FORUM MARKETS Inc S-3ASR, filed Aug 22, 2025
FORUM MARKETS Inc (FRMM)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 22, 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
| ETHZILLA CORPORATION |
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in our charter) |
| Delaware | 90-1890354 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
2875 South Ocean, Suite 200
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(650) 285-2387
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principle executive offices)
Blair Jordan
Chief Executive Officer
ETHZilla Corporation
2875 South Ocean Blvd., Suite 200
Palm Beach, FL 33480
(650) 285-2387
(Name, address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
| David M. Loev, Esq. John S. Gillies, Esq. The Loev Law Firm, PC 6300 West Loop South, Suite 280 Bellaire, Texas 77401 Telephone: (713) 524-4110 Facsimile: (713) 524-4122 |
Keith J. Scherer L.F. Max Noreng John E. Maciejewski Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP One Marina Park Drive, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02210 (617) 648-9100 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
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, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 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, 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, please 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.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | 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
ETHZILLA CORPORATION
(f/k/a 180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP.)
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Debt Securities
Rights
Units
From time to time, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in combination with other securities. We may also offer common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), or preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), upon conversion of or exchange for the debt securities; shares of Common Stock upon conversion of or exchange for the Preferred Stock; Common Stock, Preferred Stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants or rights; or any combination of these securities as part of units.
This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide you with the specific terms of any offering in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, carefully before you invest. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Our securities may be sold directly by us to you, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any underwriters or agents are involved in the sale of our securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters or agents and any applicable fees, commissions or discounts and over-allotment options will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds that we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
Our Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “ETHZ.” The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing, if any, on The Nasdaq Capital Market or any securities market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement. Prospective purchasers of our securities are urged to obtain current information as to the market prices of our securities, where applicable.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks that we have described on page 2 of this prospectus under the caption “Risk Factors,” as well as those contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and the risk factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, as well as in any other recently filed quarterly or current reports. We may include specific risk factors in supplements to this prospectus under the caption “Risk Factors.” This prospectus may not be used to sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is August 22, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
This prospectus is part of an automatic registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Under the shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell any of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings and selling security holders may offer such securities owned by them from time to time. There is no limit on the aggregate amount of the securities that we may offer pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we or selling security holders sell securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, 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 have not authorized anyone to provide you with any additional information. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference, and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.
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 sections entitled “Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information.”
In this prospectus, unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “ETHZ,” “ETHZilla,” “our Company,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to ETHZilla Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any references to “180 Life,” “180 Life Sciences Corp.,” mean ETHZilla prior to our name change effected on August 18, 2025.
ii
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This prospectus and the documents or information incorporated by reference herein contain, and any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated therein may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should not unduly rely on these statements. Factors, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others:
| ● | our need for additional funding, dilution caused by future offerings, the availability of such offerings and the terms thereof; | |
| ● | our ability to create or purchase a front end for our back end blockchain casino intellectual property assets, commercialize our planned iGaming casino, obtain required licenses and customers, and come to mutually agreeable contractual terms with third parties and suppliers, and ultimately generate revenues through such operations; |
| ● | expectations for the clinical and preclinical development, manufacturing, regulatory approval, and commercialization of our biotechnology focused product candidates; |
| ● | the uncertainties associated with the clinical development and regulatory approval of the Company’s drug candidates, including potential delays in the enrollment and completion of clinical trials, issues raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA); |
| ● | regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; |
| ● | the success of our ETH treasury strategy; |
| ● | fluctuations in the market price of ETH; |
| ● | changes in the accounting treatment relating to the Company’s ETH holdings; |
| ● | a decrease in liquidity in the markets in which ETH is traded; |
| ● | our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors; |
| ● | current negative operating cash flows and our potential ability to obtain additional financing to advance our business and the terms of any further financing, which may be highly dilutive and may include onerous terms; |
| ● | the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; |
| ● | the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct its clinical trials, enroll patients, and manufacture its preclinical and clinical drug supplies, the ability to come to mutually agreeable terms with such third parties and partners, and the terms of such agreements; |
| ● | the terms of the Company’s current licensing agreements, and the termination rights associated therewith; |
| ● | estimates of patient populations for the Company’s planned products; |
| ● | unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of drug candidates that could limit approval and/or commercialization, or that could result in recalls or product liability claims; |
iii
| ● | the Company’s ability to fully comply with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulatory requirements, as well as rules and regulations outside the United States, that apply to its product development activities; |
| ● | challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; and uncertainty of commercial success; |
| ● | the ability of the Company to execute its plans to develop and market new drug products and the timing and costs of these development programs; |
| ● | changing rates of inflation and interest rates, and economic downturns, including potential recessions, as well as macroeconomic, geopolitical, health and industry trends, pandemics, acts of war (including the ongoing Ukraine/Russian conflict, and Israel/Hamas conflict), the effects of tariffs and trade wars, and other large-scale crises; |
| ● | estimates of the sufficiency of our existing capital resources combined with future anticipated cash flows to finance our operating requirements; |
| ● | the review and evaluation of strategic transactions and their impact on shareholder value; the process by which the Company engages in evaluation of strategic transactions; the outcome of potential future strategic transactions and the terms thereof; |
| ● | our ability to maintain our listing of our common stock and public warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market; |
| ● | the reliance on suppliers of third-party gaming content and the cost of such content, and reliance on third-party service providers for our planned iGaming platform, including but not limited to marketing, customer service and data management services; |
| ● | the ability of the Company to obtain gaming licenses and ability to fully comply with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulatory requirements, as well as rules and regulations outside the United States, that apply to the Company’s planned iGaming activities; | |
| ● | the ability of the Company to build or acquire a suitable “front-end” iGaming platform to match the Company’s Gaming Technology Platform; |
| ● | the Company’s reliance on its management; |
| ● | the potential effect of economic downturns, recessions, tariffs, changes in interest rates and inflation, and market conditions, including recessions, decreases in discretionary spending and therefore demand for our products, and increases in the cost of capital, related thereto, among other affects thereof, on the Company’s operations and prospects as a result of increased inflation, tariffs, increasing interest rates, global conflicts and other events; |
| ● | the Company’s ability to protect its proprietary information and intellectual property (IP); |
| ● | the ability of the Company to compete in the iGaming market; |
| ● | the effect of current and future regulation, the Company’s ability to comply with regulations (both current and future) and potential penalties in the event it fails to comply with such regulations and changes in the enforcement and interpretation of existing laws and regulations and the adoption of new laws and regulations that may unfavorably impact our business; |
| ● | the ability to compete against existing and new competitors; |
| ● | the ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; |
| ● | general consumer sentiment and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company’s products, including potential recessions and global economic slowdowns; and |
| ● | other risk factors included under “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended and Form 10-Q and set forth below, and/or incorporated by reference under “Risk Factors”, above. |
iv
We identify forward-looking statements by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “hope,” “plan,” “believe,” “predict,” “envision,” “intend,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” “confident,” “could” and similar words and expressions, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. You should consider carefully the statements included in and incorporated by reference in this prospectus which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
The above statements are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements herein. Although forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus reflect our good faith judgment, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to us. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated therein, as applicable. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus, or any prospectus supplement, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
You should also consider carefully the statements under, and incorporated by reference into, “Risk Factors” and other sections of this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference, and any prospectus supplement, accompanying prospectus, and the documents incorporated therein, which address additional facts that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to place significant reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference, or any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated therein. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus, and any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated therein, and those documents we have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
v
Our Company
We were formed as a clinical stage biotechnology company, focused on the development of therapeutics for unmet medical needs in chronic pain, inflammation and fibrosis by employing innovative research, and, where appropriate, combination therapy. In September 2024, we completed the acquisition of certain source code and intellectual property relating to the back-end technology platform to be used in the operation of an online blockchain casino, and moving forward, we plan to focus the majority of our operations on the creation of one or more online casinos, utilizing both blockchain and traditional technologies, while looking to monetize certain prior development stage therapeutic product candidates for unmet medical needs.
Planned iGaming Casino Operations
We are planning to strategically enter into the online gaming industry, utilizing certain source code and intellectual property relating to an online blockchain casino we acquired in September 2024, i.e., our “back-end” gaming platform, which incorporates blockchain technology and cryptocurrency operability, or the Gaming Technology Platform. The Company plans to use the Gaming Technology Platform to establish a blockchain-based business aimed at the global iGaming market, potentially with both fiat money and cryptocurrency capabilities. Initially focusing on B2C (business-to-consumer) online casinos, the Company also plans to explore the potential to expand into a B2B (business-to-business) model, offering a seamless blockchain-enabled technology platform for gaming operators worldwide. In addition, management has identified certain global iGaming industry characteristics and trends that they believe make potential acquisition opportunities attractive. Management believes that the combination of the Gaming Technology Platform and the strength of a Nasdaq listing make the Company an attractive consolidation vehicle for the iGaming industry, and is actively evaluating potential transactions with suitable counterparties (although no definitive acquisition agreements have been entered into to date). Such growth may take the form of acquisitions, technology licensing agreements or other corporate transactions that are beneficial to the Company and its shareholders.
Legacy Biotechnology Programs
We currently have two legacy biotechnology programs that are focused on different diseases or medical conditions, and that target different factors, molecules or proteins. Due to restrictions in the Company’s resources, the Company has slowed down research and development activities significantly in the SCA platform and the anti-TNF platform.
The Company is currently evaluating all options to monetize its existing life science assets, in addition to exploring other strategic alternatives to maximize value for its stockholders. Our legacy biotechnology programs include:
| ● | fibrosis and anti-tumor necrosis factor, or TNF; and |
| ● | drugs which are derivatives of cannabidiol or cannabigerol analogues, or SCAs. |
Ether Treasury Strategy
The Company used substantially all of the gross proceeds from the PIPE Offering and Debt Financing to purchase or otherwise acquire ETH, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, for the Company’s cryptocurrency treasury operations. We are designing our treasury strategy with the goal of helping investors access exposure to the Ethereum blockchain ecosystem. To facilitate this, the Company is in the process of adopting a treasury policy focused on Ether, the native digital asset of Ethereum. The Company also plans to pursue a differentiated approach through its partnership with Electric Capital, the external asset manager for the Company. The Company is supported by an executive team and expects to be supported by a DeFi Council that unites capital markets experts, prominent Ethereum engineers, top-tier DeFi founders, infrastructure pioneers and other ecosystem participants.
You can find more information about us in our filings with the SEC referenced in the sections in this document titled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on pages 25 and 26, respectively.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 2875 South Ocean, Suite 200, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Our telephone number is (650) 285-2387. Effective August 18, 2025, we changed our name from “180 Life Sciences Corp.” to “ETHZilla Corporation” and the ticker symbol for our Common Stock changed to “ETHZ” on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our corporate website address is www.ethzilla.com. The information included on our website or in any social media associated with the Company is not part of this prospectus and should not be relied upon in determining whether to make an investment decision.
1
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to each offering of our securities will, and any free writing prospectus may, contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an investment in our securities. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and any information contained in any free writing prospectus, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, as such may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. For more information, see “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.” The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business and operations. If one or more of the possibilities described as risks actually occurs, our operating results and financial condition would likely suffer and the trading price of our securities could fall, causing you to lose some or all of your investment in the securities we are offering. In addition, please read “Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus, below, where we describe additional uncertainties associated with our business and the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
2
As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from this offering. However, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities from offerings under this prospectus for capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, repurchases of shares of our common stock and general corporate purposes, including working capital unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise. General corporate purposes may include working capital.
As a result, we will retain broad discretion in the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering and could utilize the proceeds in ways that may not necessarily improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our Common Stock. We would not receive proceeds from sales by our security holders.
The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarize the material terms and provisions of the various types of securities that we may offer. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any securities the particular terms of the securities offered by that prospectus supplement. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the securities may differ from the terms we have summarized below. We will also include in the prospectus supplement information, where applicable, about material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the securities will be listed. We may sell from time to time Common Stock, Preferred Stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase any such securities or any combination of the foregoing. In this prospectus, we refer to the Common Stock, Preferred Stock, debt securities and warrants to be sold by us collectively as “securities.”
If we issue debt securities at a discount from their original stated principal amount, then we will use the issue price, and not the principal amount, of such debt securities for purposes of calculating the total dollar amount of all securities issued under this prospectus.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Capital Stock Summary
The following description of ETHZilla’s capital stock is a summary. This summary is subject to the DGCL and the complete text of ETHZilla’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
ETHZilla’s authorized capital stock consists of shares made up of:
| ● | 1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share; and | |
| ● | 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of which 1,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of which none are outstanding, of which one share of preferred stock has been designated as a Class C Special Voting Share, of which none are outstanding, one share of preferred stock has been designated as a Class K Special Voting Share, of which none are outstanding, and of which 1,000,000 shares have been designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, of which none are outstanding. |
3
General
We are authorized to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of August 21, 2025, we had 164,447,345 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
The holders of our Common Stock are entitled to the following rights:
Voting Rights. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all stockholder matters. Shares of our common stock do not possess any cumulative voting rights.
Except for the election of directors, if a quorum is present, an action on a matter is approved if it receives the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of capital stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, unless otherwise required by applicable law, Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended or Third Amended and Restated Bylaws. The election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, meaning that the nominees with the greatest number of votes cast, even if less than a majority, will be elected. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be impacted by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we have designated, or may designate and issue in the future.
Our board of directors is divided into two classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of two years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors.
Dividend Rights. Each share of our common stock is entitled to equal dividends and distributions per share with respect to the common stock when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, subject to any preferential or other rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Liquidation and Dissolution Rights. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata on a share-for-share basis, the assets available for distribution to the stockholders after payment of liabilities and payment of preferential and other amounts, if any, payable on any outstanding preferred stock.
Fully Paid Status. All outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Other Matters. No holder of any shares of our common stock has a preemptive right to subscribe for any of our securities, nor are any shares of our common stock subject to redemption or convertible into other securities.
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) regulating corporate takeovers. This statute prevents certain Delaware corporations, under certain circumstances, from engaging in a “business combination” with:
| ● | a stockholder who owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock (otherwise known as an “interested stockholder”); |
| ● | an affiliate of an interested stockholder; or |
| ● | an associate of an interested stockholder, for three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. |
4
A “business combination” includes a merger or sale of more than 10% of our assets. However, the above provisions of Section 203 do not apply if:
| ● | our Board of Directors approves the transaction that made the stockholder an “interested stockholder,” prior to the date of the transaction; |
| ● | after the completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, that stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than statutorily excluded shares of common stock; or |
| ● | on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by our Board of Directors and authorized at a meeting of our stockholders, and not by written consent, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that our Board of Directors be classified into two classes of directors. As a result, in most circumstances, a person can gain control of our Board of Directors only by successfully engaging in a proxy contest at two or more annual meetings.
Our authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Anti-Takeover Effects Under our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Exclusive forum for certain lawsuits
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing such suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction over any such action or proceeding, the sole and exclusive forum for such action or proceeding will be another court in the State of Delaware, or if no court in the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware, in each such case, unless the Court of Chancery (or such other state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, as applicable) has dismissed a prior action by the same plaintiff asserting the same claims because such court lacked personal jurisdiction over an indispensable party named as a defendant therein. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the forum selection provision discussed above will apply to derivative actions or proceedings brought on our behalf and arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, although our stockholders cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such provision in connection with any such derivative action or proceeding arising under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and it is possible that a court could find the forum selection provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such a case.
Special meeting of stockholders
Our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by a majority vote of our board of directors, by our Chief Executive Officer or by our Chairman.
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Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations
Our Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders, must provide timely notice of their intent in writing. Separately, pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, proposals seeking inclusion in our annual proxy statement must comply with the notice periods contained therein. Our Bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholders’ meeting. These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders and may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.
Director terms and removal of directors
Pursuant to our amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Board of Directors is a classified Board of Directors, as a result of which our Board of Directors is divided into two classes, with each class serving for staggered two-year terms and directors can only be removed for ‘cause’.
Action by written consent
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation prohibits stockholder action via any written consent to action without meeting, unless otherwise set forth in any designation of preferred stock.
Vacancies on the Board of Directors
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock and unless otherwise required by law or resolution of our board of directors, vacancies on the board of directors arising through death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal, an increase in the number of directors or otherwise may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum.
No cumulative voting
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws do not permit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Cumulative voting allows a stockholder to vote a portion or all of its shares for one or more candidates for seats on the board of directors. Without cumulative voting, a minority stockholder may not be able to gain as many seats on our board of directors as the stockholder would be able to gain if cumulative voting were permitted. The absence of cumulative voting makes it more difficult for a minority stockholder to gain a seat on our board of directors to influence our board’s decision regarding a takeover.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust, located at 1 State Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004-1561.
Quotation on the Nasdaq Capital Market
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ETHZ” our warrants are listed on Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ETHZW”.
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the Preferred Stock that we may offer by this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the series of the Preferred Stock offered through that prospectus supplement. Those terms may differ from the terms discussed below. Any series of Preferred Stock that we issue will be governed by our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, including the certificate of designations relating to such series of Preferred Stock, and our by-laws.
As of August 15, 2025, we had 5,000,000 authorized shares of Preferred Stock of which 1,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of which none are outstanding, of which one share of preferred stock has been designated as a Class C Special Voting Share, of which none are outstanding, one share of preferred stock has been designated as a Class K Special Voting Share, of which none are outstanding, and of which 1,000,000 shares have been designated as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, of which no shares are outstanding.
General
Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our Board of Directors will be authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our Board of Directors will be able to, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company or the removal of existing management.
The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each class or series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. A prospectus supplement relating to any series of preferred stock being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. Such prospectus supplement will include:
| ● | the title and stated or par value of the preferred stock; |
| ● | the number of shares of the preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share and the offering price of the preferred stock; | |
| ● | the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to the preferred stock; |
| ● | whether dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from which dividends on the preferred stock shall accumulate; | |
| ● | the provisions for a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred stock; | |
| ● | any voting rights of the preferred stock; | |
| ● | the provisions for redemption, if applicable, of the preferred stock and any restriction on the repurchase or redemption of shares by the Company while there is any arrearage in the payment of dividends or sinking fund installments; | |
| ● | any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange; | |
| ● | the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock or preferred stock, including the conversion price or the manner of calculating the conversion price and conversion period; | |
| ● | if appropriate, a discussion of Federal income tax consequences applicable to the preferred stock; and | |
| ● | any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions of the preferred stock. |
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The terms, if any, on which the preferred stock may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or preferred stock will also be stated in the prospectus supplement. The terms will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder and/or at our option, and may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock or preferred stock to be received by the holders of preferred stock would be subject to adjustment.
When we issue shares of preferred stock, the shares will be fully paid and non-assessable, which means the full purchase price of the shares will have been paid and holders of the shares will not be assessed any additional monies for the shares. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, each series of the preferred stock will rank equally with any outstanding shares of our preferred stock and each other series of the preferred stock. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the preferred stock will have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities which are issued by us, meaning, the holders of shares of preferred stock will have no right to buy any portion of the issued securities.
In addition, unless the applicable prospectus indicates otherwise, we will have the right to “reopen” a previous issue of a series of preferred stock by issuing additional preferred stock of such series.
The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for shares of each series of preferred stock will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such series.
Currently Designated Preferred Stock
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Pursuant to the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed on November 6, 2020, the Company designated 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred”).
The Series A Preferred is convertible into common stock at an initial conversion price of $2,006.40 per share, at the election of the holder, at any time following issuance, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. Upon a dilutive issuance (as defined) at a price per share lower than the existing conversion price, the conversion price will adjust to the lower of (a) the dilutive issuance price per share; or (b) the lowest volume-weighted-average-price during the five days preceding the dilutive issuance. Upon any conversion, a make-whole amount (as defined in the Certificate of Designation of the Series A Preferred) shall be due with respect to each share of Series A Preferred converted. At any time following the three-month anniversary of the Business Combination, the holder of the Series A Preferred had the right to force the Company to redeem all or any portion of the Series A Preferred then owned by the holder in cash. Series A Preferred stockholders were entitled to 10% dividends. Holders of the Series A Preferred have no voting rights.
No shares of Series A Preferred are currently outstanding.
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
On September 30, 2024, in contemplation of the closing of the transactions contemplated by an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Elray Resources, Inc. (“Elray”), the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of, and filing of, a Certificate of Designations of 180 Life Sciences Corp. Establishing the Designations, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of Its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Designation”), which was filed with, and became effective with, the Secretary of State of Delaware on the same date. The Series B Designation designated 1,000,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock which were issued to Elray on September 30, 2024.
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The below is a summary of the rights and preferences of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock:
Voting Rights. Until such time, if ever, as the shareholders of the Company had approved the issuance of shares of common stock upon the conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Stockholder Approval”), the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock only had rights to vote on amendments to the Series B Designation (which are subject to the approval of a simple majority of the holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock), and the Protective Provisions, discussed below. Stockholder Approval was received at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on December 27, 2024 (the “Stockholder Approval Date”).
The Series B Preferred Stock requires the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to (a) increase or decrease (other than by redemption or conversion) the total number of authorized shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company; (b) adopt or authorize any new designation of any Preferred Stock or amend the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company in a manner which (i) provides any holder of common stock or preferred stock any rights upon a liquidation of the Company which are prior and superior to those of the holders of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock; or (ii) adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock; (c) effect an exchange, or create a right of exchange, cancel, or create a right to cancel, of all or any part of the shares of another class of shares into shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock; (d) alter or change the rights, preferences or privileges of the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of such series; and (e) issue any shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, other than the Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Protective Provisions”).
After Stockholder Approval (which was received on December 27, 2024, as discussed above), in addition to the above voting rights, each holder of outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes in connection with the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shares held by such holder equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock held by such holder are convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter. Fractional votes shall not, however, be permitted and any fractional voting rights available on an as-converted to common stock basis (after aggregating all fractional shares into which shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock held by each holder could be converted) shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share. Except as provided by law or by the other provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or the Series B Designation, holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shall vote together with the holders of common stock as a single class and there shall be no series voting.
Dividend Rights. None, except that if the Company declares a dividend or makes a distribution of cash (or any other distribution treated as a dividend under Section 301 of the Internal Revenue Code) on its common stock, each holder of Shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to participate in such dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the largest number of whole shares of common stock into which all shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock held of record by such holder are convertible as of the record date for such dividend or distribution or, if there is no specified record date, as of the date of such dividend or distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, holders shall have no right of participation in connection with dividends or distributions made to the common stock stockholders consisting solely of shares of common stock.
Liquidation Preference. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary (each a “Liquidation Event”), the holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive prior and in preference to any distribution of any of the assets of the Company to the holders of the common stock or securities junior to the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (other than the common stock) by reason of their ownership of such stock, but after any required distribution to any holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, an amount in cash per share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock held by them equal to the greater of (x) one times the Stated Value; and (y) the total amount of consideration that would have been payable on such share upon a Liquidation Event, had such share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock been converted into common stock, immediately prior to such Liquidation Event (as applicable, the “Liquidation Preference”). The “Stated Value” is $17.30 per share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock.
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Conversion Rights. None prior to Stockholder Approval. After Stockholder Approval, at the option of the holder(s) thereof, each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into a number of shares of common stock of the Company as equals the Conversion Rate. The “Conversion Rate” initially was 0.685 (or 685,000 shares in aggregate, which would represent 40% of the Company’s then outstanding shares of common stock), as equitably adjusted, as applicable for stock splits and recapitalizations; provided that if at any time after the original issuance date of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and prior to the Stockholder Approval Date, the Company actually issued any additional shares of common stock of the Company (each a “Dilutive Issuance”), the Conversion Rate was to be increased to a value equal to (x)(i) the total outstanding shares of common stock (“Total Outstanding Shares”) on the date immediately following such Dilutive Issuance, divided by (ii) 60%, minus (iii) the Total Outstanding Shares on the date immediately following such Dilutive Issuance, divided by (y) 1,000,000, rounded to the thousands place, as equitably adjusted, as applicable for stock splits and recapitalizations (each a “Dilutive Adjustment”); provided that in no event will the Conversion Rate be greater than ten.
On the Stockholder Approval Date, the Conversion Rate was fixed at 1.318 or 1,318,000 total shares of common stock.
All 1,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into an aggregate of 1,318,000 shares of common stock on March 27, 2025, and as such, no shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are currently outstanding.
Special Voting Shares
We have two classes of preferred stock designated, named our Class C Special Voting Shares and our Class K Special Voting Shares (collectively, the “Special Voting Shares”), with the rights and preferences specified below:
| ● | The right to vote in all circumstances in which our common stock has the right to vote, with the common stock as one class; |
| ● | The Special Voting Shares entitle the holder, to an aggregate number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock that were issuable to the holders of the previously outstanding shares of CannBioRex Purchaseco ULC and/or Katexco Purchaseco ULC, Canadian subsidiaries of the Company (the “Exchangeable Shares”); |
| ● | The holder of the Special Voting Shares (and, indirectly, the holders of the Exchangeable Shares) has the same rights as the holders of the common stock as to notices, reports, financial statements and attendance at all stockholder meetings; |
| ● | No entitlement to dividends; |
| ● | The holder of the Special Voting Shares is not entitled to any portion of any related distribution upon windup, dissolution or liquidation of the Company; and |
| ● | We could cancel the Special Voting Shares when there are no Exchangeable Shares outstanding and no option or other commitment of CannBioRex Purchaseco ULC and Katexco Purchaseco ULC which could require either CannBioRex Purchaseco ULC and Katexco Purchaseco ULC to issue more Exchangeable Shares. |
There are no outstanding Special Voting Shares.
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We may issue warrants for the purchase of shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, which may be in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and the investors or a warrant agent. The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and warrant agreements is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to a particular series of warrants. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of such warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the complete form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements, that contain the terms of the warrants.
The particular terms of any issue of warrants will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:
| ● | the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase such shares and the price at which such number of shares may be purchased upon such exercise; | |
| ● | the designation, stated value and terms (including, without limitation, liquidation, dividend, conversion and voting rights) of the series of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of warrants to purchase preferred stock; | |
| ● | the principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of a debt warrant and the exercise price for the warrants, which may be payable in cash, securities or other property; | |
| ● | the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related debt securities, preferred stock or common stock will be separately transferable; | |
| ● | the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants; | |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire; | |
| ● | the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange; | |
| ● | United States federal income tax consequences applicable to the warrants; and | |
| ● | any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures, and limitations relating to the exchange, exercise and settlement of the warrants. |
Holders of equity warrants will not be entitled to:
| ● | vote, consent or receive dividends; | |
| ● | receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of stockholders for the election of our directors or any other matter; or | |
| ● | exercise any rights as stockholders of the Company. |
Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
A holder of warrant certificates may exchange them for new warrant certificates of different denominations, present them for registration of transfer and exercise them at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Until any warrants to purchase debt securities are exercised, the holder of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise, including any rights to receive payments of principal, premium or interest on the underlying debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture. Until any warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock are exercised, the holders of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the underlying shares, including any rights to receive dividends or payments upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up on the common stock or preferred stock, if any.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
Any debt securities we may issue, offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, will be issued under an indenture to be entered into between our Company and the trustee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture. We have filed a copy of the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will represent direct, unsecured obligations of our Company and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness.
The following statements relating to the debt securities and the indenture are summaries, qualified in their entirety to the detailed provisions of the indenture.
General
We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC.
The prospectus supplement will set forth, to the extent required, the following terms of the debt securities in respect of which the prospectus supplement is delivered:
| ● | the title of the series; | |
| ● | the aggregate principal amount; | |
| ● | the issue price or prices, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; | |
| ● | any limit on the aggregate principal amount; | |
| ● | the date or dates on which principal is payable; | |
| ● | the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates; | |
| ● | the date or dates from which interest, if any, will be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable; | |
| ● | the place or places where principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, is payable; | |
| ● | the terms and conditions upon which we may, or the holders may require us to, redeem or repurchase the debt securities; | |
| ● | the denominations in which such debt securities may be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000, or any integral multiple of that number; | |
| ● | whether the debt securities are to be issuable in the form of certificated debt securities (as described below) or global debt securities (as described below); |
| ● | the portion of principal amount that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date if other than the principal amount of the debt securities; | |
| ● | the currency of denomination; |
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| ● | the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, will be made; | |
| ● | if payments of principal and, if applicable, premium or interest, on the debt securities are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than the currency of denomination, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined; | |
| ● | if amounts of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies, or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index, then the manner in which such amounts will be determined; | |
| ● | the provisions, if any, relating to any collateral provided for such debt securities; | |
| ● | any addition to or change in the covenants and/or the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture; | |
| ● | any events of default, if not otherwise described below under “Events of Default,” | |
| ● | the terms and conditions, if any, for conversion into or exchange for shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock; | |
| ● | any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents, or other agents; and | |
| ● | the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to other indebtedness of our Company. |
We may issue discount debt securities that provide for an amount less than the stated principal amount to be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount debt securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other material special considerations which apply to these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do, we will describe the restrictions, elections, and general tax considerations relating to the debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Exchange and/or Conversion Rights
We may issue debt securities that can be exchanged for or converted into shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock. If we do, we will describe the terms of exchange or conversion in the prospectus supplement relating to these debt securities.
Transfer and Exchange
We may issue debt securities that will be represented by either:
| ● | “book-entry securities,” which means that there will be one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary or a nominee of a depositary; or | |
| ● | “certificated securities,” which means that they will be represented by a certificate issued in definitive registered form. |
We will specify in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular offering whether the debt securities offered will be book-entry or certificated securities.
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Certificated Debt Securities
Those who hold certificated debt securities may transfer or exchange such debt securities at the trustee’s office or at the paying agent’s office or agency in accordance with the terms of the indenture. There will be no service charge for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but there may be a requirement to pay an amount sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with such transfer or exchange.
Those who hold certificated debt securities may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and of the right to receive the principal of, premium, and/or interest, if any, on the certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing the certificated debt securities and having us or the trustee issue a new certificate to the new holder.
Global Securities
If we decide to issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, then we will register the global securities in the name of the depositary for the global securities or the nominee of the depositary and the global securities will be delivered by the trustee to the depositary for credit to the accounts of the holders of beneficial interests in the debt securities.
The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement for debt securities of a series that are issued in global form. None of us, the trustee, any payment agent, or the security registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.
No Protection in the Event of Change of Control
The indenture does not have any covenants or other provisions providing for a put or increased interest or otherwise that would afford holders of debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control of our Company or a highly leveraged transaction. If we offer any covenants or provisions of this type with respect to any debt securities covered by this prospectus, we will describe them in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Covenants
Unless otherwise indicated in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not have the benefit of any covenants that limit or restrict our business or operations, the pledging of our assets, or the incurrence by us of indebtedness. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any material covenants in respect of a series of debt securities.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We will agree in the indenture that we will not consolidate with or merge into any other person, or convey, transfer, sell or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:
| ● | the person formed by the consolidation or into or with which we are merged or the person to which our properties and assets are conveyed, transferred, sold, or leased, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state, or the District of Columbia, or a corporation or comparable legal entity organized under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and, if we are not the surviving person, the surviving person has expressly assumed all of our obligations, including the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities and the performance of the other covenants under the indenture; and |
| ● | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing under the indenture. |
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Events of Default
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:
| ● | we fail to pay any principal or premium, if any, when it becomes due and such default is not cured within five business days; | |
| ● | we fail to pay any interest within 30 days after it becomes due; | |
| ● | we fail to comply with any other covenant in the debt securities or the indenture for 60 days after written notice specifying the failure from the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; and | |
| ● | certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our Company or any of our significant subsidiaries. |
The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any series of any default, except in payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of a series, if the trustee considers it to be in the best interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so.
If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs, and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may accelerate the maturity of the debt securities. If this happens, the entire principal amount, plus the premium, if any, of all the outstanding debt securities of the affected series plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration will be immediately due and payable. At any time after the acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may rescind and annul such acceleration if:
| ● | all events of default (other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest) have been cured or waived; | |
| ● | all lawful interest on overdue interest and overdue principal has been paid; and | |
| ● | the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree. |
In addition, if the acceleration occurs at any time when we have outstanding indebtedness which is senior to the debt securities, the payment of the principal amount of outstanding debt securities may be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment of any amounts due under the senior indebtedness, in which case the holders of debt securities will be entitled to payment under the terms prescribed in the instruments evidencing the senior indebtedness and the indenture.
If an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the debt securities of any series will be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of that series.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series will have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of that series and to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture.
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No holder of any debt security of a series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:
| ● | the holder gives to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; | |
| ● | the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series make a written request and offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute a proceeding as trustee; | |
| ● | the trustee fails to institute a proceeding within 60 days after such request; and | |
| ● | the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series do not give the trustee a direction inconsistent with such request during such 60-day period. |
These limitations do not, however, apply to a suit instituted for payment on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.
Modification and Waiver
From time to time, we and the trustee may, without the consent of holders of the debt securities of one or more series, amend the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series, or supplement the indenture, for certain specified purposes, including:
| ● | to provide that the surviving entity, following a change of control of our Company permitted under the indenture, will assume all of our obligations under the indenture and debt securities; | |
| ● | to provide for certificated debt securities in addition to uncertificated debt securities; | |
| ● | to comply with any requirements of the SEC under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939; | |
| ● | to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or make any other change that does not materially and adversely affect the rights of any holder; and | |
| ● | to appoint a successor trustee under the indenture with respect to one or more series. |
From time to time, we and the trustee may, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities, or waive compliance in a particular instance by us with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities. We may not, however, without the consent of each holder affected by such action, modify or supplement the indenture or the debt securities, or waive compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities in order to:
| ● | reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver to the indenture or such debt security; | |
| ● | reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest; |
| ● | reduce the principal of or change the stated maturity of the debt securities; | |
| ● | make any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt security; | |
| ● | change the amount or time of any payment required, or reduce the premium payable upon any redemption, or change the time before which no such redemption may be made; | |
| ● | waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities or a redemption payment; or | |
| ● | take any other action otherwise prohibited by the indenture to be taken without the consent of each holder affected by the action. |
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Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances
The indenture will permit us, at any time, to elect to discharge our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities by following certain procedures described in the indenture. These procedures will allow us either:
| ● | to defease and be discharged from any and all of our obligations with respect to any debt securities except for the following obligations (which discharge is referred to as “legal defeasance”): |
| (1) | to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities; | |
| (2) | to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost, or stolen debt securities; | |
| (3) | to compensate and indemnify the trustee; or | |
| (4) | to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold monies for payment in trust. |
or
| ● | to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under certain covenants contained in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be contained in the applicable supplemental indenture (which release is referred to as “covenant defeasance”). |
In order to exercise either defeasance option, we must deposit with the trustee or other qualifying trustee, in trust for that purpose:
| ● | money; | |
| ● | U.S. Government Obligations (as described below) or Foreign Government Obligations (as described below), which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money; or | |
| ● | a combination of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations sufficient in the written opinion of a nationally-recognized firm of independent accounts to provide money. |
In each case specified above, such amounts are sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series, on the scheduled due dates, or on a selected date of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
In addition, defeasance may be effected only if, among other things:
| ● | in the case of either legal or covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in the indenture, stating that as a result of the defeasance, neither the trust nor the trustee will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; | |
| ● | in the case of legal defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that, or there has been a change in any applicable federal income tax law with the effect that (and the opinion shall confirm that), the holders of outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain, or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes solely as a result of such legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, including as a result of prepayment, and at the same times as would have been the case if legal defeasance had not occurred; | |
| ● | in the case of covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain, or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, and at the same times as would have been the case if covenant defeasance had not occurred; and | |
| ● | certain other conditions described in the indenture are satisfied. |
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If we fail to comply with our remaining obligations under the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture after a covenant defeasance of the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture, and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee could be insufficient to pay amounts due under the debt securities of the affected series at the time of acceleration. We will, however, remain liable in respect of these payments.
The term “U.S. Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means securities that are direct obligations of or non-callable obligations guaranteed by the United States of America for the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.
The term “Foreign Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars (1) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agent or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by that government, which in either case under clauses (1) or (2), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer.
Regarding the Trustee
We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the applicable debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of our Company, the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to that provision, 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 have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.
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General
We may issue rights to our stockholders to purchase shares of our Common Stock, Preferred Stock or the other securities described in this prospectus. We may offer rights separately or together with one or more additional rights, debt securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock or warrants, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights of the series of certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the rights to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the rights to which any prospectus supplement may relate and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions may apply to the rights so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. To the extent that any particular terms of the rights, rights agreement or rights certificates described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described below, then the terms described below will be deemed to have been superseded by that prospectus supplement. We encourage you to read the applicable rights agreement and rights certificate for additional information before you decide whether to purchase any of our rights. We will provide in a prospectus supplement the following terms of the rights being issued:
| ● | the date of determining the stockholders entitled to the rights distribution; | |
| ● | the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or other securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights; | |
| ● | the exercise price; | |
| ● | the aggregate number of rights issued; | |
| ● | whether the rights are transferrable and the date, if any, on and after which the rights may be separately transferred; | |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence, and the date on which the right to exercise the rights will expire; | |
| ● | the method by which holders of rights will be entitled to exercise; | |
| ● | the conditions to the completion of the offering, if any; | |
| ● | the withdrawal, termination and cancellation rights, if any; | |
| ● | whether there are any backstop or standby purchaser or purchasers and the terms of their commitment, if any; | |
| ● | whether stockholders are entitled to oversubscription rights, if any; | |
| ● | any applicable material United States federal income tax considerations; and | |
| ● | any other terms of the rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of the rights, as applicable. |
Each right will entitle the holder of rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or other securities at the exercise price provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or other securities, as applicable, purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Rights Agent
The rights agent for any rights we offer will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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We may issue units comprised of one or more debt securities, shares of Common Stock, shares of Preferred Stock and warrants in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:
| ● | the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; | |
| ● | any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described below; and | |
| ● | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer, or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units. |
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Stock”, “Description of Preferred Stock”, “Description of Warrants”, and “Description of Debt Securities” will apply to the securities included in each unit, to the extent relevant.
Issuance in Series
We may issue units in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish. This section summarizes terms of the units that apply generally to all series. Most of the financial and other specific terms of your series will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unit Agreements
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. We will issue the units under one or more unit agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or other financial institution, as unit agent. We may add, replace or terminate unit agents from time to time. We will identify the unit agreement under which each series of units will be issued and the unit agent under that agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The following provisions will generally apply to all unit agreements unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Enforcement of Rights
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. The unit agent under a unit agreement will act solely as our agent in connection with the units issued under that agreement. The unit agent will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of those units or of the securities comprising those units. The unit agent will not be obligated to take any action on behalf of those holders to enforce or protect their rights under the units or the included securities.
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Except as indicated in the next paragraph, a holder of a unit may, without the consent of the unit agent or any other holder, enforce its rights as holder under any security included in the unit, in accordance with the terms of that security and the indenture, warrant agreement, rights agreement or other instrument under which that security is issued. Those terms are described elsewhere in this prospectus under the sections relating to debt securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock, or warrants, as relevant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a unit agreement may limit or otherwise affect the ability of a holder of units issued under that agreement to enforce its rights, including any right to bring a legal action, with respect to those units or any securities, other than debt securities, that are included in those units. Limitations of this kind will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Modification without Consent of Holders. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. We and the applicable unit agent may amend any unit or unit agreement without the consent of any holder:
| ● | to cure any ambiguity; | |
| ● | to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision; or | |
| ● | to make any other change that we believe is necessary or desirable and will not adversely affect the interests of the affected holders in any material respect. |
We do not need any approval to make changes that affect only units to be issued after the changes take effect. We may also make changes that do not adversely affect a particular unit in any material respect, even if they adversely affect other units in a material respect. In those cases, we do not need to obtain the approval of the holder of the unaffected unit; we need only obtain any required approvals from the holders of the affected units.
Modification with Consent of Holders. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. We may not amend any particular unit or a unit agreement with respect to any particular unit unless we obtain the consent of the holder of that unit, if the amendment would:
| ● | impair any right of the holder to exercise or enforce any right under a security included in the unit if the terms of that security require the consent of the holder to any changes that would impair the exercise or enforcement of that right; or | |
| ● | reduce the percentage of outstanding units or any series or class the consent of whose holders is required to amend that series or class, or the applicable unit agreement with respect to that series or class, as described below. |
Any other change to a particular unit agreement and the units issued under that agreement would require the following approval:
| ● | if the change affects only the units of a particular series issued under that agreement, the change must be approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding units of that series; or |
| ● | if the change affects the units of more than one series issued under that agreement, it must be approved by the holders of a majority of all outstanding units of all series affected by the change, with the units of all the affected series voting together as one class for this purpose. |
These provisions regarding changes with majority approval also apply to changes affecting any securities issued under a unit agreement, as the governing document.
In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.
Unit Agreements Will Not Be Qualified Under Trust Indenture Act. No unit agreement will be qualified as an indenture, and no unit agent will be required to qualify as a trustee, under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of units issued under unit agreements will not have the protections of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their units.
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Mergers and Similar Transactions Permitted; No Restrictive Covenants or Events of Default
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. The unit agreements will not restrict our ability to merge or consolidate with, or sell our assets to, another corporation or other entity or to engage in any other transactions. If at any time we merge or consolidate with, or sell our assets substantially as an entirety to, another corporation or other entity, the successor entity will succeed to and assume our obligations under the unit agreements. We will then be relieved of any further obligation under these agreements.
The unit agreements will not include any restrictions on our ability to put liens on our assets, including our interests in our subsidiaries, nor will they restrict our ability to sell our assets. The unit agreements also will not provide for any events of default or remedies upon the occurrence of any events of default.
Governing Law
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. The unit agreements and the units will be governed by Delaware or New York law as decided by the Company at the time of issuance.
Form, Exchange, and Transfer
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to any units we issue pursuant to this prospectus. We will issue each unit in global —that is, book-entry— form only. Units in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the units represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a unit will do so through participants in the depositary’s system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants.
In addition, we will issue each unit in registered form, unless we say otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. Bearer securities would be subject to special provisions, as we describe below under “Securities Issued in Bearer Form”.
Each unit and all securities comprising the unit will be issued in the same form.
If we issue any units in registered, non-global form, the following will apply to them.
The units will be issued in the denominations stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Holders may exchange their units for units of smaller denominations or combined into fewer units of larger denominations, as long as the total amount is not changed.
| ● | Holders may exchange or transfer their units at the office of the unit agent. Holders may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated units at that office. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves. |
| ● | Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their units, but they may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may also require an indemnity before replacing any units. |
| ● | If we have the right to redeem, accelerate or settle any units before their maturity, and we exercise our right as to less than all those units or other securities, we may block the exchange or transfer of those units during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of exercise and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any unit selected for early settlement, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unsettled portion of any unit being partially settled. We may also block the transfer or exchange of any unit in this manner if the unit includes securities that are or may be selected for early settlement. |
Only the depositary will be entitled to transfer or exchange a unit in global form, since it will be the sole holder of the unit.
Payments and Notices
In making payments and giving notices with respect to our units, we will follow the procedures we plan to use with respect to our debt securities, where applicable.
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We and any selling security holders may sell the securities covered by this prospectus directly to purchasers or through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from us. These discounts, concessions or commissions as to any particular underwriter, broker-dealer or agent may be in excess of those customary in the types of transactions involved. In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders.
The securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions which may involve crosses or block transactions.
If underwriters are used in an offering of securities, such offered securities may be resold in one or more transactions:
| ● | on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, including, as of the date of this prospectus, the Nasdaq Capital Market in the case of the Common Stock; |
| ● | in the over-the-counter market; |
| ● | in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; or |
| ● | through the writing of options, whether the options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise. |
Each prospectus supplement will state the terms of the offering, including, but not limited to:
| ● | the names of any underwriters, dealers, or agents; |
| ● | the public offering or purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds that we will receive from the sale; |
| ● | any underwriting discounts and commissions or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation; |
| ● | any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers or agents; and |
| ● | any securities exchange on which the offered securities may be listed. |
If we sell securities to underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and will name them in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the securities offered by such prospectus supplement, they will be required to purchase all of such offered securities. The underwriters may acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions, or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchasers for the period of their appointment or to sell securities on a continuing basis and may enter into arrangements for “at-the-market,” equity line or similar transactions. We will name in a prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities. We may also sell securities directly to one or more purchasers without using underwriters or agents.
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Under agreements entered into with us, underwriters and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make. The underwriters, agents and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
The aggregate proceeds to us from the sale of the securities will be the purchase price of the securities less discounts and commissions, if any.
In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, any securities covered by this prospectus must be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, and in certain states, securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state, or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities, the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may over allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions, or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the third business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the securities offered by this prospectus must be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states, the securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution.
At-the-Market Offerings
Upon written instruction from us, a sales agent party to a distribution agency agreement with us will use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf, as our agent, the shares of common stock offered as agreed upon by us and the sales agent. We will designate the maximum amount of shares of common stock to be sold through the sales agent, on a daily basis or otherwise as we and the sales agent agree. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable distribution agency agreement, the sales agent will use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell, as our sales agent and on our behalf, all of the designated shares of common stock. We may instruct the sales agent not to sell shares of common stock if the sales cannot be affected at or above the price designated by us in any such instruction. We may suspend the offering of shares of common stock under any distribution agency agreement by notifying the sales agent. Likewise, the sales agent may suspend the offering of shares of common stock under the applicable distribution agency agreement by notifying us of such suspension.
We also may sell shares to the sales agent as principal for its own account at a price agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares to the sales agent as principal, we will enter into a separate agreement setting forth the terms of such transaction.
The offering of common stock pursuant to a distribution agency agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the sale of all shares of common stock subject to the distribution agency agreement or (2) the termination of the distribution agency agreement by us or by the sales agent.
Sales agents under our distribution agency agreements may make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, sales made directly on existing trading market, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, each in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. The name of any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of our common stock, the amounts underwritten, and the nature of its obligations to take our common stock will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our Common Stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
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The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus have been passed upon for us by The Loev Law Firm, PC, Bellaire, Texas. David M. Loev, the Managing Partner, President and sole owner of The Loev Law Firm, PC, beneficially owns less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. If legal matters in connection with offerings made by this prospectus are passed on by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, that counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The consolidated financial statements of ETHZilla Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2024 and the related notes, are incorporated into this prospectus by reference from ETHZilla Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been audited by M&K CPA’s, PLLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, and have been incorporated in this prospectus and Registration Statement in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as an expert in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of ETHZilla Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023, and the year ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes, are incorporated into this prospectus by reference from ETHZilla Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been audited by Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, and have been incorporated in this prospectus and Registration Statement in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as an expert in accounting and auditing.
No expert or counsel named in this prospectus as having prepared or certified any part of this prospectus or having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being registered or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering of the securities was employed on a contingency basis, or is to receive, any interest, directly or indirectly, in our Company, nor was any such person connected with us, as a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act and file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to you on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain information about us by visiting our website at www.ETHZilla.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference and is not part of this prospectus.
This prospectus is part of the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities we are offering under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement. You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front page of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the securities offered by this prospectus. The documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain important information that you should read about us.
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference much of the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below (other than any portions of such documents that are not deemed “filed” under the Exchange Act in accordance with the Exchange Act and applicable SEC rules):
| ● | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto filed with the SEC on April 25, 2025, and Amendment No. 2 thereto filed with the SEC on May 8, 2025 (File No. 001-38105); |
| ● | Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2025, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025 and July 23, 2025, respectively; |
| ● | Our Definitive Schedule 14A Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on July 7, 2025 (subject to the provisions thereof which provide that they are not incorporated by reference into Securities Act filings); |
| ● | Our Current Reports on Form 8-K and 8-K/A (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed with the SEC on January 2, 2025, February 7, 2025, February 21, 2025, February 25, 2025, April 1, 2025, April 9, 2025, April 30, 2025, May 1, 2025, June 18, 2025, June 20, 2025, June 25, 2025, June 30, 2025, July 1, 2025, July 14, 2025, July 24, 2025, July 30, 2025, August 5, 2025, August 11, 2025, August 12, 2025, August 13, 2025, August 14, 2025, August 18, 2025, August 18, 2025, August 21, 2025 and August 21, 2025 (File No. 001-38105); and |
| ● | the description of our common stock contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023, as Exhibit 4.6 (File No. 001-38105), including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
Certain statements in and portions of this prospectus update and replace information in the above listed documents incorporated by reference. Likewise, statements in or portions of a future document incorporated by reference in this prospectus may update and replace statements in and portions of this prospectus or the above listed documents.
All reports and other documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and other documents.
We will provide you without charge, upon your written or oral request, a copy of any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference into such documents. Please direct your written or telephone requests to:
ETHZilla Corporation
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
2875 South Ocean Blvd., Suite 200
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Telephone: (650) 285-2387
26
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the various expenses in connection with the registration of the securities offered hereby. We will bear all of these expenses. All amounts are estimated except for the SEC registration fee:
| Item | Amount | |||
| SEC registration fee | $ | † | ||
| Legal fees and expenses | $ | * | ||
| Accounting fees and expenses | $ | * | ||
| Printing and related expenses | $ | * | ||
| Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees | $ | * | ||
| Miscellaneous | $ | * | ||
| Total | $ | * | ||
| † | Applicable SEC registration fees have been deferred in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933 and are not estimable at this time. |
| * | These fees and expenses are calculated based on the amount of securities offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. |
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL) authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities, including reimbursement for expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL, and our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) provide for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL.
In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with directors and officers containing provisions that are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. The indemnification agreements will require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified, to the fullest extent permitted by law. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with any new directors and executive officers in the future.
Neither our Bylaws nor our Certificate of Incorporation include any specific indemnification provisions for our officers or directors against liability under the Securities Act. Additionally, insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
We have purchased and intend to maintain insurance on behalf of us and any person who is or was a director or officer against any loss arising from any claim asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in that capacity, subject to certain exclusions and limits of the amount of coverage.
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Item 16. Exhibits
The following Exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference:
| * | Filed herewith |
| ** | To be filed, if necessary, by post-effective amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a current report of the registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference. |
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Item 17. Undertakings
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 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 this registration statement;
Provided, however, that Paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the 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 the 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:
(i) If the registrant is relying on Rule 430B:
(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.
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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 an 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, 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 further undertakes that, for the 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 herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(j) 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 (“Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in City of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on the 22nd day of August 2025.
| ETHZILLA CORPORATION | ||
| By: | /s/ Blair Jordan | |
| Blair Jordan | ||
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Blair Jordan and Eric R. Van Lent, and each of them, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for them and in their name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement (or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, and generally to do all such things in their names and behalf in their capacities as officers and directors to enable ETHZilla Corporation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof..
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Blair Jordan | Chief Executive Officer and Director | August 22, 2025 | ||
| Blair Jordan | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
| /s/ Eric R. Van Lent | Chief Accounting Officer | August 22, 2025 | ||
| Eric R. Van Lent | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||
| /s/ McAndrew Rudisill | Executive Chairman | August 22, 2025 | ||
| McAndrew Rudisill | ||||
| /s/ Ryan L. Smith | Lead Director | August 22, 2025 | ||
| Ryan L. Smith | ||||
| /s/ Crystal Heter | Director | August 22, 2025 | ||
| Crystal Heter | ||||
| /s/ Stephen Shoemaker | Director | August 22, 2025 | ||
| Stephen Shoemaker | ||||
| /s/ Andrew Suckling | Director | August 22, 2025 | ||
| Andrew Suckling |
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Exhibit 4.1
Form of Indenture
ETHZILLA CORPORATION
as ISSUER
and
As INDENTURE TRUSTEE
INDENTURE
Dated as of __________, _____
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE | 1 | |
| Section 1.01 | Definitions. | 1 |
| Section 1.02 | Other Definitions. | 4 |
| Section 1.03 | Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. | 4 |
| Section 1.04 | Rules of Construction. | 4 |
| ARTICLE II TILE SECURITIES | 5 | |
| Section 2.01 | Issuable in Series. | 5 |
| Section 2.02 | Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities. | 5 |
| Section 2.03 | Execution and Authentication. | 7 |
| Section 2.04 | Registrar and Paying Agent. | 7 |
| Section 2.05 | Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. | 8 |
| Section 2.06 | Holder Lists. | 8 |
| Section 2.07 | Transfer and Exchange. | 8 |
| Section 2.08 | Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. | 8 |
| Section 2.09 | Outstanding Securities. | 9 |
| Section 2.10 | Treasury Securities. | 9 |
| Section 2.11 | Temporary Securities. | 9 |
| Section 2.12 | Cancellation. | 9 |
| Section 2.13 | Defaulted Interest. | 9 |
| Section 2.14 | Global Securities | 10 |
| Section 2.15 | CUSIP Numbers | 11 |
| ARTICLE III REDEMPTION | 11 | |
| Section 3.01 | Notice to Trustee. | 11 |
| Section 3.02 | Selection of Securities to be Redeemed. | 11 |
| Section 3.03 | Notice of Redemption. | 11 |
| Section 3.04 | Effect of Notice of Redemption. | 12 |
| Section 3.05 | Deposit of Redemption Price. | 12 |
| Section 3.06 | Securities Redeemed in Part. | 12 |
| ARTICLE IV COVENANTS | 12 | |
| Section 4.01 | Payment of Principal and Interest. | 12 |
| Section 4.02 | SEC Reports. | 12 |
| Section 4.03 | Compliance Certificate. | 12 |
| Section 4.04 | Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. | 12 |
| ARTICLE V SUCCESSORS | 13 | |
| Section 5.01 | When Company May Merge, Etc. | 13 |
| Section 5.02 | Successor Corporation Substituted. | 13 |
| ARTICLE VI DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES | 13 | |
| Section 6.01 | Events of Default. | 13 |
| Section 6.02 | Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. | 14 |
| Section 6.03 | Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee. | 14 |
| Section 6.04 | Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. | 15 |
| Section 6.05 | Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities. | 15 |
| Section 6.06 | Application of Money Collected. | 15 |
| Section 6.07 | Limitation on Suits. | 16 |
| Section 6.08 | Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and Interest. | 16 |
| Section 6.09 | Restoration of Rights and Remedies. | 16 |
| Section 6.10 | Rights and Remedies Cumulative. | 17 |
| Section 6.11 | Delay or Omission Not Waiver. | 17 |
| Section 6.12 | Control by Holders. | 17 |
| Section 6.13 | Waiver of Past Defaults. | 17 |
| Section 6.14 | Undertaking for Costs. | 17 |
| ARTICLE VII TRUSTEE | 18 | |
| Section 7.01 | Duties of Trustee. | 18 |
| Section 7.02 | Rights of Trustee. | 19 |
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| Section 7.03 | Individual Rights of Trustee. | 19 |
| Section 7.04 | Trustee’s Disclaimer. | 19 |
| Section 7.05 | Notice of Defaults. | 20 |
| Section 7.06 | Reports by Trustee to Holders. | 20 |
| Section 7.07 | Compensation and Indemnity. | 20 |
| Section 7.08 | Replacement of Trustee. | 20 |
| Section 7.09 | Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. | 21 |
| Section 7.10 | Eligibility; Disqualification. | 21 |
| Section 7.11 | Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. | 21 |
| ARTICLE VIII SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE | 21 | |
| Section 8.01 | Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. | 21 |
| Section 8.02 | Application of Trust Funds; Indemnification. | 22 |
| Section 8.03 | Legal Defeasance of Securities of any Series. | 22 |
| Section 8.04 | Covenant Defeasance. | 24 |
| Section 8.05 | Repayment to Company. | 24 |
| Section 8.06 | Reinstatement. | 24 |
| ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS | 25 | |
| Section 9.01 | Without Consent of Holders. | 25 |
| Section 9.02 | With Consent of Holders. | 25 |
| Section 9.03 | Limitations. | 26 |
| Section 9.04 | Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. | 26 |
| Section 9.05 | Revocation and Effect of Consents. | 26 |
| Section 9.06 | Notation on or Exchange of Securities. | 27 |
| Section 9.07 | Trustee Protected. | 27 |
| ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS | 27 | |
| Section 10.01 | Trust Indenture Act Controls. | 27 |
| Section 10.02 | Notices. | 27 |
| Section 10.03 | Communication by Holders with Other Holders. | 27 |
| Section 10.04 | Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. | 28 |
| Section 10.05 | Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. | 28 |
| Section 10.06 | Rules by Trustee and Agents. | 28 |
| Section 10.07 | Legal Holidays. | 28 |
| Section 10.08 | No Recourse Against Others. | 28 |
| Section 10.09 | Counterparts. | 28 |
| Section 10.10 | Governing Laws. | 29 |
| Section 10.11 | No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. | 29 |
| Section 10.12 | Successors. | 29 |
| Section 10.13 | Severability. | 29 |
| Section 10.14 | Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. | 29 |
| Section 10.15 | Securities in a Foreign Currency. | 29 |
| Section 10.16 | Judgment Currency. | 29 |
| ARTICLE XI SINKING FUNDS | 30 | |
| Section 11.01 | Applicability of Article. | 30 |
| Section 11.02 | Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities. | 30 |
| Section 11.03 | Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund. | 30 |
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Reconciliation and tie between the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and this Indenture
| Section 310 | (a)(1) | 7.10 | ||
| (a)(2) | 7.10 | |||
| (a)(3) | Not Applicable | |||
| (a)(4) | Not Applicable | |||
| (a)(5) | 7.10 | |||
| (b) | 7.10 | |||
| Section 311 | (a) | 7.11 | ||
| (b) | 7.11 | |||
| (c) | Not Applicable | |||
| Section 312 | (a) | 2.06 | ||
| (b) | 10.03 | |||
| (c) | 10.03 | |||
| Section 313 | (a) | 7.06 | ||
| (b)(1) | 7.06 | |||
| (b)(2) | 7.06 | |||
| (c)(1) | 7.06 | |||
| (d) | 7.06 | |||
| Section 314 | (a) | 4.02,10.05 | ||
| (b) | Not Applicable | |||
| (c)(1) | 10.04 | |||
| (c)(2) | 10.04 | |||
| (c)(3) | Not Applicable | |||
| (d) | Not Applicable | |||
| (e) | 10.05 | |||
| (f) | Not Applicable | |||
| Section 315 | (a) | 7.01 | ||
| (b) | 7.05 | |||
| (c) | 7.01, 7.05, 7.07 | |||
| (d) | 7.01 | |||
| (e) | 6.14 | |||
| Section 316 | (a) | 2.09 | ||
| (a)(1)(a) | 6.12 | |||
| (a)(1)(b) | 6.13 | |||
| (b) | 6.08 | |||
| Section 317 | (a)(1) | 6.03 | ||
| (a)(2) | 6.04 | |||
| (b) | 2.05 | |||
| Section 318 | (a) | 10.01 |
iii
Indenture dated as of , between ETHZilla Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and , a corporation, as trustee (“Trustee”).
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities issued under this Indenture.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Section 1.01 Definitions.
“Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts which are required hereby or by any Security, under circumstances specified herein or therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes imposed on Holders specified herein or therein and which are owing to such Holders.
“Affiliate” of any specified person means any other person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by agreement or otherwise.
“Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent or Service Agent.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Global Security or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of DTC or any successor Depositary, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.
“Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper in an official language of the country of publication customarily published at least once a day for at least five days in each calendar week and of general circulation in the place in connection with which the term is used. If it shall be impractical in the opinion of the Trustee to make any publication of any notice required hereby in an Authorized Newspaper, any publication or other notice in lieu thereof that is made or given by the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.
“Bearer” means anyone in possession from time to time of a Bearer Security.
“Bearer Security” means any Security, including any interest coupon appertaining thereto, that does not provide for the identification of the Holder thereof.
“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee thereof.
“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been adopted by the Board of Directors or pursuant to authorization by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of the certificate and delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Day” means, unless otherwise provided by Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture hereto for a particular Series, any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in New York, New York on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
“Capital Interests” means any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock, including, without limitation, with respect to partnerships, partnership interests (whether general or limited) and any other interest or participation that confers on a person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of or distributions of assets of, such partnership.
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“Company” means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it and thereafter means the successor.
“Company Order” means a written order signed in the name of the Company by two Officers, one of whom must be the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer.
“Company Request” means a written request signed in the name of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered.
“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Depository” means, with respect to the Securities of any Series issuable or issued in whole or part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the person designated as Depositary for such Series by the Company, which Depository shall be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act; and if at any time there is more than one such person, “Depository” as used with respect to the Securities of any Series shall mean the Depository with respect to the Securities of such Series.
“Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the stated principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02.
“Dollars” and “$” means the currency of the United States of America.
“DTC” means the Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Foreign Currency” means any currency or currency unit issued by a government other than the government of the United States of America.
“Foreign Government Obligations” means, with respect to Securities of any Series that are denominated in a Foreign Currency, (i) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government, which, in either case under clauses (i) or (ii), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or by such other entity as the SEC may designate for that purpose.
“Global Security” or “Global Securities” means a Security or Securities, as the case may be, in the form established pursuant to Section 2.02 evidencing all or part of a Series of Securities, issued to the Depository for such Series or its nominee, and registered in the name of such Depository or nominee.
“Holder” means a person in whose name a Security is registered or the holder of a Bearer Security.
“Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time and shall include the form and terms of particular Series of Securities established as contemplated hereunder.
2
“interest” with respect to any Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity means interest payable after Maturity.
“Maturity” when used with respect to any Security or installment of principal thereof means the date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
“Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers, one of whom must be the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company.
“person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, limited liability company, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“principal” of a Security means the principal of the Security plus, when appropriate, the premium, if any, on, and any Additional Amounts in respect of the Security.
“Responsible Officer” means any officer of the Trustee in its Corporate Trust Office with direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with a particular subject.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities” means the debentures, notes or other debt instruments of the Company of any Series authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
“Series” or “Series of Securities” means each series of debentures, notes or other debt instruments of the Company created pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.02 hereof.
“Stated Maturity” means when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any person, any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the partners’ Capital Interests (considering all partners’ Capital Interests as a single class), is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such person or combination thereof.
“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “TIA” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act as so amended.
“Trustee” means the person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean each person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any Series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that Series.
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“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities which are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, and which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
Section 1.02 Other Definitions.
| TERM | DEFINED IN SECTION | |
| “Bankruptcy Law” | 6.01 | |
| “Custodian” | 6.01 | |
| “Event of Default” | 6.01 | |
| “Judgment Currency” | 10.16 | |
| “Legal Holiday” | 10.07 | |
| “mandatory sinking fund payment” | 11.01 | |
| “Market Exchange Rate” | 10.15 | |
| “New York Banking Day” | 10.16 | |
| “optional sinking fund payment” | 11.01 | |
| “Paying Agent” | 2.04 | |
| “Registrar” | 2.04 | |
| “Required Currency” | 10.16 | |
| “Service Agent” | 2.04 | |
| “successor person” | 5.01 |
Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:
“Commission” means the SEC.
“indenture securities” means the Securities.
“indenture security holder” means a Holder.
“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.
“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.
“obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company and any successor obligor upon the Securities.
All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by a SEC rule under the TIA and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as so defined.
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
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(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) references to “generally accepted accounting principles” and “GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect as of the time when and for the period as to which such accounting principles are to be applied;
(d) “or” is not exclusive;
(e) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular; and
(f) provisions apply to successive events and transactions.
ARTICLE II
THE SECURITIES
Section 2.01 Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more Series. All Securities of a Series shall be identical except as may be set forth or determined in the manner provided in a Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate detailing the adoption of the terms thereof pursuant to authority granted under a Board Resolution. In the case of Securities of a Series to be issued from time to time, the Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture detailing the adoption of the terms thereof pursuant to authority granted under a Board Resolution may provide for the method by which specified terms (such as interest rate, maturity date, record date or date from which interest shall accrue) are to be determined. Securities may differ between Series in respect of any matters, provided that all Series of Securities shall be equally and ratably entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
Section 2.02 Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities.
At or prior to the issuance of any Securities within a Series, the following shall be established (as to the Series generally, in the case of Subsection 2.02(a) and either as to such Securities within the Series or as to the Series generally in the case of Subsections 2.02(b) through 2.02(s) by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth or determined in the manner provided in a Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate:
(a) the form and title of the Series (which shall distinguish the Securities of that particular Series from the Securities of any other Series);
(b) the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) at which the Securities of the Series will be issued;
(c) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the Series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for, or in lieu of other Securities of the Series pursuant to Section 2.07, 2.08, 2.11, 3.06 or 9.06);
(d) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the Series is payable;
(e) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates (including, but not limited to, any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the Securities of the Series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, shall accrue, the date or dates on which such interest, if any, shall commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;
(f) the place or places where the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series shall be payable, where the Securities of such Series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such Series and this Indenture may be served, and the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;
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(g) if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the Securities of the Series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;
(h) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase the Securities of the Series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the Series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(i) the dates, if any, on which and the price or prices at which the Securities of the Series will be repurchased by the Company at the option of the Holders thereof and other detailed terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations;
(j) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof the denominations in which the Securities of the Series shall be issuable;
(k) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the Securities of the Series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02;
(l) the currency of denomination of the Securities of the Series, which may be Dollars or any Foreign Currency, and the agency or organization, if any, responsible for overseeing such composite currency;
(m) the provisions, if any, relating to any security provided for the Securities of the Series;
(n) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the Series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 6.02;
(o) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Articles IV or V which applies to Securities of the Series;
(p) the provisions, if any, relating to conversion of any Securities of such Series, including, if applicable, the securities into which the Securities are convertible, the conversion price, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be mandatory, at the option of the Holders or at the option of the Company, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion if such Series of Securities are redeemed;
(q) whether the Securities of such Series will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if applicable, a description of the subordination terms thereof;
(r) any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to Securities of such Series if other than those appointed herein; and
(s) any other terms of the Securities of the Series (which may modify or delete any provision of this Indenture insofar as it applies to such Series).
All Securities of any one Series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, and, unless otherwise provided in such Board Resolution, a Series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders, for increases in the aggregate principal amount of such Series and issuances of additional Securities of such Series.
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Section 2.03 Execution and Authentication.
Two Officers shall sign the Securities for the Company by manual or facsimile signature. If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated, the Security shall nevertheless be valid. A Security shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture. The Trustee shall at any time, and from time to time, authenticate Securities for original issue in the principal amount provided in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate, upon receipt by the Trustee of a Company Order. Such Company Order may authorize authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agent or agents, which oral instructions shall be promptly confirmed in writing. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication unless otherwise provided by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate. The aggregate principal amount of Securities of any Series outstanding at any time may not exceed any limit placed upon the principal amount for such Series set forth in the applicable Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.02, except as provided in Section 2.02 or 2.08. Prior to the issuance of Securities of any Series, the Trustee shall have received and, subject to Section 7.02, shall be fully protected in relying on: (a) the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate establishing the form of the Securities of that Series or of Securities within that Series and the terms of the Securities of that Series or of Securities within that Series, (b) an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 10.04 and (c) an Opinion of Counsel complying with Section 10.04. The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Securities of such Series: (a) if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not be taken lawfully; or (b) if the Trustee’s board of directors or trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or vice-presidents shall determine in good faith that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to Holders of any then outstanding Series of Securities. The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Securities. An authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.
Section 2.04 Registrar and Paying Agent.
The Company shall maintain, with respect to each Series of Securities, at the place or places specified with respect to such Series pursuant to Section 2.02, an office or agency where Securities of such Series may be presented or surrendered for payment (“Paying Agent”), where Securities of such Series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange (“Registrar”) and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such Series and this Indenture may be served (“Service Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register with respect to each Series of Securities and to their transfer and exchange. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the name and address, and any change in the name or address, of each Registrar, Paying Agent or Service Agent. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required Registrar, Paying Agent or Service Agent or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the name and address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands. The Company may also from time to time designate one or more co-registrars, additional paying agents or additional service agents and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligations to maintain a Registrar, Paying Agent and Service Agent in each place so specified pursuant to Section 2.02 for Securities of any Series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the name or address of any such co-registrar, additional paying agent or additional service agent. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar; the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent; and the term “Service Agent” includes any additional service agent. The Company hereby appoints the Trustee the initial Registrar, Paying Agent and Service Agent for each Series unless another Registrar, Paying Agent or Service Agent, as the case may be, is appointed prior to the time Securities of that Series are first issued.
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Section 2.05 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
The Company shall require each Paying Agent, other than the Trustee, to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust, for the benefit of Holders of any Series of Securities or the Trustee, all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of or the interest on the Series of Securities, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company may, at any time, require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company) shall have no further liability for such money. If the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund, for the benefit of Holders of any Series of Securities, all money held by it as Paying Agent.
Section 2.06 Holder Lists.
The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders of each Series of Securities and shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least ten (10) days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing a list, in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of Holders of each Series of Securities.
Section 2.07 Transfer and Exchange.
Where Securities of a Series are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same Series, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange if its requirements for such transactions are met. To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Trustee shall authenticate Securities at the Registrar’s request. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Section 2.11, 3.06 or 9.06). Neither the Company nor the Registrar shall be required (a) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any Series for the period beginning at the opening of business fifteen days immediately preceding the mailing of a notice of redemption of Securities of that Series selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (b) to register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any Series selected, called or being called for redemption as a whole or the portion being redeemed of any such Securities selected, called or being called for redemption in part.
Section 2.08 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
(a) If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery in exchange therefor a new Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Company shall execute and, upon its request, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding. In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
(b) Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. Every new Security of any Series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that Series duly issued hereunder. The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
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Section 2.09 Outstanding Securities.
The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest on a Global Security effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof and those described in this Section as not outstanding. If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding until the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Security is held by a protected purchaser. If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) holds on the Maturity of Securities of a Series money sufficient to pay such Securities payable on that date, then on and after that date such Securities of the Series cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue. A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Security. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal amount of a Discount Security that shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02.
Section 2.10 Treasury Securities.
In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities of a Series have concurred in any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, Securities of a Series owned by the Company shall be disregarded, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities of a Series that the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.
Section 2.11 Temporary Securities.
Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities upon a Company Order. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee upon request shall authenticate definitive Securities of the same Series and date of maturity in exchange for temporary Securities. Until so exchanged, temporary securities shall have the same rights under this Indenture as the definitive Securities.
Section 2.12 Cancellation.
The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee shall cancel all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation in accordance with its customary procedures and deliver such canceled Securities to the Company, unless the Company otherwise directs; provided that the Trustee shall not be required to destroy Securities. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities that it has paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.13 Defaulted Interest.
If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on a Series of Securities, it shall pay the defaulted interest, plus, to the extent permitted by law, any interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the persons who are Holders of the Series on a subsequent special record date. The Company shall fix the record date and payment date. At least ten (10) days before the record date, the Company shall mail to the Trustee and to each Holder of the Series a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount of interest to be paid. The Company may pay defaulted interest in any other lawful manner.
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Section 2.14 Global Securities
(a) Terms of Securities. A Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate shall establish whether the Securities of a Series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and the Depository for such Global Security or Securities.
(b) Transfer and Exchange. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in Section 2.07 of the Indenture and in addition thereto, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 2.07 of the Indenture for Securities registered in the names of Holders other than the Depository for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depository notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for such Global Security or if at any time such Depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, in either case, the Company fails to appoint a successor Depository registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act within 90 days of such event, (ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable or (iii) an Event of Default with respect to the Securities represented by such Global Security shall have happened and be continuing. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Securities registered in such names as the Depository shall direct in writing in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security with like tenor and terms.
(c) Except as provided in this Section 2.14(c), a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depository with respect to such Global Security to a nominee of such Depository, by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by the Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such a successor Depository.
(d) Legend. Any Global Security issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
(e) “This Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of the Depository or a nominee of the Depository. This Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Depository or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture, and may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository, by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such a successor Depository.”
(f) Acts of Holders. The Depository, as a Holder, may appoint agents and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture.
(g) Payments. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Indenture, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.02, payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on any Global Security shall be made to the Holder thereof.
(h) Consents, Declaration and Directions. Except as provided in Section 2.14(g), the Company, the Trustee and any Agent shall treat a person as the Holder of such principal amount of outstanding Securities of such Series represented by a Global Security as shall be specified in a written statement of the Depository with respect to such Global Security, for purposes of obtaining any consents, declarations, waivers or directions required to be given by the Holders pursuant to this Indenture.
(i) The Depository or its nominee, as registered owner of a Global Security, shall be the Holder of such Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture and the Securities, and owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security shall hold such interests pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Accordingly, any such owner’s beneficial interest in a Global Security will be shown only on, and the transfer of such interest shall be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary or its nominee and such owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be considered the owners or holders thereof.
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Section 2.15 CUSIP Numbers.
The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other elements of identification printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in “CUSIP” numbers of which the Company becomes aware.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
Section 3.01 Notice to Trustee.
The Company may, with respect to any Series of Securities, reserve the right to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or may covenant to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or any part thereof prior to the Stated Maturity thereof at such time and on such terms as provided for in such Securities. If a Series of Securities is redeemable and the Company wants or is obligated to redeem prior to the Stated Maturity thereof all or part of the Series of Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, it shall notify the Trustee of the redemption date and the principal amount of Series of Securities to be redeemed.
Section 3.02 Selection of Securities to be Redeemed.
Unless otherwise indicated for a particular Series by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, if less than all the Securities of a Series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities of the Series to be redeemed in any manner that the Trustee deems fair and appropriate. The Trustee shall make the selection from Securities of the Series outstanding not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities of the Series that have denominations larger than $1,000. Securities of the Series and portions of them it selects shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 or, with respect to Securities of any Series issuable in other denominations pursuant to Section 2.02(j), the minimum principal denomination for each Series and integral multiples thereof Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities of a Series called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities of that Series called for redemption.
Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.
(a) Unless otherwise indicated for a particular Series by Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company shall send or cause to be sent, by electronic delivery, if held at DTC, or by first class mail postage prepaid, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Securities are to be redeemed and, if any Bearer Securities are outstanding, publish on one occasion a notice in an Authorized Newspaper. The notice shall identify the Securities of the Series to be redeemed and shall state:
(i) the redemption date;
(ii) the redemption price;
(iii) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(iv) that Securities of the Series called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
(v) that interest on Securities of the Series called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
(vi) the CUSIP number, if any; and
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(vii) any other information as may be required by the terms of the particular Series or the Securities of a Series being redeemed.
At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense.
Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.
Once notice of redemption is sent, mailed or published as provided in Section 3.03, Securities of a Series called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be conditional. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the redemption price plus accrued interest to the redemption date; provided that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the redemption date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities (or one or more predecessor Securities) registered at the close of business on the relevant record date therefor according to their terms and the terms of this Indenture.
Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or before 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest, if any, on all Securities to be redeemed on that date.
Section 3.06 Securities Redeemed in Part.
Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder a new Security of the same Series and the same maturity equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.01 Payment of Principal and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each Series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of that Series in accordance with the terms of such Securities and this Indenture.
Section 4.02 SEC Reports.
The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, electronically file with the Commission the annual, quarterly and other periodic reports that the Company is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company also shall comply with the other provisions of TIA Section 314(a). Delivery of any reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officers’ Certificate).
Section 4.03 Compliance Certificate.
The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an Officers’ Certificate stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder), and if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, specifying all such Defaults or Events of Default and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge. The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within thirty (30) days after becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 4.04 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, plead or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture or the Securities and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
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ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.01 When Company May Merge, Etc.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to, any person (a “successor person”) unless:
(a) the Company is the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other than the Company) is organized and validly existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes the Company’s obligations on the Securities and under this Indenture; and
(b) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
The Company shall deliver to the Trustee prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction an Officers’ Certificate to the foregoing effect and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the proposed transaction and any supplemental indenture comply with this Indenture.
Section 5.02 Successor Corporation Substituted.
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.01, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor person has been named as the Company herein; provided, however, that the predecessor Company in the case of a sale, conveyance or other disposition (other than a lease) shall be released from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01 Events of Default.
“Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any Series, means any one of the following events, unless in the establishing Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate, it is provided that such Series shall not have the benefit of said Event of Default:
(a) default in the payment of any interest on any Security of that Series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days (unless the entire amount of such payment is deposited by the Company with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent prior to the expiration of such period of thirty (30) days);
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(b) default in the payment of principal of any Security of that Series at its Maturity;
(c) default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty for which the consequences of nonperformance or breach are addressed elsewhere in this Section 6.01 and other than a covenant or warranty that has been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of Series of Securities other than that Series), which default continues uncured for a period of ninety (90) days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;
(d) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law. (i) commences a voluntary case or proceeding; (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (v) makes an admission by writing that it is generally unable to pay its debts as the same become due;
(e) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that: (i) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for ninety (90) days; or
(f) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that Series, which is specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, in accordance with Section 2.02(n).
The term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11 of the U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
Section 6.02 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any Series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing (other than an Event of Default referred to in Section 6.1(d) or (e)), then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series may declare the principal amount (or, if any Securities of that Series are Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such Securities) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the Securities of that Series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(d) or (e) shall occur, the principal amount (or specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding Securities shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to any Series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that Series, other than the non-payment of the principal and interest, if any, of Securities of that Series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 6.13. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 6.03 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
The Company covenants that if:
(a) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or
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(b) default is made in the payment of principal of any Security at the Maturity thereof, then the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and any overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or deemed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to any Securities of any Series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such Series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
Section 6.04 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and (b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same, and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
Section 6.05 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
Section 6.06 Application of Money Collected.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
First: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07; and
Second: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and interest, respectively; and
Third: To the Company.
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Section 6.07 Limitation on Suits.
No Holder of any Security of any Series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that Series;
(b) the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder,
(c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.
Section 6.08 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and Interest.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
Section 6.09 Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
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Section 6.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in Section 2.08, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not, to the extent permitted by law, prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
Section 6.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
Section 6.12 Control by Holders.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such Series, provided that:
(a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,
(b) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and
(c) subject to the provisions of Section 6.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability.
Section 6.13 Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such Series waive any past Default hereunder with respect to such Series and its consequences, except a Default (i) in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security of such Series (provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration) or (ii) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Security of such Series affected. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 6.14 Undertaking for Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date).
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ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(i) The Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others.
(ii) In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon Officers’ Certificates or Opinions of Counsel furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; however, in the case of any such Officers’ Certificates or Opinions of Counsel which by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine such Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) This paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section.
(ii) The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.
(iii) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it with respect to Securities of any Series in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such Series relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such Series.
(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraph (a), (b) and (c) of this Section.
(e) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power at the request or direction of any Holder unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
(f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(g) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it.
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(h) The Paying Agent, the Registrar and any Service Agent or authenticating agent shall be entitled to the protections, immunities and standard of care as are set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section with respect to the Trustee.
Section 7.02 Rights of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may rely on and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate.
(c) The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care. No Depository shall be deemed an agent of the Trustee, and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any act or omission by any Depository.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, provided that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute negligence or bad faith.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder without negligence and in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit.
(h) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities generally or the Securities of a particular Series and this Indenture.
(i) The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties.
Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11.
Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.
The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Securities, and it shall not be responsible for any statement in the Securities other than its authentication.
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Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.
If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Securities of any Series and if it is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder of the Securities of that Series and, if any Bearer Securities are outstanding, publish on one occasion in an Authorized Newspaper, notice of a Default or Event of Default within ninety (90) days after it occurs or, if later, after a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has knowledge of such Default or Event of Default. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of or interest on any Security of any Series, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as its corporate trust committee or a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders of that Series.
Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders.
Within sixty (60) days after May 15 in each year, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses appear on the register kept by the Registrar and, if any Bearer Securities are outstanding, publish in an Authorized Newspaper, a brief report dated as of such May 15, in accordance with, and to the extent required under, TIA Section 313. A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders of any Series shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Securities of that Series are listed. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when Securities of any Series are listed on any stock exchange.
Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.
The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its services as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree upon in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel. The Company shall indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee against any loss, liability or expense (including the cost of defending itself), including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee) incurred by it except as set forth in this Section 7.07 in the performance of its duties under this Indenture as Trustee or Agent. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have one separate counsel and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. This indemnification shall apply to officers, directors, employees, shareholders and agents of the Trustee. The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee or by any officer, director, employee, shareholder or agent of the Trustee through the negligence or bad faith of any such persons. To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities of any Series on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Securities of that Series. When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(d) or (e) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law. The provisions of this Section shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the termination of this Indenture.
Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.
A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section. The Trustee may resign with respect to the Securities of one or more Series by so notifying the Company at least 30 days prior to the date of the proposed resignation. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series may remove the Trustee with respect to that Series by so notifying the Trustee and the Company. The Company may remove the Trustee with respect to Securities of one or more Series if:
(a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
(b) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law,
(c) a Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
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(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
If a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any one or more Series does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities of the applicable Series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Immediately after that, the retiring Trustee shall transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee with respect to each Series of Securities for which it is acting as Trustee under this Indenture. A successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to each Holder of each such Series and, if any Bearer Securities are outstanding, publish such notice on one occasion in an Authorized Newspaper. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee with respect to expenses and liabilities incurred by it prior to the date of such replacement.
Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.
This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA Section 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 310(b).
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
The Trustee is subject to TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated.
ARTICLE VIII
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall upon Company Order cease to be of further effect (except as hereinafter provided in this Section 8.01), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when
(a) any of the following shall have occurred:
(i) no Securities have been issued hereunder,
(ii) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Securities that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(iii) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (1) have become due and payable, or (2) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or (3) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company; and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust an amount sufficient for the purpose of paying and discharging the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable on or prior to the date of such deposit) or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be;
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(b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 7.07 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (a) of this Section, the provisions of Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.07, 2.08, 8.01, 8.02 and 8.05 shall survive.
Section 8.02 Application of Trust Funds; Indemnification.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 8.05, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.01, all money and U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.03 or 8.04 and all money received by the Trustee in respect of U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.03 or 8.04, shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (other than the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the persons entitled thereto, of the principal and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee or analogous payments as contemplated by Sections 8.03 or 8.04.
(b) The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Sections 8.03 or 8.04 or the interest and principal received in respect of such obligations other than any payable by or on behalf of Holders.
(c) The Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations or money held by it as provided in Sections 8.03 or 8.04 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are then in excess of the amount thereof which then would have been required to be deposited for the purpose for which such U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations or money were deposited or received. This provision shall not authorize the sale by the Trustee of any U.S. Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations held under this Indenture.
Section 8.03 Legal Defeasance of Securities of any Series.
Unless this Section 8.03 is otherwise specified, pursuant to Section 2.02(s), to be inapplicable to Securities of any Series, the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the outstanding Securities of any Series on the 91st day after the date of the deposit referred to in subparagraph (d) hereof and the provisions of this Indenture, as it relates to such outstanding Securities of such Series, shall no longer be in effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall, at Company Request, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:
(a) the rights of Holders of Securities of such Series to receive, from the trust funds described in subparagraph (d) hereof, (i) payment of the principal of and each installment of principal of and interest on the outstanding Securities of such Series on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest, and (ii) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such Series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities of such Series; and
(b) the provisions of Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.07, 2.08, 8.02, 8.03 and 8.05; and
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(c) the rights, powers, trust and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, provided that, the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(d) with reference to this Section 8.03, the Company shall have deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (except as provided in Section 8.02(c)) with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for and dedicated solely to the benefit of the Holders of such Securities (i) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in Dollars, cash in Dollars and/or U.S. Government Obligations, or (ii) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than a composite currency), money and/or Foreign Government Obligations, which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide (without reinvestment and assuming no tax liability will be imposed on such Trustee), not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, an amount in cash, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge each installment of principal of and interest, if any, on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of all the Securities of such Series on the dates such installments of interest or principal and such sinking fund payments are due;
(e) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(f) no Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such Series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;
(g) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the Securities of such Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred;
(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of the Securities of such Series over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company;
(i) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section have been complied with; and
(j) such defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.
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Section 8.04 Covenant Defeasance.
Unless this Section 8.04 is otherwise specified, pursuant to Section 2.02(s), to be inapplicable to Securities of any Series, on and after the 91st day after the date of the deposit referred to in subparagraph (a) hereof; the Company may omit to comply with respect to the Securities of any Series with any term, provision or condition set forth under Sections 4.02, 4.03, and 5.01 as well as any additional covenants specified in a supplemental indenture for such Series of Securities or a Board Resolution or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.02 (and the failure to comply with any such covenants shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to such Series under Section 6.01) and the occurrence of any event specified in a supplemental indenture for such Series of Securities or a Board Resolution or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.02 and designated as an Event of Default shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default hereunder, with respect to the Securities of such Series, provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(a) with reference to this Section 8.04, the Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (except as provided in Section 8.02(c)) with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities (i) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in Dollars, cash in Dollars and/or U.S. Government Obligations, or (ii) in the case of Securities of such Series denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than a composite currency), money and/or Foreign Government Obligations, which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide (and without reinvestment and assuming no tax liability will be imposed on such Trustee), not later than one day before the due date of any payment of money, an amount in cash, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge each installment of principal of and interest, if any, on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the Securities of such Series on the dates such installments of interest or principal and such sinking fund payments are due;
(b) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(c) no Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such Series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;
(d) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred;
(e) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the covenant defeasance contemplated by this Section have been complied with; and
(f) Such defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.
Section 8.05 Repayment to Company.
The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal and interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and after such time, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another person.
Section 8.06 Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money deposited with respect to Securities of any series in accordance with Section 8.01 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the obligations of the Company under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series and under the Securities of such series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.01 until such time as the Trustee or the Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.01; provided, however, that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on any Additional Amounts with respect to any Securities because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or the Paying Agent.
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ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders.
The Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities of one or more Series without the consent of any Holder:
(a) to evidence the succession of another person to the Company under this Indenture and the Securities and the assumption by any such successor person of the obligations of the Company hereunder and under the Securities;
(b) to add or remove covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company provided such action does not adversely affect the interests of the Company;
(c) to add any additional Events of Default;
(d) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form;
(e) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding;
(f) to establish the forms or terms of the Securities of any series issued pursuant to the terms hereof;
(g) to cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in this Indenture;
(h) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee;
(i) to qualify this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
(j) to provide for uncertificated securities in addition to certificated securities;
(k) to supplement any provisions of this Indenture necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities, provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series; and
(l) to comply with the rules or regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the Securities may be listed or traded.
Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders.
The Company and the Trustee may enter into a supplemental indenture with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each Series affected by such supplemental indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Securities of such Series), for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of each such Series. Except as provided in Section 6.13, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series by notice to the Trustee (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Securities of such Series) may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities with respect to such Series. It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Securities under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After a supplemental indenture or waiver under this section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Securities affected thereby and, if any Bearer Securities affected thereby are outstanding, publish on one occasion in an Authorized Newspaper, a notice briefly describing the supplemental indenture or waiver. Any failure by the Company to mail or publish such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture or waiver.
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Section 9.03 Limitations.
Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not:
(a) reduce the amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(b) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any Security;
(c) reduce the principal or change the Stated Maturity of any Security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;
(d) reduce the principal amount of Discount Securities payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof;
(e) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any Security (except a rescission of acceleration of the Securities of any Series by the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such Series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(f) make the principal of or interest, if any, on any Security payable in any currency other than that stated in the Security;
(g) make any change in Sections 6.08, 6.13, or 9.03; or
(h) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Security.
Section 9.04 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
Every amendment to this Indenture or the Securities of one or more Series shall be set forth in a supplemental indenture hereto that complies with the TIA as then in effect.
Section 9.05 Revocation and Effect of Consents.
Until an amendment is set forth in a supplemental indenture or a waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Security is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to his Security or portion of a Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date of the supplemental indenture or the date the waiver becomes effective. Any amendment or waiver once effective shall bind every Holder of each Series affected by such amendment or waiver unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (a) through (h) of Section 9.03. In that case, the amendment or waiver shall bind each Holder of a Security who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security.
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Section 9.06 Notation on or Exchange of Securities.
The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment or waiver on any Security of any Series thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for Securities of that Series may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate upon request new Securities of that Series that reflect the amendment or waiver.
Section 9.07 Trustee Protected.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the documents required by Section 10.04, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee shall sign all supplemental indentures, except that the Trustee need not sign any supplemental indenture that adversely affects its rights.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required or deemed to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, such required or deemed provision shall control.
Section 10.02 Notices.
(a) Any notice or communication by the Company or the Trustee to the other, or by a Holder to the Company or the Trustee, is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:
if to the Company:
ETHZilla Corporation
2875 South Ocean Boulevard, Suite 200
Palm Beach, Florida 33480
(650) 285-2387
if to the Trustee:
[ ]
(b) The Company or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications. Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail to his address shown on the register kept by the Registrar and, if any Bearer Securities are outstanding, published in an Authorized Newspaper. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder of any Series or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders of that or any other Series. If a notice or communication is mailed or published in the manner provided above, within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the Holder receives it. If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.
(c) Any notice or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Company may, at the Company’s written request received by the Trustee not fewer than five (5) Business Days prior (or such shorter period of time as may be acceptable to the Trustee) to the date on which such notice must be given or served, be given or served by the Trustee in the name of and at the expense of the Company.
Section 10.03 Communication by Holders with Other Holders.
Holders of any Series may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Holders of that Series or any other Series with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities of that Series or all Series. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).
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Section 10.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(a) an Officers’ Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
(b) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
Section 10.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA Section 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA Section 314(e) and shall include:
(a) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
Section 10.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders of one or more Series. Any Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.
Section 10.07 Legal Holidays.
Unless otherwise provided by Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture hereto for a particular Series, a “Legal Holiday” is any day that is not a Business Day. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.
Section 10.08 No Recourse Against Others.
A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
Section 10.09 Counterparts.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
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Section 10.10 Governing Laws.
This Indenture and the Securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the laws of the State of New York.
Section 10.11 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.
Section 10.12 Successors.
All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successor. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successor.
Section 10.13 Severability.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 10.14 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.
The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table, and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 10.15 Securities in a Foreign Currency.
Unless otherwise specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Indenture with respect to a particular Series of Securities, whenever for purposes of this Indenture any action may be taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all Series or all Series affected by a particular action at the time outstanding and, at such time, there are outstanding Securities of any Series which are denominated in a coin or currency other than Dollars, then the principal amount of Securities of such Series which shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of taking such action shall be that amount of Dollars that could be obtained for such amount at the Market Exchange Rate at such time. For purposes of this Section 10.15, “Market Exchange Rate” shall mean the noon Dollar buying rate in New York City for cable transfers of that currency as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. If such Market Exchange Rate is not available for any reason with respect to such currency, the Trustee shall use, in its sole discretion and without liability on its part, such quotation of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of the most recent available date, or quotations from one or more major banks in The City of New York or in the country of issue of the currency in question or such other quotations as the Trustee, upon consultation with the Company, shall deem appropriate. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply in determining the equivalent principal amount in respect of Securities of a Series denominated in currency other than Dollars in connection with any action taken by Holders of Securities pursuant to the terms of this Indenture. All decisions and determinations of the Trustee regarding the Market Exchange Rate or any alternative determination provided for in the preceding paragraph shall be in its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, to the extent permitted by law, be conclusive for all purposes and irrevocably binding upon the Company and all Holders.
Section 10.16 Judgment Currency.
The Company agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of or interest or other amount on the Securities of any Series (the “Required Currency”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “Judgment Currency”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered, unless such day is not a New York Banking Day, then the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the New York Banking Day preceding the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with subsection (a)), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture. For purposes of the foregoing, “New York Banking Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
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ARTICLE XI
SINKING FUNDS
Section 11.01 Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of the Securities of a Series, except as otherwise permitted or required by any form of Security of such Series issued pursuant to this Indenture. The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of the Securities of any Series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment” and any other amount provided for by the terms of Securities of such Series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” If provided for by the terms of Securities of any Series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 11.02. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any Series as provided for by the terms of the Securities of such Series.
Section 11.02 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of any Series to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities (1) deliver outstanding Securities of such Series to which such sinking fund payment is applicable (other than any of such Securities previously called for mandatory sinking fund redemption) and (2) apply as credit Securities of such Series to which such sinking fund payment is applicable and which have been repurchased by the Company or redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Series of Securities (except pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund) or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments or other optional redemptions pursuant to the terms of such Securities, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received by the Trustee, together with an Officers’ Certificate with respect thereto, not later than 15 days prior to the date on which the Trustee begins the process of selecting Securities for redemption, and shall be credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly. If as a result of the delivery or credit of Securities in lieu of cash payments pursuant to this Section 11.02, the principal amount of Securities of such Series to be redeemed in order to exhaust the aforesaid cash payment shall be less than $100,000, the Trustee need not call Securities of such Series for redemption, except upon receipt of a Company Order that such action be taken, and such cash payment shall be held by the Trustee or a Paying Agent and applied to the next succeeding sinking fund payment, provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall from time to time upon receipt of a Company Order pay over and deliver to the Company any cash payment so being held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of Securities of that Series purchased by the Company having an unpaid principal amount equal to the cash payment required to be released to the Company.
Section 11.03 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days (unless otherwise indicated in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate in respect of a particular Series of Securities) prior to each sinking fund payment date for any Series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that Series pursuant to the terms of that Series, the portion thereof if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting of Securities of that Series pursuant to Section 11.02, and the optional amount, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 30 days (unless otherwise indicated in the Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture in respect of a particular Series of Securities) before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.02 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 3.03. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 3.04, 3.05 and 3.06.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
| ETHZILLA CORPORATION | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| [ ], as Trustee | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
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Exhibit 5.1
ETHZilla Corporation
2875 South Ocean Blvd., Suite 200
Palm Beach, FL 33480
August 22, 2025
| Re: | ETHZilla Corporation | |
| Form S-3 Registration Statement |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel for ETHZilla Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the filing, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or “SEC”), by the Company, of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (such registration statement, as amended or supplemented, is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement”) filed on the date hereof under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
The Registration Statement relates to the proposed issuance and sale, from time to time pursuant to the Securities Act, as set forth in the Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein (the “Base Prospectus”) and one or more supplements to the Base Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”) and any free-writing prospectus(es) of the following securities of the Company (collectively, the “Securities”): (i) shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), of the Company, (ii) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”), (iii) debt securities of the Company, which may be either senior or subordinated and may be issued in one or more series, consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness (the “Debt Securities”); (iv) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Rights or Debt Securities, in each case as may be designated by the Company at the time of an offering (the “Warrants”); (v) rights (the “Rights”) to purchase shares of Common Stock, shares of Preferred Stock, Warrants, Debt Securities, or Units pursuant to one or more rights agreements (each, a “Rights Agreement”) proposed to be entered into between the Company and rights agents to be named therein (a “Rights Agent” or “Rights Agents”); and (vi) units (the “Units”) consisting of shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Warrants, Rights, or any combination of the foregoing. The Securities are being registered for offering and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We are delivering this opinion pursuant to the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
The Securities are to be sold pursuant to a purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, in substantially the form to be filed under a Current Report on Form 8-K, the Warrants will be issued in one or more series pursuant to one or more warrant agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement”) between the Company and the warrant agent party thereto, if any, in substantially the form to be filed under a Current Report on Form 8-K, if applicable, the Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to a Debt Indenture (the “Indenture”), which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and is to be entered into between the Company and a trustee to be named in a Prospectus Supplement to the Registration Statement (the “Trustee”), the Rights will be issued pursuant to a Rights Agreement, between the Company and the Rights Agent party thereto, if any, in substantially the form to be filed under a Current Report on Form 8-K, if applicable, the Units will be issued pursuant to one or more unit purchase agreements (each, a “Unit Agreement”) between the Company and the agent party thereto, if any, in substantially the form to be filed under a Current Report on Form 8-K, if applicable (collectively the purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, the Indenture, the Warrant Agreements, Rights Agreement and Unit Agreements, the “Securities Documents”). The Indenture may be supplemented, in connection with the issuance of each such series of Debt Securities, by a supplemental indenture or other appropriate action of the Company creating such series of Debt Securities.
We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), (ii) the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), (iii) the Registration Statement and all exhibits thereto and the Base Prospectus, (iv) the minutes and records of the corporate proceedings of the Company with respect to the filing of the Registration Statement and the Securities, and (v) such other certificates, statutes and other instruments and documents as we considered appropriate for purposes of the opinions hereafter expressed.
As to various questions of fact material to the opinions expressed below, we have, without independent third party verification of their accuracy, relied in part, and to the extent we deemed reasonably necessary or appropriate, upon the representations and warranties of the Company contained in such documents, records, certificates, instruments or representations furnished or made available to us by the Company, including the Registration Statement and Base Prospectus.
In connection with rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed that:
(i) all information contained in all documents reviewed by us is true and correct;
(ii) all signatures on all documents examined by us are genuine and all natural persons signing such documents have the legal capacity to do so;
(iii) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic and all documents submitted to us as copies conform to the originals of those documents;
(iv) the Registration Statement and Base Prospectus to be filed by the Company with the Commission will be identical to the form of the document that we have reviewed;
(v) the Registration Statement and any subsequent amendments (including additional post-effective amendments), will have become effective, shall not have been terminated or rescinded and will comply with all applicable laws (including, but not limited to Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act) and the Base Prospectus, any and all Prospectus Supplement(s) required by applicable laws and any and all free-writing prospectus(es) related to the offer and sale of the Securities have been delivered and filed as required by such laws;
(vi) that the issuance and sale of the Securities do not violate any applicable law, are in conformity with the Company’s then operative Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, do not result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any applicable requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company or its properties or assets;
(vii) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws (including, but not limited to, applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws) and in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, Base Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement;
(viii) the applicable Indenture will have been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended;
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(ix) one or more Prospectus Supplements to the Base Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby;
(x) with respect to the Debt Securities, when the terms and conditions of such Debt Securities have been duly established by supplemental indenture or officer’s certificate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant base indenture, any such supplemental indenture has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the relevant trustee, and such Debt Securities have been executed (in the case of certificated Debt Securities), delivered and authenticated in accordance with the terms of the applicable Indenture and issued and sold for the consideration set forth in the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement and that the Trustee under the Indenture shall have been qualified pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 at the time the Debt Securities are offered, issued, or sold (or such later time as may be permitted pursuant to the rules, regulations, interpretations or positions of the Commission);
(xi) the Trustee or any future trustee under a supplemental indenture will be validly existing and will have the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under such supplemental indenture and will be duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and, in the case of a future trustee, a Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee on a Form T-1 will be filed with the Commission, in each case, at or prior to the time Debt Securities are issued; with respect to Securities being issued upon conversion of any convertible Preferred Stock,
(xii) the applicable convertible Preferred Stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
(xiii) with respect to any Securities being issued upon conversion of any convertible Debt Securities or upon exercise of any Warrants or Rights or relating to any Units, the applicable convertible Debt Securities, or Warrants, or Rights, or Units will be valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights, and subject to general equity principles and to limitations on availability of equitable relief, including specific performance;
(xiv) with respect to the Warrants offered under the Registration Statement, that (a) such Warrants will be issued pursuant to a Warrant Agreement, (b) the Warrant Agreement will be filed either as an exhibit to an amendment to the Registration Statement to be filed after the date of this opinion or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed after the Registration Statement has become effective, and (c) the particular terms of any series of Warrants will be set forth in a supplement to the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement;
(xv) with respect to the Rights offered under the Registration Statement, that (a) such Rights will be issued pursuant to a Rights Agreement, (b) the Rights Agreement will be filed either as an exhibit to an amendment to the Registration Statement to be filed after the date of this opinion or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed after the Registration Statement has become effective, and (c) the particular terms of any Rights will be set forth in a supplement to the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement;
(xvi) with respect to the Units offered under the Registration Statement, that (a) such Units will be issued pursuant to a Unit Agreement, (b) the Unit Agreement will be filed either as an exhibit to an amendment to the Registration Statement to be filed after the date of this opinion or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed after the Registration Statement has become effective, and (c) the particular terms of any series of Units will be set forth in a supplement to the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement;
(xvii) if the holders of the Debt Securities are granted rights to inspect corporate books and records and to vote in the election of directors or any matters on which stockholders of the Company may vote, such rights will be set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Incorporation will grant to the Company’s Board of Directors the power to confer such voting or inspection rights and the Company’s Board of Directors will have conferred such rights;
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(xviii) that, at the time of each issuance and sale of Securities, the Company will continue to be validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization with the requisite corporate power and authority to issue and sell such Securities;
(xix) with respect to our opinion as to the Common Stock or other Securities convertible into, exercisable for, or including Common Stock, we have been advised by the Company and for purposes of this opinion we have assumed that, at the time of issuance and sale, a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock will be authorized and available for issuance and that the consideration for the issuance and sale of the Common Stock (or for Preferred Stock or Debt Securities convertible into Common Stock, or for Warrants or Rights exercisable for Common Stock or Units consisting of or including Common Stock) will be in an amount that is not less than the par value of the Common Stock;
(xx) with respect to our opinion as to the Preferred Stock or other Securities convertible into, exercisable for, or including Preferred Stock, we have assumed that, (a) at the time of issuance and sale, a sufficient number of shares of Preferred Stock are authorized, designated and available for issuance and that the consideration for the issuance and sale of the Preferred Stock (or for Debt Securities convertible into Preferred Stock, or for Warrants or Rights exercisable for Preferred Stock or for Units consisting of or including Preferred Stock) will be in an amount that is not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock, and (b) the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation privileges of each series of Preferred Stock will be set forth in a certificate of designation to be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, or in an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, to be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders, and that one or both of these documents will be filed either as an exhibit to an amendment to the Registration Statement to be filed after the date of this opinion or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed after the Registration Statement has become effective;
(xxi) a definitive Securities Document, purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and forms of such agreement will have been included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or, as appropriate, a Current Report on Form 8-K incorporated in the Registration Statement by reference; and
(xxii) any securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Warrants, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Rights or Units being offered will have been duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange or exercise.
We also have assumed that the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Securities Documents will be duly authorized by all necessary action (corporate or otherwise) and will not (a) contravene the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, (b) violate any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, or (c) result in any conflict with or breach of any agreement or document binding on the Company, and that no authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body or any other third party is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the Company of any Securities Agreement, or, if any such authorization, approval, consent, action, notice or filing is required, it has been or will be duly obtained, taken, given or made and is or will be in full force and effect.
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Based on the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations, and exceptions set forth herein and having due regard for such legal considerations we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:
1. With respect to shares of Common Stock, when both (a) the board of directors (the “Board”) of the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of and the terms of the offering of the shares of Common Stock and related matters and (b) certificates representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered, and delivered (or such Common Stock has been registered by book entry registration in the name of such purchaser, if uncertificated) either (i) in accordance with the applicable Securities Document, definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board or such officers upon payment of the consideration therefor (not less than the par value of the Common Stock) provided for therein or (ii) upon conversion or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the Common Stock), the Common Stock, when issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s) and any related free-writing prospectus(es), and in accordance with any applicable duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Documents or purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, or upon conversion of any convertible Preferred Stock or convertible Debt Securities in accordance with their terms, or upon exercise of any Warrants in accordance with their terms, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;
2. With respect to the Preferred Stock, (a) when the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the Preferred Stock, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, including the adoption of a Certificate of Designation relating to the Preferred Stock and the filing of the Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and (b) certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered, and delivered (or such Preferred Stock has been registered by book entry registration in the name of such purchaser, if uncertificated) either (i) in accordance with the applicable Securities Document, definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board or such officers upon payment of the consideration therefor (not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock) provided for therein or (ii) upon conversion or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock), and when issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s) and any related free-writing prospectus(es) and in accordance with any applicable duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Documents or purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, or upon conversion of any convertible Debt Securities in accordance with their terms, or upon exercise of any Warrants or Rights in accordance with their terms, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
3. The Indenture, when (i) duly executed and delivered by the Company and (ii) qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms;
4. With respect to any series of the Debt Securities issued under an Indenture and offered under the Registration Statement, provided that (i) such Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and the Trustee by all necessary corporate action; (ii) such Indenture, in substantially the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Trustee; (iii) the terms of the Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly authorized by the Company by all necessary corporate action; (iv) the terms of the Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable Indenture; and (v) the Debt Securities have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee pursuant to the applicable Indenture and delivered against the requisite payment therefor, which the Company has received, then the Debt Securities, when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable Indenture and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s), and a duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Documents or purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, will be valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, or upon exercise of any Warrants in accordance with their terms, in each case except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights, and subject to general equity principles and to limitations on availability of equitable relief, including specific performance;
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5. With respect to the Warrants, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation of and the issuance and terms of the Warrants (including a form of certificate evidencing the Warrants), the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, (b) the Securities Documents, relating to the Warrants (forms of which have been filed with the SEC) have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the Warrant Agent appointed by the Company (if applicable), (c) any shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Rights or Debt Securities purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants, as applicable, have been duly and validly issued and reserved for sale, and (d) the Warrants or certificates representing the Warrants have been duly executed, countersigned (by the warrant agent and/or Company as applicable), registered, and delivered in accordance with the appropriate Securities Document, relating to the Warrants and the applicable Securities Document, definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board or such officers upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, and assuming that the Warrants are then issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement(s), then the Warrants, when issued and sold in accordance with the Warrant Agreement and a duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Document or purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, will be valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights, and subject to general equity principles and to limitations on availability of equitable relief, including specific performance;
6. With respect to the Rights, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation of and the issuance and terms of the Rights (including a form of certificate evidencing the Rights), the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, (b) the Securities Documents, relating to the Rights (forms of which have been filed with the SEC) have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and any Rights Agent appointed by the Company (if applicable), (c) any shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants or Debt Securities purchasable upon the exercise of the Rights, as applicable, have been duly and validly issued and reserved for sale, and (d) the Rights or certificates representing the Rights have been duly executed, countersigned (by the Rights Agent and/or Company as applicable), registered, and delivered in accordance with the appropriate Securities Document, relating to the Rights and the applicable Securities Document, definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board or such officers upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, and assuming that the Rights are then issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement(s), then the Rights, when issued and sold in accordance with the Rights Agreement and a duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Document or purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, will be valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights, and subject to general equity principles and to limitations on availability of equitable relief, including specific performance; and
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7. With respect to the Units, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve (1) the creation of and the issuance and terms of the Units (including a form of certificate evidencing the Units), the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, (2) if applicable, the issuance and terms of the Debt Securities that are a component of the Units, (3) if applicable, the issuance of the Common Stock that is a component of the Units, (4) if applicable, the issuance and terms of the Preferred Stock that is a component of the Units, (5) if applicable, the execution and delivery of the Warrant Agreement with respect to the Warrants that are a component of the Units, and (6) if applicable, the execution and delivery of the Rights Agreement with respect to the Rights that are a component of the Units, (b) if applicable, a Certificate of Designation relating to the Preferred Stock has been adopted and approved and such Certificate of Designation has been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (c) the Securities Document relating to the Units (forms of which have been filed with the SEC) have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and any agent appointed by the Company (if applicable), and (d) the Units or certificates representing the Units have been duly executed, countersigned (by the unit agent and/or Company as applicable), registered, reserved for issuance and delivered in accordance with the appropriate agreements relating to the Units and the applicable Securities Document, definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement approved by the Board or such officers, including the applicable Indenture, in the case of such Debt Securities, the Warrant Agreement, in the case of the Warrants and the Rights Agreement, in the case of the Rights, upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, and assuming that the Units are then issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement(s), then the Units, when issued and sold in accordance with the Unit Agreement and a duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Document or purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights, and subject to general equity principles and to limitations on availability of equitable relief, including specific performance.
We express no opinion as to the laws of any state or jurisdiction other than the laws governing corporations of the State of Delaware, the State of New York as to the enforceability of the Debt Securities, the Warrants, the Rights, the Warrant Agreements, Rights Agreements, Unit Agreements and Units and Indenture, and the federal laws of the United States of America. No opinion is expressed herein with respect to the qualification of the Shares under the securities or blue sky laws of any state or any foreign jurisdiction. We have made such examination of Delaware law and New York law, as we have deemed relevant for purposes of this opinion. We express no opinion as to any county, municipal, city, town or village ordinance, rule, regulation or administrative decision.
We express no opinion as to whether the laws of any jurisdiction are applicable to the subject matter hereof. We are not rendering any opinion as to compliance with any federal or state law, rule or regulation relating to securities, or to the sale or issuance thereof. We express no opinions concerning (i) the validity or enforceability of any provisions contained in indentures that purport to waive or not give effect to rights to notices, defenses, subrogation or other rights or benefits that cannot be effectively waived under applicable law; or (ii) the validity or enforceability of any provisions contained in Warrant Agreements or Unit Agreements that purport to waive or not give effect to rights to notices, defenses, subrogation or other rights or benefits that cannot be effectively waived under applicable law.
This opinion (i) is rendered in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement and Base Prospectus, (ii) is rendered as of the date hereof, and we undertake no, and hereby disclaim any kind of, obligation to advise you of any change or any new developments that might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein, and (iii) is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinions may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly stated herein.
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Our opinions expressed above are specifically subject to the following additional limitations, exceptions, qualifications and assumptions:
(A) The legality, validity, binding nature and enforceability of the Company’s obligations under the Securities may be subject to or limited by (1) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, fraudulent transfer or conveyance, equitable subordination, moratorium and other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally; (2) general principles of equity (whether relief is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity), including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith, fair dealing, commercial practice, estoppel, diligence, unconscionability, right to cure, election of remedies, and the discretion of any court of competent jurisdiction or of any arbiter in awarding specific performance or injunctive relief and other equitable remedies different from that provided in the Securities; (3) the limitations or restrictions on a party’s ability to enforce contractual rights or bring a cause of action under state law or within the courts of such state if such party has failed to comply with applicable qualification, authorization, registration, notice or similar filing requirements of such state; and (4) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) principles requiring the consideration of the impracticability or impossibility of performance of the Company’s obligations at the time of the attempted enforcement of such obligations, (b) the effect of court decisions and statutes that indicate that any provisions of the Securities that permit a party to take action or make determinations may be subject to a requirement that such action be taken or such determinations be made on a reasonable basis in good faith or that it be shown that such action is reasonably necessary for the party’s protection, and (c) public policy considerations.
(B) We express no opinion as to the enforceability of provisions (i) to the effect that rights or remedies may be exercised without notice and failure or delay to exercise is not a waiver of rights or remedies, that every right or remedy is cumulative, not exclusive, and may be exercised in addition to or with any other right or remedy, or that election of a particular remedy or remedies does not preclude recourse to one or more remedies, (ii) prohibiting waivers of any terms of the Securities other than in writing, or prohibiting oral modifications thereof or modification by course of dealing, or (iii) that may be unenforceable under certain circumstances but the inclusion of which does not affect the validity of the Security taken as a whole. In addition, our opinions are subject to the effect of judicial decisions that may permit the introduction of extrinsic evidence to interpret the terms of written contracts such as the Securities.
We express no opinion (a) concerning the enforceability of any waiver of rights or defenses with respect to stay, extension or usury laws or (b) with respect to whether acceleration of Debt Securities may affect the collectability of any portion of the stated principal amount thereof that might be determined to constitute unearned interest thereon. In rendering this opinion, we are opining only as to the specific legal issues expressly set forth therein, and no opinion shall be inferred as to any other matter or matters. This opinion is intended solely for use in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities subject to the Registration Statement and is not to be relied upon for any other purpose.
We express no opinion with respect to the enforceability of: (i) consents to, or restrictions upon, judicial relief or, except to the extent that such waivers or consents are made enforceable by New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1402 (applied by a New York State court), jurisdiction or venue; (ii) advance waivers of claims, defenses, rights granted by law, or notice, opportunity for hearing, evidentiary requirements, statutes of limitation, trial by jury or at law, or other procedural rights; (iii) waivers of broadly or vaguely stated rights; and (iv) provisions for liquidated damages, default interest, late charges, monetary penalties, make-whole premiums or other economic remedies to the extent such provisions are deemed to constitute a penalty or a forfeiture. We express no opinion as to any provision of the Debt Securities that: (a) relates to the subject matter jurisdiction of any federal court of the United States of America or any federal appellate court to adjudicate any controversy related to the Debt Securities or (b) contains a waiver of an inconvenient forum.
The foregoing opinion assumes that all requisite steps will be taken to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and applicable requirements of state laws regulating the offer and sale of the Securities.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and further consent to statements made therein regarding our firm and use of our name under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
| Sincerely, | |
| /s/ The Loev Law Firm, PC | |
| The Loev Law Firm, PC | |
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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March 31, 2025, of Ethzilla Corporation (f/k/a 180 Life Sciences Corp), relating to the audit of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024, and for the periods then ended, and the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement.
/s/ M&K CPA’s, PLLC
The Woodlands, Texas
August 22, 2025
Exhibit 23.2
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March 22, 2024 relating to the financial statements appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ETHZilla Corporation (f/k/a 180 Life Sciences Corp.) for the year ended December 31, 2023. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ Marcum LLP
San Francisco, CA
August 22, 2025