abat424b520091002.htm
Prospectus
Supplement
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Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
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(to
Prospectus dated September 2, 2009)
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Registration
No. 333-161384
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Advanced
Battery Technologies, Inc.
4,592,145
shares of common stock
1,377,644
common stock purchase warrants
1,377,644
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants
Pursuant
to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we are offering
up to 5,969,789 shares of our common stock (including 1,377,644 shares issuable
upon exercise of the Warrants), par value $0.001 per share, and common stock
purchase warrants to purchase up to 1,377,644 shares of our common stock (the
“Warrants”). The Warrants have an initial exercise price of $4.70 per
share, and may be exercised at any time and from time to time on or after the
date of delivery of the Warrants through and including the fifth anniversary of
the closing date. The securities offered hereby will be issued as
units, with each unit consisting of one common share and one Warrant to purchase
0.3 shares of our common stock.
Our
common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading
symbol “ABAT.” On September 30, 2009 the last reported sale price for
our common stock was $4.34.
We have
retained Rodman & Renshaw, LLC as our exclusive placement agent to use its
best efforts to solicit offers to purchase our securities in this
offering. In addition to the placement agent’s fee below, we have
also agreed to issue the placement agent warrants to purchase up to an aggregate
of 229,608 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.17 per
share. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page S-8 of this
prospectus supplement for more information regarding these
arrangements.
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Per
Unit
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|
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Total
|
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Public
offering price of units
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|
$ |
4.137500 |
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|
$ |
19,000,001 |
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Placement
agent fees
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$ |
0.206875 |
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$ |
950,000 |
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Proceeds,
before expenses, to Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.
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|
$ |
3.930625 |
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$ |
18,050,001 |
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The
placement agent is not purchasing or selling any of our units pursuant to this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, nor are we requiring any
minimum purchase or sale of any specific number of units. Because
there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to the closing of
this offering, the actual public offering amount, placement agent fees and
proceeds to us are not presently determinable and may be substantially less than
the maximum amounts set forth above.
We expect
that delivery of the units being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement
will be made to purchasers on or about October 5, 2009.
Investing
in our securities involves a high degree of risk and the purchasers of the
securities may lose their entire investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning on
page S-3 to read about factors you should consider before buying our
securities.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The
date of this prospectus supplement is October 2, 2009
You
should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus, any related free writing prospectus issued by us (which
we refer to as a “company free
writing prospectus ”) and the documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or to which we have
referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement,
the accompanying prospectus and any related company free writing prospectus do
not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the
securities offered by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus
and any related company free writing prospectus in any jurisdiction to or from
any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation of an offer in such jurisdiction. You should not assume
that the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying
prospectus and any related company free writing prospectus or any document
incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the
front cover of the applicable document. Neither the delivery of this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related company free
writing prospectus nor any distribution of securities pursuant to this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the
information set forth or incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related company free writing
prospectus or in our affairs since the date of this prospectus supplement. Our
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have
changed since that date.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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Page
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Prospectus
supplement
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Summary
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S-1
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Risk
Factors
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S-3
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Use
of Proceeds
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S-7
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Dilution
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S-7
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Plan
of Distribution
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S-8
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Description
of Warrants
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S-9
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Incorporation
of Certain Documents by Reference
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S-12
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Where
You Can Find More Information
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S-13
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Legal
Matters
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S-13
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Accompanying
prospectus
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Summary
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4
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Risk
Factors
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5
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Where
You Can Find More Information
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5
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Incorporation
of Certain Information by Reference
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5
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Disclosure
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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6
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Financial
Ratios
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6
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Use
of Proceeds
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7
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Plan
of Distribution
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7
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Description
of Capital Stock
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9
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Description
of Debt Securities
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11
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Description
of Warrants
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20
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Description
of Units
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21
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Certain
Provisions of Delaware Law; the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws
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22
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Legal
Matters and Experts
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23
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ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This
document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus
supplement, which describes the terms of this offering and also adds to and
updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. The
second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information
about the shares of our common stock and other securities we may offer from time
to time under our shelf registration statement, some of which does not apply to
the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. To the extent
there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus
supplement and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any
document incorporated by reference therein, the information in this prospectus
supplement shall control.
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any
statements in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
information incorporated herein and therein by reference relating to future
financial or business performance, conditions or strategies and other financial
and business matters, including expectations regarding future revenues and
operating expenses, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the
context of the statement will include words such as “anticipates,” “believes,”
“continue,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,”
“potential,” “predicts” or “will,” the negative of these words or words of
similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans,
strategies, intentions, expectations, objectives, goals or prospects are also
forward-looking statements. We caution that these forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that can
change over time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ
materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements include
the risks and uncertainties, set forth herein under the caption “Risk Factors”
and those detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, which are available at http://www.sec.gov. Any
forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we
undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect
events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
SUMMARY
This
summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you
should consider before investing in the securities offered by this
prospectus. You should read this summary together with the entire
prospectus supplement and prospectus, including our financial statements, the
notes to those financial statements and the other documents that are
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, before making an
investment decision. See the Risk Factors section of this prospectus
supplement on page S-3 for a discussion of the risks involved in investing
in our securities.
Our
Business
Advanced
Battery Technologies, Inc., through its subsidiary Harbin ZhongQiang Power Tech
Co., Ltd., designs, manufactures and markets rechargeable polymer lithium-ion
(“PLI”) batteries. PLI batteries produce a relatively high average of
3.8 volts per cell, which makes them attractive in terms of both weight and
volume. Additionally, they can be manufactured in very thin
configurations and with large footprints. PLI cells can be configured
in almost any prismatic shape, and can be made thinner than 0.0195 inches (0.5
mm) to fill virtually any shape efficiently. Our products include
rechargeable PLI batteries for electric automobiles, motorcycles, mine-use
lamps, notebook computers, walkie-talkies and other electronic
devices.
In May
2009 Advanced Battery Technologies acquired 100% ownership of Wuxi ZhongQiang
Autocycle Co., Ltd, which develops and manufactures various types of electric
vehicles. Wuxi ZhongQiang owns three types of products listed in the E-Bike
directory, with more than 20 varieties: electric bikes; agricultural transport
vehicles for practical transportation; sport utility e-vehicles such as
scooters, off-road vehicles, go-karts, snow scooters, sea scooters, as well as
underwater propeller vehicles. Wuxi ZhongQiang products are exported to
countries and regions in Europe, the United States and Asia.
Our U.S.
offices are located at 15 West 39th Street, Suite 14A, New York, NY 10018;
telephone: 212-391-2752. Our executive offices and battery
manufacturing facilities are located at No. 1 Weiyou Road, Economic &
Technology Development Road, Shuangcheng, Heilongjiang 160100, The People’s
Republic of China; telephone: 86-451-5311-7055. We
maintain an Internet website at www.abat.com.cn. Information
contained in or accessible through our website does not constitute part of this
prospectus.
The
Offering
Common
stock offered by us
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4,592,145
shares
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Common
stock to be outstanding after this offering
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66,475,736
shares(1)
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Warrants
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Warrants
to purchase a total of 1,377,644shares of common stock at $4.70 per share
will be offered in this offering. The Warrants may be exercised
at any time and from time to time through and including the fifth
anniversary of the closing.
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This
prospectus supplement also relates to the offering of the 1,377,644 shares
of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
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Market
for the common stock and warrants
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Our
common stock is quoted and traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the
symbol “ABAT.” However, there is no established public trading
market for the units or Warrants, and we do not expect a market to
develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for listing the
Warrants on any securities exchange. The Warrants are not
attached to the common shares being offered as part of the
units.
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Risk
factors
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See
“Risk Factors” for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully
before deciding to invest in our common stock and warrants to purchase our
common stock.
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NASDAQ
Capital Market symbol for common stock
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ABAT
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(1)
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The
66,475,736 shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this
offering includes the 4,592,145 shares to be issued in this offering, but
excludes:
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1,377,644
shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of Warrants to be
issued in this offering, at an exercise price of $4.70 per
share;
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1,974,835
shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of five year
Warrants issued earlier in 2009, at an exercise price of $4.92 per
share;
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2,638,523
shares of our common stock issuable at an exercise price of $3.79 upon the
exercise of Warrants issued earlier in 2009, which expire on November 27,
2009;
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1,750,000
shares of our common stock issuable at an exercise price of $4.00 upon the
exercise of Warrants issued earlier in 2009, which expire on December 9,
2009;
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2,276,474
shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of five year
Warrants issued in 2008, at an exercise price of $5.51 per
share;
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131,927
shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding Series E 0% Preferred
Stock;
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380,000
shares of our common stock subject to outstanding employee incentive
options; and
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6,100,000
shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance pursuant to our
existing stock option plan
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RISK
FACTORS
Investing
in our common stock is risky. In addition to the other information in this
prospectus, you should consider carefully the following risk factors in
evaluating us and our business. If any of the events described in the
following risk factors were to occur, our business, financial condition or
results of operations likely would suffer. In that event, the trading
price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or a part of
your investment. See also the information contained under the heading
“Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above.
Risks
Attendant to our Business Operations.
We
may be unable to gain a substantial share of the market for
batteries.
Our
business operations are based on the marketing of rechargeable polymer
lithium-ion batteries, both on an OEM basis and as components of our scooters
and miner’s lamps. There are many companies, large and small,
involved in the market for rechargeable batteries. Some of our
existing and potential competitors have longer operating histories and
significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other
resources. It will be difficult for us to establish a reputation in
the market so that manufacturers chose to use our batteries rather than those of
our competitors. Unless we are able to expand our sales volume
significantly, we will not be able to improve the efficiency of our
operation.
Our
recent acquisition of Wuxi ZhongQiang may result in reduced
profitability.
In
May 2009 we acquired ownership of Wuxi ZhongQiang Autocycle Co., Ltd., a
manufacturer of motor scooters and other electric vehicles. Wuxi
ZhongQiang recorded substantial net losses in each of its past two fiscal
years: a net loss of $3,727,136 in the year ended December 31, 2008
and a net loss of $1,150,719 in the year ended December 31, 2007. In
the first three months of 2009, Wuxi ZhongQiang recorded a net loss of
$1,022,044. Unless we are able to develop Wuxi ZhongQiang into a
consistently profitable operation, it will have a negative effect on our
operating results. In addition, the effort to integrate Wuxi
ZhongQiang into our overall operations may distract management from our core
battery business, which could result in reduced growth in that
business. Finally, consideration must be given to the fact that Wuxi
ZhongQiang was one of our largest customers prior to the acquisition, but our
reported revenue after the acquisition will no longer include sales to Wuxi
ZhongQiang.
Our
business and growth will suffer if we are unable to hire and retain key
personnel that are in high demand.
Our
future success depends on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled
engineers, technical, marketing and customer service personnel, especially
qualified personnel for our operations in China. Qualified individuals are in
high demand in China, and there are insufficient experienced personnel to fill
the demand. Therefore we may not be able to successfully attract or
retain the personnel we need to succeed.
We
may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could
cause us to be less competitive.
We are
continuously designing and developing new technology. We rely on a combination
of copyright and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our
intellectual property rights. Unauthorized use of our technology could damage
our ability to compete effectively. In China, monitoring unauthorized
use of our products is difficult and costly. In addition,
intellectual property law in China is less developed than in the United States
and historically China has not protected intellectual property to the same
extent as it is protected in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. Any
resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights could result in
substantial costs and diversion of our resources, and might be
unsuccessful.
We
may have difficulty establishing adequate management and financial controls in
China and in complying with U.S. corporate governance and accounting
requirements.
The
People’s Republic of China has only recently begun to adopt the management and
financial reporting concepts and practices that investors in the United States
are familiar with. We may have difficulty in hiring and retaining
employees in China who have the experience necessary to implement the kind of
management and financial controls that are expected of a United States public
company. If we cannot establish such controls, we may experience
difficulty in collecting financial data and preparing financial statements,
books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that
meet U.S. standards.
We are
also subject to the rules and regulations of the United States, including the
SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ
Stock Market. We expect to incur significant costs associated with
our public company reporting requirements, costs associated with applicable
corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the SEC and
requirements in connection with the continued listing of our common stock on the
NASDAQ Stock Market. If we cannot assess our internal control over financial
reporting as effective, or our independent registered public accountants are
unable to provide an unqualified attestation report on such assessment, investor
confidence and share value may be negatively impacted.
Since
most of our assets are located in China, any dividends or proceeds from
liquidation are subject to the approval of the relevant Chinese government
agencies.
Our
assets are predominantly located inside China. Under the laws governing
Foreign-invested Entities in China, dividend distribution and liquidation are
allowed but subject to special procedures under the relevant laws and rules. Any
dividend payment will be subject to the decision of the board of directors and
subject to foreign exchange rules governing such repatriation. Any liquidation
is subject to both the relevant government agency’s approval and supervision as
well the foreign exchange control. This may generate additional risk for our
investors in case of dividend payment or liquidation.
We have limited business insurance
coverage.
The
insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance
companies in China offer limited business insurance products, and do not, to our
knowledge, offer business liability insurance. As a result, we do not have any
business liability insurance coverage for our operations. Moreover, while
business disruption insurance is available, we have determined that the risks of
disruption and cost of the insurance are such that we do not require it at this
time. Any business disruption, litigation or natural disaster might result in
substantial costs and diversion of our resources.
Our
operations are international, and we are subject to significant political,
economic, legal and other uncertainties (including, but not limited to, trade
barriers and taxes that may have an adverse effect on our business and
operations.
We
manufacture all of our products in China and substantially all of the net book
value of our total fixed assets is located there. However, we sell our products
to customers outside of China as well as domestically. As a result, we may
experience barriers to conducting business and trade in our targeted markets in
the form of delayed customs clearances, customs duties and tariffs. In addition,
we may be subject to repatriation taxes levied upon the exchange of income from
local currency into foreign currency, as well as substantial taxes of profits,
revenues, assets or payroll, as well as value-added tax. The markets in which we
plan to operate may impose onerous and unpredictable duties, tariffs and taxes
on our business and products. Any of these barriers and taxes could
have an adverse effect on our finances and operations.
Environmental
compliance and remediation could result in substantially increased capital
requirements and operating costs.
Our
operating subsidiaries, ZQ Power-Tech and Wuxi ZhongQiang, are subject to
numerous Chinese provincial and local laws and regulations relating to the
protection of the environment. These laws continue to evolve and are becoming
increasingly stringent. The ultimate impact of complying with such laws and
regulations is not always clearly known or determinable because regulations
under some of these laws have not yet been promulgated or are undergoing
revision. Our consolidated business and operating results could be materially
and adversely affected if ZQ Power-Tech or Wuxi ZhongQiang were required to
increase expenditures to comply with any new environmental regulations affecting
its operations.
We
may be required to raise additional financing by issuing new securities with
terms or rights superior to those of our shares of common stock, which could
adversely affect the market price of our shares of common
stock.
We may
require additional financing to fund future operations, develop and exploit
existing and new products and to expand into new markets. We may not be able to
obtain financing on favorable terms, if at all. If we raise additional funds by
issuing equity securities, the percentage ownership of our current shareholders
will be reduced, and the holders of the new equity securities may have rights
superior to those of the holders of shares of common stock, which could
adversely affect the market price and the voting power of shares of our common
stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, the holders of
these debt securities would similarly have some rights senior to those of the
holders of shares of common stock, and the terms of these debt securities could
impose restrictions on operations and create a significant interest expense for
us.
The
NASDAQ Capital Market may delist our common stock from trading on its exchange,
which could limit investors’ ability to effect transactions in our common stock
and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
Our
common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. We cannot assure you that
our common stock will continue to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market in the
future. If the NASDAQ Capital Market delists our common stock from
trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences
including:
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a
limited availability of market quotations for our common
stock;
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a
limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company;
and
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a
decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional
financing in the future.
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We do not intend to pay any cash
dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, therefore, any
return on your investment in our common stock must come from increases in the
fair market value and trading price of our common stock.
We have
never paid a cash dividend on our common stock. We do not intend to
pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, therefore,
any return on your investment in our common stock must come from increases in
the fair market value and trading price of our common stock.
Our
international operations require us to comply with a number of U.S. and
international regulations.
We need
to comply with a number of international regulations in countries outside of the
United States. In addition, we must comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act, or FCPA, which prohibits U.S. companies or their agents and employees from
providing anything of value to a foreign official for the purposes of
influencing any act or decision of these individuals in their official capacity
to help obtain or retain business, direct business to any person or corporate
entity or obtain any unfair advantage. Any failure by us to adopt appropriate
compliance procedures and ensure that our employees and agents comply with the
FCPA and applicable laws and regulations in foreign jurisdictions could result
in substantial penalties or restrictions on our ability to conduct business in
certain foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Department of The Treasury’s Office of
Foreign Asset Control, or OFAC, administers and enforces economic and trade
sanctions against targeted foreign countries, entities and individuals based on
U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. As a result, we are restricted
from entering into transactions with certain targeted foreign countries,
entities and individuals except as permitted by OFAC which may reduce our future
growth.
All
of our assets are located in China and changes in the political and economic
policies of the PRC government could have a significant impact upon what
business we may be able to conduct in the PRC and accordingly on the results of
our operations and financial condition.
Our
business operations may be adversely affected by the current and future
political environment in the PRC. The Chinese government exerts substantial
influence and control over the manner in which we must conduct our business
activities. Our ability to operate in China may be adversely affected by changes
in Chinese laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import
and export tariffs, raw materials, environmental regulations, land use rights,
property and other matters. Under the current government leadership, the
government of the PRC has been pursuing economic reform policies that encourage
private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. There is no
assurance, however, that the government of the PRC will continue to pursue these
policies, or that it will not significantly alter these policies from time to
time without notice.
Our
operations are subject to PRC laws and regulations that are sometimes vague and
uncertain. Any changes in such PRC laws and regulations, or the interpretations
thereof, may have a material and adverse effect on our business.
Our
principal operating subsidiary, ZQ Power-Tech, is considered a foreign invested
enterprise under PRC laws, and as a result is required to comply with PRC laws
and regulations. Unlike the common law system prevalent in the United States,
decided legal cases have little value as precedent in China. There are
substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC
laws and regulations, including but not limited to the laws and regulations
governing our business and the enforcement and performance of our arrangements
with customers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, death,
bankruptcy or criminal proceedings. The Chinese government has been developing a
comprehensive system of commercial laws. However, because these laws and
regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published
cases and judicial interpretation and their lack of force as precedents,
interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve significant
uncertainties. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future
businesses may also be applied retroactively. We cannot predict what effect the
interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our
businesses. If the relevant authorities find us in violation of PRC laws or
regulations, they would have broad discretion in dealing with such a
violation.
The
scope of our business license in China is limited, and we may not expand or
continue our business without government approval and renewal,
respectively.
Our
principal operating subsidiary, ZQ Power-Tech, is a wholly foreign-owned
enterprise organized under PRC law, commonly known as a WFOE. A WFOE can only
conduct business within its approved business scope, which ultimately appears on
its business license. In order for us to expand our business beyond the scope of
our license, we will be required to enter into a negotiation with the
authorities for the approval to expand the scope of our business. We cannot
assure you that ZQ Power-Tech will be able to obtain the necessary government
approval for any change or expansion of our business scope.
Our
business development, future performance, strategic plans, and other objectives
would be hindered if we lost the services of our Chairman.
Fu Zhiguo
is the Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Battery Technologies and of our
operating subsidiaries, ZQ Power-Tech and Wuxi ZhongQiang. Mr. Fu is
responsible for strategizing not only our business plan but also the means of
financing it. If Mr. Fu were
to leave Advanced Battery Technologies or become unable to fulfill his
responsibilities, our business would be imperiled. At the very least,
there would be a delay in the development of Advanced Battery Technologies until
a suitable replacement for Mr. Fu could be retained.
Risks
Attendant to this Offering
As
a new investor, you will incur substantial dilution as a result of this offering
and future equity issuances, and as a result, our stock price could
decline.
The
offering price is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per
share of our outstanding common stock. As a result, based on our
capitalization as of June 30, 2009, investors purchasing common stock in this
offering will incur immediate dilution of $2.28 per share of common stock
purchased, based on the offering price of $4.1375 per share, without giving
effect to the potential exercise of warrants offered by this prospectus
supplement. In addition to this offering, subject to market
conditions and other factors, it is likely that we will pursue additional
financings in the future, as we continue to build our business. In
future years, we will likely need to raise significant additional capital to
finance our operations and fund acquisitions and to fund the development,
manufacture and marketing of other products. Accordingly, we may
conduct substantial future offerings of equity or debt
securities. The exercise of outstanding options and warrants and
future equity issuances, including future public offerings or future private
placements of equity securities and any additional shares issued in connection
with acquisitions, will result in dilution to investors. In addition,
the market price of our common stock could fall as a result of resales of any of
these shares of common stock due to an increased number of shares available for
sale in the market.
There
is no public market for the Warrants to purchase common stock to be
issued in this offering.
There is
no established public trading market for the Warrants being sold in this
offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we
do not intend to apply for listing the Warrants on any securities
exchange. Without an active market, the liquidity of the warrants
will be limited.
Our
use of the offering proceeds may not yield a favorable return on your
investment.
We
currently intend to use the net proceeds received from the sale of the
securities for further development of existing product lines and other general
corporate purposes. Our management has broad discretion over how
these proceeds are used and could spend the proceeds in ways with which you may
not agree. Pending the use of the proceeds in this offering, we will
invest them. However, the proceeds may not be invested in a manner
that yields a favorable or any return.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to us
from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus will be approximately $18,000,000, after deducting the
placement agent’s fees (excluding costs of Warrants issued to the placement
agent) and estimated offering expenses and assuming that we will sell the
maximum number of units offered hereby. In addition, if all of the Warrants
offered by this prospectus supplement are exercised in full for cash (excluding
the warrants issued to the placement agent), we will receive, after deducting
placement agent fees, net proceeds of approximately an additional
$6,151,000.
There can be no assurance we will sell
any or all of the securities offered hereby, or that any Warrants offered hereby
that are sold will be exercised. Because there is no minimum offering
amount required as a condition to closing this offering, we may sell less than
all of the securities offered hereby, which may significantly reduce the amount
of proceeds received by us.
We intend
to use the net proceeds received from the sale of the securities for further
development of our existing product lines and other general corporate
purposes. We cannot estimate precisely the allocation of the net
proceeds from this offering. The amounts and timing of the
expenditures may vary significantly, depending on numerous
factors. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in
the application of the net proceeds of this offering. We reserve the
right to change the use of proceeds as a result of certain contingencies such as
competitive developments, opportunities to acquire technologies or products and
other factors. Pending the uses described above, we plan to invest
the net proceeds of this offering in short- and medium-term, interest bearing
obligations.
DILUTION
If you
purchase our common stock in this offering (either as a component of units or
upon warrant exercise), your interest will be diluted to the extent of the
difference between the public offering price per share and the net tangible book
value per share of our common stock after this offering. We calculate
net tangible book value per share by dividing the net tangible book value,
tangible assets less total liabilities, by the number of outstanding shares of
our common stock.
Our net
tangible book value at June 30, 2009, was $97.4 million, or $1.68 per share,
based on 57,821,577 shares of our common stock outstanding as of that
date. After giving effect to the sale of 4,592,145 shares of common
stock by us at a public offering price of $4.1375 per share, less the placement
agency fees, our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2009 would have been
approximately $115.4 million, or $1.85 per share. This represents an
immediate increase in the net tangible book value of approximately $0.17 per
share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $2.28 per share to
investors in this offering. The following table illustrates this per
share dilution:
Public
offering price per share
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.1375 |
|
Net
tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2009
|
|
$ |
1.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
in net tangible book value attributable to this offering
|
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net tangible book value as of June 30, 2009 after giving effect to this
offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.85 |
|
Dilution
per share to new investors
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.28 |
|
The
foregoing per share dilution does not give effect to the potential exercise of
the Warrants offered hereby or to capital events that have occurred after June
30, 2009 other than this offering, such as the conversion of preferred stock
into common stock.
If all of
the units offered hereby are sold and all of the Warrants within such units are
exercised, the per share dilution would be as follows:
Our net
tangible book value at June 30, 2009, was $97.4 million, or $1.68 per share,
based on 57,821,577 shares of our common stock outstanding as of that
date. After giving effect to the sale of 5,969,789 shares of common
stock (inclusive of 1,377,644 shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants) by
us at a blended public offering price of $4.27 per share, less the placement
agency fees, our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2009, would have been
approximately $121.5 million, or $1.91 per share. This represents an
immediate increase in the net tangible book value of approximately $0.23 per
share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $2.36 per share to
investors in this offering. The following table illustrates this per
share dilution:
Public
offering price per share
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.27 |
|
Net
tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2009
|
|
$ |
1.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
Increase
in net tangible book value attributable to this offering
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
net tangible book value as of June 30, 2009 after giving effect to this
offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.91 |
|
Dilution
per share to new investors
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.36 |
|
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
Pursuant
to a placement agency agreement dated September 23, 2009, we have engaged Rodman
& Renshaw, LLC to act as our exclusive placement agent in connection with an
offering of our shares of common stock and warrants pursuant to this prospectus
supplement and accompanying prospectus. Under the terms of the
placement agency agreement, the placement agent has agreed to be our exclusive
placement agent, on a best efforts basis, in connection with the issuance and
sale by us of our shares of common stock and warrants in a proposed takedown
from our shelf registration statement. The terms of any such offering
will be subject to market conditions and negotiations between us, the placement
agent and prospective purchasers. The placement agency agreement
provides that the obligations of the placement agent is subject to certain
conditions precedent, including the absence of any material adverse change in
our business and the receipt of certain certificates, opinions and letters from
us and our counsel. The placement agency agreement does not give rise
to any commitment by the placement agent to purchase any of our shares of common
stock and warrants, and the placement agent will have no authority to bind us by
virtue of the placement agency agreement. Further, the placement
agent does not guarantee that it will be able to raise new capital in any
prospective offering.
We will
enter into securities purchase agreements directly with investors in connection
with this offering, and we will only sell to investors who have entered into
securities purchase agreements.
We will
deliver the shares of common stock being issued to the purchasers electronically
upon receipt of purchaser funds for the purchase of the shares of our common
stock and warrants offered pursuant to this prospectus
supplement. The warrants will be issued in registered physical
form. We expect to deliver the shares of our common stock and
warrants being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement on or about
October 5, 2009.
We have
agreed to pay the placement agent a total cash fee equal to 5% of the gross
proceeds of this offering and from the exercise of the Warrants. In
addition, we agreed to issue compensation warrants to the placement agent to
purchase 229,608 shares of our common stock. The compensation
warrants will be substantially on the same terms as the warrants offered hereby,
except that the compensation warrants will have an exercise price equal to
U.S.$5.17 (125% of the per unit purchase price to investors), will expire on
October 2, 2014 (five years from the date of this prospectus supplement) and
will otherwise comply with Rule 5110 of the Financial Institutions Regulatory
Authority (“FINRA”) in that for a period of six months after the issuance date
of the compensation warrants (which shall not be earlier than the closing date
of the offering pursuant to which the compensation warrants are being issued),
neither the compensation warrants nor any warrant shares issued upon exercise of
the compensation warrants shall be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or
hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or
call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the
securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the date
of effectiveness or commencement of sales of the offering pursuant to which the
compensation warrants are being issued, except the transfer of any
security:
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by
operation of law or by reason of reorganization of the
Company;
|
|
|
to
any FINRA member firm participating in this offering and the officers or
partners thereof, if all securities so transferred remain subject to the
lock-up restriction described above for the remainder of the time
period;
|
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|
if
the aggregate amount of securities of the Company held by the placement
agent or related person do not exceed 1% of the securities being
offered;
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that
is beneficially owned on a pro-rata basis by all equity owners of an
investment fund, provided that no participating member manages or
otherwise directs investments by the fund, and participating members in
the aggregate do not own more than 10% of the equity in the fund;
or
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the
exercise or conversion of any security, if all securities received remain
subject to the lock-up restriction set forth above for the remainder of
the time period.
|
In
compliance with the guidelines of FINRA, the maximum consideration or discount
to be received by the placement agent or any other FINRA member may not exceed
8% of the gross proceeds to us in this offering or any other offering in the
United States pursuant to the Prospectus.
We will
also reimburse the placement agent for certain expenses incurred by it in
connection with this offering, provided that the maximum reimbursable amount
will be $100,000.
We have
agreed to indemnify the placement agent and specified other persons against some
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), and to contribute to payments that the placement
agent may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.
The
placement agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by it and
any profit realized on the resale of the units sold by it while acting as
principal might be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the
Securities Act. As an underwriter, the placement agent would be
required to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act, including, without limitation, Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act and
Rule 10b-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act. These rules and
regulations may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of common
stock and warrants by the placement agent acting as principal. Under
these rules and regulations, the placement agent:
|
|
may
not engage in any stabilization activity in connection with our
securities; and
|
|
|
may
not bid for or purchase any of our securities or attempt to induce any
person to purchase any of our securities, other than as permitted under
the Exchange Act, until it has completed its participation in the
distribution.
|
DESCRIPTION
OF WARRANTS
The
material terms and provisions of the warrants being offered pursuant to this
prospectus supplement are summarized below. The form of warrant will
be provided to each purchaser in this offering and will be filed as an exhibit
to a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC in connection with this
offering.
General
Terms of the Warrants
The
1,377,644 Warrants to be issued in this offering represent the rights to
purchase up to 1,377,644 shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of
$4.70 per share. Each Warrant may be exercised at any time and from
time to time on or after the date of delivery of the Warrants through and
including the fifth anniversary of the closing date.
Exercise
Holders
of the Warrants may exercise their Warrants to purchase shares of our common
stock on or before the termination date by delivering (i) notice of
exercise, appropriately completed and duly signed, and (ii) if such holder is
not utilizing the cashless exercise provisions with respect to the Warrants,
payment of the exercise price for the number of shares with respect to which the
Warrant is being exercised. Warrants may be exercised in whole or in
part, but only for full shares of common stock. Any portion of a
Warrant that is not exercised prior to its expiration date shall automatically
be exercised on such expiration date by means of cashless
exercise. We provide certain rescission and buy-in rights to a holder
if we fail to deliver the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants by the
third trading day after the date on which delivery of the stock certificate is
required by the Warrant. With respect to the rescission rights, the
holder has the right to rescind the exercise if stock certificates are not
timely delivered. The buy-in rights apply if after the third trading
day on which delivery of the stock certificate is required by the Warrant, the
holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) shares of our
common stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the holder of the Warrant
shares that the holder anticipated receiving from us upon exercise of the
Warrant. In this event, we will:
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|
pay
in cash to the holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the holder’s total
purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of
common stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying
(1) the number of warrant shares that we are required to deliver to the
holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at
which the sell order giving rise to holder’s purchase obligation was
executed; and
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at
the election of holder, either (A) reinstate the portion of the Warrant
and equivalent number of warrant shares for which such exercise was not
honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or (B)
deliver to the holder the number of shares of common stock that would have
been issued had we timely complied with its exercise and delivery
obligations hereunder.
|
In
addition, the Warrant holders are entitled to a “cashless exercise” option if,
at any time of exercise, there is no effective registration statement
registering, or no current prospectus available for, the issuance or resale of
the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants. This option entitles the
Warrant holders to elect to receive fewer shares of common stock without paying
the cash exercise price. The number of shares to be issued would be
determined by a formula based on the total number of shares with respect to
which the Warrant is being exercised, the volume weighted average of the prices
per share of our common stock on the trading date immediately prior to the date
of exercise and the applicable cashless exercise price of the
Warrants.
The
shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the Warrants will be, when issued
and paid for in accordance with the Warrants, duly and validly authorized,
issued and fully paid and non-assessable. We will reserve from our
authorized and unissued common stock a sufficient number of shares to provide
for the issuance of the warrant shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights
under this Warrant.
Fundamental
Transactions
If, at
any time while the Warrants are outstanding, we (1) directly or indirectly, in
one or more related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into another
person, (2) sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose
of all or substantially all of our assets or (3) are subject to or complete any
direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer pursuant to
which holders of our common stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange
their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the
holders of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock, (4) directly or
indirectly, in one or more related transactions, effect any reclassification,
reorganization or recapitalization of our common stock or any compulsory share
exchange pursuant to which our common stock is effectively converted into or
exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (5) directly or indirectly
engage in one or more related transactions that consummates a stock
or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without
limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of
arrangement) with another person whereby such other person acquires more than
50% of the outstanding shares of common stock (not including any shares of
common stock held by the other person or other persons making or party to, or
associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock
or share purchase agreement or other business combination), then the holder
shall have the right thereafter to receive, upon exercise of the Warrant, the
same amount and kind of securities, cash or property as it would have been
entitled to receive upon the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction if it
had been, immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction, the holder of the
number of Warrant shares then issuable upon exercise of the Warrant, and any
additional consideration payable as part of the Fundamental Transaction. Any
successor to us or surviving entity shall assume the obligations under the
Warrant.
In the
event of certain Fundamental Transactions, the holders of the Warrants will be
entitled to receive, in lieu of our common stock and at the holders’ option,
cash in an amount equal to the value of the remaining unexercised portion of the
Warrant on the date of the transaction determined using Black-Scholes option
pricing model obtained from the "OV" function on Bloomberg, L.P. with an
expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100 day volatility
obtained from the HVT by Bloomberg L.P. as of the trading day immediately prior
to the public announcement of the transaction.
Subsequent
Rights Offerings
If, at
any time while the Warrants are outstanding, we issue rights, options or
warrants to all holders of our common stock entitling them to purchase our
common stock at a price per share less than the volume weighted average price on
the date of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants, then the exercise
price will adjust pursuant to a volume weighted average price based
ratio.
Pro
Rata Distributions
If, at
any time while the Warrants are outstanding, we distribute evidences of our
indebtedness, assets, or rights or warrants to purchase any security other than
our common stock to all holders of our common stock, then the exercise price
will adjust pursuant to a volume weighted average price based
ratio.
Certain
Adjustments
The
exercise price and the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the
exercise of the Warrants are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
specific events, including stock dividends, stock splits, combinations and
reclassifications of our common stock. In addition, if we enter into
any variable rate transactions (other than either one as part of an acquisition
or strategic transaction), the exercise price shall be reduced to the lowest
possible conversion or exercise price at which such securities in the variable
rate transaction may be converted or exercised.
Delivery of
Certificates
Upon the
holder’s exercise of a Warrant, we will promptly, but in no event later than
three trading days after the exercise date (the “Warrant Share
Delivery Date”), issue and deliver, or cause to be issued and delivered, a
certificate for the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the
Warrant. In addition, we will, if the holder provides the necessary
information to us, issue and deliver the shares electronically through The
Depository Trust Corporation through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission
System (DWAC) or another established clearing corporation performing similar
functions. If we fail to deliver certificates evidencing the
Warrant Shares by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, we are required to pay to the
holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of
Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock
on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day
(increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such
liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant
Share Delivery Date until such certificates are delivered or the holder rescinds
such exercise.
Notice
of Corporate Action
We will
provide notice to holders of the warrants to provide them with the opportunity
to exercise their warrants and hold common stock in order to participate in or
vote on the following corporate events:
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if
we shall take a record of the holders of our common stock for the purpose
of entitling them to receive a dividend or other distribution, or any
right to subscribe for or purchase any shares of stock of any class or any
other right;
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|
any
capital reorganization of our company, any reclassification or
recapitalization of our capital stock or any consolidation or merger with,
or any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of
our property, assets or business to, another corporation;
or
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|
|
a
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our
company.
|
Limitations
on Exercise
The
number of Warrant shares that may be acquired by any holder upon any exercise of
the Warrant shall be limited to the extent necessary to insure that, following
such exercise (or other issuance), the total number of shares of common stock
then beneficially owned by such holder and its affiliates and any other persons
whose beneficial ownership of common stock would be aggregated with the holder’s
for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, does not exceed 4.99% of the
total number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock (including for
such purpose the shares of common stock issuable upon such exercise), or
beneficial ownership limitation. The holder may elect to change this
beneficial ownership limitation from 4.99% to 9.99% of the total number of
issued and outstanding shares of common stock (including for such purpose the
shares of common stock issuable upon such exercise) upon 61 days’ prior written
notice.
Additional
Provisions
The above
summary of certain terms and provisions of the Warrants is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the detailed provisions of the Warrants, the form of
which will be filed as an exhibit to a current report on Form 8-K that is
incorporated herein by reference. We are not required to issue
fractional shares upon the exercise of the Warrants. No holders of
the Warrants will possess any rights as a stockholder under those Warrants until
the holder exercises those Warrants. The Warrants may be transferred independent
of the common stock they were issued with, on a form of assignment, subject to
all applicable laws.
INCORPORATION
OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC
allows us to incorporate by reference the information that we file with the SEC,
which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you
to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this prospectus supplement. These documents
may include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy
Statements.
This
prospectus supplement incorporates by reference the documents listed below that
we previously have filed with the SEC and any additional documents that we may
file with the SEC (File No. 0-24469) under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the
termination of the offering of the securities. These documents
contain important information about us.
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the
description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on
Form 8-A/A (Amendment No. 1) filed with the SEC on February 25, 2008,
including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating
this description;
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our
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the year ended
December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on April 24,
2009;
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our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 filed
with the SEC on May 11, 2009 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on August 11, 2009;
and
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our
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2009, April 2,
2009, April 30, 2009, May 4, 2009 (as amended on July 20, 2009), May 28,
2009, June 3, 2009, June 15, 2009, June 23, 2009 (as amended on June 25,
2009), June 26, 2009, July 6, 2009 and October 1,
2009.
|
We are not, however, incorporating by
reference any documents, or portions of documents that are not deemed “filed”
with the SEC.
You can obtain a copy of any or
all of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than an
exhibit to a document unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by
reference into that document) from the SEC on its web site at http://www.sec.gov. You
may obtain a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or by telephone us at
the following address or telephone number:
Advanced
Battery Technologies, Inc.
15 West
39th
Street, Suite 14A
New York,
NY 10018
212-391-2752
Attn: Dan
Chang
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are
subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and file annual,
quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy any reports, proxy statements and other
information we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference room. You may also access
filed documents at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
We are
incorporating by reference some information about us that we file with the
SEC. We are disclosing important information to you by referencing
those filed documents. Any information that we reference this way is
considered part of this prospectus. The information in this
prospectus supplement supersedes statements made in the accompanying prospectus
and information incorporated by reference that we have filed with the SEC prior
to the date of this prospectus supplement, while information that we file with
the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement that is incorporated by
reference will automatically update and supersede this information.
LEGAL
MATTERS
The
validity of the securities offered hereby has been passed upon for us by Robert
Brantl, Esq., Irvington, New York.
PROSPECTUS
Advanced
Battery Technologies, Inc.
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Debt
Securities
Warrants
We may offer and sell any combination
of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, either individually
or in units, with a total value of up to $130,000,000.
This prospectus provides a general
description of securities we may offer and sell from time to time. Each time we
sell those securities, we will provide their specific terms in a supplement to
this prospectus. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change
information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and
the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in any
securities. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities
unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may offer and sell these securities,
from time to time, to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents,
or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis, at prices and on
other terms to be determined at the time of offering. If we use agents,
underwriters or dealers to sell the securities, we will name them and describe
their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is currently traded on
the NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol “ABAT.” On August
31, 2009 the last reported sale price for our common stock was
$4.03.
Purchase of our common stock involves
substantial risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our
securities, please review the section entitled “Risk Factors,” which appears on
page 5 of this prospectus, and the section entitled “Risk Factors,” which begins
on page 6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 24, 2009.
Neither the Securities and Exchange
Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of
these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The
date of this prospectus is September 2, 2009
You should rely only on the
information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have
not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that
contained in this prospectus. We are not making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The
information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this
prospectus.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
Page
|
Summary
|
4
|
Risk
Factors
|
5
|
Where
You Can Find More Information
|
5
|
Incorporation
of Certain Information by Reference
|
5
|
Disclosure
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
|
6
|
Financial
Ratios
|
6
|
Use
of Proceeds
|
7
|
Plan
of Distribution
|
7
|
Description
of Capital Stock
|
9
|
Description
of Debt Securities
|
11
|
Description
of Warrants
|
20
|
Description
of Units
|
21
|
Certain
Provisions of Delaware Law; the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws
|
22
|
Legal
Matters
|
23
|
Experts
|
23
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ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a
registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “Commission”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf
registration process, from time to time, we may sell any combination of the
securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings, up to a total
dollar amount of $130,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a
general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities
under this shelf registration process, we will provide a prospectus supplement
that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. We may
also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement any of the information
contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the
information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you
should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement; provided that, if
any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in
another document having a later date — for example, a document incorporated by
reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement — the statement in the
document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. You
should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with
additional information described under the next heading “Where You Can Find More
Information.”
We
have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information
or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement. You
must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus
supplement. This prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus
do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any
securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do
this prospectus and the accompanying supplement to this prospectus constitute an
offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information
contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is
accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front cover of this
document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on
any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even
though this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is delivered
or securities sold on a later date.
THIS PROSPECTUS
MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER AND SELL SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
SUMMARY
The Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “SEC”) allows us to incorporate by reference certain information contained
in the documents that we file with the SEC. This means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to
be part of this prospectus. The information that we file later with
the SEC will automatically update this information. You should read
this entire prospectus as well as the other information and documents
incorporated into this prospectus by reference, including our financial
statements and related notes.
As used in this prospectus, the terms
“we,” “our” and “us” refers to Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
Advanced
Battery Technologies, Inc.
Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.,
through its subsidiary Harbin ZhongQiang Power Tech Co., Ltd., designs,
manufactures and markets rechargeable polymer lithium-ion (“PLI”)
batteries. PLI batteries produce a relatively high average of 3.8
volts per cell, which makes them attractive in terms of both weight and
volume. Additionally, they can be manufactured in very thin
configurations and with large footprints. PLI cells can be configured
in almost any prismatic shape, and can be made thinner than 0.0195 inches (0.5
mm) to fill virtually any shape efficiently. Our products include
rechargeable PLI batteries for electric automobiles, motorcycles, mine-use
lamps, notebook computers, walkie-talkies and other electronic
devices.
In May 2009 Advanced Battery
Technologies acquired 100% ownership of Wuxi ZhongQiang Autocycle Co., Ltd,
which develops and manufactures various types of electric vehicles. Wuxi
ZhongQiang owns three types of products listed in the E-Bike directory, with
more than 20 varieties: electric bikes; agricultural transport vehicles for
practical transportation; sport utility e-vehicles such as scooters, off-road
vehicles, go-karts, snow scooters, sea scooters, as well as underwater propeller
vehicles. Wuxi ZhongQiang products are exported to countries and regions in
Europe, the United States and Asia.
Our U.S. offices are located at 15 West
39th
Street, Suite 14A, New York, NY 10018;
telephone: 212-391-2752. Our executive offices and battery
manufacturing facilities are located at No. 1 Weiyou Road, Economic &
Technology Development Road, Shuangcheng, Heilongjiang 160100, The People’s
Republic of China; telephone: 86-451-5311-7055. We
maintain an Internet website at www.abat.com.cn. Information
contained in or accessible through our website does not constitute part of this
prospectus.
RISK
FACTORS
An investment in our securities
involves a high degree of risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to each
offering of securities will contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an
investment in our securities. Prior to making a decision about investing in our
securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under
the heading “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement, together
with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the
prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions
discussed under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form
10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, which
is incorporated herein by reference, and may be amended, supplemented or
superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the Commission in the
future. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we
face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or
that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus is part of a
registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC. This
prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration
statement. You can find further information about us in the
registration statement and the exhibits attached to the registration
statement. In addition, we file annual, quarterly and current
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
You may read and copy any document that
we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information about the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings,
including the registration statement, are also available to you on the
Commission's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by
reference” information that we file with it into our registration statement on
Form S-3, of which this prospectus is a part. This means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The
information incorporated by reference is an important part of this
prospectus.
We incorporate by reference into this
registration statement and prospectus the documents listed below, and any future
filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus (other than Current Reports or
portions thereof furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form
8–K):
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the
description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on
Form 8-A/A (Amendment No. 1) filed with the SEC on February 25, 2008,
including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating
this description;
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our
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the year ended
December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on April 24,
2009;
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•
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our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 filed
with the SEC on May 11, 2009 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on August 11, 2009;
and
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•
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our
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2009, April 2,
2009, April 30, 2009, May 4, 2009 (as amended on July 20, 2009), May 28,
2009, June 3, 2009, June 15, 2009, June 23, 2009 (as amended on June 25,
2009), June 26, 2009 and July 6,
2009.
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You may
obtain a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or by telephone us at the
following address or telephone number:
Advanced
Battery Technologies, Inc.
15 West
39th
Street, Suite 14A
New York,
NY 10018
212-391-2752
Attn: Dan
Chang
Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this prospectus will be deemed modified, superseded or replaced for
purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this
prospectus or in any subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies, supersedes or replaces
such statement. Any statement so modified, superseded or replaced, will not be
deemed, except as so modified, superseded or replaced, to constitute a part of
this prospectus.
This
prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus
contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe
harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements concern our financial
condition, results of operations and business. Words such as “anticipates,”
“expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,”
“could,” “would,” “will,” “may,” “can,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” and
the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology often identify
forward-looking statements. Statements in this prospectus and the other
documents incorporated by reference that are not historical facts are
“forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
Section 27A of the Securities Act. These forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results
contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and
uncertainties include the risks discussed in this prospectus, in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 in Section 1A
entitled “Risk Factors,” and the risks that will be disclosed from time to time
in our future SEC reports. Many of the important factors that will determine
these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. You are cautioned
not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as
of the date of this prospectus or, in the case of documents incorporated by
reference, as of the date of such documents. Except as otherwise required by
law, we do not assume any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions
to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the
date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events.
The following table shows our ratio of
earnings to fixed charges and the ratio of our combined fixed charges and
preference dividends to earnings for each of the periods indicated.
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Year
Ended December 31,
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Six
Months
Ended
June 30
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2004
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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2009
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Ratio
of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)
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--
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--
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38.7x
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(2)
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(2)
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80.6x
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Ratio
of Combined Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends to
Earnings(1)
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--
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4.8x
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0.03x
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(2)
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(2)
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0.01x
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(1)
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For purposes of these
calculations, earnings represent earnings from continuous operations
before income taxes and before income (losses) from equity method
investments plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest
expense, whether expensed or capitalized, and (b) the portion of operating
rental expense which management believes is representative of the interest
component of rental expense. Earnings were insufficient to
cover fixed charges by $2,349,704 in 2004 and by $239,937 in
2005.
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(2)
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We recorded no fixed charges
during the years ended December 31, 2007 or 2008. Earnings in
2007 were $10,205,406 and in 2008 were
$18,909,234.
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USE
OF PROCEEDS
We will retain broad discretion over
the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby.
Unless otherwise indicated in any prospectus supplement, we intend to use the
net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for general
corporate purposes, which may include research and development, capital
expenditures, working capital and general and administrative expenses. We may
also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses,
products and technologies that are complementary to our own, although we have no
current plans, commitments or agreements with respect to any acquisitions as of
the date of this prospectus.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may
sell the securities covered by this prospectus to one or more underwriters for
public offering and sale by them, and may also sell the securities to investors
directly or through agents. We will name any underwriter or agent involved in
the offer and sale of securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We
have reserved the right to sell or exchange securities directly to investors on
our own behalf in jurisdictions where we are authorized to do so. We may
distribute the securities from time to time in one or more
transactions:
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at
a fixed price or prices, which may be
changed;
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at
market prices prevailing at the time of
sale;
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at
prices related to such prevailing market prices;
or
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We may solicit directly offers to
purchase the securities being offered by this prospectus. We may also designate
agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. We will
name in a prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of our
securities. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, an agent will
be acting on a best efforts basis, and a dealer will purchase securities as a
principal for resale at varying prices to be determined by the
dealer.
If we utilize an underwriter in the
sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will execute an
underwriting agreement with the underwriter at the time of sale and we will
provide the name of any underwriter in the prospectus supplement that the
underwriter will use to make resales of the securities to the public. In
connection with the sale of the securities, we, or the purchasers of securities
for whom the underwriter may act as agent, may compensate the underwriter in the
form of underwriting discounts or commissions. The underwriter may sell the
securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or
commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
We will provide in the applicable
prospectus supplement any compensation we pay to underwriters, dealers or agents
in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts,
concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers.
Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the
securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities
Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized
by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts
and commissions. We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers
and agents against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act, and to reimburse them for certain expenses. We may grant underwriters who
participate in the distribution of our securities under this prospectus an
option to purchase additional securities to cover any over-allotments in
connection with the distribution.
The securities we offer under this
prospectus may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. To
facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the
offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect
the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of
the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating in the offering
of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons
would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the
open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these
persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or
purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby
selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be
reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with
stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize
or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might
otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at
any time.
We may enter into derivative
transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this
prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the
applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those
derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus
and the applicable prospectus supplement, including short sale transactions. If
so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or
others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of
stock, and they may use securities received from us in settlement of those
derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party
in these sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the
applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the
registration statement relating to this prospectus. In addition, we may
otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third
party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus. The
financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short
position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent
offering of other securities.
To the extent required pursuant to
Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act, or other applicable rule, we will file a
prospectus supplement to describe the terms of any offering of our securities
covered by this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will
disclose:
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The
terms of the offer;
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The
names of any underwriters, including any managing underwriters, as well as
any dealers or agents;
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The
purchase price of the securities from
us;
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Any
delayed delivery arrangements;
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Any
underwriting discounts, commissions or other items constituting
underwriters’ compensation and any commissions paid to
agents;
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Any
initial public offering price; and
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Other
facts material to the transaction.
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We
will bear substantially all of the costs, expenses and fees in connection with
the registration of our securities under this prospectus. The underwriters,
dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for
us, in the ordinary course of business.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL
STOCK
General
As of the date of this prospectus,
our authorized capital stock consists of 155,000,000 shares. Those shares
consist of 150,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.001 per share,
and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The only equity securities currently
outstanding are approximately 61,883,591 shares of common stock and 500 shares
of Series E Preferred Stock. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq
Capital Market under the symbol “ABAT”.
The following description summarizes
the material terms of our capital stock. This summary is, however, subject to
the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. For greater
detail about our capital stock, please refer to our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws.
Common Stock
Each holder of common stock is
entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon by the
stockholders. At any meeting of the stockholders, a quorum as to any
matter shall consist of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter, except where a larger quorum is required by law.
Holders of our common stock are
entitled to receive dividends declared by our board of directors out of funds
legally available for the payment of dividends, subject to the rights, if any,
of preferred stockholders. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all of our
assets remaining after we pay our liabilities and distribute the liquidation
preference of any then outstanding preferred stock. The rights, preferences and
privileges of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely
affected by, the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock that we may
designate and issue in the future. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or
other subscription or conversion rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund
provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of our common
stock are fully paid and nonassessable, and any shares of our common stock to be
issued upon an offering pursuant to this prospectus and the related prospectus
supplement will be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance.
The transfer agent and registrar for
our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust
Company.
Series E Preferred Stock and Series F
Preferred Stock
In June 2009 the Company issued
10,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock. On the date of this
prospectus, there were 500 shares of Series E Preferred Stock
outstanding. Each share of Series E Preferred Stock may be converted
by the holder into approximately 263.85 common shares, so the 500 shares
currently outstanding could be converted into 131,926 common
shares. Each share of Series E Preferred Stock is entitled to a $1000
preference in the event of a liquidation of the Company. The holder
of a share of Series E Preferred Stock is entitled to cast votes equal in number
to the shares of common stock into which the Series E Preferred share is
convertible.
Preferred
Stock
The
following description of preferred stock and the description of the terms of any
particular series of preferred stock that we choose to issue hereunder and that
will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement are not complete. These
descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the certificate of
designation relating to that series. The rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions of the preferred stock of each series will be fixed by the
certificate of designation relating to that series.
The board
of directors has the authority, without stockholder approval, subject to
limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of the shares of
preferred stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to
the applicable law of the State of Delaware, to establish from time to time the
number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation,
powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including, but not limited to, the
following:
· the
number of shares constituting that series;
· dividend
rights and rates;
· voting
rights;
· conversion
terms;
· rights
and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions); and
rights of
the series in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding
up.
All
shares of preferred stock offered hereby will, when issued, be fully paid and
nonassessable and will not have any preemptive or similar rights. Our board of
directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms
and conditions that could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other
transaction that might involve a premium price for holders of the shares or
which holders might believe to be in their best interests.
Delaware law provides that the
holders of preferred stock will have the right to vote separately as a class on
any proposal involving fundamental changes in the rights of holders of that
preferred stock. This right is in addition to any voting rights that may be
provided for in the applicable certificate of designation.
We will set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the
series of preferred stock being offered the following items:
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the title and stated value of the
preferred stock;
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the number of shares of the
preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the
offering price of the preferred
stock;
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the dividend rate(s), period(s)
and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation applicable to the
preferred stock;
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whether dividends are cumulative
or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on the
preferred stock will
accumulate;
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the procedures for any auction and
remarketing, if any, for the preferred
stock;
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the provisions for a sinking fund,
if any, for the preferred
stock;
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the provision for redemption, if
applicable, of the preferred
stock;
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any listing of the preferred stock
on any securities exchange;
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the terms and conditions, if
applicable, upon which the preferred stock will be convertible into common
stock, including the conversion price (or manner of calculation) and
conversion period;
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voting rights, if any, of the
preferred stock;
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a discussion of any material
and/or special United
States federal income
tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock;
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the relative ranking and
preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon
the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
affairs;
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any limitations on issuance of any
class or series of preferred stock ranking senior to or on a parity with
the class or series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;
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any other specific terms,
preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of the preferred
stock.
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The
transfer agent and registrar for any series of preferred stock will be set forth
in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT
SECURITIES
This description is a summary of the
material provisions of the debt securities and the related indenture. We urge
you to read the form of indenture filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part because the indenture, and not this
description, governs your rights as a holder of debt securities. References in
this prospectus to an “indenture” refer to the particular indenture under which
we may issue a series of debt securities.
General
The
terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a
resolution of our board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner
provided in an officers’ certificate or by a supplemental indenture. Debt
securities may be issued in separate series without limitation as to aggregate
principal amount. We may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the
debt securities of any series. The particular terms of each series of debt
securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series,
including any pricing supplement. The prospectus supplement will set forth
specific terms relating to some or all of the following:
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any
limit on the aggregate principal
amount;
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the
person who shall be entitled to receive interest, if other than the record
holder on the record date;
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the
date the principal will be payable;
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the
interest rate, if any, the date interest will accrue, the interest payment
dates and the regular record dates;
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the
place where payments may be made;
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any
mandatory or optional redemption
provisions;
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if
applicable, the method for determining how the principal, premium, if any,
or interest will be calculated by reference to an index or
formula;
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if
other than U.S. currency, the currency or currency units in which
principal, premium, if any, or interest will be payable and whether we or
the holder may elect payment to be made in a different
currency;
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the
portion of the principal amount that will be payable upon acceleration of
stated maturity, if other than the entire principal
amount;
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any
defeasance provisions if different from those described below under
“Satisfaction and Discharge;
Defeasance”;
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any
conversion or exchange provisions;
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any
obligation to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to a sinking
fund;
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whether
the debt securities will be issuable in the form of a global
security;
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any
subordination provisions, if different from those described below under
“Subordination”;
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any
deletions of, or changes or additions to, the events of default or
covenants; and
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any
other specific terms of such debt
securities.
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Unless
otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be
registered debt securities. Debt securities may be sold at a substantial
discount below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at
a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates.
Exchange and
Transfer
Debt
securities may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the security
registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us.
We
will not impose a service charge for any transfer or exchange, but we may
require holders to pay any tax or other governmental charges associated with any
transfer or exchange.
In
the event of any potential redemption of debt securities of any series, we will
not be required to:
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issue,
register the transfer of, or exchange, any debt security of that series
during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
the day of mailing of a notice of redemption and ending at the close of
business on the day of the mailing;
or
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register
the transfer of or exchange any debt security of that series selected for
redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion being
redeemed in part.
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We
may initially appoint the trustee as the security registrar. Any transfer agent,
in addition to the security registrar, initially designated by us will be named
in the prospectus supplement. We may designate additional transfer agents or
change transfer agents or change the office of the transfer agent. However, we
will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the
debt securities of each series.
Global Securities
The
debt securities of any series may be represented, in whole or in part, by one or
more global securities. Each global security will:
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be
registered in the name of a depositary that we will identify in a
prospectus supplement;
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be
deposited with the depositary or nominee or custodian; and
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·
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bear
any required legends.
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No
global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities
registered in the name of any person other than the depositary or any nominee
unless:
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·
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the
depositary has notified us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary or has ceased to be qualified to act as
depositary;
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·
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an
event of default is continuing; or
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·
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the
Company executes and delivers to the trustee an officers’ certificate
stating that the global security is
exchangeable.
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As
long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global
security, the depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder
of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under
the indenture. Except in the above limited circumstances, owners of beneficial
interests in a global security:
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·
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will
not be entitled to have the debt securities registered in their
names;
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·
|
will
not be entitled to physical delivery of certificated debt securities;
and
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|
·
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will
not be considered to be holders of those debt securities under the
indentures.
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Payments
on a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the holder
of the global security. Some jurisdictions have laws that require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive
form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a
global security.
Institutions
that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee are referred to as
“participants.” Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be
limited to participants and to persons that may hold beneficial interests
through participants. The depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration
and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of debt securities
represented by the global security to the accounts of its
participants.
Ownership
of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on and effected
through records maintained by the depositary, with respect to participants’
interests, or any participant, with respect to interests of persons held by
participants on their behalf.
Payments,
transfers and exchanges relating to beneficial interests in a global security
will be subject to policies and procedures of the depositary.
The
depositary policies and procedures may change from time to time. Neither we nor
the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the depositary’s or
any participant’s records with respect to beneficial interests in a global
security.
Payment and Paying
Agent
The
provisions of this paragraph will apply to the debt securities unless otherwise
indicated in the prospectus supplement. Payment of interest on a debt security
on any interest payment date will be made to the person in whose name the debt
security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date.
Payment on debt securities of a particular series will be payable at the office
of a paying agent or paying agents designated by us. However, at our option, we
may pay interest by mailing a check to the record holder. The corporate trust
office will be designated as our sole paying agent.
We
may also name any other paying agents in the prospectus supplement. We may
designate additional paying agents, change paying agents or change the office of
any paying agent. However, we will be required to maintain a paying agent in
each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular
series.
All
moneys paid by us to a paying agent for payment on any debt security which
remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such payment was due will be
repaid to us. Thereafter, the holder may look only to us for such
payment.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of
Assets
Except
as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, while any debt securities
issued pursuant to this prospectus remain outstanding, we may not consolidate
with or merge into any other person, in a transaction in which we are not the
surviving corporation, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to, any person, unless:
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·
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the
successor, if any, is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, trust or other entity;
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·
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the
successor assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the
indenture;
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·
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immediately
after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default
shall have occurred and be continuing;
and
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·
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certain
other conditions are met.
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Events of Default
Unless
we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the indenture will define
an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities as one or more
of the following events:
(1) failure
to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security of that series when
due;
(2) failure
to pay any interest on any debt security of that series for 30 days when
due;
(3) failure
to deposit any sinking fund payment when due;
(4) failure
to perform any other covenant in the indenture continued for 90 days after
being given the notice required in the indenture;
(5) our
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and
(6) any
other event of default specified in the prospectus supplement.
An
event of default of one series of debt securities is not necessarily an event of
default for any other series of debt securities.
If
an event of default, other than an event of default described in clause
(5) above, shall occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of
that series may declare the principal amount of the debt securities of that
series to be due and payable immediately.
If
an event of default described in clause (5) above shall occur, the
principal amount of all the debt securities of that series will automatically
become immediately due and payable. Any payment by us on subordinated debt
securities following any such acceleration will be subject to the subordination
provisions described below under “Subordinated Debt Securities.”
After
acceleration the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment
of accelerated principal, or other specified amount, have been cured or
waived.
Other
than the duty to act with the required care during an event of default, the
trustee will not be obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers at the
request of the holders unless the holders shall have offered to the trustee
reasonable indemnity. Generally, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the
right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on
the trustee.
A
holder will not have any right to institute any proceeding under the indentures,
or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy under
the indentures, unless:
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(1)
|
the
holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing
event of default with respect to the debt securities of that
series;
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(2)
|
the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series have made a written request and have
offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute the proceeding;
and
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(3)
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the
trustee has failed to institute the proceeding and has not received
direction inconsistent with the original request from the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities
of that series within 90 days after the original
request.
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(4)
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Holders
may, however, sue to enforce the payment of principal or interest on any
debt security on or after the due date without following the procedures
listed in (1) through
(3) above.
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Modification and
Waiver
Except as
provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the applicable trustee and we
may make modifications and amendments to the indentures (including, without
limitation, through consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange offer for, outstanding securities) and may waive any existing default
or event of default (including, without limitation, through consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, outstanding securities)
with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding securities of each series affected by the modification or
amendment.
However,
neither we nor the trustee may make any amendment or waiver without the consent
of the holder of each outstanding security of that series affected by the
amendment or waiver if such amendment or waiver would, among other things:
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change
the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver;
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|
·
|
change
the stated maturity of any debt
security;
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|
·
|
reduce
the principal on any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone
the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking
fund;
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|
·
|
reduce
the principal of an original issue discount security on acceleration of
maturity;
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|
·
|
reduce
the rate of interest or extend the time for payment of interest on any
debt security;
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|
·
|
make
a principal or interest payment on any debt security in any currency other
than that stated in the debt
security;
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·
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impair
the right to enforce any payment after the stated maturity or redemption
date;
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·
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waive
any default or event of default in payment of the principal of, premium or
interest on any debt security (except certain rescissions of
acceleration); or
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|
·
|
waive
a redemption payment or modify any of the redemption provisions of any
debt security;
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Notwithstanding
the preceding, without the consent of any holder of outstanding securities, we
and the trustee may amend or supplement the indentures:
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·
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to
provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and
conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the
indenture;
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|
·
|
to
provide for uncertificated securities in addition to or in place of
certificated securities;
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|
·
|
to
provide for the assumption of our obligations to holders of any debt
security in the case of a merger, consolidation, transfer or sale of all
or substantially all of our assets;
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·
|
to
make any change that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the
indenture of any such holder;
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|
·
|
to
comply with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain
the qualification of an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
or
|
|
·
|
to
evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor
trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to
add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as shall be
necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts by
more than one Trustee.
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The
consent of holders is not necessary under the indentures to approve the
particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent
approves the substance of the proposed amendment.
Satisfaction and Discharge;
Defeasance
We
may be discharged from our obligations on the debt securities of any series that
have matured or will mature or be redeemed within one year if we deposit with
the trustee enough cash to pay the entire principal, interest and any premium
due to the stated maturity date or redemption date of the debt
securities.
Each
indenture contains a provision that permits us to elect:
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·
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to
be discharged from all of our obligations, subject to limited exceptions,
with respect to any series of debt securities then outstanding;
and/or
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|
·
|
to
be released from our obligations under the following covenants and from
the consequences of an event of default resulting from a breach of certain
covenants, including covenants as to payment of taxes and maintenance of
corporate existence.
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To make either of the above
elections, we must deposit in trust with the trustee enough money to pay in full
the principal and interest on the debt securities. This amount may be made in
cash and/or U.S. government obligations. As a condition to either of the above
elections, we must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the holders
of the debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of the action.
If
any of the above events occurs, the holders of the debt securities of the series
will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for the rights of
holders to receive payments on debt securities or the registration of transfer
and exchange of debt securities and replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated
debt securities.
Notices
Notices
to holders will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders in the security
register.
Governing Law
The
indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed under, the
law of the State of New York.
Regarding the
Trustee
The
indenture limits the right of the trustee, should it become a creditor of us, to
obtain payment of claims or secure its claims.
The
trustee is permitted to engage in certain other transactions. However, if the
trustee acquires any conflicting interest, and there is a default under the debt
securities of any series for which it is trustee, the trustee must eliminate the
conflict or resign.
Subordination
Payment
on subordinated debt securities will, to the extent provided in the indenture,
be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our
senior indebtedness (except that holders of the notes may receive and retain
(i) permitted junior securities and (ii) payments made from the trust
described under “Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance”). Any subordinated debt
securities also are effectively subordinated to all debt and other liabilities,
including lease obligations, if any.
Upon
any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on subordinated
debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in
full in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of senior
indebtedness. In the event of any acceleration of subordinated debt securities
because of an event of default, the holders of any senior indebtedness would be
entitled to payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to such
holders of all senior indebtedness obligations before the holders of
subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive any payment or
distribution, except for certain payments made by the trust described under
“Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance.” The indenture requires us or the
trustee to promptly notify holders of designated senior indebtedness if payment
of subordinated debt securities is accelerated because of an event of
default.
We
may not make any payment on subordinated debt securities, including upon
redemption at the option of the holder of any subordinated debt securities or at
our option, if:
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a
default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, rent
or other obligations in respect of designated senior indebtedness occurs
and is continuing beyond any applicable period of grace (called a “payment
default”); or
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a
default other than a payment default on any designated senior indebtedness
occurs and is continuing that permits holders of designated senior
indebtedness to accelerate its maturity, and the trustee receives notice
of such default (called a “payment blockage notice) from us or any other
person permitted to give such notice under the indenture (called a
“non-payment
default”).
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We may resume payments and
distributions on subordinated debt securities:
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in
the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is
cured or waived or ceases to exist;
and
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·
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in
the case of a non-payment default, 179 days after the date on which
the payment blockage notice is received by the trustee, if the maturity of
the designated senior indebtedness has not been
accelerated.
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No new period of payment blockage may
be commenced pursuant to a payment blockage notice unless 365 days have
elapsed since the initial effectiveness of the immediately prior payment
blockage notice and all scheduled payments of principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the notes that have come due have been paid in full in cash. No
non-payment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of
any payment blockage notice shall be the basis for any later payment blockage
notice.
If the
trustee or any holder of the notes receives any payment or distribution of our
assets in contravention of the subordination provisions on subordinated debt
securities before all senior indebtedness is paid in full in cash, property or
securities, including by way of set-off, or other payment satisfactory to
holders of senior indebtedness, then such payment or distribution will be held
in trust for the benefit of holders of senior indebtedness or their
representatives to the extent necessary to make payment in full in cash or
payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of all unpaid senior
indebtedness.
In the
event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of senior
indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of subordinated debt
securities may receive less, ratably, than our other creditors (including our
trade creditors). This subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any
event of default under the indenture.
We are
not prohibited from incurring debt, including senior indebtedness, under the
indenture. We may from time to time incur additional debt, including senior
indebtedness.
We are
obligated to pay reasonable compensation to the trustee and to indemnify the
trustee against certain losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by the trustee
in connection with its duties under the indenture. The trustee’s claims for
these payments will generally be senior to those of noteholders in respect of
all funds collected or held by the trustee.
Certain
Definitions
As
used in this Prospectus, “indebtedness” means:
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(1)
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all
indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities for borrowed money,
including overdrafts, foreign exchange contracts, currency exchange
agreements, interest rate protection agreements, and any loans or advances
from banks, or evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar
instruments, other than any account payable or other accrued current
liability or obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business in
connection with the obtaining of materials or
services;
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(2)
|
all
reimbursement obligations and other liabilities with respect to letters of
credit, bank guarantees or bankers’
acceptances;
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(3)
|
all
obligations and liabilities in respect of leases required in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles to be accounted for as
capitalized lease obligations on our balance
sheet;
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(4)
|
all
obligations and other liabilities under any lease or related document in
connection with the lease of real property which provides that we are
contractually obligated to purchase or cause a third party to purchase the
leased property and thereby guarantee a minimum residual value of the
leased property to the lessor and our obligations under the lease or
related document to purchase or to cause a third party to purchase the
leased property;
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(5)
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all
obligations with respect to an interest rate or other swap, cap or collar
agreement or other similar instrument or agreement or foreign currency
hedge, exchange, purchase or other similar instrument or
agreement;
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(6)
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all
direct or indirect guaranties or similar agreements in respect of, and our
obligations or liabilities to purchase, acquire or otherwise assure a
creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness, obligations or
liabilities of others of the type described in (1) through
(5) above;
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(7)
|
any
indebtedness or other obligations described in (1) through
(6) above secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance
existing on property which is owned or held by us;
and
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(8)
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any
and all refinancings, replacements, deferrals, renewals, extensions and
refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to, any
indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses
(1) through (7) above.
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As used
in this Prospectus, “permitted junior securities” means (i) equity
interests in Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.; or (ii) debt securities
of Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. that are subordinated to all senior
indebtedness and any debt securities issued in exchange for senior indebtedness
to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than the notes are
subordinated to senior indebtedness under the indenture.
As used
in this Prospectus, “senior indebtedness” means the principal, premium, if any,
interest, including any interest accruing after bankruptcy, and rent or
termination payment on or other amounts due on our current or future
indebtedness, whether created, incurred, assumed, guaranteed or in effect
guaranteed by us, including any deferrals, renewals, extensions, refundings,
amendments, modifications or supplements to the above. However, senior
indebtedness does not include:
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·
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indebtedness
that expressly provides that it shall not be senior in right of payment to
subordinated debt securities or expressly provides that it is on the same
basis or junior to subordinated debt
securities;
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·
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our
indebtedness to any of our majority-owned subsidiaries;
and
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·
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subordinated
debt securities.
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DESCRIPTION OF
WARRANTS
General
We may issue warrants for the
purchase of our debt securities, preferred stock or common stock, or any
combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with our
debt securities, preferred stock or common stock and may be attached to or
separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued
under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or
trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent
in connection with the warrants. The warrant agent will not have any obligation
or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners
of warrants. This summary of certain provisions of the warrants is not complete.
For the terms of a particular series of warrants, you should refer to the
prospectus supplement for that series of warrants and the warrant agreement for
that particular series.
Debt warrants
The
prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to purchase
debt securities will describe the terms of the debt warrants, including the
following:
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the
title of the debt warrants;
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·
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the
offering price for the debt warrants, if
any;
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·
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the
aggregate number of the debt
warrants;
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·
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the
designation and terms of the debt securities, including any conversion
rights, purchasable upon exercise of the debt
warrants;
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|
·
|
if
applicable, the date from and after which the debt warrants and any debt
securities issued with them will be separately
transferable;
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|
·
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the
principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of
a debt warrant and the exercise price for the warrants, which may be
payable in cash, securities or other
property;
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·
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the
dates on which the right to exercise the debt warrants will commence and
expire;
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·
|
if
applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the debt warrants that may be
exercised at any one time;
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·
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whether
the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates or debt
securities that may be issued upon exercise of the debt warrants will be
issued in registered or bearer
form;
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·
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information
with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; the currency or currency
units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are
payable;
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·
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if
applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax
considerations;
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·
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the
antidilution provisions of the debt warrants, if
any;
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·
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the
redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the debt
warrants;
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·
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any
provisions with respect to the holder’s right to require us to repurchase
the warrants upon a change in control or similar event;
and
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·
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any
additional terms of the debt warrants, including procedures, and
limitations relating to the exchange, exercise and settlement of the debt
warrants.
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Debt
warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of
different denominations. Debt warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust
office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus
supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt
warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities
purchasable upon exercise and will not be entitled to payment of principal or
any premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities purchasable upon
exercise.
Equity warrants
The
prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants to purchase
our common stock or preferred stock will describe the terms of the warrants,
including the following:
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the
title of the warrants;
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the
offering price for the warrants, if
any;
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the
aggregate number of warrants;
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·
|
the
designation and terms of the common stock or preferred stock that may be
purchased upon exercise of the
warrants;
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·
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if
applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the
warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each
security;
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·
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if
applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and any securities
issued with the warrants will be separately
transferable;
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·
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the
number of shares of common stock or preferred stock that may be purchased
upon exercise of a warrant and the exercise price for the
warrants;
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the
dates on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and
expire;
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·
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if
applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be
exercised at any one time;
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·
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the
currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the
exercise price are payable;
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·
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if
applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax
considerations;
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·
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the
antidilution provisions of the warrants, if
any;
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·
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the
redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the
warrants;
|
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·
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any
provisions with respect to holder’s right to require us to repurchase the
warrants upon a change in control or similar event;
and
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|
·
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any
additional terms of the warrants, including procedures, and limitations
relating to the exchange, exercise and settlement of the
warrants.
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Holders
of equity warrants will not be entitled:
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to
vote, consent or receive
dividends;
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·
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receive
notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the
election of our directors or any other matter;
or
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·
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exercise
any rights as stockholders of Advanced Battery Technologies,
Inc.
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DESCRIPTION OF
UNITS
We may
issue, in one more series, units consisting of common stock, preferred stock,
debt securities and/or warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred
stock and/or debt securities in any combination. While the terms we have
summarized below will apply generally to any units that we may offer under this
prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units in more
detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any units offered
under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described
below.
General
Each unit
will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each
security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights
and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under
which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may
not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a
specified date.
We will
describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of
units, including:
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·
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the
designation and terms of the units, including whether and under what
circumstances the securities comprising the units may be held or
transferred separately;
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·
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any
provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those
described below; and
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·
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any
provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of
the units or of the securities comprising the
units.
|
The
provisions described in this section, as well as those described under
“Description of Capital Stock,” “Description of Debt Securities” and
“Description of Warrants,” will apply to each unit and to any common stock,
preferred stock, debt securities or warrant included in each unit,
respectively.
Issuance in
Series
We may
issue units in such amounts and in such numerous distinct series as we
determine.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders
of Units
Each unit
agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will
not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of
any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one
series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any
default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or
responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any
demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of the related
unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action
its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.
CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW;
THE
COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE
OF
INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
The
following paragraphs summarize certain provisions of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, or the DGCL, and the Company’s certificate of incorporation and
bylaws. The summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and
qualified in its entirety by reference to the DGCL and to the Company’s
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which are on file with the
Commission as exhibits to documents previously filed by the Company. See “Where
You Can Find More Information.”
Our
certificate of incorporation limits the personal liability of our directors to
Advanceed Battery Technologies, Inc. and our stockholders to the fullest extent
permitted by the DGCL. The inclusion of this provision in our certificate of
incorporation may reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against
directors and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a
lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care.
Our
bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders can be called only by the
board of directors. Stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting and
cannot require the board of directors to call a special meeting.
We are
subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a Delaware corporation
from engaging in any “business combination” with an “interested stockholder,”
for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which a person
became an “interested stockholder,” unless:
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prior
to such date the board of directors of the corporation approved either the
“business combination” or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder
becoming an “interested
stockholder;”
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upon
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming
an “interested stockholder,” the “interested stockholder” owned at least
85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the
transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of
voting shares outstanding (but not the voting shares owned by the
“interested stockholder”) those shares owned (1) by persons who are
directors and also officers and (2) employee stock plans in which
employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially
whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or
exchange offer; or
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at
or subsequent to such time the “business combination” is approved by the
board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of a
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the
“interested stockholder.”
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A
“business combination” includes mergers, stock or asset sales and other
transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the “interested stockholders.”
An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of the
corporation’s voting stock. Although Section 203 permits us to elect not to
be governed by its provisions, we have not made this election. As a result of
the application of Section 203, potential acquirers of Advanced Battery
Technologies, Inc. may be discouraged from attempting to effect an
acquisition transaction with us, thereby possibly depriving holders of our
securities of certain opportunities to sell or otherwise dispose of such
securities at above-market prices pursuant to such transactions.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Our counsel, Robert Brantl, Esq., 52
Mulligan Lane, Irvington, NY 10533, will issue an opinion about certain legal
matters with respect to the securities. Mr. Brantl owns 22,799 shares
of our common stock.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements
of Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2008,
2007 and 2006 that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and in the
registration statement have been audited by Bagell, Josephs, Levine &
Company, L.L.C., independent registered public accountants, to the extent and
for the periods set forth in their report incorporated by
reference. The consolidated financial statements are incorporated by
reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of Bagell,
Josephs, Levine & Company, L.L.C. as experts in auditing and
accounting.