government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to take other action, which could inhibit economic activity in China. Any actions by the PRC government to regulate growth and contain inflation could have the effect of limiting our ability to grow our revenues in future periods.
A renewed outbreak of SARS or another widespread public health problem in China could have a negative effect on our operations. Our operations may be impacted by a number of health-related factors, including the following:
Any of the foregoing events or other unforeseen consequences of public health problems could result in a loss of revenues in future periods and could impact our ability to conduct the operations of our Chinese subsidiaries as they are presently conducted. If we were unable to continue the operations of our Chinese subsidiaries as they are now conducted, our revenues in future periods would decline and our ability to continue as a going concern could be in jeopardy. If we were unable to continue as a going concern, you could lose your entire investment in our company.
Because a substantial portion of revenues in future periods will be in the form of Renminbi, any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use revenue generated in Renminbi to fund any future business activities outside China or to make dividend or other payments in U.S. dollars. Although the Chinese government introduced regulations in 1996 to allow greater convertibility of the Renminbi for current account transactions, significant restrictions still remain, including primarily the restriction that foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell or remit foreign currencies, after providing valid commercial documents, at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business. In addition, conversion of Renminbi for capital account items, including direct investment and loans, is subject to government approval in China, and companies are required to open and maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for capital account items. We cannot be certain that the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose more stringent restrictions on the convertibility of the Renminbi, especially with respect to foreign exchange transactions.
The PRC’s legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes in which decided legal cases have little value as precedents, unlike the common law system prevalent in the United States. The PRC does not have a well-developed, consolidated body of laws governing foreign investment enterprises. As a result, the administration of laws and regulations by government agencies may be subject to considerable discretion and variation, and may be subject to influence by external forces unrelated to the legal merits of a particular matter. China’s regulations and policies with respect to foreign investments are evolving. Definitive regulations and policies with respect to such matters as the permissible percentage of foreign investment and permissible rates of equity returns have not yet been
published. Statements regarding these evolving policies have been conflicting and any such policies, as administered, are likely to be subject to broad interpretation and discretion and to be modified, perhaps on a case-by-case basis. The uncertainties regarding such regulations and policies present risks which may affect our ability to achieve our stated business objectives. If we are unable to enforce any legal rights we may have under our contracts or otherwise, our ability to compete with other companies in our industry could be limited which could result in a loss of revenue in future periods which could impact our ability to continue as a going concern.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE UNITED STATES FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT COULD SUBJECT US TO PENALTIES AND OTHER ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES.
We are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits United States companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in the PRC. We can make no assurance, however, that our employees or other agents will not engage in such conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
WE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT, LEGAL AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS IN THE PRC.
PRC companies have historically not adopted a Western style of management and financial reporting concepts and practices, which includes strong corporate governance, internal controls and, computer, financial and other control systems. In addition, we may have difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient number of qualified employees to work in the PRC. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing management, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet Western standards. Therefore, we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
PROVISIONS OF OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS MAY DELAY OR PREVENT A TAKEOVER WHICH MAY NOT BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OUR SHAREHOLDERS.
Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects, which include when and by whom special meetings of our shareholders may be called, and may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt. In addition, certain provisions of Florida law also may be deemed to have certain anti-takeover effects which include that control of shares acquired in excess of certain specified thresholds will not possess any voting rights unless these voting rights are approved by a majority of a corporation’s disinterested shareholders.
In addition, our articles of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such rights and preferences as may be determined by our board of directors. Our board of directors may, without shareholder approval, issue preferred stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion or voting rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of our common shareholders.
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IF THE SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS ALL ELECT TO SELL THEIR SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK AT THE SAME TIME, THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR SHARES MAY DECREASE.
It is possible that the selling security holders will offer all of the shares for sale. Further because it is possible that a significant number of shares of our common stock could be sold at the same time hereunder, the sales, or the possibility thereof, may have a depressive effect on the market price for our common stock.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements in this prospectus contain or may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements were based on various factors and were derived utilizing numerous assumptions and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to implement our strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the areas of risk described in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and readers should carefully review this prospectus in its entirety, including the risks described in “Risk Factors”. Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the Federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus, and you should not rely on these statements without also considering the risks and uncertainties associated with these statements and our business.
SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS
At October 31, 2007 we had 19,879,610 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. This prospectus relates to periodic offers and sales of 2,708,312shares of our common stock by the selling security holders listed below and their pledgees, donees and other successors in interest, which includes:
| • | 115,000 shares which are presently outstanding, and |
| • | 2,593,312 shares issuable upon the exercise of the Class A and Class B common stock purchase warrants. |
These securities were either sold by us in our unit private placement between September 2006 and November 2006 or issued to the holders as a due diligence fee. The following table sets forth:
| • | the name of each selling security holder, |
| • | the number of shares owned, and |
| • | the number of shares being registered for resale by the selling security holder. |
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We may amend or supplement this prospectus from time to time to update the disclosure set forth in this prospectus. All of the securities owned by the selling security holders may be offered hereby. Because the selling security holders may sell some or all of the securities owned by them, and because there are currently no agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect to the sale of any of the securities, no estimate can be given as to the number of securities that will be held by the selling security holders upon termination of any offering made hereby. If all the securities offered hereby are sold, the selling security holders will not own any securities after the offering.
Name of Selling Security Holder | | Number of Shares Owned | | Shares to be offered | | Shares to be owned after offering | | Percentage to be owned after offering |
Andong Management, LLC (1) | | 17,500 | | 17,500 | | 0 | | n/a |
Michael Mead (2) | | 18,750 | | 18,750 | | 0 | | n/a |
Orinoco Tooling & Stamping (3) | | 37,500 | | 37,500 | | 0 | | n/a |
Terry Max and Linda Max (4) | | 100,000 | | 100,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Marjorie Group, LLC (5) | | 55,000 | | 55,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Mulkey II Limited Partnership (6) | | 180,000 | | 180,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Brio Capital L.P. (7) | | 58,500 | | 58,500 | | 0 | | n/a |
Richard G. David (8) | | 88,000 | | 88,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Anthony Heller (9) | | 150,000 | | 150,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
CMS Capital (10) | | 88,000 | | 88,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Lake Street Fund, L.P. (11) | | 240,000 | | 240,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Nite Capital, L.P. (12) | | 80,000 | | 80,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Osher Capital Partners, LLC (13) | | 502,282 | | 502,282 | | 0 | | n/a |
Ellis International, L.P. (14) | | 101,062 | | 101,062 | | 0 | | n/a |
Richard Church. (15) | | 44,750 | | 44,750 | | 0 | | n/a |
Harborview Master Fund L.P. (16) | | 150,500 | | 150,500 | | 0 | | n/a |
Alpha Capital Anstalt (18) | | 218,818 | | 218,818 | | 0 | | n/a |
Whalehaven Capital Fund Limited (19) | | 287,500 | | 287,500 | | 0 | | n/a |
Monarch Capital Fund, Ltd. (20) | | 225,000 | | 225,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Anna L. LaPerna (23) | | 4,200 | | 4,200 | | 0 | | n/a |
Dennis Church (24) | | 1,750 | | 1,750 | | 0 | | n/a |
Michael E. Tanner (25) | | 4,200 | | 4,200 | | 0 | | n/a |
Longview Fund, L.P. (26) | | 55,000 | | 55,000 | | 0 | | n/a |
Total | | | | 2,708,312 | | | | |
(1) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 15,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. Mr. Andrew Yan has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Andong Management, LLC.
(2) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 18,750 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
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(3) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 37,500 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Mr. Carlos Becerra has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Orinoco Tooling & Stamping.
(4) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 55,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
(5) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 75,000 shares underlying Class A common stock purchase warrants and 75,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Daniel Wainstein has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Marjorie Group, LLC.
(6) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 75,000 shares underlying Class A common stock purchase warrants and 55,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. Dr. David Mulkey has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Mulkey II Limited Partnership.
(7) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 58,500 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. Mr. Shaye Hirsch has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Brio Capital, L.P.
(8) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 88,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
(9) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 150,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock.
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(10) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 88,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. Mr. Howard Weiss has voting and dispositive control over securities held by CMS Capital.
(11) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 150,000 shares underlying Class A common stock purchase warrants and 90,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. Mr. Scott Hood has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Lake Street Fund, L.P.
(12) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 80,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. Mr. John Prinz has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Nite Capital, L.P.
(13) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 423,750 shares underlying Class A common stock purchase warrants and 78,532 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The number of shares underlying the Class A warrants includes 236,250 shares underlying warrants issued to Osher Capital Partners, LLC as a due diligence fee in the offering. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Mr. Yisroel Kluger has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Osher Capital Partners, LLC.
(14) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 101,062 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Mr. Wilhelm Unger has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Ellis International, Ltd.
(15) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 44,750 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
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(16) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 150,500 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Harborview Master Fund L.P. is a master fund in a master-feeder structure whose general partner is Harborview Advisors, LLC. Messrs. Richard Rosenblum and David Stefansky are the managers of Harborview Advisors, LLC and have voting and dispositive control over securities held by Harborview Master Fund L.P.
(17) [Intentionally omitted].
(18) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 218,818 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Messrs. Konrad Ackerman and Rainer Posch have voting and dispositive control over securities held by Alpha Capital Anstalt.
(19) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 225,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Mr. Michael Finkelstein has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Whalehaven Capital Fund Limited.
(20) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 225,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Mr. Joseph Franck has voting and dispositive control over securities held by Monarch Capital Fund, Ltd.
(21) [Intentionally omitted].
(22) [Intentionally omitted].
(23) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 4,200 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
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(24) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 1,750 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
(25) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 4,200 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us.
(26) The number of shares of common stock owned and offered includes 55,000 shares underlying Class B common stock purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants are not convertible or exercisable to the extent that (a) the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder and (b) the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants would result in the beneficial ownership by holder of more than 4.99% of our then outstanding common stock. This ownership limitation can be increased to 9.99% by the holder upon 61 days notice to us. Crestview Capital Partners, LLC (“CCP”) is the sole managing member of Crestview Capital Master, LLC (“CCM”) and may be deemed to have sole voting and investment power with respect to the securities beneficially owned by CCM. CCP disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities. The Managing Members of CCP are Stewart Flink, Robert Hoyt and Daniel Warsh, each of whom may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over securities beneficially owned by CCM, and each of whom disclaims beneficial owership of these securities. Mr. Flink is an affiliate of a broker-dealer and it has been confirmed to us that the securities were acquired to be resold in the ordinary course of business and that there are no arrangements with any other persons, whether directly or indirectly, to dispose of the securities.
None of the selling security holders are broker-dealers or affiliates of broker-dealers except as set forth above. None of the selling security holders has, or within the past three years has had, any position, office or other material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates, other than as described previously in this section.
We have agreed to pay full costs and expenses, incentives to the issuance, offer, sale and delivery of the shares, including all fees and expenses in preparing, filing and printing the registration statement and prospectus and related exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto and mailing of those items. We will not pay selling commissions and expenses associated with any sale by the selling security holders.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
General
Each selling security holder and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on American Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling security holder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
| • | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| • | block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
| • | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
| • | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
| • | privately negotiated transactions; |
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| • | settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part; |
| • | broker-dealers may agree with the selling security holders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
| • | a combination of any such methods of sale; |
| • | exchange or otherwise; or |
| • | any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling security holders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling security holders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling security holders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with NASDR Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with NASDR IM-2440.
In connection with the sale of the common stock or interests therein, the selling security holders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling security holders may also sell shares of the common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling security holders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling security holders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act of 1933. Each selling security holder has informed us that he/it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock.
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling security holders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Because selling security holders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. Each selling security holder has advised us that they have not entered into any written or oral agreements, understandings or arrangements with any underwriter or broker-dealer regarding the sale of the resale shares. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling security holders.
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We agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) the date on which the shares may be resold by the selling security holders without registration and without regard to any volume limitations by reason of Rule 144(e) under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other rule of similar effect or (ii) all of the shares have been sold pursuant to the prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other rule of similar effect. The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling security holders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the selling security holders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling security holders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale.
Registration of Selling Security Holders’ Common Stock
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In connection with any such registration, we will have no obligation to assist or cooperate with the selling security holders in the offering or disposing of such shares; to indemnify or hold harmless the holders of any such shares, other than the selling security holders or any underwriter designated by such holders; or to obtain a commitment from an underwriter relative to the sale of any such shares.
We will assume no obligation or responsibility whatsoever to determine a method of disposition for such shares or to otherwise include such shares within the confines of any registered offering other than the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
We will use our best efforts to file one or more post-effective amendments to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part to describe any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this prospectus or any material change to such information in this prospectus. This may include, to the extent required under the Securities Act of 1933, that a supplemental prospectus be filed, disclosing:
| • | the name of any broker-dealers; |
| • | the number of common shares involved; |
| • | the price at which the common shares are to be sold; |
| • | the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to broker-dealers, where applicable; |
| • | that broker-dealers did not conduct any investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as supplemented; and |
| • | any other facts material to the transaction. |
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Schneider Weinberger & Beilly LLP.
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EXPERTS
Our audited consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006 and for the period from January 18, 2005 (inception) through December 31, 2005 included in this prospectus have been audited by Sherb & Co., LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, any of such documents filed since the date this registration statement was filed and any future filings with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until the offering is completed.
| • | our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, |
| • | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 2007, |
| • | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 4, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 16, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 27, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on May 9, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on May 30, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on June 6, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on June 20, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on June 27, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on July 6, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on July 11, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on August 8, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on August 28, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on September 6, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on September 7, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 2, 2007, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 4, 2007, and |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 22, 2007. |
This prospectus may contain information that updates, modifies or is contrary to information in one or more of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Reports we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus may also contain information that updates, modifies or is contrary to information in this prospectus or in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Investors should review these reports as they may disclose a change in our business, prospects, financial condition or other affairs after the date of this prospectus.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with the SEC with respect to the shares to be sold by the selling security holders. This prospectus has been filed as part of the registration statement. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement because certain parts of the registration statement are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Upon your written or oral request, we will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered at no cost to the requested a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus. Requests for such documents should be directed to Corporate Secretary, China Direct, Inc., 5301 North Federal Highway, Suite 120, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, telephone number (561) 989-9171.
We file annual, quarterly and other reports and information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials that we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers such as our company that file electronically with the SEC.
COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Under our articles of incorporation, our directors are not liable for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty, except in connection with:
| • | a breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders; |
| • | acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law; |
| • | a transaction from which our director received an improper benefit; or |
| • | an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided under Florida law. |
In addition, our bylaws provides that we must indemnify our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Florida law for all expenses incurred in the settlement of any actions against such persons in connection with their having served as officers or directors.
Insofar as the limitation of, or indemnification for, liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such limitation or indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS | CHINA DIRECT, INC. PROSPECTUS November 9, 2007 2,708,312 Shares of Common Stock |
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| Page |
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Prospectus Summary | 2 |
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Risk Factors | 3 |
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Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information | 10 |
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Selling Security Holders | 10 |
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Plan of Distribution | 15 |
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Legal Matters | 17 |
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Experts | 18 |
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Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference | 18 |
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Where You Can Find Additional Information | 19 |
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Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities | 19 |