Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd S-3ASR, filed Oct 6, 2025
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (CRDO)
S-3ASR
2025-10-06
View Original
Added on
October 22, 2026
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2025
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CREDO TECHNOLOGY GROUP HOLDING LTD
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Cayman Islands | N/A | |||||||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |||||||
c/o Maples Corporate Services, Limited,
PO Box 309, Ugland House
Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands
(408) 664-9329
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
William Brennan
President and Chief Executive Officer
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd
c/o Maples Corporate Services, Limited,
PO Box 309, Ugland House
Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands
(408) 664-9329
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
| Copies to: | ||||||||
James Laufman Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd 110 Rio Robles San Jose, California 95134 (408) 659-1720 | Alan F. Denenberg Emily Roberts Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 900 Middlefield Road Redwood City, California 94063 (650) 752-2000 | |||||||
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ☒ | Accelerated filer ☐ | |||||||
Non-accelerated filer ☐ | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company ☐ | ||||||
Emerging growth company ☐ | ||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.☐
PROSPECTUS
ORDINARY SHARES
PREFERRED SHARES
DEPOSITARY SHARES
DEBT SECURITIES
WARRANTS
PURCHASE CONTRACTS
UNITS
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (“Credo,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) may offer from time to time ordinary shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts or units. In addition, certain selling securityholders to be identified in a prospectus supplement may use this prospectus from time to time to offer ordinary shares.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in a supplement to this prospectus and, if applicable, in the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement and in any related free writing prospectuses at the time of offering. You should read this prospectus, each applicable prospectus supplement, the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, and any related free writing prospectuses carefully before you make your investment decision.
Our ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CRDO.”
Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus, in any applicable prospectus supplement and in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is October 6, 2025
We and/or any selling securityholders to be identified in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We and/or and any selling securityholders to be identified in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We and/or and any selling securityholders to be identified in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates.
The terms “Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd,” “Credo,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CREDO TECHNOLOGY GROUP HOLDING LTD
Our mission is to redefine high-speed connectivity by delivering breakthrough solutions that enable the next generation of AI-driven applications. We are committed to enabling faster, more reliable, more energy-efficient, and scalable solutions that support the ever-expanding demands of AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale networks. Our connectivity solutions are optimized for optical and electrical Ethernet applications, including the 100G, 200G, 400G, 800G and emerging 1.6T markets. Our products are based on our Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) technologies. Our product families include integrated circuits (ICs), Active Electrical Cables (AECs) and SerDes Chiplets. Our intellectual property (IP) solutions consist primarily of SerDes IP licensing.
Founded in 2008, Credo has an international footprint with offices in North America and Asia. Our registered mailing address is c/o Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Our principal website is www.credosemi.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company. Exempted companies are Cayman Islands companies conducting business mainly outside the Cayman Islands and, as such, are exempted from complying with certain provisions of the Companies Act (As Revised) (Companies Act). As an exempted company, we have applied for and received a tax exemption undertaking from the Cayman Islands government that, in accordance with Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, for a period of 20 years from the date of the undertaking, no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations will apply to us or our operations and, in addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax will be payable (i) on or in respect of our shares, debentures or other obligations or (ii) by way of the withholding in whole or in part of a payment of dividend or other distribution of income or capital by us to our shareholders or a payment of principal or interest or other sums due under a debenture or other obligation of us.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we or the selling securityholders may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we or the selling securityholders may offer. Each time we or the selling securityholders sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.
The information appearing in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document, and any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the respective document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
This prospectus contains and incorporates by reference market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe that these sources are reliable, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and we have not independently verified this information. Although we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the market and industry data presented in this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference, these estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the section titled “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.
This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein contain statements relating to our expectations, projections, beliefs, and prospects, which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “projects,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecast,” “target,” “predict,” “future,” “may,” “can,” “will,” “would” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions.
You should read these statements carefully because they may relate to future expectations around growth, strategy and anticipated trends in our business, contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition or state other “forward-looking” information. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections about future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified herein, and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” of our Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other reports we file with the SEC. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted include, but are not limited to:
•our expectations regarding our ability to address market and customer demands and to timely develop new or enhanced solutions to meet those demands;
•anticipated trends, challenges and growth in our business and the markets in which we operate, including pricing expectations;
•our expectations regarding our revenue, revenue mix, average selling prices, gross margin, and expenses;
•our expectations regarding dependence on a limited number of customers and end customers;
•our customer relationships and our ability to retain and expand our customer relationships and to achieve design wins;
•our expectations regarding the success, cost, and timing of new products;
•the size and growth potential of the markets for our solutions, and our ability to serve and expand our presence in those markets;
•our expectations regarding competition in our existing and future markets;
•the impact a pandemic, epidemic, or other outbreak of disease may in the future have on our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as the businesses of our suppliers and customers;
•our expectations regarding regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries;
•our expectations regarding the performance of, and our relationships with, our third-party suppliers and manufacturers;
•our expectations regarding our ability to attract and retain key personnel; and
•the accuracy of our estimates regarding capital requirements and needs for additional financing.
The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus represent our views as of the date hereof, and the forward-looking statements in any document incorporated by reference herein represent our views as of the date of such document. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by law, we assume
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no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or the reasons that results could differ from such forward-looking statements. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein, as applicable.
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risk. Before making a decision to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any updates to those risk factors in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, together with all of the other information appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in light of your particular investment objectives and financial circumstances. Although we discuss key risks in our discussion of risk factors, new risks may emerge in the future, which may prove to be significant. We cannot predict future risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3, including exhibits, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus forms a part of but does not contain all of the information included or incorporated by reference in that registration statement. For further information pertaining to us and our securities, you should refer to the registration statement, our exhibits and the documents incorporated by reference herein.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public on a website maintained by the SEC located at www.sec.gov. We also maintain a website at www.credosemi.com. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which 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, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and all documents subsequently filed with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), prior to the termination of the offering under this prospectus:
•our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2025, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2025;
•the information specifically incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2025 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A relating to our 2025 annual general meeting, filed with the SEC on August 25, 2025;
•our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 2, 2025, filed with the SEC on September 4, 2025; and
•the description of our ordinary shares in our registration statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-41249) filed with the SEC on January 25, 2022, including any amendments thereto or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.
We are not, however, incorporating by reference any documents or portions thereof, whether specifically listed above or filed in the future, that are not deemed “filed” with the SEC, including any information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K or certain exhibits furnished pursuant to Item 9.01 of Form 8-K.
You may request, and we will provide you with, a copy of these filings, at no cost, by calling us at (408) 659-1720 or by writing to us at the following address:
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd
110 Rio Robles
San Jose, California 95134
Attention: Investor Relations
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, continued development of our products, potential acquisitions and other business opportunities. We will not receive any proceeds from sales of securities offered by any selling security holders under this prospectus.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
The following description of our share capital is based upon our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, amended and restated members agreement and applicable provisions of law. We have summarized certain portions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and amended and restated members agreement below. The summary is not complete. You should read our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and amended and restated members agreement, each of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for a complete description of our share capital.
General
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorize the issuance of up to 1,000,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.00005 per share, and 50,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.00005 per share.
Ordinary Shares
General
All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. The ordinary shares are issued in registered form. Our ordinary shares are not entitled to any sinking fund or pre-emptive or redemption rights. Our shareholders may freely hold and vote their shares.
Dividends
The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the Companies Act. Dividends may be paid only out of profits, which include net earnings and retained earnings undistributed in prior years, and out of share premium, a concept analogous to paid-in surplus in the United States, subject to a statutory solvency test.
Voting Rights
Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each ordinary share on all matters upon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote, including the appointment of directors. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting is by way of a poll.
A quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders consists of one or more holders of shares present in person or by proxy (or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative) together holding (or representing by proxy) not less than a majority of the total voting power of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Annual general meetings of the Company are held annually and may be convened by our board of directors on its own initiative. Extraordinary general meetings of the Company may be called at any time only by or at the direction of a majority of the board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors. Advance notice to shareholders of at least 10 calendar days (but not more than 60 calendar days) is required for the convening of any annual general meeting or other extraordinary general meetings.
An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting. Under the Companies Act, certain matters must be approved by special resolution of the shareholders, including alteration of the memorandum or articles of association, reduction of share capital, change of name or voluntary winding up the company.
If at any time, our issued share capital is divided into separate classes of shares, the rights attaching to any class may be varied, modified or abrogated with the approval of a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class at which a quorum is present.
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The quorum applicable to such separate meeting is at least one person holding or representing by proxy at least one-third of the par value of the issued shares of the class.
Liquidation
On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for distribution among the holders of ordinary shares shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares in accordance with the Companies Act and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately.
Inspection of Books and Records
Holders of our ordinary shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records.
Register of Members
Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and include the following items:
•the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member, the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on the shares of each member and the voting rights of each member;
•the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
•the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members is prima facie evidence of the matters set forth therein (i.e., the register will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted), and a member registered in the register of members shall be deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. The shareholders recorded in the register of members are deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their names. If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in updating the register for any person that has ceased to be a member of our company, such aggrieved person or member (or any member of our company or our company itself) may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands (the "Court") for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or, if satisfied with the justice of the case, order the register be rectified.
Customer Warrant
On December 28, 2021, we issued a warrant to Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC (Holder) to purchase an aggregate of up to 4,080,000 of our ordinary shares at an exercise price of $10.74 per share (Customer Warrant).
Upon a change of control of us (including certain transfers of 50% or more of the voting power in us to a new person or group) in which the consideration to be received by our then existing shareholders consists solely of cash, the Customer Warrant, to the extent vested, will be deemed automatically net exercised immediately before the consummation of such change of control, and the remaining unvested shares under the Customer Warrant will thereafter automatically terminate. Upon a change of control of us in which the consideration to be received by our then existing shareholders consists of securities or other non-cash consideration, we will cause the acquiring, surviving or successor party to assume the obligations of the Customer Warrant, and the Customer Warrant will thereafter be exercisable for the same securities or other non-cash consideration that a holder of our ordinary shares would have been entitled to receive in connection with such transaction if such holder held the same number of shares as were purchasable under the Customer Warrant if the Customer Warrant had been exercised in full immediately before the consummation of such change of control, subject to further adjustment from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Customer Warrant.
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Undesignated Preferred Shares
Pursuant to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the shareholders, to issue up to 50,000,000 preferred shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the ordinary shares. If an application for an order for rectification of the register of members were made in respect of our ordinary shares, then the validity of such shares may be subject to re-examination by a Cayman Islands court.
Registration Rights
Under our amended and restated members agreement, certain holders of our ordinary shares or certain of their transferees have the right to require us to register the offer and sale of their shares, or to include their shares in any registration statement we file, in each case as described below. In addition, the Customer Warrant provides that all ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Customer Warrant are entitled to the registration rights contained in our members agreement.
Demand Registration Rights
Certain holders of our ordinary shares or certain of their transferees are entitled to certain demand registration rights. At any time, the holders of at least 50% of the shares having registration rights then outstanding can request that we file a registration statement to register the offer and sale of their shares. We are only obligated to effect up to two such registrations. Each such request for registration must cover securities the anticipated aggregate gross proceeds of which is at least $25.0 million. These demand registration rights are subject to specified conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in any such registration under certain circumstances. If we determine that it would be materially detrimental to us and our shareholders to effect such a demand registration, we have the right to defer such registration, not more than twice in any twelve-month period, for a period of up to 60 days.
Form S-3 Registration Rights
Certain holders of our ordinary shares or certain of their transferees are entitled to certain Form S-3 registration rights. At any time when we are eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, the holders of the shares having these rights then outstanding can request that we register the offer and sale of their ordinary shares on a registration statement on Form S-3 so long as the request covers securities the anticipated aggregate public offering price of which is at least $2.0 million. These shareholders may make an unlimited number of requests for registration on a registration statement on Form S-3. However, we will not be required to effect a registration on Form S-3 if we have effected two such registrations within the twelve-month period preceding the date of the request. These Form S-3 registration rights are subject to specified conditions and limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in any such registration under certain circumstances. Additionally, if we determine that it would be seriously detrimental to us and our shareholders to effect such a demand registration, we have the right to defer such registration, not more than twice in any twelve-month period, for a period of up to 60 days.
Piggyback Registration Rights
Certain holders of our ordinary shares or certain of their transferees are entitled to certain “piggyback” registration rights. If we propose to register the offer and sale of our ordinary shares under the Securities Act, all holders of these shares then outstanding can request that we include their shares in such registration, subject to certain marketing and other limitations, including the right of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in any such registration under certain circumstances. As a result, whenever we propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act, other than with respect to (i) a registration related to any employee benefit plan, (ii) a corporate reorganization or other transaction covered by Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act or (iii) a registration pursuant to the demand registration rights described above, the holders of these shares are entitled to notice of the registration and have the right, subject to certain limitations, to include their shares in such registration.
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Expenses of Registration
We are required to pay expenses relating to any demand registrations, Form S-3 registrations and piggyback registrations, subject to specified exceptions, of up to $30,000 for one special counsel for the participating holders.
Termination
The registration rights terminate upon the earliest of: (i) the closing of a change of control; (ii) as to a given holder of registration rights, the date after the completion of our initial public offering when such holder of registration rights can sell all of such holder’s registrable securities during any three-month period pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act without limitations; and (iii) the date that is five years after the completion of our initial public offering.
Anti-Takeover Provisions of our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
Some provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders might otherwise view as favorable and are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of our company. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, reduce our vulnerability to a hostile change in control or other unsolicited acquisition proposal and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these provisions may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or other takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in its best interest, including attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price for our ordinary shares.
Classified Board of Directors
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors with staggered three-year terms. A third party may be discouraged from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us as it is more difficult and time consuming for shareholders to replace a majority of the directors on a classified board of directors.
Breaches of Fiduciary Duty
To the maximum extent permitted under Cayman Islands law, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association indemnify our directors and officers against any personal liability of our directors and officers for breaches of fiduciary duty.
Removal of Directors
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that directors may be removed by our shareholders only for cause upon a special resolution passed by our shareholders.
Vacancies
In addition, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that any newly created directorship on the board of directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled only by an ordinary resolution passed by our shareholders or a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that the board of directors may increase the number of directors by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors.
Board Quorum
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that at any meeting of the board of directors, a majority of the total number of authorized directors constitutes a quorum for all purposes.
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Shareholder Action by Written Resolution
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association preclude shareholder action by written resolutions except for unanimous written resolutions.
Extraordinary Shareholder Meetings
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association limit the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of the Company and provide that extraordinary meetings of the Company may be called at any time only by or at the direction of a majority of the board of directors or the chairman of the board of directors.
Supermajority Provisions
Cayman Islands law and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that a special resolution, being the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting or a unanimous written resolution is required to amend our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
The combination of the foregoing provisions make it more difficult for our existing shareholders to replace our board of directors as well as for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Because our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing shareholders or another party to effect a change in management. However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
Comparison of Cayman Islands Corporate Law to U.S. Law
Cayman Islands companies are governed by the Companies Act. The Companies Act is modeled on English Law but does not follow recent English Law statutory enactments, and differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the material differences between the provisions of the Companies Act applicable to us and our shareholders and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements
In certain circumstances the Companies Act allows for mergers or consolidations between two or more Cayman Islands companies, or between one or more Cayman Islands companies and one or more companies incorporated in another jurisdiction (provided that is permitted or not prohibited by the laws of that other jurisdiction).
Where the merger or consolidation is between two Cayman Islands companies, the directors of each company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation containing certain prescribed information. That plan or merger or consolidation must then be authorized by either (i) a special resolution of the shareholders of each company; or (ii) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. No shareholder resolution is required for a merger between a parent company (i.e., a company that owns at least 90% of the issued shares of each class in a subsidiary company) and its subsidiary company. The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest of a constituent company must be obtained, unless the court waives such requirement. If the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies is satisfied that the requirements of the Companies Act (which includes certain other formalities) have been complied with, the Registrar of Companies will register the plan of merger or consolidation.
Where the merger or consolidation involves a foreign company, the procedure is similar, save that with respect to the foreign company, the director of the Cayman Islands exempted company is required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due inquiry, he is of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been met: (i) that the merger or consolidation is permitted or not prohibited by the constitutional documents of the foreign
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company and by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the foreign company is incorporated, and that those laws and any requirements of those constitutional documents have been or will be complied with; (ii) that no petition or other similar proceeding has been filed and remains outstanding or order made or resolution adopted to wind up or liquidate the foreign company in any jurisdictions; (iii) that no receiver, trustee, administrator or other similar person has been appointed in any jurisdiction and is acting in respect of the foreign company, its affairs or its property or any part thereof; (iv) that no scheme, order, compromise or other similar arrangement has been entered into or made in any jurisdiction whereby the rights of creditors of the foreign company are and continue to be suspended or restricted.
Where the surviving company is the Cayman Islands company, the director of the Cayman Islands exempted company is further required to make a declaration to the effect that, having made due enquiry, he is of the opinion that the requirements set out below have been met: (i) that the foreign company is able to pay its debts as they fall due and that the merger or consolidation is bona fide and not intended to defraud unsecured creditors of the foreign company; (ii) that in respect of the transfer of any security interest granted by the foreign company to the surviving or consolidated company (a) consent or approval to the transfer has been obtained, released or waived; (b) the transfer is permitted by and has been approved in accordance with the constitutional documents of the foreign company; and (c) the laws of the jurisdiction of the foreign company with respect to the transfer have been or will be complied with; (iii) that the foreign company will, upon the merger or consolidation becoming effective, cease to be incorporated, registered or exist under the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction; and (iv) that there is no other reason why it would be against the public interest to permit the merger or consolidation.
Where the above procedures are adopted, the Companies Act provides for a right of dissenting shareholders to be paid a payment of the fair value of his shares upon their dissenting to the merger or consolidation if they follow a prescribed procedure. In essence, that procedure is as follows: (i) the shareholder must give his written objection to the merger or consolidation to the constituent company before the vote on the merger or consolidation, including a statement that the shareholder proposes to demand payment for his shares if the merger or consolidation is authorized by the vote; (ii) within 20 days following the date on which the merger or consolidation is approved by the shareholders, the constituent company must give written notice to each shareholder who made a written objection; (iii) a shareholder must within 20 days following receipt of such notice from the constituent company, give the constituent company a written notice of his intention to dissent including, among other details, a demand for payment of the fair value of his shares; (iv) within seven days following the date of the expiration of the period set out in paragraph (ii) above or seven days following the date on which the plan of merger or consolidation is filed, whichever is later, the constituent company, the surviving company or the consolidated company must make a written offer to each dissenting shareholder to purchase his shares at a price that the company determines is the fair value and if the company and the shareholder agree the price within 30 days following the date on which the offer was made, the company must pay the shareholder such amount; (v) if the company and the shareholder fail to agree a price within such 30-day period, within 20 days following the date on which such 30-day period expires, the company (and any dissenting shareholder) must file a petition with the Court to determine the fair value and such petition must be accompanied by a list of the names and addresses of the dissenting shareholders with whom agreements as to the fair value of their shares have not been reached by the company. At the hearing of that petition, the Court has the power to determine the fair value of the shares together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid by the company upon the amount determined to be the fair value. Any dissenting shareholder whose name appears on the list filed by the company may participate fully in all proceedings until the determination of fair value is reached. These rights of a dissenting shareholder are not available in certain circumstances, for example, to dissenters holding shares of any class in respect of which an open market exists on a recognized stock exchange or recognized interdealer quotation system at the relevant date or where the consideration for such shares to be contributed are shares of any company listed on a national securities exchange or shares of the surviving or consolidated company.
Moreover, Cayman Islands law also has separate statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction or amalgamation of companies in certain circumstances, schemes of arrangement will generally be more suited for complex mergers or other transactions involving widely held companies, commonly referred to in the Cayman Islands as a “scheme of arrangement” which may be tantamount to a merger. In the event that a merger was sought pursuant to a scheme of arrangement (the procedure of which are more rigorous and take longer to complete than the
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procedures typically required to consummate a merger in the United States), the arrangement in question must be approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at an annual general meeting, or extraordinary general meeting summoned for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the terms of the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Court. While a dissenting shareholder would have the right to express to the Court the view that the transaction should not be approved, the Court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it satisfies itself that:
•we are not proposing to act illegally or beyond the scope of our corporate authority and the statutory provisions as to majority vote have been complied with;
•the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question;
•the arrangement is such as a businessman would reasonably approve; and
•the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Act or that would amount to a “fraud on the minority.”
If a scheme of arrangement or takeover offer (as described below) is approved, any dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights (providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares), which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations.
Squeeze-Out Provisions
When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares to whom the offer relates within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Court, but this is unlikely to succeed unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith, collusion or inequitable treatment of the shareholders.
Further, transactions similar to a merger, reconstruction and/or an amalgamation may in some circumstances be achieved through means other than these statutory provisions, such as a share capital exchange, asset acquisition or control or through contractual arrangements, of an operating business.
Shareholders’ Suits
Our Cayman Islands legal counsel is not aware of any reported class action having been brought in a Cayman Islands court. Derivative actions have been brought in the Cayman Islands courts, and the Cayman Islands courts have confirmed the availability for such actions. In most cases, we will be the proper plaintiff in any claim based on a breach of duty owed to us, and a claim against (for example) our officers or directors usually may not be brought by a shareholder. However, based both on the Cayman Islands authorities and on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority and be applied by a court in the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing principle apply in circumstances in which:
•a company is acting, or proposing to act, illegally or beyond the scope of its authority;
•the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of the authority, could be effected if duly authorized by more than the number of votes which have actually been obtained; or
•those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”
A shareholder may have a direct right of action against us where the individual rights of that shareholder have been infringed or are about to be infringed.
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Enforcement of Civil Liabilities
The Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides less protection to investors. Additionally, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the Federal courts of the United States.
We have been advised by our Cayman Islands legal counsel, Maples and Calder (Cayman) LLP, that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any State; and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, to impose liabilities against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any State, so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions are penal in nature. In those circumstances, although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign judgment to be enforced in the Cayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, impeachable on the grounds of fraud or obtained in a manner, and/or be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Matters
As we are a Cayman Islands exempted company, the laws of the Cayman Islands are relevant to the provisions relating to indemnification of our directors and officers. Although the Companies Act does not specifically restrict a Cayman Islands exempted company’s ability to indemnify its directors or officers, it does not expressly provide for such indemnification either. Certain Commonwealth case law (which is likely to be persuasive in the Cayman Islands), however, indicates that the indemnification is generally permissible, unless there has been actual fraud, willful default, willful neglect, breach of fiduciary duty, unconscionable behavior or behavior which falls within the broad stable of conduct identifiable as “equitable fraud” on the part of the director or officer in question.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that each of our directors, agents or officers shall be indemnified out of our assets against any liability incurred by them as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out their functions other than such liability, if any, that they may incur by their own actual fraud, willful neglect or willful default. No such director, agent or officer shall be liable to us for any loss or damage in carrying out their functions unless that liability arises through the actual fraud, willful neglect or willful default of such director, agent or officer.
We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, executive officers and certain other employees under which we have agreed to indemnify each such person and hold them harmless against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts payable under settlement agreements in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which they have been made a party or in which they became involved by reason of the fact that they are or were our director or officer. Except with respect to expenses to be reimbursed by us in the event that the indemnified person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of the action, suit or proceeding, our obligations under the indemnification agreements are subject to certain customary restrictions and exceptions.
In addition, we maintain standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and to us with respect to payments which may be made by us to such directors and officers pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.
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Anti-Money Laundering-Cayman Islands
If any person in the Cayman Islands knows or suspects, or has reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting that another person is engaged in criminal conduct or money laundering, or is involved with terrorism or terrorist financing and property, and the information for that knowledge or suspicion came to their attention in the course of business in the regulated sector, or other trade, profession, business or employment, the person will be required to report such knowledge or suspicion to (i) the Financial Reporting Authority of the Cayman Islands (FRA) pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, if the disclosure relates to criminal conduct or money laundering, or (ii) a police officer of the rank of constable or higher, or the FRA, pursuant to the Terrorism Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, if the disclosure relates to involvement with terrorism or terrorist financing and property.
Cayman Islands Data Protection
We have certain duties under the Data Protection Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (DPA) based on internationally accepted principles of data privacy.
Privacy Notice
Introduction
This privacy notice puts our shareholders on notice that through your investment in our company you will provide us with certain personal information which constitutes personal data within the meaning of the DPA (personal data).
In the following discussion under this “Privacy Notice” only, the Company refers to us and our affiliates and/or delegates, except where the context requires otherwise.
Investor Data
We will collect, use, disclose, retain and secure personal data to the extent reasonably required only and within the parameters that could be reasonably expected during the normal course of business. We will only process, disclose, transfer or retain personal data to the extent legitimately required to conduct our activities on an ongoing basis or to comply with legal and regulatory obligations to which we are subject. We will only transfer personal data in accordance with the requirements of the DPA, and will apply appropriate technical and organizational information security measures designed to protect against unauthorized or unlawful processing of the personal data and against the accidental loss, destruction or damage to the personal data.
In our use of this personal data, we will be characterized as a “data controller” for the purposes of the DPA, while our affiliates and service providers who may receive this personal data from us in the conduct of our activities may either act as our “data processors” for the purposes of the DPA or may process personal information for their own lawful purposes in connection with services provided to us.
We may also obtain personal data from other public sources. Personal data includes, without limitation, the following information relating to a shareholder and/or any individuals connected with a shareholder as an investor: name, residential address, email address, contact details, corporate contact information, signature, nationality, place of birth, date of birth, tax identification, credit history, correspondence records, passport number, bank account details, source of funds details and details relating to the shareholder's investment activity.
Who This Affects
If you are a natural person, this will affect you directly. If you are a corporate investor (including, for these purposes, legal arrangements such as trusts or exempted limited partnerships) that provides us with personal data on individuals connected to you for any reason in relation your investment in the Company, this will be relevant for those individuals and you should transmit the content of this “Privacy Notice” to such individuals or otherwise advise them of its content.
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How the Company May Use a Shareholder's Personal Data
The Company, as the data controller, may collect, store and use personal data for lawful purposes, including, in particular:
•where this is necessary for the performance of our rights and obligations under any purchase agreements;
•where this is necessary for compliance with a legal or regulatory obligation to which we are subject (such as compliance with anti-money laundering and FATCA/CRS requirements); and/or
•where this is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests and such interests are not overridden by your interests, fundamental rights or freedoms.
Should we wish to use personal data for other specific purposes (including, if applicable, any purpose that requires your consent), we will contact you.
Why We May Transfer Your Personal Data
In certain circumstances we may be legally obliged to share personal data and other information with respect to your shareholding with the relevant regulatory authorities such as the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority or the Tax Information Authority. They, in turn, may exchange this information with foreign authorities, including tax authorities.
We anticipate disclosing personal data to persons who provide services to us and their respective affiliates (which may include certain entities located outside the United States, the Cayman Islands or the European Economic Area), who will process your personal data on our behalf.
The Data Protection Measures We Take
Any transfer of personal data by us or our duly authorized affiliates and/or delegates outside of the Cayman Islands shall be in accordance with the requirements of the DPA.
We and our duly authorized affiliates and/or delegates shall apply appropriate technical and organizational information security measures designed to protect against unauthorized or unlawful processing of personal data, and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.
We shall notify you of any personal data breach that is reasonably likely to result in a risk to your interests, fundamental rights or freedoms or those data subjects to whom the relevant personal data relates.
Listing
Our ordinary shares are listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CRDO.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our ordinary shares. The transfer agent’s address is 150 Royall Street, Suite 101, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES REPRESENTING PREFERRED SHARES
The applicable prospectus supplement will include a description of the material terms of any depositary shares representing preferred shares offered hereby.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following descriptions of the debt securities do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the indenture, a form of which has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Any future supplemental indenture or similar document also will be so filed. You should read the indenture and any supplemental indenture or similar document because they, and not these descriptions, define your rights as a holder of our debt securities. All capitalized terms have the meanings specified in the indenture.
As used in this prospectus, debt securities means the debentures, notes, bonds and other evidences of indebtedness that we may issue separately or upon exercise of a debt warrant from time to time. The debt securities may either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The debt securities we offer will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee to be named therein. Debt securities, whether senior or subordinated, may be issued as convertible debt securities or exchangeable debt securities.
As used in this “Description of Debt Securities,” the terms “Credo,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd and do not, unless otherwise specified, include our subsidiaries.
General Terms of the Indenture
The debt securities will be our direct unsecured obligations. The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our present and future senior indebtedness to the extent and in the manner described in the prospectus supplement and, if applicable, in a pricing supplement, and as set forth in the supplemental indenture, board resolution or officers’ certificate relating to such offering.
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize and may be in any currency or currency unit designated by us. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of any debt securities protection with respect to our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us.
We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities,” which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be treated as if they were issued with “original issue discount,” because of interest payment and other characteristics. Special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with original issue discount will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any.
The applicable prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities that we issue, together with a pricing supplement, if any, will describe, among other things, the following terms of the offered debt securities:
•the title;
•the aggregate principal amount;
•whether issued in fully registered form without coupons or in a form registered as to principal only with coupons or in bearer form with coupons;
•whether issued in the form of one or more global securities and whether all or a portion of the principal amount of the debt securities is represented thereby;
•the price or prices at which the debt securities will be issued;
•the date or dates on which principal is payable;
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•the place or places where and the manner in which principal, premium or interest will be payable and the place or places where the debt securities may be presented for transfer and, if applicable, conversion or exchange;
•interest rates, and the dates from which interest, if any, will accrue, and the dates when interest is payable;
•the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of the extensions;
•our rights or obligations to redeem or purchase the debt securities, including sinking fund or partial redemption payments;
•conversion or exchange provisions, if any, including conversion or exchange prices or rates and adjustments thereto;
•the currency or currencies of payment of principal or interest;
•the terms applicable to any debt securities issued at a discount from their stated principal amount;
•the terms, if any, pursuant to which any debt securities will be subordinate to any of our other debt;
•if the amount of payments of principal or interest is to be determined by reference to an index or formula, or based on a coin or currency other than that in which the debt securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which these amounts are determined and the calculation agent, if any, with respect thereto;
•if other than the entire principal amount of the debt securities when issued, the portion of the principal amount payable upon acceleration of maturity as a result of a default on our obligations;
•any provisions for the remarketing of the debt securities;
•if applicable, covenants affording holders of debt protection with respect to our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us; and
•any other specific terms of any debt securities.
The applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, will set forth certain U.S. federal income tax considerations for holders of any debt securities and the securities exchange or quotation system on which any debt securities are listed or quoted, if any.
Debt securities issued by us will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, all securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time without consent of any holder.
Subordination
The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, relating to any offering of subordinated debt securities will describe the specific subordination provisions, including the extent of subordination of payments by us of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such subordinated debt securities.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our other securities or property. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any. The terms will include, among others, the following:
•the conversion or exchange price;
•the conversion or exchange period;
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•provisions regarding the ability of us or the holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;
•events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and
•provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities.
Consolidation, Merger or Sale
We cannot consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any person unless (1) we will be the continuing corporation or (2) the successor corporation or person to which our assets are conveyed, transferred or leased is a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and it expressly assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture. In addition, we cannot effect such a transaction unless immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event of default under the indenture shall have occurred and be continuing. Subject to certain exceptions, when the person to whom our assets are transferred or leased has assumed our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture, we shall be discharged from all our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture, except in limited circumstances.
This covenant would not apply to any recapitalization transaction, a change of control of us or a highly leveraged transaction, unless the transaction or change of control were structured to include a merger or consolidation or transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise indicated, the term “Event of Default,” when used in the indenture, means any of the following:
•failure to pay interest for 30 days after the date payment is due and payable; provided that, an extension of an interest payment period in accordance with the terms of the debt securities shall not constitute a failure to pay interest;
•failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on any debt security when due, either at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration or otherwise;
•failure to make sinking fund payments when due;
•failure to perform any other covenant for 90 days after notice that performance was required;
•certain events relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or
•any other Event of Default provided in the applicable resolution of our board of directors or the officers’ certificate or supplemental indenture under which we issue a series of debt securities.
An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the indenture. If an Event of Default relating to the payment of interest, principal or any sinking fund installment involving any series of debt securities has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of each affected series may declare the entire principal of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately.
If an Event of Default relating to the performance of other covenants has occurred and is continuing for a period of 90 days after notice of such, or involves all of the series of senior debt securities, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of all of the series of senior debt securities may declare the entire principal amount of all of the series of senior debt securities due and payable immediately.
Similarly, if an Event of Default relating to the performance of other covenants has occurred and is continuing for a period of 90 days after notice of such, or involves all of the series of subordinated debt securities, then the
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trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of all of the series of subordinated debt securities may declare the entire principal amount of all of the series of subordinated debt securities due and payable immediately.
If, however, the Event of Default relating to the performance of other covenants or any other Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing is for less than all of the series of senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, as the case may be, then, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of each affected series of the senior debt securities or the subordinated debt securities, as the case may be, may declare the entire principal amount of all debt securities of such affected series due and payable immediately. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of a series may, after satisfying conditions, rescind and annul any of the above-described declarations and consequences involving the series.
If an Event of Default relating to events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of all of the debt securities outstanding, and any accrued interest, will automatically become due and payable immediately, without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder.
The indenture provides that the trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of default (or 30 days after it is known by the trustee) with respect to a particular series of debt securities, give the holders of the debt securities of such series notice of such default known to it; provided that, except in the case of a default or Event of Default in payment of the principal, premium, if any, of, or interest on, any debt security of such series or in the payment of any redemption obligation, the trustee may withhold the notice if, and so long as, it in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the holders of debt securities of that series.
The indenture imposes limitations on suits brought by holders of debt securities against us. Except as provided below, no holder of debt securities of any series may institute any action against us under the indenture unless:
•the holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of default and continuance of that default;
•the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series have requested that the trustee institute the action;
•the requesting holders have offered the trustee reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to it for expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by bringing the action;
•the trustee has not instituted the action within 60 days of the request; and
•the trustee has not received inconsistent direction by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each holder of debt securities of any series has the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on such debt securities when due and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights may not be impaired without the consent of that holder of debt securities.
We will be required to file annually with the trustee a certificate, signed by one of our officers, stating whether or not the officer knows of any default by us in compliance with any condition or covenant of the indenture.
Registered Global Securities
We may issue the debt securities of a series in whole or in part in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that we will deposit with a depositary or with a nominee for a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, and registered in the name of such depositary or nominee. In such case, we will issue one or more registered global securities denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all of the debt securities of the series to be issued and represented by such registered global security or securities.
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Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole:
•by the depositary for such registered global security to its nominee;
•by a nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary; or
•by the depositary or its nominee to a successor of the depositary or a nominee of the successor.
The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, relating to a series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion of such series represented by a registered global security. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements for debt securities:
•ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons that have accounts with the depositary for the registered global security, those persons being referred to as “participants,” or persons that may hold interests through participants;
•upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary for the registered global security will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the registered global security beneficially owned by the participants;
•any dealers, underwriters, or agents participating in the distribution of the debt securities will designate the accounts to be credited; and
•ownership of any beneficial interest in the registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of any ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for the registered global security (with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons holding through participants).
The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These laws may limit the ability of those persons to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depositary for a registered global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the registered global security, the depositary or the nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security:
•will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in their names;
•will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in the definitive form; and
•will not be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities under the indenture.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the registered global security and, if the person is not a participant, on the procedures of a participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.
We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take the action, and those participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants to give or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
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We will make payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owners of the registered global security. None of Credo, the trustee or any other agent of Credo or the trustee will be responsible or liable for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payments of principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, in respect of the registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that standing customer instructions and customary practices will govern payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the registered global security held through the participants, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” We also expect that any of these payments will be the responsibility of the participants.
If the depositary for any debt securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, we will appoint an eligible successor depositary. If we fail to appoint an eligible successor depositary within 90 days, we will issue the debt securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion decide not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more registered global securities. In such event, we will issue debt securities of that series in a definitive form in exchange for all of the registered global securities representing the debt securities. The trustee will register any debt securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security in such name or names as the depositary, based upon instructions from its participants, shall instruct the trustee.
We may also issue bearer debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global securities, referred to as “bearer global securities.” We will deposit these bearer global securities with a common depositary for Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, known as “Euroclear” and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, Luxembourg, known as “Clearstream”, or with a nominee for the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, relating to that series. The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, relating to a series of debt securities represented by a bearer global security will describe the specific terms and procedures, including the specific terms of the depositary arrangement and any specific procedures for the issuance of debt securities in definitive form in exchange for a bearer global security, with respect to the portion of the series represented by a bearer global security.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
We can discharge or defease our obligations under the indenture as set forth below. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, the subordination provisions applicable to any subordinated debt securities will be expressly made subject to the discharge and defeasance provisions of the indenture.
We may discharge our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and that have either become due and payable or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year (or are scheduled for redemption within one year). We may effect a discharge by irrevocably depositing with the trustee cash or U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations, as applicable, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay when due, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities and any mandatory sinking fund payments.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, if any, we may also discharge any and all of our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities at any time (legal defeasance). We also may be released from the obligations imposed by any covenants of any outstanding series of debt securities and
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provisions of the indenture, and we may omit to comply with those covenants without creating an Event of Default (covenant defeasance). We may effect legal defeasance and covenant defeasance only if, among other things:
•we irrevocably deposit with the trustee cash or U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations, as applicable, as trust funds, in an amount certified to be sufficient to pay at maturity (or upon redemption) the principal, premium, if any, and interest on all outstanding debt securities of the series; and
•we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel from a nationally recognized law firm to the effect that the beneficial owners of the series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and that legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not otherwise alter the beneficial owners’ U.S. federal income tax treatment of principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on the series of debt securities, which opinion, in the case of legal defeasance, must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service issued, or a change in U.S. federal income tax law.
Although we may discharge or defease our obligations under the indenture as described in the two preceding paragraphs, we may not avoid, among other things, our duty to register the transfer or exchange of any series of debt securities, to replace any temporary, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen series of debt securities or to maintain an office or agency in respect of any series of debt securities.
Modification of the Indenture
The indenture provides that we and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of debt securities to:
•secure any debt securities;
•evidence the assumption by a successor corporation of our obligations;
•add covenants for the protection of the holders of debt securities;
•add one or more guarantees;
•cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the indenture;
•establish the forms or terms of debt securities of any series;
•conform any provision of the indenture to this description of debt securities, the description of the notes included in the applicable prospectus supplement or any other relevant section of the applicable prospectus supplement describing the terms of the debt securities;
•evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee;
•to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;
•make any change that does not materially adversely affect the right of any holder; and
•comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
The indenture also provides that we and the trustee may, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of all series of senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, as the case may be, then outstanding and affected (voting as one class), add any provisions to, or change in any manner, eliminate or modify in any way the provisions of, the indenture or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of the debt securities.
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We and the trustee may not, however, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:
•extend the final maturity of any debt security;
•reduce the principal amount or premium, if any;
•reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest;
•reduce any amount payable on redemption;
•change the currency in which the principal (other than as may be provided otherwise with respect to a series), premium, if any, or interest is payable;
•reduce the amount of the principal of any debt security issued with an original issue discount that is payable upon acceleration or provable in bankruptcy;
•modify any of the subordination provisions or the definition of senior indebtedness applicable to any subordinated debt securities in a manner adverse to the holders of those securities;
•alter provisions of the indenture relating to the debt securities not denominated in U.S. dollars;
•impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any debt security when due;
•reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities of any series whose consent is required for any modification of the indenture, or the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults thereunder and their consequences) provided for in the indenture; or
•modify any provisions set forth in this paragraph.
Concerning the Trustee
The indenture provides that there may be more than one trustee under the indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. If there are different trustees for different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee under the indenture. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a trustee may be taken by such trustee only with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the trustee under the indenture. Any trustee under the indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities.
The indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, should it become a creditor of us, to obtain payment of claims in some cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee may engage in other transactions. If it acquires any conflicting interest relating to any duties with respect to the debt securities, however, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as trustee.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any series of debt securities then outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee with respect to such series of debt securities, provided that, the direction would not conflict with any rule of law or with the indenture, would not be unduly prejudicial to the rights of another holder of the debt securities, and would not involve any trustee in personal liability. The indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur and be known to any trustee and not be cured, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would use in the conduct of his or her own affairs in the exercise of the trustee’s power. Subject to these provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they shall have offered to the trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the trustee.
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No Individual Liability of Incorporators, Securityholders, Officers or Directors
The indenture provides that no incorporator and no past, present or future securityholder, officer or director, of us or any successor corporation in their capacity as such shall have any individual liability for any of our obligations, covenants or agreements under the debt securities or the indenture.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, including, without limitation, Sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the New York General Obligations Law and New York Civil Practice Law and Rules 327(b).
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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants to purchase our debt or equity securities or securities of third parties or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
•the title of such warrants;
•the aggregate number of such warrants;
•the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
•the currency or currencies in which the price of such warrants will be payable;
•the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;
•the price at which and the currency or currencies in which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;
•the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
•if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;
•if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;
•if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
•information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
•if applicable, a discussion of any material United States Federal income tax considerations; and
•any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.
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DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS
We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:
•debt or equity securities issued by us or securities of third parties, a basket of such securities, an index or indices of such securities or any combination of the above as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;
•currencies; or
•commodities.
Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities, currencies or commodities at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities, currencies or commodities and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.
The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued. Our obligation to settle such pre-paid purchase contracts on the relevant settlement date may constitute indebtedness. Accordingly, pre-paid purchase contracts will be issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture.
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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred shares, ordinary shares or any combination of such securities. The applicable supplement will describe:
•the terms of the units and of the warrants, debt securities, preferred shares and ordinary shares comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately;
•a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; and
•a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units.
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FORMS OF SECURITIES
Each debt security, warrant and unit will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Certificated securities in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, warrants and units represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.
Global Securities
Registered Global Securities. We may issue the registered debt securities, warrants and units in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, guaranteed trust preferred security or unit agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, guaranteed trust preferred security or unit agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, guaranteed trust preferred security or unit agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, guaranteed trust preferred security or unit agreement, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests
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to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to warrants, guaranteed trust preferred securities or units, represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of Credo, the trustees, the warrant agents, the unit agents or any other agent of Credo, agent of the trustees or agent of the warrant agents or unit agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
If the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.
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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
Information about selling securityholders, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or in filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Credo and/or the selling securityholders, if applicable, may sell the securities in one or more of the following ways (or in any combination) from time to time:
•to or through underwriters or dealers;
•in short or long transactions;
•directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser;
•through agents; or
•through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
The prospectus supplement will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including:
•the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;
•the purchase price of such securities and the proceeds to be received by Credo, if any;
•any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;
•details regarding over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us, if any;
•any public offering price;
•any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
•any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.
Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If Credo and/or the selling securityholders, if applicable, use underwriters in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including:
•negotiated transactions;
•at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed;
•“at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise;
•at prices related to prevailing market prices; or
•at negotiated prices.
Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase any securities will be conditioned on customary closing conditions and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of such series of securities, if any are purchased.
Credo and/or the selling securityholders, if applicable, may sell the securities through agents from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
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Credo and/or the selling securityholders, if applicable, may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from Credo at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these contracts.
Underwriters and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with Credo and/or the selling securityholders, if applicable, to indemnification by Credo and/or the selling securityholders, if applicable, against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters or agents may be required to make.
Each series of securities other than the ordinary shares, which are listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any series of debt securities outstanding on the date hereof, will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The securities, other than the ordinary shares, may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange.
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TAXATION
Tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of any of the securities offered by this prospectus will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering of those securities.
VALIDITY OF SECURITIES
Certain legal matters with regard to the validity of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Redwood City, California, and for any underwriters or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Maples and Calder (Cayman) LLP will pass upon the validity of the securities offered in this prospectus with respect to the ordinary shares and matters of Cayman Islands law.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd appearing in Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended May 3, 2025, and the effectiveness of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 3, 2025 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by the Registrant in connection with the sale of the securities being registered hereby.
Amount to be Paid | |||||
Registration fee | $ * | ||||
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee | ** | ||||
Printing fees | ** | ||||
Legal fees and expenses (including Blue Sky fees) | ** | ||||
Trustee fees | ** | ||||
Rating Agency fees | ** | ||||
Accounting fees and expenses | ** | ||||
Miscellaneous | ** | ||||
TOTAL | $ ** | ||||
__________________
*Pursuant to Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act, the SEC registration fee will be paid at the time of any particular offering of securities under the registration statement.
**Omitted because these fees and expenses will depend on the securities offered and the number of issuances, and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. The expenses of any offering will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
As we are a Cayman Islands exempted company, the laws of the Cayman Islands will be relevant to the provisions relating to indemnification of our directors and officers. Although the Companies Act does not specifically restrict a Cayman Islands exempted company’s ability to indemnify its directors or officers, it does not expressly provide for such indemnification either. Certain Commonwealth case law (which is likely to be persuasive in the Cayman Islands), however, indicates that the indemnification is generally permissible, unless there has been willful default, willful neglect, breach of fiduciary duty, unconscionable behavior or behavior which falls within the broad stable of conduct identifiable as “equitable fraud” on the part of the director or officer in question.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that each of our directors, agents or officers shall be indemnified out of our assets against any liability incurred by him as a result of any act or failure to act in carrying out his functions other than such liability, if any, that he may incur by his own actual fraud or willful neglect or default. No such director, agent or officer shall be liable to us for any loss or damage in carrying out his functions unless that liability arises through the actual fraud or willful neglect or default of such director, agent or officer.
We have also entered into indemnification agreements with certain of our directors and executive officers under which we have agreed to indemnify each such person and hold him harmless against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts payable under settlement agreements in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which he has been made a party or in which he became involved by reason of the fact that he is or was our director or officer. Except with respect to expenses to be reimbursed by us in the event that the indemnified person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of the action, suit or proceeding, our obligations under the indemnification agreements are subject to certain customary restrictions and exceptions. The indemnification agreements are governed under Cayman Islands law or New York law. Prior to the completion of this offering, we expect to enter into new indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers, which will contain similar provisions.
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In addition, we maintain standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and to us with respect to payments which may be made by us to such directors and officers pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
| Incorporation by Reference | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit Number | Description | Form | File No. | Exhibit(s) | Filing Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1.1† | Form of Underwriting Agreement | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.1 | 8-K | 001-41249 | 3.1 | February 1, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.1 | S-1 | 333-261982 | 4.1 | January 3, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.2† | Specimen Preferred Share Certificate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.3 | S-3ASR | 333-275894 | 4.3 | December 5, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.4† | Form of Note | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.5† | Form of Warrant Agreement | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.6† | Form of Purchase Contract | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.7† | Form of Unit Agreement | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.8† | Form of Depositary Agreement | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.2* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23.2* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23.3* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 24.1* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25.1† | Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of the trustee to be named in the indenture included as Exhibit 4.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 107* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________________
*Filed herewith
†To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or on a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with the issuance of the applicable securities.
Item 17. Undertakings
(a)The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
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statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4)That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(A)Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(B)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications,
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the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b)The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(c)The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on this 6th day of October, 2025.
| Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ William Brennan | |||||||
| William Brennan | ||||||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William Brennan and Daniel Fleming, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities, in the locations and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||||||||||||
| /s/ William Brennan | President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| William Brennan | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Daniel Fleming | Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Daniel Fleming | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Sylvia Acevedo | Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Sylvia Acevedo | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Chi Fung Cheng | Chief Technology Officer and Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Chi Fung Cheng | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Fariba Danesh | Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Fariba Danesh | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Clyde Hosein | Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Clyde Hosein | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Manpreet Khaira | Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Manpreet Khaira | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Yat Tung Lam | Chief Operating Officer and Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Yat Tung Lam | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Pantas Sutardja | Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Pantas Sutardja | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Lip-Bu Tan | Director | October 6, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Lip-Bu Tan | ||||||||||||||
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 6(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned has signed this registration statement, solely in its capacity as the duly authorized representative of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on the 6th day of October, 2025.
| By: | /s/ William Brennan | |||||||
| William Brennan | ||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd | ||||||||
Exhibit 5.1
Our ref JWT/694946-000001/84624954v2
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd
PO Box 309, Ugland House
Grand Cayman
KY1-1104
Cayman Islands
6 October 2025
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd
We have acted as counsel as to Cayman Islands law to Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (the "Company") to provide this opinion letter in connection with the Company's registration statement on Form S-3, including all amendments or supplements thereto, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the United States Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Act") (including its exhibits, the "Registration Statement") related to securities to be issued and sold by the Company from time to time (together, the "Securities"). The Securities include:
(a) ordinary shares of the Company of a par value of US$0.00005 each (the "Ordinary Shares");
(b) preferred shares of the Company of a par value of US$0.00005 each (the "Preferred Shares");
(c) depositary shares of the Company representing fractional interests in shares of Preferred Shares (the "Depositary Shares"), which may be issued under one or more preferred share depositary agreements (each, a “Depositary Agreement” and together the "Depositary Agreements");
(d) warrants (the "Warrants") issuable pursuant to the terms of one or more warrant agreements to be entered into by the Company and a warrant agent (each such warrant agreement, a "Warrant Agreement" and, together the "Warrant Agreements") and warrant certificate (the "Warrant Certificate" and, together with the Warrant Agreements, the "Warrant Documents");
(e) purchase contracts (the "Purchase Contracts"), which may be issued pursuant to one or more purchase contract agreements (each such purchase contract agreement, a “Purchase Contract Agreement” and, together the "Purchase Contract Agreements");
(f) debt securities (the "Debt Securities"), each series of Debt Securities to be issued under an indenture to be entered into by the Company and the trustee, substantially in the form attached as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement, as each such indenture may be supplemented, in connection with the issuance of each such series, by a supplemental indenture, officers' certificate or other writing thereunder establishing the form and terms of such series; and
(g) units which may be comprised of one or more of the other securities described above (the "Units") issuable pursuant to the terms of one or more unit agreements (each, a "Unit Agreement") and unit certificates (each, a "Unit Certificate" and, together with the Unit Agreements, the "Unit Documents").
This opinion letter is given in accordance with the terms of the Validity of Securities section of the Registration Statement.
1 Documents Reviewed
We have reviewed originals, copies, drafts or conformed copies of the following documents:
1.1 The certificate of incorporation dated 5 September 2014 and the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Company adopted by special resolution passed on 23 December 2021 and effective on 31 January 2022 (the "Memorandum and Articles").
1.2 The written resolutions of the board of directors of the Company dated 6 October 2025 (the "Resolutions").
1.3 The following corporate records of the Company maintained at its registered office in the Cayman Islands, each as at the date of this opinion letter:
(a) Register of Directors and Officers;
(b) Register of Mortgages and Charges.
1.4 A certificate of good standing with respect to the Company issued by the Registrar of Companies (the "Certificate of Good Standing").
1.5 A certificate from a director of the Company a copy of which is attached to this opinion letter (the "Director's Certificate").
1.6 The Registration Statement.
1.7 The forms of senior debt securities indenture and subordinated debt securities indenture in respect of the Debt Securities (together, the "Indenture Documents" and, together with the Depositary Agreements, the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contract Agreements and the Unit Documents, the "Documents").
2 Assumptions
The following opinions are given only as to, and based on, circumstances and matters of fact existing and known to us on the date of this opinion letter. These opinions only relate to the laws of the Cayman Islands which are in force on the date of this opinion letter. In giving the following opinions, we have relied (without further verification) upon the completeness and accuracy, as at the
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date of this opinion letter, of the Director's Certificate and the Certificate of Good Standing. We have also relied upon the following assumptions, which we have not independently verified:
2.1 The Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units issuable under the Unit Documents have been, or will be, authorised and duly executed and unconditionally delivered by or on behalf of all relevant parties in accordance with all relevant laws.
2.2 The Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units issuable under the Unit Documents are, or will be, legal, valid, binding and enforceable against all relevant parties in accordance with their terms under the laws of the State of New York (the "Relevant Law") and all other relevant laws (other than, with respect to the Company, the laws of the Cayman Islands).
2.3 The choice of the Relevant Law as the governing law of the Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units issuable under the Unit Documents has been made in good faith and would be regarded as a valid and binding selection which will be upheld by the courts of the State of New York and any other relevant jurisdiction (other than the Cayman Islands) as a matter of the Relevant Law and all other relevant laws (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands).
2.4 Copies of documents, conformed copies or drafts of documents provided to us are true and complete copies of, or in the final forms of, the originals.
2.5 All signatures, initials and seals are genuine.
2.6 The capacity, power, authority and legal right of all parties under all relevant laws and regulations (other than, with respect to the Company, the laws and regulations of the Cayman Islands) to enter into, execute, unconditionally deliver and perform their respective obligations under the Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units issuable under the Unit Documents.
2.7 There is no contractual or other prohibition or restriction (other than as arising under Cayman Islands law) binding on the Company prohibiting or restricting it from entering into and performing its obligations under the Documents.
2.8 No monies paid to or for the account of any party under the Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units issuable under the Unit Documents or any property received or disposed of by any party to the Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units
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issuable under the Unit Documents in each case in connection with the Documents, the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents and the Units issuable under the Unit Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby represent or will represent proceeds of criminal conduct or criminal property or terrorist property (as defined in the Proceeds of Crime Act (As Revised) and the Terrorism Act (As Revised), respectively).
2.9 There is nothing contained in the minute book or corporate records of the Company (which, other than the records set out in paragraph 1.3 of this opinion letter, we have not inspected) which would or might affect the opinions set out below.
2.10 There is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands) which would or might affect the opinions set out below. Specifically, we have made no independent investigation of the laws of the State of New York.
2.11 The Debt Securities will be issued and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of a duly authorised, executed and delivered Indenture Document.
2.12 The Indenture Documents, the Depositary Shares and the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants and the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts and the Purchase Contract Agreements, and the Units and the Unit Documents will be, or have been, duly executed and delivered by an authorised person of the parties thereto.
2.13 The Company will receive money or money's worth in consideration for the issue of the Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares and none of the Ordinary Shares or the Preferred Shares will be issued for less than their par value.
2.14 There will be sufficient Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares authorised for issue under the Memorandum and Articles.
2.15 The issue of the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents, the Units issuable under the Unit Documents, the Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares will be of commercial benefit to the Company.
2.16 No invitation has been or will be made by or on behalf of the Company to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for any of the Depositary Shares issuable under the Depositary Agreements, the Warrants issuable under the Warrant Documents, the Purchase Contracts issuable under the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Debt Securities issuable under the Indenture Documents, the Units issuable under the Unit Documents, the Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares.
2.17 There is nothing under any law (other than the laws of the Cayman Islands) which would or might affect the opinions set out below. Specifically, we have made no independent investigation of the Relevant Law.
Save as aforesaid we have not been instructed to undertake and have not undertaken any further enquiry or due diligence in relation to the transaction the subject of this opinion letter.
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3 Opinions
Based upon, and subject to, the foregoing assumptions and the qualifications set out below, and having regard to such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:
3.1 The Company has been duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability and is validly existing and in good standing with the Registrar of Companies under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
3.2 The Company has all requisite power and authority under the Memorandum and Articles to enter into, execute and perform its obligations under the Indenture Documents to which it will be a party and the Debt Securities issuable under each such Indenture Document to which it is, or will be, a party.
3.3 With respect to the Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares, when: (a) the board of directors of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; (b) the issue of such Ordinary Shares and/or Preferred Shares has been recorded in the Company's register of members (shareholders); and (c) the subscription price of such Ordinary Shares and/or Preferred Shares (being not less than the par value of the Ordinary Shares and/or Preferred Shares) has been fully paid in cash or other consideration approved by the board of directors of the Company, the Ordinary Shares and/or Preferred Shares will be duly authorised, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
3.4 With respect to the Depositary Shares, when (a) the board of directors of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation and terms of the Depositary shares and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; (b) a Depositary Agreement relating to the Depositary Shares shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the share Depositary to be named therein; (c) the specific terms of the Depositary Shares have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the Depositary Agreement; and (d) such Depositary Shares have been duly authorized, executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the Depositary Agreement and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, the Depositary Shares will be duly authorised, legal and binding obligations of the Company.
3.5 With respect to the Warrants, when: (a) the board of directors of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation and terms of the Warrants and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; (b) a Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the financial institution designated as warrant agent thereunder; and (c) the Warrant Certificates have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the board of directors of the Company upon payment of the consideration therefor provided therein, the Warrants will be duly authorised, legal and binding obligations of the Company.
3.6 With respect to each issue of Debt Securities pursuant to the relevant Indenture Document, when: (a) the board of directors of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; and (b) such Debt Securities issued thereunder have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and authenticated in the manner set forth in the relevant Indenture Document
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relating to such issue of Debt Securities and delivered against due payment therefor pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of the Registration Statement and any relevant prospectus supplement, such Debt Securities issued pursuant to the relevant Indenture Document will have been duly executed, issued and delivered.
3.7 With respect to the Purchase Contracts, when: (a) the board of directors of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation and terms of the Purchase Contracts and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; (b) a Purchase Contract Agreement shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and delivered by the Company; and (c) the Purchase Contract Agreements have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the applicable Purchase Contract Agreement and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the board of directors of the Company upon payment of the consideration therefor provided therein, the Purchase Contracts will be duly authorised, legal and binding obligations of the Company.
3.8 With respect to the Units, when: (a) the board of directors of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation and terms of the Units and to approve the issue thereof, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters; (b) a Unit Agreement relating to the Units shall have been duly authorised and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the financial institution designated as unit agent thereunder; and (c) the Units Certificates have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the Unit Agreement relating to the Units and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the board of directors of the Company upon payment of the consideration therefor provided therein, the Units will be duly authorised, legal and binding obligations of the Company.
4 Qualifications
The opinions expressed above are subject to the following qualifications:
4.1 The obligations assumed by the Company under the Documents or the relevant Securities issuable thereunder will not necessarily be enforceable in all circumstances in accordance with their terms. In particular:
(a) enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganisation, readjustment of debts or moratorium or other laws of general application relating to protecting or affecting the rights of creditors and/or contributories;
(b) enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity. For example, equitable remedies such as specific performance may not be available, inter alia, where damages are considered to be an adequate remedy;
(c) some claims may become barred under relevant statutes of limitation or may be or become subject to defences of set off, counterclaim, estoppel and similar defences;
(d) where obligations are to be performed in a jurisdiction outside the Cayman Islands, they may not be enforceable in the Cayman Islands to the extent that performance would be illegal under the laws of that jurisdiction;
(e) the courts of the Cayman Islands have jurisdiction to give judgment in the currency of the relevant obligation and statutory rates of interest payable upon judgments will vary according to the currency of the judgment. If the Company becomes insolvent
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and is made subject to a liquidation proceeding, the courts of the Cayman Islands will require all debts to be proved in a common currency, which is likely to be the "functional currency" of the Company determined in accordance with applicable accounting principles. Currency indemnity provisions have not been tested, so far as we are aware, in the courts of the Cayman Islands;
(f) arrangements that constitute penalties will not be enforceable;
(g) enforcement may be prevented by reason of fraud, coercion, duress, undue influence, misrepresentation, public policy or mistake or limited by the doctrine of frustration of contracts;
(h) provisions imposing confidentiality obligations may be overridden by compulsion of applicable law or the requirements of legal and/or regulatory process;
(i) the courts of the Cayman Islands may decline to exercise jurisdiction in relation to substantive proceedings brought under or in relation to the Documents in matters where they determine that such proceedings may be tried in a more appropriate forum;
(j) any provision in a Document which is governed by Cayman Islands law purporting to impose obligations on a person who is not a party to such Document (a "third party") is unenforceable against that third party. Any provision in a Document which is governed by Cayman Islands law purporting to grant rights to a third party is unenforceable by that third party, except to the extent that such Document expressly provides that the third party may, in its own right, enforce such rights (subject to and in accordance with the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act (As Revised));
(k) any provision of a Document which is governed by Cayman Islands law which expresses any matter to be determined by future agreement may be void or unenforceable;
(l) we reserve our opinion as to the enforceability of the relevant provisions of the Documents to the extent that they purport to grant exclusive jurisdiction as there may be circumstances in which the courts of the Cayman Islands would accept jurisdiction notwithstanding such provisions;
(m) a company cannot, by agreement or in its articles of association, restrict the exercise of a statutory power and there is doubt as to the enforceability of any provision in the Documents whereby the Company covenants to restrict the exercise of powers specifically given to it under the Companies Act (As Revised) (the "Companies Act"), including, without limitation, the power to increase its authorised share capital, amend its memorandum and articles of association or present a petition to a Cayman Islands court for an order to wind up the Company;
(n) if the Company becomes subject to Part XVIIA of the Companies Act, enforcement or performance of any provision in the Documents which relates, directly or indirectly, to an interest in the Company constituting shares, voting rights or director appointment rights in the Company may be prohibited or restricted if any such relevant interest is or becomes subject to a restrictions notice issued under the Companies Act; and
(o) enforcement or performance of any provision in the Documents which relates, directly or indirectly, to an interest in a Cayman Islands company or limited liability company constituting shares, membership interests, voting rights or director or manager appointment rights in respect of such company or limited liability company may be prohibited or restricted if any such relevant interest is or becomes subject to
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a restrictions notice issued under the Companies Act or the Limited Liability Companies Act (As Revised).
4.2 To maintain the Company in good standing with the Registrar of Companies under the laws of the Cayman Islands, annual filing fees must be paid and returns made to the Registrar of Companies within the time frame prescribed by law.
4.3 We express no opinion as to the meaning, validity or effect of any references to foreign (i.e. non-Cayman Islands) statutes, rules, regulations, codes, judicial authority or any other promulgations and any references to them in the Documents or the relevant Securities issuable thereunder.
4.4 We have not reviewed the final forms of the Indenture Documents, the Debt Securities to be issued thereunder, the Warrant Documents or the Warrants to be issued thereunder, the Purchase Contracts, the Unit Documents or the Units to be issued thereunder, and our opinions are qualified accordingly.
4.5 We reserve our opinion as to the extent to which the courts of the Cayman Islands would, in the event of any relevant illegality or invalidity, sever the relevant provisions of the Indenture Documents, the Depositary Shares, the Depositary Agreements, the Debt Securities, the Warrant Documents, the Warrants, the Purchase Contracts, the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Unit Documents or the Units and enforce the remainder of the Indenture Documents, the Depositary Shares, the Depositary Agreements, the Debt Securities, the Warrant Documents, the Warrants, the Purchase Contracts, the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Unit Documents or the Units or the transaction of which such provisions form a part, notwithstanding any express provisions in the Indenture Documents, the Depositary Shares, the Depositary Agreements, the Debt Securities, the Warrant Documents, the Warrants, the Purchase Contracts, the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Unit Documents or the Units in this regard.
4.6 Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members (shareholders) is prima facie evidence of title to shares and this register would not record a third party interest in such shares. However, there are certain limited circumstances where an application may be made to a Cayman Islands court for a determination on whether the register of members reflects the correct legal position. Further, the Cayman Islands court has the power to order that the register of members maintained by a company should be rectified where it considers that the register of members does not reflect the correct legal position. As far as we are aware, such applications are rarely made in the Cayman Islands and there are no circumstances or matters of fact known to us on the date of this opinion letter which would properly form the basis for an application for an order for rectification of the register of members of the Company, but if such an application were made in respect of the Ordinary Shares or the Preferred Shares, then the validity of such shares may be subject to re-examination by a Cayman Islands court.
4.7 Except as specifically stated herein, we make no comment with respect to any representations and warranties which may be made by or with respect to the Company in any of the documents or instruments cited in this opinion letter or otherwise with respect to the commercial terms of the transactions the subject of this opinion letter.
4.8 In this opinion letter the phrase "non-assessable" means, with respect to the issuance of shares, that a shareholder shall not, in respect of the relevant shares and in the absence of a
8
contractual arrangement, or an obligation pursuant to the memorandum and articles of association, to the contrary, have any obligation to make further contributions to the Company's assets (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
We express no view as to the commercial terms of the Documents or the relevant Securities issuable thereunder or whether such terms represent the intentions of the parties and make no comment with regard to warranties or representations that may be made by the Company.
We express no opinion with respect to any direct or indirect acquisition, disposal or exercise of rights by the Company of or in respect of any interest in any property governed by the laws of or situated in the Cayman Islands.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm under the headings "Enforcement of Civil Liabilities" and "Validity of Securities" in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement. In providing our consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder.
The opinions in this opinion letter are strictly limited to the matters contained in the opinions section above and do not extend to any other matters. We have not been asked to review and we therefore have not reviewed any of the ancillary documents relating to the Documents or the relevant Securities issuable thereunder and express no opinion or observation upon the terms of any such document.
This opinion letter is addressed to you and may be relied upon by you, your counsel and purchasers of Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement. This opinion letter is limited to the matters detailed herein and is not to be read as an opinion with respect to any other matter.
Yours faithfully
Maples and Calder (Cayman) LLP
9
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd
PO Box 309, Ugland House
Grand Cayman
KY1-1104
Cayman Islands
To: | Maples and Calder (Cayman) LLP | ||||
| PO Box 309, Ugland House | |||||
| Grand Cayman | |||||
| KY1-1104 | |||||
| Cayman Islands | |||||
6 October 2025
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (the "Company")
I, the undersigned, being a director of the Company, am aware that you are being asked to provide an opinion letter (the "Opinion") in relation to certain aspects of Cayman Islands law. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalised terms used in this certificate have the respective meanings given to them in the Opinion. I hereby certify that:
1 The Memorandum and Articles remain in full force and effect and are unamended.
2 The Company has not entered into any mortgages or charges over its property or assets other than those entered in the register of mortgages and charges of the Company.
3 The Resolutions were duly passed in the manner prescribed in the Memorandum and Articles (including, without limitation, with respect to the disclosure of interests (if any) by directors of the Company) and have not been amended, varied or revoked in any respect.
4 The shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") have not restricted the powers of the directors of the Company in any way.
5 The directors of the Company at the date of the Resolutions and at the date of this certificate were and are as follows: William J. Brennan, Chi Fung Cheng, Yat Tung Lam, Pantas Sutardja, Lip-Bu Tan, Manpreet Khaira, Sylvia Acevedo, Clyde Hosein and Fariba Danesh.
6 The minute book and corporate records of the Company as maintained at its registered office in the Cayman Islands and made available to you are complete and accurate in all material respects, and all minutes and resolutions filed therein represent a complete and accurate record of all meetings of the Shareholders and directors (or any committee thereof) of the Company (duly convened in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles) and all resolutions passed at the meetings or passed by written resolution or consent, as the case may be.
7 Prior to, at the time of, and immediately following the approval of the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Company was, or will be, able to pay its debts as they fell, or fall, due and has entered, or will enter, into the transactions
contemplated by the Registration Statement for proper value and not with an intention to defraud or wilfully defeat an obligation owed to any creditor or with a view to giving a creditor a preference.
8 Each director of the Company considers the entry by the Company into the Registration Statement (including the transactions contemplated thereunder) to be of commercial benefit to the Company and has acted in good faith in the best interests of the Company, and for a proper purpose of the Company, in relation to the transactions which are the subject of the Opinion.
9 When the Debt Securities have been duly authorised by the Company and when the Debt Securities are signed in facsimile or manually by a director or officer of the Company on behalf of the Company and, if appropriate, authenticated in the manner set forth in a duly authorised, executed and delivered Indenture and delivered against due payment therefor, the Debt Securities will be valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Company.
10 The Company has received or will receive money or money's worth in consideration for the issue of the Ordinary Shares upon exercise of any of the Securities and none of the Ordinary Shares were or will be issued for less than par value.
11 To the best of my knowledge and belief, having made due inquiry, the Company is not the subject of legal, arbitral, administrative or other proceedings in any jurisdiction and neither the directors nor Shareholders have taken any steps to have the Company struck off or placed in liquidation. Further, no steps have been taken to wind up the Company or to appoint restructuring officers or interim restructuring officers, and no step has been taken to appoint a receiver in relation to any of the Company's property or assets.
12 The Company is not subject to the requirements of the Beneficial Ownership Transparency Act (As Revised).
13 To the best of my knowledge and belief, having made due inquiry, there are no circumstances or matters of fact existing which may properly form the basis for an application for an order for rectification of the register of members of the Company.
14 The Registration Statement has been, or will be, authorised and duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of all relevant parties in accordance with all relevant laws.
15 No invitation has been made or will be made by or on behalf of the Company to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for any of the Ordinary Shares or the Preferred Shares.
16 The Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares to be issued pursuant to the Registration Statement have been, or will be, duly registered, and will continue to be registered, in the Company's register of members (shareholders).
17 The Company is not a central bank, monetary authority or other sovereign entity of any state and is not a subsidiary, direct or indirect, of any sovereign entity or state.
18 There is no contractual or other prohibition or restriction (other than as arising under Cayman Islands law) binding on the Company prohibiting or restricting it from entering into and performing its obligations under the Documents.
(Signature Page follows)
2
I confirm that you may continue to rely on this certificate as being true and correct on the day that you issue the Opinion unless I shall have previously notified you in writing personally to the contrary.
| Signature: | /s/ William Brennan | |||||||
| Name: | William Brennan | |||||||
| Title: | Director | |||||||
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Exhibit 5.2
 | Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 900 Middlefield Road Redwood City, CA 94063 davispolk.com | |||||||
October 6, 2025
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd
c/o Maples Corporate Services, Limited,
PO Box 309, Ugland House
Grand Cayman, KY1-1104
Cayman Islands
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd, an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Company”) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (a) the Company’s debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), which may be issued pursuant to an indenture, between the Company and the trustee to be named therein (the “Trustee”) (the “Indenture”); (b) ordinary shares, par value $0.00005 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”) of the Company; (c) preferred shares, par value $0.00005 per share (the “Preferred Shares”) of the Company; (d) depositary shares representing fractional interests in preferred shares or multiple preferred shares of the Company (the “Depositary Shares”), which may be issued under one or more preferred share depositary agreements (each, a “Depositary Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and the preferred share depositary to be named therein (the “Depositary”); (e) warrants of the Company (the “Warrants”), which may be issued under one or more warrant agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and the warrant agent to be named therein (the “Warrant Agent”); (f) purchase contracts (the “Purchase Contracts”), which may be issued pursuant to one or more purchase contract agreements to be entered into between the Company and the purchase contract agent to be named therein (the “Purchase Contract Agent”) (each such purchase contract agreement, a “Purchase Contract Agreement”); and (g) units (the “Units”) to be issued under one or more unit agreements to be entered into among the Company, a bank or trust company, as unit agent (the “Unit Agent”), and the holders from time to time of the Units (each such unit agreement, a “Unit Agreement”).
We, as your counsel, have examined originals or copies of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of rendering this opinion.
In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have, without independent inquiry or investigation, assumed that (i) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic and complete, (ii) all documents submitted to us as copies conform to authentic, complete originals, (iii) all documents filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have not been executed will conform to the forms thereof, (iv) all signatures on all documents that we reviewed are genuine, (v) all natural persons executing documents had and have the legal capacity to do so, (vi) all statements in certificates of public officials and officers of the Company that we reviewed were and are accurate and (vii) all representations made by the Company as to matters of fact in the documents that we reviewed were and are accurate.
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the additional assumptions and qualifications set forth below, we advise you that, in our opinion:
1.When the Indenture and any supplemental indenture to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Debt Securities have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and the Company; the specific terms of a particular series of Debt Securities have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the Indenture; and such Debt Securities have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the Indenture and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, such Debt Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability, and may be subject to possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights, provided that we express no opinion as to (w) the enforceability of any waiver of rights under any usury or stay law, (x) the effect of fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar provision of applicable law on the conclusions expressed above, (y) the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of any provision of the Indenture or any supplemental indenture that requires or relates to adjustments to the conversion rate at a rate or in an amount that a court would determine in the circumstances under applicable law to be commercially unreasonable or a penalty or forfeiture or (z) the validity, legally binding effect or enforceability of any provision that permits holders to collect any portion of stated principal amount upon acceleration of the Debt Securities to the extent determined to constitute unearned interest.
2.When the Warrant Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Warrants has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Warrant Agent and the Company; the specific terms of the Warrants have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the Warrant Agreement; and such Warrants have been duly authorized, executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the Warrant Agreement and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, such Warrants will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability, and may be subject to possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights.
3.When the Purchase Contract Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Purchase Contracts has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Purchase Contract Agent and the Company; the specific terms of the Purchase Contracts have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the Purchase Contract Agreement; and such Purchase Contracts have been duly authorized, executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the Purchase Contract Agreement and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, such Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability, and may be subject to possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights.
4.When the Unit Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Units has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Unit Agent and the Company; the specific terms of the Units have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the Unit Agreement; and such Units have been duly authorized, executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the Unit Agreement and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, such Units will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and
| October 6, 2025 | 2 | ||||
similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability, and may be subject to possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights.
5.When the Depositary Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Depositary Shares has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositary and the Company; the specific terms of the Depositary Shares have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the Depositary Agreement; and such Depositary Shares have been duly authorized, executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the Depositary Agreement and the applicable underwriting or other agreement against payment therefor, such Depositary Shares will constitute legal and valid interests in the corresponding Preferred Shares, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability, and may be subject to possible judicial or regulatory actions giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors' rights.
In connection with the opinions expressed above, we have assumed that, at or prior to the time of the delivery of any such security, (i) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have duly established the terms of such security and duly authorized the issuance and sale of such security and such authorization shall not have been modified or rescinded; (ii) the Company is, and shall remain, validly existing as an exempted company in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, (iii) the Registration Statement shall have become effective and such effectiveness shall not have been terminated or rescinded; and (iv) the Indenture, the Debt Securities, the Warrant Agreement, the Purchase Contract Agreement, the Unit Agreement and the Depositary Agreement are each valid, binding and enforceable agreements of each party thereto (other than as expressly covered above in respect of the Company); and (v) there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity or enforceability of such security. We have also assumed that (i) the terms of any security whose terms are established subsequent to the date hereof and the issuance, execution, delivery and performance by the Company of any such security (a) is within its corporate powers, (b) do not contravene, or constitute a default under, the memorandum and articles of association or bylaws or other constitutive documents of the Company, (c) require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official and (d) do not contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law or public policy or regulation or any judgment, injunction, order or decree or any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company and (ii) any Warrant Agreement, Purchase Contract Agreement and Unit Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and California and the foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States. Insofar as the foregoing opinion involves matters governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands, we have relied, without independent inquiry or investigation, on the opinion of Maples and Calder (Cayman) LLP delivered to you today.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement referred to above and further consent to the reference to our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
| October 6, 2025 | 3 | ||||
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd for the registration of ordinary shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts, and units and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated July 1, 2025, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended May 3, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
San Jose, California
October 6, 2025