11/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2024 16:38
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12
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PANGAEA LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS LTD.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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N/A
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
/s/ Mark L. Filanowski
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Chief Executive Officer
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1.
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vote to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares in accordance with the shareholder approval requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 (referred to as "Proposal 1");
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2.
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vote to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to constitute a quorum or to approve Proposal 1 or Proposal 2, and to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the proxy statement is timely provided to the Company's shareholders (referred to as "Proposal 2"); and
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3.
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conduct any other business that may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Mark L. Filanowski
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Chief Executive Officer
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Page
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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3
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SUMMARY TERM SHEET OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT |
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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5
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THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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12
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VOTING
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RISK FACTORS
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29
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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PROPOSAL 1: TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF THE MERGER SHARES
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PROPOSAL 2: TO ADJOURN OR POSTPONE THE SPECIAL MEETING
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WHERE TO GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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36
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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
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OTHER INFORMATION |
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1.
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vote to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares in accordance with the shareholder approval requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 (referred to as "Proposal 1");
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vote to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to constitute a quorum or to approve Proposal 1 or Proposal 2, and to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the proxy statement is timely provided to the Company's shareholders (referred to as "Proposal 2"); and
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conduct any other business that may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Our Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come before the Special Meeting.
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Parties
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Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd. (the "Company"), Strategic Shipping Inc. ("SSI"), Renaissance Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSI ("Renaissance"), and Renaissance Merger Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub").
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Merger
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Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), the Company will merge with and into Merger Sub (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, the separate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and the Company will continue as the surviving company. As a result of the Merger, the Company will acquire ownership of, or assume bareboat charters-in with purchase options for, 15 handy-size bulk vessels currently owned or chartered-in by SSI indirectly through Renaissance and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Acquisition Fleet").
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Consideration
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By virtue of the Merger and without any action by the parties to the Merger Agreement, all of the limited liability company interests of Renaissance outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will be converted into the right of SSI to receive (i) a number of shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the "Merger Shares") to be determined prior to the Merger based on a net asset value to net asset value exchange ratio as set forth in the Merger Agreement (the "Merger Consideration") and (ii) any amount SSI is entitled to under Section 1.10 of the Merger Agreement as a result of certain adjustments to be made to the Merger Consideration at and following the closing of the Merger (the "Closing").
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Representations and Warranties
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The parties have generally made a full set of representations and warranties regarding themselves and their businesses, including with respect to organization, existence and good standing, subsidiaries, capitalization, financial statements, litigation, compliance with laws, taxes, vessels and indebtedness for borrowed money. Some of these representations and warranties were made as of specified dates. The representations and warranties of the Company are generally qualified by, among other things, filings by the Company with the SEC that are publicly available during the period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending two (2) days prior to the date of the Merger Agreement and a confidential disclosure letter containing non-public information. The representations and warranties of the SSI and the Company are generally qualified by, among other things, matters disclosed in a confidential disclosure letter containing non-public information. Many of the parties' representations and warranties are also qualified by the absence of a "material adverse effect".
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Regulatory Filings
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Following the date of the Merger Agreement, the parties made a Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) filing with the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the statutory HSR waiting period expired prior to Closing. Any filing fees in connection with such filing was borne and paid by the Company. Other than this regulatory filing, there are no remaining federal or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with or approval must be obtained in connection with the transaction.
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Technical Management Agreements
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At Closing, the Company and MTM Ship Management ("MTM"), the current vessel manager of the SSI vessels, shall execute and deliver one or more technical management agreements (the "Technical Management Agreements") in respect of each vessel in the Acquisition Fleet, pursuant to which MTM Ship Management will continue to provide certain technical management to the vessels acquired or chartered-in in the Merger.
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Conditions to Closing
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The respective obligations of the parties to the Merger Agreement to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, among others discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement:
• the expiration of the HSR waiting period;• no governmental entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any legal requirement or order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger, on the terms contemplated by the Merger Agreement; • the approval of Parent's shareholders of the Shareholder Proposals shall have been obtained; and • upon completion of the Merger, the Merger Consideration, in no event will be less than 25% or greater than 30% of the Company's total issued and outstanding shares of common stock. |
Termination
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The Merger Agreement may be terminated prior to the effective time of the Merger, by mutual written agreement of the Company and SSI at any time.
In addition, The Company or SSI may terminate the Merger Agreement at any time before the effective time of the Merger, by written notice to the other party for reasons discussed elsewhere in the Proxy Statement.
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Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
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You are receiving this proxy statement because you have been identified as a shareholder of the Company at the close of business on the Record Date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of the Special Meeting. This proxy statement contains important information about the Merger, the issuance of the Merger Shares, and the Special Meeting. You should read this proxy statement carefully.
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When and where is the Special Meeting?
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The Special Meeting will be held at the Company's Executive Office, 109 Long Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 on [●], 2024, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
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What proposals are being presented at the Special Meeting?
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The Company is seeking our shareholder's approval of two proposals at the Special Meeting. Each share of common stock has one vote on each matter.
• Proposal 1: a proposal to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares.
• Proposal 2: a proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate, for the solicitation of additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to constitute a quorum or approve the issuance of the Merger Shares.
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How many Merger Shares will be issued in connection with the Merger, if consummated?
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While the exact number of Merger Shares will be determined closer to the Closing based on relative valuations of Renaissance and the Company, and certain other adjustments described below, it is expected that the total number of Merger Shares will be approximately 29% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock upon completion of the Merger but in no event will the number of Merger Shares be less than 25% or greater than 30% of the Company's total issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
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How does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?
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Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote your shares:
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"FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares (Proposal 1).
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"FOR" the proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate, for the solicitation of additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to constitute a quorum or approve the issuance of the Merger Shares (Proposal 2).
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Who is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting?
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All shareholders of record at the close of business on [●], 2024, the Record Date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. On that date, 46,902,091 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding.
As of [●], 2024, our executive officers and directors held an aggregate of [10,972,322] shares of our common stock, which would represent approximately [23.39] % of all shares of common stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date. The executive officers and directors of the Company have indicated that they intend to vote in favor of Proposal 1 and Proposal 2.
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What vote is required to approve each proposal?
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With respect to Proposal 1, the approval, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, of the issuance of the Merger Shares, requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present at, or represented and entitled to vote at, the Special Meeting. If you do not submit a proxy or voting instructions or do not vote in person at the Special Meeting, your shares will not be counted in determining the outcome of the proposal. If you "ABSTAIN" from voting on Proposal 1, the effect will be the same as a vote "AGAINST" that proposal.
With respect to Proposal 2, the approval to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate, for the solicitation of additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to constitute a quorum or approve the issuance of the Merger Shares, requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present at, or represented and entitled to vote at, the Special Meeting.
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Can I attend the Special Meeting? What do I need for admission?
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You are entitled to attend the Special Meeting if you were a shareholder of record or a beneficial owner at the close of business on [●], 2024 or you hold a valid legal proxy for the Special Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, your name will be verified against the list of shareholders of record prior to your being admitted to the Special Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, you will need to provide proof of beneficial ownership on the Record Date in order to be admitted to the Special Meeting, such as a brokerage account statement showing that you owned common stock of the Company as of the Record Date, a voting instruction form provided by your bank, broker or other nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership at the Record Date, including a valid legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee. You should also be prepared to present photo identification for admission. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the other procedures outlined in this proxy statement upon request, you may not be admitted to the Special Meeting.
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What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
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If, as of the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, then you are considered a "shareholder of record."
If, as of the Record Date, your shares were held in a stock brokerage account and/or registered in the name of a broker, bank or other organization, then those shares are considered to be held in "street name" and you are considered the "beneficial owner" of those shares. As the beneficial owner, you may direct the broker, bank or other organization holding your shares how to vote the shares you beneficially own. You should have received a notice with voting instructions from the broker, bank or other organization that holds those shares.
Follow the instructions provided by that broker, bank or other organization to ensure that your vote is counted.
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What are "broker non-votes"?
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If you hold your shares in street name (i.e., you are a beneficial owner of shares), the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares may vote your shares only on certain of proposals without receiving voting instructions from you. If you hold your shares in street name and you do not submit voting instructions to the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares, whether that broker, bank or other organization may exercise its discretion to vote your shares typically depends on whether a particular proposal is considered a "routine" or "non-routine" matter under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange applicable to securities intermediaries (and is applicable to Nasdaq-listed companies).
If you do not provide voting instructions to the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares, we do not expect that those shares will be voted on any proposal considered a "non-routine" matter because such broker, bank or other organization typically lacks discretionary authority to vote uninstructed shares on non-routine matters.
On the other hand, we expect the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares will have discretionary voting authority to vote your shares on proposals considered to be "routine" matters even if that broker, bank or other organization does not receive voting instructions from you. However, certain brokers, banks or other organizations may elect not to vote shares without an instruction from the beneficial owner even if they have discretionary authority to do so.
Brokers, banks and other organizations may reach conclusions regarding their ability to vote your shares on a particular proposal that differ from our expectations expressed in this proxy statement. Accordingly, we urge you to direct the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares how to vote your shares on all proposals to ensure that your vote is counted. We expect that brokers, banks and other organizations will vote shares as you have instructed.
A "broker non-vote" will occur if the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares cannot vote your shares on a particular matter because it has not received instructions from you and it does not have discretionary voting authority on that matter or because the organization that holds your shares chooses not to vote on a matter for which it does have discretionary voting authority.
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What proposals are expected to be considered routine or non-routine matters?
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We expect Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 to be considered non-routine matters.
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How can I vote my shares in person at the Special Meeting?
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All shareholders, including shareholders of record and shareholders who hold their shares through banks, brokers or other nominees, at the close of business on the Record Date are invited to attend the Special Meeting and vote their shares in person.
If your shares of our common stock are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. If you are a shareholder of record at the close of business on the Record Date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, you have the right to vote your shares in person at the Special Meeting. If you choose to do so, you can vote at the Special Meeting using the written ballot that will be provided at the Special Meeting or you can complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card you received with this proxy statement and submit it at the Special Meeting.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank, broker, or other nominee (that is, in "street name") rather than directly in your own name with our transfer agent, you are considered a beneficial owner of your shares and this proxy statement is being forwarded to you by your bank, broker, or other nominee. As the beneficial owner, you may attend the Special Meeting and vote your shares in person at the Special Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the bank, broker, or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares at the Special Meeting.
Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we recommend that you submit your proxy or voting instructions in advance of the Special Meeting as described in this proxy statement so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Special Meeting.
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How can I vote my shares without attending the Special Meeting?
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Whether you are a shareholder of record or a beneficial owner, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Special Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may submit a proxy to authorize how your shares are voted at the Special Meeting. Your proxy can be submitted by mail by completing, signing, and dating the proxy card you received with this proxy statement and then mailing it in the enclosed prepaid envelope. If you are a beneficial owner, you must submit voting instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee in order to authorize how your shares are voted at the Special Meeting. Please follow the instructions provided by your bank, broker or other nominee.
Submitting a proxy or voting instructions will not affect your right to vote in person should you decide to attend the Special Meeting, although beneficial owners must obtain a "legal proxy" from the bank, broker, or other nominee that holds their shares giving them the right to vote the shares at the Special Meeting in order to vote in person at the Special Meeting.
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What does it mean if I received more than one set of proxy materials?
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If you received more than one set of proxy materials, it means that you hold shares of our common stock in more than one account. For example, you may own your shares in various forms, including jointly with your spouse, as trustee of a trust, or as custodian for a minor. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, please provide a proxy or voting instructions for each account for which you received proxy materials.
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How will my shares be voted if I do not provide specific voting instructions in the proxy or voting instruction form that I submit?
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If you submit a proxy or voting instructions but do not indicate your specific voting instructions on one or more of the proposals to be presented at the Special Meeting, your shares will be voted "FOR" Proposal 1 and "For" Proposal 2 as recommended by our Board of Directors on those proposals and as the proxyholders may determine, in their discretion, with respect to any other matter properly presented for a vote at the Special Meeting.
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What is the deadline for voting my shares?
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If you are a shareholder of record, you may mark, sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy card, which must be received before the polls close at the Special Meeting, in order for your shares to be voted at the Special Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, please read the voting instructions provided by your bank, broker, or other nominee for information on the deadline for voting your shares.
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How do I revoke my proxy and change my vote?
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You may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before the vote at the Special Meeting. You may change your vote prior to the Special Meeting by executing a valid proxy card bearing a later date and delivering it to us prior to the Special Meeting at Company's Executive Office, 109 Long Wharf, Newport, RI 02840. Only your latest dated proxy we receive at or prior to the Special Meeting will be counted. Attendance at the Special Meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy. If you hold shares in street name and wish to change your vote, you must follow the directions provided by the broker, bank or other organization that holds your shares.
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What is a quorum?
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The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least two shareholders representing the holders of at least thirt-three percent (33%) of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes are counted as present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.
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How will abstentions be counted?
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If you "ABSTAIN" from voting on any proposal, the effect will be the same as a vote "AGAINST" such proposal.
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Why is my vote important?
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If you do not submit a proxy or voting instructions or do not vote in person at the Special Meeting, it will be more difficult for us to obtain the necessary quorum to hold the Special Meeting and to obtain the necessary approval under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 to issue the Merger Shares, which requires that a company obtain shareholder approval prior to the issuance of securities, other than in a public offering for cash, in connection with the acquisition of the stock or assets of another company when the number of shares of common stock to be issued will be equal to or in excess of 20% of the company's issued and outstanding common stock prior to the issuance. The approval of our shareholders to issue the Merger Shares in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 is a closing condition to both the Company's and SSI's obligations to consummate the Merger, and it is unlikely that the Merger will be consummated if shareholder approval is not obtained.
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If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, bank, or other nominee, will my broker, bank, or other nominee vote my shares for me if I do not submit voting instructions?
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No. We do not expect that your broker, bank, or other nominee will have discretion to vote your shares on any of the matters listed in the Notice of Special Meeting, except in accordance with your specific instructions. Therefore, if you hold your shares in "street name" through a brokerage account and do not submit voting instructions to your broker, bank, or other nominee, your broker, bank, or other nominee will not be able to vote your shares of common stock on any of the proposals at the Special Meeting.
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May I change my vote after I have submitted my proxy or voting instructions?
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Yes. Send a later-dated, signed proxy card to our corporate secretary at the address set forth below so that it is received prior to the vote at the Special Meeting or attend the Special Meeting in person and vote. Shareholders also may revoke their proxy by sending a notice of revocation to our corporate secretary, which must be received by our corporate secretary prior to the vote at the Special Meeting.
Please note that if you hold your shares in "street name" through a broker, bank or other nominee and you have instructed your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares, the above-described options for changing your vote do not apply, and instead, you must follow the instructions received from your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote.
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What happens if I transfer my shares of common stock after the Record Date?
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Transferors of shares of our common stock after the Record Date but prior to the Special Meeting will retain their right to vote at the Special Meeting.
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What do I need to do now?
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We urge you to read this proxy statement carefully, including its exhibits and the documents we refer to in this proxy statement, and then mail your completed, dated, and signed proxy card or voting instruction form in the enclosed prepaid return envelope as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the Special Meeting.
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Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
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We will pay the costs of printing and mailing this proxy statement to shareholders and all other costs incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited on behalf of the Company by directors, officers and employees of the Company in writing, by telephone, e-mail or other means of communication. Directors, officers, and other employees will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies. The Company will reimburse banks, brokers, nominees and other record holders of common stock for their reasonable expenses in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of such common stock and obtaining their proxies.
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Who can help answer my questions?
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If you have questions about the Special Meeting or if you need additional copies of the proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card you should contact:
Gianni Del Signore
109 Long Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-846-7790
Email: [email protected]
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What is the proposed transaction for which I am being asked to vote?
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You are being asked to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635. On September 23, 2024, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with SSI, Renaissance, and Merger Sub, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire Renaissance from SSI through the merger of Merger Sub with and into Renaissance, with Renaissance surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, the Company will acquire ownership of, or assume bareboat charters-in with purchase options for the Acquisition Fleet. By virtue of the Merger and without any action by the parties to the Merger Agreement, all of the limited liability company interests of Renaissance outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will be converted into the right of SSI to receive (i) the number of Merger Shares to be determined prior to the Merger based on a net asset value to net asset value exchange ratio as set forth in the Merger Agreement, or the Merger Consideration, and (ii) any amount SSI is entitled to under Section 1.10 of the Merger Agreement as a result of certain adjustments to be made to the Merger Consideration at and following the Closing.
In addition to the Merger Agreement, the Company will enter into (i) Investor Rights Agreement with SSI which will grant SSI certain registration, board representation and other rights at the Closing, and (ii) certain technical management agreements with the current technical manager of the Acquisition Fleet at the Closing, which will provide for the technical management of the Acquisition Fleet following the Closing. For more information, see "The Merger and Related Transactions-Technical Management Agreements" and "-Investor and Registration Rights Agreement."
A copy of the Merger Agreement is included as Exhibit A to this proxy statement.
We are not seeking shareholder approval for the adoption of the Merger Agreement because no vote of the Company's shareholders is required under Bermuda Law for the entry into the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger. However, we cannot issue the Merger Shares in compliance with Nasdaq rules unless the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting vote in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares. The approval of our shareholders of the issuance of the Merger Shares is a condition to both our and SSI's obligations to consummate the Merger, and it is unlikely that the Merger will be consummated in the event that shareholder approval of the issuance of the Merger Shares in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 is not obtained.
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As a shareholder, what will I receive in the Merger?
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Current shareholders of the Company will not receive anything in the Merger. As a result of the Merger, our shareholders' existing share ownership will be diluted by the issuance of the Merger Shares, however, the deemed value of our shares to be issued to SSI in the Merger is expected to be above the current market value of such shares and our Board of Directors has determined that the Merger is in the best interests of the Company and existing shareholders.
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Is the Merger expected to be taxable to me?
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We do not believe the consummation of the Merger or the issuance of the Merger Shares will have any material tax consequences to the holders of our existing shares of common stock.
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When is the Merger expected to be consummated?
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We are working toward completing the Merger as promptly as reasonably possible, and we currently anticipate that the Merger will be consummated on or prior to [●], 2024. However, there are multiple conditions to Closing and there can be no assurances that the Merger will be consummated at all or, if consummated, that it will be consummated on or prior to [●], 2024. Please refer to the section titled "Risk Factors" for more information on risks related to failure to completing the Merger or a delay in the consummation of the Merger. The exact timing and likelihood of consummation of the Merger cannot be predicted because the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. Neither we nor SSI is obligated to consummate the Merger unless and until the closing conditions in the Merger Agreement have been satisfied or waived. See "The Merger and Related Transactions; The Merger and Merger Agreement; Termination of the Merger Agreement" and "Conditions to Merger."
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What effects will the proposed Merger have on the Company's ownership, management and Board of Directors?
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The Merger would not change the number of shares owned by the Company's current shareholders. If the Merger is consummated, Renaissance will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the current shareholders of Renaissance will become shareholders of the Company.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (i) certain employees of SSI and its affiliates will be offered employment by the Company prior to the Closing on terms that are no less favorable than those in effect with respect to such individuals as of the date of the Merger Agreement and (ii) the Company and MTM Ship Management, will enter into one or more technical agreements at the Closing in respect of each of the vessels in the Acquisition Fleet reflecting the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement. In addition, SSI and the Company will enter into an Investor and Registration Rights agreement, pursuant to which SSI will, among other things, (a) maintain the right to designate up to two persons on the Company's Board of Directors, (b) maintain certain registration and pre-emptive participation rights with respect to the Company's securities, and (c) be restricted from becoming a beneficial owner in excess of 30% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, subject to certain exceptions. SSI's two director designees will be appointed to the Company's Board of Directors immediately after the Closing.
For more information on the composition of the Board of Directors after the Merger see "The Merger and Related Transactions; Investor and Registration Rights Agreement; Board of Directors and Management of the Company Following the Merger."
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What happens if the Merger is not consummated?
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If the issuance of the Merger Shares is not approved by our shareholders, or if the Merger is not consummated for any other reason, we will not issue the Merger Shares and Renaissance will not become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
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What is the proposed action for which I am being asked to vote?
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You are being asked to consider and vote on a proposal to adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to another time and place in order to permit the solicitation of additional proxies if there are insufficient votes to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares in connection with the Merger. The proposal also permits the proxy holder to ensure that any supplement or amendment to this proxy statement is timely provided to the Company's shareholders.
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Q:
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What effects would the proposal have on the Company's shareholders?
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A:
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If there are insufficient votes at the Special Meeting to approve the issuance of the Merger Shares in connection with the Merger, a closing condition to the Company's obligations to consummate the Merger with Renaissance would have failed. If the adjournment proposal is approved, the Company would be able to adjourn the Special Meeting and solicit additional proxies from shareholders to enable the Special Meeting to be duly called, with a quorum present, and the votes on Proposal 1 tabulated. The results of such shareholder votes would inform the Company as to the position of its shareholders before the Company terminates the Merger Agreement for the failure of the closing condition.
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The Acquisition Fleet.
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The transfer of vessel related mortgage debt and lease commitments associated with the Acquisition Fleet (the Acquisition Fleet, net of such vessel related debt and lease commitments, is referred to as the "Net Fleet Assets").
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The Continuing Employees.
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(i) |
"Renaissance Adjusted NAV" means the aggregate net asset value ("NAV") of the Acquisition Fleet, minus to the extent not taken into account in the calculation of the NAV of the Acquisition Fleet, the aggregate indebtedness and other liabilities of Renaissance and its subsidiaries as of the Closing, calculated in accordance with the accounting principles set forth in the Merger Agreement;
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(ii) |
"Transaction Value Per Share" means an amount equal to the Company Adjusted NAV, divided by the aggregate number of shares of common stock of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (which includes all unvested common shares awarded pursuant to the Company's equity incentive plan prior to the effective time of the Merger, but excludes any common shares otherwise reserved for issuance under the Company's equity incentive plan; and
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(iii) |
"Company Adjusted NAV" means an amount equal to the shareholders' equity of the Company as of a date mutually agreed upon by the Company and SSI, calculated in accordance with the accounting principles set forth in the Merger Agreement. For purposes of calculating the Company Adjusted NAV: (a) the Company Adjusted NAV shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of any dividend paid by the Company between the date of the Company's last quarterly financial statement date and the Closing (to the extent not already taken into account in the calculation of the Company NAV); (b) the portion of the Company's shareholders' equity that represents the value of the owned and chartered-in vessels of the Company shall be substituted for the aggregate NAV of those vessels; and (c) to the extent a subsidiary of the Company is not directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Company, the portion of the Company Adjusted NAV ascribed to such subsidiary shall be prorated to only reflect the Company's percentage ownership interest.
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by mutual written agreement of the Company and SSI at any time;
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by either the Company or SSI if the Merger shall not have been consummated by January 31, 2025 (the "Termination Date") for any reason; provided, however, that such party's right to terminate the Merger Agreement shall not be available if such party's action or failure to act in breach of the Merger Agreement, or other breach of the Merger Agreement by such party, in each case, has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before the Termination Date;
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by either the Company or SSI if a governmental entity shall have issued an order, having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger which order is final and non-appealable;
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by SSI, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company or Merger Sub set forth in the Merger Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of the Company or Merger Sub shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Article VII of the Merger Agreement would not be satisfied, provided, that if the Company proceeds in its sole discretion to cure such breach, then SSI may not terminate the Merger Agreement under this provision for thirty (30) calendar days after delivery of written notice from SSI to the Company of such breach (it being understood that SSI may not terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this provision if Renaissance or SSI shall have materially breached the Merger Agreement or if such breach by the Company is cured during such thirty (30) calendar day period); and
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by the Company, upon a material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Renaissance or SSI set forth in the Merger Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Renaissance or SSI shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Article VII of the Merger Agreement would not be satisfied, provided, that if Renaissance or SSI proceeds in its sole discretion to cure such breach, then the Company may not terminate the Merger Agreement under this provision for thirty (30) calendar days after delivery of written notice from the Company to Renaissance of such breach (it being understood that the Company may not terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to this provision if the Company shall have materially breached the Merger Agreement or if such breach by Renaissance or SSI is cured during such thirty (30) calendar day period).
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the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended;
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no governmental entity shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any legal requirement or order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger, on the terms contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and
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the issuance of the Merger Shares pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement shall have been duly adopted and approved by our shareholders pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635.
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the representations and warranties of the Company and Merger Sub (i) contained in clause (x) of Section 4.10 of the Merger Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing with the same force and effect as if made on such date, (ii) that are Fundamental Representations (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if made on the date of the Closing (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date), other than the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.3(a), Section 4.3(b), and Section 4.18 of the Merger Agreement which shall be true and correct (except for de minimis exceptions) as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if made on the date of the Closing (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date), and (iii) set forth in the Merger Agreement that are not described in clause (i) or clause (ii) above shall be true and correct in all respects (ignoring all materiality and Material Adverse Effect (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) qualifications therein) as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the Closing, with the same force and effect as if made on the date of the Closing (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date), except for any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties described in this clause (iii) (ignoring all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications therein) which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
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the Company and Merger Sub shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by the Merger Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing;
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at any time on or after the date of the Merger Agreement, there shall not have occurred any change, circumstance or event that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
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the shares of common stock to be issued to SSI pursuant to the Merger Agreement shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject to the completion of the Merger; and
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the Merger Consideration shall represent at least 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company immediately following the Closing; provided that, to the extent such condition is not met following the initial determination of the Merger Consideration, SSI shall at least five business days prior to the Closing contribute to Renaissance and its subsidiaries so as to increase the Company Adjusted NAV (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) (such contribution to be in the form of prepayment and/or repayment of any indebtedness associated with the Acquisition Fleet vessels, which shall not be taken into account for purposes of calculating the Net VIP Amount (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement)) such additional value, the Minimum Required Contribution, not to exceed $10,000,000, the Maximum Allowable Contribution, that would result in the Merger Consideration representing 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company immediately following the Closing; and provided further, that to the extent the Minimum Required Contribution is less than the Maximum Allowable Contribution, SSI may, at its option and in its sole discretion, contribute an additional amount of value to Renaissance and its subsidiaries equal to the difference between the Maximum Allowable Contribution and the Minimum Required Contribution (not to exceed $10,000,000), such contribution to be in the form of additional prepayment and/or repayment of any indebtedness associated with the Acquisition Fleet, so long as such contribution does not result in the Merger Consideration representing more than 30% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company immediately following the Closing).
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the representations and warranties of SSI and Renaissance (i) contained in clause (x) of Section 2.10 of the Merger Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the Closing with the same force and effect as if made on the date of the Closing, (ii) set forth in Article II of the Merger Agreement that are Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the closing of the Merger Agreement, with the same force and effect as if made on the date of the closing of the Merger Agreement (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date) other than the representations and warranties contained in Section 2.3(a), Section 2.3(b), and Section 2.21 of the Merger Agreement which shall be true and correct (except for de minimis exceptions) as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the closing of the Merger Agreement, with the same force and effect as if made on the Closing Date (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date), and (iii) set forth in Article II of the Merger Agreement that are not described in clause (i) or clause (ii) above shall be true and correct in all respects (ignoring all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications therein) as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the date of the closing of the Merger Agreement, with the same force and effect as if made on the date of the closing of the Merger Agreement (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date), except for any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties described in this clause (iii) (ignoring all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications therein) which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Renaissance and any of its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
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the representations and warranties of SSI (i) set forth in Article III of the Merger Agreement that are Fundamental Representations (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the Closing with the same force and effect as if made on the Closing (or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date) and (ii) set forth in Article III of the Merger that are not Fundamental Representations shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the closing date of the Merger Agreement, with the same force and effect as if made on the closing date of the Merger Agreement(or, if given as of a specific date, as of such date), except for any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties described in this clause (ii) which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of SSI to consummate the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement;
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Renaissance and SSI shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants to be performed by or complied with by Renaissance and SSI under the Merger Agreement on or prior to the consummation of the Merger;
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from the date on or after the date of the Merger Agreement, no event causing any Material Adverse Effect (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have occurred to Renaissance and SSI;
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the Merger Consideration shall not represent more than 30% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company immediately following the Closing;
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the Reorganization (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) shall have been completed as described in the Merger Agreement; and
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the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of SSI by an authorized officer of SSI that no Acquisition Fleet vessel has been grounded or been involved in an underwater collision since the date of such Acquisition Fleet vessel's last drydocking has occurred ("SSI Vessel Incident"), or providing the details of any such SSI Vessel Incident.
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Christina Tan has been the Chief Executive Officer of M.T. Maritime Management (USA) LLC since the beginning of 2020. Ms. Tan has been an officer with the M.T. Maritime Management Group ("MTM Group") for over 30 years, performing in a variety of capacities, including finance and chartering. Ms. Tan has been a director of Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE: LPG) since May 1, 2015, and is currently a member of the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees and was also a board member of Northern Shipping Funds from 2008 to 2015, at which point she remained as a member of the Limited Partnership Advisory Committee (LPAC) until 2023. For eight years prior to joining MTM Group, Ms. Tan was Vice President of Finance & Trading for Socoil Corporation, a major Malaysian palm oil refiner and trading company. Ms. Tan earned a BA in Economics and Mathematics from Western State College of Colorado.
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Gary Vogel has over 36 years of experience in the international shipping industry. He currently serves as a Director of SFL Corp, (NYSE: SFL), a position he has held since 2016. From 2015 to 2024 he served as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (NYSE: EGLE), a U.S. listed owner and operator of geared dry bulk vessels. From 2000 to 2015, Mr. Vogel held various positions in Clipper Group Ltd., lastly as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Vogel graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation as well as a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited Tonnage 3rd Officers License. Subsequently, he served as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
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reviewed a draft, dated September 19, 2024, of the Merger Agreement;
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reviewed a draft, dated September 19, 2024, of the Investor and Registration Rights Agreement;
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reviewed the projections of the Company (the "Company Projections") and the projections of Renaissance (the "Renaissance Projections"), in each case, as prepared by the Company for DNB's use in connection with DNB's analysis;
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utilized various financial analyses in connection with DNB's review of the Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger Agreement;
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reviewed and established third-party resources for industry data (including DNB's equity research) on the dry bulk shipping market; and
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conferred with management of the Company with respect to the Company Projections, the Renaissance Projections, the business and prospects of each of the Company and Renaissance, and other matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Agreements.
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the implied enterprise value of Renaissance of $224 million, based on the implied market value of the Merger Shares issued as Merger Consideration, utilizing the closing share price of Pangea common stock of $6.46 per share as traded on the Nasdaq as of September 17, 2024, as adjusted by the net debt of Renaissance assumed by the Company in the transaction, and
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the implied enterprise value of Renaissance of $295 million, based on the implied equity value of the Merger Shares issued as Merger Consideration, utilizing the implied net asset value of Pangea common stock of $10.20 per share, calculated using the gross asset value estimates of Pangea and SSI prepared by select third party brokers, as adjusted by the net debt of Pangea and SSI, respectively, as further adjusted by the net debt of Renaissance assumed by the Company in the transaction.
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Diana Shipping Inc.
Genco Shipping
Golden Ocean Group
Safe Bulkers
Star Bulk Carriers
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Transaction Announcement Date
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Acquirer
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Target
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January 2024
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Saltchuk Resources
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Overseas Shipholding Group
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December 2023
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Star Bulk Carriers
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Eagle Bulk Shipping
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October 2023
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Frontline
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Euronav 24 VLCCs
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December 2022
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Taylor Maritime Investments
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Grindrod Shipping
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August 2021
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Navios Maritime Partners
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Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp
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March 2021
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International Seaways
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Diamond S Shipping
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May 2019
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Star Bulk Carriers
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Delphin Shipping
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October 2018
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Global Ship Lease
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Poseidon Containers Holding
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May 2018
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Star Bulk Carriers
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Songa Bulk
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April 2018
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Star Bulk Carriers
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Augustea Atlantica
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March 2018
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Seaspan Corp
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Greater China Intermodal Investments
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December 2017
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Euronav NV
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Gener8 Maritime
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May 2017
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Teekay Tankers
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Tanker Investments
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May 2017
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Scorpio Tankers
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Navig8 Product Tankers
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April 2015
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Genco Shipping & Trading
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Baltic Trading
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investors react negatively to the prospects of the combined organization's product candidates, business and financial condition following the Merger;
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the effect of the Merger on the combined organization's business and prospects is not consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts; or
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the combined organization does not achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts.
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the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement;
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the inability to consummate the Merger due to the failure to obtain shareholder approval of the issuance of the Merger Shares or failure to satisfy any other conditions to the consummation of the Merger;
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business uncertainty and unknown developments during the pendency of the Merger;
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adverse outcomes of pending or threatened litigation or governmental investigations;
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the failure of the Merger to be consummated for any other reason;
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the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the Merger;
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diversion of management's attention from ongoing business concerns;
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the effect of the announcement of the Merger on our and SSI's business and customer relationships, operating results, and business generally, including the ability to retain key employees;
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risks that the Merger disrupts current plans and operations;
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the possible adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock if the Merger is not consummated in a timely fashion or at all;
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risks that we may be unable to successfully integrate SSI's business and personnel with our own; and
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risks that the expected benefits of the Merger may not be realized.
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)
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Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership
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Approximate Percentage of Beneficial Ownership (2)
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Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership After Issuance of Merger Shares
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Approximate Percentage of Beneficial Ownership after Issuance of Merger Shares (2)
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Directors and Executive Officers:
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Lagoa Investments (3)
c/o Phoenix Bulk Carriers (US) LLC 109 Long Wharf Newport, RI 02840 |
8,342,193
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17.79%
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8,342,193
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12.66%
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Gianni DelSignore*
109 Long Wharf Newport, RI 02840 |
362,062
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0.77%
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362,062
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0.55%
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Richard T. du Moulin*
52 Elm Avenue Larchmont, NY 10538 |
243,041
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0.52%
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243,041
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0.37%
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Mark L. Filanowski (4) *
109 Long Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
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405,683
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0.86%
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405,683
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0.62%
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Mads Rosenberg Boye Petersen *
109 Long Wharf Newport, RI 02840 |
650,550
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1.39%
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650,550
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0.99%
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Eric S. Rosenfeld
777 Third Ave, 37th Floor New York, NY 10017 |
599,617
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1.28%
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599,617
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0.91%
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David D. Sgro*
777 Third Ave, 37th Floor New York, NY 10017 |
324,583
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0.69%
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324,583
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0.49%
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Karen H. Beachy *
4579 Thorpe Ct Sparks, NV 89436 |
44,593
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0.10%
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44,593
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0.07%
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All Directors and Officers as a Group
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10,972,322
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23.39%
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10,972,322
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16.65%
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Five Percent Holders:
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Lagoa Investments
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8,342,193
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17.79%
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8,342,193
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12.66%
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Edward Coll and Julia Coll Irrevocable Trust for the benefit of Andrew Coll, James Coll and Aidan Coll
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4,802,070
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10.24%
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4,802,070
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7.29%
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BlackRock, Inc.(5) |
2,418,249 |
5.16% |
2,418,249 |
2,418,249 |
Strategic Shipping Inc.
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0.00%
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19,000,000
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28.83%
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(1) |
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is c/o Phoenix Bulk Carriers (US) LLC, 109 Long Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island 02840.
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(2) |
The beneficial ownership of the common shares by the shareholders set forth in the table is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rule, beneficial ownership includes any common shares as to which the shareholder has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any common shares that the shareholder has the right to acquire within 60 days. The percentage of beneficial ownership is calculated based on 46,902,091 issued and outstanding common shares. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all common shares beneficially owned by them.
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(3) |
Shares owned by Lagoa Investments. Mr. Boggild is the Managing Director of Lagoa Investments and solely for purposes of reporting beneficial ownership of such shares pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, Mr. Boggild may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares held by Lagoa Investments.
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(4) |
Shares owned by Mark Filanowski include 61,007 common shares held by his family members.
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(5) |
This information is derived solely from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on October 23, 2024.
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Dilution. As illustrated above, the issuance of the Merger Shares will substantially dilute the ownership percentage of our issued and outstanding common stock by our shareholders and their percentage interest in the voting power, liquidation value and book value of our common stock. Moreover, the approval of this proposal would not limit our ability to issue additional shares of our common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock) for capital-raising or other purposes in the future, subject to compliance with Nasdaq rules and other applicable laws or regulations. As a result, our shareholders could experience further dilution from such additional transactions we may pursue in the future.
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Market Effects. The issuance of the Merger Shares could affect trading patterns and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Additionally, sales in the public market of the Merger Shares, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and/or impair our ability to raise capital in future equity financings.
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Concentration of Ownership and Influence. As illustrated above, following the issuance of the Merger Shares, the ownership of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock will be further concentrated. Immediately following the issuance of the Merger Shares, SSI's ownership of our common stock is expected to represent the largest ownership position in our Company. As a result, SSI, and the shareholders representing other large ownership positions in our Company, acting alone or together, could be able to exert significant influence over matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and mergers, acquisitions or other extraordinary transactions. SSI and the other shareholders representing other large ownership positions in our Company may have interests that differ from ours or yours, and he or they may vote or otherwise act in ways with which you disagree and that may be adverse to your interests. In addition, the concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of our Company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares of common stock as part of a sale of our Company, or conversely, could facilitate a change of control at a time or under circumstances when you and other shareholders may prefer not to sell. Further, the concentration of ownership could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.
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The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024;
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The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed with the Commission on May 9, 2024, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2024, and for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024;
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The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 15, 2024, May 9, 2024, August 8, 2024, August 9, 2024, September 24, 2024, September 24, 2024, November 13, 2024, November 13, 2024; and
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The description of the Company's common stock contained in the Company's registration statement on Form 8-A filed on December 30, 2014 (File No. 001-36798) under the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
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PANGAEA LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS LTD.
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Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. Votes submitted electronically over the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [●], 2024.
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VOTE BY INTERNET
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www.cstproxyvote.com
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Use the Internet to vote your proxy.
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Have your proxy card available when you access the above website. Follow the prompts to vote your shares.
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VOTE BY MAIL
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Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.
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PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE PROXY CARD IF YOU ARE VOTING ELECTRONICALLY.
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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS
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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 1 and 2.
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For
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Against
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Abstain
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1. To approve the issuance of the Merger Shares in accordance with the shareholder approval requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635 (referred to as "Proposal 1")
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2. To adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting if necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to constitute a quorum or to approve Proposal 1 or Proposal 2, and to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the proxy statement is timely provided to the Company's shareholders (referred to as "Proposal 2")
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Signature
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Signature, if held jointly
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Date
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Note: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint owners, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate officer, please give title as such.
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ARTICLE I THE MERGER
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6
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1.1
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The Merger
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6
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1.2
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Effective Time of the Mergers; Closing
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6
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1.3
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Effect of the Merger
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6
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1.4
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Charter Documents
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6
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1.5
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Effect on Units
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7
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1.6
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Surrender and Payment
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7
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1.7
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Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action
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8
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1.8
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Ancillary Agreements
|
8
|
1.9
|
Voyages in Progress
|
8
|
1.10
|
Adjustment to Merger Consideration.
|
9
|
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING THE COMPANY
|
12
|
|
2.1
|
Organization and Qualification
|
13
|
2.2
|
Subsidiaries
|
13
|
2.3
|
Capitalization
|
14
|
2.4
|
Authority Relative to this Agreement
|
14
|
2.5
|
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents
|
15
|
2.6
|
Compliance
|
15
|
2.7
|
Disclosure Documents
|
16
|
2.8
|
Financial Statements
|
16
|
2.9
|
No Undisclosed Liabilities
|
16
|
2.10
|
Absence of Certain Changes or Events
|
17
|
2.11
|
Litigation
|
17
|
2.12
|
Benefit Plans
|
17
|
2.13
|
Labor Matters
|
17
|
2.14
|
Vessels; Property
|
18
|
2.15
|
Taxes
|
19
|
2.16
|
Environmental Matters
|
20
|
2.17
|
Brokers
|
21
|
2.18
|
Agreements, Contracts and Commitments
|
21
|
2.19
|
Insurance
|
22
|
2.20
|
Governmental Actions/Filings
|
23
|
2.21
|
Related Party Transactions
|
23
|
2.22
|
Indebtedness
|
23
|
2.23
|
No Other Representations or Warranties
|
23
|
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
|
24
|
|
3.1
|
Organization; Authority Relative to this Agreement
|
24
|
3.2
|
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents
|
24
|
3.3
|
Investment
|
25
|
3.4
|
Title to Units
|
26
|
3.5
|
Disclosure Documents
|
26
|
3.6
|
No Other Representations or Warranties
|
26
|
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
|
26
|
|
4.1
|
Organization and Qualification
|
26
|
4.2
|
Subsidiaries
|
27
|
4.3
|
Capitalization
|
27
|
4.4
|
Authority Relative to this Agreement
|
28
|
4.5
|
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents
|
29
|
4.6
|
Compliance
|
29
|
4.7
|
SEC Filings; Financial Statements
|
30
|
4.8
|
No Undisclosed Liabilities
|
31
|
4.9
|
Disclosure Documents
|
31
|
4.10
|
Absence of Certain Changes or Events
|
31
|
4.11
|
Litigation
|
31
|
4.12
|
Vessels; Property
|
32
|
4.13
|
Taxes
|
33
|
4.14
|
Environmental Matters
|
34
|
4.15
|
Brokers
|
34
|
4.16
|
Insurance
|
34
|
4.17
|
Governmental Actions/Filings
|
35
|
4.18
|
Related Party Transactions
|
35
|
4.19
|
Indebtedness.
|
35
|
4.20
|
Aging of Receivables
|
35
|
4.21
|
No Other Representations or Warranties
|
35
|
ARTICLE V CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME
|
35
|
|
5.1
|
Conduct of Business by the Company
|
35
|
5.2
|
Conduct of Business by Parent
|
38
|
5.3
|
Exclusivity
|
39
|
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
|
39
|
|
6.1
|
Public Announcements
|
39
|
6.2
|
Access; Inspection
|
39
|
6.3
|
Takeover Laws
|
40
|
6.4
|
Stock Exchange Listing
|
40
|
6.5
|
Commercially Reasonable Efforts
|
40
|
6.6
|
Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Liability Insurance
|
41
|
6.7
|
Regulatory Filings
|
41
|
6.8
|
SEC Filings
|
42
|
6.9
|
Shareholders' Meeting
|
43
|
6.10
|
Litigation; Company Vessel Incidents
|
44
|
6.11
|
Related Party Arrangements
|
45
|
6.12
|
Seller Guarantees
|
45
|
6.13
|
Employee Matters
|
45
|
6.14
|
Release of Claims
|
46
|
6.15
|
Drydocking and Survey Expenses
|
47
|
6.16
|
Transfer of Orders; Assumption of Other Obligations
|
47
|
ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS TO THE TRANSACTION
|
47
|
|
7.1
|
Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger
|
47
|
7.2
|
Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company and Seller
|
48
|
7.3
|
Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent
|
49
|
ARTICLE VIII TAX MATTERS
|
50
|
|
8.1
|
Transfer Taxes
|
50
|
8.2
|
Intended Tax Treatment
|
50
|
8.3
|
Cooperation
|
50
|
8.4
|
Withholding Rights
|
51
|
8.5
|
Coordination with Agreement
|
51
|
ARTICLE IX INDEMNIFICATION
|
51
|
|
9.1
|
Indemnification
|
51
|
ARTICLE X TERMINATION
|
55
|
|
10.1
|
Termination
|
55
|
10.2
|
Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination
|
55
|
10.3
|
Fees and Expenses
|
56
|
ARTICLE XI DEFINED TERMS
|
56
|
|
ARTICLE XII GENERAL PROVISIONS
|
66
|
|
12.1
|
Notices
|
66
|
12.2
|
Interpretation
|
67
|
12.3
|
Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures
|
68
|
12.4
|
Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries
|
68
|
12.5
|
Severability
|
68
|
12.6
|
Enforcement
|
69
|
12.7
|
Governing Law
|
69
|
12.8
|
Rules of Construction
|
69
|
12.9
|
Assignment
|
70
|
12.10
|
Amendment
|
70
|
12.11
|
Extension; Waiver
|
70
|
12.12
|
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
|
70
|
Exhibit A:
|
Reorganization
|
Exhibit B:
|
Accounting Principles
|
Exhibit C:
|
Illustrative Calculations of the Net VIP Amount, Company Adjusted NAV, Parent Adjusted NAV and Merger Consideration
|
Exhibit D:
|
Form of Investor and Registration Rights Agreement
|
Exhibit E:
|
Terms of Technical Management Agreement
|
|
• |
Renaissance Holdings LLC, a Marshall Islands limited liability company (the "Company");
|
|
• |
Strategic Shipping Inc., a Marshall Islands corporation ( "Seller");
|
|
• |
Pangaea Logistics Solutions Ltd., an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda ("Parent"); and
|
|
• |
Renaissance Merger Sub LLC, a Marshall Islands limited liability company and wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub").
|
|
1.5 |
Effect on Units. At the Effective Time:
|
|
1.6 |
Surrender and Payment.
|
|
1.10 |
Adjustment to Merger Consideration.
|
|
(i) |
if the Final Net Working Capital and Indebtedness Amount of Parent:
|
|
(ii) |
if the Final Net Working Capital and Indebtedness Amount of Seller:
|
|
(iii) |
if the Final Net VIP Amount:
|
|
2.1 |
Organization and Qualification.
|
|
2.2 |
Subsidiaries.
|
|
2.3 |
Capitalization.
|
|
2.5 |
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
|
|
2.6 |
Compliance.
|
|
2.8 |
Financial Statements.
|
|
2.14 |
Vessels; Property.
|
|
2.15 |
Taxes.
|
|
2.18 |
Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.
|
|
3.2 |
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
|
|
3.3 |
Investment.
|
|
4.1 |
Organization and Qualification.
|
|
4.2 |
Subsidiaries.
|
|
4.3 |
Capitalization.
|
|
4.5 |
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
|
|
4.6 |
Compliance.
|
|
4.7 |
SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
|
|
4.12 |
Vessels; Property.
|
|
4.13 |
Taxes.
|
|
(m) |
Enter into any material Contract outside the Ordinary Course;
|
|
(o) |
Defer any scheduled maintenance on any vessel;
|
|
(p) |
Settle any Proceeding;
|
|
(r) |
Make more than US$250,000 of capital expenditures, in the aggregate;
|
|
6.2 |
Access; Inspection.
|
|
6.5 |
Commercially Reasonable Efforts.
|
|
6.6 |
Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Liability Insurance.
|
|
6.7 |
Regulatory Filings.
|
|
6.8 |
SEC Filings.
|
|
6.10 |
Litigation; Company Vessel Incidents and Damages.
|
|
6.13 |
Employee Matters.
|
|
9.1 |
Indemnification.
|
|
10.1 |
Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
|
|
(a) |
by mutual written agreement of Parent and Seller at any time;
|
|
10.2 |
Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination.
|
Term
|
Section
|
A/R Schedule
|
1.10(b)
|
Agreement
|
Preamble
|
Alternative Proposal
|
5.3
|
Alternative Transaction
|
5.3
|
Approvals
|
2.1(b)
|
Bunker Hedges
|
2.14(g)
|
Certificate of Merger
|
1.2
|
Closing
|
1.2
|
Closing Date
|
1.2
|
Company
|
Preamble
|
Company Disclosure Information
|
2.7
|
Company Leased Vessels
|
2.14(a)
|
Company Owned Vessels
|
2.14(a)
|
Company Units
|
Recitals
|
Company Vessel Incident
|
2.14(c)
|
Company Vessels
|
2.14(a)
|
Confidentiality Agreement
|
6.2(a)
|
Continuing Employee
|
6.13(a)
|
Damages
|
9.1(b)
|
Dispute Accountants
|
1.10(f)
|
Disputed Items
|
1.10(f)
|
Effective Time
|
1.2
|
Environmental Law
|
2.16
|
ERISA
|
2.11(b)
|
Estimated Closing Statement
|
1.10(b)
|
Estimated Company Working Capital Amount
|
1.10(b)
|
Estimated Net VIP Amount
|
1.10(b)
|
Estimated Net VIP Closing Statement
|
1.10(b)
|
Estimated Net Working Capital and Indebtedness Amount
|
1.10(b)
|
Estimated Net Working Capital and Indebtedness Closing Statement
|
1.10(b)
|
Final Closing Statement
|
1.10(g)
|
Final Net VIP Amount
|
1.10(g)
|
Final Net Working Capital and Indebtedness Amount
|
1.10(g)
|
Financial Statements
|
2.8(a)
|
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
|
2.6(b)
|
Hazardous Materials
|
2.16
|
Indemnified Person
|
9.1(c)
|
Indemnified Persons
|
9.1(c)
|
Intended Tax Treatment
|
Recitals
|
Interim Closing Statement
|
1.10(d)
|
Investor and Registration Rights Agreement
|
1.8
|
Marshall Islands Registrar
|
1.2
|
Material Company Contracts
|
2.18(b)
|
Maximum Allowable Contribution
|
7.2(e)
|
Merger
|
Recitals
|
Merger Consideration Certificate
|
1.6(b)
|
Merger Sub
|
Preamble
|
MILLCA
|
1.1
|
Minimum Required Contribution
|
7.2(e)
|
Negative Parent NWC and Indebtedness Adjustment
|
1.10(h)(i)(y)
|
Negative Seller NWC and Indebtedness Adjustment
|
1.10(h)(ii)(y)
|
Net VIP Amount
|
1.9
|
Parent
|
Preamble
|
Parent Board
|
Recitals
|
Parent Closing Certificate
|
7.2(a)
|
Parent Disclosure Information
|
4.9
|
Parent Indemnified Persons
|
9.1(b)
|
Parent Leased Vessels
|
4.12(a)
|
Parent Owned Vessels
|
4.12(a)
|
Parent SEC Reports
|
4.7(a)
|
Parent Shareholder Approval
|
4.4
|
Parent Shareholders' Meeting
|
6.9
|
Parent Vessel Incident
|
4.12(c)
|
Parent Vessels
|
4.12(a)
|
Positive Parent Net VIP Amount Adjustment
|
1.10(h)(iii)(y)
|
Positive Parent NWC and Indebtedness Adjustment
|
1.10(h)(i)(x)
|
Positive Seller Net VIP Amount Adjustment
|
1.10(h)(iii)(x)
|
Positive Seller NWC and Indebtedness Adjustment
|
1.10(h)(ii)(x)
|
Pre-Closing Insurance Coverage
|
9.1(d)(i)
|
Pre-Closing Vessel Damages
|
6.10(d)
|
Proposed Employee
|
6.13(a)
|
Proxy Statement
|
6.8(a)
|
Purchase Orders
|
6.16
|
Reorganization
|
Recitals
|
Review Period
|
1.10(e)
|
Seller
|
Preamble
|
Seller Closing Certificate
|
7.3(a)
|
Seller Disclosure Information
|
3.5
|
Seller Guarantees
|
6.12
|
Seller Indemnified Persons
|
9.1(c)
|
Severance Retention Period
|
6.13(c)
|
Shareholder Proposal
|
6.9
|
Survival Date
|
9.1(a)
|
Surviving Company
|
1.1
|
Technical Management Agreement
|
1.8
|
Termination Date
|
10.1(b)
|
Third Party Claims
|
9.1(e)(i)
|
Transfer Taxes
|
8.1
|
|
12.6 |
Enforcement.
|
RENAISSANCE HOLDINGS LLC
|
||
By:
|
STRATEGIC SHIPPING INC.,
its Sole Member |
|
By:
|
/s/ Christina Tan
|
|
Name: Christina Tan
|
||
Title: Vice President
|
||
STRATEGIC SHIPPING INC.
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Christina Tan
|
|
Name: Christina Tan
|
||
Title: Vice President
|
||
PANGAEA LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS LTD.
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Mark Filanowski
|
|
Name: Mark Filanowski
|
||
Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
||
RENAISSANCE MERGER SUB LLC
|
||
By:
|
PANGAEA LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS LTD.,
as sole member and manager |
|
By:
|
/s/ Mark Filanowski
|
|
Name: Mark Filanowski
|
||
Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
|
1. |
Reviewed a draft, dated September 19, 2024, of the Merger Agreement;
|
|
2. |
Reviewed a draft, dated September 19, 2024 of the Investor and Registration Rights Agreement (the "Investor and Registration Rights Agreement" and together with the Merger Agreement, the "Agreements");
|
|
3. |
Reviewed the projections of Parent (the "Parent Projections") and the projections of the Company (the "Company Projections"), in each case, as prepared by Parent for our use in connection with our analysis;
|
|
4. |
Utilized the following analyses in connection with our review of the Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger Agreement:
|
•
|
Third party broker values provided by Parent and Seller;
|
•
|
Gross asset value ("GAV") and net asset value ("NAV") analysis based on desktop broker valuations from VesselsValue as per September 2024;
|
•
|
Implied valuation of Company assets based on Parent's current EV/GAV valuation trading multiples;
|
•
|
Peer group trading analysis using EV/EBITDA, EV/GAV and P/NAV multiples;
|
•
|
Precedent transactions analysis using EV/GAV multiples; and
|
•
|
Discounted cash flow analysis;
|
|
5. |
Reviewed established third-party resources for industry data (including DNB's equity research) on the dry bulk shipping market; and
|
|
6. |
Conferred with management of Parent with respect to the Parent Projections, the Company Projections, the business and prospects of each of Parent and the Company, and other matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Agreements.
|
/s/ Theodore S. Jadick, Jr.
|
|
Signed
|
|
Theodore S. Jadick, Jr.
|
|
Name
|
|
President
|
|
Position
|
|
September 19, 2024
|
|
Date
|
|
/s/ Jae Kwon
|
|
Signed
|
|
Jae Kwon
|
|
Name
|
|
Managing Director
|
|
Position
|
|
September 19, 2024
|
|
Date
|
|
1. |
Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
|
|
(a) |
any "Person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), is or becomes the "Beneficial Owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that for purposes of this clause (a) such Person shall be deemed to have "Beneficial Ownership" of all shares that any such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Common Shares; or
|
|
(b) |
the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person or the merger of another Person with or into the Company in each case which results in a Person or Persons other than the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sale owning more than 50% of the total voting power of the Company's equity securities, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (determined on a consolidated basis) to another Person; or
|
|
(c) |
any Person acquires more than 30% of the Common Shares.
|
|
2. |
Registration Rights. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:
|
|
3. |
Board of Directors Representation.
|
|
4. |
Pre-emptive Rights, Beneficial Ownership
|