as to the number of shares available for resale hereby that will be held by the affiliated selling security holders upon termination of the offering made hereby. We have therefore assumed, for the purposes of the following table, that the affiliated selling security holders will sell all of the shares owned by them, which are being offered hereby, but will not sell any other shares of our common stock that they presently own.
The selling security holders are deemed affiliates and may not in any three-month period effect sales of shares of common stock covered hereby in excess of 1% of our outstanding common stock or the average weekly volume of our stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange of the month preceding the sale.
The number of shares beneficially owned by Dr. Wang excludes an aggregate of 1,900,000 shares of our common stock held by trusts for the benefit of his wife and minor child over which he disclaims beneficial ownership, 500,000 shares underlying options with an exercise price of $7.50 per share and 500,000 shares underlying options with an exercise price of $10.00 per share which have not vested.
The number of shares offered includes 400,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $2.50 per share, 400,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share and 500,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Siegel excludes 500,000 shares underlying options with an exercise price of $7.50 per share and 500,000 shares underlying options with an exercise price of $10.00 per share which have not vested.
The number of shares offered includes 400,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $2.50 per share, 400,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share and 500,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
(3) | The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Stein includes: |
| ▪ | 2,083,114 shares of our common stock |
| ▪ | 200,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $0.01 per share; |
| ▪ | 200,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $2.50 per share; and |
| • | 200,000 shares of common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share. |
The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Stein excludes 250,000 shares underlying options with an exercise price of $7.50 per share and 250,000 shares underlying options with an exercise price of $10.00 per share which have not yet vested.
The number of shares offered includes 200,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $2.50 per share, 200,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share and 250,000 shares of our common stock underlying options with an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The information under this heading includes resales of shares covered by this prospectus by persons who are our “affiliates” as that term in defined under federal securities laws.
The shares covered by this prospectus may be resold and distributed from time to time by the selling security holders in one or more transactions, including ordinary broker’s transactions, privately-negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more broker-dealers for resale of these shares as principals, at market prices existing at the time of sale, at prices related to existing market prices, through Rule 144 transactions or at negotiated prices. The selling security holders in connection with sales of securities may pay usual and customary, or specifically negotiated, brokerage fees or commissions.
The selling security holders may sell shares in one or more of the following methods, which may include crosses or block transactions:
• through the American Stock Exchange or on such exchanges or over-the-counter markets on which our shares may be listed from time-to-time, in transactions which may include special offerings, exchange distributions and/or secondary distributions, pursuant to and in accordance with the rules of such exchanges, or through brokers, acting as principal or agent;
• in transactions other than on such exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or a combination of such transactions, including sales through brokers, acting as principal or agent, sales in privately negotiated transactions, or dispositions for value, subject to rules relating to sales by affiliates; or
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• through the writing of options on our shares, whether or not such options are listed on an exchange, or other transactions requiring delivery of our shares, or the delivery of our shares to close out a short position.
Any such transactions may be effected at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, at negotiated prices or at fixed prices.
In making sales, brokers or dealers used by the selling security holders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. The selling security holders who are affiliates of our company and others through whom such securities are sold may be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 for the securities offered, and any profits realized or commission received may be considered underwriting compensation. Information as to whether an underwriter(s) who may be selected by the selling security holders, or any other broker-dealer, is acting as principal or agent for the selling security holders, the compensation to be received by underwriters who may be selected by the selling security holders, or any broker-dealer, acting as principal or agent for the selling security holders and the compensation to be received by other broker-dealers, in the event the compensation of other broker-dealers is in excess of usual and customary commissions, will, to the extent required, be set forth in a supplement to this prospectus. Any dealer or broker participating in any distribution of the shares may be required to deliver a copy of this prospectus, including the supplement, if any, to any person who purchases any of the shares from or through a dealer or broker.
We have advised the selling security holders that, at the time a resale of the shares is made by or on behalf of a selling security holder, a copy of this prospectus is to be delivered.
We have also advised the selling security holders that during the time as they may be engaged in a distribution of the shares included herein they are required to comply with Regulation M of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With certain exceptions, Regulation M precludes any selling security holders, any affiliated purchasers and any broker-dealer or other person who participates in the distribution from bidding for or purchasing, or attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase any security which is the subject of the distribution until the entire distribution is complete. Regulation M also prohibits any bids or purchase made in order to stabilize the price of a security in connection with the distribution of that security.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Schneider Weinberger & Beilly LLP.
EXPERTS
The 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 of China Direct, Inc. audited by Sherb & Co., LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon dated March 9, 2007 and are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. | Incorporation of Documents by Reference |
The documents listed below are incorporated by reference in the registration statement. All documents subsequently filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in the registration statement and to be part thereof from the date of filing of such documents.
| • | 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended September 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, |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 22, 2007, and |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on November 14, 2007. |
All reports and documents filed by us pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the respective date of filing of such documents. Any statement incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document, which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute part of this prospectus.
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We hereby undertake to provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of the prospectus has been delivered, on the written request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents. Written requests for such copies should be directed to Corporate Secretary, at 5301 North Federal Highway, Suite 120, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, telephone number: (561) 989-9171.
Item 4. | Description of Securities |
Not applicable.
Item 5. | Interests of Named Experts and Counsel |
Not applicable.
Item 6. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
The Florida Business Corporation Act permits the indemnification of directors, employees, officers and agents of a Florida corporation. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that we shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by the Florida Business Corporation Act any person whom we may indemnify under the act.
The provisions of Florida law that authorize indemnification do not eliminate the duty of care of a director, and in appropriate circumstances equitable remedies including injunctive or other forms of non-monetary relief will remain available. In addition, each director will continue to be subject to liability for:
| • | violations of criminal laws, unless the director has reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, |
| • | deriving an improper personal benefit from a transaction, |
| • | voting for or assenting to an unlawful distribution, and |
| • | willful misconduct or conscious disregard for our best interests in a proceeding by or in our right to procure a judgment in its favor or in a proceeding by or in the right of a shareholder. |
The statute does not affect a director’s responsibilities under any other law, including federal securities laws.
The effect of Florida law, our articles of incorporation and our bylaws is to require us to indemnify our officers and directors for any claim arising against those persons in their official capacities if the person acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
To the extent indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to our directors, officers or control persons, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is unenforceable.
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Item 7. | Exemption From Registration Claimed |
Not Applicable.
5.1 | Opinion of Schneider Weinberger & Beilly LLP.* |
10.5 | Employment Agreement dated August 16, 2006 by and between China Direct, Inc. and Yuejian (James) Wang (1) |
10.6 | Employment Agreement dated August 16, 2006 by and between China Direct, Inc. and Mr. Marc Siegel (1) |
10.7 | Employment Agreement dated August 16, 2006 by and between China Direct, Inc. and Mr. David Stein (1) |
23.1 | Consent of Sherb & Co., LLP * |
23.2 | Consent of Schneider Weinberger & Beilly LLP. (included in Exhibit 5)* |
* Filed herewith.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on August 17, 2006.
The undersigned small business issuer will:
(1) File, during any period in which it offers or sells securities, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to:
(i) Include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) Reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which, individually or together, represent a fundamental change in the information in the registration statement; and notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospects filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in the volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) Include any additional or changed material information on the plan of distribution.
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(2) For determining liability under the Securities Act, treat each post-effective amendment as a new registration statement of the securities offered, and the offering of the securities at that time to be the initial bona fide offering.
(3) File a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of the securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering.
(4) For determining liability of the undersigned small business issuer under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned small business issuer undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned small business issuer pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned small business issuer will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
i. Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned small business issuer relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
ii. Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned small business issuer or used or referred to by the undersigned small business issuer;
iii. The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned small business issuer or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned small business issuer; and
iv. Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned small business issuer to the purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the small business issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the small business issuer has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the small business issuer of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the small business issuer in the successful defense of any action, suit or preceding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the small business issuer will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and authorized this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Boca Raton, Florida on November 23, 2007.
CHINA DIRECT, INC.
| By: | /s/ Yuelian (James) Wang |
Yuelian (James) Wang, Chief Executive Officer,
director, principal executive officer
Yi (Jenny) Liu, Vice President, Finance,
principal accounting and financial officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE | TITLE | DATE |
| | |
/s/ Yuelian (James) Wang | Chief Executive Officer | November 23, 2007 |
Yuelian (James) Wang | and Chairman | |
| | |
/s/ Marc Siegel | President, Director | November 23, 2007 |
Marc Siegel | | |
| | |
/s/ David Barnes | Director | November 23, 2007 |
David Barnes | | |
| | |
/s/ Victor Hollander | Director | November 23, 2007 |
Victor Hollander | | |
| | |
/s/ Sheldon Steiner | Director | November 23, 2007 |
Sheldon Steiner | | |
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