UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)
of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event
reported): September 16, 2015
General Steel Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified
in its charter)
Nevada |
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001-33717 |
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41-2079252 |
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
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(Commission File Number) |
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(IRS Employer
Identification Number) |
Level 2, Building G,
No. 2A Chen Jia Lin, Ba Li Zhuang,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100025
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code:
+ 86 (10) 85723073
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) |
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
ITEM 1.01 ENTRY INTO
A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT.
On September 16, 2015, General Steel Holdings, Inc. (“General
Steel”) entered into an all-equity Share Exchange Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and among General Steel, Catalon
Chemical Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Catalon”), Anyuan Zhu (“Zhu”), Lindenburg Ventures Ltd., a British
Virgin Islands corporation (“Lindenburg”), and Honghui Du (“Du”) (each of Zhu, Lindenburg and Du, a “Selling
Stockholder” and together, the “Selling Stockholders”).
Purpose
The purpose of the Agreement is for General Steel to gain a
controlling interest in Catalon in order to better position General Steel in the marketplace. Through this acquisition, General
Steel will be able to exploit the benefits of Catalon's honeycomb technology, which is a critical part of the selective catalytic
reduction process widely used in steel mills, thermal power stations, waste incinerators, stationary diesel motors, industrial
plants, and heavy-duty trucks. The acquisition also brings valued members of the Catalon management team to General Steel, which
will further increase the company’s competitive position in the steel industry as well as expanding its business scope.
Definitive Agreement
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Selling Shareholders will
receive up to 13 million shares (“Payment Shares”) of General Steel Common Stock in exchange for a portion of their
equity interests in Catalon, equating to 84.5% of all outstanding ownership interests in Catalon. The Payment Shares will
be held in escrow, subject to minimum performance targets of Catalon. If those performance targets are not met in their entirety,
the Payment Shares will be reduced proportionately to the percentage of the performance targets actually achieved. The Payment
Shares are also subject to a lock-up period placing restrictions on the Selling Shareholders’ ability to directly or indirectly
transfer or otherwise dispose of the Payment Shares for a defined period. The Agreement is subject to customary closing conditions
and regulatory approvals and is expected to close on or about September 30, 2015.
Miscellaneous Provisions
In addition, the Agreement sets forth various representation
and warranties of each party relating to the equity being exchanged, as well as covenants with respect to the ongoing business
activities of both General Steel and Catalon prior to the closing, including but not limited to the prohibition against certain
defined acts. The Agreement also sets forth indemnification obligations owed by each party thereto, as well as provisions relating
to termination and amendment of the Agreement.
The foregoing description of the Agreement is qualified in its
entirety by the full text thereof attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference. In connection
with the execution of the Agreement, General Steel issued the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit
No. |
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Description |
10.1 |
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Share Exchange Agreement, dated September 16, 2015, by and among General Steel Holdings, Inc., Catalon Chemical Corp., Anyuan Zhu, Lindenburg Ventures Ltd., and Honghui Du. |
99.1 |
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Press Release issued on September 16, 2015. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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General Steel Holdings, Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ John Chen |
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Name: |
John Chen |
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Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: September 22, 2015
EXHIBIT 10.1
SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
This Share Exchange Agreement (this “Agreement”)
dated as of September 16, 2015, is by and among General Steel Holdings, Inc., a Nevada Corporation (the “Corporation”
or “GSI”), Catalon Chemical Corp., a Delaware Corporation (the “Catalon”), Anyuan Zhu (“Zhu”),
Lindenburg Ventures Ltd., a British Virgin Island Corporation (“Lindenburg”), and Honghui Du (“Du”) (each
a “Selling Stockholder” and together, the “Selling Stockholders”) who are the owners of 100% of the capital
stock of Catalon.
RECITALS
A. Whereas,
GSI is a leading non-state-owned steelmaker headquartered in Beijing, China.
B. Whereas,
Catalon is engaged in the business of producing and supplying of catalysts and industrial ceramics headquartered in North Carolina.
C. Whereas,
GSI is a corporation presently subject to certain reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
Act”). The common stock of GSI is presently listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GSI.”
D. Whereas,
the Selling Stockholders are the owners of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Catalon.
E. Whereas,
in order to implement their common long-term business and financial goals, the parties to this Agreement desire to implement a
consolidation strategy through a majority acquisition of Catalon by GSI.
F. Whereas,
the value of Catalon, including its Honeycomb Catalyst Technology and its subsidiary Catalon Eden NC, is approximately $20 million.
G. Whereas,
GSI will acquire shares of the capital stock of Catalon from the Selling Stockholders such that immediately thereafter, GSI will
own 84.5% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Catalon. Such shares will be acquired in a stock-for-stock exchange for
13,000,000 shares of Common stock of GSI newly issued by GSI at a price per share of $1.30, all as more fully set forth herein
below.
H. Whereas,
the Board of Directors of GSI have authorized its Officers to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein
contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties
hereto hereby agree to the following terms and conditions:
ARTICLE
1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions. The
following terms have the following meanings, unless the context indicates otherwise:
“Agreement” shall mean
this Agreement, and all the exhibits, schedules and other documents attached to or referred to in this Agreement, and all amendments
and supplements, if any, to this Agreement;
“Catalon Shares” shall
mean 1,268 shares of Catalon common stock held in the aggregate by the Selling Stockholders, which represents eighty four and one
half of one percent (84.50%) of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Catalon and are held as follows: 539 shares by Zhu,
412 shares by Lindenburg, and 317 shares by Du;
“Closing” shall mean
the completion of the Transaction, in accordance with Article 8 hereof, at which the Closing Documents shall be exchanged by the
parties, except for those documents or other items specifically required to be exchanged at a later time;
“Closing Date” shall
mean a date mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto in writing and in accordance with Article 8, following the satisfaction
or waiver by GSI and Catalon of the conditions precedent set forth in Sections 5.1, 6.1 and 6.2 respectively; the Closing Date
shall be on or before September 30, 2015, or as soon thereafter as practicable, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by all parties
hereto;
“Closing Documents” shall
mean the papers, instruments and documents required to be executed and delivered at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement;
“Exchange Act” shall
mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
“GAAP” shall mean United
States generally accepted accounting principles applied in a manner consistent with prior periods;
“GSI Accounting Date”
is defined in section 4.11;
“GSI Material Adverse Effect”
is defined in section 4.7;
“GSI SEC Documents” is
defined is section 4.10;
“GSI Shares” shall mean
13,000,000 restricted shares of fully paid and non-assessable common shares of GSI to be issued to the Selling Stockholders by
GSI on the Closing Date and held in escrow and subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof;
“Minimum Net Profit”
shall mean $8.39 million in 2016 and $20.90 million in 2017, each as calculated in accordance with and verified by the annual financial
statements of Catalon for the respective year approved by GSI;
“Minimum Sales Targets”
shall mean $46.6 million of SCR catalysts in 2016 and $116.09 million of SCR catalysts in 2017, each as calculated in accordance
with and verified by the annual financial statements of Catalon for the respective year approved by GSI;
“Sales Period” shall
mean fiscal years 2016 and 2017;
“SEC” shall mean the
Securities and Exchange Commission;
“Taxes” shall include
international, federal, state, provincial and local income taxes, capital gains tax, value-added taxes, franchise, personal property
and real property taxes, levies, assessments, tariffs, duties (including any customs duty), business license or other fees, sales,
use and any other taxes relating to the assets of the designated party or the business of the designated party for all periods
up to and including the Closing Date, together with any related charge or amount, including interest, fines, penalties and additions
to tax, if any, arising out of tax assessments;
“Transaction” shall mean
the acquisition of the Catalon Shares by GSI in exchange for the issuance of the GSI Shares (as hereinafter defined).
ARTICLE 2
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
2.1 Exchange
of Shares. Subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, in exchange for the acquisition consideration
(the “Acquisition Consideration”), as set forth in paragraph 2.2 hereof, issued by GSI to the Selling Stockholders,
the Seller Stockholders shall transfer the Catalon Shares to GSI.
2.2 Acquisition
Consideration. The total Acquisition Consideration to be paid by GSI for the Catalon Shares shall be a total of 13,000,000
shares of the previously authorized but unissued unregistered and restricted shares of the Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
of GSI. Subject to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, GSI will issue the Acquisition Consideration of
13,000,000 Shares in the names of the Selling Stockholders, in 6 separate certificates as follows, which shares shall be held in
escrow, subject to delivery and/or cancellation as set forth below:
I. Certificates
for an aggregate total of 4,333,333 shares (the “2016 Certificates”), issued as follows:
1,843,111 shares in the name of and to Zhu,
1,406,889 shares in the name of and to Lindenburg, and 1,083,333 shares in the name of and to Du;
II. Certificates
for an aggregate total of 8,666,667 shares (the “2017 Certificates”), issued as follows:
3,686,222 shares in the name of and to Zhu,
2,813,778 shares in the name of and to Lindenburg, and 2,166,667 shares in the name of and to Du.
2.3 Deposit
and Escrow of Acquisition Consideration Shares. GSI and the Selling Stockholders hereby agree that GSI (through itself or its
attorney), during the respective Sales Period, shall hold in escrow the stock certificates as set forth in Section 2.2, along with
irrevocable stock powers issued in blank (the “Stock Powers”) duly executed by each Seller Stockholder with signature
medallion guaranteed.
2.4 Delivery
and/or Cancellation of Escrow Shares.
(a) To the extent that Catalon does not
meet the Minimum Sales Targets or Minimum Net Profit applicable to 2016, then the 2016 Certificates will be cancelled and GSI will
issue and release a reduced portion of the GSI Shares evidenced by the 2016 Certificates calculated by multiplying such shares
by the aggregate percentage that (i) the actual sales (if lower than the Minimum Sales Targets), were of the Minimum Sales Targets,
and (ii) the actual profit (if lower than the Minimum Net Profits) was of the Minimum Net Profits. For example, (I) if only 85%
of the Minimum Sales Targets and 75% of the Minimum Net Profit are achieved for 2016, then certificates for an aggregate share
amount of 2.6 million GSI shares (representing a forty percent reduction) would be issued pro-rata to the Selling Stockholders,
and (II) if the Minimum Sales Targets is exceeded but only 75% of the Minimum Net Profit is achieved for 2016, then certificates
for an aggregate share amount of 3.25 million GSI shares (representing a twenty five percent reduction) would be issued. If Catalon
does meet both the Minimum Sales Targets and Minimum Net Profit applicable to 2016, then the 2016 Certificates will be released
from escrow and mailed to the Seller Stockholders in accordance with instructions they provide.
(b) To the extent that Catalon does not
meet the Minimum Sales Targets or Minimum Net Profit applicable to 2017, then the 2017 Certificates will be cancelled and GSI will
issue and release a reduced portion of the GSI Shares evidenced by the 2017 Certificates calculated by multiplying such shares
by the aggregate percentage that (i) the actual sales (if lower than the Minimum Sales Targets), were of the Minimum Sales Targets,
and (ii) the actual profit (if lower than the Minimum Net Profits) was of the Minimum Net Profits. For example, if (I) only 85%
of the Minimum Sales Targets and 75% of the Minimum Net Profit are achieved for 2017, then certificates for an aggregate share
amount of 5.2 million GSI shares (representing a forty percent reduction) would be issued pro-rata to the Selling Stockholders,
and (II) if the Minimum Sales Targets is exceeded but only 75% of the Minimum Net Profit is achieved for 2017, then certificates
for an aggregate share amount of 6.5 million GSI shares (representing a twenty five percent reduction) would be issued. If Catalon
does meet both the Minimum Sales Targets and Minimum Net Profit applicable to 2017, then the 2017 Certificates will be released
from escrow and mailed to the Seller Stockholders in accordance with instructions they provide.
To the extent the stock certificates are
to be cancelled as provided above, in the event that GSI or its transfer agent requires a particular stock power or assignment
to be executed by the Selling Stockholder, the Selling Stockholder agrees to promptly execute and deliver the original thereof
as directed by GSI.
2.5 Exemption
from Registration. The parties hereto intend that the GSI Shares to be exchanged shall be exempt from the registration requirements
of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder and exempt from the registration requirements of the applicable states. The Selling Stockholders
agree to abide by all applicable resale restrictions and holding periods imposed by all applicable securities legislation.
The Selling Stockholders understand and
agree that the certificates evidencing GSI Shares issued to the Selling Stockholders will bear the following legend:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY
THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
LAWS AND NEITHER SUCH SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT
(1) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR (2) PURSUANT
TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, IN WHICH
CASE THE HOLDER MUST, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO GSI AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY
TO GSI, THAT SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE MANNER CONTEMPLATED PURSUANT
TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
Other Legends. The certificates representing
such GSI Shares, and each certificate issued in transfer thereof, will also bear any other legend required under any applicable
Law, including, without limitation, any U.S. state corporate and state securities law, or contract.
2.6 Share
Exchange Procedure. At the Closing, the Selling Shareholders will exchange his, her or its certificate(s) representing the
Catalon Shares by delivering such certificate to GSI, with the reverse side duly executed and endorsed in blank (or accompanied
by a separate duly executed Irrevocable Stock Power endorsed in blank), in each case in proper form for transfer, with signatures
guaranteed, and, if applicable, with all stock transfer and any other required documentary stamps affixed thereto and with appropriate
instructions to allow the transfer agent to issue certificates for the GSI Shares to the holder thereof, to be held in escrow as
set forth above.
2.7 Fractional
Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no certificate for fractional shares of the GSI Shares will
be issued in the Transaction. In lieu of any such fractional shares, if any of the Selling Stockholders would otherwise be entitled
to receive a fraction of a share of the GSI Shares upon surrender of certificates representing the Catalon Shares for exchange
pursuant to this Agreement, the Selling Stockholders will be entitled to receive from GSI a stock certificate representing the
nearest whole number of GSI Shares.
2.8 Closing
Date. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “Closing Date.” The closing of this transaction
(the “Closing”), unless the parties to this Agreement shall otherwise agree, shall take place by the delivery of all
required executed documents by the parties at the offices of Burns & Levinson LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110, on
or prior to September 30, 2015, or as soon as practicable thereafter, provided that this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant
to Article 10, of this Agreement by any party.
2.9 Restricted
Shares. The Selling Stockholders acknowledge that the GSI Shares are being issued pursuant to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, including that the GSI Shares have not been registered under the Act or any state securities laws, and
as a result may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed, except pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Act, or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Act and in each
case only in accordance with all applicable securities laws. Each Selling Shareholder agrees that he/she/it has sought and obtained
independent legal advice as to the resale restrictions applicable in their jurisdiction of residence, and under US securities laws
generally. GSI has not undertaken, and will have no obligation, to register any of the GSI Shares under the Act. Restricted Shares
are acquired in unregistered, private sales from an issuer or from an affiliate of the issuer. Restricted Shares, as defined
under Rule 144 of the Act (“Rule 144”), are not fully transferable until certain conditions have been met. Upon satisfaction
of those conditions, the shares become transferable by the person or entity holding them. If the Selling Stockholders want to sell
their GSI Shares to the public, they can follow the conditions set forth in Rule 144. The rule is not the exclusive means for selling
the GSI Shares, but provides a “safe harbor” exemption to the Selling Stockholders. The parties further intend that
the issuance of the common stock by GSI to the Selling Stockholders shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 5 of the Act
pursuant to Section 4(2) of said Act as set forth herein.
2.10 Lock-Up.
Each of the Selling Stockholders hereby further agrees that they will not, without the prior written consent of the GSI, until
April 30, 2018, directly or indirectly, (i) offer, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of, the
GSI Shares, (ii) enter into any swap, hedge or other agreement or arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic
risk of ownership of the GSI Shares, common stock of GSI or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common
stock of GSI, or (iii) engage in any short selling of any GSI Shares, common stock of GSI or securities convertible into or exercisable
or exchangeable for common stock of GSI. Following April 30, 2018, with respect to any of the GSI Shares released to the Selling
Stockholders, the Selling Stockholders shall not sell, or be entitled to sell more than an aggregate of 250,000 shares of GSI common
stock, per quarter in either private transactions or open market trading.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GSI
GSI represents and warrants to Catalon and
the Selling Stockholders, and acknowledges that Catalon and the Selling Stockholders are relying upon such representations and
warranties, in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, as follows:
3.1 Corporate
Status. GSI is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing pursuant to the laws of the State of Nevada,
with all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all jurisdictions where presently conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions set forth in this Agreement. Schedule 3.1 sets forth true, correct
and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of GSI, and no action has been taken to amend or repeal such Organizational
Documents. GSI is not in violation or breach of any of the provisions of its Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, except for such
violations or breaches as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.2 Capitalization.
GSI’s authorized capital stock consists of (i) 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value of which 69,984,282 shares
were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015 and 2,472,306 are issued as treasury stock, and (ii) 50,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock of which 3,092,899 shares are issued and outstanding. All shares of Common Stock have been validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable. GSI has no option plans and there are no subscriptions, options, warrants, rights or other agreements outstanding
to acquire shares of stock of GSI or any other equity security or security convertible into an equity security. There are no agreements
or commitments to increase, decrease or otherwise alter the authorized capital stock of GSI prior to the Closing Date. GSI has
not granted any registration rights with respect to any shares of GSI Common Stock or any options to acquire shares of GSI capital
stock. Upon issuance in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the GSI Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
3.3 Authority
of GSI. GSI has the full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement and has taken all corporate
action and has obtained all necessary consents and approvals required by law and its organizational documents to authorize the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement and
the consummation by GSI of the transactions set forth in this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized, executed, and delivered
by the Board of Directors of GSI, and this Agreement is valid and binding upon GSI and enforceable against GSI in accordance with
their terms (except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, bank moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’
rights generally and laws restricting the availability of equitable remedies and may be subject to general principles of equity
whether or not such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity). The Board of Directors of GSI have unanimously
consented to, and authorized this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No other corporate approvals are
required for GSI to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.
3.4 Compliance
with the Law and Other Instruments.
(a) The
business and operations of GSI have been and are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws,
rules and regulations of all authorities which affect GSI or its properties, assets, businesses or prospects.
(b) GSI
shall has all material governmental licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals (the “Permits”) necessary and required
by GSI to conduct its business. To the knowledge of GSI, the Permits are validly held by GSI, and GSI is in compliance with the
Permits, except for instances of noncompliance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect.
To the knowledge of GSI, the Permits constitute all of the governmental licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals required
to carry on the business of GSI as such business is presently conducted, except where the failure to have any such license, permit,
authorization or approval would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect.
3.5 Absence
of Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the issuance of the securities of GSI, and the consummation
by GSI of the transactions set forth in this Agreement: (i) do not and shall not conflict with or result in a breach of any provision
of GSI’s Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws, (ii) do not and shall not result in any breach of, or constitute a default
or cause an acceleration under any arrangement, agreement or other instrument to which GSI is a party to or by which any of its
assets are bound, (iii) do not and shall not cause GSI to violate or contravene any provision of law or any governmental rule or
regulation, and (iv) will not and shall not result in the imposition of any lien, or encumbrance upon, any property of GSI. GSI
has performed in all material respects all of its obligations which are, as of the date of this Agreement, required to be performed,
pursuant to the terms of any such agreement, contract or commitment.
3.6 Financial
Statements. GSI’s financial statements contained in GSI’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC (collectively, the “GSI Financial Statements”) have been prepared using generally accepted
accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis. The GSI Financial Statements fairly present the financial
condition and results of operations for GSI. Since the date of GSI Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (the “Form
10-Q”), there has not been any material adverse change in GSI’s financial condition, assets, liabilities or business,
or any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, materially affecting GSI’s properties, assets or
business, and GSI has not incurred any indebtedness, liability or other obligation of any nature whatsoever except in the ordinary
course of business and GSI has not made any change in its accounting methods or practices.
3.7 Title
to Assets. GSI owns all right, title, and interest in and to each of its assets material to its business.
3.8 Litigation.
Except as set forth in GSI’s SEC Filings, there are no legal, administrative, arbitration, or other proceeding or governmental
investigations adversely affecting GSI or its properties, assets or businesses, or with respect to any matter arising out of the
conduct of GSI’s business pending or to its knowledge threatened, by or against, any officer or director of GSI in connection
with its affairs, whether or not covered by insurance. Except as set forth in the Form 10-Q, neither GSI nor its officers or directors
are subject to any order, writ, injunction, or decree of any court, department, agency, or instrumentality affecting GSI. Except
as set forth on the Form 10-Q GSI is not presently engaged in any legal action. The reserves for litigation set forth on the GSI
Financial Statements are adequate to cover the cost of any adverse judgment in any pending litigation and GSI will not be obligated
to pay the costs, including, without limitation, attorney’s fees, of any pending litigation after the Closing Date.
3.9 Reporting
Company Status. GSI is a reporting company registered with the SEC whose common stock is listed for quotation on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol GSI.
3.10 SEC
Filings. GSI has timely filed and will continue to timely file all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by GSI
with the SEC (collectively, the “SEC Reports”) and the SEC Reports (i) at the time filed, complied in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as the case may be, (ii)
did not, to GSI’s knowledge, at the time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a fact required to
be stated in such SEC Reports or necessary in order to make the statements in such SEC Reports, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not materially misleading and (iii) adequately described all material transactions, which transactions
were consummated on commercially reasonable terms and were in the best interests of GSI’s stockholders.
3.11 Absence
of Changes. Except for transactions consummated on commercially reasonable terms and in the best interests of GSI’s stockholders,
subsequent to the date of the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, and through the date of this Agreement, and except
as in the ordinary course of business and with respect to any items reserved by GSI and reflected in the GSI Financial Statements,
there has not been any material adverse change in, or any event or condition (financial or otherwise) affecting the business, properties,
assets, liabilities, historical operations or prospects of GSI, there are no liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether
absolute, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become due (including, without limitation, liabilities for taxes with respect
to or measured by income of GSI for any period prior to, and/or subsequent to, the date of the Form 10-Q or arising out of any
transaction of GSI prior to, and/or subsequent to, such date). Subsequent to the date of the Form 10-Q, there has not been any
declaration, or setting aside, or payment of any dividend or other distribution with respect to GSI securities, or any direct or
indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition of any of GSI securities. To GSI’s knowledge, there has not been an assertion
against GSI of any liability of any nature or in any amount not fully reflected or reserved against in the Form 10-Q.
3.12 No
Approvals. No approval of any governmental authority is required in connection with the consummation of the transactions set
forth in this Agreement.
3.13 Broker.
GSI represents that it has not had any dealing with respect to this transaction with any business broker, firm or salesman, or
any person or corporation, investment banker or financial advisor who is or shall be entitled to any broker’s or finder’s
fee or any other commission or similar fee with respect to the transactions set forth in this Agreement. GSI agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless Catalon from and against any and all claims for brokerage commissions or finder’s fees by any person, firm
or corporation on the basis of any act or statement alleged to have been made by GSI or its affiliates or agents.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND
COVENANTS OF CATALON
AND THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
Catalon and the Selling Stockholders hereby
jointly and severally represent, warrant and covenant to GSI, and acknowledges that GSI is relying upon such representations, warranties
and covenants, in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, notwithstanding any investigation
made by or on behalf of GSI, as follows:
4.1 Corporate
Status. Catalon is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing pursuant to the laws of Delaware with
all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted in all jurisdictions where presently conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions set forth in this Agreement. Copies of the Certificate of Incorporation
and By-Laws of Catalon have been delivered to GSI prior to the execution of this Agreement are true and complete and have not been
amended or repealed. Catalon is not in violation or breach of any of the provisions of the Organizational Documents, except for
such violations or breaches as, in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.2 Capitalization
and Value.
(a) Catalon’s authorized capital stock
consists of 1,500 shares of Common Stock, $0.00 Par Value of which all shares are issued and outstanding and held as follows: 638
shares by Zhu, 487 shares by Lindenburg, and 375 shares by Du. All shares of Common Stock have been validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable. As of the date hereof no shares of Preferred Stock are authorized, issued or outstanding. There are no subscriptions,
options, warrants, rights or other agreements outstanding to acquire shares of stock of Catalon or any other equity security or
security convertible into an equity security. There are no agreements or commitments to increase, decrease or otherwise alter the
authorized capital stock of Catalon. Catalon has not granted any registration rights with respect to any series of Catalon stock
outstanding.
(b) The $17.5 million approximate value
of the Honeycomb Catalyst Technology described in the Valuation Memorandum dated as of September 9, 2015 provided by Wharton Valuation
Associates, Inc. represents an accurate valuation of respective technology subject to such valuation, and the materials provided
by Catalon in support of such valuation were accurate and complete in all material respects and there is no material agreement,
document or fact relating to such technology which would result in such appraised value being lower had the appraisal company been
aware of the same.
4.3 Subsidiaries.
Catalon has one wholly owned subsidiary, Catalon Eden NC, LLC, a limited liability company formed in the State of North Carolina
of which it holds all of the membership interests. Catalon has no other wholly or partially owned subsidiaries.
4.4 Authority
of Catalon. Catalon has the full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement and has taken
all corporate action and has obtained all necessary consents and approvals required by law and its organizational documents to
authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions set forth in this Agreement. This
Agreement and the consummation by Catalon of the transactions set forth in this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized,
executed, and delivered by the Board of Directors and the Catalon Stockholders, and this Agreement are valid and binding upon Catalon
and enforceable against Catalon in accordance with their terms (except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
bank moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and laws restricting the availability of equitable
remedies and may be subject to general principles of equity whether or not such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at
law or in equity).
4.5 Ownership.
The Selling Stockholders are record, beneficial and equitable owners of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock
of Catalon and such Selling Stockholders have the full right and authority to exchange their Catalon Common Stock for shares of
GSI Common Stock.
4.6 Compliance
with the Law and Other Instruments.
(a) The business and operations
of Catalon have been and are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations
of all authorities which affect Catalon or its properties, assets, businesses or prospects.
(b) Catalon
has all material governmental licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals (the “Permits”) necessary and required
by Catalon to conduct its business. To the knowledge of Catalon, the Permits are validly held by Catalon, and Catalon is in compliance
with the Permits, except for instances of noncompliance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse
effect. To the knowledge of Catalon, the Permits constitute all of the governmental licenses, permits, authorizations and approvals
required to carry on the business of Catalon as such business is presently conducted, except where the failure to have any such
license, permit, authorization or approval would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect.
4.7 Absence
of Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the transfer of the securities of Catalon, and the consummation
by Catalon of the transactions set forth in this Agreement: (i) do not and shall not conflict with or result in a breach of any
provision of Catalon’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, (ii) do not and shall not result breach of, or constitute
a default or cause an acceleration under any arrangement, agreement or other instrument to which Catalon is a party to or by which
any of its assets are bound, (iii) do not and shall not cause Catalon to violate or contravene any provision of law or any governmental
rule or regulation, and (iv) will not and shall not result in the imposition of any lien, or encumbrance upon, any property of
Catalon. Catalon has performed in all material respects all of its obligations which are, as of the date of this Agreement, required
to be performed, pursuant to the terms of any such agreement, contract or commitment.
4.8 Environmental
Compliance. To Catalon’s knowledge, it is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws. Catalon is presently
authorized, if required, to generate, transport through third parties, store, use, treat, dispose of, release, and conduct other
handling of, as required, those hazardous substances used in Catalon’s business, which consist of, hazardous waste, hazardous
material, hazardous constituents, toxic substances, pollutants, contaminants, asbestos, radon, polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum
product or waste (including crude oil or any fraction thereof), natural gas, liquefied gas, synthetic gas and other material defined,
regulated, controlled or subject to any remediation requirement under any Environmental Law.
4.9 Compliance
with Occupational and Safety Laws; Employment Matters.
(a) To
Catalon’s knowledge, it is in compliance with all applicable national, provincial and local laws, rules, regulations, codes,
plans, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, and charges thereunder and other governmental requirements relating to
occupational health and safety.
(b) Catalon
does not owe any accrued but unpaid salary or other compensation or benefits to any officer, director, employee or consultant of
Catalon. Except as set forth on the disclosure schedule which has been provided to GSI in connection herewith (the “Catalon
Disclosure Schedule”), Catalon has no Benefit Plans. The Catalon Disclosure Schedule contains for each or its officers, directors,
employees and consultants his compensation and benefits for the last two years.
4.10 Financial
Statements. If the Form 8-k is required to be filed by GSI in accordance with applicable law, within the time prescribed in
Item 9.01 of Form 8-K, Catalon shall provide such financial statements for the filing of such amendment Report on Form 8-K, as
required therein.
4.11 Taxes.
Catalon has timely filed all required national, provincial, and local tax returns and has paid or made adequate provision for the
payment of all such taxes whether or not shown to be due on said returns.
4.12 Contracts.
Catalon’s Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list all of Catalon’s Material contracts including, but not limited
to, license agreements. All of the contracts so listed have been entered into in the ordinary course of business and neither Catalon
nor any other party to any such contract is in default under any such contract.
4.13 Litigation.
There are no legal, administrative, arbitration, or other proceeding or governmental investigations adversely affecting Catalon
or its properties, assets or businesses, or with respect to any matter arising out of the conduct of the Catalon’s business
pending or to its knowledge threatened, by or against, any officer or director of Catalon in connection with its affairs, whether
or not covered by insurance. Neither Catalon nor its officers or directors are subject to any order, writ, injunction, or decree
of any court, department, agency, or instrumentality, affecting Catalon. Catalon is not presently engaged in any legal action.
4.14 Absence
of Changes. There has not been any material adverse change in, or any event or condition (financial or otherwise) affecting
the business, properties, assets, liabilities, historical operations or prospects of Catalon, and except as in the ordinary course
of business and with respect to any items reserved by Catalon and there are no liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether
absolute, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become due (including, without limitation, liabilities for taxes with respect
to or measured by income of Catalon or arising out of any transaction of Catalon prior to the date of this Agreement.
4.15 No
Approvals. No approval of any governmental authority is required in connection with the consummation of the transactions set
forth in this Agreement.
4.16 Broker;
Finder’s Fee. Catalon represents that it has not had any dealing with respect to this transaction with any business broker,
firm or salesman, or any person or corporation, investment banker or financial advisor who is or shall be entitled to any broker’s
or finder’s fee or any other commission or similar fee with respect to the transactions set forth in this Agreement, except
as otherwise indicated herein. Catalon agrees to indemnify and hold harmless GSI from and against any and all claims for brokerage
commissions or finder’s fees by any person, firm or corporation on the basis of any act or statement alleged to have been
made by Catalon or its affiliates or agents.
4.17 Complete
Disclosure. No representation or warranty of Catalon which is contained in this Agreement, or in a writing furnished or to
be furnished pursuant to this Agreement, to Catalon’s knowledge contains or shall contain any untrue statement of a material
fact, omits or shall omit to state any fact which is required to make the statements which are contained herein or therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. There is no fact relating to the business, affairs,
operations, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects of Catalon which would materially adversely affect same which has
not been disclosed to GSI in this Agreement.
4.18 No
Defense. It shall not be a defense to a suit for damages for any misrepresentation or breach of covenant or warranty that GSI
knew or had reason to know that any covenant, representation or warranty in this Agreement furnished or to be furnished to GSI
contained untrue statements.
ARTICLE 5
INVESTMENT
Each Selling Stockholder hereby represents,
warrants and covenants to GSI, and acknowledges that GSI is relying upon such representations, warranties and covenants, in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, as follows:
5.1 The
GSI Shares which are being acquired by the Selling Stockholder are being acquired for the Selling Stockholder's own account and
for investment and not with a view to the public resale or distribution thereof.
5.2 The
Selling Stockholder will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the GSI Shares unless, in the opinion of the GSI's counsel,
such disposition conforms with applicable securities laws requirements.
5.3 The
Selling Stockholder is aware that the GSI Shares are “restricted securities” as that term is defined in the Rule promulgated
under the Act.
5.4 The
Selling Stockholder acknowledges that the Selling Stockholder has had an opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from
duly designated representatives of GSI concerning the finances of GSI and the proposed business plan of GSI.
5.5 The
Selling Stockholder acknowledges and understands that the GSI Shares are unregistered and must be held indefinitely unless they
are subsequently registered under the Act or an exemption from such registration is available.
5.6 The
Selling Stockholder further acknowledges that the Selling Stockholder is fully aware of the applicable limitations on the resale
of the GSI Shares. These restrictions for the most part are set forth in Rule 144. Rule 144 permits sales of “restricted
securities” upon compliance with the requirements of such Rule 144. If and when the Rule 144 is available to the Selling
Stockholder, the Selling Stockholder may make only sales of the GSI Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rule
(which may limit the amount of GSI Shares that may be sold), as well as this Agreement.
5.7 By
reason of the Selling Stockholder's knowledge and experience in financial and business matters in general, and investments in particular,
the Selling Stockholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment by the Selling Stockholder in the GSI Shares.
5.8 The
Selling Stockholder is capable of bearing the economic risks of an investment in the GSI Shares. The Selling Stockholder
fully understands the speculative nature of the GSI Shares and the possibility of loss.
5.9 The
Selling Stockholder's present financial condition is such that the Selling Stockholder is under no present or contemplated future
need to dispose of any portion of the GSI Shares to satisfy any existing or contemplated undertaking, need, or indebtedness.
5.10 The
Selling Stockholder further agrees that GSI shall have the right to issue stop-transfer instructions to its transfer agent until
such time as sale is permitted under security laws and acknowledges that GSI has informed the Selling Stockholder of its intention
to issue such instructions.
ARTICLE 6
CLOSING CONDITIONS
6.1 Conditions
Precedent to Closing by GSI. The obligation of GSI to consummate the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction or written
waiver of the conditions set forth below by a date mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto in writing and in accordance with
Article 9. The Closing of the Transaction contemplated by this Agreement will be deemed to mean a waiver of all conditions to Closing.
These conditions of closing are for the benefit of GSI and may be waived by GSI in its sole discretion.
(a) Representations
and Warranties of Catalon to be True. To Catalon’s knowledge, the representations and warranties of Catalon set forth
in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects on the Closing Date with the same effect as though made at such time,
except to the extent waived or affected by the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Performance
of Obligations of Catalon. Catalon shall have performed all obligations and complied with all covenants set forth in this
Agreement to be performed or complied with in all material respects by it prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No
Adverse Change. There shall not have occurred any material adverse change since the date of execution of this Agreement;
(d) Statutory
Requirements. Any statutory requirement for the valid consummation by Catalon of the transactions set forth in this Agreement
shall have been fulfilled; any authorizations, consents and approvals of all federal, state and local governmental agencies and
authorities required to be obtained, in order to permit consummation by Catalon of the transactions set forth in this Agreement
and to permit the business presently carried on by Catalon to continue unimpaired following the Closing Date.
(e) No
Governmental Proceedings. No action or proceeding shall have been instituted before a court or other governmental body by any
governmental agency or public authority to restrain or prohibit the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
(f) Consents
Under Agreements. Catalon shall have obtained the consent or approval of each person whose consent or approval shall be required
in connection with the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
(g) Shareholder
Approval. The approval of the transactions set forth in this Agreement by the current holders of a majority of the issued
and outstanding shares of the Catalon Common Stock.
6.2 Conditions
Precedent to Closing by Catalon. The obligation of Catalon and the Selling Stockholders to consummate the Transaction is subject
to the satisfaction or written waiver of the conditions set forth below by a date mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto in
writing and in accordance with Article 9. The Closing of the Transaction will be deemed to mean a waiver of all conditions to Closing.
These conditions precedent are for the benefit of Catalon and the Selling Stockholders and may be waived by Catalon and the Selling
Stockholders in their discretion.
(a) Representations
and Warranties of GSI to be True. To GSI’s knowledge, the representations and warranties of GSI set forth in this Agreement
shall be true in all material respects on the Closing Date with the same effect as though made at such time, except to the extent
waived or affected by the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Performance
of Obligations of GSI. GSI shall have performed all obligations and complied with all covenants set forth in this Agreement
to be performed or complied with in all material respects by it prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No
Adverse Change. There shall not have occurred any material adverse change since the date of the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2015 and through the date of the Closing Date in the business, properties, results of operations or business or financial
condition of GSI.
(d) Statutory
Requirements. Any statutory requirement for the valid consummation by GSI of the transactions set forth in this Agreement
shall have been fulfilled; any authorizations, consents and approvals of all federal, state and local governmental agencies and
authorities required to be obtained, in order to permit consummation by GSI of the transactions set forth in this Agreement and
to permit the business presently carried on by GSI to continue unimpaired following the Closing Date, shall have been obtained.
(e) No
Governmental Proceedings. No action or proceeding shall have been instituted before a court or other governmental body by any
governmental agency or public authority to restrain or prohibit the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
(f) Consents
Under Agreements. GSI shall have obtained the consent or approval of each person whose consent or approval shall be required
in connection with the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7
PRE-CLOSING AND POST-CLOSING COVENANTS
The Parties agree as follows with respect
to the period between the execution of this Agreement and the Closing:
7.1 General.
Each of the Parties will use its reasonable best efforts to take all actions and to do all things necessary and advisable in order
to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including satisfaction, but not waiver, of the
Closing conditions set forth in Section 9 below.
7.2 Notices
and Consents. Each of the Parties will give any notices to, make any filings with, and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain
any authorizations, consents, and approvals of governments and governmental agencies in connection with the matters referred herein.
7.3 Operation
and Preservation of Business. GSI will continue to operate the GSI Business, including its present operations, working conditions,
and relationships with, licensors, suppliers, customers, and employees subject to the terms of Section 6.2 above. Further, GSI
will not engage in any practice, take any action, or enter into any transaction outside the ordinary course of business. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, GSI will not (i) declare, set aside, or pay any dividend or make any distribution with
respect to its capital stock or redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire any of its capital stock; or, (ii) pay any amount to any
third party with respect to any liability or obligation including any costs and expenses GSI has incurred or may incur in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby that would not constitute an Assumed Liability if in existence as
of the Closing.
7.4 Confidentiality.
All information regarding the business of GSI and Catalon provided to each other during due diligence investigation will be kept
in strict confidence and will not be used (except in connection with due diligence), dealt with, exploited or commercialized by
either party or disclosed to any third party (other than or GSI’s professional accounting and legal advisors) without the
prior written consent of the other party. If the Transaction contemplated by this Agreement does not proceed for any reason, then
upon receipt of a written request from either party, each party will immediately return to the requestor any information received
regarding the others business.
7.5 Full
Access. Catalon will permit representatives of GSI, including legal counsel and accountants, to have full access at all reasonable
times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of Catalon to all premises, properties, personnel,
books, records, contracts, and documents of or pertaining to Catalon. GSI will treat and hold as such any Confidential Information
it receives from any Catalon Stockholder and Catalon in the course of the reviews contemplated by this Section 7.5, will not use
any of the Confidential Information except in connection with this Agreement, and, if this Agreement is terminated for any reason
whatsoever, will return to Catalon Stockholders and Catalon all tangible embodiments of the Confidential Information that are in
its possession.
7.6 Notice
of Developments. Each Party will give prompt written notice to the other Party of any material adverse development causing
a breach of any of its own representations and warranties in Section 3 and Section 4 above. No disclosure by any Party pursuant
to this Section 7.5, however, shall be deemed to prevent or cure any misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or breach of covenant.
ARTICLE 8
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
8.1 Notification.
Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, each of the parties to this Agreement will promptly notify the other parties
in writing if it becomes aware of any fact or condition that causes or constitutes a material breach of any of its representations
and warranties as of the date of this Agreement, if it becomes aware of the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any
fact or condition that would cause or constitute a material breach of any such representation or warranty had such representation
or warranty been made as of the time of occurrence or discovery of such fact or condition. Should any such fact or condition require
any change in the Schedules relating to such party, such party will promptly deliver to the other parties a supplement to the Schedules
specifying such change. During the same period, each party will promptly notify the other parties of the occurrence of any material
breach of any of its covenant in this Agreement or of the occurrence of any event that may make the satisfaction of such conditions
impossible or unlikely.
8.2 Exclusivity.
Until such time, if any, as this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Agreement, Catalon, the Selling Stockholders and GSI
will not, directly or indirectly solicit, initiate, entertain or accept any inquiries or proposals from, discuss or negotiate with,
provide any non-public information to, or consider the merits of any unsolicited inquiries or proposals from, any person or entity
relating to any transaction involving the sale of the business or assets (other than in the ordinary course of business), or any
of the capital stock of Catalon or GSI, as applicable, or any merger, consolidation, business combination, or similar transaction
other than as contemplated by this Agreement.
8.3 Conduct
of Catalon and GSI Business Prior to Closing. From the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, and except to the extent
that GSI otherwise consents in writing, Catalon will operate its business substantially as presently operated and only in the ordinary
course and in compliance with all applicable laws, and use its best efforts to preserve intact its good reputation and present
business organization and to preserve its relationships with persons having business dealings with it. Likewise, from the date
of this Agreement to the Closing Date, and except to the extent that Catalon otherwise consents in writing, GSI will operate its
business substantially as presently operated and only in the ordinary course and in compliance with all applicable laws, and use
its best efforts to preserve intact its good reputation and present business organization and to preserve its relationships with
persons having business dealings with it.
8.4 Certain
Acts Prohibited. Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or for purposes in furtherance of this Agreement, between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, neither Catalon nor GSI will not, without the prior written consent of the other:
(a) amend
its articles, bylaws or other incorporation documents;
(b) incur
any liability or obligation other than in the ordinary course of business or encumber or permit the encumbrance of any properties
or assets except in the ordinary course of business;
(c) dispose
of or contract to dispose of any property or assets, including the Intellectual Property Assets, except in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice;
(d) issue,
deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise encumber or subject to any lien any shares of the Common Stock, Preferred Stock, or any rights,
warrants or options to acquire, any such shares, voting securities or convertible securities;
(e) (i) declare,
set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions in respect of the Common Stock; or (ii) split, combine or reclassify
any Common Stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares
of Common Stock; or
(f) not
materially increase benefits or compensation expenses, other than as contemplated by the terms of any employment agreement in existence
on the date of this Agreement, increase the cash compensation of any director, executive officer or other key employee or pay any
benefit or amount not required by a plan or arrangement as in effect on the date of this Agreement to any such person.
8.5 Public
Announcements. GSI and Catalon and the Selling Stockholders each agree that they will not release or issue any reports or statements
or make any public announcements relating to this Agreement or the Transaction contemplated herein without the prior written consent
of the other party, except as may be required upon written advice of counsel to comply with applicable laws or regulatory requirements
after consulting with the other party hereto and seeking their reasonable consent to such announcement. Catalon and the Selling
Stockholders acknowledges that GSI must comply with securities laws requiring full disclosure of material facts and agreements
in which it is involved, and will co-operate to assist GSI in meeting its obligations.
ARTICLE 9
CLOSING
9.1 Closing.
The Closing shall take place on the Closing Date at the offices of Burns & Levinson LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110
or at such other location as agreed to by the parties. Notwithstanding the location of the Closing, each party agrees that the
Closing may be completed by the exchange of undertakings between the respective legal counsel for Catalon and GSI, provided such
undertakings are satisfactory to each party’s respective legal counsel.
9.2 Closing
Deliveries of Catalon and the Selling Stockholders. At Closing, Catalon and the Selling Stockholders will deliver or cause
to be delivered the following, fully executed and in the form and substance reasonably satisfactory to GSI:
(a) copies
of all resolutions and/or consent actions adopted by or on behalf of the board of directors and shareholders of Catalon evidencing
approval of this Agreement and the Transaction;
(b) share
certificates representing the Catalon Shares as required by Section 2.3 of this Agreement;
(c) all
certificates and other documents required by Article 2, of this Agreement; and
(d) any
other necessary documents, each duly executed by Catalon or the Selling Stockholders, as required to give effect to the Transaction.
9.3 Closing
Deliveries of GSI. At Closing, GSI will deliver or cause to be delivered the following, fully executed and in the form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Catalon:
(a) copies
of all resolutions and/or consent actions adopted by or on behalf of the board of directors of GSI evidencing approval of this
Agreement and the Transaction;
(b) the
share certificates representing 13,000,000 restricted GSI Shares registered to the Selling Stockholders in such denominations pursuant
to Section 2.2;
(c) all
certificates and other documents required by Article 2, of this Agreement; and
(d) any
other necessary documents, each duly executed by GSI, as required to give effect to the Transaction.
ARTICLE 10
TERMINATION
10.1 Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date contemplated hereby by:
(a) mutual
agreement of GSI and Catalon;
(b) GSI,
if there has been a material breach by Catalon or any of the Selling Stockholders of any material representation, warranty, covenant
or agreement set forth in this Agreement on the part of Catalon or the Selling Stockholders that is not cured, to the reasonable
satisfaction of GSI, within ten business days after notice of such breach is given by GSI (except that no cure period will be provided
for a breach by Catalon or the Selling Stockholders that by its nature cannot be cured);
(c) Catalon,
if there has been a material breach by GSI of any material representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement
on the part of GSI that is not cured by the breaching party, to the reasonable satisfaction of Catalon, within ten (10) business
days after notice of such breach is given by Catalon (except that no cure period will be provided for a breach by GSI that by its
nature cannot be cured);
(d) GSI
or Catalon if any injunction or other order of a governmental entity of competent authority prevents the consummation of the Transaction
contemplated by this Agreement.
10.2 Effect
of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.1, this Agreement will be of no
further force or effect, provided, however, that no termination of this Agreement will relieve any party of liability for any breaches
of this Agreement that are based on a wrongful refusal or failure to perform any obligations.
ARTICLE 11
INDEMNIFICATION
11.1 Indemnification
by GSI. In order to induce Catalon and the Selling Stockholders to enter into and perform this Agreement, GSI hereby indemnifies,
protects, defends and saves and holds harmless Catalon and each of its stockholders, affiliates, officers, directors, control persons,
employees, attorneys, agents, partners and trustees and personal representatives of any of the foregoing (“Catalon Indemnified
Parties”), from and against any loss resulting to any of them from any loss, liability, cost, damage, or expense in excess
of $50,000 (the “Threshold”), which the Catalon Indemnified Parties may suffer, sustain or incur arising out of or
due to a breach by GSI of the representations, warranties and covenants set forth in Article 2, of, and elsewhere in, this Agreement
or in any documents delivered pursuant hereto or of a breach by GSI of any of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement or in
any documents delivered pursuant hereto.
11.2 Indemnification
by the Selling Stockholders. In order to induce GSI to enter into and perform this Agreement, the Selling Stockholders (and
Catalon, provided Catalon’s obligations hereunder shall cease upon the Closing) hereby jointly and severally indemnify, protect,
defend and save and hold harmless GSI and each of its stockholders, affiliates, officers, directors, control persons, employees,
attorneys, agents, partners and trustees and personal representatives of any of the foregoing (“GSI Indemnified Parties”),
from and against any loss resulting to any of them from any loss, liability, cost, damage, or expense in excess of the Threshold,
which the GSI Indemnified Parties may suffer, sustain or incur arising out of or due to a breach by Catalon or the Selling Stockholders
of the representations, warranties and covenants set forth in Article 4, of, and elsewhere in, this Agreement or in any documents
delivered pursuant hereto or of a breach by Catalon or the Selling Stockholders of any of their obligations pursuant to this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, any damages suffer by not meeting the Minimum Sales Targets in addition to the remedies in Section
2.4, or in any documents delivered pursuant hereto.
11.3 Reasonable
Costs, Etc. The indemnification, which is set forth in this Article 11, of this Agreement shall be deemed to include not only
the specific liabilities or obligation with respect to which such indemnity is provided, but also all counsel fees, reasonable
costs, expenses and expenses of settlement relating thereto, whether or not any such liability or obligation shall have been reduced
to judgment; provided, however, that, there shall be a threshold of $50,000 in the aggregate which must be exceeded before GSI
or the Selling Stockholders, as the case may be, may recover any damages or costs pursuant this Article 11. Once the Bucket has
been exceeded, however, the party seeking indemnity is entitled to recover all damages suffered or costs incurred, and not just
those damages suffered or costs incurred in excess of the Threshold.
11.4 Third
Party Claims. If any demand, claim, action or cause of action, suit, proceeding or investigation (collectively, the “Claim”)
is brought against an Indemnified Party for which the Indemnified Party intends to seek indemnity from the other party hereto (the
“Indemnifying Party”), then the Indemnified Party within ten (10) days after such Indemnified Party’s receipt
of the Claim, shall notify the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Article 11, which notice shall contain a reasonably thorough
description of the nature and amount of the Claim (the “Claim Notice”). The Indemnifying Party shall have the option
to undertake, conduct and control the defense of such claim or demand. Such option to undertake, conduct and control the defense
of such claim or demand shall be exercised by notifying the Indemnified Party within ten (10) days after receipt of the Claim Notice
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (such notice to control the defense is hereinafter referred to as the “Defense Notice”).
The failure of the Indemnified Party to notify the Indemnifying Party of the Claim shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from
any liability which the Indemnifying Party may have pursuant to this Article 11, except to the extent that such failure to notify
the Indemnifying Party prejudices the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Party shall use all reasonable efforts to assist the
Indemnifying Party in the vigorous defense of the Claim. All costs and expenses incurred by the Indemnified Party in defending
the Claim shall be paid by the Indemnifying Party. If, however, the Indemnified Party desires to participate in any such defense
or settlement, it may do so at its sole cost and expense (it being understood that the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to
control the defense). The Indemnified Party shall not settle the Claim. If the Indemnifying Party does not elect to control the
defense of the Claim, within the aforesaid ten (10) day period by proper notice pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, then the
Indemnified Party shall be entitled to undertake, conduct and control the defense of the Claim (a failure by the Indemnifying Party
to send the Defense Notice to the Indemnified Party within the aforesaid ten (10) day period by proper notice pursuant to this
Article 11, shall be deemed to be an election by the Indemnifying Party not to control the defense of the Claim); provided, however,
that the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, if it so desires, to participate therein (it being understood that in such circumstances,
the Indemnified Party shall be entitled to control the defense). Regardless of which party has undertaken to defend any claim,
the Indemnifying Party may, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, settle, compromise or offer to settle or
compromise any such claim or demand; provided however, that if any settlement would result in the imposition of a consent order,
injunction or decree which would restrict the future activity or conduct of the Indemnified Party, the consent of the Indemnified
Party shall be a condition to any such settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article 11, as a condition
to the Indemnifying Party either having the right to defend the Claim, or having control over settlement as indicated in this Article
11, the Indemnifying Party shall execute an agreement, satisfactory to the other party acknowledging its liability for indemnification
pursuant to this Article 11. Whether the Indemnifying Party shall control and assume the defense of the Claim or only participate
in the defense or settlement of the Claim, the Indemnified Party shall give the Indemnifying Party and its counsel access, during
normal business hours, to all relevant business records and other documents, and shall permit them to consult with its employees
and counsel.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Headings.
Headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation
of this Agreement.
12.2 Enforceability.
If any provision which is contained in this Agreement, should, for any reason, be held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect
under the laws of any State of the United States, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this
Agreement and in this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision had not been contained herein.
12.3 Notices.
All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
duly given on the date of service if served personally on the party to whom notice is to be given or within five (5) business days
if mailed to the party to whom notice is to be given, by first-class mail, registered, or certified, postage prepaid (or similar
mailing methods with respect to foreign jurisdictions) and properly addressed as follows:
If to GSI:
General Steel Holdings, Inc.
Level 2, Building G,
No. 2A Chen Jia Lin, Ba Li Zhuang
Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100025
With a copy to:
Stephen D. Brook, Esq.
Burns & Levinson LLP
125 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110-1624
If to Catalon:
Catalon Chemical Corp.
113 Barksdale Professional CTR
Newark, DE 19711
If to the Selling Security Holders:
Zhu: Suite 401, Block 2, No. 23 Huangsidajie
Street, Xicheng District, Beijing China 100120
Lindenburg: P.O. Box 957, offshore incorporation
Center, road town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Mr. Qilin Li, Flat F, 22/F, tower 1, Star Crest, 9 Star St., Hong
Kong )
Du: Suite 1301, Building 1, Huihuang International
Center, Shangdi 10. St., Haidian District, Beijing, China
Any notice mailed to any party hereunder
will be deemed effective within five (5) business days of deposit in the United States or other applicable foreign mail.
12.4 Governing
Law: Disputes. This Agreement shall in all respects be construed, governed, applied and enforced under the internal laws of
the State of Nevada without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws and be deemed to be an agreement entered into
in the State of Nevada and made pursuant to the laws of the State of Nevada.
12.5 Expenses.
Each party to this Agreement shall bear and pay its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution,
and delivery of this Agreement and the transactions set forth in this Agreement.
12.6 Construction.
Each of the parties hereto hereby further acknowledges and agrees that each has been advised by counsel during the course of negotiations
and had significant input in the development of this Agreement and this Agreement shall not, therefore, be construed more strictly
against any party responsible for its drafting regardless of any presumption or rule requiring construction against the party whose
attorney drafted this agreement.
12.7 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement and all documents and instruments refereed to herein (a) constitute the entire agreement and supersedes
all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
thereof, and (b) except as provided in Section 12.11 of this Article 12, are not intended to confer upon any person other than
the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder. Each party hereto agrees that, except for the representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement, neither GSI or Catalon or any Selling Stockholder makes any other representations or warranties, and
each hereby disclaims any other representations and warranties made by itself or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents,
financial and legal advisors or other representatives, with respect to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to the other or the other’s representatives of any documentation
or other with respect to any one or more of the foregoing.
12.8 Further
Assurances. The parties agree to execute any and all such other further instruments and documents, and to take any and all
such further actions which are reasonably required to effectuate this Agreement and the intents and purposes hereof.
12. 9 Binding
Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors,
administrators, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
12.10 Non-Waiver.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no waiver of any covenant, condition, or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed
to have been made unless expressly in writing and signed by the party against whom such waiver is charged; and (i) the failure
of any party to insist in any one or more cases upon the performance of any of the provisions, covenants or conditions of this
Agreement or to exercise any option herein contained shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the future of any
such provisions, covenants or conditions, (ii) the acceptance of performance of anything required by this Agreement to be performed
with knowledge of the breach or failure of a covenant, condition or provision hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach
or failure, and (iii) no waiver by any party of one breach by another party shall be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent
breach.
12.11 Third
Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and all documents and instruments referred to herein, except as provided in Section 2
of this Agreement, are not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
12.12 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
12.13 Exhibits.
All Exhibits and schedules annexed or attached to this Agreement are incorporated into this Agreement by reference thereto and
constitute an integral part of this Agreement.
12.14 Severability.
The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed separable. Therefore, if any part of this Agreement is rendered void, invalid
or unenforceable, such rendering shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement; provided,
however, that if the part or parts which are void, invalid or unenforceable as aforesaid shall substantially impair the value of
this whole Agreement to any party, that party may cancel and terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have
caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. |
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A Nevada Corporation |
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/s/ John Chen |
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By: John Chen |
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Title: CFO |
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CATALON CHEMICAL CORP. |
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A Delaware Corporation |
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/s/ Anyuan Zhu |
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By: Anyuan Zhu |
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Title: |
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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS |
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/s/ Anyuan Zhu |
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Anyuan Zhu |
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Lindenburg Ventures, Ltd. |
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By: |
/s/ Qilin Li |
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Name: Qilin Li |
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Title: President |
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/s/ Honghui Du |
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Honghui Du |
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Exhibit 99.1
General Steel Signs Share Exchange Agreement
to Acquire Pioneer De-NOx US Company
BEIJING – September 16, 2015
– General Steel Holdings, Inc. (“General Steel” or the “Company”) (NYSE: GSI), a leading non-state-owned
steel producer in China, today announced it has signed an all-equity Share Exchange Agreement (the “Agreement”) for
the acquisition of 84.5% equity interest in Catalon Chemical Corp. (“Catalon”), a Delaware corporation headquartered
in Virginia that develops and manufactures De-NOx honeycomb catalysts and industrial ceramics.
Catalon’s honeycomb technology is
an integral part of the selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) process widely used in steel mills, thermal power stations,
waste incinerators, stationary diesel motors, industrial plants, and heavy-duty trucks. Catalon designed the chemical recipe of
the SCR catalytic converter, the manufacturing process, engineering and construction methodology to produce the SCR honeycomb catalyst.
With the addition of ammonia upstream, the catalyst breaks down the NOx in the glue gas into nitrogen and water vapor. The honeycomb
technology is designed for use in low temperature and mid temperature applications. Catalon, along with its honeycomb technology,
was valued at approximately $20 million by an independent third party.
Under the terms of the Agreement, existing
Catalon shareholders will receive a total equivalent value of approximately $16.9 million or up to a maximum of 13 million shares
(“Payment Shares”) of General Steel Common Stock.
Based on General Steel’s closing stock price of $0.63 on September 15, 2015, the equivalent value of $1.30 per share
represents a 97.0% premium to the Company’s 20-day volume weighted average price of $0.66 per share, and a 106.3% premium
to its most recent closing stock price.
The 13 million Payment Shares will be held
in escrow, subject to delivery of minimum sales and net profit targets by Catalon of $46.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively,
for calendar year 2016, and $116.1 million and $20.9 million, respectively, for calendar year 2017. In the event the minimum sales
and net profit targets are not achieved in a given year, the quantity of Payment Shares delivered to the Catalon shareholders shall
be reduced proportionately, such that the Catalon shareholder shall receive only the percentage of the Payment Shares equal to
the percentage of actual sales and actual net profit achieved in relation to the sales and net profit targets, respectively. Of
the 13 million Payment Shares, subject to the reductions described above, up to 4,333,333 shares are designated to be released
following 2016 and up to 8,666,667 shares are designated to be released following 2017. The Payment Shares are also subject to
a lock-up period, expiring in April 2018, which prohibits the Catalon shareholders from directly or indirectly transferring, offering,
granting an option or right in respect of, the disposal, or engaging in any short selling of any consideration share issued to
the Catalon shareholders by the Company in connection with the acquisition. The Agreement, which was approved by the General Steel’s
Board of Directors, is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close on or about September
30, 2015. Upon completion of the Agreement, Catalon’s financials will be consolidated into General Steel’s.
General Steel Holdings, Inc.
Page 2 of 3
Ms. Yunshan Li, Chief Executive Officer
of General Steel commented, “We are very excited about the myriad of new business opportunities and synergies brought forth
through this acquisition. With a talented team of executives, prominent shareholders, and proven technology and expertise, Catalon
has been an innovative leader in R&D and commercialization of De-NOx honeycomb catalysts in the US, and we believe Catalon’s
comprehensive suite of products and services is an ideal fit for General Steel and a great leap forward for our business transformation.
Catalon’s honeycomb catalytic technology
effectively reduces NOx emissions, which is a sorely needed solution to China’s currently huge industrial pollution problems.
And with General Steel’s vast resources, strong market presence and broad distribution platform, we fully expect being able
to capture a meaningful share of the large and rapidly-growing cleantech business in China. We believe that the
annual honeycomb catalyst consumption in China is approximately 350,000 cubic meters. Catalon has binding sales agreements with
two distributors in China with each purchasing a monthly minimum of 600 cubic meters for three years.
We are equally thrilled that the acquisition
will bring the addition of Catalon’s talented team to our leadership. Mr. Steven Chu, Catalon’s CEO and CTO, will greatly
strengthen our team with more than 20 years experience in engineering and environmental protection. He previously held leadership
positions at China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of
Environmental Protection, and we were captivated with his deep knowledge and insights of the inner-workings of China’s
environmental protection industry and related market trends. In addition, we are privileged to have Mr. Qilin Li of Lindenburg
Ventures, one of Catalon’s major shareholders, providing strategic guidance to our team. Mr. Li, a prominent member of one
of China’s most successful consumer brands, has been a board director of Lead Ahead and non-executive director of Viva Group
(8032.HK). He has a wealth of experience in financial services having worked at JP Morgan Hong Kong and Persistent Asset Management
Limited. Our Board and management team believe this transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and
we look forward to welcoming the talented Catalon team.”
Mr. Steven Chu, CEO and CTO of Catalon
added, “After an extensive review of strategic alternatives and careful considerations, we concluded that General Steel is
the ideal partner for Catalon to commercialize our honeycomb catalytic technology in China. We were impressed by General Steel’s
technical leadership in steel manufacturing and its unique market position and access in China’s burgeoning industrial heartland.
We look forward to working closely with General Steel to achieve a seamless post-closing integration and creating long-term value
for all of our stakeholders.”
About General Steel
General Steel Holdings, Inc. is a leading
non-state-owned steel maker headquartered in Beijing, China. With seven million metric tons of crude steel production capacity
under management and operations in Tianjin municipality and China’s Shaanxi and Guangdong provinces, the Company produces
a variety of steel products including rebar and high-speed wire.
General Steel Holdings, Inc.
Page 3 of 3
In addition to its steel business, the
Company also designs, manufactures, and integrates radio frequency identification (“RFID”) systems. The Company’s
RFID technology provides real-time data on supplies, inventory, and goods, thereby greatly enhancing its customers’ administration
and planning processes, as well as, asset tracking and supply chain management.
To be added
to the General Steel email list to receive Company news, or to request a hard copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K, please send your request to investor.relations@ gshi-steel.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain certain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based
on management's current expectations or beliefs about future events and financial, political and social trends and assumptions
it has made based on information currently available to it. The Company cannot assure that any expectations, forecasts or assumptions
made by management in preparing these forward-looking statements will prove accurate, or that any projections will be realized.
Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of inaccurate assumptions
or a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are set forth in the Company's filings under the Securities
Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere, including those disclosed in
the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking
statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update
or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact Us
General Steel Holdings, Inc.
Joyce Sung
Tel: +1-347-534-1435
Email: joyce.sung@gshi-steel.com
Asia Bridge Capital Limited
Carene Toh
Tel: +1-888-957-3362
Email: generalsteel@asiabridgegroup.com
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