect to the Public Securities purchased under this Agreement, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the other hand. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 5.3.1 were to be determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 5.3.1 shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 5.3.1, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.3.1 in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the Offering of the Public Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

  Ex. A-31  
     

 

5.3.2. Contribution Procedure. Within fifteen (15) days after receipt by any party to this Agreement (or its representative) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, such party will, if a claim for contribution in respect thereof is to be made against another party (“contributing party”), notify the contributing party of the commencement thereof, but the failure to so notify the contributing party will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any other party other than for contribution hereunder. In case any such action, suit or proceeding is brought against any party, and such party notifies a contributing party or its representative of the commencement thereof within the aforesaid fifteen (15) days, the contributing party will be entitled to participate therein with the notifying party and any other contributing party similarly notified. Any such contributing party shall not be liable to any party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding affected by such party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding affected by such party seeking contribution without the written consent of such contributing party. The contribution provisions contained in this Section 5.3.2 are intended to supersede, to the extent permitted by law, any right to contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise available. Each Underwriter’s obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 5.3 are several and not joint.

 

6. Default by an Underwriter.

 

6.1 Default Not Exceeding 10% of Firm Units or Option Securities. If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligations to purchase the Firm Units or the Option Securities, if the Over-allotment Option is exercised hereunder, and if the number of the Firm Units or Option Securities with respect to which such default relates does not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the number of Firm Units or Option Securities that all Underwriters have agreed to purchase hereunder, then such Firm Units or Option Securities to which the default relates shall be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters in proportion to their respective commitments hereunder.

 

6.2 Default Exceeding 10% of Firm Units or Option Securities. In the event that the default addressed in Section 6.1 relates to more than 10% of the Firm Units or Option Securities, you may in your discretion arrange for yourself or for another party or parties to purchase such Firm Units or Option Securities to which such default relates on the terms contained herein. If, within one (1) Business Day after such default relating to more than 10% of the Firm Units or Option Securities, you do not arrange for the purchase of such Firm Units or Option Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of one (1) Business Day within which to procure another party or parties satisfactory to you to purchase said Firm Units or Option Securities on such terms. In the event that neither you nor the Company arrange for the purchase of the Firm Units or Option Securities to which a default relates as provided in this Section 6, this Agreement will automatically be terminated by you or the Company without liability on the part of the Company (except as provided in Sections 3.9 and 5 hereof) or the several Underwriters (except as provided in Section 5 hereof); provided, however, that if such default occurs with respect to the Option Securities, this Agreement will not terminate as to the Firm Units; and provided, further, that nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the other Underwriters and to the Company for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.

 

6.3 Postponement of Closing Date. In the event that the Firm Units or Option Securities to which the default relates are to be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another party or parties as aforesaid, you or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or Option Closing Date for a reasonable period, but not in any event exceeding five (5) Business Days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriter may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any party substituted under this Section 6 with like effect as if it had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Firm Units or Option Securities.

 

  Ex. A-32  
     

 

7. Additional Covenants.

 

7.1 Board Composition and Board Designations. The Company shall ensure that: (i) the qualifications of the persons serving as members of the Board of Directors and the overall composition of the Board comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with the Exchange Act and with the listing rules of the NYSE American or any other national securities exchange, as the case may be, in the event the Company seeks to have its Public Securities listed on another exchange or quoted on an automated quotation system, and (ii) if applicable, at least one member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined under Regulation S-K and the listing rules of the NYSE American.

 

7.2 Prohibition on Press Releases and Public Announcements. The Company shall not issue press releases or engage in any other publicity, without the Representative’s prior written consent, for a period ending at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the first (1st) Business Day following the forty-fifth (45th) day after the Closing Date, other than normal and customary releases issued in the ordinary course of the Company’s business.

 

7.3 Right of First Refusal. Provided that the Firm Units are sold in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Representative shall have an irrevocable right of first refusal (the “Right of First Refusal”), for a period of twelve (12) months after the date the Offering is completed, to act as sole and exclusive investment banker, sole and exclusive book-runner, sole and exclusive financial advisor, sole and exclusive underwriter and/or sole and exclusive placement agent, at the Representative’s sole and exclusive discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offering, including all equity linked financings (each, a “Subject Transaction”), during such twelve (12) month period, of the Company, or any successor to or subsidiary of the Company, on terms and conditions customary to the Representative for such Subject Transactions. For the avoidance of any doubt, the Company shall not retain, engage or solicit any additional investment banker, book-runner, financial advisor, underwriter and/or placement agent in a Subject Transaction without the express written consent of the Representative.

 

The Company shall notify the Representative of its intention to pursue a Subject Transaction, including the material terms thereof, by providing written notice thereof by registered mail or overnight courier service addressed to the Representative. If the Representative fails to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to any Subject Transaction within ten (10) Business Days after the mailing of such written notice, then the Representative shall have no further claim or right with respect to the Subject Transaction. The Representative may elect, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to any Subject Transaction; provided that any such election by the Representative shall not adversely affect the Representative’s Right of First Refusal with respect to any other Subject Transaction during the twelve (12) month period agreed to above.

 

In the event the Company fails to comply with this provision, damages shall be computed as the maximum allowable amount under applicable FINRA rules and regulations.

 

8. Effective Date of this Agreement and Termination Thereof.

 

8.1 Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective when both the Company and the Representative have executed the same and delivered counterparts of such signatures to the other party.

 

  Ex. A-33  
     

 

8.2 Termination. The Representative shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time prior to any Closing Date, (i) if any domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted, or in your opinion will in the immediate future materially disrupt, general securities markets in the United States; or (ii) if trading on the NYSE American shall have been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required by FINRA or by order of the Commission or any other government authority having jurisdiction; or (iii) if the United States shall have become involved in a new war or an increase in major hostilities; or (iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by a New York State or federal authority; or (v) if a moratorium on foreign exchange trading has been declared which materially adversely impacts the United States securities markets; or (vi) if the Company shall have sustained a material loss by fire, flood, accident, hurricane, earthquake, theft, sabotage or other calamity or malicious act which, whether or not such loss shall have been insured, will, in your opinion, make it inadvisable to proceed with the delivery of the Firm Units or Option Securities; or (vii) if the Company is in material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants hereunder; or (viii) if the Representative shall have become aware after the date hereof of such a material adverse change in the conditions or prospects of the Company, or such adverse material change in general market conditions as in the Representative’s judgment would make it impracticable to proceed with the offering, sale and/or delivery of the Public Securities or to enforce contracts made by the Underwriters for the sale of the Public Securities.

 

8.3 Expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except in the case of a default by the Underwriters, pursuant to Section 6.2 above, in the event that this Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing Date or is not otherwise carried out for any reason, within the time specified herein or any extensions thereof pursuant to the terms herein, the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Underwriters their actual and accountable out-of-pocket expenses related to the transactions contemplated herein then due and payable (including the fees and disbursements of Representative Counsel) up to $300,000, inclusive of the $40,000 advance for accountable expenses previously paid by the Company to the Representative (the “Advance”) and upon demand the Company shall pay the full amount thereof to the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters; provided, however, that such expense cap in no way limits or impairs the indemnification and contribution provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any advance received by the Representative will be reimbursed to the Company to the extent not actually incurred in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(C).

 

8.4 Survival of Indemnification. Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, any election hereunder or any termination of this Agreement, and whether or not this Agreement is otherwise carried out, the provisions of Section 5 shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be in any way affected by, such election or termination or failure to carry out the terms of this Agreement or any part hereof.

 

8.5 Representations, Warranties, Agreements to Survive. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or its Affiliates or selling agents, any person controlling any Underwriter, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company or (ii) delivery of and payment for the Public Securities.

 

9. Miscellaneous.

 

9.1 Notices. All communications hereunder, except as herein otherwise specifically provided, shall be in writing and shall be mailed (registered or certified mail, return receipt requested), personally delivered or sent by facsimile transmission and confirmed and shall be deemed given when so delivered or faxed and confirmed or if mailed, two (2) Business Days after such mailing.

 

  Ex. A-34  
     

 

If to the Representative:

 

ThinkEquity

17 State Street, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10004

Attn: Mr. Eric Lord, Head of Investment Banking

E-mail: el@think-equity.com

Fax: (212) 349-2550

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Littman Krooks LLP

655 Third Avenue, 20th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: Steven Uslaner, Esq.

Email: suslaner@littmankrooks.com

Fax: (212) 490-2990

 

If to the Company:

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505

Boca Raton, FL 33433

Attention: Jed Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: jkaplan@simplicityesports.com

Fax: [●]

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Anthony L.G., PLLC

625 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 600

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

Attention: Laura Anthony, Esq.

Email: LAnthony@anthonypllc.com

Fax: (561) 514-0832

 

9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.

 

9.3 Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.

 

9.4 Research Analyst Independence. The Company acknowledges that each Underwriter’s research analysts and research departments are required to be independent from its investment banking division and are subject to certain regulations and internal policies, and that such Underwriter’s research analysts may hold views and make statements or investment recommendations and/or publish research reports with respect to the Company and/or the Offering that differ from the views of their investment banking division. The Company acknowledges that each Underwriter is a full service securities firm and as such from time to time, subject to applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, may effect transactions for its own account or the account of its customers and hold long or short positions in debt or equity securities of the Company; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 9.4 shall relieve the Underwriter of any responsibility or liability it may otherwise bear in connection with activities in violation of applicable securities laws, rules or regulations.

 

  Ex. A-35  
     

 

9.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, it is understood and agreed by the parties hereto that all other terms and conditions of that certain engagement letter between the Company and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., dated November 22, 2019, shall remain in full force and effect.

 

9.6 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Representative, the Underwriters, the Company and the controlling persons, directors and officers referred to in Section 5 hereof, and their respective successors, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Agreement or any provisions herein contained. The term “successors and assigns” shall not include a purchaser, in its capacity as such, of securities from any of the Underwriters.

 

9.7 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. 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 conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company 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 New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in 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. Any such process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 9.1 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company agrees that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

9.8 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of a signed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile or email/pdf transmission shall constitute valid and sufficient delivery thereof.

 

9.9 Waiver, etc. The failure of any of the parties hereto to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way effect the validity of this Agreement or any provision hereof or the right of any of the parties hereto to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.

 

  Ex. A-36  
     

 

If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Underwriters and the Company, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between us.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
   
  By:
  Name: Jed Kaplan
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

Confirmed as of the date first written

above mentioned, on behalf of itself and as

Representative of the several Underwriters

named on Schedule 1 hereto:

 

THINKEQUITY

 

A Division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.

 

By:  
Name: Eric Lord  
Title: Head of Investment Banking/Underwritings  

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

Underwriter  

Total Number

of Firm Units

to be

Purchased

 

Number of Option

Shares to be

Purchased if the Over-Allotment

Option is Fully

Exercised

 

Number of Option

Warrants to be

Purchased if the Over-Allotment

Option is Fully

Exercised

ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.   [●]   [●]   [●]
TOTAL   [●]   [●]   [●]

 

Ex. A-1
 

 

SCHEDULE 2-A

 

Pricing Information

 

Number of Firm Units: [________]

 

Number of Option Shares: [________]

 

Number of Option Warrants: [_________]

 

Public Offering Price per Unit: $[__]

 

Underwriting Discount per Unit: $[__]

 

Underwriting Non-accountable expense allowance per Unit: $[__]

 

Proceeds to Company per Unit (before expenses): $[__]

 

Proceeds to Company per Option Share (before expenses): $[●]

 

Proceeds to Company per Option Warrant (before expenses): $[●]

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE 2-B

 

Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses

 

None.

 

Ex A-2
 

 

SCHEDULE 2-C

 

Written Testing-the-Waters Communications

 

None.

 

Ex A-3
 

 

SCHEDULE 3

 

List of Lock-Up Parties

 

Directors and Officers:

 

Jed Kaplan

Roman Franklin

Donald R. Caldwell

Steven Grossman

F. Jacob Cherian

Suhel Kanuga

Max Hooper

Frank Leavy

Edward Leonard Jaroski

William H. Herrman, Jr.

 

5% Holders:

 

The K2 Principal Fund, L.P.

Polar Asset Management Partners Inc.

IRIS Cantor Trust

Timothy P. Schenden – SEP IRA

 

Sch 3-1
 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Warrant Agreement

 

Ex. B-2-1
 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Form of Representative’s Warrant Agreement

 

Ex. D-2
 

 

EXHIBIT C-1

 

D&O Lock-Up Agreement

 

Ex. D-3
 

 

EXHIBIT C-2

 

Shareholder Lock-Up Agreement

 

Ex. C-1
 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

Form of Press Release

 

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

[Date]

 

TBD

 

This press release is not an offer or sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer or sale is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Ex. D-2
 

 

EXHIBIT E

 

Form of Opinion of Counsel

 

TBD

 

Ex. D-1

 

Exhibit 4.4

 

ANNEX C

 

[FORM OF CERTIFICATED WARRANT]

 

COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

Warrant Shares: _______ Initial Exercise Date: [●] ___, 2020
  Issue Date: [●] ___, 2018

 

  CUSIP: ______________
   
  ISIN: _______________

 

THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, _____________ or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after [●] ___, 2020 (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and on or prior to the close of business on the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to ______ shares (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b). This Warrant shall initially be issued and maintained in the form of a security held in book-entry form and the Depository Trust Company or its nominee (“DTC”) shall initially be the sole registered holder of this Warrant, subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

Section 1. Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Warrant, the following terms have the meanings indicated in this Section 1:

 

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Business Day” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

 

Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Liens” means a lien, charge pledge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other restriction.

 

     
 

 

Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

Proceeding” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an informal investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.

 

Registration Statement” means the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. _______________ ).

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Stock is traded on a Trading Market.

 

Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

 

Transfer Agent” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, with a mailing address of 1 State Street, New York, New York 10004-1561 and a facsimile number of ([●]) [●]-[●], and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

 

Warrant Agent Agreement” means that certain Warrant Agent Agreement, dated as of the Initial Exercise Date, between the Company and the Warrant Agent.

 

Warrant Agent” means the Transfer Agent and any successor warrant agent of the Company.

 

Warrants” means this Warrant and other Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

Section 2. Exercise.

 

a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before close of business on the Termination Date by delivery to the Company of a duly executed facsimile copy (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise in the form annexed hereto. Within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise within one (1) Trading Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

     
 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 2(a), a holder whose interest in this Warrant is a beneficial interest in certificate(s) representing this Warrant held in book-entry form through DTC (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions), shall effect exercises made pursuant to this Section 2(a) by delivering to DTC (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable) the appropriate instruction form for exercise, complying with the procedures to effect exercise that are required by DTC (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable), subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

b) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $_____, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

c) Restrictive Legend Event; Cashless Exercise. The Company shall provide to the Holder prompt written notice of any time that the Company is unable to deliver the Warrant Shares via DTC transfer or otherwise without restrictive legend because (A) the Commission has issued a stop order with respect to the Registration Statement, (B) the Commission otherwise has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, (C) the Company has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, (D) the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement is not available for the issuance of the Warrant Shares to the Holder or (E) otherwise (each a “Restrictive Legend Event”). To the extent that the Warrants cannot be exercised as a result of a Restrictive Legend Event or a Restrictive Legend Event occurs after a Holder has exercised Warrants in accordance with the terms of the Warrants but prior to the delivery of the Warrant Shares, the Company shall, at the election of the Holder, which shall be given within five (5) days of receipt of such notice of the Restrictive Legend Event, either (A) rescind the previously submitted Notice of Exercise and the Company shall return all consideration paid by registered holder for such shares upon such rescission or (B) treat the attempted exercise as a cashless exercise as described in paragraph (ii) below and refund the cash portion of the exercise price to the Holder. If a Restrictive Legend Event occurs, then this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

(A) = the last VWAP immediately preceding the time of delivery of the Notice of Exercise giving rise to the applicable “cashless exercise”, as set forth in the applicable Notice of Exercise (to clarify, the “last VWAP” will be the last VWAP as calculated over an entire Trading Day such that, in the event that this Warrant is exercised at a time that the Trading Market is open, the prior Trading Day’s VWAP shall be used in this calculation);

 

(B) = the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and

 

(X) = the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to make any cash payments or net cash settlement to the Holder in lieu of delivery of the Warrant Shares. If Warrant Shares are issued in such a cashless exercise, the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the registered characteristics of the Warrants being exercised. The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c).

 

     
 

 

VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the holders of a majority in interest of the Warrants then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

 

d) Mechanics of Exercise.

 

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) this Warrant is being exercised via cashless exercise, and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). Upon delivery of the Notice of Exercise, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant has been exercised, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Warrant Shares, provided that payment of the aggregate Exercise Price (other than in the case of a cashless exercise) is received the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days of and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following the delivery of the Notice of Exercise. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Warrant remains outstanding and exercisable. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Exercise.

 

ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

 

     
 

 

iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.

 

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(d)(i) above pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

iv. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

 

v. Charges, Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

 

     
 

 

vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, non-exercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or non-converted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the 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 securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% (or, upon election by a Holder prior to the issuance of any Warrants, 9.99%) of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 

     
 

 

Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

 

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

b) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

c) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

     
 

 

d) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(d) pursuant to written agreements prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction). Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

 

     
 

 

e) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

 

f) Notice to Holder.

 

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly deliver to the Holder by facsimile or email a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by facsimile or email to the Holder at its last facsimile number or email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided in this Warrant constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein. Notwithstanding the requirement to provide or mail written notice to a Holder set forth in this Section 3, the Company shall not be required to provide or mail a written notice to any Holder, and shall not be required to instruct the Warrant Agent to provide or mail a written notice if the transaction or transactions resulting in any adjustment described in this Section 3 is disclosed publicly via a press release, Current Report on Form 8-K, other filing with the Commission or other means of public dissemination.

 

Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

 

a) Transferability. This Warrant and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 

     
 

 

b) New Warrants. If this Warrant is not held in global form through DTC (or any successor depository), this Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the original Initial Exercise Date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

 

c) Warrant Register. The Warrant Agent shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

 

Section 5. Miscellaneous.

 

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3.

 

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which shall in no event include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

 

c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

d) Authorized Shares.

 

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

 

     
 

 

Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

 

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

 

e) Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. Each party agrees that all legal Proceedings concerning the interpretation, enforcement and defense of this Warrant shall be commenced in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan (the “New York Courts”). Each party hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New York Courts for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein (including with respect to the enforcement of any provision hereunder), and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or Proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such New York Courts, or such New York Courts are improper or inconvenient venue for such Proceeding. If any party shall commence an action or Proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Warrant, then the prevailing party in such action or Proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or Proceeding. If any party shall commence an action or Proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Warrant, then the prevailing party in such action or Proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or Proceeding.

 

f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

 

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate Proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

 

     
 

 

h) Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holders hereunder including, without limitation, any Notice of Exercise, shall be in writing and delivered personally, by facsimile or by e-mail, or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Company, at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505, Boca Raton, FL 33433, Attention: Chief Executive Officer, facsimile number: ([●]) [●]-[●], email address: [●], or such other facsimile number, email address or address as the Company may specify for such purposes by notice to the Holders. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Company hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally, by facsimile, or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to each Holder at the facsimile number or address of such Holder appearing on the books of the Warrant Agent. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of (i) the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or e-mail at the e-mail address set forth in this Section prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any date, (ii) the next Trading Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or e-mail at the e-mail address set forth in this Section on a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, (iii) the second Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service, or (iv) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Warrant, where this Warrant provides for notice of any event to the Holder, if this Warrant is held in global form by DTC (or any successor depositary), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to DTC (or any successor depositary) pursuant to the procedures of DTC (or such successor depositary), subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

i) Warrant Agent Agreement. If this Warrant is held in global form through DTC (or any successor depositary), this Warrant is issued subject to the Warrant Agent Agreement. To the extent any provision of this Warrant conflicts with the express provisions of the Warrant Agent Agreement, the provisions of this Warrant shall govern and be controlling.

 

j) Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

k) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

l) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

 

m) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company, on the one hand, and either: (i) the Holder or the beneficial owner of this Warrant, on the other hand, or (ii) the vote or written consent of the Holders of at least 50.1% of the then outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to the Warrant Agent Agreement, on the other hand, provided that adjustments may be made to the Warrant terms and rights of this Warrant in accordance with Section 3 of this Warrant without the consent of any Holder or beneficial owner of the Warrants..

 

     
 

 

n) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

 

o) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

 

********************

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

     
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY  
     
By:    
Name: Jed Kaplan  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

     
 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

TO: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

 

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

 

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

 

[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or

 

[  ] if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).

 

(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

     

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

 

     
     
     
     
     

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:  __________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity:  ____________________________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:  ______________________________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory:  _______________________________________________________________________

 

Date:  ________________________

 

     
 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

(To assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to purchase shares.)

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

Name:__________________________________________________

(Please Print)

 

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________

(Please Print)

 

Phone Number:_______________________________

 

Email Address:________________________________

 

Dated: _____________________ __, ______

 

Holder’s Signature:  
   
Holder’s Address:  

 

     

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.5

 

WARRANT AGENT AGREEMENT

 

WARRANT AGENT AGREEMENT (this “Warrant Agreement”) dated as of _________, 2020 (the “Initial Exercise Date”) between Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Warrant Agent”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of that certain Underwriting Agreement (“Underwriting Agreement”), dated _________, 2020, by and among the Company and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., as representative of the underwriters set forth therein, the Company is engaged in a public offering (the “Offering”) of up to _________ shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company and up to _________ Warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “Warrant Shares”), including Shares and Warrants issuable pursuant to the underwriters’ over-allotment option;

 

WHEREAS, the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a Registration Statement, No. 333-________, on Form S-1 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Registration Statement”), for the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares, and such Registration Statement was declared effective on _______, 2020;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires the Warrant Agent to act on behalf of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing to so act, in accordance with the terms set forth in this Warrant Agreement in connection with the issuance, registration, transfer, exchange and exercise of the Warrants;

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide for the 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 the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to authorize the execution and delivery of this Warrant 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 with respect to the Warrants, and the Warrant Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the same in accordance with the express terms and conditions set forth in this Warrant Agreement (and no implied terms or conditions).

 

2. Warrants.

 

2.1 Form of Warrants. The Warrants shall be registered securities and shall be initially evidenced by a global Warrant certificate (“Global Certificate”) in the form of Annex A to this Warrant Agreement, which shall be deposited on behalf of the Company with a custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of DTC. If DTC subsequently ceases to make its settlement system available for the Warrants, the Company may instruct the Warrant Agent regarding making arrangements for book-entry settlement. In the event that the Warrants are not eligible for, or it is no longer necessary to have the Warrants available in, registration in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of DTC, the Company may instruct the Warrant Agent to provide written instructions to DTC to deliver to the Warrant Agent for cancellation the Global Certificate, and the Company shall instruct the Warrant Agent to deliver to each Holder (as defined below) separate certificates evidencing Warrants (“Definitive Certificates” and, together with the Global Certificate, “Warrant Certificates”), in the form of Annex C to this Warrant Agreement. The Warrants represented by the Global Certificate are referred to as “Global Warrants”.

 

     
 

 

2.2. Issuance and Registration of Warrants.

 

2.2.1. Warrant Register. The Warrant Agent shall maintain books (“Warrant Register”) for the registration of original issuance and the registration of transfer of the Warrants. Any Person in whose name ownership of a beneficial interest in the Warrants evidenced by a Global Certificate is recorded in the records maintained by DTC or its nominee shall be deemed the “beneficial owner” thereof, provided that all such beneficial interests shall be held through a Participant (as defined below), which shall be the registered holder of such Warrants.

 

2.2.2. Issuance of Warrants. Upon the initial issuance of the Warrants, the Warrant Agent shall issue the Global Certificate and deliver the Warrants in the DTC settlement system in accordance with written instructions delivered to the Warrant Agent by the Company. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Warrants shall be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership shall be effected through, records maintained (i) by DTC and (ii) by institutions that have accounts with DTC (each, a “Participant”), subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form in the form of Annex C to this Warrant Agreement. Any Holder desiring to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form shall make such request in writing delivered to the Warrant Agent pursuant to Section 2.2.8, and shall surrender to the Warrant Agent the interest of the Holder on the books of the Participant evidencing the Warrants which are to be represented by a Definitive Certificate through the DTC settlement system. Thereupon, the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver to the person entitled thereto a Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates, as the case may be, as so requested.

 

2.2.3. Beneficial Owner; 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 that Warrant shall be registered on the Warrant Register (the “Holder”) as the absolute owner of such Warrant for purposes 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Warrant Agent or any agent of the Company or the Warrant Agent from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Warrant. The rights of beneficial owners in a Warrant evidenced by the Global Certificate shall be exercised by the Holder or a Participant through the DTC system, except to the extent set forth herein or in the Global Certificate.

 

2.2.4. Execution. The Warrant Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Company by any authorized officer of the Company (an “Authorized Officer”), which need not be the same authorized signatory for all of the Warrant Certificates, either manually or by facsimile signature. The Warrant Certificates shall be countersigned by an authorized signatory of the Warrant Agent, which need not be the same signatory for all of the Warrant Certificates, and no Warrant Certificate shall be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned. In case any Authorized Officer of the Company that signed any of the Warrant Certificates ceases to be an Authorized Officer of the Company before countersignature by the Warrant Agent and issuance and delivery by the Company, such Warrant Certificates, nevertheless, may be countersigned by the Warrant Agent, issued and delivered with the same force and effect as though the person who signed such Warrant Certificates had not ceased to be such officer of the Company; and any Warrant Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by any person who, at the actual date of the execution of such Warrant Certificate, shall be an Authorized Officer of the Company authorized to sign such Warrant Certificate, although at the date of the execution of this Warrant Agreement any such person was not such an Authorized Officer.

 

2.2.5. Registration of Transfer. At any time at or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below), a transfer of any Warrants may be registered and any Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates may be split up, combined or exchanged for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates evidencing the same number of Warrants as the Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates surrendered. Any Holder desiring to register the transfer of Warrants or to split up, combine or exchange any Warrant Certificate shall make such request in writing delivered to the Warrant Agent, and shall surrender to the Warrant Agent the Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates evidencing the Warrants the transfer of which is to be registered or that is or are to be split up, combined or exchanged. Thereupon, the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver to the person entitled thereto a Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates, as the case may be, as so requested. The Warrant Agent may require reasonable and customary payment, by the Holder requesting a registration of transfer of Warrants or a split-up, combination or exchange of a Warrant Certificate (but, for purposes of clarity, not upon the exercise of the Warrants and issuance of Warrant Shares to the Holder), of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with such registration of transfer, split-up, combination or exchange, together with reimbursement to the Warrant Agent of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto.

 

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2.2.6. Loss, Theft and Mutilation of Warrant Certificates. Upon receipt by the Company and the Warrant Agent of evidence reasonably satisfactory to them of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Warrant Certificate, and, in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security in customary form and amount, (which shall in no event include the posting of any bond), and reimbursement to the Company and the Warrant Agent of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and upon surrender to the Warrant Agent and cancellation of the Warrant Certificate if mutilated, the Warrant Agent shall, on behalf of the Company, countersign and deliver a new Warrant Certificate of like tenor to the Holder in lieu of the Warrant Certificate so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated. The Warrant Agent may charge the Holder an administrative fee for processing the replacement of lost Warrant Certificates, which shall be charged only once in instances where a single surety bond obtained covers multiple certificates. The Warrant Agent may receive compensation from the surety companies or surety bond agents for administrative services provided to them.

 

2.2.7. Proxies. The Holder of a Warrant may grant proxies or otherwise authorize any person, including the Participants and beneficial holders that may own interests through the Participants, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Agreement or the Warrants; provided, however, that at all times that Warrants are evidenced by a Global Certificate, exercise of those Warrants shall be effected on their behalf by Participants through DTC in accordance the procedures administered by DTC.

 

2.2.8. Warrant Certificate Request. A Holder has the right to elect at any time or from time to time a Warrant Exchange (as defined below) pursuant to a Warrant Certificate Request Notice (as defined below). Upon written notice by a Holder to the Warrant Agent for the exchange of some or all of such Holder’s Global Warrants for a Definitive Certificate evidencing the same number of Warrants, which request shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex E (a “Warrant Certificate Request Notice” and the date of delivery of such Warrant Certificate Request Notice by the Holder, the “Warrant Certificate Request Notice Date” and the deemed surrender upon delivery by the Holder of a number of Global Warrants for the same number of Warrants evidenced by a Definitive Certificate, a “Warrant Exchange”), the Warrant Agent shall promptly effect the Warrant Exchange and shall promptly issue and deliver to the Holder a Definitive Certificate for such number of Warrants in the name set forth in the Warrant Certificate Request Notice. Such Definitive Certificate shall be dated the original issue date of the Warrants, shall be manually executed by an authorized signatory of the Company, shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex C. In connection with a Warrant Exchange, the Company agrees to deliver, or to direct the Warrant Agent to deliver, the Definitive Certificate to the Holder within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period of the Warrant Certificate Request Notice pursuant to the delivery instructions in the Warrant Certificate Request Notice (“Warrant Certificate Delivery Date”). If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Definitive Certificate subject to the Warrant Certificate Request Notice by the Warrant Certificate Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares evidenced by such Definitive Certificate (based on the VWAP (as defined in the Warrants) of the Common Stock on the Warrant Certificate Request Notice Date), $10 per Business Day for each Business Day after such Warrant Certificate Delivery Date until such Definitive Certificate is delivered or, prior to delivery of such Warrant Certificate, the Holder rescinds such Warrant Exchange. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon the date of delivery of the Warrant Certificate Request Notice, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of the Definitive Certificate and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Definitive Certificate shall be deemed for all purposes to contain all of the terms and conditions of the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificate and the terms of this Agreement, other than Sections 3(c) and 9 herein, shall not apply to the Warrants evidenced by the Definitive Certificate.

 

2.2.9. For purposes of clarity, if there is a conflict between the express terms of this Warrant Agreement and the Warrant certificate in the form of Annex C hereto with respect to terms of the Warrants, the terms of the Warrant certificate shall govern and control.

 

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3. Terms and Exercise of Warrants.

 

3.1. Exercise Price. Each Warrant shall entitle the Holder, subject to the provisions of the applicable Warrant Certificate and of this Warrant Agreement, to purchase from the Company the number of shares of Common Stock stated therein, at the price of $____ per whole share, subject to the subsequent adjustments provided in Section 4 hereof. The term “Exercise Price” as used in this Warrant Agreement refers to the price per share at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased at the time a Warrant is exercised.

 

3.2. Duration of Warrants. Warrants may be exercised only during the period (“Exercise Period”) commencing on the Initial Exercise Date and terminating at 5:00 P.M., New York City time (the “close of business”) on ______, 2025 (“Expiration Date”). Except as otherwise provided for herein, including with respect to Section 3.3.7 below, each Warrant not exercised on or before the Expiration Date shall become void, and all rights thereunder and all rights in respect thereof under this Warrant Agreement shall cease at the close of business on the Expiration Date.

 

3.3. Exercise of Warrants.

 

3.3.1. Exercise and Payment.

 

(a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by a Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before close of business on the Expiration Date by delivery to the Warrant Agent of the Notice of Exercise in the form annexed as Annex B hereto (the “Notice of Exercise”). Within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 3.3.7 below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender a Warrant Certificate to the Warrant Agent until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available thereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender such Warrant to the Warrant Agent for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Warrant Agent. Partial exercises of a Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available thereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Warrant Agent shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of a Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face thereof.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 3.3.1 a holder whose interest in a Warrant is a beneficial interest in certificate(s) representing such Warrant held in registered form through DTC (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions), shall effect exercises made pursuant to this Section 3.3.1 by delivering to DTC (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable) the appropriate instruction form for exercise, complying with the procedures to effect exercise that are required by DTC (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable), subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

3.3.2. Issuance of Warrant Shares. (a) The Warrant Agent shall, on the Trading Day following the date of exercise of any Warrant, advise the Company, the transfer agent and registrar for the Company’s Common Stock, in respect of (i) the number of Warrant Shares indicated on the Notice of Exercise as issuable upon such exercise with respect to such exercised Warrants, (ii) the instructions of the Holder or Participant, as the case may be, provided to the Warrant Agent with respect to the delivery of the Warrant Shares and the number of Warrants that remain outstanding after such exercise and (iii) such other information as the Company or such transfer agent and registrar shall reasonably request.

 

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(b) The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) this Warrant is being exercised via cashless exercise, and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). Upon delivery of the Notice of Exercise, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant has been exercised, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Warrant Shares, provided that payment of the aggregate Exercise Price (other than in the case of a cashless exercise) is received within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days of and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following delivery of the Notice of Exercise. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Warrant remains outstanding and exercisable. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Exercise.

 

3.3.3. Valid Issuance. All Warrant Shares issued by the Company upon the proper exercise of a Warrant in conformity with this Warrant Agreement shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

3.3.4. No Fractional Exercise. No fractional Warrant Shares will be issued upon the exercise of the Warrant. If, by reason of any adjustment made pursuant to Section 4, a Holder would be entitled, upon the exercise of such Warrant, to receive a fractional interest in a share, the Company shall, upon such exercise, round up or down, as applicable, to the nearest whole number the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to such Holder.

 

3.3.5 No Transfer Taxes. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

 

3.3.6 [RESERVED]

 

3.3.7 Restrictive Legend Events; Cashless Exercise Under Certain Circumstances.

 

(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the current status of the prospectus included therein or to file and maintain the effectiveness of another registration statement and another current prospectus covering the Warrants and the Warrant Shares at any time that the Warrants are exercisable. The Company shall provide to the Warrant Agent and each Holder prompt written notice of any time that the Company is unable to deliver the Warrant Shares via DTC transfer or otherwise without restrictive legend because (A) the Commission has issued a stop order with respect to the Registration Statement, (B) the Commission otherwise has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, (C) the Company has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, (D) the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement is not available for the issuance of the Warrant Shares to the Holder or (E) otherwise (each a “Restrictive Legend Event”). To the extent that the Warrants cannot be exercised as a result of a Restrictive Legend Event or a Restrictive Legend Event occurs after a Holder has exercised Warrants in accordance with the terms of the Warrants but prior to the delivery of the Warrant Shares, the Company shall, at the election of the Holder, which shall be given within five (5) days of receipt of such notice of the Restrictive Legend Event, either (A) rescind the previously submitted Election to Purchase and the Company shall return all consideration paid by registered holder for such shares upon such rescission or (B) treat the attempted exercise as a cashless exercise as described in paragraph (ii) below and refund the cash portion of the exercise price to the Holder.

 

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(ii) If a Restrictive Legend Event has occurred, the Warrant may also be exercisable on a cashless basis. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to make any cash payments or net cash settlement to the Holder in lieu of delivery of the Warrant Shares. Upon a “cashless exercise”, the Holder shall be entitled to receive the number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A-B) (X) by (A), where:

 

  (A) = the last VWAP immediately preceding the date of exercise giving rise to the applicable “cashless exercise”, as set forth in the applicable Election to Purchase (to clarify, the “last VWAP” will be the last VWAP as calculated over an entire Trading Day such that, in the event that this Warrant is exercised at a time that the Trading Market is open, the prior Trading Day’s VWAP shall be used in this calculation.
  (B) = the Exercise Price of the Warrant, as adjusted as set forth herein; and
  (X) = the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of the Warrant in accordance with the terms of the Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

If the Warrant Shares are issued in such a cashless exercise, the Company acknowledges and agrees that, in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the registered characteristics of the Warrants being exercised and the Company agrees not to take any position contrary thereto. Upon receipt of an Election to Purchase for a cashless exercise, the Warrant Agent will promptly deliver a copy of the Election to Purchase to the Company to confirm the number of Warrant Shares issuable in connection with the cashless exercise. The Company shall calculate and transmit to the Warrant Agent in a written notice, and the Warrant Agent shall have no duty, responsibility or obligation under this section to calculate, the number of Warrant Shares issuable in connection with any cashless exercise. The Warrant Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on any such written notice provided by the Company, and the Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with such written instructions or pursuant to this Warrant Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 3.3.7.

 

3.3.8 Disputes. In the case of a dispute as to the determination of the Exercise Price or the arithmetic calculation of the number of Warrant Shares issuable in connection with any exercise, the Company shall promptly deliver to the Holder the number of Warrant Shares that are not disputed.

 

3.3.9 Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.3.2(b) above pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

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3.3.10 Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of a Warrant, pursuant to Section 3 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, non-exercised portion of such Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or non-converted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other securities of the Company which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time shares of Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, shares of Common Stock (“Common Stock Equivalents”)) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 3.3.10, beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 3.3.10 applies, the determination of whether a Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of a Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether a Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of a Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 3.3.10, in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the 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 securities of the Company, including such Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% (or, upon election by a Holder prior to the issuance of any Warrants, 9.99%) of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of a Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 3.3.10, provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 3.3.10 shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 3.3.10 to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 

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4. Adjustments.

 

4.1 Adjustment upon Subdivisions or Combinations. If the Company, at any time while the Warrants are outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of the Warrants), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of each Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of such Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

4.2 Adjustment for Other Distributions. (a) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 4.1 above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of a Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

(b) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as the Warrants are outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of the Warrants, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of such Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

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4.3. Reclassification, Consolidation, Purchase, Combination, Sale or Conveyance. If, at any time while the Warrants are outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of a Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 3.3.10 on the exercise of a Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 3.3.10 on the exercise of a Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under the Warrants in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.3 pursuant to written agreements prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction). Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of the Warrants referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under the Warrants with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company therein.

 

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The Company shall instruct the Warrant Agent in writing, which includes facsimile and/or email, to mail by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each Holder, written notice of the execution of any such amendment, supplement or agreement with the Successor Entity. Any supplemented or amended agreement entered into by the successor corporation or transferee shall provide for adjustments, which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Section 4.3. The Warrant Agent shall have no duty, responsibility or obligation to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in such agreement or such notice, including but not limited to any provisions relating either to the kind or amount of securities or other property receivable upon exercise of warrants or with respect to the method employed and provided therein for any adjustments, and shall be entitled to rely conclusively for all purposes upon the provisions contained in any such agreement. The provisions of this Section 4.3 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, changes, consolidations, mergers, sales and conveyances of the kind described above. Notwithstanding the requirement to provide or mail written notice to a Holder set forth in this Section 4.3, the Company shall not be required to provide or mail a written notice to any Holder, and shall not be required to instruct the Warrant Agent to provide or mail a written notice if the transaction or transactions resulting in any adjustment described in this Section 4.3 is disclosed publicly via a press release, Current Report on Form 8-K, other filing with the Commission or other means of public dissemination.

 

4.4. Notices to Holder. (a) Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 4, the Company shall promptly deliver to the Warrant Agent and each Holder by facsimile or email a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

(b) Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by facsimile or email to each Holder at its last facsimile number or email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided in this Warrant constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein. Notwithstanding the requirement to provide or mail written notice to a Holder set forth in this Section 4.4, the Company shall not be required to provide or mail a written notice to any Holder, and shall not be required to instruct the Warrant Agent to provide or mail a written notice if the transaction or transactions described in this Section 4.4 are disclosed publicly via a press release, Current Report on Form 8-K, other filing with the Commission or other means of public dissemination.

 

4.5 Other Events. If any event occurs of the type contemplated by the provisions of Section 4.1 or 4.2 but not expressly provided for by such provisions (including, without limitation, the granting of stock appreciation rights, Adjustment Rights, phantom stock rights or other rights with equity features to all holders of Common Stock for no consideration), then the Company’s Board of Directors will, at its discretion and in good faith, make an adjustment in the Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares or designate such additional consideration to be deemed issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, so as to protect the rights of the registered Holder. No adjustment to the Exercise Price will be made pursuant to more than one sub-section of this Section 4 in connection with a single issuance.

 

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4.6. Notices of Changes in Warrant. Upon every adjustment of the Exercise Price or the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, the Company shall give written notice thereof to the Warrant Agent, which notice shall state the Exercise Price resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease, if any, in the number of Warrant Shares 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 or 4.2, then, in any such event, the Company shall give written notice to each Holder, at the last address set forth for such holder in the Warrant Register, as 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. The Warrant Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on, and shall be fully protected in relying on, any certificate, notice or instructions provided by the Company with respect to any adjustment of the Exercise Price or the number of shares issuable upon exercise of a Warrant, or any related matter, and the Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with any such certificate, notice or instructions or pursuant to this Warrant Agreement. The Warrant Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any such adjustment unless and until it shall have received written notice thereof from the Company.

 

5. Restrictive Legends; Fractional Warrants. In the event that a Warrant Certificate surrendered for transfer bears a restrictive legend, the Warrant Agent shall not register that transfer until the Warrant Agent has received an opinion of counsel for the Company stating that such transfer may be made and indicating whether the Warrants must also bear a restrictive legend upon that transfer. The Warrant Agent shall not be required to effect any registration of transfer or exchange which will result in the transfer of or delivery of a Warrant Certificate for a fraction of a Warrant.

 

6. [RESERVED].

 

7. Other Provisions Relating to Rights of Holders of Warrants.

 

7.1. No Rights as Stockholder. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, a Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of Warrants, shall not be entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed the holder of share capital of the Company for any purpose, nor shall anything contained in this Warrant Agreement be construed to confer upon a Holder, solely in its capacity as the registered holder of Warrants, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote, give or withhold consent to any corporate action (whether any reorganization, issue of stock, reclassification of share capital, consolidation, merger, conveyance or otherwise), receive notice of meetings, receive dividends or subscription rights or rights to participate in new issues of shares, or otherwise, prior to the issuance to the Holder of the Warrant Shares which it is then entitled to receive upon the due exercise of Warrants.

 

7.2. 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 that will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to this Warrant Agreement.

 

8. Concerning the Warrant Agent and Other Matters.

 

8.1. Any instructions given to the Warrant Agent orally, as permitted by any provision of this Warrant Agreement, shall be confirmed in writing by the Company as soon as practicable. The Warrant Agent shall not be liable or responsible and shall be fully authorized and protected for acting, or failing to act, in accordance with any oral instructions which do not conform with the written confirmation received in accordance with this Section 8.1.

 

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8.2. (a) Whether or not any Warrants are exercised, for the Warrant Agent’s services as agent for the Company hereunder, the Company shall pay to the Warrant Agent such fees as may be separately agreed between the Company and Warrant Agent and the Warrant Agent’s out of pocket expenses in connection with this Warrant Agreement, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of the Warrant Agent’s counsel. While the Warrant Agent endeavors to maintain out-of-pocket charges (both internal and external) at competitive rates, these charges may not reflect actual out-of-pocket costs, and may include handling charges to cover internal processing and use of the Warrant Agent’s billing systems.

 

(b) All amounts owed by the Company to the Warrant Agent under this Warrant Agreement are due within 30 days of the Company’s receipt of an invoice. Delinquent payments are subject to a late payment charge of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month commencing 45 days from the invoice date. The Company agrees to reimburse the Warrant Agent for any attorney’s fees and any other costs associated with collecting delinquent payments.

 

(c) No provision of this Warrant Agreement shall require Warrant Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties under this Warrant Agreement or in the exercise of its rights.

 

8.3 As agent for the Company hereunder the Warrant Agent:

 

(a) shall have no duties or obligations other than those specifically set forth herein or as may subsequently be agreed to in writing by the Warrant Agent and the Company;

 

(b) shall be regarded as making no representations and having no responsibilities as to the validity, sufficiency, value, or genuineness of the Warrants or any Warrant Shares;

 

(c) shall not be obligated to take any legal action hereunder; if, however, the Warrant Agent determines to take any legal action hereunder, and where the taking of such action might, in its judgment, subject or expose it to any expense or liability it shall not be required to act unless it has been furnished with an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it;

 

(d) may rely on and shall be fully authorized and protected in acting or failing to act upon any certificate, instrument, opinion, notice, letter, telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or other document or security delivered to the Warrant Agent and believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper party or parties;

 

(e) shall not be liable or responsible for any recital or statement contained in the Registration Statement or any other documents relating thereto;

 

(f) shall not be liable or responsible for any failure on the part of the Company to comply with any of its covenants and obligations relating to the Warrants, including without limitation obligations under applicable securities laws;

 

(g) may rely on and shall be fully authorized and protected in acting or failing to act upon the written, telephonic or oral instructions with respect to any matter relating to its duties as Warrant Agent covered by this Warrant Agreement (or supplementing or qualifying any such actions) of officers of the Company, and is hereby authorized and directed to accept instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from the Company or counsel to the Company, and may apply to the Company, for advice or instructions in connection with the Warrant Agent’s duties hereunder, and the Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any delay in acting while waiting for those instructions; any applications by the Warrant Agent for written instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Agent, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Warrant Agent under this Warrant Agreement and the date on or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective; the Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Warrant Agent in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than five business days after the date such application is sent to the Company, unless the Company shall have consented in writing to any earlier date) unless prior to taking any such action, the Warrant Agent shall have received written instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted;

 

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(h) may consult with counsel satisfactory to the Warrant Agent, including its in-house counsel, and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered, or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice of such counsel;

 

(i) may perform any of its duties hereunder either directly or by or through nominees, correspondents, designees, or subagents, and it shall not be liable or responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any nominee, correspondent, designee, or subagent appointed with reasonable care by it in connection with this Warrant Agreement;

 

(j) is not authorized, and shall have no obligation, to pay any brokers, dealers, or soliciting fees to any person and

 

(k) shall not be required hereunder to comply with the laws or regulations of any country other than the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof.

 

8.4. (a) In the absence of gross negligence or willful or illegal misconduct on its part, the Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted by it or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties under this Warrant Agreement. Anything in this Warrant Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall Warrant Agent be liable for special, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive losses or damages of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the Warrant Agent has been advised of the possibility of such losses or damages and regardless of the form of action. Any liability of the Warrant Agent will be limited in the aggregate to the amount of fees paid by the Company hereunder. The Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any failures, delays or losses, arising directly or indirectly out of conditions beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of government, exchange or market ruling, suspension of trading, work stoppages or labor disputes, fires, civil disobedience, riots, rebellions, storms, electrical or mechanical failure, computer hardware or software failure, communications facilities failures including telephone failure, war, terrorism, insurrection, earthquakes, floods, acts of God or similar occurrences.

 

(b) In the event any question or dispute arises with respect to the proper interpretation of the Warrants or the Warrant Agent’s duties under this Warrant Agreement or the rights of the Company or of any Holder, the Warrant Agent shall not be required to act and shall not be held liable or responsible for its refusal to act until the question or dispute has been judicially settled (and, if appropriate, it may file a suit in interpleader or for a declaratory judgment for such purpose) by final judgment rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction, binding on all persons interested in the matter which is no longer subject to review or appeal, or settled by a written document in form and substance satisfactory to Warrant Agent and executed by the Company and each such Holder. In addition, the Warrant Agent may require for such purpose, but shall not be obligated to require, the execution of such written settlement by all the Holders and all other persons that may have an interest in the settlement.

 

8.5. The Company covenants to indemnify the Warrant Agent and hold it harmless from and against any loss, liability, claim or expense (“Loss”) arising out of or in connection with the Warrant Agent’s duties under this Warrant Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any Loss, unless such Loss shall have been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a result of the Warrant Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

8.6. Unless terminated earlier by the parties hereto, this Agreement shall terminate 90 days after the earlier of the Expiration Date and the date on which no Warrants remain outstanding (the “Termination Date”). On the business day following the Termination Date, the Agent shall deliver to the Company any entitlements, if any, held by the Warrant Agent under this Warrant Agreement. The Agent’s right to be reimbursed for fees, charges and out-of-pocket expenses as provided in this Section 8 shall survive the termination of this Warrant Agreement.

 

8.7. If any provision of this Warrant Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable by any court, this Warrant Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had not been contained herein and shall be deemed an Agreement among the parties to it to the full extent permitted by applicable law.

 

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8.8. The Company represents and warrants that (a) it is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, (b) the offer and sale of the Warrants and the execution, delivery and performance of all transactions contemplated thereby (including this Warrant Agreement) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not result in a breach of or constitute a default under the articles of association, bylaws or any similar document of the Company or any indenture, agreement or instrument to which it is a party or is bound, (c) this Warrant Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Company, (d) the Warrants will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law and (e) there is no litigation pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened as of the date hereof in connection with the offering of the Warrants.

 

8.9. In the event of inconsistency between this Warrant Agreement and the descriptions in the Registration Statement, as they may from time to time be amended, the terms of this Warrant Agreement shall control.

 

8.10. Set forth in Annex D hereto is a list of the names and specimen signatures of the persons authorized to act for the Company under this Warrant Agreement (the “Authorized Representatives”). The Company shall, from time to time, certify to you the names and signatures of any other persons authorized to act for the Company under this Warrant Agreement.

 

8.11. Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Warrant Agreement to be given or made by the Warrant Agent or by the holder of any Warrant to or on the Company shall be delivered by e-mail, hand or sent by registered or certified mail or overnight courier service, addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent) as set forth below and if to any holder any notice, statement or demand shall be given to the last address set forth for such holder (if any) in the Warrant Register:

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505

Boca Raton, FL 33433

Attention: Jed Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer

Email: [●]

Fax: [●]

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Anthony L.G., PLLC

625 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 600

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

Attention: Laura Anthony, Esq.

Email: [●]

Fax: [●]

 

Any notice, statement or demand authorized by this Warrant Agreement to be given or made by the holder of any Warrant or by the Company to or on the Warrant Agent shall be delivered by hand or sent by registered or certified mail or overnight courier service, 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, 30th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Email: [●]

Fax: [●]

 

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8.12. (a) This Warrant Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. All actions and proceedings relating to or arising from, directly or indirectly, this Warrant Agreement may be litigated in courts located within the Borough of Manhattan in the City and State of New York. The Company hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and consents that any service of process may be made by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, directed to the Company at its address last specified for notices hereunder. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives the right to a trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Warrant Agreement.

 

(b) This Warrant Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto. This Warrant Agreement may not be assigned, or otherwise transferred, in whole or in part, by either party without the prior written consent of the other party, which the other party will not unreasonably withhold, condition or delay; except that (i) consent is not required for an assignment or delegation of duties by Warrant Agent to any affiliate of Warrant Agent and (ii) any reorganization, merger, consolidation, sale of assets or other form of business combination by Warrant Agent or the Company shall not be deemed to constitute an assignment of this Warrant Agreement.

 

(c) No provision of this Warrant Agreement may be amended, modified or waived, except in a written document signed by both parties. The Company and the Warrant Agent may amend or supplement this Warrant Agreement without the consent of any 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 that the parties determine, in good faith, shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders. All other amendments and supplements shall require the vote or written consent of Holders of at least 50.1% of the then outstanding Warrants, provided that adjustments may be made to the Warrant terms and rights in accordance with Section 4 without the consent of the Holders.

 

8.13 Payment of Taxes. The Company will 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 Warrant Shares upon the exercise of Warrants, but the Company may require the Holders to pay any transfer taxes in respect of the Warrants or such shares. The Warrant Agent may refrain from registering any transfer of Warrants or any delivery of any Warrant Shares unless or until the persons requesting the registration or issuance shall have paid to the Warrant Agent for the account of the Company the amount of such tax or charge, if any, or shall have established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company and the Warrant Agent that such tax or charge, if any, has been paid.

 

8.14 Resignation of Warrant Agent.

 

8.14.1. 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 thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to the Company, or such shorter period of time agreed to by the Company. The Company may terminate the services of the Warrant Agent, or any successor Warrant Agent, after giving thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to the Warrant Agent or successor Warrant Agent, or such shorter period of time as agreed. If the office of the Warrant Agent becomes vacant by resignation, termination 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 30 days after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the Warrant Agent, then the Warrant Agent or any Holder may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Warrant Agent at the Company’s cost. Pending appointment of a successor to such Warrant Agent, either by the Company or by such a court, the duties of the Warrant Agent shall be carried out by the Company. Any successor Warrant Agent (but not including the initial Warrant Agent), whether appointed by the Company or by such court, shall be a person organized and existing under the laws of any state of the United States of America, in good standing, 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, and except for executing and delivering documents as provided in the sentence that follows, the predecessor Warrant Agent shall have no further duties, obligations, responsibilities or liabilities hereunder, but shall be entitled to all rights that survive the termination of this Warrant Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent, including but not limited to its right to indemnity hereunder. If for any reason it becomes necessary or appropriate or at the request of the Company, 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.

 

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8.14.2. 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.

 

8.14.3. Merger or Consolidation of Warrant Agent. Any person into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated or any person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party or any person succeeding to the shareowner services business of the Warrant Agent or any successor Warrant Agent shall be the successor Warrant Agent under this Warrant Agreement, without any further act or deed. For purposes of this Warrant Agreement, “person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) thereof or thereto.

 

9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

9.1. Persons Having Rights under this Warrant Agreement. Nothing in this Warrant Agreement expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or give to, any person or corporation other than the parties hereto and the Holders any right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Warrant Agreement or of any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise, or agreement hereof.

 

9.2. Examination of the Warrant Agreement. A copy of this Warrant Agreement shall be available at all reasonable times at the office of the Warrant Agent designated for such purpose for inspection by any Holder. Prior to such inspection, the Warrant Agent may require any such holder to provide reasonable evidence of its interest in the Warrants.

 

9.3. Counterparts. This Warrant Agreement may be executed in any number of original, facsimile or electronic 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.

 

9.4. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Warrant Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation thereof.

 

10. Certain Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(i) “Adjustment Right” means any right granted with respect to any securities issued in connection with, or with respect to, any issuance, sale or delivery (or deemed issuance, sale or delivery in accordance with Section 4) of Common Stock (other than rights of the type described in Section 4.2 and 4.3 hereof) that could result in a decrease in the net consideration received by the Company in connection with, or with respect to, such securities (including, without limitation, any cash settlement rights, cash adjustment or other similar rights) but excluding anti-dilution and other similar rights (including pursuant to Section 4.4 of this Agreement).

 

(ii) “Trading Day” means any day on which the Common Stock is traded on the Trading Market, or, if the Trading Market is not the principal trading market for the Common Stock, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market in the United States on which the Common Stock is then traded, provided that “Trading Day” shall not include any day on which the Common Stock is are scheduled to trade on such exchange or market for less than 4.5 hours or any day that the Common Stock is suspended from trading during the final hour of trading on such exchange or market (or if such exchange or market does not designate in advance the closing time of trading on such exchange or market, then during the hour ending at 4:00 P.M., New York City time).

 

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(iii) “Trading Market” means NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the New York Stock Exchange.

 

(iv) “VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the holders of a majority in interest of the Warrants then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Warrant Agent Agreement has been duly executed by the parties hereto as of the day and year first above written.

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
     
By:    
Name: Jed Kaplan  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  
     
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY,
as Warrant Agent
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

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Annex A Form of Global Certificate

Annex B Election to Purchase

Annex C Form of Certificated Warrant

Annex D Authorized Representatives

Annex E Form of Warrant Certificate Request Notice

 

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ANNEX A

 

[FORM OF GLOBAL CERTIFICATE]

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company
WARRANT CERTIFICATE
NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER ______, 2025

 

This certifies that the person whose name and address appears below, or registered assigns, is the registered owner of the number of Warrants set forth below. Each Warrant entitles its registered holder to purchase from Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), at any time prior to 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on ________, 2025, one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share” and collectively, the “Warrant Shares”), at an exercise price of $___ per share, subject to possible adjustments as provided in the Warrant Agreement (as defined below).

 

This Warrant Certificate, with or without other Warrant Certificates, upon surrender at the designated office of the Warrant Agent, may be exchanged for another Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates evidencing the same number of Warrants as the Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates surrendered. A transfer of the Warrants evidenced hereby may be registered upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate at the designated office of the Warrant Agent by the registered holder in person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, a signature guarantee, and such other and further documentation as the Warrant Agent may reasonably request and duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States of America.

 

The terms and conditions of the Warrants and the rights and obligations of the holder of this Warrant Certificate are set forth in the Warrant Agent Agreement dated as of _______, 2020 (the “Warrant Agreement”) between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Warrant Agent”). A copy of the Warrant Agreement is available for inspection during business hours at the office of the Warrant Agent.

 

This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until it shall have been countersigned by an authorized signatory of the Warrant Agent.

 

WITNESS the facsimile signature of a proper officer of the Company.

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company  
     
By:  
     
Dated: ____________, 2020  
     
Countersigned:  

 

CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, As Warrant Agent

 

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By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

PLEASE DETACH HERE
——————————————————————————————————————

 

Certificate No.:_________ Number of Warrants:__________

 

WARRANT CUSIP NO.: ___________

 

  SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY
   
[Name & Address of Holder] Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Warrant Agent
   
  By Mail:
   
   
   
  By hand or overnight courier:
   
   

 

  21  
 

 

ANNEX B

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

TO: Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

 

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

 

[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or

 

[  ] if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 3.3.7, to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 3.3.7.

 

(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

     

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

 

     
     
     
     
     

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:  _________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity:  ___________________________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:  _____________________________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory:  ______________________________________________________________________

 

Date:  _______________________________

 

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ANNEX C

 

[FORM OF CERTIFICATED WARRANT]

 

COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

Warrant Shares: _______ Initial Exercise Date: [●] ___, 2020
  Issue Date: [●] ___, 2018

 

  CUSIP: ______________
   
  ISIN: _______________

 

THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, _____________ or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after [●] ___, 2020 (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and on or prior to the close of business on the five (5) year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to ______ shares (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b). This Warrant shall initially be issued and maintained in the form of a security held in book-entry form and the Depository Trust Company or its nominee (“DTC”) shall initially be the sole registered holder of this Warrant, subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

Section 1. Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Warrant, the following terms have the meanings indicated in this Section 1:

 

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Business Day” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

 

Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Liens” means a lien, charge pledge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other restriction.

 

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Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

Proceeding” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an informal investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.

 

Registration Statement” means the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. _______________ ).

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Stock is traded on a Trading Market.

 

Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

 

Transfer Agent” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, with a mailing address of 1 State Street, New York, New York 10004-1561 and a facsimile number of ([●]) [●]-[●], and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

 

Warrant Agent Agreement” means that certain Warrant Agent Agreement, dated as of the Initial Exercise Date, between the Company and the Warrant Agent.

 

Warrant Agent” means the Transfer Agent and any successor warrant agent of the Company.

 

Warrants” means this Warrant and other Common Stock Purchase Warrants issued by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

Section 2. Exercise.

 

a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before close of business on the Termination Date by delivery to the Company of a duly executed facsimile copy (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise in the form annexed hereto. Within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise within one (1) Trading Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 2(a), a holder whose interest in this Warrant is a beneficial interest in certificate(s) representing this Warrant held in book-entry form through DTC (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions), shall effect exercises made pursuant to this Section 2(a) by delivering to DTC (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable) the appropriate instruction form for exercise, complying with the procedures to effect exercise that are required by DTC (or such other clearing corporation, as applicable), subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

b) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $_____, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

c) Restrictive Legend Event; Cashless Exercise. The Company shall provide to the Holder prompt written notice of any time that the Company is unable to deliver the Warrant Shares via DTC transfer or otherwise without restrictive legend because (A) the Commission has issued a stop order with respect to the Registration Statement, (B) the Commission otherwise has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, (C) the Company has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, (D) the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement is not available for the issuance of the Warrant Shares to the Holder or (E) otherwise (each a “Restrictive Legend Event”). To the extent that the Warrants cannot be exercised as a result of a Restrictive Legend Event or a Restrictive Legend Event occurs after a Holder has exercised Warrants in accordance with the terms of the Warrants but prior to the delivery of the Warrant Shares, the Company shall, at the election of the Holder, which shall be given within five (5) days of receipt of such notice of the Restrictive Legend Event, either (A) rescind the previously submitted Notice of Exercise and the Company shall return all consideration paid by registered holder for such shares upon such rescission or (B) treat the attempted exercise as a cashless exercise as described in paragraph (ii) below and refund the cash portion of the exercise price to the Holder. If a Restrictive Legend Event occurs, then this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

(A) = the last VWAP immediately preceding the time of delivery of the Notice of Exercise giving rise to the applicable “cashless exercise”, as set forth in the applicable Notice of Exercise (to clarify, the “last VWAP” will be the last VWAP as calculated over an entire Trading Day such that, in the event that this Warrant is exercised at a time that the Trading Market is open, the prior Trading Day’s VWAP shall be used in this calculation);

 

(B) = the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and

 

(X) = the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to make any cash payments or net cash settlement to the Holder in lieu of delivery of the Warrant Shares. If Warrant Shares are issued in such a cashless exercise, the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the registered characteristics of the Warrants being exercised. The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c).

 

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VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the holders of a majority in interest of the Warrants then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

 

d) Mechanics of Exercise.

 

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) this Warrant is being exercised via cashless exercise, and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). Upon delivery of the Notice of Exercise, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant has been exercised, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Warrant Shares, provided that payment of the aggregate Exercise Price (other than in the case of a cashless exercise) is received the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days of and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following the delivery of the Notice of Exercise. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Warrant remains outstanding and exercisable. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Exercise.

 

ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

 

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iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.

 

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(d)(i) above pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

iv. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

 

v. Charges, Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

 

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vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, non-exercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or non-converted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the 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 securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% (or, upon election by a Holder prior to the issuance of any Warrants, 9.99%) of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 

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Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

 

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

b) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

c) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

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d) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(d) pursuant to written agreements prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction). Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

 

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e) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

 

f) Notice to Holder.

 

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly deliver to the Holder by facsimile or email a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by facsimile or email to the Holder at its last facsimile number or email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided in this Warrant constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein. Notwithstanding the requirement to provide or mail written notice to a Holder set forth in this Section 3, the Company shall not be required to provide or mail a written notice to any Holder, and shall not be required to instruct the Warrant Agent to provide or mail a written notice if the transaction or transactions resulting in any adjustment described in this Section 3 is disclosed publicly via a press release, Current Report on Form 8-K, other filing with the Commission or other means of public dissemination.

 

Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

 

a) Transferability. This Warrant and all rights hereunder are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 

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b) New Warrants. If this Warrant is not held in global form through DTC (or any successor depository), this Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the original Initial Exercise Date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

 

c) Warrant Register. The Warrant Agent shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Warrant Agent for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

 

Section 5. Miscellaneous.

 

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3.

 

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which shall in no event include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

 

c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

d) Authorized Shares.

 

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

 

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Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

 

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

 

e) Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. Each party agrees that all legal Proceedings concerning the interpretation, enforcement and defense of this Warrant shall be commenced in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan (the “New York Courts”). Each party hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New York Courts for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein (including with respect to the enforcement of any provision hereunder), and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or Proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such New York Courts, or such New York Courts are improper or inconvenient venue for such Proceeding. If any party shall commence an action or Proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Warrant, then the prevailing party in such action or Proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or Proceeding. If any party shall commence an action or Proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Warrant, then the prevailing party in such action or Proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or Proceeding.

 

f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

 

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate Proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

 

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h) Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Holders hereunder including, without limitation, any Notice of Exercise, shall be in writing and delivered personally, by facsimile or by e-mail, or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Company, at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505, Boca Raton, FL 33433, Attention: Chief Executive Officer, facsimile number: ([●]) [●]-[●], email address: [●], or such other facsimile number, email address or address as the Company may specify for such purposes by notice to the Holders. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries to be provided by the Company hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally, by facsimile, or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service addressed to each Holder at the facsimile number or address of such Holder appearing on the books of the Warrant Agent. Any notice or other communication or deliveries hereunder shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of (i) the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or e-mail at the e-mail address set forth in this Section prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any date, (ii) the next Trading Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or e-mail at the e-mail address set forth in this Section on a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, (iii) the second Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service, or (iv) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Warrant, where this Warrant provides for notice of any event to the Holder, if this Warrant is held in global form by DTC (or any successor depositary), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to DTC (or any successor depositary) pursuant to the procedures of DTC (or such successor depositary), subject to a Holder’s right to elect to receive a Warrant in certificated form pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agent Agreement, in which case this sentence shall not apply.

 

i) Warrant Agent Agreement. If this Warrant is held in global form through DTC (or any successor depositary), this Warrant is issued subject to the Warrant Agent Agreement. To the extent any provision of this Warrant conflicts with the express provisions of the Warrant Agent Agreement, the provisions of this Warrant shall govern and be controlling.

 

j) Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

k) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

l) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

 

m) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company, on the one hand, and either: (i) the Holder or the beneficial owner of this Warrant, on the other hand, or (ii) the vote or written consent of the Holders of at least 50.1% of the then outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to the Warrant Agent Agreement, on the other hand, provided that adjustments may be made to the Warrant terms and rights of this Warrant in accordance with Section 3 of this Warrant without the consent of any Holder or beneficial owner of the Warrants.

 

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n) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

 

o) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

 

********************

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

  35  
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY  
     
By:    
Name: Jed Kaplan  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

  36  
 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

TO: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

 

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

 

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

 

[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or

 

[  ] if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).

 

(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

     

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

 

     
     
     
     
     

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:  __________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity:  ____________________________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:  ______________________________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory:  _______________________________________________________________________

 

Date:  ________________________

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

(To assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to purchase shares.)

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

Name:__________________________________________________

(Please Print)

 

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________

(Please Print)

 

Phone Number:_______________________________

 

Email Address:________________________________

 

Dated: _____________________ __, ______

 

Holder’s Signature:  
   
Holder’s Address:  

 

  38  
 

 

ANNEX D

 

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

 

Name:   Title:   Signature:
         

 

[TO BE PROVIDED BY COMPANY COUNSEL]

  

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Annex E: Form of Warrant Certificate Request Notice

 

WARRANT CERTIFICATE REQUEST NOTICE

 

To:

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent for Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company (the “Company”)

 

The undersigned Holder of Common Stock Purchase Warrants (“Warrants”) in the form of Global Warrants issued by the Company hereby elects to receive a Definitive Certificate evidencing the Warrants held by the Holder as specified below:

 

1 Name of Holder of Warrants in form of Global Warrants:
   
2) Name of Holder in Definitive Certificate (if different from name of Holder of Warrants in form of Global Warrants):
   
3) Number of Warrants in name of Holder in form of Global Warrants:
   
4) Number of Warrants for which Definitive Certificate shall be issued:
   
5) Number of Warrants in name of Holder in form of Global Warrants after issuance of

 

Definitive Certificate, if any:

 

6) Definitive Certificate shall be delivered to the following address:

 

 
   
 
   
 
   
 

 

The undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees that, in connection with this Warrant Exchange and the issuance of the Definitive Certificate, the Holder is deemed to have surrendered the number of Warrants in form of Global Warrants in the name of the Holder equal to the number of Warrants evidenced by the Definitive Certificate.

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity: _____________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: _____________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: _____________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: _____________________________________

 

Date:___________________________________

 

  40  

 

 

Exhibit 4.6

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Representative’s Warrant Agreement

 

THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) THINKEQUITY, A DIVISION OF FORDHAM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC., OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF THINKEQUITY, A DIVISION OF FORDHAM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC., OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.

 

THIS WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO [________________] [DATE THAT IS 180 DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE OFFERING]. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, [___________________] [DATE THAT IS FIVE YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE OFFERING].

 

WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK

 

SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

 

Warrant Shares: _______

Initial Exercise Date: ______, 2020

 

THIS WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, ThinkEquity or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after ____, 2020 (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and, in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(i), prior to at 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date that is five (5) years following the Effective Date (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to ______ shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Warrant Shares”), as subject to adjustment hereunder. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).

 

Section 1. Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated in this Section 1:

 

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Ex. A-1
 

 

Business Day” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Effective Date” means the effective date of the registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. [XXX-XXXXXX]), including any related prospectus or prospectuses, for the registration of the Company’s Units under the Securities Act, that the Company has filed with the Commission.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

 

Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

 

Units” each consisting of one (1) share of Common Stock and one Warrant to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock.

 

VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of a share of Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on the OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of the Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holder and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

Ex. A-2
 

 

Section 2. Exercise.

 

a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered Holder at the address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company) of a duly executed facsimile copy (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise Form annexed hereto. Within two (2) Trading Days following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within five (5) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise Form within two (2) Business Days of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

b) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $_______, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

c) Cashless Exercise. If at any time on or after the Initial Exercise Date, there is no effective registration statement registering, or the prospectus contained therein is not available for the issuance of the Warrant Shares to the Holder, then this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive the number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

(A) = as applicable: (i) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is (1) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a day that is not a Trading Day or (2) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a Trading Day prior to the opening of “regular trading hours” (as defined in Rule 600(b)(64) of Regulation NMS promulgated under the federal securities laws) on such Trading Day, (ii) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is executed during “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day and is delivered within two (2) hours thereafter (including until two (2) hours after the close of “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day) pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof or (iii) the VWAP on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if the date of such Notice of Exercise is a Trading Day and such Notice of Exercise is both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof after the close of “regular trading hours” on such Trading Day;

 

Ex. A-3
 

 

(B) = the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and

 

(X) = the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

If Warrant Shares are issued in such a “cashless exercise,” the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the registered characteristics of the Warrants being exercised, and the holding period of the Warrants being exercised may be tacked on to the holding period of the Warrant Shares. The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c). 

 

 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

 

d) Mechanics of Exercise.

 

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by its transfer agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder, or (B) the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 and, in either case, the Warrant Shares have been sold by the Holder prior to the Warrant Share Delivery Date (as defined below), and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). If the Warrant Shares can be delivered via DWAC, the transfer agent shall have received from the Company, at the expense of the Company, any legal opinions or other documentation required by it to deliver such Warrant Shares without legend (subject to receipt by the Company of reasonable back up documentation from the Holder, including with respect to affiliate status) and, if applicable and requested by the Company prior to the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the transfer agent shall have received from the Holder a confirmation of sale of the Warrant Shares (provided the requirement of the Holder to provide a confirmation as to the sale of Warrant Shares shall not be applicable to the issuance of unlegended Warrant Shares upon a cashless exercise of this Warrant if the Warrant Shares are then eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1)). The Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder or any other person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the Warrant has been exercised, with payment to the Company of the Exercise Price (or by cashless exercise, if permitted) and all taxes required to be paid by the Holder, if any, pursuant to Section 2(d)(vi) prior to the issuance of such shares, having been paid. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the second Trading Day following the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after the second Trading Day following such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise.

 

Ex. A-4
 

 

ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

 

iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise; provided, however, that the Holder shall be required to return any Warrant Shares or Common Stock subject to any such rescinded exercise notice concurrently with the return to Holder of the aggregate Exercise Price paid to the Company for such Warrant Shares and the restoration of Holder’s right to acquire such Warrant Shares pursuant to this Warrant (including, issuance of a replacement warrant certificate evidencing such restored right).

 

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

Ex. A-5
 

 

v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

 

vi. Charges, Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event that Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all transfer agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

 

vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

viii. Signature. This Section 2 and the exercise form attached hereto set forth the totality of the procedures required of the Holder in order to exercise this Warrant. Without limiting the preceding sentences, no ink-original exercise form shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any exercise form be required in order to exercise this Warrant. No additional legal opinion, other information or instructions shall be required of the Holder to exercise this Warrant. The Company shall honor exercises of this Warrant and shall deliver Shares underlying this Warrant in accordance with the terms, conditions and time periods set forth herein.

 

Ex. A-6
 

 

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the 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 securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant. 

 

Ex. A-7
 

 

Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

 

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification. For the purposes of clarification, the Exercise Price of this Warrant will not be adjusted in the event that the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, sells or grants any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, at an effective price per share less than the Exercise Price then in effect.

 

b) [RESERVED]

 

c) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

Ex. A-8
 

 

d) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend (other than cash dividends) or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of shares or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completely exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.

 

e) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable by holders of Common Stock as a result of such Fundamental Transaction for each share of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(e) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

 

Ex. A-9
 

 

f) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

 

g) Notice to Holder.

 

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly mail to the Holder a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be mailed a notice to the Holder at its last address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to provide such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

 

Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

 

a) Transferability. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(g)(1), neither this Warrant nor any Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of effectiveness or commencement of sales of the offering pursuant to which this Warrant is being issued, except the transfer of any security:

 

i. by operation of law or by reason of reorganization of the Company;

 

ii. to any FINRA member firm participating in the offering and the officers or partners thereof, if all securities so transferred remain subject to the lock-up restriction in this Section 4(a) for the remainder of the time period;

 

iii. if the aggregate amount of securities of the Company held by the Holder or related person do not exceed 1% of the securities being offered;

 

iv. that is beneficially owned on a pro-rata basis by all equity owners of an investment fund, provided that no participating member manages or otherwise directs investments by the fund, and participating members in the aggregate do not own more than 10% of the equity in the fund; or

 

v. the exercise or conversion of any security, if all securities received remain subject to the lock-up restriction in this Section 4(a) for the remainder of the time period.

 

Ex. A-10
 

 

Subject to the foregoing restriction, any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d), this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 

b) New Warrants. This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the initial issuance date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

 

c) Warrant Register. The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

 

d) Representation by the Holder. The Holder, by the acceptance hereof, represents and warrants that it is acquiring this Warrant and, upon any exercise hereof, will acquire the Warrant Shares issuable upon such exercise, for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Warrant Shares or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the Securities Act.

 

Ex. A-11
 

 

Section 5. Registration Rights.

 

  5.1 Demand Registration.

 

5.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holder(s) of at least 51% of the Warrants and/or the underlying Warrant Shares (“Majority Holders”), agrees to register, on one occasion, all or any portion of the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The demand for registration may be made at any time beginning on the Initial Exercise Date and expiring on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holder(s) to all other registered Holders of the Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice.

 

5.1.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 5.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such States as are reasonably requested by the Holder(s); provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal shareholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 5.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the Warrant Shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 5.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the date of the Underwriting Agreement (as defined below) in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(iv).

 

Ex. A-12
 

 

  5.2 “Piggy-Back” Registration.

 

5.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 5.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than seven (7) years from the Initial Exercise Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(v), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of Shares which may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.

 

5.2.2 Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 5.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company during the two (2) year period following the Initial Exercise Date until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 5.2.2; provided, however, that such registration rights shall terminate on the second anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date.

 

  5.3 General Terms

 

5.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 (a) of the Exchange Act against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement between the Underwriters and the Company, dated as of [___], 2020. The Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.

 

Ex. A-13
 

 

5.3.2 Exercise of Warrants. Nothing contained in this Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holder(s) to exercise their Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof.

 

5.3.3 Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.

 

5.3.4 Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 5, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Warrant Shares and their intended methods of distribution.

 

5.3.5 Documents to be Delivered by Holder(s). Each of the Holder(s) participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders.

 

Ex. A-14
 

 

5.3.6 Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holder(s) shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holder(s), be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security.

 

Section 6. Miscellaneous.

 

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i).

 

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

 

c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Trading Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Trading Day.

 

d) Authorized Shares.

 

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

 

Ex. A-15
 

 

Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

 

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

 

e) Jurisdiction. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the underwriting agreement, dated _________ __, 2020 by and between the Company and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., as representatives of the underwriters set forth therein (the “Underwriting Agreement”).

 

f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

 

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Underwriting Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

 

h) Notices. Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

i) Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

j) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

Ex. A-16
 

 

k) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

 

l) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company and the Holder.

 

m) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

 

n) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

 

********************

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

Ex. A-17
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

  SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY  
                 
  By:
  Name:

 

  Title:  

 

Ex. A-18
 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

TO: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS AND GAMING COMPANY

_________________________

 

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

 

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

 

[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or

 

[  ] if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).

 

(3) Please register and issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

_______________________________

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number or by physical delivery of a certificate to:

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

(4) Accredited Investor. If the Warrant is being exercised via cash exercise, the undersigned is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended

 

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:________________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: _________________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: ___________________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: ____________________________________________________________

 

Date: _______________________________________________________________________________

 

Ex. A-19
 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute
this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.)

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [____] all of or [_______] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

_______________________________________________ whose address is

 

_______________________________________________________________.

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

Dated: ______________, _______

 

Holder’s Signature: _____________________________

 

Holder’s Address: _____________________________

 

_____________________________

 

NOTE: The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

 

Ex. A-20

 

EXHIBIT 5.1

 

ANTHONY L.G., PLLC

 

laura aNTHONy, esq.

GEOFFREY ASHBURNE, ESQ.*

JOHN CACOMANOLIS, ESQ.**

CHAD FRIEND, ESQ., LLM

SVETLANA ROVENSKAYA, ESQ.***

 

OF COUNSEL:

MICHAEL R. GEROE, ESQ.****

CRAIG D. LINDER, ESQ.*****

PETER P. LINDLEY, ESQ., CPA, MBA

PHILIP MAGRI, ESQ.******

STUART REED, ESQ.

MARC S. WOOLF, ESQ.

www.ANTHONYPLLC.com

WWW.SECURITIESLAWBLOG.COM

WWW.LAWCAST.COM

  

 

 

DIRECT E-MAIL: LANTHONY@ANTHONYPLLC.COM

  

*licensed in CA

**licensed in FL and NY

***licensed in NY and NJ

****licensed in D.C., CA, NY and MO

*****licensed in FL, CA and NY

******licensed in FL and NY

 

April 10, 2020

 

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 505

Boca Raton, FL 33433

 

Re: Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company Registration Statement on Form S-1

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (as amended through the date hereof, the “Registration Statement”) relating to the registration by the Company of (i) up to an aggregate of $9,000,000 of units (the “Units”) consisting of shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “Common Warrants”), (ii) up to an aggregate of $1,350,000 of Shares and Common Warrants for which the Underwriters (as defined below) have been granted an over-allotment option, and (iii) up to an aggregate of $12,937,500 of shares of Common Stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Common Warrants (the “Common Warrant Shares”). The Units, the Shares, the Common Warrants and the Common Warrant Shares are collectively referred to as the “Securities”. The Securities are to be sold by the Company pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) to be entered into by and between the Company and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc., acting as the sole underwriter (the “Underwriter”), the form of which has been filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement. The Company is also registering (i) warrants to purchase up to $646,875 of shares of Common Stock of the Company to be issued to the Underwriter as additional compensation pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriter’s Warrants”), and (ii) up to an aggregate of $646,875 of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter’s Warrants (the “Underwriter’s Warrant Shares”).

 

 
 

 

In rendering the opinion set forth herein, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all items submitted to us as originals, the conformity with originals of all items submitted to us as copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and public officials.

 

We express no opinion herein as to the laws of any state or jurisdiction other than the substantive laws of the State of New York as it relates to the Common Warrants and Underwriter’s Warrants, the Delaware General Corporation Law (including all related provisions of the Delaware Constitution and all reported judicial decisions interpreting the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Delaware Constitution) and the federal laws of the United States of America.

 

With regard to our opinion concerning the Units constituting valid and binding obligations of the Company, our opinion is subject to, and may be limited by, (a) applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, debtor and creditor, and similar laws which relate to or affect creditors’ rights generally, and (b) general principles of equity (including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing) regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

With regard to our opinion concerning the Common Warrants and Underwriter’s Warrants constituting valid and binding obligations of the Company:

 

(i) Our opinion is subject to, and may be limited by, (a) applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, debtor and creditor, and similar laws which relate to or affect creditors’ rights generally, and (b) general principles of equity (including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing) regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

(ii) Our opinion is subject to the qualification that the availability of specific performance, an injunction or other equitable remedies is subject to the discretion of the court before which the request is brought.

 

(iii) We express no opinion as to any provision of the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants that: (a) provides for liquidated damages, buy-in damages, monetary penalties, prepayment or make-whole payments or other economic remedies to the extent such provisions may constitute unlawful penalties, (b) relates to advance waivers of claims, defenses, rights granted by law, or notice, opportunity for hearing, evidentiary requirements, statutes of limitations, trial by jury, or procedural rights, (c) restricts non-written modifications and waivers, (d) provides for the payment of legal and other professional fees where such payment is contrary to law or public policy, (e) relates to exclusivity, election or accumulation of rights or remedies, (f) authorizes or validates conclusive or discretionary determinations, or (g) provides that provisions of the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants are severable to the extent an essential part of the agreed exchange is determined to be invalid and unenforceable.

 

(iv) We express no opinion as to whether a state court outside of the State of New York or a federal court of the United States would give effect to the choice of New York law or jurisdiction provided for in the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants.

 

In rendering this opinion we have assumed that prior to the issuance of the Common Warrants forming part of the Units and the over-allotment option and the Underwriter’s Warrants (i) the Registration Statement, as then amended, will have become effective under the Securities Act, and (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company will have taken action to set the sale price of the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants and the exercise price of the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants.

 

With regard to our opinion regarding the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants, we express no opinion to the extent that, notwithstanding its current reservation of shares of Common Stock, future issuances of securities, including the Common Warrant Shares and the Underwriter’s Warrant Shares, of the Company and/or antidilution adjustments to outstanding securities, including the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants, of the Company cause the Common Warrants and the Underwriter’s Warrants to be exercisable for more shares of Common Stock than the number that then remain authorized but unissued.

 

     

 

 

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that: (i) the Units have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Units will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and will be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms; (ii) the Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; (iii) the Common Warrants, when executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Common Warrants, will constitute legal, valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms; (iv) the Common Warrant Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and sold by the Company and delivered by the Company and upon valid exercise thereof and against receipt of the exercise price therefor, in accordance with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Common Warrants, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; (v) the Underwriter’s Warrants, when executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Underwriter’s Warrants, will constitute a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and equitable principles of general applicability; and (vi) the Underwriter’s Warrant Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and sold by the Company and delivered by the Company and upon valid exercise thereof and against receipt of the exercise price therefor, in accordance with and in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Underwriter’s Warrants, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement. In so doing, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

/s/ Laura E. Anthony  
Laura E. Anthony,  
For the Firm  

 

625 N. FLAGLER DRIVE, SUITE 600 ● WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA ● 33401 ● PHONE: 561-514-0936 ● FAX 561-514-0832

 

     

 

 

EXHIBIT 21.1

 

List of Subsidiaries of

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

Entity Name   Place of Organization
     
Simplicity Esports, LLC *   Florida
     
PLAYlive Nation, Inc *   Delaware
     
Simplicity One Brasil Ltda **   Brazil

 

* 100% owned subsidiary of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

**90% owned subsidiary of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

     

 

 

EXHIBIT 23.1

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S CONSENT

 

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company on Form S-1 of our report dated August 29, 2019 with respect to our audit of the financial statements of Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company (formerly known as I-AM Capital Acquisition Company) as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended May 31, 2019 and 2018, which appears in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Prager Metis CPAs, LLC  
   
Prager Metis CPAs, LLC  
Basking Ridge, New Jersey  
April 10, 2020