Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2020

Registration No. 333-             

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM F-3

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)

 

#1128, 11/F, No. 52 Hung To Road

Kwun Tong

Kowloon
Hong Kong S.A.R.
Tel: (852) 2291 6020
Fax: (852) 2291 6030

(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


 

Cogency Global Inc.

10 E. 40th Street, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (800) 221 0102

Fax: (800) 944 6607

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 


 

with a copy to:

 

Mitchell S. Nussbaum, Esq.
Giovanni Caruso, Esq.
Loeb & Loeb LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
(212) 407-4000

 


 

 

 

     

 

 

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. o

 

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

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 number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933. Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, 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.

 

The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of each class of securities to be registered   Amount
to be
registered(1)
  Proposed
maximum
offering price
per unit(2)
  Proposed
maximum
aggregate
offering price(1)(3)
  Amount of
registration
fee
 
Ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share(4)                  
Preferred shares, par value $0.0001 per share                  
Warrants                  
Subscription rights(5)                  
Debt securities                  
Units(6)                  
Total           $ 100,000,000.00   $ 12,980.00 (7)(8)

 


(1) There are being registered hereunder such indeterminate number of ordinary shares, such indeterminate number of preferred shares, such indeterminate number of warrants, such indeterminate number of subscription rights, such indeterminate number of debt securities and such indeterminate number of units as will have an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $100,000,000, or if any securities are issued in any non-United States currency units, the equivalent thereof in non-United States currencies. This registration statement shall also cover any additional securities to be offered or issued from stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transactions. If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in a maximum aggregate offering price not to exceed $100,000,000, less the aggregate dollar amount of all securities previously issued hereunder.
(2) The proposed maximum aggregate offering price for each class of securities will be determined from time to time by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by the Registrant of the securities registered hereunder and is not specified as to each class of securities pursuant to General Instruction II.C. of Form F-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(3) Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) of Regulation C under the Securities Act.
(4) The ordinary shares being registered also include such indeterminate number of ordinary shares as may be issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities.
(5) Rights evidencing the right to purchase ordinary shares.
(6) Units may consist of any combination of the securities registered hereunder.
(7) Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act using the current SEC fee rate of 0.0001298.
(8) Paid herewith.

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We and the selling shareholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

Subject to completion, dated August 3, 2020

 

PROSPECTUS

 

$100,000,000

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

 

Ordinary Shares
Preferred Shares
Warrants
Subscription Rights
Debt Securities
Units

 

We may offer ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, preferred shares, par value $0.0001 per share, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities and/or units from time to time. When we decide to sell securities, we will provide specific terms of the offered securities, including the offering prices of the securities, in a prospectus supplement. The securities offered by the Registrant pursuant to this prospectus will have an aggregate public offering price of up to $100,000,000.

 

The securities covered by this prospectus may be offered and sold from time to time in one or more offerings, which may be through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to the purchasers. The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, will be included in a supplement to this prospectus.

 

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.

 

Our ordinary shares are traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SPI”.

 

Our principal offices are located at #1128, 11/F, No. 52 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R. Our telephone number at that address is (852) 2291 6020.

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. You should consider carefully the risk factors referred to in this prospectus on page 4 and in the applicable supplement to this prospectus before investing in any securities that may be offered.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state or other 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.

 

Prospectus dated August__, 2020

 

 

 

     

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

 

Table of Contents

 

    Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY   1
RISK FACTORS   4
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS   4
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   5
USE OF PROCEEDS   6
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS   6
DESCRIPTION OF ORDINARY SHARES   6
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES   6
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS   7
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS   8
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES   9
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS   18
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   19
EXPENSES   22
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE   23
INDEMNIFICATION   24
LEGAL MATTERS   25
EXPERTS   25
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   25
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES   26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  i  

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks discussed under “Risk Factors” on page 4 before making an investment decision.

 

Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus,

 

“we,” “us,” “our Company,” “our,” “SPI” or “SPI Energy” refer to SPI Energy Co., Ltd., a Cayman Islands holding company and its subsidiaries or any of them, or where the context so requires, in respect of the period before our Company became the holding company of its present subsidiaries, such subsidiaries as if they were subsidiaries of our Company at the relevant time;

 

“2017,” “2018” and “2019” refers to our fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively;

 

“ADSs” refers to the American depositary shares, each representing ten ordinary shares, which were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI” between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017;

 

“BT model” refers to our build-and-transfer model;

 

“EPC” refers to engineering, procurement and construction services;

 

“EUR” or “Euro” refers to the legal currency of the countries comprising the euro area;

 

“IPP model” refers to our independent power producer model;

 

“PV” refers to photovoltaic;

 

“Redomicile Merger” refers to the redomicile of Solar Power, Inc. to the Cayman Islands through a merger with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPI Energy Co., Ltd., which was completed on January 4, 2016;

 

“Shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share;

 

“SPI California” refers to Solar Power, Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of California;

 

“U.K.” refers to the United Kingdom;

 

“U.S.” refers to the United States of America;

 

“U.S. dollar” or “$” refers to the legal currency of the United States of America; and

 

“watt” or “W” refers to the measurement of total electrical power, where “kilowatt” or “kW” means one thousand watts, “megawatt” or “MW” means one million watts and “gigawatt” or “GW” means one billion watts.

 

 

 

  1  

 

 

Overview

 

We are a global provider of PV solutions for business, residential, government and utility customers and investors. We provide a full spectrum of EPC services to third party project developers, as well as develop, own and operate solar projects that sell electricity to the grid in multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Greece, Japan and Italy. Prior to 2014, we were primarily engaged in providing EPC services to developers in the U.S. We were also engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a variety of PV modules, the key components of solar parks that convert sunlight into electricity, and balance-of-system components, including our in-house brand. We have discontinued our manufacturing business and liquidated our research and development function. Beginning in 2014, we expanded our global project development business by ramping up our portfolio of global solar projects, including projects that we plan to hold in the long term and derive electricity generation revenue from our independent power producer model, or IPP model, and projects that we plan to sell in the future when we are presented with attractive opportunities under our build-and-transfer model, or BT model. We grow our project portfolio primarily through acquisitions and act as a secondary developer for the projects which are under construction or in pipeline upon acquisition. Solar projects in our current portfolio include projects at all stages of development, including projects in operation, projects under construction and projects in pipeline.

 

For our EPC service business, the scope of our work encompasses engineering design procurement of technical components from PV module and panel manufacturers and contracting of construction and installation, which reaches both upstream and downstream along the spectrum of the solar business value chain. Our rigorous design and supply chain management as well as construction quality control enable us to design, build and deliver world-class solar system configurations with components that can work optimally together.

 

For our global project development business, as of June 29, 2020, we had completed a series of acquisitions of solar projects that were in operation, consisting of (i) 26.6 MW of projects in Greece, acquired in December 2014 for a total consideration of $79.330 million including the rights to be awarded up to 360MW EPC contracts, (ii) 4.3 MW of projects in Italy, acquired in February 2015 for a total consideration of $11.8 million, (iii) 1.082 MW, 1.988 MW and 4.4MW of projects in Greece, acquired in December 2017, March 2019 and November 2019 respectively, for a total consideration of EUR 12.88 million ($14.46 million), (iv) 0.2744 MW of projects in Japan, acquired in July 2017 for a total consideration of JPY 110 million ($ 0.98 million) and (v) a total of 15.77 MW DC of projects in the state of Oregon, US, acquired in August, September 2019 and April 2020 respectively for a total consideration of $1.3 million.

 

From January 2019 to December 31, 2019, we sold 1 solar project in Japan (1.99MW) to a third party at the consideration of $9.56 million, which has been recognized as revenue accordingly. On September 26, 2019, we sold Sun Roof II comprised of three rooftop solar projects totaling 1.83 MW, and Sun Roof V with1 MW rooftop solar project in Italy at the consideration of EUR4.3 million. On March 16, 2020, we sold Sun Roof I, a 479 kWp rooftop solar project located in Italy at the consideration of EUR1.1 million before transaction fees. After the sale of Sun Roof II, Sun Roof V and Sun Roof I, the Company currently owns only 1 PV asset with a capacity of 0.993 MW in Italy.

 

As of the date of this Registration Statement, we are constructing an aggregate of 19.636 MW of projects in the U.S. under our BT model. We anticipate that the U.S. project will be connected to the grid in 2021.

 

We had 10.24MW of projects in announced pipeline as of June 29, 2020. We expect to complete the acquisition of, or commence permitting processes for, our projects in announced pipeline as soon as practicable. We believe these new additions, combined with our existing project portfolio, demonstrate our broad geographic reach and established presence across key solar markets and mitigate country-specific risks.

 

Crypto Mining Hosting

 

In early 2018, we launched www.umining.io, a turnkey solution offering global crypto-mining hosting, training, sales, and repair services. As of December 31, 2019, we had 2 pilot mining sites in Canada and the U.S. We continue to look for potential investments to increase our mining capacity by the end of 2020.

 

 

 

  2  

 

 

Hemp and CBD Business

 

In September 2019, we launched our newly established hemp and CBD business. We have executed a management services agreement with the Native American Agricultural Company (“NAAC”) to cultivate hemp in the Navajo Nation; and obtained licenses from the Navajo Nation to engage in lab testing, cultivation, processing, wholesale distribution, and retail sales of hemp. In January 2020, we completed the installation of our cannabidiol extraction and milling equipment at an approximately 25,000-sqft facility in Orange Cove, Fresno County in California. The newly installed CBD processing equipment is designed to enable the production of Hemp dry flower and Pre-roll, CBD crude oil, distillate, and isolate, serving the growers in California. The pre-production test runs of its CBD crude oil extraction and Hemp try flower and Pre-roll production process and quality control review have been completed. Currently, the Company is taking the orders from customers.

 

Business of Alfalfa and Other Related Agriculture Products

 

In May 2019, we announced to explore agriculture business for productions, sales or marketing of alfalfa and other related agriculture products in Arizona. Knight Holding Corporation, our subsidiary, is focused on becoming one of the largest global providers of alfalfa hay and other forage types. With China’s increasing demand for American alfalfa hay, we have recognized the importance of exporting to the Asia market. Committing ourselves to successfully becoming a major supplier of alfalfa, we have established a processing facility in Tonopah, Arizona. Our alfalfa pressing facility sits in the center of the Harquahala Valley, located in Western Maricopa County, Arizona.

 

The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on May 4, 2015 for the sole purpose of effectuating the redomicile of the Company’s predecessor, Solar Power, Inc., a California corporation (“SPI California”). The redomicile was approved by the shareholders of SPI California on May 11, 2015, pursuant to which one share of common stock of SPI California held by the shareholders was converted into one SPI Energy’s ordinary share. On January 4, 2016, SPI California completed the redomicile, whereby SPI California merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the holders of SPI California’s common stock received ADS representing ordinary shares of the Company. Between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017, our ADSs were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI”. The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary bank for the ADS facility, terminated our ADS facility on September 18, 2017. Following such termination, we listed our ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, for trading on NASDAQ Global Select Market in substitution for our ADSs. On September 19, 2017, our ordinary shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI”.

 

Our principal executive office is located at #1128, 11/F, No. 52 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R. Its telephone number is (852) 2291 6020 . Our website, which contains additional information about our company, can be accessed at: www,spigroups.com, but that information is not part of this prospectus.

 

The Securities We May Offer

 

We may use this prospectus to offer up to $100,000,000 of:

 

·   ordinary shares;

 

·   preferred shares;

 

·   warrants;

 

·   subscription rights;

 

·   debt securities; and

 

·   units, which may consist of any combination of the above securities.

 

We may also offer securities of the types listed above that are convertible or exchangeable into one or more of the securities listed above.

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves risk. Before you invest in securities issued by us, you should carefully consider the risks involved. Accordingly, you should carefully consider:

 

· the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus;
   
· the information contained in or incorporated by reference into any prospectus supplement relating to specific offerings of securities;
   
· the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 on file with Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus; and
   
· other risks and other information that may be contained in, or incorporated by reference from, other filings we make with the SEC, including in any prospectus supplement relating to specific offerings of securities.

 

The discussion of risks related to our business contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or into any prospectus supplement comprises material risks of which we are aware. If any of the events or developments described actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer.

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell from time to time up to $100,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information contained in that particular prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information”.

 

You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, as well as the information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction or state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  4  

 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus (including the documents incorporated by reference herein) contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this report are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements included in this report relate to, among others:

 

· our goals and strategies;
   
· our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
   
· our ability to execute any of our business strategies;
   
· an inability to realize expected benefits of the restructuring within the anticipated time frame, or at all;
   
· changes in tax law, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, including taxing authorities not agreeing with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations; and
   
· such other risk factors as may be discussed in our reports filed with the SEC.

 

These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that our expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that our expectations will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be materially different from our expectations.

  

The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus (including the documents incorporated by reference herein) relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  5  

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the net proceeds from the sale of securities offered by the Company will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include additions to working capital, capital expenditures, financing of acquisitions and other business combinations, investments in or extensions of credit to our subsidiaries and the repayment of indebtedness.

 

CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

 

Our capitalization and indebtedness will be set forth in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus or in a report on Form 6-K subsequently furnished to the SEC and specifically incorporated herein by reference.

 

DESCRIPTION OF ORDINARY SHARES

 

A description of our ordinary shares can be found in our Registration Statement on Form F-4, as amended, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as originally filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015 (Registration No. 333-204069) under the heading “Description of Securities” and as incorporated into the Company’s Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on January 15, 2016, as subsequently amended on January 15, 2016, September 18, 2017 and November 7, 2017, which description is incorporated by reference herein. See “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.”

 

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES

 

SPI’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, as amended, authorizes SPI’s Board of Directors to establish one or more series of preferred shares with such designation, number of shares of the series, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by its Board of Directors. Accordingly, SPI’s Board of Directors is empowered, without action by its shareholders, to issue preferred shares to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares. The preferred shares could be utilized as an anti-takeover device without further action on the part of the shareholders. Issuance of these shares may dilute the voting power of holders of ordinary shares. Although SPI does not currently intend to issue any preferred shares, SPI cannot assure you that it will not do so in the future.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, there are no outstanding preferred shares of any series.

 

The material terms of any series of preferred shares that we offer, together with any material Hong Kong S.A.R. or United States federal income tax considerations relating to such preferred shares, will be described in a prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  6  

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the warrant agreement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such warrants.

 

General

 

We may issue warrants to purchase ordinary shares. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

· the title of such warrants;
   
· the aggregate number of such warrants;
   
· the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued and exercised;
   
· the currency or currencies in which the price of such warrants will be payable;
   
· the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;
   
· the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
   
· if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;
   
· if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;
   
· if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
   
· information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
   
· any material Hong Kong S.A.R. or United States federal income tax consequences;
   
· the antidilution provisions of the warrants, if any; and
   
· any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

 

Amendments and Supplements to Warrant Agreement

 

We and the warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

 

The following summary of certain provisions of the subscription rights does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of the certificate evidencing the subscription rights that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such subscription rights.

 

General

 

We may issue subscription rights to purchase ordinary shares. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with any subscription rights offering to our shareholders, we may enter into a standby underwriting arrangement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which such underwriters will purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such subscription rights offering. In connection with a subscription rights offering to our shareholders, we will distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a prospectus supplement to our shareholders on the record date that we set for receiving subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

· the title of such subscription rights;
   
· the securities for which such subscription rights are exercisable;
   
· the exercise price for such subscription rights;
   
· the number of such subscription rights issued to each shareholder;
   
· the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable;
   
· if applicable, a discussion of the material Hong Kong S.A.R., or United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights;
   
· the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which such rights shall expire (subject to any extension);
   
· the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities;
   
· if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or other purchase arrangement that we may enter into in connection with the subscription rights offering; and
   
· any other terms of such subscription rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such subscription rights.

 

Exercise of Subscription Rights

 

Each subscription right will entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such amount of ordinary shares at such exercise price as shall be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights will become void.

 

Subscription rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will forward, as soon as practicable, the ordinary shares purchasable upon such exercise. We may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, under one or more indentures, each dated as of a date on or prior to the issuance of the debt securities to which it relates. We may issue senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities pursuant to separate indentures, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture, respectively, in each case between us and the trustee named in the indenture. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, are sometimes referred to individually as an “indenture” and collectively as the “indentures.” Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act and will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any principles thereof relating to conflicts of law that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. The aggregate principal amount of debt securities which may be issued under each indenture will be unlimited and each indenture will contain the specific terms of any series of debt securities or provide that those terms must be set forth in or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement, and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series. Our debt securities may be convertible or exchangeable into any of our equity or other debt securities.

 

Our statements below relating to the debt securities and the indentures are summaries of their anticipated provisions, are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable indenture and any applicable Hong Kong S.A.R., or United States federal income tax considerations as well as any applicable modifications of or additions to the general terms described below in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplemental indenture. For a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, reference must be made to both the related prospectus supplement and to the following description.

 

General

 

Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities which may be issued. The debt securities may be issued in one or more series. The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank on a parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Each series of subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and subordinated to all present and future senior indebtedness. Any such debt securities will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

You should read the applicable indenture and subsequent filings relating to the particular series of debt securities for the following terms of the offered debt securities:

 

· the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations;
   
· the issue price, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount;
   
· the maturity date;
   
· the interest rate per annum, if any;
   
· if the offered debt securities provide for interest payments, the date from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the date on which payment of interest will commence and the regular record dates for interest payment dates;
   
· any optional or mandatory sinking fund provisions or exchangeability provisions;
   
· the terms and conditions upon which conversion of any convertible debt securities may be effected, including the conversion price, the conversion period and other conversion provisions;

 

 

 

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· the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which the offered debt securities may be optionally redeemed or must be mandatorily redeemed and any other terms and provisions of optional or mandatory redemptions;
   
· if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which offered debt securities of the series will be issuable;
   
· if other than the full principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of offered debt securities of the series which will be payable upon acceleration or provable in bankruptcy;
   
· any events of default not set forth in this prospectus;
   
· the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which principal, premium and interest will be payable, if other than the currency of the United States of America;
   
· if principal, premium or interest is payable, at our election or at the election of any holder, in a currency other than that in which the offered debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the election may be made;
   
· whether interest will be payable in cash or additional securities at our or the holder’s option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;
   
· if denominated in a currency or currencies other than the currency of the United States of America, the equivalent price in the currency of the United States of America for purposes of determining the voting rights of holders of those debt securities under the applicable indenture;
   
· if the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method based on a coin or currency other than that in which the offered debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the manner in which the amounts will be determined;
   
· any restrictive covenants or other material terms relating to the offered debt securities;
   
· whether the offered debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates in registered or bearer form;
   
· any terms with respect to subordination;
   
· any listing on any securities exchange or quotation system; and
   
· additional provisions, if any, related to defeasance and discharge of the offered debt securities.

 

Subsequent filings may include additional terms not listed above. Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the SEC relating to the indenture, principal, premium and interest will be payable and the debt securities will be transferable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. Unless other arrangements are made or set forth in subsequent filings or a supplemental indenture, principal, premium and interest will be paid by checks mailed to the holders at their registered addresses.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the SEC, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with these debt securities.

 

Some or all of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities to be sold at a substantial discount below the stated principal amount. Hong Kong S.A.R., or United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any discounted securities will be described in subsequent filings with the SEC relating to those securities.

 

We refer you to applicable subsequent filings with respect to any deletions or additions or modifications from the description contained in this prospectus.

 

 

 

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Senior Debt

 

We may issue senior debt securities under the senior debt indenture. These senior debt securities will rank on an equal basis with all our other unsecured debt except subordinated debt.

  

Subordinated Debt

 

We may issue subordinated debt securities under the subordinated debt indenture. Subordinated debt will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the subordinated debt indenture, to all our senior debt (both secured and unsecured).

 

In general, the holders of all senior debt are first entitled to receive payment of the full amount unpaid on senior debt before the holders of any of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive a payment on account of the principal or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities in certain events.

 

If we default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior debt when it becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, then, unless and until the default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we cannot make a payment on account of or redeem or otherwise acquire the subordinated debt securities.

 

If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar proceeding relating to us, then all senior debt must be paid in full before any payment may be made to any holders of subordinated debt securities.

 

Furthermore, if we default in the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on any subordinated debt securities that is declared due and payable upon an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture, holders of all our senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash before holders of such subordinated debt can receive any payments.

 

Senior debt means:

 

· the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other amounts owing in respect of our indebtedness for money borrowed and indebtedness evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us, including the senior debt securities or letters of credit;

 

· all capitalized lease obligations;

 

· all hedging obligations;

 

· all obligations representing the deferred purchase price of property; and

 

· all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of obligations of the type referred to above;

 

but senior debt does not include:

 

· subordinated debt securities; and

 

· any indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated to, or ranks on an equal basis with, our subordinated debt securities.

 

 

 

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Covenants

 

Under the terms of the indenture, we covenant, among other things:

 

· that we will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest, if any, on the offered debt securities in accordance with the terms of such debt securities and the applicable indenture;

 

· that so long as any offered debt securities are outstanding, we will (i) file with the SEC within the time periods prescribed by its rules and regulations and (ii) furnish to the trustee and holders of the offered debt securities all interim and annual financial information required to be furnished or filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), and with respect to the annual consolidated financial statements only, a report thereon by our independent auditors;

 

· that we will deliver to the trustee after the end of each fiscal year a compliance certificate as to whether we have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled our obligations and each and every covenant contained under the applicable indenture;

 

· that we will deliver to the trustee written notice of any event of default, with the exception of any payment default that has not given rise to a right of acceleration under the indenture;

 

· that we 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, which may affect the covenants or the performance of the indenture or the offered debt securities;

 

· that we will do or cause to be done everything necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our corporate existence and the corporate, partnership or other existence of certain of our subsidiaries whose preservation is determined to be desirable by our Board of Directors and material to the holders;

 

· that we will, and we will cause each of our subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all taxes, assessments and governmental levies, except as contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

 

· that in the event we are required to pay additional interest to holders of our debt securities, we will provide notice to the trustee, and where applicable, the paying agent, of our obligation to pay such additional interest prior to the date on which any such additional interest is scheduled to be paid; and

 

· that we will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purposes of the indenture.

 

 

 

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Any series of offered debt securities may have covenants in addition to or differing from those included in the applicable indenture which will be described in subsequent filings prepared in connection with the offering of such securities, limiting or restricting, among other things:

 

· the ability of us or our subsidiaries to incur either secured or unsecured debt, or both;

 

· the ability to make certain payments, dividends, redemptions or repurchases;

 

· our ability to create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;

 

· our ability to make investments;

 

· mergers and consolidations by us or our subsidiaries;

 

· sales of assets by us;

 

· our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

· our ability to incur liens; and

 

· sale and leaseback transactions.

 

Modification of the Indentures

 

Each indenture and the rights of the respective holders may be modified by us only with the consent of holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series under the respective indenture affected by the modification, taken together as a class. But no modification that:

 

· changes the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

· reduces the rate of or changes the interest payment time on any security or alters its redemption provisions (other than any alteration to any such section which would not materially adversely affect the legal rights of any holder under the indenture) or the price at which we are required to offer to purchase the securities;

 

· reduces the principal or changes the maturity of any security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

 

· waives 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 that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

· makes the principal of or interest, if any, on any security payable in any currency other than that stated in the security;

 

· makes any change with respect to holders’ rights to receive principal and interest, the terms pursuant to which defaults can be waived, certain modifications affecting shareholders or certain currency-related issues; or

 

· waives a redemption payment with respect to any security or change any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any securities;

 

will be effective against any holder without his consent. Other terms as specified in subsequent filings may be modified without the consent of the holders.

 

 

 

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Events of Default

 

Each indenture defines an event of default for the debt securities of any series as being any one of the following events:

 

· default in any payment of interest when due which continues for 30 days;

 

· default in any payment of principal or premium at maturity;

 

· default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due;

 

· default in the performance of any covenant in the debt securities or the applicable indenture which continues for 60 days after we receive notice of the default;

 

· default under a bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for borrowed money by us or our subsidiaries (to the extent we are directly responsible or liable therefor) having a principal amount in excess of a minimum amount set forth in the applicable subsequent filing, whether such indebtedness now exists or is hereafter created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled or cured within 30 days after we receive notice of the default; and

 

· events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

 

An event of default of one series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.

 

There may be such other or different events of default as described in an applicable subsequent filing with respect to any class or series of offered debt securities.

 

In case an event of default occurs and continues for the debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that series may declare the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable. Any event of default for the debt securities of any series which has been cured may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding.

 

Each indenture requires us to file annually after debt securities are issued under that indenture with the applicable trustee a written statement signed by two of our officers as to the absence of material defaults under the terms of that indenture. Each indenture provides that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, except notice of a default in payment of principal, premium or interest.

  

Subject to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default occurs and continues, each indenture provides that the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under that indenture at the request, order or direction of holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to these provisions for indemnification and the rights of the trustee, each indenture provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding 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 as long as the exercise of that right does not conflict with any law or the indenture.

 

 

 

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Defeasance and Discharge

 

The terms of each indenture provide us with the option to be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities issued thereunder upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities. This right may only be exercised if, among other things, we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders. This discharge would not apply to our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

 

Defeasance of Certain Covenants

 

The terms of the debt securities provide us with the right not to comply with specified covenants and that specified events of default described in a subsequent filing will not apply. In order to exercise this right, we will be required to deposit with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing such debt securities. We will also be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit and related covenant defeasance will not cause the holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

 

A subsequent filing may further describe the provisions, if any, of any particular series of offered debt securities permitting a discharge defeasance.

 

Global Securities

 

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in an applicable subsequent filing and registered in the name of the depository or a nominee for the depository. In such a case, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by the global security or securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive certificated form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of the depository or by a nominee of the depository to the depository or another nominee of the depository or by the depository or any nominee to a successor depository for that series or a nominee of the successor depository and except in the circumstances described in an applicable subsequent filing.

 

We expect that the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements for any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a global security. Any additional or different terms of the depository arrangement will be described in an applicable subsequent filing.

 

Upon the issuance of any global security, and the deposit of that global security with or on behalf of the depository for the global security, the depository will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amounts of the debt securities represented by that global security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with the depository or its nominee.

  

 

 

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The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution of the debt securities or by us, if the debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participating institutions or persons that may hold interests through such participating institutions. Ownership of beneficial interests by participating institutions in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository for the global security or by its nominee. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security by persons that hold through participating institutions will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests within the participating institutions will be effected only through, records maintained by those participating institutions. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form. The foregoing limitations and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global securities.

 

So long as the depository for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global security, the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable subsequent filing and except as specified below, owners of beneficial interests in the global security will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities of the series in certificated form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of the depository and, if such person is not a participating institution, on the procedures of the participating institution through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

 

The depository may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participating institutions 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 applicable indenture. We understand that, under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in the global security desires to give any notice or take any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, the depository would authorize the participating institutions to give the notice or take the action, and participating institutions would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participating institutions to give the notice or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

 

Unless otherwise specified in applicable subsequent filings, payments of principal, premium and interest on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made by us to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security.

 

We expect that the depository for any debt securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest, will credit participating institutions’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of the depository. We also expect that payments by participating institutions to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participating institutions will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in street name, and will be the responsibility of those participating institutions. None of us, the trustees or any agent of ours or the trustees will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial interests.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable subsequent filings, a global security of any series will be exchangeable for certificated debt securities of the same series only if:

 

· the depository for such global securities notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository or such depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days after we receive the notice or become aware of the ineligibility;

 

· we in our sole discretion determine that the global securities shall be exchangeable for certificated debt securities; or

 

· there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the applicable indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series.

 

Upon any exchange, owners of beneficial interests in the global security or securities will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities in certificated form of like tenor and terms equal in principal amount to their beneficial interests, and to have the debt securities in certificated form registered in the names of the beneficial owners, which names are expected to be provided by the depository’s relevant participating institutions to the applicable trustee.

 

 

 

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DTC as Depository

 

In the event that the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, acts as depository for the global securities of any series, the global securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC’s partnership nominee.

 

DTC, the world’s largest securities depository, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments (from over 100 countries) that DTC’s participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). DTC has a Standard & Poor’s rating of AA+. The DTC Rules applicable to its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com.

 

Purchases of debt securities under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the debt securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each debt security (“Beneficial Owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the debt securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in debt securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the debt securities is discontinued.

 

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all debt securities deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the debt securities; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

  

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Beneficial Owners of debt securities may wish to take certain steps to augment the transmission to them of notices of significant events with respect to the debt securities, such as redemptions, tenders, defaults, and proposed amendments to the debt security documents. For example, Beneficial Owners of Securities may wish to ascertain that the nominee holding the Securities for their benefit has agreed to obtain and transmit notices to Beneficial Owners. In the alternative, Beneficial Owners may wish to provide their names and addresses to the trustee and request that copies of notices be provided directly to them.

 

Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the debt securities within an issue are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.

 

 

 

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Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to debt securities unless authorized by a Direct Participant in accordance with DTC’s MMI Procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to Issuer as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts debt securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

 

Redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments on the debt securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from the issuer or trustee, on payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, trustee, or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of the Company or trustee, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

 

A Beneficial Owner shall give notice to elect to have its debt securities purchased or tendered, through its Participant, to the trustee, and shall effect delivery of such Securities by causing the Direct Participant to transfer the Participant’s interest in the debt securities, on DTC’s records, to the trustee. The requirement for physical delivery of debt securities in connection with an optional tender or a mandatory purchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the debt securities are transferred by Direct Participants on DTC’s records and followed by a book-entry credit of tendered debt securities to the trustee’s DTC account.

 

DTC may discontinue providing its services as depository with respect to the debt securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Company or trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depository is not obtained, debt security certificates are required to be printed and delivered.

 

The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry-only transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, debt security certificates will be printed and delivered to DTC.

 

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

 

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more ordinary shares, preferred shares, warrants, debt securities or any combination of such securities.

 

 

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may offer and sell, from time to time, some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus up to an aggregate public offering price of $100,000,000.

 

Securities covered by this prospectus may be sold from time to time, in one or more transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to market prices, at a fixed price or prices subject to change, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. The securities being offered by this prospectus may be sold:

 

· through agents;

 

· to or through one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or agency basis;

 

· through put or call option transactions relating to the securities;

 

· through broker-dealers (acting as agent or principal);

 

· directly to purchasers, through a specific bidding or auction process, on a negotiated basis or otherwise;

 

· through any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law; or

 

· through a combination of any such methods of sale.

 

At any time a particular offer of the securities covered by this prospectus is made, a revised prospectus or prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of securities covered by this prospectus being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, brokers or agents, any discounts, commissions, concessions and other items constituting compensation and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Such prospectus supplement, and, if necessary, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, will be filed with the SEC to reflect the disclosure of additional information with respect to the distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus. In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the securities sold under this prospectus may only be sold through registered or licensed broker-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 registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

 

Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

 

The distribution of securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including block transactions and transactions on The NASDAQ Global Select Market or any other organized market where the securities may be traded. The securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The consideration may be cash or another form negotiated by the parties. Agents, underwriters or broker-dealers may be paid compensation for offering and selling the securities. That compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions to be received from us or from the purchasers of the securities. Any dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and compensation received by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts. If any such dealers or agents were deemed to be underwriters, they may be subject to statutory liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

 

 

  19  

 

 

Agents may from time to time solicit offers to purchase the securities. If required, we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and set forth any compensation payable to the agent. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any agent selling the securities covered by this prospectus may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities.

  

If underwriters are used in a sale, securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or under delayed delivery contracts or other contractual commitments. Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of securities, an underwriting agreement will be executed with the underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriter or underwriters, with respect to a particular underwritten offering of securities, and will set forth the terms of the transactions, including compensation of the underwriters and dealers and the public offering price, if applicable. The prospectus and prospectus supplement will be used by the underwriters to resell the securities.

 

If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities, we or an underwriter will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. To the extent required, we will set forth in the prospectus supplement the name of the dealer and the terms of the transactions.

 

We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities and may make sales of securities directly to institutional investors or others. These persons may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale of the securities. To the extent required, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any such sales, including the terms of any bidding or auction process, if used.

 

Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into indemnification by us against specified liabilities, including liabilities incurred under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us and the Selling Shareholders to payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities. If required, the prospectus supplement will describe the terms and conditions of the indemnification or contribution. Some of the agents, underwriters or dealers, or their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, our subsidiaries or their affiliates.

 

Under the securities laws of some jurisdictions, the securities offered by this prospectus may be sold in those jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

 

Any person participating in the distribution of securities registered under the registration statement that includes this prospectus will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the applicable SEC rules and regulations, including, among others, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of our securities by that person. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of our securities to engage in market-making activities with respect to our securities. These restrictions may affect the marketability of our securities and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to our securities.

 

Certain persons participating in an offering may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the offered securities. These activities may maintain the price of the offered securities at levels above those that might otherwise prevail in the open market, including by entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions or imposing penalty bids, each of which is described below.

 

· A stabilizing bid means the placing of any bid, or the effecting of any purchase, for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of a security.

 

· A syndicate covering transaction means the placing of any bid on behalf of the underwriting syndicate or the effecting of any purchase to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering.

 

· A penalty bid means an arrangement that permits the managing underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member in connection with the offering when offered securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in syndicate covering transactions.

 

 

 

  20  

 

 

These transactions may be effected on an exchange or automated quotation system, if the securities are listed on that exchange or admitted for trading on that automated quotation system, or in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

  

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase offered securities from us at the public offering price set forth in such prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.

 

In addition, ordinary shares may be issued upon conversion of or in exchange for debt securities or other securities.

 

Each series of offered securities, other than the ordinary shares which are listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom offered securities are sold for public offering may make a market in such offered securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The offered securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. No assurance can be given that there will be a market for the offered securities.

 

Any securities that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 or Regulation S rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

 

To the extent that we make sales to or through one or more underwriters or agents in at-the-market offerings, we will do so pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement between us and the underwriters or agents. If we engage in at-the-market sales pursuant to a distribution agreement, we will offer and sell our ordinary shares to or through one or more underwriters or agents, which may act on an agency basis or on a principal basis. During the term of any such agreement, we may sell ordinary shares on a daily basis in exchange transactions or otherwise as we agree with the underwriters or agents. The distribution agreement will provide that any ordinary shares sold will be sold at prices related to the then prevailing market prices for our ordinary shares. Therefore, exact figures regarding proceeds that will be raised or commissions to be paid cannot be determined at this time and will be described in a prospectus supplement. Pursuant to the terms of the distribution agreement, we also may agree to sell, and the relevant underwriters or agents may agree to solicit offers to purchase, blocks of our ordinary shares or other securities. The terms of each such distribution agreement will be set forth in more detail in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus.

 

In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.

 

One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the securities, if the prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the securities in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the securities. The prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they remarket. Remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements that may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, such third parties (or affiliates of such third parties) may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, such third parties (or affiliates of such third parties) may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of shares, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of shares. The third parties (or affiliates of such third parties) in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

 

We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus.

 

 

 

  21  

 

 

EXPENSES

 

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses relating to the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereby, all of which shall be borne by the Company. All of such fees and expenses, except for the SEC registration fee and FINRA fees, are estimated.

 

SEC registration fee   $ 12,980.00  
FINRA fees   $ 15,500.00  
Transfer agent’s fees and expenses   $ *  
Legal fees and expenses   $ *  
Printing fees and expenses   $ *  
Accounting fees and expenses   $ *  
Miscellaneous fees and expenses   $ *  
Total   $ *  

 


*       To be provided by a prospectus supplement or as an exhibit to a Report on Form 6-K that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  22  

 

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

We incorporate by reference the filed documents listed below, except as superseded, supplemented or modified by this prospectus:

 

· our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2020;

 

· the description of our ordinary shares contained in our Registration Statement on Form F-4, as amended, under the Securities Act, as originally filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015, as amended (Registration No. 333-204069) under the heading “Description of Securities” and as incorporated into our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, originally filed with the SEC on January 15, 2016;

 

· any Form 20-F, 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K filed with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering of securities (except to the extent such reports are furnished but not filed with the SEC); and

 

· any Report on Form 6-K submitted to the SEC after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering of securities, but only to the extent that the forms expressly state that we incorporate them by reference in this prospectus.

 

Potential investors, including any beneficial owner, may obtain a copy of any of the documents summarized herein (subject to certain restrictions because of the confidential nature of the subject matter) or any of our SEC filings incorporated by reference herein without charge by written or oral request directed to Xiaofeng Peng, Chief Executive Officer; #1128, 11/F, No. 52 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R. The telephone number at our executive office is (852) 2291 6020.

 

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. 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 or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.

 

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein, or in a subsequently filed document incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this prospectus.

 

 

 

  23  

 

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. SPI’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, as amended, provide for indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such, except that such indemnity shall not extend to any matter in respect of any dishonesty, willful default or fraud.

 

This provision, however, will not eliminate or limit liability arising under federal securities laws. SPI’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, as amended, do not eliminate its director’s fiduciary duties. The inclusion of the foregoing provision may, however, discourage or deter shareholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited SPI and its shareholders. This provision should not affect the availability of a claim or right of action based upon a director’s fraud or dishonesty.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  24  

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

We are being represented by Loeb & Loeb LLP with respect to legal matters of United States federal securities and New York State law. The validity of the ordinary shares offered in this offering and legal matters as to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in the accounting and auditing.

 

The audit report covering the December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the Company’s working capital deficiency, recurring losses from operations and lack of sufficient resources raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The audit report refers to a change in method of accounting for leases.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the offer and sale of securities pursuant to this prospectus. This prospectus, filed as a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules thereto in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and no reference is hereby made to such omitted information. Statements made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are summaries of all of the material terms of such contract, agreement or document, but do not repeat all of their terms. Reference is made to each such exhibit for a more complete description of the matters involved and such statements shall be deemed qualified in their entirety by such reference. The registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto filed with the SEC may be obtained at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. For further information pertaining to the securities offered by this prospectus and SPI Energy Co., Ltd., reference is made to the registration statement.

 

SPI Energy Co., Ltd. furnishes reports and other information to the SEC. You may read and copy any document we furnish at the website of the SEC referred to above. SPI Energy Co., Ltd.’s file number with the SEC is 001-37678, and we began filing through EDGAR beginning on January 2, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  25  

 

 

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

We are registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We are registered in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands corporation, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to a significantly lesser extent. In addition, Cayman Islands companies do not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.

 

Substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, a majority of our directors and officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in U.S. courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us, our officers and directors.

 

We have appointed Cogency Global Inc., 10 E. 40th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016, as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the federal securities laws of the United States or of any state in the United States or any action brought against us in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York under the securities laws of the State of New York.

 

Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP , our counsel as to Cayman Islands law has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would, respectively, (1) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or (2) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

 

The Cayman Islands is not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of judgments obtained in the U.S. Courts. As such, there is no available statutory regime in the Cayman Islands by which judgments obtained in the courts of the United States can be enforced or recognized. However, both monetary and non-monetary foreign judgments may be enforceable in the Cayman Islands under common law, if certain conditions are met. A judgment in personam obtained in the United States will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Cayman Islands Courts (as an unpaid debt obligation brought in fresh proceedings), provided (i) such judgment is final and conclusive; (ii) such judgment is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) it imposes a specific positive obligation on the judgment debtor; (iv) the judgment was not obtained by fraud; (v) no new admissible evidence relevant to the action is submitted prior to the rendering of the judgment by the courts of the Cayman Islands; and (vi) there is due compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

As a matter of public policy, the courts in Cayman Islands will not uphold a foreign judgment if such judgment is repugnant to or contravenes the rules of natural justice of the Cayman Islands system of law, and will also not enforce judgments that relate to the penal laws of another country, which impose punitive damages, or which in general are in respect of taxes, fines or other penalties. Neither will the Cayman Islands Courts enforce a judgment adjudicating in rem on the title to, or the right to possession of, immovable property in the Cayman Islands.

 

Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP has informed us that at present, it is uncertain whether the courts of the Cayman Islands may recognize or enforce judgments predicated upon civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States, as it is unclear whether the courts of the Cayman Islands will deem such judgments as penal or punitive in nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  26  

 

 

 

 

 

$100,000,000

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

 

Ordinary Shares

 


Preferred Shares

 


Warrants

 


Subscription Rights

 


Debt Securities

 


Units

 

 


 

PROSPECTUS

 


 

August __, 2020

 

No dealer, salesperson or any other person is authorized to give any information or make any representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security other than the securities offered by this prospectus, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by anyone in any jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not authorized or is unlawful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  27  

 

 

PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. SPI’s Memorandum and Articles of Association provide for indemnification of officers and directors for losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in their capacities as such, except that such indemnity shall not extend to any matter in respect of any dishonesty, willful default or fraud.

 

This provision, however, will not eliminate or limit liability arising under federal securities laws. SPI’s Memorandum and Articles of Association do not eliminate its directors’ fiduciary duties. The inclusion of the foregoing provision may, however, discourage or deter shareholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited SPI and its shareholders. This provision should not affect the availability of a claim or right of action based upon a director’s fraud or dishonesty.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed 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.

 

 

 

 

  II-1  

 

 

Item 9. Exhibits

 

Exhibit    
No.   Description
1.1   Form of Equity Securities Underwriting Agreement*
1.2   Form of Debt Securities Underwriting Agreement*
3.1   Memorandum and Articles of Association (1)
3.2   Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (2)
4.1   Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate*
4.2   Certificate of Designation for Preferred Shares*
4.3   Specimen Warrant Certificate*
4.4   Form of Warrant Agreement*
4.5   Form of Subscription Rights Agreement*
4.6   Form of Subscription Rights Certificate*
4.7   Form of Senior Debt Securities Indenture (3)
4.8   Form of Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture (3)
4.9   Specimen Unit Certificate*
5.1   Opinion of Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP (3)
5.2   Opinion of Loeb & Loeb LLP (3)
23.1   Consent of Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) (3)
23.2   Consent of Loeb & Loeb LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2) (3)
23.3   Consent of Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
24.1   Power of Attorney (included in signature page of this registration statement)
25.1   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Trustee under the Senior Debt Securities Indenture*
25.2   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Trustee under the Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture*

 


* To be filed as an exhibit to a post-effective amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a report filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act of the Registrant and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registration statement on Form F-4 of the Registrant (File No. 333-204069) filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015.

 

(2) Incorporated by reference to Annex B to the Prospectus of the Registrant (File No. 333-204069) filed with the SEC on November 6, 2015.

 

(3) To be filed by amendment.

 

 

 

  II-2  

 

 

Item 10. 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;

 

(ii)          to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

(iii)         to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC 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, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3)              To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

(4)              To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the Registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Rule 3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC 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 Form F-3.

 

(5)              That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

(i)           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

 

 

 

  II-3  

 

 

(ii)          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 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or

 

(6)              That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i)           Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(ii)          Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

(iii)         The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(iv)        Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

(b)            The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c)            The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

(d)            Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(e)            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 (the “Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

 

 

 

  II-4  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hong Kong S.A.R., Country of People’s Republic of China on August 3, 2020.

 

  SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.
   
  By: /s/ Xiaofeng Peng
  Xiaofeng Peng
  Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each of the undersigned officers and directors of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. hereby severally constitutes and appoints Mr. Xiaofeng Peng the true and lawful attorney with full power to him, to sign for the undersigned and in his or her name in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments, including the post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and generally to do all such things in the undersigned’s name and behalf in such capacities to enable SPI Energy Co., Ltd. to comply with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulation thereunder, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys or any of them shall 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/ Xiaofeng Peng   Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman   August 3, 2020
Xiaofeng Peng   (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Maurice Ngai   Director   August 3, 2020
Maurice Ngai        
         
/s/ HoongKhoeng Cheong   Director   August 3, 2020
HoongKhoeng Cheong        
         
/s/ Lu Qing   Director   August 3, 2020
Lu Qing        
         
/s/ Jing Zhang   Director   August 3, 2020
Jing Zhang        

 

 

 

  II-5  

 

 

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of SPI Energy Co., Ltd., has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in New York, New York on August 3, 2020.

 

  Authorized U.S. Representative
   
  By: /s/ Mitchell S. Nussbaum
  Name: Mitchell S. Nussbaum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  II-6  

 

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