e20vf
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 |
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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Date of event requiring this shell company report |
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For the transition period from to
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Commission file number 001-34104
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants Name into English)
Republic of Marshall Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
85 Akti Miaouli Street
Piraeus, Greece 185 38
(011) +30-210-4595000
(Address of principal executive offices)
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.,(212) 935-3000, (212) 983-3115, The Crysler Center, 666 Third
Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
Units
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New York Stock Exchange LLC |
Warrants
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New York Stock Exchange LLC |
Common Stock
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New York Stock Exchange LLC |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. None
Securities for which there is a reporting
obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
225,235 Units
38,999,765 Warrants
31,399,765 shares of Common Stock
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act.
Yes o No þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not
required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer þ
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the
financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP þ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board o Other o
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 þ
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes þ No o
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
accompanying notes included here in.
Statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F which are not historical facts
(including our statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or
economic performance, or assumptions related thereto) are forward-looking statements. In
addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements
which are also forward-looking statements. Such statements include, in particular, statements
about our plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in our business, and the
markets in which we operate as described in this annual report. In some cases, you can identify
the forward-looking statements by the use of words such as may, could, should,
would, expect, plan, anticipate, intend, forecast, believe,
estimate, predict, propose, potential, continue or the negative of these
terms or other comparable terminology.
Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places and include statements with respect
to, among other things:
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changing interpretations of generally accepted accounting principles; |
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outcomes of litigation, claims, inquiries or investigations; |
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continued compliance with government regulations; |
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statements about industry trends; |
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general economic conditions; and |
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geopolitical events and regulatory changes. |
The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are based on our
current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us.
There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have
anticipated.
The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involve known and unknown risks and are inherently
subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. We
caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ
materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect
events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence
of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to
predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our
business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to
be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information.
A. Selected Financial Data
On March 18, 2008, Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation (sometimes referred to herein as
Navios Acquisition, the Company, we or us) issued 8,625,000 sponsor units, or the Sponsor
Units, to its sponsor, Navios Maritime Holdings
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Inc. (Navios Holdings) a publicly traded New York
Stock Exchange company, for $25,000 in cash, at a purchase price of approximately $0.003 per unit.
Each Sponsor Unit consists of one share of common stock and one warrant.
On June 11, 2008, Navios Holdings transferred an aggregate of 290,000 Sponsor Units to our
officers and directors.
On June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings returned to us an aggregate of 2,300,000 Sponsor Units,
which we have cancelled. Accordingly, our initial stockholders own 6,325,000 Sponsor Units.
On July 1, 2008, we closed our initial public offering of 25,300,000 units, including
3,300,000 units issued upon the full exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option, referred
to herein as the Initial Public Offering. Each unit consists of one share of common stock and
one warrant that entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock. The units were sold at
an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $253.0 million.
Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated a private placement
of 7,600,000 warrants at a purchase price of $1.00 per warrant to our sponsor, Navios Holdings,
referred to herein as the Private Placement. The Initial Public Offering and the Private
Placement generated gross proceeds to the Company in an aggregate amount of $260.6 million.
As of December 31, 2009, the trust account established in connection with our Initial Public
Offering, referred to herein as the Trust Account, had a balance of $251.5 million, including
short-term investments.
The selected financial and operating data, presented in the table below, are derived from our
financial statements included in this report. We were formed on March 14, 2008.
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Period from |
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Period from |
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Year Ended |
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March 14, 2008 to |
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March 14, 2008 to |
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December 31, 2009 |
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December 31, 2008 |
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December 31 2009 |
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Statement of Operations Data |
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Revenue |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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General and administrative expenses |
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(120,000 |
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(60,000 |
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(180,000 |
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Formation and operating costs |
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(874,377 |
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(332,771 |
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(1,207,148 |
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Loss from operations |
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(994,377 |
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$ |
(392,771 |
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(1,387,148 |
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Interest income |
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331,656 |
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1,435,550 |
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1,767,206 |
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Other income |
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14,909 |
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4,405 |
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19,314 |
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Net income/(loss) |
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(647,812 |
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1,047,184 |
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$ |
399,372 |
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Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share, (basic and diluted): |
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(0.0204 |
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0.0456 |
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$ |
0.01439 |
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Balance Sheet Data |
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Current assets, including cash |
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$ |
251,635,689 |
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$ |
252,258,159 |
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$ |
251,635,689 |
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Long term liabilities, deferred underwriters fees |
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8,855,000 |
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8,855,000 |
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8,855,000 |
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Common stock subject to redemption, 10,119,999 shares at redemption value, $9.91 per share |
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100,289,190 |
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100,289,190 |
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100,289,190 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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251,635,689 |
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252,258,159 |
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251,635,689 |
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Cash Flow Data |
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Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities |
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$ |
(622,629 |
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$ |
1,467,518 |
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$ |
844,889 |
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Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
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707,713 |
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(252,201,007 |
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(251,493,294 |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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250,735,504 |
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250,735,504 |
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Risk Factors
Risks associated with our business
We are a development stage company with no operating history and, accordingly, you will not have
any basis on which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objectives.
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We are a blank check company with no operating results to date other than completing our
Initial Public Offering. Since we do not have an operating history, you will have no basis upon
which to evaluate our ability to achieve our business objectives, which is to acquire one or more
assets or operating businesses in the marine transportation and logistics industries. We have not
conducted any discussions and we have no plans, arrangements or understandings with any prospective
acquisition candidates. We will not generate any revenues until, at the earliest, after the
consummation of a business combination. We cannot assure you as to when, or if, a business
combination will occur.
Since we are a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to certain Securities and Exchange
Commision, or SEC, regulations that companies incorporated in the United States would be subject
to.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, or the Exchange Act. As such, we are exempt from
certain provisions applicable to United States public companies including:
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the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; |
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the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of
proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security
registered under the Exchange Act; |
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the provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from
making selective disclosures of material information; and |
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the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public
reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and
establishing insider liability for profits realized from any
short-swing trading transaction (i.e., a purchase and sale, or
sale and purchase, of the issuers equity securities within less than
six months). |
Because of these exemptions, our stockholders will not be afforded the same protections or
information generally available to investors holding shares in public companies organized in the
United States. In particular, because we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act relating
to proxy statements, at the time we seek approval from our stockholders of our initial business
combination, we do not expect to file preliminary proxy solicitation materials regarding our
initial business combination with the SEC and, accordingly, such materials will not be reviewed by
the SEC. However, we will file with the SEC any final proxy solicitation materials that we deliver
to our stockholders.
You will not be entitled to protections normally afforded to investors of blank check companies.
Since both the net proceeds of $250.8 million from our Initial Public Offering and the Private
Placement, are intended to be used to consummate a business combination with a target business that
has not been identified, we may be deemed to be a blank check company under the United States
securities laws. However, since we have net tangible assets in excess of $5.0 million, we have to
file a Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 20-F with the SEC, including an audited balance
sheet demonstrating all facts that have taken place through December 31, 2009.
We are exempt from rules promulgated by the SEC to protect investors of blank check companies
including Rule 419 under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, or the Securities Act. Accordingly,
investors will not be afforded the benefits or protections of those rules, which include (1)
entitlement to all the interest earned on the funds deposited in the Trust Account, (2) the
requirement to complete a business combination within 18 months after the effective date of the
registration statement (and the resulting shorter time frame that funds may be held in a trust
account established in connection with the completion of an initial public offering, as compared
to the up to 24 or 36 months funds may be held in the Trust Account, (3) the restriction on the
release and use of interest earned on the funds held in a Trust Account, (4) the prohibition
against trading our securities prior to the consummation of a business combination, and (5) the
ability of warrant holders to exercise their warrants prior to the consummation of the business
combination. Because we are not subject to Rule 419, our units are tradable, we are entitled to
withdraw a certain amount of interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account prior to the
completion of a business combination, we have a longer period of time to consummate a business
combination and potentially hold the proceeds of the offering in the Trust Account and our warrant
holders may not exercise their warrants until after our initial business combination.
Unlike many other blank check companies, we allow up to approximately 39.99% of our public
stockholders to exercise their conversion rights. This higher threshold will make it easier for us
to consummate a business combination with which you may not agree, and you may not receive the full
amount of your original investment upon exercise of your conversion rights.
When we seek stockholder approval of an extension of our corporate existence from 24 to 36
months, if any, and our initial business combination, we will offer each public stockholder other
than our initial stockholders the right to have their shares of common stock converted to cash if
the stockholder votes against the extended period or business combination, as the case may
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be, and
such proposal is approved and, in the case of the business combination, it is also consummated.
Such holder must both vote against such business combination and then exercise their conversion
rights to receive a pro rata share of the Trust Account. We will consummate the initial business
combination only if the following two conditions are met: (i) a majority of the shares of common
stock voted by the public stockholders are voted in favor of the business combination; and (ii)
public stockholders owning 40% or more, of the shares sold in our Initial Public Offering do not
vote against an extended period, if any, or the business combination and exercise their conversion
rights, provided that a public stockholder, together with any affiliate of theirs or any other
person with whom they are acting in concert or as a partnership, syndicate or other group (as
such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) for the purpose of acquiring,
holding or disposing of our securities will be restricted from seeking conversion rights with
respect to more than 10% of the shares sold in our Initial Public Offering. We have set the
conversion percentage at 40% and limited the percentage of shares that a public stockholder,
together with any of their affiliates or other persons with whom they are acting in concert or as a
partnership, syndicate or other group for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of our
securities can convert in order to reduce the likelihood that a small group of investors holding a
block of our stock will be able to stop us from having an extended period or consummating an
initial business combination that is otherwise approved by a large majority of our public
stockholders. However, this may have the effect of making it easier for us to have an extended
period or an initial business combination approved over a stockholder dissent. Most other blank
check companies have a conversion threshold of between 20% and 30% and do not have a comparable 10%
limitation, which makes it more difficult for such companies to consummate their initial business
combination. Thus, because we permit a larger number of stockholders to exercise their conversion
rights, it will be easier for us to consummate an initial business combination with a target
business despite significant stockholder dissent and which you may believe is not suitable for us,
and you may not receive the full amount of your original investment upon exercise of your
conversion rights.
We require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares to comply with specific
requirements for conversion that may make it more difficult for them to exercise their conversion
rights prior to the deadline for exercising conversion rights.
We require public stockholders who wish to convert their shares to physically tender their
stock certificates to our transfer agent prior to the stockholder meeting or to deliver their
shares to the transfer agent electronically using DTCs DWAC system. In order to obtain a physical
stock certificate, a stockholders broker and/or clearing broker, DTC and our transfer agent will
need to act to facilitate this request. It is our understanding that stockholders should generally
allot at least two weeks to obtain physical stock certificates from the transfer agent. However,
because we do not have any control over this process or over the brokers or DTC, it may take
significantly longer than two weeks to obtain a physical stock certificate. If it takes longer than
we anticipate to obtain a physical stock certificate, public stockholders who wish to tender their
stock certificates physically may be unable to obtain physical stock certificates by the deadline
for exercising their conversion rights and thus will be unable to convert their shares.
Public stockholders, together with any of their affiliates or any other person with whom they are
acting in concert or as a group (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act), will be restricted from seeking conversion rights for more than 10% of the shares
sold in the offering.
When we seek stockholder approval of any business combination or the extended period, we will
offer each public stockholder (but not our initial stockholders) the right to have their shares of
common stock converted to cash if the stockholder votes against the business combination and the
business combination is approved and completed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a public
stockholder, together with any of their affiliates or any other person with whom they are acting in
concert or as a group will be restricted from seeking conversion rights with respect to more
than 10% of the shares sold in the offering. Accordingly, if you purchased more than 10% of the
shares sold in the offering, vote all of your shares against a proposed business combination or the
extended period and such proposed business combination or the extended period, as applicable, is
approved, you will not be able to seek conversion rights with respect to the full amount of your
shares and may be forced to hold such additional shares or sell them in the open market. We cannot
assure you that the value of such additional shares will appreciate over time following a business
combination or that the market price of the common stock will exceed the per-share conversion
price.
If we are unable to consummate a business combination, our public stockholders will be forced to
wait the full 24 months (or up to 36-months if the extended period is approved) before receiving
liquidating distributions.
We have 24 months from the completion of our Initial Public Offering (or up to 36 months if
the extended period is approved) in which to consummate a business combination. We have no
obligation to return funds to investors prior to such date unless we consummate a business
combination prior thereto. Only after the expiration of this full time period will public
stockholders be entitled to liquidating distributions if we are unable to consummate a
business combination. Accordingly, investors funds may be unavailable to them until such date.
The consummation of the business combination is subject to, among other things, execution of a
definitive agreement and required stockholder approval. There can be no assurance that a business
combination will be
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consummated. However, if we anticipate that we will not be able to consummate
a business combination by July 1, 2010, we may seek shareholder approval to extend the period of
time to consummate a business combination until July 10, 2011. If we are unable to complete the
business combination by July 1, 2010, or July 1, 2011 if extension period approved, our purposes
and powers will be limited to dissolving, liquidating and winding up. Also contained in our
articles of association is the requirement that our board of directors, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, consider a resolution to dissolve our company at that time. Consistent with such
obligations, our board of directors will seek shareholder approval for any such plan of
distribution, and our pre-initial public offering shareholders and directors have agreed to vote in
favor of such dissolution and liquidation. This provision will be amended only in connection with,
and upon consummation of, its initial business combination by such date. The accompanying financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if weis unable to continue as a
going concern and is required to liquidate.
Unlike other blank check companies, we are permitted, pursuant to our amended and restated articles
of incorporation, to seek to extend the date before which we must consummate an initial business
combination to up to 36 months from the completion of our Initial Public Offering. As a result, the
funds may be held in the Trust Account for at least three years.
Unlike some other blank check companies, if we have entered into a letter of intent, agreement
in principle or definitive agreement within 24 months following the completion of our Initial
Public Offering, we may seek to extend the date before which we must consummate our initial
business combination, to avoid being required to liquidate, beyond the more typical 24 months to up
to 36 months by calling a special meeting of our stockholders for the purpose of soliciting their
approval for such extended period. We believe that an extension could be necessary due to the
circumstances involved in the evaluation and consummation of a business combination. If the
extended period is approved by our stockholders, we will have an additional 12 months in which to
consummate our initial business combination. As a result, we would be able to hold the funds of
investors in the Trust Account for more than three years and thus delay the receipt by such
investors of the funds from the Trust Account.
If third parties bring claims against us, the funds held in the Trust Account could be reduced and
the amount receivable by our public stockholders from the Trust Account as part of our plan of
dissolution and liquidation could be less than approximately $9.91 per share.
The funds currently held in the Trust Account may not be protected from third-party claims
against us. Although we will seek to have all significant vendors and service providers and all
prospective target businesses waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any
monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of our public stockholders, they would not be
prevented from bringing claims against the Trust Account including, but not limited to, fraudulent
inducement, breach of fiduciary responsibility or other similar claims, as well as claims
challenging the enforceability of the waiver, in each case in order to gain an advantage with a
claim against our assets, including the funds held in the Trust Account. Accordingly, the proceeds
held in the Trust Account could be subject to claims that could take priority over the claims of
our public stockholders and due to claims of such creditors, the per share liquidation price could
be less than the approximately $9.91 per share. If we are unable to consummate a business
combination and are forced to liquidate, Navios Holdings has agreed that it will be liable to
ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or
claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or contracted
for or products sold to us, except (i) as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of
any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account, to the extent such waiver is subsequently
found to be invalid or unenforceable, (ii) as to any engagement of, or agreement with, a third
party that does not execute a waiver and Navios Holdings has not consented to such engagement or
contract with such third party, and (iii) as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters
of the offering against certain liabilities under the Securities Act. Additionally, in the case of
a vendor, service provider or prospective target business that did not execute a waiver, Navios
Holdings will be liable to the extent it consents to the transaction, only to the extent necessary
to ensure that public stockholders receive no less than approximately $9.91 per share upon
liquidation. Based on our review of the financial statements of Navios Holdings in its most recent
Form 20-F, we believe that Navios Holdings will have sufficient funds to meet any indemnification
obligations that arise. However, because Navios Holdings circumstances may change in the future,
we cannot assure investors that Navios Holdings will be able to satisfy such indemnification
obligations if and when they arise. We will endeavor to have all vendors and prospective target
businesses, as well as other entities, execute agreements with us waiving any right, title,
interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account. If Navios Holdings refused
to satisfy its indemnification obligations, we would be required to bring a claim against it to
enforce our indemnification rights.
Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is
filed against us that is not dismissed, the funds held in our Trust Account will be subject to
applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims
of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy
claims deplete the Trust Account we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public
stockholders the
liquidation amounts due them. An involuntary bankruptcy proceeding cannot be filed in the
United States since the trust funds will not be maintained within the United States. Because we
have no assets in the United States and are organized in the Marshall Islands, any bankruptcy claim
would have to be initiated elsewhere. The Marshall Islands has no bankruptcy act. It does have a
little-used device pursuant to which, at the request of a judgment creditor, a court can appoint a
receiver either to
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run or wind up the affairs of a corporation. A court can also appoint a trustee
if the corporation files for dissolution to wind up the affairs. Finally, it would be possible for
a Marshall Islands court to apply the law of any jurisdiction with laws similar to that of the
Marshall Islands, such as those of the United States.
Because a majority of our directors and all of our officers reside outside of the United States
and, after the consummation of a business combination, substantially all of our assets may be
located outside of the United States, it may be difficult for investors to enforce their legal
rights against such individuals or such assets.
A majority of our directors and our officers reside outside of the United States and, after
the consummation of a business combination substantially all of our assets may be located outside
of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors in the United States to
enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process upon our directors or officers or to
enforce judgments of United States courts predicated upon civil liabilities of, or criminal
penalties against, our directors and officers under the U.S. federal securities laws.
We will dissolve and liquidate if we do not consummate a business combination, and our stockholders
may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received
by them. Such liability could extend indefinitely because we do not intend to comply with the
liquidation procedures set forth in Section 106 of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act.
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide that we will continue in existence
only until 24 months from the completion of our Initial Public Offering (or up to 36 months if the
extended period is approved). If we have not consummated a business combination by such date, and
amended this provision in connection thereto, pursuant to the Marshall Islands Business
Corporations Act (the Business Corporations Act), our corporate existence will cease except for
the purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating. Under Marshall Islands law, stockholders
may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions
received by them in dissolution. If we complied with the procedures set forth in Section 106 of the
Business Corporations Act, which are intended to ensure that we make reasonable provision for all
claims against us, including a six-month notice period during which any third-party claims can be
brought against us before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of
a stockholder with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such
stockholders pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any
liability of the stockholder would be barred after the period set forth in such notice. However, it
is our intention to make liquidating distributions to our stockholders as soon as reasonably
possible after dissolution and we do not intend to comply with the six-month notice period (which
would result in our executive officers being liable for claims for which we did not provide). As
such, to the extent our executive officers cannot cover such liabilities, our stockholders could
potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them in dissolution
and any such liability of our stockholders will likely extend beyond the third anniversary of such
dissolution. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from our
stockholders amounts owed to them by us.
If we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against
us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under
applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a preferential transfer or a
fraudulent conveyance. As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts
received by our stockholders. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the
Trust Account to our public stockholders promptly after July 1, 2010 (or July 1, 2011 if the
extended period is approved), this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public
stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our
assets. Furthermore, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties
to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, thereby exposing itself and our company to
claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the Trust Account prior to
addressing the claims of creditors and/or complying with certain provisions of the Business
Corporations Act with respect to our dissolution and liquidation. We cannot assure you that claims
will not be brought against us for these reasons.
We may choose to redeem our outstanding warrants included in the units sold in our Initial Public
Offering at a time that is disadvantageous to our warrant holders.
We may redeem the warrants issued as part of our units sold in our Initial Public Offering at
any time after the warrants become exercisable in whole and not in part, at a price of $0.01 per
warrant, upon a minimum of 30 days prior written notice of redemption, if and only if, the last
sales price of our common stock equals or exceeds $13.75 per share for any 20 trading days within a
30 trading day period ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption, provided,
however, a current registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the shares of our
common stock underlying the warrants is
then effective. Redemption of the warrants could force the warrant holders: (i) to exercise
the warrants and pay the exercise price therefore at a time when it may be disadvantageous for the
holders to do so; (ii) to sell the warrants at the then-current market price when they might
otherwise wish to hold the warrants; or (iii) to accept the nominal redemption price that, at the
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time the warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market
value of the warrants. We may not redeem any warrant if it is not exercisable.
If we are required to dissolve and liquidate before a business combination, our public stockholders
could receive less than approximately $9.91 per share (as of December 31, 2009, the underwriters
had exercised their over-allotment option in full with the Initial Public Offering and there are
10,119,999 shares at a redemption value of $9.91 per share) upon distribution of the funds held in
the Trust Account and our warrants will expire with no value.
If we are unable to consummate a business combination and are required to dissolve and
liquidate our assets, the per-share liquidation amount could be less than approximately $9.91 share
(as of December 31, 2009, the underwriters had exercised their over-allotment option in full with
the Initial Public Offering and there are 10,119,999 shares at a redemption value of $9.91 per
share) because of the expenses related to the offering, our general and administrative expenses,
and the anticipated cost associated with seeking a business combination. Furthermore, the warrants
will expire with no value if we dissolve and liquidate before the consummation of a business
combination.
Under Marshall Islands law, the requirements and restrictions relating to our Initial Public
Offering contained in our amended and restated articles of incorporation may be amended, which
could reduce or eliminate the protection afforded to our stockholders by such requirements and
restrictions.
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation contain certain requirements and
restrictions relating to our Initial Public Offering that will apply to us until the consummation
of a business combination. Specifically, our amended and restated articles of incorporation
provide, among other things, that:
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the proceeds of our Initial Public Offering and the Private
Placement, that have been placed into the Trust Account,
may not be disbursed from the Trust Account except (1) for
payments with respect to shares of common stock converted
in connection with the vote to approve the extended period,
(2) in connection with a business combination, (3) upon our
dissolution and liquidation, (4) for the payment of our tax
obligations, or (5) to the extent of $3.0 million of
interest (net of taxes) that may be released to us; |
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prior to the consummation of our initial business
combination, we will submit such business combination to
our stockholders for approval; |
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we may consummate our initial business combination only if
it is approved by a majority of the shares of common stock
voted by the public stockholders and public stockholders
owning less than 40% of the shares sold in the Initial
Public Offering both vote against the business combination
and, on a cumulative basis with any shares previously
converted in connection with a vote, if any, on the
extended period, exercise their conversion rights; |
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if our initial business combination is approved and
consummated or the extended period is approved, public
stockholders who voted against the business combination or
the extended period may exercise their conversion rights
and receive their pro rata share of the amount then in the
Trust Account; |
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our initial business combination must have a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of net assets held in the Trust
Account (excluding the deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions) at the time of the initial business
combination; |
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if a business combination is not consummated within 24
months (or up to 36 months if extended pursuant to a
stockholder vote as described in our initial public
offering prospectus) after the completion of our Initial
Public Offering, our corporate purposes and powers will
immediately thereupon be limited to acts and activities
relating to dissolving and winding up our affairs,
including liquidation, and we will not be able to engage in
any other business activities; |
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upon our dissolution, we will distribute to our public
stockholders their pro rata share of the Trust Account in
accordance with the trust agreement and the requirements of
Marshall Islands law, including our obligations to provide
for claims of creditors; and |
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we may not consummate any other merger, acquisition, asset
purchase or similar transaction prior to our initial
business combination. |
Under Marshall Islands law, the requirements and restrictions relating to our Initial Public
Offering contained in our articles of incorporation may be amended, which could reduce or eliminate
the protection afforded to our stockholders by such
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requirements and restrictions. However, we view
the foregoing provisions as obligations to our stockholders and we will not take any action to
waive or amend any of these provisions.
Because of our limited resources and the significant competition for business combination
opportunities, we may not be able to consummate an attractive business combination during the
prescribed time period.
We expect to encounter competition from other entities having a business objective similar to
ours, including private equity and venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds and operating
businesses competing for acquisitions. Many of these entities are well established and have
extensive experience in identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through
affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other resources than we
do, and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those of many of
these competitors. While we believe that there are numerous target businesses that we could acquire
with the net proceeds of our Initial Public Offering, our ability to compete in acquiring certain
sizable target businesses will be limited by our available financial resources. This inherent
competitive limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target
businesses. Further:
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our obligation to seek stockholder approval of a business combination
may materially delay the consummation of a transaction; |
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our obligation to convert into cash the shares of common stock in
certain instances may materially reduce the resources available for a
business combination; and |
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our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they potentially
represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses. |
Any of these obligations may place us at a material competitive disadvantage in successfully
negotiating a business combination.
Because of these factors, we may not be able to compete successfully for an attractive
business combination, or to effectuate any business combination within the required time periods.
If we do not find a suitable target business within such time periods, we will be forced to
dissolve and liquidate the Trust Account as part of our plan of dissolution and liquidation.
We may issue shares of our capital stock or debt securities to consummate a business combination,
which would reduce the equity interest of our stockholders and likely cause a change in control of
our ownership.
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to
100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $0.0001 per share. On July 1, 2008, we consummated our Initial Public Offering. We
are also authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of $.0001 par value preferred stock with such
designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the
board of directors. No shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding as at December 31,
2009.
The issuance of additional shares of our common stock or any number of shares of our preferred
stock:
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may significantly reduce the equity interest of investors; |
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will likely cause a change in control if a substantial number of our shares
of common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability
to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and most likely also
result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors;
and |
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may materially adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. |
Additionally, the marine transportation and logistics industries are capital intensive,
traditionally using substantial amounts of indebtedness to finance vessel acquisitions, capital
expenditures and working capital needs. If we finance the purchase of any target business through
the issuance of debt securities, it could result in:
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default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating cash flow after
a business combination were insufficient to pay our debt obligations; |
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acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we
have made all principal and interest payments when due if the debt
security contained covenants that required the maintenance of certain
financial ratios or reserves and any such covenant were breached
without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant; |
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our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any,
if the debt security was payable on demand; and |
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our inability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, if the
debt security contained covenants restricting our ability to obtain
additional financing while such security was outstanding. |
The value of your investment in us may decline if any of these events occur.
For a more complete discussion of the possible structure of a business combination, see the
section below entitled Effecting a business combination Selection of a target business and
structuring of a business combination.
Our initial stockholders control a substantial interest in us and, thus, may influence certain
actions requiring stockholder vote.
Our initial stockholders own 19% of our issued and outstanding units (or their equivalent in
shares of common stock or warrants), which permits them to influence the outcome of effectively all
matters requiring approval by our stockholders at such time, including the election of directors
and approval of significant corporate transactions, following the consummation of our initial
business combination. In addition, prior to the completion of our Initial Public Offering, Amadeus
Maritime, S.A., an affiliate of Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief executive officer, entered
into an agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. in accordance
with the guidelines of Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act pursuant to which it places limit orders for
up to an aggregate of $30.0 million of our common stock during the buyback period. Ms. Frangou
agreed that Amadeus Maritime S.A. will vote all such shares (1) in favor of our initial business
combination and (2) in favor of an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of
incorporation to provide for an extension of our corporate existence to up to 36 months from the
completion of the Initial Public Offering in the event we have entered into a definitive agreement
relating to, but have not yet consummated, our initial business combination. As a result, Ms.
Frangou will be able to influence the outcome of the vote on our business combination or a proposed
extension. In addition, any portion of the $30.0 million not used for open market purchases of
common stock will be applied to the purchase of co-investment shares from us by Amadeus Maritime
S.A. immediately prior to the consummation of our business combination.
Further, our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally
serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. It is
unlikely that there will be an annual meeting of stockholders to elect new directors prior to the
consummation of a business combination, in which case all of the current directors will continue in
office at least until the consummation of the business combination. If there is an annual meeting,
as a consequence of our staggered board of directors, only a minority of the board of directors
will be considered for election and our initial stockholders, because of their ownership position,
will have considerable influence regarding the outcome of such election. Accordingly, Ms. Frangou
and our initial stockholders will continue to exert control at least until the consummation of a
business combination.
The purchase by Amadeus Maritime S.A. of common stock in the aftermarket pursuant to the limit
orders described above may support the market price of the common stock and/or warrants during the
buyback period, and accordingly,
the termination of the support provided by such purchases may materially and adversely affect the
market price of the common stock and/or warrants.
Prior to the completion of our Initial Public Offering, Amadeus Maritime S.A., an affiliate of
Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief executive officer, entered into an agreement with J.P.
Morgan Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the
Exchange Act, pursuant to which it will place limit orders to purchase any of our shares of common
stock offered for sale (and not purchased by another investor) at or below a price equal to the
per-share amount held in our Trust Account as reported in our initial preliminary proxy statement
filed with the SEC relating to our initial business combination until the earlier of (1) the
expiration of the buyback period or (2) the date such purchases reach $30.0 million in total. If
the market does not view our initial business combination positively, these purchases may have the
effect of counteracting the markets view of our initial business combination, which will otherwise
be reflected by a decline in the market price of our securities. The termination of the support
provided by these purchases during the buyback period may materially and adversely affect the
market price of our securities.
We will be dependent upon interest earned on the Trust Account, which may not be sufficient to fund
our search for a target business and consummation of a business combination, in which case we may
be forced to borrow funds from Navios Holdings or others, or to liquidate.
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Of the net proceeds of our Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement, only
approximately $75,000, after estimated expenses related to our Initial Public Offering, are
available to us initially outside the Trust Account to fund our working capital requirements. We
are dependent upon sufficient interest being earned on the proceeds held in the Trust Account to
provide us with the additional working capital we need to search for a target business and
consummate a business combination. While we are entitled to up to a maximum of $3.0 million for
such purpose, if interest rates remain low, we may not have sufficient funds available to provide
us with the working capital necessary to consummate a business combination. In such event, we will
need to borrow funds from Navios Holdings or others, or be forced to liquidate.
Our ability to effect a business combination successfully and to operate successfully thereafter
will be dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, some of whom may join us following a
business combination and whom we would have only a limited ability to evaluate.
Our ability to effect a business combination successfully and to operate successfully
thereafter will be dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel. The future role of our key
personnel following a business combination, however, cannot be fully ascertained presently.
Although we expect Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief executive officer, to remain associated
with us following a business combination, it is possible that Ms. Frangou will not remain with the
combined company after the consummation of a business combination. Thus, we may employ other
personnel following the business combination. While we intend to scrutinize closely any additional
individuals we engage after a business combination, we cannot assure you that our assessment of
these individuals will prove to be correct. These individuals may be unfamiliar with the
requirements of operating a public company, as well as United States securities laws, which could
cause us to have to expend time and resources helping them become familiar with such laws. This
could be expensive and time consuming, and could lead to various regulatory issues that hinder our
operations.
Our officers and directors may allocate their time to other businesses, thereby causing conflicts
of interest in their determination as to how much time to devote to our affairs. These conflicts
could impair our ability to consummate a business combination.
Our officers and directors are not required to commit their full time to our affairs, which
may result in a conflict of interest in allocating their time between our operations and other
businesses. We do not intend to have any full time employees prior to the consummation of a
business combination. All of our executive officers are engaged in several other business
endeavors, including Ms. Frangou in her roles as chairman and chief executive officer of Navios
Holdings and Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (Navios Partners), and are not obligated to contribute
any specific number of hours per week to our affairs. Ms. Frangou and Ted Petrone, our president
and member of board of directors, are each anticipated to devote approximately five to ten percent
of their time per week to our business, which could increase significantly during periods of
negotiation for business opportunities. However, if our executive officers other business affairs
require them to devote more substantial amounts of time to such affairs, it could limit their
ability to devote time to our affairs and could impair our ability to consummate a business
combination. For a complete discussion of the potential conflicts of interest that you should be
aware of with respect to Navios Holdings and Angeliki Frangou, see the section below entitled
Conflicts of Interest. We cannot assure you that these conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
We may engage in a business combination with one or more target businesses that have relationships
with entities that may be affiliated with us, Navios Holdings, or our executive officers or
directors, which may raise potential conflicts of interest.
In light of our executive officers and directors involvement with Navios Holdings, we may
decide to acquire a target business affiliated with us, Navios Holdings, or our executive officers
or directors. Our executive officers and directors are not currently aware of any specific
opportunities for us to consummate a business combination with any entities with which they or
Navios Holdings are affiliated, and there have been no preliminary discussions concerning a
business combination with any such entity or entities. Although we will not be specifically
focusing on, or targeting, any transaction with any affiliated entities, we would pursue such a
transaction if we determined that such affiliated entity met our criteria for a business
combination as set forth in Business overview Effecting a business combination Selection of
a target business and structuring of a business combination and such transaction was approved by
a majority of our disinterested directors. Despite our agreement to obtain an opinion from an
independent investment banking firm regarding the fairness to our stockholders from a financial
point of view of a business combination with a target business affiliated with us, Navios Holdings
or our executive officers or directors, potential conflicts of interest still may exist and, as a
result, the terms of the initial business combination may not be as advantageous to our public
stockholders as they would be absent any conflicts of interest.
Our officers, directors and their affiliates currently are, and may in the future become,
affiliated with entities engaged in business activities that are similar to those intended to be
conducted by us, including Navios Holdings, and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in
determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented.
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The majority of our officers and directors currently are, and may in the future become, affiliated with
additional entities, including other shipping entities, such as Navios Holdings in the case of Ms.
Frangou and Mr. Petrone, and Navios Partners in the case of Ms. Frangou, that are engaged in
business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us. In addition, each of the
independent members of our board of directors is affiliated with an organization that provides
services to shipping companies. Due to these existing affiliations, they may have fiduciary
obligations to present potential business opportunities to those entities prior to presenting them
to us, which could cause additional conflicts of interest. We will have the ability to acquire a
target business that is in competition with and operates in the same business as Navios Holdings or
Navios Partners, subject to our right of first refusal agreement with such entities. In such case,
there may be additional conflicts of interest between Navios Holdings, Navios Partners and us,
including direct head to head competition for chartering and additional vessel acquisition
opportunities, and otherwise. For a complete discussion of our managements business affiliations
and the potential conflicts of interest that you should be aware of, see the section below entitled
Conflicts of Interest. We cannot assure you that these conflicts will be resolved in our favor
or that a potential target business would not be presented to another entity prior to its
presentation to us. In addition, under the amended Omnibus Agreement Navios Holdings has been
released from the restrictions for two years until 2011 in connection with acquiring vessels from third
parties (but not from the requirement to offer to sell to Navios Partners qualifying vessels in
Navios Holdings existing fleet).
Our initial stockholders beneficially own shares of our common stock that will not participate in
liquidating distributions and therefore our executive officers and directors may have a conflict of
interest in determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a business
combination.
Our initial stockholders have waived their right to receive distributions upon our liquidation
if we fail to consummate a business combination, with respect to the shares of common stock
included in the sponsor units they own. The shares of common stock and warrants included in the
Sponsor Units and the Private Placement warrants owned by our initial stockholders will be
worthless if we do not consummate a business combination. Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief
executive officer, has a 19% beneficial interest in Navios Holdings and is also its chairman and
chief executive officer. Accordingly, the financial interests of our executive officers and
directors may influence their motivation in identifying and selecting a target business and timely
consummating a business combination. Consequently, the discretion of those executive officers and
directors in identifying and selecting a suitable target business may result in a conflict of
interest when determining whether the terms, conditions and timing of a particular business
combination are appropriate and in our stockholders best interest.
Our directors and officers interests in obtaining reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them, as well as the potential for entering into consulting agreements with the
post-combination business, may lead to a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular
target business is appropriate for a business combination and in the public stockholders best
interest.
Our directors and officers will not receive reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them to the extent that such expenses exceed the amount of available proceeds not
deposited in the Trust Account and the amount of interest income from the Trust Account, net of
income taxes on such interest, of up to a maximum of $3.0 million, unless the business combination
is consummated. These amounts were based on managements estimates of the funds needed to fund our
operations for the 24 months following our Initial Public Offering and consummate a business
combination. Those estimates
may prove to be inaccurate, especially if a portion of the available proceeds is used to make
a down payment in connection with business combination or pay exclusivity or similar fees or if we
expend a significant portion in pursuit of an acquisition that is not consummated. In addition, it
is possible that members of management may enter into consulting agreements with the
post-combination business as part of the business combination. The financial interest of our
directors and officers could influence their motivation in selecting a target business or
negotiating with a target business in connection with a proposed business combination and thus,
there may be a conflict of interest when determining whether a particular business combination is
in the stockholders best interest. In addition, on January 12, 2010, we announced the appointment
of Leonidas Korres as Senior Vice President Business Development of the Company. Pursuant to an
agreement between the us and Navios Holdings, the compensation of Mr. Korres up to the amount of
EURO 65,000 is to be paid by Navios Holdings, provided that if we complete a business combination,
we will reimburse such amounts to Navios Holdings immediately following the completion of the
business combination. In the event that we are unable to complete a business combination, then we
will not be obligated to make any payments to Navios Holdings or Mr. Korres with respect to his
employment.
Each of our independent directors will be entitled to receive $50,000 compensation annually upon
the successful consummation of a business combination and, therefore, they may be faced with a
conflict of interest when determining whether a particular target business is appropriate for a
business combination and in the public stockholders best interest.
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Each of our independent directors will be entitled to receive $50,000 in cash per year for
their board service, accruing pro rata from the respective start of their service on our board of
directors and payable only upon the successful consummation of a business combination. The
financial interest of our directors could negatively affect their independence and influence their
motivation in selecting a target business and thus, they may be faced with a conflict of interest
when determining whether a particular business combination is in our stockholders best interest.
If conflicts arise, they may not necessarily be resolved in our favor.
Our chairman and other directors may continue to serve on our board of directors following the
consummation of a business combination and may be paid fees for such services. Thus, such financial
interest may influence their motivation and they may be faced with a conflict of interest when
determining whether a particular business combination is in our stockholders best interest.
Because it is possible that our chairman and one or more of our directors may continue to
serve on our board of directors after the consummation of our initial business combination, and
such individuals may be paid fees for their services, the financial interest of such individuals
may influence their motivation when determining whether a particular business combination is in our
stockholders best interest and securing payment of such fees. Thus, they may be faced with a
conflict of interest when determining whether a particular business combination is in our
stockholders best interest. If conflicts arise, they may not necessarily be resolved in our favor.
Since our initial stockholders, including Navios Holdings, will lose their entire investment in us
if a business combination is not consummated, and Navios Holdings may be required to pay costs
associated with our liquidation, our initial stockholders might purchase shares of our common stock
from stockholders who would otherwise choose to vote against a proposed business combination or
exercise their conversion rights in connection with such business combination.
Our initial stockholders own Sponsor Units that will be worthless if we do not consummate a
business combination. The actual per unit value of the Sponsor Units would be less than $10.00,
because unlike the shares of our common stock held by our public stockholders, the Sponsor Units
are restricted and may not be transferred until 180 days after the consummation of our initial
business combination. In addition, on July 1, 2008, Navios Holdings purchased warrants which will
also be worthless if we do not consummate a business combination. We believe the current equity
value for the Sponsor Units is significantly lower than the $10.00 per unit offering price because
the holder of these units will not be able to sell or transfer them while Sponsor Units remain in
escrow, except in certain limited circumstances (such as transfers to entities controlled by Navios
Holdings or Angeliki Frangou, or, in the case of individuals, family members and trusts for estate
planning purposes) and these Sponsor Units are not entitled to any proceeds in case we liquidate if
we do not consummate a business combination. In addition, in the event we are forced to liquidate,
Navios Holdings has agreed to advance us the entire amount of the funds necessary to complete such
liquidation and has agreed not to seek repayment for such expenses.
Given the interest that Navios Holdings has in a business combination being consummated, it is
possible that it (and/or our officers and directors) will acquire securities from public
stockholders who have elected to redeem their shares of our common stock in order to change their
vote and insure that the business combination will be approved (which could result in a business
combination being approved even if, after the announcement of the business combination, 40% or more
of our public stockholders would have elected their conversion rights, or a majority of the shares
of common stock voted by the public
stockholders would have voted against the business combination, but for the purchases made by
Navios Holdings (and/or our officers and directors)).
It is probable that our initial business combination will be with a single target business, which
may cause us to be solely dependent on a single business and to provide only a limited number of
services, thereby preventing us from diversifying our operations, spreading risks or offsetting
losses.
Our initial business combination must be with a target business with a collective fair market
value of at least 80% of our net assets (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions
held in the Trust Account) at the time of such business combination. Consequently, it is probable
that, unless the purchase price consists substantially of our equity, we will have the ability to
consummate only the initial business combination with the proceeds of the our Initial Public
Offering. Accordingly, the prospects for our success may be:
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solely dependent upon the performance of a single business; or |
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dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a single or limited number of services. |
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In this case, we will not be able to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible
spreading of risks or offsetting of losses, unlike other entities that may have the resources to
consummate several business combinations in different industries or different areas of a single
industry. Further, the prospects for our success may be entirely dependent upon the future
performance of the initial target business that we acquire.
While it is possible that we may attempt to effect our initial business combination with more than
one target business simultaneously, such simultaneous acquisition entails certain risks that may
require us to limit our acquisition to one target business.
We may not be able to acquire more than one target business because of various factors,
including possible complex accounting issues, which would include generating pro forma financial
statements reflecting the operations of several target businesses as if they had been combined, and
numerous logistical issues, which could include attempting to coordinate the timing of
negotiations, proxy statement disclosure and closings with multiple target businesses. In addition,
we would also be exposed to the risk that conditions to closings with respect to the acquisition of
one or more of the target businesses would not be satisfied, bringing the fair market value of the
initial business combination below the required fair market value of 80% of our net assets
threshold. Accordingly, while it is possible that we may attempt to effect our initial business
combination with more than one target business, we are more likely to choose a single target
business if deciding between one target business meeting such 80% threshold and comparable multiple
target business candidates collectively meeting the 80% threshold.
We may be unable to obtain additional financing, if required, to consummate a business combination
or to fund the operations and growth of the target business, which could compel us to restructure
the transaction or abandon a particular business combination.
As we have not yet identified any prospective target business, we cannot ascertain the capital
requirements for any particular transaction. If the net proceeds of our Initial Public Offering and
the Private Placement prove to be insufficient, either because of the size of the business
combination or the depletion of the available net proceeds not held in the Trust Account (including
interest earned on the Trust Account released to us) in search of a target business, or because we
become obligated to convert into cash a significant number of shares from dissenting stockholders,
we will be required to seek additional financing. We have not taken any action with respect to
additional financing, nor can we assure you that such financing would be available on acceptable
terms, if at all. To the extent that additional financing proves to be unavailable when needed to
consummate a particular business combination, we would be compelled to restructure the transaction
or abandon that particular business combination and seek an alternative target business candidate.
In addition, if we consummate a business combination, we may require additional financing to fund
the operations or growth of the target business. The failure to secure additional financing could
impair the continued development or growth of the target business. None of our officers, directors
or stockholders is required to provide any financing to us in connection with or after a business
combination.
As we seek to consummate an initial business combination and to develop our business, we will need
to improve our operations and financial systems, staff, and crew; if we cannot improve these
systems or recruit suitable employees, we may not effectively control our operations.
Our initial operating and financial systems may not be adequate as we implement our plan to
consummate an initial business combination and to develop our business, and our attempts to improve
these systems may be ineffective. If we are
unable to operate our financial and operations systems effectively or to recruit suitable
employees as we expand our operations, we may be unable to effectively control and manage the
substantially larger operation.
Although it is impossible to predict what errors might occur as the result of inadequate
controls, it is the case that it is harder to oversee a sizable operation than a small one and,
accordingly, more likely that errors will occur as operations grow and that additional management
infrastructure and systems will be required to attempt to avoid such errors.
If we were to acquire vessels or a business with agreements to purchase individual vessels, we may
be subject to risks that result from being a start-up maritime transportation and logistics
business.
If we were to acquire vessels or a business with agreements to purchase individual vessels, we
may be subject to risks that result from being a start-up maritime transportation and logistics
business. Such risks could potentially include the dependence on third parties for the commercial
and technical management of the vessels, including crewing, maintenance and repair, supply
provisioning, freight invoicing and chartering. We may not be able to quickly develop the
infrastructure and hire the seafarers and shore-side administrative and management personnel
necessary to manage and operate our business effectively if we acquire vessels instead of an
operating business. In addition, we might have to begin our operations without advance bookings of
charters, which could lead such vessels initially to have a higher than industry standard number of
idle days until such time as we establish business relations.
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Management services relating to a target business vessels may be performed by Navios Holdings,
which could result in potential conflicts of interest.
If we consummate a business combination that involves the acquisition of vessels, we may
engage the services of Navios Holdings to provide technical and management services relating to the
operation of such vessels. Navios Holdings may receive fees and commissions on gross revenue
received by us in respect of each vessel managed, a commission on the gross sale or purchase price
of vessels that we purchase or sell, and a commission on all insurance placed. In light of the
foregoing, there may be a conflict of interest in selecting between our interests and those of
Navios Holdings.
Risks Associated with the Marine Transportation and Logistics Industries
If charter rates fluctuate and the shipping industry continues to undergo cyclical turns, it may
reduce our profitability and operations.
The marine transportation and logistics industries have been cyclical in varying degrees, with
the shipping business experiencing significant fluctuations in charter rates, profitability and,
consequently, vessel values. Contraction in demand for imported commodities such as iron ore or
coal, as a result of economic downturns or changes in government policies in certain regional
markets, could depress vessel freight rates, as well as the general demand for vessels. A decline
in demand for, and level of consumption of, refined petroleum products could cause demand for tank
vessel capacity and charter rates to decline. We anticipate that future demand for any carriers we
may acquire and the related charter rates will be dependent upon continued demand for imported
commodities, economic growth in the emerging markets, including the Asia Pacific region, India,
Brazil and Russia and the rest of the world, seasonal and regional changes in demand, and changes
to the capacity of the world fleet. The capacity of the world fleet seems likely to increase, and
there can be no assurance that economic growth will continue. Adverse economic, political, social
or other developments could decrease demand and growth in the shipping industry and thereby reduce
revenue significantly. A decline in demand for commodities transported in maritime carriers or an
increase in supply of vessels could cause a significant decline in charter rates, which could
materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. The demand for
vessels, in general, has been influenced by, among other factors:
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global and regional economic conditions; |
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developments in international trade; |
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changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns, such as port congestion and canal closures; |
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weather and crop yields; |
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armed conflicts and terrorist activities; |
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political developments; and |
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embargoes and strikes. |
The supply of shipping capacity is also a function of the delivery of new vessels and the
number of older vessels scrapped, in lay-up, converted to other uses, reactivated or removed from
active service. Supply may also be affected by maritime transportation and other types of
governmental regulation, including that of international authorities. These and other factors may
cause a decrease in the demand for the services we may ultimately provide or the value of the
vessels we may own and operate, thereby limiting our ability to operate successfully any
prospective target business with which we may ultimately consummate a business combination.
The marine transportation and logistics industries are subject to seasonal fluctuations in demand
and, therefore, may cause volatility in our operating results.
The marine transportation and logistics industries have historically exhibited seasonal
variations in demand and, as a result, in charter hire rates. This seasonality may result in
quarter-to-quarter volatility in our operating results. The tanker and dry bulk carrier markets are
typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of oil,
coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere. In addition, unpredictable weather
patterns in these months tend to disrupt
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vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. As
a result, revenues are typically weaker during the fiscal quarters ended June 30 and September 30,
and, conversely, typically stronger in fiscal quarters ended December 31 and March 31. Our
operating results, therefore, may be subject to seasonal fluctuations.
If we were to acquire vessels or a business with agreements to purchase individual vessels, it is
highly unlikely that proxy materials provided to our stockholders would include historical
financial statements and, accordingly, investors will not have historical financial statements on
which to rely in making their decision whether to vote for the acquisition.
If we were to acquire vessels or a business with agreements to purchase individual vessels, it
is highly unlikely that the proxy statement we would send to stockholders would, unless otherwise
required by applicable law and regulations, contain historical financial statements with respect to
the operation of vessels. Although we would provide such historical financial statements if
required by applicable law or regulations, such historical financial statements are not often
required. Instead, the proxy statement we would send to our stockholders would include, among other
matters: (i) historical and prevailing market rates for vessels on the basis of type, age and
proposed employment; (ii) our expectations of future market trends and proposed strategy for
employment of the vessels; (iii) our anticipated operational (overhead) expenses; and (iv) the
valuation of the vessels as assets generally (i.e., whether they are new buildings or second-hand
and the type of vessel), all of which, in turn, depend on the sector of the marine transportation
and logistics industries in which we consummate such a business combination. Thus, you would not
necessarily be able to rely on historical financial statements when deciding whether to approve a
business combination involving the acquisition of vessels or a business with agreements to purchase
individual vessels.
If we experienced a catastrophic loss and our insurance is not adequate to cover such loss, it
could lower our profitability and be detrimental to operations.
The ownership and operation of vessels in international trade is affected by a number of
risks, including mechanical failure, personal injury, vessel and cargo loss or damage, business
interruption due to political conditions in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes, adverse
weather conditions and catastrophic marine disaster, including environmental accidents and
collisions. All of these risks could result in liability, loss of revenues, increased costs and
loss of reputation. We intend to maintain insurance, consistent with industry standards, against
these risks on any vessels and other business assets we may acquire upon consummation of a business
combination. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to insure against all risks
adequately, that any particular claim will be paid out of our insurance, or that we will be able to
procure adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future. Our insurers
will also require us to pay certain deductible amounts, before they will pay claims, and insurance
policies may contain limitations and exclusions, which, although we believe will be standard for
the shipping industry, may nevertheless increase our costs and lower our profitability.
Additionally, any increase in environmental and other regulations may also result in increased
costs for, or the lack of availability of,
insurance against the risks of environmental damage, pollution and other claims for damages
that may be asserted against us. A catastrophic oil spill or marine disaster could exceed our
insurance coverage. Our inability to obtain insurance sufficient to cover potential claims or the
failure of insurers to pay any significant claims, could lower our profitability and be detrimental
to our operations.
If we acquire or charter any vessels, we will become subject to various laws, regulations and
conventions, including environmental laws that could require significant expenditures both to
maintain compliance with such laws and to pay for any uninsured environmental liabilities resulting
from a spill or other environmental disaster.
The shipping business and vessel operation are materially affected by government regulation in
the form of international conventions, national, state and local laws, and regulations in force in
the jurisdictions in which vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their
registration. Because such conventions, laws and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict
the ultimate cost of complying with such conventions, laws and regulations, or the impact thereof
on the fair market price or useful life of our vessels. Changes in governmental regulations,
safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime
self-regulatory organizations and customer requirements or competition, may require us to make
capital and other expenditures. In order to satisfy any such requirements we may be required to
take any of our vessels out of service for extended periods of time, with corresponding losses of
revenues. In the future, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable us to
operate our vessels profitably, particularly older vessels, during the remainder of their economic
lives. This could lead to significant asset write-downs.
Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do
business, require capital expenditures or otherwise increase our cost of doing business, which may
materially adversely affect our operations, as well as the shipping industry generally. For
example, in various jurisdictions are considering legislation has been enacted, or is under
consideration, that would impose more stringent requirements on air pollution and other ship
emissions, including emissions of greenhouse gases and ballast water discharged from vessels. We
would be required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain
permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our operations.
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The operation of vessels is also affected by the requirements set forth in the International
Safety Management (ISM) Code. The ISM Code requires shipowners and bareboat charterers to develop
and maintain an extensive Safety Management System that includes the adoption of a safety and
environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe vessel operation
and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat
charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, may decrease
available insurance coverage for the affected vessels, and may result in a denial of access to, or
detention in, certain ports. Currently, each of the vessels in our owned fleet is ISM
Code-certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certification will be maintained
indefinitely.
For all vessels, including those that would be operated under our fleet, at present,
international liability for oil pollution is governed by the International Convention on Civil
Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or the Bunker Convention. In 2001, the International
Maritime Organization, or IMO, adopted the Bunker Convention, which imposes strict liability on
shipowners for pollution damage and response costs incurred in contracting states as a result of
caused by discharges, or threatened discharges of bunker oil from all classes of ships including
dry bulk vessels. The Bunker Convention also requires registered owners of ships over a certain
size to maintain insurance to cover their liability for pollution damage in an amount equal to the
limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not
exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the Convention on Limitation of Liability for
Maritime Claims 1976, as amended, or the 1976 Convention). The Bunker Convention became effective
in contracting states on November 21, 2008. In non-contracting states, liability for such bunker
oil pollution typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction
where the spillage occurs.
We may decide to acquire and operate one or more tankers, which in certain circumstances may
be subject to national and international laws governing pollution from such vessels. When a t
tanker is carrying a cargo of persistent oil as defined by the Civil Liability Convention 1992
(CLC) her owner bears strict liability for any pollution damage caused in a contracting state by an
escape or discharge from her cargo or from her bunker tanks. This liability is subject to a
financial limit calculated by reference to the tonnage of the ship, and the right to limit
liability may be lost if the spill is caused by the shipowners intentional or reckless conduct.
Liability may also be incurred under CLC for a bunker spill from the vessel even when she is not
carrying such a cargo, but is in ballast.
When a tanker is carrying clean oil products which do not constitute persistent oil for
the purposes of CLC, liability for any pollution damage will generally fall outside the Convention
and will depend on national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the spillage occurs.
The same applies to any pollution from the vessel in a jurisdiction which is not a party to the
Convention. The Convention applies in over 100 states around the world, but it does not apply in
the United States of America, where the corresponding liability laws are noted for being
particularly stringent.
In the United States, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, establishes an extensive
regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills,
including bunker oil spills from dry bulk vessels as well as cargo or bunker oil spills from
tankers. The OPA affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade in the United States, its
territories
and possessions or whose vessels operate in United States waters, which includes the United
States territorial sea and its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Under the OPA, vessel
owners, operators and bareboat charterers are responsible parties and are jointly, severally and
strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act
of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from
discharges or substantial threats of discharges, of oil from their vessels. In addition to
potential liability under the OPA as the relevant federal legislation, vessel owners may in some
instances incur liability on an even more stringent basis under state law in the particular state
where the spillage occurred. For example, California regulates oil spills pursuant to California
Government Code section 8670 et seq. These regulations prohibit the discharge of oil, require an
oil contingency plan be filed with the state, require that the ship owner contract with an oil
response organization and require a valid certificated of financial responsibility, all prior to
the vessel entering state waters.
Outside of the United States, other national laws generally provide for the owner to bear
strict liability for pollution, subject to a right to limit liability under applicable national or
international regimes for limitation of liability. The most widely applicable international regime
limiting maritime pollution liability is the 1976 Convention referred to above. Rights to limit
liability under the 1976 Convention are forfeited where a spill is caused by a shipowners
intentional or reckless conduct. Certain states jurisdictions have ratified the IMOs Protocol of
1996, or the Protocol of 1996, to the 1976 Convention. The Protocol provides which for
substantially increased the higher liability limits to apply in those jurisdictions than the limits
set forth in the 1976 Convention. Finally, some jurisdictions are not a party to either the 1976
Convention or the Protocol of 1996, and, therefore, a shipowners rights to limit liability for
maritime pollution in such jurisdictions may be uncertain.
In 2005, the European Union adopted a directive on ship-source pollution, imposing criminal
sanctions for intentional, reckless or seriously negligent pollution discharges by ships. The
directive could result in criminal liability being incurred in circumstances where it would not be
incurred under international law as set out in the International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships, or the MARPOL Convention. Criminal liability for an oil pollution incident
could not only result in us incurring substantial penalties or fines but may also, in some
jurisdictions, facilitate civil liability claims for greater compensation than would otherwise have
been payable.
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If we acquire or charter any vessels, we will become subject to vessel security regulations and
will incur costs to comply with recently adopted regulations and may be subject to costs to comply
with similar regulations which may be adopted in the future in response to terrorism.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there have been a variety of initiatives
intended to enhance vessel security. On November 25, 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act
of 2002, or MTSA, came into effect. To implement certain portions of the MTSA, in July 2003, the
U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements
aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Similarly, in
December 2002, amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS,
created a new chapter of the convention dealing specifically with maritime security. The new
chapter went into effect in July 2004, and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels
and port authorities, most of which are contained in the newly created International Ship and Port
Facilities Security, or ISPS Code. Among the various requirements are:
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on-board installation of automatic information systems, or AIS, to
enhance vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communications; |
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on-board installation of ship security alert systems; |
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the development of vessel security plans; and |
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compliance with flag state security certification requirements. |
The U.S. Coast Guard regulations, intended to be aligned with international maritime security
standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have
on board, by July 1, 2004, a valid International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) that attests to
the vessels compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code. We will implement the
various security measures addressed by the MTSA, SOLAS and the ISPS Code and take measures for any
vessels we may acquire or charter to attain compliance with all applicable security requirements
within the prescribed time periods. Although management does not believe these additional
requirements will have a material financial impact on our operations, there can be no assurance
that there will not be an interruption in operations to bring vessels into compliance with
the applicable requirements and any such interruption could cause a decrease in charter
revenues. Furthermore, additional security measures could be required in the future which could
have significant financial impact on us.
The operation of ocean-going vessels entails the possibility of marine disasters including
damage or destruction of a vessel due to accident, the loss of a vessel due to piracy or terrorism,
damage or destruction of cargo and similar events that may cause a loss of revenue from affected
vessels and damage our business reputation, which may in turn lead to loss of business.
The operation of ocean-going vessels entails certain inherent risks that may adversely affect
our business and reputation, including:
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damage or destruction of vessel due to marine disaster such as a collision; |
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the loss of a vessel due to piracy and terrorism; |
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cargo and property losses or damage as a result of the foregoing or less
drastic causes such as human error, mechanical failure and bad weather; |
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environmental accidents as a result of the foregoing; and |
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business interruptions and delivery delays caused by mechanical failure,
human error, war, terrorism, political action in various countries, labor
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Any of these circumstances or events could substantially increase our costs. For instance, if
any vessels we may acquire or charter suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking
facility. The costs of drydock repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial. We may have to pay
drydocking costs that insurance does not cover. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being
repaired and repositioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, could decrease our revenues
and earnings substantially, particularly if a number of vessels are damaged or drydocked at the
same time. The involvement of any vessels we may acquire or charter in a disaster or delays in
delivery or damages or loss of cargo may harm our reputation as a safe
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reliable vessel operator
and cause us to lose business. If a business combination involves the ownership of vessels, such
vessels could be arrested by maritime claimants, which could result in the interruption of business
and decrease revenue and lower profitability.
Crew members, tort claimants, claimants for breach of certain maritime contracts, vessel
mortgagees, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other persons may be
entitled to a maritime lien against a vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages, and in many
circumstances a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through court
processes. Additionally, in certain jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the sister ship
theory of liability, a claimant may arrest not only the vessel with respect to which the claimants
lien has arisen, but also any associated vessel owned or controlled by the legal or beneficial
owner of that vessel. If any vessel ultimately owned and operated by us is arrested, this could
result in a material loss of revenues, or require us to pay substantial amounts to have the
arrest lifted.
Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels have increased recently in frequency and magnitude,
which could adversely affect our business.
The shipping industry has historically been affected by acts of piracy in regions such as the
South China Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Begining in 2008 and continuing through 2009, acts of piracy
saw a steep rise, particularly off the coast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden. One of the most
significant examples of the increase in piracy came in November 2008 when the M/V Sirius Star, a
crude oil tanker which was not affiliated with us, was captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean
while carrying crude oil estimated to be worth approximately $100 million. Additionally, in
December of 2009 the M/V Navios Apollon, which is owned by Navios Partners was seized by pirates
800 miles off the coast of Somalia while transporting fertilizer from Tampa, Florida to Rozi,
India. If these piracy attacks result in regions (in which our vessels are deployed) being
characterized by insurers as war risk zones or Joint War Committee (JWC) war and strikes listed
areas, premiums payable for such insurance coverage could increase significantly and such insurance
coverage may be more difficult to obtain. Crew costs, including those due to employing onboard
security guards, could increase in such circumstances. In addition, while we believe the charterer
would remain liable for charter payments when a vessel is seized by pirates, the charterer could
dispute this and withhold charter hire until the vessel is released. A charterer may also claim
that a vessel seized by pirates was not on-hire for a certain number of days and it is therefore
entitled to cancel the charter party, a claim that we would dispute. The target
business may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have
a material adverse effect on us. In addition, detention hijacking as a result of an act of piracy
against any vessels we acquire or charter, or an increase in cost, or unavailability of insurance
for any vessels we acquire or charter, could have a material adverse impact on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels
have recently increased in frequency, which could adversely affect our business.
Governments could requisition vessels of a target business during a period of war or emergency,
resulting in a loss of earnings.
A government could requisition a business vessels for title or hire. Requisition for title
occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes her owner, while requisition for
hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes her charterer at
dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during periods of war or emergency, although
governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances. Although a target business
would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of any of its vessels, the amount
and timing of payment would be uncertain.
We may become subject to United States federal income taxation on our United States source shipping
income, which would reduce our net income and impair our cash flow.
Due to the nature of the marine transportation and logistics industries, we expect to
consummate a business combination with a target business outside of the United States, in which
case we would seek to qualify under Section 883 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, or the Code, for an exemption from U.S. federal income tax on substantially all of our
U.S.-source shipping income (if any). Under the Code, 50.0% of the gross shipping income of a
vessel owning or chartering corporation that is attributable to transportation that either begins
or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S.-source
shipping income. U.S.-source shipping income generally is subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax
without allowance for deduction or, if such U.S.-source shipping income is effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, U.S. federal corporate income tax
(the highest statutory rate presently is 35.0%) as well as a branch profits tax (presently imposed
at a 30.0% rate on effectively connected earnings), unless that corporation qualifies for exemption
from tax under Section 883 of the Code. We can give no assurance that we will qualify for the
Section 883 exemption. In such case, our net income and cash flow will be reduced by the amount of
such tax. The Section 883 exemption generally does not apply to income other than shipping income.
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If we acquire a target business that charters vessels on the spot market (i.e., vessels chartered
on a voyage basis or for periods of less than 12 months), it may increase our risk of doing
business following the business combination.
We may consummate a business combination with a target business that involves the chartering
of vessels on a spot charter basis. Spot charters are entered into as either voyage charters or
short-term time charters of less than 12 months duration. Although dependence on spot charters is
not unusual in the shipping industry, the spot charter market is highly competitive and spot
charter rates are subject to significant fluctuations based upon available charters and the supply
of and demand for seaborne shipping capacity. Although our focus on the spot charter market may
enable us to benefit from strengthening industry conditions, should they occur, to do so we may be
required to procure spot charter business consistently. We cannot assure you that spot charters
will be available at rates that will be sufficient to enable us to operate our business profitably.
In addition, our dependence on the spot charter market may result in lower utilization of our
vessels and, consequently, decreased profitability. We cannot assure you that rates in the spot
charter market will not decline, that charters in the spot charter market will continue to be
available or that our dependence on the spot charter market will not result in generally lower
overall utilization or decreased profitability, the occurrence of any of which events could reduce
our earnings and cause us to incur losses.
If a target business has or obtains a vessel that is of second-hand or older nature, it could
increase our costs and decrease our profitability.
We believe that competition for employment of second-hand vessels may be intense.
Additionally, second-hand vessels may carry no warranties from sellers with respect to their
condition as compared to warranties from shipyards available for newly-constructed vessels, and may
be subject to problems created by the use of their original owners. If we purchase any second-hand
vessels, we may incur additional expenditures as a result of these risks, which may reduce our
profitability.
While it will be our intention, if we acquire a target business in this area, to sell or
retire our vessels before they are considered older vessels, under shipping standards, in the rare
case where we continue to own and operate a vessel for a longer period, we could be faced with the
additional expenditures necessary to maintain a vessel in good operating condition as the age
of a vessel increases. Moreover, port-state authorities in certain jurisdictions may demand
that repairs be made to this type of vessel before allowing it to berth at or depart a particular
port, even though that vessel may be in class and in compliance with all relevant international
maritime conventions. Should any of these types of problems or changes develop, income may be lost
if a vessel goes off-hire and additional unforeseen and unbudgeted expenses may be incurred. If we
choose to maintain any vessels past the age that we have planned, we cannot assure you that market
conditions will justify expenditures with respect to any of the foregoing or enable us to operate
these vessels profitably.
Disruptions in world financial markets and the resulting governmental action in the United
States and in other parts of the world could have a material adverse impact on our ability to
obtain financing required to acquire vessels or new businesses. Furthermore, such a disruption
would adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, causing the
market price of our common stock to decline.
The United States and other parts of the world are exhibiting deteriorating economic trends
and are currently in a recession. For example, the credit markets worldwide and in the U.S. have
experienced significant contraction, de-leveraging and reduced liquidity, and the U.S. federal
government, state governments and foreign governments have implemented and are considering a broad
variety of governmental action and/or new regulation of the financial markets. Securities and
futures markets and the credit markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and other
requirements. The Securities and Exchange Commission, other regulators, self-regulatory
organizations and exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market
emergencies, and may effect changes in law or interpretations of existing laws. Recently, a number
of financial institutions have experienced serious financial difficulties and, in some cases, have
entered bankruptcy proceedings or are in regulatory enforcement actions. The uncertainty
surrounding the future of the credit markets in the U.S. and the rest of the world has resulted in
reduced access to credit worldwide. Due to the fact that we would possibly cover all or a portion
of the cost of vessel acquisition with debt financing, such uncertainty could hamper our ability to
finance vessel or new business acquisition.
We could face risks attendant to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates,
and instability in certain securities markets, among other factors. Major market disruptions and
the current adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate in the U.S. and worldwide
could adversely affect a target business or impair our ability to borrow amounts under any future
financial arrangements. The current market conditions may last longer than we anticipate. These
recent and developing economic and governmental factors could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows and could cause the price of our common
stock to decline significantly.
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The economic slowdown in the Asia Pacific region has markedly reduced demand for shipping
services and has decreased shipping rates, which adversely affect our results of operations and
financial condition.
Currently, China, Japan, other Pacific Asian economies and India are the main driving force
behind the development in seaborne drybulk trades and the demand for drybulk carriers. Reduced
demand from such economies has driven decreased rates and vessel values. A further negative change
in economic conditions in any Asian Pacific country, but particularly in China or Japan, as well as
India, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations, as well as our future prospects, by reducing demand and the resultant charter rates. In
particular, in recent years, China has been one of the worlds fastest growing economies in terms
of gross domestic product. Furthermore, the economic slowdown in the United States, the European
Union, and other countries may deepen the economic slowdown in China, among others. While the
recent introduction of a $586 billion economic stimulus package by the Chinese government is
designed in part, to increase consumer spending and reignite the steep growth China experienced
before the recent downturn, it remains to be seen whether such a course of action by China will
have the desired effect. Our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our future
prospects, would likely be adversely affected by an economic downturn in any of these countries as
such downturn would likely translate into reduced demand for shipping services and lower shipping
rates industry-wide. As a result, our operating results would be further materially affected.
Because international maritime transportation and logistics businesses often generate most or all
of their revenues in U.S. dollars but incur a portion of their expenses in other currencies, upon
the consummation of an initial business combination, exchange rate fluctuations could cause us to
suffer exchange rate losses thereby increasing expenses and reducing income.
Upon the consummation of an initial business combination, it is likely that we will engage in
worldwide commerce with a variety of entities. Although our operations may expose us to certain
levels of foreign currency risk, our transactions may be predominantly U.S. dollar denominated.
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rate
in effect at the date of each transaction. Expenses incurred in foreign currencies against which
the U.S. dollar falls in value can increase, decreasing our income. For example, for the year ended
December 31, 2009, the value of the U.S. dollar decreased by approximately 2.7% as compared to the
Euro. A greater percentage of our transactions and expenses in the future may be denominated in
currencies other than U.S. dollar. As part of our overall risk management policy, we attempt to
hedge these risks in exchange rate fluctuations from time to time. We may not always be successful
in such hedging activities
and, as a result, our operating results could suffer as a result of un-hedged losses incurred
as a result of exchange rate fluctuations.
A failure to pass inspection by classification societies could result in any vessels we may acquire
becoming unemployable unless and until they pass inspection, resulting in a loss of revenues from
such vessels for that period and a corresponding decrease in operating cash flows.
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society
authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe
and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of
the vessel and SOLAS. A vessel must undergo an annual survey, an intermediate survey and a special
survey. In lieu of a Special Survey, a vessels machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle,
under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is
also required to be drydocked every two to three years for inspection of the underwater parts of
such vessel. If any vessel we acquire fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, or special
survey, the vessel may be unable to trade between ports and, therefore, would be unemployable,
potentially causing a negative impact on our revenues due to the loss of revenues from such vessel
until it was able to trade again.
Item 4. Information on the Company
A. History and development of Navios Acquisition
General
Navios Acquisition was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on March 14, 2008.
The Company was formed to acquire through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition,
stock purchase or other similar business combination one or more assets or operating businesses in
the marine transportation and logistics industries. Other than the completion of our Initial Public
Offering, we have neither engaged in any operations nor generated significant revenue to date. We
are considered to be in the development stage as defined in the FASB issued guidance for Accounting
and Reporting By Development Stage Enterprises, and are subject to the risks associated with
activities of development stage companies.
On March 18, 2008, Navios Holdings purchased an aggregate of 8,625,000 units, or the Sponsor
Units, for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 of which an aggregate of 290,000 were transferred
to our officers and directors. Subsequently, on
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June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings agreed to return to
the Company an aggregate of 2,300,000 Sponsor Units, which, upon receipt, the Company cancelled.
Accordingly, the initial stockholders own 6,325,000 Sponsor Units. Each Sponsor Unit consists of
one share of common stock and one warrant.
On July 1, 2008, we consummated our Initial Public Offering of 25,300,000 units including
3,300,000 units issued upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option at a price of
$10.00 per unit in the offering. Each unit consists of one share of our common stock, $0.0001 par
value per share, and one redeemable common stock purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the
holder to purchase from us one share of common stock at an exercise price of $7.00 commencing on
the later of (a) the completion of a business combination or (b) one year from the date of the
final prospectus for the Initial Public Offering, and will expire five years from the date of the
prospectus. The warrants will be redeemable at a price of $0.01 per warrant upon 30 days prior
notice after the warrants become exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the
common stock is at least $13.75 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period
ending on the third business day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given.
No warrants will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares of common stock
unless at the time a holder seeks to exercise such warrant, a prospectus relating to the common
stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is current and the common stock has been registered or
qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder
of the warrants. Under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts
to meet these conditions and to maintain a current prospectus relating to the common stock issuable
upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants. However, if we do not maintain
a current prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, holders
will be unable to exercise their warrants. In no circumstance will we be required to settle any
such warrant exercise for cash. If the prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon the
exercise of the warrants is not current or if the common stock is not qualified or exempt from
qualification in the jurisdiction in which the holders of the warrants reside, the warrants may
have no value, the market for the warrants may be limited and the warrants may expire worthless.
Additionally, on July 1, 2008, Navios Holdings purchased 7,600,000 warrants from the Company
at a price of $1.00 per warrant ($7.6 million in the aggregate) in a private placement, or the
Private Placement, that occurred simultaneously with the completion of the Offering. The proceeds
from the Private Placement were added to the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and placed in
a trust account, or the Trust Account. If a business combination is not consummated within 24
months (or up to 36 months if our stockholders approve an extended period) after the date of the
completion of the Initial Public Offering, the
$7.6 million proceeds from the sale of the Private Placement warrants will be part of the
liquidating distribution to the public stockholders and the warrants will expire worthless. The
Private Placement warrants are identical to the warrants included in the units sold in the Initial
Public Offering except that: (i) the Private Placement warrants will be subject to certain transfer
restrictions until after the consummation of our initial business combination; (ii) the Private
Placement warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis, while the warrants included in the units
sold in the Initial Public Offering cannot be exercised on a cashless basis; (iii) the Private
Placement warrants will not be redeemable by us so long as they are held by Navios Holdings or its
permitted transferees; and (iv) none of the Private Placement warrants to be purchased by Navios
Holdings will be transferable or salable, except to another entity controlled by Navios Holdings,
which will be subject to the same transfer restrictions until after a business combination is
consummated. We do not believe that the sale of the Private Placement warrants will result in the
recognition of any stock-based compensation expense, as we believe that the Private Placement
warrants were sold at or above fair value.
Proceeds of $250,770,000 from the Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement were
placed in the Trust Account maintained by Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as trustee
and invested in U.S. government debt securities, or U.S. Treasury Bills. Our agreement with the
trustee requires that the trustee will invest and reinvest the proceeds in the Trust Account only
in United States government debt securities within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act) having a maturity of 180
days or less, or in money market funds meeting the conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the
Investment Company Act. Except with respect to interest income that may be released to us (i) up to
$3,000,000 to fund working capital requirements and (ii) any additional amounts needed to pay our
income and other tax obligations, the proceeds will not be released from the Trust Account until
the earlier of the completion of a business combination or liquidation, or for payments with
respect to shares of common stock converted in connection with the vote to approve an extension
period. The proceeds held in the Trust Account may be used as consideration to pay sellers of a
target business or businesses with which we complete a business combination. Any amounts not paid
as consideration to the sellers of the target business (excluding taxes and amounts permitted to be
disbursed for expenses as well as the amount held in the Trust Account representing deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions), may be used to finance operations of the target business.
B. Business overview
Introduction
Navios Acquisition was formed to acquire through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset
acquisition, stock purchase or other similar business combination one or more assets or operating
businesses in the marine transportation and logistics
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industries. We have selected December
31st as our fiscal year end. To date, our efforts have been limited to organizational
activities, our Initial Public Offering and the search for and negotiations with potential target
businesses for a business combination. As of the date of this filing, we have not acquired any
business operations and have no operations generating revenue.
We will seek to capitalize on the substantial investing and operating expertise of our
management team. Our executive officers and directors have extensive experience in the
international marine transportation and logistics industries. We intend to leverage this experience
in connection with our efforts to identify a prospective target business.
We intend to focus primarily on a target business in the marine transportation and logistics
industries including, without limitation, tankers, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum
gas, containers and logistics sectors. We may acquire assets directly or indirectly through the
purchase of businesses. We may also acquire service businesses, including companies that provide
technical or commercial management or other services to one or more segments of the marine
transportation and logistics industries.
We have identified the following general criteria that we believe are important in evaluating
a prospective target business. We will use these criteria in evaluating acquisition opportunities,
but we may decide to enter into a business combination with a target business that does not meet
these criteria.
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Fundamentally strong business. We will seek to acquire a business
that operates within a sector that has strong fundamentals, looking at
factors such as growth prospects, competitive dynamics, level of
consolidation, need for capital investment and barriers to entry. We
will seek to acquire a fundamentally strong business that may have
been mismanaged or undermanaged. For example, we will focus on
businesses that have demonstrable advantages when compared to their
competitors, which may help to protect profitability or deliver strong
free cash flow under multiple market conditions. |
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Potential for increased profitability or strong free cash flow
generation. We will seek to acquire a business that has the
potential to improve profitability significantly either through
improvement to the balance sheet, improvement to operations, or via
adding new management. We may also seek to acquire a business that has
the potential to generate strong and stable free cash flow. We will
focus on businesses that have known working capital and capital
expenditure requirements. We may also seek to leverage this cash flow
prudently to enhance stockholder value. |
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Reduced expenses. We will search for a business with the potential
to reduce operating expenses through, among other things, improved
technical or commercial management, increased efficiencies from
improved operations or asset mix, or via adoption of next generation
technology. |
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Expansion opportunities. We will search for a business with
opportunities to expand its businesses into related areas by, among
other things, making strategic acquisitions in new businesses or
adopting innovative marketing practices, repositioning itself to
attract new customers, and optimizing global expansion opportunities. |
Competitive Strengths
We believe that we have the following competitive strengths:
Operating expertise
Our management team has collectively 50 years of experience owning, operating and growing
successful businesses within the marine transportation and logistics industries. This experience
includes all aspects of the business, including commercial and technical management, operations,
engineering and finance. The management teams experience also includes identifying acquisition
targets and realizing value from assets and businesses in different business cycles and sectors
within the marine transportation and logistics industries.
We expect to leverage the significant operating expertise of our management team to identify,
acquire and operate a business whose operations or balance sheet can be fundamentally improved and
where there are opportunities for increased profitability. In addition, we believe that the
experience of our management team may provide us with opportunities to recruit highly qualified
executives.
While Navios Holdings does not have any contractual obligation to assist us in identifying a
target business and completing a business combination, we may have access to certain resources of
Navios Holdings, such as financial and
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accounting personnel, that may assist us in the process of
evaluating potential acquisition targets. Due to the substantial investment in us by Navios
Holdings, we would anticipate that such resources would be made available to us even though Navios
Holdings is not obligated to provide such resources.
Brand Name
Navios Holdings business was established by the United States Steel Corporation in 1954, and
we believe that it has built strong brand equity through over 50 years of working with raw
materials producers, exporters, and industrial end-users. Navios Holdings long-standing presence
in Asia has resulted in our management holding privileged relationships with many of the largest
trading houses in Japan. We believe that the Navios brand name will provide us with a competitive
advantage both in developing access to a target business and in operating any business ultimately
acquired.
Track record
Another distinguishing feature that we believe provides a competitive advantage is the proven
ability of our management to acquire and grow businesses. Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief
executive officer, was also the chairman and chief executive officer of International Shipping
Enterprises, Inc., or ISE, a blank check company that raised $196.65 million in December of 2004.
In August of 2005, ISE acquired Navios Holdings for $607.5 million. Today, Navios Holdings is a
global and vertically integrated seaborne shipping and logistics company focused on the transport
and transshipment of dry bulk commodities and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol NM. We believe many target businesses will view the consummation of that business
combination as a positive factor in considering whether to enter into a business combination with
us.
Unique platform for deal generation
Navios Holdings is one of the worlds largest independent dry bulk operators that uses
industry specific expertise to generate and administer investment opportunities. We believe our
relationship with Navios Holdings and its affiliates provides us with numerous benefits that are
key to our long-term growth and success, including Navios Holdings expertise in commercial
management, reputation within the shipping industry and network of strong relationships with many
of the worlds dry bulk raw material producers, agricultural traders and exporters, industrial
end-users, shipyards, and shipping companies. This expertise and these relationships provide a
unique platform for deal generation and allow access to a number of proprietary opportunities that
would otherwise be unavailable to us. Our executive officers and directors have extensive
experience in the shipping industry as leading managers, principals or directors of several
prominent worldwide shipping companies. In addition, they collectively comprise a strong pool of
expertise covering the key areas of shipping, with more than 100 years of total experience in
sourcing, negotiating and structuring transactions in the shipping industry. We intend to leverage
the industry experience of our executive officers, including their extensive contacts and
relationships, by focusing our efforts on identifying a prospective target business in the shipping
and related industries. We believe that Navios Holdings experience and extensive contacts in the
marine transportation and logistics industries increases our ability to identify investment
opportunities, conduct effective due diligence on potential target companies and to ultimately
operate a business in our targeted marine transportation and logistics sectors.
Intense focus on operational due diligence
Our management team will employ an extensive technical and operations focused due diligence
process that it believes will provide insight on key issues such as quality of assets and
operations, business valuations, capital structures, strategic vision and capabilities of the
acquisition targets management team. As a result, we believe we have certain analytical advantages
and insights in the marine transportation and logistics industries when we evaluate potential
business combination opportunities. During the due diligence phase, our management team will
carefully evaluate prospective business targets to uncover key issues that will drive value or, as
importantly, pose a significant risk (such as the quality of assets, contingent liabilities and
environmental issues). We believe our management teams deep and diverse set of skills in
management, operations and finance, together with our access to extensive mergers and acquisitions,
legal, financing, restructuring, tax and accounting experience will enable us to avoid potential
risks that other investors may not identify.
Status as a public company
We believe our structure will make us an attractive business combination partner to target
businesses that are not public companies (although we have the flexibility to acquire a public
company). As an existing public company, we offer a target business that is not itself a public
company an alternative to the traditional initial public offering through a merger or other
business combination. In this situation, the owners of the target business would exchange their
shares of stock in the target business for shares of our stock or for a combination of shares of
our stock and cash, allowing us to tailor the consideration to the specific needs of the sellers.
Although there are various costs and obligations associated with being a public
company, we believe
non-public target businesses will find this method a more certain and cost effective method to
becoming a public
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company than the typical initial public offering. In a typical initial public
offering, there are additional expenses incurred in marketing, road show and public reporting
efforts that are not expected to be present to the same extent in connection with a business
combination with us.
Financial position
With funds available net of proceeds held in the Trust Account, we offer a target business a
variety of options such as creating a liquidity event for its owners, providing capital for the
potential growth and expansion of its operations and strengthening its balance sheet by reducing
its debt ratio. Because we are able to consummate a business combination using our cash, debt or
equity securities, or a combination of the foregoing, we should have the flexibility to use the
most efficient combination that will allow us to tailor the consideration to be paid to the target
business to fit its specific needs. However, we have not taken any steps to secure third-party
financing and there can be no assurance it will be available to us.
Our Relationship with Navios Holdings and Navios Partners
Our efforts in identifying a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular
sector within the marine transportation and logistics industries. We believe that by focusing our
search for target businesses, we can capitalize on the management and advisory resources of Navios
Holdings in the maritime industry We believe our strategy of including target businesses within the
dry bulk shipping sector will allow us to take advantage of opportunities, resulting from the
market dislocation, which are outside the strategy and financial reach of our affiliates.
Our affiliates are:
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Navios Holdings. Navios Holdings is a global and vertically
integrated seaborne shipping and logistics company that specializes in
a wide range of dry bulk commodities, including iron ore, coal, and
grain. Although Navios Holdings derives a small portion of its revenue
from its logistics operations, most of Navios Holdings revenue and
net income are from vessel operations, which are virtually exclusively
in the dry bulk shipping sector. Navios Holdings policy for vessel
operations has led Navios Holdings to time charter-out many of its
vessels for short- to medium-term charters. |
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Navios Partners. Navios Partners operates dry bulk vessels that are
chartered out for a minimum of three years. The Navios Partners,
fleet currently consists of ten active Panamax vessels, one Capesize
vessel and one Ultra Handymax vessel. All of Navios Partners current
vessels operate under long-term charters-out with an average length of
approximately 3.9 years. All of Navios Partners vessels are currently
managed by Navios ShipManagement Inc. |
As a controlled affiliate of Navios Holdings, we are subject to the omnibus agreement between
Navios Holdings and Navios Partners that governs business opportunities within the dry bulk
shipping sector. Under the omnibus agreement, Navios Holdings agreed (and agreed to cause its
controlled affiliates, including us, to agree) to grant a right of first offer to Navios Partners
for any Panamax or Capesize dry bulk vessel subject to a charter for three or more years that it
acquires or may own. In June 2009, Navios Holdings was released from
the Omnibus Agreement restrictions for two years in connection with
acquiring such vessels from third parties (but not from the
requirement to offer to sell to Navios Partners qualifying vessels in
Navios Holdings existing fleet). Navios Partners and its subsidiaries granted to Navios Holdings a similar right of first
offer on any proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of any of its Panamax or Capesize dry
bulk carriers and related charters or any of its dry bulk vessels that is not a Panamax or Capesize
dry bulk vessel and related charters owned or acquired by it.
To resolve this conflict of interest,
we have entered into a right of first refusal agreement that grants us the first opportunity to
consider any business opportunity outside of the dry bulk shipping
sector. In June 2009, Navios Partners waived its rights of first
refusal with respect to an acquisition opportunity relating to such
vessels until(a) the consummation of a business combination, (b) the
liquidation and (c) June 2011. See Conflicts of
Interest.
Upon a change of control of Navios Holdings or Navios Partners, the noncompetition and right
of first offer provisions of the omnibus agreement, and hence our obligations thereunder, will
terminate within a specified period of time after such change in control. Our obligations under the
omnibus agreement will also be terminated whenever we are deemed no longer to be a controlled
affiliate of Navios Holdings.
Because of the overlap between Navios Holdings, Navios Partners and us with respect to
possible acquisitions under the terms of the omnibus agreement as
amended, we have entered into a business
opportunity right of first refusal agreement, which provides that, commencing on the date of the
prospectus related to our Initial Public Offering and extending until the earlier of the
consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation, we, Navios Holdings and Navios
Partners will share business opportunities in the marine transportation and logistics industries as
follows (subject to the amended Omnibus Agreement and the Waiver as
previously disclosed):
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We will have the first opportunity to consider any business opportunities outside of the dry bulk shipping sector. |
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Navios Holdings will have the first opportunity to consider any business opportunities within the dry bulk
shipping |
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sector, with the exception of any Panamax or Capesize dry bulk carrier under charter for three or more
years it might own. |
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Navios Partners has the first opportunity to consider any acquisition opportunity relating to any Panamax or
Capesize dry bulk carrier under charter for three or more years. |
Overview of the Marine Transportation and Marine Logistics Industries
The following is an overview of the marine transportation and marine logistics industries.
Marine Transportation
We will be looking to acquire a target business in the marine transportation sector. Marine
transportation involves, but is not limited to, the following:
Container Sector
Container vessels transport finished goods that are shipped in containers. A container is an
internationally standardized packing box for transport of cargo by road, rail or sea. The different
sizes of containers have been fixed by the International
Organization of Standardization. The twenty-foot container is the basic unit (referred to as
TEU, or Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), which is 20 feet in length and can be loaded with 15 to 20
tons of cargo. The other standard size container is 40 feet in length, and is designated as a
Forty-foot Equivalent Unit, or FEU. Such a container can carry up to 30 tons of cargo.
Container vessels are sized according to the number of containers that they can carry and
whether the vessels can traverse the Panama Canal or Suez Canal. The four major container vessel
categories, with reference to size, from smallest to largest, are as follows:
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Panamax: Container vessels with cargo capacity typically from 2,500 up to approximately 5,000 TEU. They
are constructed as the largest vessels capable of fitting through the Panama Canal (in terms of breadth
and length). |
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Post-Panamax: Container vessels with cargo capacity typically from 4,500 up to approximately 10,000 TEU. |
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Suezmax: Container vessels with cargo capacity typically of 10,000 -12,000 TEU. They are constructed as
the largest vessels capable of fitting through the Suez Canal (both in terms of breadth and draft, or the
maximum depth below a vessels waterline). |
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Post-Suezmax, or Malaccamax: These container vessels are currently in the design stage and are expected
to exceed a capacity of 12,000 TEU. They will also be designed to travel through the Strait of Malacca,
which is currently limited due to its draft restrictions. |
In addition, container ships called ro-ros (for roll-on, roll-off), which are equipped
with shore-based ramp systems for loading and unloading, are used to ship containers. Ro-ros are
usually associated with shorter trade routes, as they are unable to carry the volume of crane-based
container vessels. However, due to their flexibility and high speed, ro-ros are frequently used in
todays container markets. Various types of ro-ro vessels include ferries, cruise ferries and
barges. A true ro-ros ramps can serve all of the vessels decks; otherwise, it is a hybrid vessel.
New automobiles that are transported by ship around the world are often moved on a large type of
ro-ro called a Pure Car Carrier (PCC) or Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC).
Prices for individual vessels vary widely depending on the type, quality, age and expected
future earnings.
Tanker Sector
The world tanker fleet is divided into two primary categories, crude oil and product tankers.
Tanker charterers of wet cargoes will typically charter the appropriate sized tanker based on the
length of journey, cargo size and port and canal restrictions. Crude oil tankers are typically
larger than product tankers. The major tanker categories with reference to size are:
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Very Large Crude Carriers, or VLCCs: Tanker vessels that are used
to transport crude oil with cargo capacity typically 200,000 to
320,000 dwt that are more than 300 meters in length. VLCCs are highly
automated and their advanced computer systems allow for a minimal
crew. The majority of the worlds crude oil is transported via VLCCs. |
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Suezmax: Tanker vessels with cargo capacity typically 120,000 to
200,000 dwt. These vessels are used in some of the fastest growing oil
producing regions of the world, including oil coming from the Caspian
Sea and West Africa. Suezmax tankers are the largest ships able to
transit the Suez Canal with a full payload and are capable of both
long and short haul voyages. |
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Aframax: Tanker vessels with cargo capacity typically 80,000 to
120,000 dwt. These tankers carry crude oil and serve various trade
routes from short to medium distances, for example, from the North Sea
to Western Europe, to the Baltic Sea and to East Coast of the United
States. These vessels are able to enter a larger number of ports
throughout the world as compared to the larger crude oil tankers. |
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Panamax: Tanker vessels with a cargo capacity typically between
60,000 and 100,000 dwt. Panamax vessels are used for various long
distance trade routes, including those that traverse through the
Panama Canal. |
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Handymax: Versatile vessels that are dispersed in various
geographic locations throughout the world. Handymax vessels typically
have cargo capacity of 35,000 to 60,000 dwt. |
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Handysize: Smaller tanker vessels with cargo capacity up to 35,000
dwt. These vessels are used mainly for regional voyages, are extremely
versatile and can be used in smaller ports that lack infrastructure. |
Product. As opposed to crude oil tankers, which are usually larger, product tankers
typically have cargo capacities of less than 80,000 dwt. Product tankers are capable of carrying
refined petroleum products, such as fuel oils, gasoline and jet fuel, as well as various edible
oils, such as vegetable and palm oil. Chemicals, including ethanol and biofuels are carried in the
smaller sizes of these vessels.
Chemical. Chemical tankers are specialized product tankers designed to transport chemicals
in bulk. Ocean-going chemical tankers generally range from 5,000 to 40,000 dwt in size, which is
considerably smaller than the average size of other tanker types due to the specialized nature of
their cargoes and the size restrictions of the port terminals where they call to load and
discharge. Chemical tankers normally have a series of separate cargo tanks that are either coated
with specialized coatings such as phenolic epoxy or zinc paint, or made from stainless steel. The
coating or cargo tank material determines what types of cargo a particular tank can carry;
stainless steel tanks are required for aggressive acid cargoes such as sulphuric and phosphoric
acid, while easier cargoes, for example, vegetable oil, can be carried in epoxy coated tanks.
Chemical tankers often have a system for tank heating in order to maintain the viscosity of certain
cargoes. This system typically consists of a boiler that pumps pressurized steam through heating
coils to transfer heat into the cargo and circulate tank contents by convection. Cargo tanks are
completely separated and can be loaded and emptied fully independently of the other cargo tanks.
This enables a single tanker to load, transport and discharge separately a variety of chemicals.
Prices for individual vessels vary widely depending on the type, quality, age and expected
future earnings.
LNG Carrier Sector
LNG carriers transport liquefied natural gases, or LNG, internationally between liquefaction
facilities and import terminals. After natural gas is transported by pipeline from production
fields to a liquefaction facility, it is supercooled to a temperature of approximately negative 260
degrees Fahrenheit. This process reduces its volume to approximately 1/600th of its volume in a
gaseous state. The reduced volume facilitates economical storage and transportation by vessels over
long distances, enabling countries with limited natural gas reserves or limited access to
long-distance transmission pipelines to meet their demand for natural gas. LNG carriers include a
sophisticated containment system that holds and insulates the LNG so it maintains its liquid form.
The LNG is transported overseas in specially built tanks on double-hulled ships to a receiving
terminal, where it is offloaded and stored in heavily insulated tanks. In regasification facilities
at the receiving terminal, the LNG is returned to its gaseous state (or regasified) and then
shipped by pipeline for distribution to natural gas customers.
The LNG market includes private and state-controlled energy and utilities companies that
generally operate captive fleets and independent ship owners and operators. Many major energy
companies compete directly with independent owners by transporting LNG for third parties in
addition to their own LNG. Given the complex, long-term nature of LNG projects, major energy
companies historically have transported LNG through their captive fleets. However, independent
fleet operators have
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been obtaining an increasing percentage of charters for new or expanded LNG
projects as major energy companies have continued to divest their non-core businesses.
LPG Carrier Sector
LPG carriers are vessels that can transport liquid petroleum and petrochemical gases, as well
as ammonia. Liquid petroleum gases, or LPG, are produced as a byproduct of crude oil refining and
natural gas production, and are used primarily as fuel for transportation, residential and
commercial heating and cooking, and as a feedstock for the production of petrochemicals.
Petrochemical gases are used in the production of a vast array of chemicals and new production
technologies that allow plastic to displace metal, cotton, wood and other materials in an
increasing number of end-user products. LPG products are divided into three categories:
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Liquid petroleum gases, consisting mainly of butane and propane, are
carried in fully-pressurized vessels. These gases are used for
cooking, as fuel for cars, as fuel in refineries, as chemical
feedstock for industrial and fuel at power plants and gas utilities. |
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Petrochemical gases that are traded as butadiene, propylene and vinyl
chloride monomer, and ethylene, which are carried in semi-refrigerated
ships, since they require refrigeration to minus 104 degrees Celsius
to be transported in liquefied form. These petrochemical gases are
primarily used in the plastics manufacturing industry. |
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Ammonia, which is carried in fully-refrigerated vessels, is mainly
used in the fertilizer industry and as a feedstock in the
petrochemical industry. |
There are three main types of LPG carriers classified based on method of liquefaction:
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Fully-pressurized carriers. These carriers liquefy their cargoes at
ambient temperatures under high pressure of up to 17 bar (kg/cm2), are
generally small vessels of under 8,000 cubic meters, or cbm. The
majority of these vessels are less than 5,000 cbm. |
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Semi-refrigerated carriers. These carriers liquefy their cargoes
under a combination of pressure and refrigeration to temperatures down
to minus 48 degrees Celsius and pressure up to 9 bar (kg/cm2). Certain
semi-refrigerated carriers with gas plants are able to cool cargoes
further to minus 104 degrees Celsius and are referred to as ethylene
carriers. The majority of these vessels are less than 20,000 cbm. |
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Fully-refrigerated carriers. These carriers can liquefy their
cargoes at or under their boiling temperatures down to approximately
minus 48 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure with onboard
compressors. These vessels are typically 22,000 cbm and larger and
also carry clean petroleum products such as naphtha. |
Dry Bulk Shipping Sector
Dry bulk vessels are used to transport commodities such as iron ore, minerals, grains, forest
products, fertilizers, coking and steam coal. The dry bulk shipping sector can be divided into four
major vessel categories with reference to size. We may explore acquisitions of a target business
that is focused on these segments of the dry bulk shipping sector, including:
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Capesize: A drybulk carrier of at least 100,000 dwt in the shipping
industry generally. The Capesize sector is focused on long haul iron
ore and coal trade routes. The Capesize vessels in Navios Holdings fleet range
from approximately 170,000 to 181,000 dwt. |
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Panamax: A drybulk carrier of approximately 60,000 to 100,000 dwt in
the shipping industry generally, and of maximum legth, depth and draft
capable of passing fully loaded through the Pnama Canal. The Panamax
vessels in Navios Holdings fleet range from approximately 70,000 to
83,000 dwt. |
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Handymax/Ultra-Handymax: A drybulk carrier of approximately 30,000 to
60,000 dwt in the shipping industry generally. The Ultra-Handymax
vessels in Navios Holdings fleet range from approximately 50,000 to
59,000 dwt. |
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Handysize: Handysize vessels have a carrying capacity of up to 39,999
dwt. These vesels almost exclusively carry minor bulk cargo.
Increasingly, ships of this type operate on regional trading routes,
and may serve as trans-shipment feeders for larger vessels. Handysize
vessels are well suited for small ports with legth and draft
restrictions. Their cargo gear enables them to service ports lacking
the infrastructure for cargo loading and unloading. |
Prices for individual vessels vary widely depending on the type, quality, age and expected
future earnings.
Marine Logistics
We may also be looking to acquire a target business in the marine logistics sector. Marine
logistics involves, but is not limited to, the following:
Port, Storage and Terminal Operations
These are service businesses related to marine cargo handling from the time cargo, for or from
a vessel, arrive at shipside, dock, pier, terminal, staging area, or in-transit area until cargo
loading or unloading operations are completed. These businesses are engaged in, among other
activities, the development of the infrastructure of ports and specialized private berths,
warehousing, logistic services and regulatory matters, including compliance with customs
formalities.
River Barge Operations
These companies own river barges and pushboats to transport cargos across major river trading
routes globally. The cargoes transported would include but not be limited to the following:
Liquid Cargo
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Hydrocarbons (crude oil, gas oil, naphtas, fuel oil, JP1, etc.) |
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Vegetable oils |
Liquefied Cargo
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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) |
Dry Cargo
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Cereals (cotton pellets, soy bean, wheat, etc.) |
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Limestone (clinker) |
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Mineral iron |
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Rolling stones |
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General Cargo Containers Special cargoes |
Specialized Vessel Operations
These include fuel bunkers, supply vessels, service vessels and anchor handlers that perform
various functions related to the supply and maintenance of offshore oil rigs. Also included are
multipurpose vessels with heavy gear capacity to service containers and specialty cargoes such as
for shipyards, oil refineries, modification requirements and the full range of steel products.
Offshore Supply Operations
These companies provide critical logistic and transportation services for offshore petroleum
exploration and production companies. Typical opportunities in the offshore supply business would
include companies/assets providing delivery of drilling
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supplies, fuels, water and food, movement
of personnel, towing rigs to and from different locations, providing safety, emergency response and
other general support functions for offshore construction projects.
Management Sector
Instead of acquiring a target business owning or operating vessels, we may seek to acquire
service businesses engaged in, among other activities, operational management, brokerage,
maintenance and technical support. Service businesses we may seek to acquire would typically be
engaged in:
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Technical management services, such as crew retention and training,
maintenance, repair, capital expenditures, dry-docking, payment of
vessel tonnage tax, maintaining insurance and other vessel operating
activities; or |
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Commercial management services, such as finding employment for
vessels, vessel acquisition and disposition, freight and charter hire
collection, accounts control, appointment of agents, bunkering and
cargo claims handling and settlements. |
We may also seek to acquire a target business actively engaged in the contract of
affreightment, or COA, market. A COA is a service contract under which a vessel owner agrees to
transport multiple cargoes, at a specified rate per ton, between designated loading and discharge
ports. A COA does not designate any particular vessel but does require a specified amount of cargo
to be carried during the term of the COA, which usually spans a number of months or years. A COA
arrangement also provides flexibility in that both the contract and the cargo may also be re-let to
other parties, allowing the COA holder effectively to trade its paper contract as well as the
cargo subject to such contract.
Governmental and other Regulations
Sources of applicable rules and standards
Shipping is one of the worlds most heavily regulated industries, and in addition it is
subject to many industry standards. Government regulation significantly affects the ownership and
operation of vessels. These regulations consist mainly of rules and standards established by
international conventions, but they also include national, state, and local laws and regulations in
force in jurisdictions where vessels may operate or are registered, and which are commonly more
stringent that international rules and standards. This is the case particularly in the United
States and, increasingly, in Europe.
A variety of governmental and private entities subject vessels to both scheduled and
unscheduled inspections. These entities include local port authorities (the U.S. Coast Guard,
harbor masters or equivalent entities), classification societies, flag state administration
(country vessel of registry), state and local governmental pollution control agencies and
charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require vessel owners to
obtain permits, licenses, and certificates for the operation of their vessels. Failure to maintain
necessary permits or approvals could require a vessel owner to incur substantial costs or
temporarily suspend operation of one or more of its vessels.
Heightened levels of environmental and quality concerns among insurance underwriters,
regulators, and charterers continue to lead to greater inspection and safety requirements on all
vessels and may accelerate the scrapping of older vessels throughout the industry. Increasing
environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental
standards. Vessel owners are required to maintain operating standards for all vessels that will
emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of officers and crews and
compliance with U.S. and international regulations.
International Environmental Regulations
The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, has negotiated a number of international
conventions concerned with preventing, reducing or controlling pollution from ships. These fall
into two main categories, one consisting of those concerned generally with ship safety standards,
and the other of those specifically concerned with measures to prevent pollution.
Ship safety regulation
In the former category, the primary international instrument is the Safety of Life at Sea
Convention 1974, as amended, (SOLAS), together with the regulations and codes of practice that form
part of its regime. Much of SOLAS is not directly concerned with preventing pollution, but some of
its safety provisions are intended to prevent pollution as well as promote safety of life and
preservation of property. These regulations have been and continue to be regularly amended as new
and higher safety standards are introduced with which we are required to comply.
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An amendment of SOLAS introduced the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which
has been effective since July 1998. Under the ISM Code the party with operational control of a
vessel is required to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other
things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and
procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to
emergencies. The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for
each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessels management with code
requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a certificate unless its manager
has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by the respective flag state for the vessel,
under the ISM Code. Noncompliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject a
shipowner to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for
affected vessels, and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. For
example, the U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in
compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in ports in the United States and
European Union.
Another amendment of SOLAS, made after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September
11, 2001, introduced special measures to enhance maritime security, including the International
Ship and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code. Our owned fleet should maintain ISM and ISPS
certifications for safety and security of operations.
Regulations to prevent pollution from ships
In the secondary main category of international regulation the primary instrument is the
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, or MARPOL, which imposes
environmental standards on the shipping industry set out in Annexes I-VI of the Convention. These
contain regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil (Annex I), by noxious liquid substances
in bulk (Annex II), by harmful substances in packaged forms within the scope of the International
Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (Annex III), by sewage (Annex IV), by garbage (Annex V), and by air
emissions (Annex VI).
These regulations have been and continue to be regularly amended as new and higher standards
of pollution prevention are introduced with which we are required to comply.
For example, MARPOL Annex VI, together with the NOx Technical Code established thereunder,
sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits
deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons. It also includes a
global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with
more stringent controls on sulfur emissions. Originally adopted in September 1997, Annex VI came
into force in May 2005 and was amended in October 2008 (as was the NOx Technical Code) to provide
for progressively more stringent limits on such emissions from 2010 onwards. These regulations are
enforced by the member states. We anticipate incurring costs in complying with these more
stringent standards.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In February 2005, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change entered into force. Pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol, adopting countries are required to
implement national programs to reduce emissions of certain gases, generally referred to as
greenhouse gases, which are suspected of contributing to global warming. Currently, the greenhouse
gas emissions from international shipping do not come under the Kyoto Protocol. The European Union
confirmed in April 2007 that it plans to expand the European Union emissions trading scheme by
adding vessels. In the United States (which did not join the Kyoto Protocol), the California
Attorney General and a coalition of environmental groups petitioned the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, or EPA, in October 2007 to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from ocean-going
ships under the Clean Air Act. While the petition was originally denied, the new EPA administration
is reconsidering the petition in its entirety. The UN Climate Change Conference 2009 in Copenhagen
resulted in only very limited international accord on the subject of greenhouse gas emissions from
ships, with no agreement reached specifically in relation to shipping, but emissions from ships were
the subject of considerable debate, when expectations were voiced that the IMO continue its
examination of such emissions with a view to introducing measures to reduce and control them. Any
passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, European Union,
or individual countries where we operate that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases from vessels
could require us to make significant financial expenditures we cannot predict with certainty at
this time.
Other international regulations to prevent pollution
In addition to MARPOL other more specialized international instruments have been adopted to
prevent different types of pollution or environmental harm from ships. In February 2004, the IMO
adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and
Sediments, or the BWM Convention. The BWM Conventions implementing regulations call for a phased
introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements (beginning in 2009), to be replaced
in time with mandatory concentration limits. The BWM Convention will not enter into force until 12
months after it has been adopted by 30 states, the combined merchant fleets of which represent not
less than 35% of the gross tonnage of the worlds merchant shipping. To date, there has not been
sufficient adoption of this standard by governments that are members of the convention for it to
take force. Moreover, the IMO has supported deferring the requirements of this convention that
would first come into effect on December 31, 2011, even if it were to be adopted earlier.
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European regulations
European regulations in the maritime sector are in general based on international law.
However, since the Erika incident in 1999, the European Community has become increasingly active in
the field of regulation of maritime safety and protection of the environment. It has been the
driving force behind a number of amendments of MARPOL (including, for example, changes to
accelerate the time-table for the phase-out of single hull tankers, and to prohibit the carriage in
such tankers of heavy grades of oil), and if dissatisfied either with the extent of such amendments
or with the time-table for their introduction it has been prepared to legislate on a unilateral
basis. In some instances where it has done so, international regulations have subsequently been
amended to the same level of stringency as that introduced in Europe, but the risk is well
established that EU regulations may from time to time impose burdens and costs on shipowners and
operators which are additional to those involved in complying with international rules and
standards.
In some areas of regulation the EU has introduced new laws without attempting to procure a
corresponding amendment of international law. Notably it adopted in 2005 a directive on ship-source
pollution, imposing criminal sanctions for pollution not only where this is caused by intent or
recklessness (which would be an offence under MARPOL), but also where it is caused by serious
negligence. The directive could therefore result in criminal liability being incurred in
circumstances where it would not be incurred under international law. Experience has shown that in
the emotive atmosphere often associated with pollution incidents, retributive attitudes towards
ship interests have found expression in negligence being alleged by prosecutors and found by courts
on grounds which the international maritime community has found hard to understand. Moreover there
is skepticism that the notion of serious negligence is likely to prove any narrower in practice
than ordinary negligence. Criminal liability for a pollution incident could not only result in us
incurring substantial penalties or fines but may also, in some jurisdictions, facilitate civil
liability claims for greater compensation than would otherwise have been payable.
United States Environmental Regulations and laws governing civil liability for pollution
Environmental legislation in the United States merits particular mention as it is in many
respects more onerous than international laws, representing a high-water mark of regulation with
which shipowners and operators must comply, and of liability likely to be incurred in the event of
non-compliance or an incident causing pollution. Additionally, pursuant to the U.S.federal laws,
each state may enact more stringent regulations, thus subjecting shipowners to dual liability.
Notably, California has adopted regulations that parallel most, if not all of the federal
regulations explained below. We intend to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports
where our vessels call.
U.S. federal legislation, including notably the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA 90,
establishes an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the
environment from oil spills, including bunker oil spills from dry bulk vessels as well as cargo or
bunker oil spills from tankers. OPA 90 affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade in the
United States, its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in United States waters,
which includes the United States territorial sea and its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic
zone. Under OPA 90, vessel owners, operators and bareboat charterers are responsible parties and
are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or
omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs
and other damages arising from discharges or substantial threats of discharges, of oil from their
vessels. In addition to potential liability under OPA as the relevant federal legislation, vessel
owners may in some instances incur liability on an even more stringent basis under state law in the
particular state where the spillage occurred. For example, California regulates oil spills
pursuant to California Government Code section 8670, et seq. These regulations prohibit the
discharge of oil, require an oil contingency plan be filed with the state, require that the
shipowner contract with an oil response organization and require a valid certificated of financial
responsibility, all prior to the vessel entering state waters.
Title VII of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, or the CGMTA, amended
OPA to require the owner or operator of any non-tank vessel of 400 gross tons or more, that carries
oil of any kind as a fuel for main propulsion, including bunkers, to prepare and submit a response
plan for each vessel on or before August 8, 2005. Prior to this amendment, these provisions of OPA
applied only to vessels that carry oil in bulk as cargo. However, before the federal requirements
took effect, many of the individual states had previously adopted requirements for response plans
for both non-tank and vessels. The vessel response plans must include detailed information on
actions to be taken by vessel personnel to prevent or mitigate any discharge or substantial threat
of such a discharge of ore from the vessel due to operational activities or casualties. OPA 90 had
historically limited liability of responsible parties to the greater of $600 per gross ton or $0.5
million per containership that is over 300 gross tons (subject to possible adjustment for
inflation). Amendments to OPA which came into effect on July 11, 2006 increased the liability
limits for responsible parties for any vessel other than a tank vessel to $950 per gross ton or
$0.8 million, whichever is greater. For tank vessels the limit depends on the size and construction
of the vessel, and can be up to $3,000 per gross ton or $22 million, whichever is greater.
These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was directly caused by violation of
applicable United States federal safety, construction or operating regulations or by a responsible
partys gross negligence or willful misconduct, or if the
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responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in
connection with oil removal activities. In addition, liability under some state laws do not
include any limits, and thus, while limitation may be available under federal law, liability under
state law is considered unlimited forcing a vessel owner or operator to first pay under state law
and then possibly seek reimbursement from the federal government under the limitation provisions of
OPA 90.
In addition, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or
CERCLA, which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances (other than oil) whether on land or
at sea, contains a similar liability regime and provides for cleanup, removal and natural resource
damages. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $0.5 million for
vessels not carrying hazardous substances as cargo or residue, unless the incident is caused by
gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a violation of certain regulations, in which case
liability is unlimited.
OPA requires owners and operators of all vessels over 300 gross tons, even those that do not
carry petroleum or hazardous substances as cargo, to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast
Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet their potential liabilities under
OPA. The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented regulations requiring evidence of financial
responsibility in the amount of $900 per gross ton, which includes the OPA limitation on liability
of $600 per gross ton and the CERCLA liability limit of $300 per gross ton for vessels not carrying
hazardous substances as cargo or residue. Under the regulations, vessel owners and operators may
evidence their financial responsibility by showing proof of insurance, surety bond, self-insurance
or guaranty, through instruments known as Certificates of Financial Responsibility or COFR.. On
February 6, 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard proposed amendments to the financial responsibility
regulations to increase the required amount of such COFRs to $1,250 per gross ton to reflect the
2006 increases in limits on OPA 90 liability. The increased amounts will become effective 90 days
after the proposed regulations are finalized.
Under OPA, an owner or operator of a fleet of vessels is required only to demonstrate evidence
of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to cover the vessel in the fleet having the
greatest maximum liability under OPA. Under the self-insurance provisions, the shipowner or
operator must have a net worth and working capital, measured in assets located in the United States
against liabilities located anywhere in the world, that exceeds the applicable amount of financial
responsibility. We would comply with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations by providing a certificate of
responsibility from third-party entities that are acceptable to the U.S. Coast Guard evidencing
sufficient self-insurance.
The U.S. Coast Guards regulations concerning COFRs provide, in accordance with OPA, that
claimants may bring suit directly against an insurer or guarantor that furnishes COFRs. In the
event that such insurer or guarantor is sued directly, it is prohibited from asserting any
contractual defense that it may have had against the responsible party and is limited to asserting
those defenses available to the responsible party and the defense that the incident was caused by
the willful misconduct of the responsible party. Certain organizations that had typically provided
COFRs under pre-OPA laws, including the major protection and indemnity organizations, have declined
to furnish evidence of insurance for vessel owners and operators if they are subject to direct
actions or required to waive insurance policy defenses. This requirement may have the effect of
limiting the availability of the type of coverage required by the U.S. Coast Guard and could
increase our costs of obtaining this insurance as well as the costs of our competitors that also
require such coverage. In addition to these liabilities, the vessel owner or operator may incur
the costs of response and clean-up, as well as damages to natural resources.
The United States Clean Water Act, or the Clean Water Act, prohibits the discharge of oil or
hazardous substances in U.S. navigable waters and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties
for unauthorized discharges. The Clean Water Act also imposes substantial liability for the costs
of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under CERCLA. Pursuant
to regulations promulgated by the EPA, in the early 1970s, the discharge of sewage and effluent
from properly functioning marine engines was exempted from the permit requirements of the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System. This exemption allowed vessels in U.S. ports to discharge
certain substances, including ballast water, without obtaining a permit to do so. However, on March
30, 2005, a U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted summary judgment to
certain environmental groups and U.S. states that had challenged the EPA regulations, arguing that
the EPA exceeded its authority in promulgating them. On September 18, 2006, the U.S. District Court
issued an order invalidating the exemption in the EPAs regulations for all discharges incidental
to the normal operation of a vessel and directing the EPA to develop a system for regulating all
discharges from vessels by that date.
To comply with this court mandate, the EPA issued a final vessel general permit, or VGP, that
establishes effluent discharge limits for 28 different vessel discharges. We are required to
comply with the terms of the permit, including the including the state-specific conditions imposed
by the individual states in certifying the permit. In addition, we will be required to file a
notice of intent to continue operations under the VGP, or file for an individual permit. We would
be required to install the necessary controls to meet these limitations and/or otherwise restrict
our vessel traffic in U.S. waters. The installation, operation and upkeep of these systems increase
the costs of operating in the United States and other jurisdictions where similar requirements
might be adopted. In addition, states have enacted legislation or regulations to address invasive
species through ballast water and hull cleaning management and permitting requirements
The Federal Clean Air Act, or the CAA requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to
emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels would be subject to
CAA vapor control and recovery standards for cleaning fuel tanks and conducting other operations in
regulated port areas and emissions standards for so-called Category 3
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marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters. The marine diesel engine emission standards
are currently limited to new engines beginning with the 2004 model year. In November 2007, the EPA
announced its intention to proceed with development of more stringent standards for emissions of
particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides and other related provisions for new
Category 3 marine diesel engines, consistent with the United States proposal to amend Annex VI of
MARPOL described above. If these proposals are adopted and apply not only to engines manufactured
after the effective date but also to existing marine diesel engines, we may incur costs to install
control equipment on our vessels to comply with the new standards. The EPA has also been required
pursuant to litigation, to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA has just begun the process
and recently published the mandatory greenhouse gas reporting regulation. While these regulations
currently require engine manufacturers to report engine emissions, EPA has made it clear that they
intend to continue gathering information on whether it should require engine operators to also
report. EPA may also adopt regulations near-term, to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. These
regulations would add to the operational and control equipment costs incurred in complying with
criteria pollutant regulations.
On February 4, 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a policy letter outlining the steps it will
take to enforce MARPOL Annex VI, or the Annex. In addition to reviewing the certificates, fuels
sales records and logs that the Annex VI requires, the U.S. Cost Guard intends to conduct onboard
inspections of relevant systems, as well as take fuel samples. These increased inspection and
sampling requirements may add cost to the current compliance costs for the Annex.
The last few years have seen an increase in air pollution regulations by U.S. state and local
authorities applying to the shipping industry. California, in particular, has adopted regulations
requiring the use of shoreside power for shipping fleets, banning incineration within local waters,
requiring the use of low sulfur fuels, and proposals to reduce vessel speeds. These regulations
impose standards and monitoring requirements on vessel owners and operators. These regulations
require expenditures to add controls or operating methods as well as liabilities for noncompliance.
As noted above, in the United States, the California Attorney General and a coalition of
environmental groups petitioned the EPA in October 2007 to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from
ocean going ships under the CAA. Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory
initiatives by the IMO, European Union, or individual countries where we operate, including the
U.S., that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases from vessels could require us to make significant
financial expenditures the amount of which we cannot predict with certainty at this time.
Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there have been a variety of initiatives
intended to enhance vessel security. On November 25, 2002, MTSA came into effect. To implement
certain portions of the MTSA, in July 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations requiring the
implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States. Similarly, in December 2002, amendments to SOLAS created a new
chapter of the convention dealing specifically with maritime security. The new chapter went into
effect on July 1, 2004, and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port
authorities, most of which are contained in the newly created ISPS Code. Among the various
requirements are:
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on-board installation of automatic information systems to enhance
vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communications; |
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on-board installation of ship security alert systems; |
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the development of vessel security plans; and |
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compliance with flag state security certification requirements. |
The U.S. Coast Guard regulations, intended to be aligned with international maritime security
standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels had on
board, by July 1, 2004, a valid ISSC that attests to the vessels compliance with SOLAS security
requirements and the ISPS Code.
International laws governing civil liability to pay compensation or damages
In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil
Pollution Damage, or the Bunkers Convention, which imposes strict liability on shipowners for
pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker oil.
The Bunkers Convention defines bunker oil as any hydrocarbon mineral oil, including lubricating
oil, used or intended to be used for the operation or propulsion of the ship, and any residues of
such oil. The Bunkers Convention also requires registered owners of ships over a certain size to
maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the
applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in
accordance with the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims of 1976, as amended,
or the 1976 Convention). The Bunkers Convention entered into force on November 21, 2008, and in
early 2009 it was in effect
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in 47 states. In other jurisdictions liability for spills or releases of oil from ships
bunkers continues to be determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where
the events or damages occur.
We may decide to acquire and operate one or more tankers, which in certain circumstances may
be subject to national and international laws governing pollution from such vessels. When a tanker
is carrying a cargo of persistent oil as defined by the Civil Liability Convention 1992 (CLC)
her owner bears strict liability for any pollution damage caused in a contracting state by an
escape or discharge from her cargo or from her bunker tanks. This liability is subject to a
financial limit calculated by reference to the tonnage of the ship, and the right to limit
liability may be lost if the spill is caused by the shipowners intentional or reckless conduct.
Liability may also be incurred under CLC for a bunker spill from the vessel even when she is not
carrying such a cargo, but is in ballast.
When a tanker is carrying clean oil products which do not constitute persistent oil for
the purposes of CLC, liability for any pollution damage will generally fall outside the Convention
and will depend on national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the spillage occurs.
The same applies to any pollution from the vessel in a jurisdiction which is not a party to the
Convention. The Convention applies in over 100 states around the world, but it does not apply in
the United States of America, where the corresponding liability laws are noted for being
particularly stringent.
Outside the United States, national laws generally provide for the owner to bear strict
liability for pollution, subject to a right to limit liability under applicable national or
international regimes for limitation of liability. The most widely applicable international regime
limiting maritime pollution liability is the 1976 Convention. Rights to limit liability under the
1976 Convention are forfeited where a spill is caused by a shipowners intentional or reckless
conduct. Some states have ratified the IMOs Protocol of 1976 to the 1976 Convention, which
provides for liability limits substantially higher than those set forth in the 1976 Convention to
apply in such states. Finally, some jurisdictions are not a party to either the 1976 Convention or
the Protocol of 1996, and, therefore, shipowners rights to limit liability for maritime pollution
in such jurisdictions may be uncertain.
Inspection by Classification Societies
Every sea going vessel must be classed by a classification society. The classification
society certifies that the vessel is in class, signifying that the vessel has been built and
maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies with applicable
rules and regulations of the vessels country of registry and the international conventions of
which that country is a member. In addition, where surveys are required by international
conventions and corresponding laws and ordinances of a flag state, the classification society will
undertake them on application or by official order, acting on behalf of the authorities concerned.
The classification society also undertakes, on request, other surveys and checks that are
required by regulations and requirements of the flag state. These surveys are subject to agreements
made in each individual case or to the regulations of the country concerned. For maintenance of the
class, regular and extraordinary surveys of hull, machinery (including the electrical plant) and
any special equipment classed are required to be performed as follows:
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Annual Surveys: For ocean-going ships, annual surveys are conducted
for the hull and the machinery (including the electrical plant) and,
where applicable, for special equipment classed, at intervals of 12
months from the date of commencement of the class period indicated in
the certificate. |
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Intermediate Surveys: Extended annual surveys are referred to as
intermediate surveys and typically are conducted two and a half years
after commissioning and each class renewal. Intermediate surveys may
be carried out on the occasion of the second or third annual survey. |
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Class Renewal Surveys: Class renewal surveys, also known as special
surveys, are carried out for the ships hull, machinery (including the
electrical plant), and for any special equipment classed, at the
intervals indicated by the character of classification for the hull.
At the special survey, the vessel is thoroughly examined, including
audio-gauging, to determine the thickness of its steel structure.
Should the thickness be found to be less than class requirements, the
classification society would prescribe steel renewals. The
classification society may grant a one-year grace period for
completion of the special survey. Substantial amounts of money may
have to be spent for steel renewals to pass a special survey if the
vessel experiences excessive wear and tear. In lieu of the special
survey every four or five years, depending on whether a grace period
was granted, a shipowner has the option of arranging with the
classification society for the vessels integrated hull or machinery
to be on a continuous survey cycle, in which every part of the vessel
would be surveyed within a five-year cycle. |
Effecting a business combination
36
General
We are not presently engaged in any substantive commercial business. We intend to utilize cash
derived from the proceeds of our Initial Public Offering, our capital stock, debt or a combination
of these in effecting a business combination. Although substantially all of the net proceeds of our
Initial Public Offering are intended to be applied generally toward effecting a business
combination, the proceeds are not otherwise being designated for any more specific purposes.
Accordingly, investors will invest in us without an opportunity to evaluate the specific merits or
risks of any one or more business combinations. A business combination may involve the acquisition
of or merger with, a target business that does not need substantial additional capital but that
desires to establish a public trading market for its shares, while avoiding what it may deem to be
adverse consequences of undertaking a public offering itself. These include time delays,
significant expense, loss of voting control and compliance with various federal and state
securities laws. In the alternative, we may seek to consummate a business combination with a target
business that may be financially unstable or in its early stages of development or growth or to
begin operations by purchasing vessels, in which case we would be subject to the risks inherent in
being a start-up business, although it is not our current intention to do so. While we may seek to
effect business combinations with more than one target business, it is likely that initially we
will have the ability to consummate only a single business combination, although this may entail
the simultaneous acquisitions of several operating businesses at the same time.
We have not identified a target business
As mentioned above, to date, neither we nor Navios Holdings has selected any target business
with which to seek a business combination with us. None of our officers, directors, promoters or
other affiliates, including Navios Holdings, is currently engaged in discussions on our behalf with
representatives of other companies regarding the possibility of a potential merger, capital stock
exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase or other similar business combination with us, nor have
we, nor any of our agents or affiliates, including Navios Holdings, been approached by any
candidates (or representative of any candidates) with respect to a possible business combination
with us. Additionally, we have not engaged or retained any agent or other representative to
identify or locate any suitable acquisition candidate for us. Neither we nor Navios Holdings has
established any specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for our prospective target
businesses except for those factors described below under Effecting a business combination -
Selection of a target business and structuring of a business combination. Finally, we note that
there has been no diligence, discussions, negotiations and/or other similar activities undertaken,
directly or indirectly, by Navios Holdings or us, our affiliates or representatives, or by any
third party, with respect to a business combination transaction with us.
Subject to the limitation that a target business has a fair market value of at least 80% of
our net assets (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions held in the Trust
Account) at the time of the acquisition, as described below in more detail, we will have virtually
unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting a prospective acquisition candidate.
Accordingly, there is no basis for investors in this offering to evaluate the possible merits or
risks of the target business with which we may ultimately consummate a business combination.
Although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target
business, we cannot assure you that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risk
factors.
Sources of target businesses
Our officers and directors, as well as their affiliates, may bring to our attention a target
business that they become aware of through their business contacts. While our officers and
directors make no commitment as to the amount of time they will spend trying to identify or
investigate potential target businesses, they believe that the various relationships they have
developed over their careers, together with direct inquiry, will generate a number of potential
target businesses that will warrant further investigation. In no event will we pay any of our
existing officers, directors or stockholders or any entity with which they are affiliated any
finders fee or other compensation for services rendered to us prior to or in connection with the
consummation of a business combination.
We anticipate that a target business may also be brought to our attention from various
unaffiliated sources, including investment bankers, venture capital funds, private equity funds,
leveraged buyout funds, management buyout funds, ship brokers and other members of the financial or
shipping community, who may present solicited or unsolicited proposals. We expect such sources to
become aware that we are seeking a business combination candidate by a variety of means, such as
publicly available information, public relations and marketing efforts, articles that may be
published in industry trade journals discussing our intent to make acquisitions, and/or direct
contact by our management. We will make a preliminary judgment about the relative merits and timing
of a shipping opportunity employing our market knowledge, which is based upon published vessel
values and charter rates, notably those of Clarksons Shipping Services or Drewry Shipping
Consultants, Ltd., among others; market-and vessel-specific information provided to us by ship
brokers and charterers; information obtained by us
through the ordinary course of business as a result of general discussions with ship owners,
managers and other industry players; and transaction-specific information resulting from
unsolicited approaches, proposals or offers from third parties. While we do not presently
anticipate engaging the services of professional firms that specialize in acquisitions on any
formal
37
basis, we may decide to engage such firms in the future or we may be approached on an
unsolicited basis, in which event their compensation (which would be equal to a percentage of the
fair market value of the transaction as agreed upon at the time of such engagement or agreement
with a party that brings us an unsolicited proposal, as the case may be) may be paid from the Trust
Account proceeds not held in the Trust Account. Any finder or broker would only be paid a fee upon
the consummation of a business combination. Further, because any finder or broker that we engage
will be required to sign a waiver of claims against the trust, such firms or individuals will not
be entitled to receive any funds from the Trust Account upon our liquidation.
Selection of a target business and structuring of a business combination
Subject to the requirement that our initial business combination must be with a target
business with a collective fair market value that is at least 80% of our net assets (excluding
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions held in the Trust Account) at the time of such
acquisition, our management will have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and
selecting a prospective target business. We have not conducted any specific research on the marine
transportation and logistics industries to date, nor have we conducted any research with respect to
identifying the number and characteristics of the potential acquisition candidates or the
likelihood or probability of success of any proposed business combination. Since we have not yet
analyzed the businesses available for acquisition and have not identified a target business, we
have not established any specific attributes or criteria (financial or otherwise) for the
evaluation of prospective target businesses, except for the factors described below. In evaluating
a prospective target business, our management will conduct the necessary business, legal and
accounting due diligence on such target business and will consider, among other factors that we
deem relevant at such time based on the identity of such target business, the following:
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potential for increased profitability or strong free cash flow generation; |
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potential to reduce operating expenses; |
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expansion opportunities; |
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quality of assets and operations; |
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business valuations; |
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capital structures; |
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strategic vision and capabilities of the acquisition targets management team; |
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earnings and growth potential; |
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experience and skill of management and availability of additional personnel; |
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capital requirements; |
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cash flow and cash flow growth potential; |
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stability of cash flow; |
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competitive position; |
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financial condition and results of operation; |
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barriers to entry into the marine transportation and logistics industries; |
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breadth of services offered; |
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degree of current or potential market acceptance of the services; |
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regulatory environment of the marine transportation and logistics industries; |
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costs associated with effecting the business combination; |
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contingent liabilities; |
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pension matters; And |
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environmental issues. |
Because we do not know in which segment of the marine transportation and logistics industries
we will be considering a target business, we have listed the foregoing general factors. These
criteria are not intended to be exhaustive. In evaluating a prospective target business, we will
conduct an extensive due diligence review that will encompass, among other things, meetings with
incumbent management, where applicable, and inspection of facilities, as well as review of
financial and other information that will be made available to us. Any evaluation relating to the
merits of a particular business combination will be based, to the extent relevant, on the listed
factors, as well as other considerations deemed relevant by our management in effecting a
particular business combination. We have not conducted any research with respect to identifying the
number and characteristics of potential acquisition candidates, nor is it possible for us to list
the number of market participants that fall within each of the sectors in the shipping sector
identified by us, as the marine transportation and logistics industries are generally highly
fragmented and, aside from the handful of publicly traded shipping companies, characterized by a
lack of transparency in ownership or corporate structure, the possibility of companies selling
pieces or divisions of themselves and new ships constantly being built, all of which factors limit
our ability to approximate the number of market participants in each sector.
The time and costs required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and
consummate the business combination cannot presently be ascertained with any degree of certainty.
Any costs incurred with respect to the identification and evaluation of a prospective target
business with which a business combination is not ultimately consummated will result in a loss to
us and reduce the amount of capital available to otherwise consummate a business combination.
However, we will not
pay any finders or consulting fees to our initial stockholders, or any of their respective
affiliates, for services rendered to or in connection with a business combination.
Fair market value of target business
The initial target business that we acquire must have a collective fair market value equal to
at least 80% of our net assets (excluding deferred underwriting discounts and commissions held in
the Trust Account) at the time of such acquisition. In order to consummate such an acquisition, we
may issue a significant amount of our debt or equity securities to the sellers of such businesses
and/or seek to raise additional funds through an issuance of debt or equity securities. Since we
have no specific business combination under consideration, we have not entered into any such fund
raising arrangement and have no current intention of doing so.
The fair market value of such target business will be determined by our board of directors
based upon valuation criteria accepted by the financial community, such as actual and potential
sales, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, net income, cash available for
distributions, net asset value, cash flow and book value. The valuation process could involve
obtaining two or three appraisals from independent ship brokers. These appraisals, in accordance
with standard industry practice, are based on a description of the particular vessel (including
size, age and type), as well as the appraisers review of publicly available maintenance records
for vessels that are not new. It is not anticipated that such appraisers will agree to allow our
stockholders to rely directly on the appraisals.
Our officers and directors have experience evaluating target businesses based upon the
valuation criteria set forth in the preceding paragraph and have performed such evaluations for
transactions valued in the range contemplated by our Initial Public Offering. Satisfaction of the
80% threshold is determined by calculating the fair market value of what we receive in the business
combinations and comparing it to 80% of our net assets (excluding deferred underwriting discounts
and commissions held in the Trust Account). Whether assets or stock of a target business is
acquired, including if we acquire less than 100% of an entitys stock, such assets or stock
received by us would be evaluated based upon such financial criteria in order to determine if the
fair market value of such assets or stock equals at least 80% of our net assets.
39
If our board of directors is not able to determine independently that the target business has
a sufficient fair market value (for example, if the financial analysis is too complicated for our
board of directors to perform on their own), we will obtain an opinion from an unaffiliated,
independent investment banking firm that is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, or FINRA, or from another qualified independent consultant or advisory firm with respect
to the satisfaction of such criteria. The willingness of an investment banking firm or consultant
to provide for reliance by our stockholders would be one factor considered by us in selecting an
independent investment banking firm.
If we do obtain the opinion of an investment banking firm or consultant, a summary of the
opinion will be contained in the proxy statement that will be mailed to stockholders in connection
with obtaining approval of the business combination, and the investment banking firm or consultant
will consent to the inclusion of their report in our proxy statement. We will not be required to
obtain an opinion from an investment banking firm or consultant as to the fair market value if our
board of directors independently determines that the target business has sufficient fair market
value.
Possible lack of business diversification
While we may seek to effect business combinations with more than one target business, our
initial business combination must be with a target business that satisfies the minimum valuation
standard at the time of such acquisition, as discussed above. Consequently, it is likely that we
will have the ability to effect only one, or perhaps, two business combinations, although this may
entail simultaneous acquisitions of several entities at the same time. We may not be able to
acquire more than one target business because of various factors, including possible complex
domestic or international accounting issues, which would include generating pro forma financial
statements reflecting the operations of several target businesses as if they had been combined, and
numerous logistical issues, which could include attempting to coordinate the timing of
negotiations, proxy statement disclosure and other legal issues and closings with multiple target
businesses. In addition, we would also be exposed to the risks that conditions to closings with
respect to the acquisition of one or more of the target businesses would not be satisfied bringing
the fair market value of the initial business combination below the required fair market value of
80% of net assets threshold. Accordingly, for an indefinite period of time, the prospects for our
future viability may be entirely dependent upon the future performance of a single business. Unlike
other entities that may have the resources to consummate several business combinations of entities
operating in multiple industries or multiple areas of a single industry, it is probable that we
will not have the resources to diversify our operations or benefit from the possible spreading of
risks or offsetting of losses. By consummating a business combination with only a single entity,
our lack of diversification may:
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subject us to numerous economic, competitive and regulatory
developments, any or all of which may have a substantial adverse
impact upon the particular industry in which we may operate subsequent
to a business combination; and |
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result in our dependency upon the development or market acceptance of
a single or limited number of services. |
Additionally, since our initial business combination may entail the simultaneous acquisitions
of several entities at the same time and may be with different sellers, we will need to convince
such sellers to agree that the purchase of their entities is contingent upon the simultaneous
closings of the other acquisitions.
Limited ability to evaluate the target business management
Although we expect certain of our management, including Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and
chief executive officer, to remain associated with us following a business combination, it is
likely that some or all members of the management of the target business at the time of the
business combination will remain in place, and we may employ other personnel following the business
combination. Although we intend to closely scrutinize the management of a prospective target
business when evaluating the desirability of effecting a business combination, we cannot assure you
that our assessment of the target business management will prove to be correct. In addition, we
cannot assure you that the future management will have the necessary skills, qualifications or
abilities to manage a public company. Furthermore, the future role of our officers and directors,
if any, in the target business cannot presently be stated with any certainty. Thus, we cannot
assure you that our officers and directors will have significant experience or knowledge relating
to the operations of the particular target business.
Following a business combination, we may seek to recruit additional managers to supplement the
incumbent management of the target business. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to
recruit additional managers, or that additional managers will have the requisite skills, knowledge
or experience necessary to enhance the incumbent management.
Opportunity for stockholder approval of business combination
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Prior to the consummation of a business combination, we will submit the transaction to our
stockholders for approval, even if the nature of the acquisition is such as would not ordinarily
require stockholder approval under applicable law. Our stockholders will be given written notice of
a special meeting to approve a business combination, which notice will be given not less than 15
days or more than 60 days before the date fixed for the meeting. In connection with seeking
stockholder approval of a business combination, we will also submit to our stockholders for
approval a proposal to amend our amended and restated articles of incorporation to provide for our
corporate life to continue perpetually following the consummation of such business combination. Any
vote to extend the corporate life to continue perpetually following the consummation of a business
combination will be taken only if the business combination is approved. However, we may elect to
form a foreign subsidiary in connection with a proposed business combination, which may be used to
make the acquisition. In the event we choose to consummate our initial business combination using a
foreign subsidiary, we may choose not to amend our amended and restated articles of incorporation
to provide for perpetual existence. We will only consummate a business combination if stockholders
vote both in favor of such business combination and our amendment to extend our corporate life.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the proxy rules promulgated under the Exchange
Act. Because of this exemption, when we seek approval from our stockholders of our initial business
combination, we do not expect to file preliminary proxy solicitation materials regarding our
initial business combination with the SEC and, accordingly, such materials will not be reviewed by
the SEC. However, we will file with the SEC any final proxy solicitation materials that we deliver
to our stockholders. When we furnish proxy solicitation materials to our stockholders, we will
publicly furnish such materials to the SEC. We expect that the proxy statement that we would send
to stockholders would not contain historical financial information with respect to the acquisition
of vessels and, therefore, stockholders voting on a proposed transaction would not have the benefit
of financial statements of past operations. See ''Risk Factors Risks Associated with the
Maritime Transportation and Logistics Industries If we were to acquire vessels or a business
with agreements to purchase individual vessels, it is highly unlikely that proxy materials provided
to our stockholders would include historical financial statements and, accordingly, investors will
not have historical financial statements on which to rely in making their decision whether to vote
for the acquisition.
In connection with the vote required for our initial business combination, our initial
stockholders have agreed to vote the shares of common stock owned by them prior to our Initial
Public Offering in accordance with the vote of the majority of the public stockholders. In addition
to any shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the limit orders described in the Initial
Public Offering prospectus, our officers, directors or Navios Holdings, or their respective
affiliates, may make purchases of our securities in the open-market, subject to all applicable
laws. Although we do not know for certain all the factors that would cause Navios Holdings or such
individuals to purchase our securities, we believe that some of the factors they would consider
are: (i) the trading price of our securities, (ii) aggregate investment in our securities, and
(iii) whether it appears that a substantial number of public stockholders are voting against a
proposed business combination. Any shares acquired by Navios Holdings or such individuals in the
open-market, including any shares purchased pursuant to the limit orders, will be voted in favor of
the business combination. Accordingly, any purchase of our shares by our officers and directors, or
Navios Holdings, in the open-market could influence the result of a vote submitted to our
stockholders in connection with a business combination by making it more likely that a business
combination would be approved. In addition, given the interest that Navios Holdings and our
officers and directors have in a business combination being consummated, it is possible that Navios
Holdings and such individuals will acquire securities from public stockholders who have elected to
redeem their shares of our common stock (as described below) in order to change their vote and
insure that the business combination will be approved (which could result in a business combination
being approved even if, after the announcement of the business combination, 40% or more of our
public stockholders would have elected their conversion rights on a cumulative basis, including any
stockholders who previously exercised conversion rights in connection with the stockholder vote
required to approve the extended period, if any, or a majority of our public stockholders would
have voted against the business combination, but for the purchases made by Navios Holdings or our
officers and directors).
We will proceed with a business combination only if a majority of the shares of common stock
voted by the public stockholders are voted in favor of the business combination and public
stockholders owning less than 40% of the total number of shares sold in our Initial Public Offering
exercise their conversion rights described below (including any stockholders who previously
exercised their conversion rights in connection with the stockholder vote required to approve the
extended period). Our threshold for conversion has been established at 40% to reduce the risk of a
small group of stockholders exercising undue influence on the approval process. Voting against the
business combination alone will not result in conversion of a stockholders shares into a pro rata
share of the Trust Account. To do so, a stockholder must have also exercised the conversion rights
described below. As a result of our 40% conversion threshold, we may have less cash available to
consummate a business combination if up to 39.99% of public stockholders elect to convert their
shares. Because we will not know how many stockholders may exercise such conversion rights, we will
need to structure a business combination that requires less cash, or we may need to arrange
third-party financing to help fund the transaction in case a larger percentage of stockholders
exercise their conversion rights than we expect. Alternatively, to compensate for the potential
shortfall in cash, we may be required to structure the business combination, in whole or in part,
using the issuance of our stock as consideration. Accordingly, this
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conversion threshold may hinder
our ability to consummate a business combination in the most efficient manner or to optimize our
capital structure.
Extension of time to consummate a business combination to up to 36 months
We have a period of 24 months from the completion of our Initial Public Offering within which
to effect our initial business combination. While such 24-month period may be sufficient to
accomplish all of these necessary tasks prior to effectuating the business combination, if we have
entered into a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement within the 24-month
period from the completion of our Initial Public Offering, and, in the course of this process, we
conclude that the 24-month period may be insufficient, we may, prior to the expiration of the
24-month period, call a meeting of our stockholders for the purpose of soliciting their approval to
extend the date by which we must consummate our initial business combination by up to an additional
12 months. If the extended period is approved by stockholders, we would have a total of up to 36
months from the completion of our Initial Public Offering to consummate a business combination. In
connection with seeking stockholder approval for the extended period, we will furnish our
stockholders with proxy solicitation materials that will describe the extended period and the
procedure for stockholders to exercise their conversion rights if desired.
We believe that extending the date by which we must consummate our initial business
combination to up to 36 months may be necessary due to the circumstances involved in the evaluation
and consummation of a business combination.
If holders of 40% or more of the shares sold in our Initial Public Offering vote against the
proposed extended period and elect to convert their shares for a pro rata share of the Trust
Account, we will not extend the date by which we must consummate our initial business combination
beyond 24 months. In such event, if we cannot consummate the initial business combination within
such 24-month period, we will be required to liquidate, with the amount remaining in the Trust
Account returned to all public stockholders. Subject to the foregoing, approval of the extended
period will require the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by our public
stockholders who vote at the special or annual meeting called for the purpose of approving such
extended period. In connection with the vote required for the extended period, our initial
stockholders have agreed to vote their shares of common stock acquired prior to our Initial Public
Offering in accordance with the majority of shares of common stock voted by the public stockholders
and have agreed to waive their conversion rights.
If the majority of votes cast by our public stockholders are voted at the special meeting
called for the purpose of approving the extended period in favor of such extended period and
holders of less than 40% of the shares sold in our Initial Public Offering vote against the
proposed extended period and elect to convert their shares, we will then have an additional 12
months in which to consummate the initial business combination.
If the proposal for the extended period is approved, we will still be required to seek
stockholder approval as described above under Opportunity for stockholder approval of business
combination before effectuating our initial business combination, even if the business
combination would not ordinarily require stockholder approval under applicable law. Unless a
stockholder voted against the extended period and exercised such stockholders conversion rights,
such stockholder will be able to vote on the initial business combination.
Conversion rights for stockholders voting to reject the extended period or our initial
business combination
Public stockholders voting against the extended period or our initial business combination, as
the case may be, will be entitled to cause us to convert their common stock for a pro rata share of
the aggregate amount then in the Trust Account, before payment of deferred underwriting discounts
and commissions and including interest earned on their pro rata portion of the Trust Account, net
of income taxes payable on such interest and net of up to an aggregate of $3,000,000 of the
interest income, net of taxes, on the Trust Account balance previously released to us to fund our
working capital. Stockholders voting against the extended period will have only the right to cause
us to convert their shares if the extended period is approved, and stockholders voting against the
business combination will have only the right to cause us to convert their shares if our initial
business combination is approved and consummated. Public stockholders who cause us to convert their
common stock for a pro rata share of the Trust Account will be paid their conversion price as
promptly as practicable after the date of the special meeting for the extended period or upon
consummation of a business combination, as the case may be, and will continue to have the right to
exercise any warrants they own. A public stockholder who converts their common stock in connection
with a business combination or the extended period and does not object to the business combination
or the extended period will forego their right to commence a derivative action against us.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a public stockholder, together with any of their affiliates or
any other person with whom they are acting in concert or as a partnership, syndicate or other
group (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) for the purpose of
acquiring, holding or disposing of our securities will be restricted from seeking conversion rights
with respect to more than 10% of the shares sold in our Initial Public Offering. Such a public
stockholder would still be entitled to vote against the extended period or a proposed business
combination with respect to all shares owned
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by them or their affiliates. We believe this
restriction will prevent stockholders from accumulating large blocks of stock before the vote held
to approve a proposed business combination or the extended period and attempt to use the conversion
right as a means to force us or our management to purchase their stock at a significant premium to
the then current market price. Absent this provision, for example, a public stockholder who owns
15% of the shares sold in our Initial Public Offering could threaten to vote against a proposed
business combination or the extended period and seek conversion, regardless of the merits of the
transaction, if their shares are not purchased by us or our management at a premium to the
then-current market price. By limiting each stockholders ability to convert only up to 10% of the
shares sold in our Initial Public Offering, we believe we have limited the ability of a small group
of stockholders to unreasonably attempt to block a transaction that is favored by our other public
stockholders. However, we are not restricting the stockholders ability to vote all of their shares
against the transaction or against the extended period.
A stockholder who votes against the extended period and also elects to convert its shares of
common stock in connection with such vote may vote against our initial business combination at the
applicable stockholder meeting held for that purpose only to the extent such stockholder continues
to hold shares of our common stock or acquires additional shares. However, such stockholder and its
affiliates would be prohibited from exercising any stockholder conversion right with respect to any
shares at the stockholder meeting held for the purpose of approving our initial business
combination. We believe such limitation on the stockholder conversion rights will deter
stockholders who exercise stockholder conversion rights in connection with the stockholder vote on
a proposed extended period from acquiring shares solely for the purpose of attempting to seek
stockholder conversion, regardless of the merits of the transaction, if its shares are not
purchased by us or our management at a premium to the then-current market price.
The actual per-share conversion price will be equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in
the Trust Account (before payment of deferred underwriting discounts and commissions and including
accrued interest, net of any income taxes payable on such interest, which shall be paid from the
Trust Account, and net of interest income previously released to us to fund our working capital
requirements), calculated as of the date of the special meeting of stockholders approving the
extended period or two business days prior to the consummation of the proposed initial business
combination, as the case may be, divided by the number of shares sold in our Initial Public
Offering. The initial per-share conversion price was expected to be approximately $9.91 (as of
December 31, 2008, the underwriters had exercised the over-allotment option in our Initial Public
Offering in full and there are 10,119,999 shares at a redemption value of $9.91 per share).
An eligible public stockholder may request conversion at any time after the mailing to our
stockholders of the proxy statement and prior to the vote taken with respect to the extended period
or a proposed business combination, as the case may be, but the request will not be granted unless
the stockholder votes against the extended period or business combination and the
extended period or business combination, as the case may be, is approved and, in the case of
the business combination, it is consummated. If a stockholder votes against the business
combination or the extended period but fails to properly exercise such stockholders conversion
rights, such stockholder will not have its shares of common stock converted for its pro rata
distribution of the Trust Account. Any request for conversion, once made, may be withdrawn at any
time up to the date of the applicable meeting. The funds to be distributed to stockholders who
elect conversion will be distributed as promptly as practicable after the special meeting of
stockholders approving the extended period, or after the consummation of the business combination,
as the case may be. Public stockholders who cause us to convert their common stock into their share
of the Trust Account will still have the right to exercise the warrants that they received as part
of the units.
We intend to require public stockholders who wish to exercise conversion rights to tender
their stock certificates to our transfer agent prior to the special or annual meeting or to deliver
their shares to the transfer agent electronically using DTCs DWAC system. In order to do this, we
expect that public stockholders will have to comply with the following steps. If the shares are
held in street name, a stockholder must instruct their account executive at the stockholders
bank or broker to withdraw the shares from the stockholders account and request that a physical
stock certificate be issued in the stockholders name. Our transfer agent will be available to
assist with this process. No later than the day prior to the stockholder meeting, the written
instructions stating that the public stockholder wishes to convert their shares into a pro rata
share of the Trust Account and confirming that the public stockholder has held the shares since the
record date and, in the case of the initial business combination, will continue to hold them
through the consummation of our initial business combination, must be presented to our transfer
agent. Stock certificates that have not been tendered in accordance with these procedures by the
day prior to the stockholder meeting will not be converted into cash. In the event a public
stockholder tenders their shares and decides prior to the stockholder meeting that they do not want
to convert their shares, the public stockholder may withdraw the tender up to the date of the
applicable meeting. In the event that a public stockholder tenders shares in connection with the
vote on the initial business combination or the extended period, and our initial business
combination or the extended period is not approved and, in the case of the initial business
combination, consummated, these shares will not be converted into cash, and the physical stock
certificate representing these shares will be returned to the stockholder.
The proxy solicitation materials that we will furnish to public stockholders in connection
with the vote for any proposed initial business combination or an extended period will indicate
that we are requiring public stockholders to satisfy such
43
certification and delivery requirements.
As discussed above, a public stockholder would have from the time we send out our proxy statement
up until the business day immediately preceding the vote on the initial business combination or the
extended period to deliver their shares if they wish to seek to exercise their conversion rights.
The delivery process is within the public stockholders control and, whether they are a record
holder or their shares are held in street name, should be able to be accomplished by the public
stockholder by contacting the transfer agent or their broker and requesting delivery of their
shares through the DWAC system. However, because we do not have control over this process or over
the brokers or DTC, it may take significantly longer than anticipated to obtain a physical stock
certificate.
We will not consummate an initial business combination, and similarly will not extend the time
to consummate the business combination to up to 36 months, if holders of more than approximately
39.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock sold in our Initial Public Offering both vote
against and exercise their conversion rights with respect to the extended period or, on a
cumulative basis, in the case of the business combination.
In connection with a vote on our initial business combination, public stockholders may elect
to vote a portion of their shares for and a portion of their shares against the initial business
combination. If the initial business combination is approved and consummated, public stockholders
who elected to convert the portion of their shares voted against the initial business combination
will receive the conversion price with respect to those shares and may retain any other shares they
own.
If a vote on an initial business combination is held and the business combination is not
approved, we may continue to try to consummate an initial business combination with a different
target business until 24 months (or up to 36 months if the extended period is approved) after the
date of the completion of our Initial Public Offering. If the initial business combination is not
approved or consummated for any reason, then public stockholders voting against our initial
business combination who exercised their conversion rights would not be entitled to convert their
shares of common stock into a pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust
Account. Those public stockholders would be entitled to receive their pro rata share of the
aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account only in the event that the initial business
combination they voted against was duly approved and subsequently consummated, or in connection
with our liquidation.
Dissolution and liquidation if no business combination
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide that we will continue in existence
only until 24 months (or up to 36 months if the extended period is approved) after our Initial
Public Offering. This provision may not be amended except in connection with the consummation of a
business combination. If we have not consummated a business combination by such date, our corporate
existence will cease except for the purposes of winding up our affairs and liquidating, pursuant to
Section
106 of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA. This has the same effect as if
our board of directors and stockholders had formally voted to approve our dissolution. As a result,
no vote would be required from our board of directors or stockholders to commence such a
dissolution and liquidation. We view this provision terminating our corporate life by 24 months (or
up to 36 months if the extended period is approved) after our Initial Public Offering as an
obligation to our stockholders and will not take any action to amend or waive this provision to
allow us to survive for a longer period of time except in connection with the consummation of a
business combination. Once we are dissolved, stockholders will no longer be able to bring
derivative actions against us.
If we are unable to consummate a business combination by 24 months (or up to 36 months if the
extended period is approved) after our Initial Public Offering we will distribute to all of our
public stockholders, in proportion to their respective equity interests, an aggregate sum equal to
the amount in the Trust Account, inclusive of any interest not previously distributed. We
anticipate notifying the trustee of the Trust Account to begin liquidating such assets promptly
after such date and anticipate it will take no more than 10 business days to effect such
distribution. Our initial stockholders have waived their rights to participate in any liquidating
distribution with respect to shares of common stock owned by it prior to our Initial Public
Offering. In addition, the underwriters of our Initial Public Offering have agreed to waive their
rights to the $8.9 million, considering that the over-allotment option in connection with the
Initial Public Offering was exercised in full, of deferred underwriting compensation (including the
interest earned thereon) held in the Trust Account for their benefit. There will be no distribution
from the Trust Account with respect to our warrants, which will expire worthless. We will pay the
out-of-pocket costs of liquidation from our remaining assets outside of the Trust Account. If such
funds are insufficient, Navios Holdings has agreed to advance us the funds necessary to complete
such liquidation and have agreed not to seek repayment of such expenses.
Although we will seek to have all prospective target businesses, vendors or other service
providers execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or
to any monies held in the Trust Account for the benefit of our public stockholders, there is no
guarantee that they will execute such agreements. Even if such entities execute such agreements
with us, there is no guarantee that they will not seek recourse against the Trust Account. A court
could also conclude that such agreements are not enforceable. Accordingly, the proceeds held in the
Trust Account could be subject to claims, which could take priority over those of our public
stockholders. If any third party refused to execute an agreement waiving such claims to the monies
held in the Trust Account, we would perform an analysis of the alternatives available to us if we
chose not to engage
44
such third party and evaluate if such engagement would be in the best interest
of our stockholders if such third party refused to waive such claims. Examples of possible
instances where we may engage a third party that refused to execute a waiver include the engagement
of a third party consultant whose particular expertise or skills are believed by management to be
significantly superior to those of other consultants that would agree to execute a waiver or in
cases where management is unable to find a provider of required services willing to provide the
waiver. In order to protect the amount in the Trust Account, Navios Holdings has agreed that it
will be liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of
target businesses or claims of vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services
rendered or contracted for or products sold to us, except (i) as to any claims by a third party who
executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account, to the extent such
waiver is subsequently found to be invalid or unenforceable, (ii) as to any engagement of, or
agreement with, a third party that does not execute a waiver and a majority of the independent
directors of Navios Holdings have not consented to such engagement or contract with such third
party, and (iii) as to any claims under our indemnity of the underwriters of this offering against
certain liabilities under the Securities Act. Additionally, in the case of a vendor, service
provider or prospective target business that did not execute a waiver, Navios Holdings will be
liable, to the extent it consents to the transaction, only to the extent necessary to ensure that
public stockholders receive no less than approximately $9.91 per share, as the underwriters
over-allotment option has been exercised in full, upon liquidation. Based on our review of the
financial statements of Navios Holdings in its most recent Form 20-F, we believe that Navios
Holdings will have sufficient funds to meet any indemnification obligations that arise. However,
because Navios Holdings circumstances may change in the future, we cannot assure investors that
Navios Holdings will be able to satisfy such indemnification obligations if and when they arise.
We believe the likelihood of Navios Holdings having to indemnify the Trust Account is limited
because we will endeavor to have all vendors and prospective target businesses as well as other
entities execute agreements with us waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or
to monies held in the Trust Account. We also will have access to any funds available outside the
Trust Account or released to us to fund working capital requirements with which to pay any such
potential claims (including costs and expenses incurred in connection with our liquidation). The
indemnification provisions are set forth in the insider letter executed by Navios Holdings in
connection with our Initial Public Offering. The insider letter provides that, in the event we
obtain a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the
Trust Account for the benefit of our stockholders from a vendor, prospective target business or
other entity, the indemnification will not be available. The insider letter executed by Navios
Holdings is an exhibit to the registration statement for our Initial Public Offering.
Under the BCA, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a
corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in dissolution. If we complied with
certain procedures set forth in Section 106 of the BCA intended to ensure that we make reasonable
provision for all claims against us, including a minimum 6-month notice period
during which any third-party claims can be brought against us, any liability of stockholders
with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholders pro rata
share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the
stockholder would be barred after the expiration of the period specified in the notice. However, it
is our intention to make liquidating distributions to our public stockholders as soon as reasonably
possible after dissolution and, therefore, we do not intend to comply with those procedures. As
such, to the extent not covered by the indemnities provided by our executive officers, our
stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by
them in dissolution and any such liability of our stockholders may extend beyond the third
anniversary of such dissolution. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that third parties will not seek
to recover from our stockholders amounts owed to them by us.
Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is
filed against us that is not dismissed, the funds held in our Trust Account will be subject to
applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims
of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy
claims deplete the Trust Account we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public
stockholders the liquidation amounts due them. Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy
case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, any
distributions received by stockholders could be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or
bankruptcy laws as either a preferential transfer or a fraudulent conveyance. As a result,
a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders. Furthermore,
because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the Trust Account to our public stockholders
promptly after July 1, 2010 (or July 1, 2011 if the extended period is approved), this may be
viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors
with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our board may be viewed as
having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and
thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public
stockholders from the Trust Account prior to addressing the claims of creditors and/or complying
with certain provisions of the BCA with respect to our dissolution and liquidation. We cannot
assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.
Our public stockholders shall be entitled to receive funds from the Trust Account only in the
event of liquidation or if the stockholders seek to redeem their respective shares for cash upon
(a) a vote against the extended period which is approved by
45
our stockholders or (b) a vote against
our initial business combination that is actually consummated by us. In no other circumstances
shall a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the Trust Account.
Competition
In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business, we may encounter competition from
other entities having a business objective similar to ours. Many of these entities are well
established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly
or through affiliates. Many of these competitors possess greater technical, human and other
resources than us and our financial resources will be relatively limited when contrasted with those
of many of these competitors, which may limit our ability to compete in acquiring certain sizable
target businesses. Among these competitors are other maritime and shipping special purpose
acquisition companies, or SPACs. See Conflicts of Interest. This inherent competitive
limitation gives others an advantage in pursuing the acquisition of a target business. Further:
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our obligation to seek stockholder approval of a business combination
or obtain the necessary financial information to be included in the
proxy statement to be sent to stockholders in connection with such
business combination may delay or prevent the consummation of a
transaction; |
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our obligation to convert shares of common stock held by our public
stockholders into cash in certain instances may reduce the resources
available to effect a business combination; |
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our outstanding warrants, and the future dilution they potentially
represent, may not be viewed favorably by certain target businesses;
and |
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the requirement to acquire a target business that has a fair market
value equal to at least 80% of our net assets at the time of the
acquisition could require us to acquire several businesses, vessels or
closely related operating businesses at the same time, all of which
sales would be contingent on the closings of the other sales, which
could make it more difficult to consummate the business combination. |
Any of these factors may place us at a competitive disadvantage in successfully negotiating a
business combination. Our management believes, however, that to the extent that our target business
is a privately held entity, our status as a well-financed public entity may give us a competitive
advantage over entities having business objectives similar to ours in acquiring a target business
with significant growth potential on favorable terms.
If we succeed in effecting a business combination, there will be, in all likelihood,
competition from competitors of the target business. We cannot assure you that, subsequent to a
business combination, we will have the resources or ability to compete effectively.
Facilities
We do not own any real estate or other physical property. Our headquarters are located at 85
Akti Miaouli Street, Piraeus, Greece 185 38. The cost of this space is included in the monthly fee
of $10,000 that Navios Holdings will charge us for general and administrative services pursuant to
a services agreement between us and it. We believe that our office facilities are suitable and
adequate for our business as it is presently conducted.
Employees
We have three officers, two of whom are also members of our board of directors. These
individuals are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week but intend to
devote approximately five to ten percent of their time per week to our affairs, which could
increase significantly during periods of negotiation for business opportunities. The amount of time
our officers will devote in any time period will vary based on the availability of suitable target
businesses to investigate. In addition, on January 12, 2010, we announced the appointment of
Leonidas Korres as our Senior Vice President Business Development. Pursuant to an agreement
between the us and Navios Holdings, the compensation of Mr. Korres up to the amount of EURO 65,000
is to be paid by Navios Holdings, provided that if we complete a business combination, we will
reimburse such amounts to Navios Holdings immediately following the completion of the business
combination. In the event that we are unable to complete a business combination, then we will not
be obligated to make any payments to Navios Holdings or Mr. Korres with respect to his employment.
Periodic reporting and financial information
46
We have registered our units, common stock and warrants under the Exchange Act, and have
reporting obligations, including the requirement that we file annual reports with the SEC. In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, our annual reports, including this annual
report, will contain financial statements audited and reported on by our independent accountants.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act, regarding proxy
statements. Because of this exemption, when we seek approval from our stockholders of our initial
business combination, we do not expect to file preliminary proxy solicitation materials regarding
our initial business combination with the SEC and, accordingly, such materials will not be reviewed
by the SEC. However, we will file with the SEC any final proxy solicitation materials that we
deliver to our stockholders.
We are required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. A target business may not be in compliance with the
provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development
of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may
increase the time and costs necessary to consummate any such acquisition.
Legal proceedings
To the knowledge of management, there is no litigation currently pending or contemplated
against us or any of our officers or directors in their capacity as such.
C. Organizational Structure
Not applicable, as we are a newly organized blank check company..
D. Properties
Not applicable
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Overview
Navios Acquisition was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on March 14, 2008.
We were formed to acquire through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock
purchase or other similar business combination one or more assets or operating businesses in the
marine transportation and logistics industries. We have neither engaged in any operations nor
generated significant revenue to date. We are considered to be in the development stage as defined
in the FASB issued guidance for Accounting and Reporting By Development Stage Enterprises, and is
subject to the risks associated with activities of development stage companies. We have selected
December 31st as our fiscal year end. To date, our efforts have been limited to
organizational activities, our initial public offering and the search for and negotiations with
potential target businesses for a business combination. As of the date of this filing, we have not
acquired any business operations and have no operations generating revenue.
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On March 18, 2008, we issued 8,625,000 sponsor units, or Sponsor Units, to Navios
Holdings for $25,000 in cash, at a purchase price of approximately $0.003 per unit. Each
Sponsor Unit consists of one share of common stock and one warrant. |
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On June 11, 2008, Navios Holdings transferred an aggregate of 290,000 Sponsor Units to
our officers and directors (200,000 to Angeliki Frangou, 50,000 to Ted Petrone, 15,000 to
Julian David Brynteson, 15,000 to John Koilalous and 10,000 to Nikolaos Veraros). |
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On June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings returned to us an aggregate of 2,300,000 Sponsor
Units, which, upon receipt, we cancelled. Accordingly, the initial stockholders own
6,325,000 Sponsor Units. |
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On July 1, 2008, we consummated our Initial Public Offering. Simultaneously with the
closing of the Initial Public Offering, Navios Holdings purchased 7,600,000 warrants from
us in the Private Placement. The proceeds from the Private Placement were added to the
proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and placed in the Trust Account. The net proceeds
of our Initial Public Offering, including amounts in the Trust Account, have been invested
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U.S. government securities (U.S. Treasury Bills) with a maturity of 180 days or less
or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the
Investment Company Act. As of December 31, 2009 the Trust Account had a balance of $251.5
million, including short-term investments. |
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Navios Holdings loaned us a total of $0.5 million for the payment of offering expenses.
This loan was payable on the earlier of March 31, 2009 or the completion of our Initial
Public Offering. On December 31, 2009, the balance of the loan was zero, as we fully repaid
the loan in November 2008. |
Trends and Factors Affecting Our Future Results of Operations
We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date and we will not
generate any operating revenues until after consummation of a business combination. We generate
non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents following the
completion of our Initial Public Offering. Since our Initial Public Offering, we pay monthly fees
of $10,000 per month to Navios Holdings, and incur increased expenses as a result of being a public
company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due
diligence expenses.
A. Operating results
Period over Period Comparisons
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 compared to the year ended December 31, 2008
The following table presents consolidated revenue and expense information for the year ended
December 31, 2009, for the period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008 and
for the period from March, 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31,2009. This information was
derived from the audited consolidated revenue and expense accounts of the Company for the year
ended December 31, 2009 and for the period from March 14, 2008 to December 31, 2008.
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Period from |
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Period from |
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Year ended |
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March 14, 2008 |
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March 14, 2008 to |
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December 31, |
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(date of inception) |
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December |
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2009 |
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December 31, 2008 |
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31, 2009 |
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Revenue |
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$ |
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$ |
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Expenses |
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General and administrative expenses |
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(120,000 |
) |
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(60,000 |
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(180,000 |
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Formation and operating costs |
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(874,377 |
) |
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(332,771 |
) |
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(1,207,148 |
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Loss from operations |
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$ |
(994,377 |
) |
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$ |
(392,771 |
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(1,387,148 |
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Interest income |
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331,656 |
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1,435,550 |
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1,767,206 |
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Other income |
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14,909 |
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4,405 |
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19,314 |
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Net income/(loss) applicable to
common stockholders |
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(647,812 |
) |
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1,047,184 |
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399,372 |
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General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $0.06
million to $0.12 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $0.06 million for the
period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008. We presently occupy office
space provided by Navios Holdings. Navios Holdings has agreed that, until the consummation of a
business combination, it will make such office space, as well as certain office and secretarial
services, available to us, as may be required by us from time to time. We have agreed to pay such
Navios Holdings $0.01 million per month for such services. As of December 31, 2009, we accrued
$0.03 million for administrative services rendered by Navios Holdings
Formation and operating costs. Formation and operating costs increased by $0.6 million to $0.9
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $0.3 million for the period from March
14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008. This is due to an increase of $0.6 million in
professional and other services.
Interest from trust account. Interest from the Trust Account decreased by $1.1 million to
$0.33 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $1.4 million for the period from March 14,
2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008The net proceeds of our Initial Public Offering,
including amounts in the Trust Account, have been invested in U.S. Treasury Bills with
48
a maturity
of 180 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated
under the Investment Company Act. The decrease is mainly due to the significant drop in interest
rates during 2009.
Other income. Other income is considered immaterial and is related to the unrealized gain that
derives from valuation of U.S. Treasury Bills as of December 31, 2009.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net income decreased by $1.7 million to $0.6 million expense for the year ended December 31,
2009 from $1.1 million for the period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008.
Net income derived from interest income less general and administrative expenses and formation
costs and the reasons for the decrease are discussed above. For the period presented, Earnings
Before Interest and Tax (EBITDA) is zero.
Our liquidity needs have been satisfied to date through receipt of $25,000 in unit subscriptions
from our initial stockholders, through a loan of $0.5 million from Navios Holdings, both of which
are described below, and the proceeds of our investing activities. As of December 31, 2009, the
balance of the loan was zero, as we fully repaid the loan in November 2008. Therefore, unless and
until a business combination is consummated, the proceeds held in the Trust Account will not be
available for our use for any purpose, including the payment of any expenses related to our Initial
Public Offering or expenses that we may incur related to the investigation and selection of a
target business or the negotiation of an agreement to effect the business combination.
On March 18, 2008, we issued 8,625,000 Sponsor Units to Navios Holdings for $25,000 in cash,
at a purchase price of approximately $0.003 per unit.
On June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings returned to us an aggregate of 2,300,000 Sponsor Units,
which we have cancelled. Accordingly, our initial stockholders own 6,325,000 Sponsor Units.
On July 1, 2008, we closed our Initial Public Offering. Simultaneously with the closing of the
Initial Public Offering, we consummated the private placement of 7,600,000 warrants at a purchase
price of $1.00 per warrant to Navios Holdings. The Initial Public Offering and the Private
Placement generated gross proceeds to us in the aggregate of $260.6 million. To the
extent that our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a
business combination, the proceeds held in the Trust Account, as well as any other net proceeds not
expended, will be used to finance the operations of the target business.
In order to meet expenditures required for operating our business prior to our initial
business combination, we are also relying on interest, in an amount of up to $3.0 million, earned
on the Trust Account balance to fund such expenditures and to the extent that the interest earned
is below our expectation, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to
our initial business combination. In 2009 we drew an amount of $1.0 million out of the interest
earned on the Trust Account that was used as working capital. Moreover, we will need to obtain
additional financing to the extent such financing is required to consummate our initial business
combination or the extended period, as the case may be, or because we become obligated to convert
into cash a significant number of shares from dissenting stockholders, in which case we may issue
additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business combination. Following a
business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing
in order to meet our obligations.
Cash Flow for the Year Ended December 31, 2009 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008
The following table presents cash flow information for the year ended December 31, 2009 , for
the period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) through December 31, 2008 and for the period
from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) through December 31, 2009. This information was derived from
the audited consolidated statement of cash flows of the Company for the year ended December 31,
2009 and for the period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) through December 31, 2008.
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From Inception |
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March 14, 2008 |
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|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
to Year Ended |
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|
December 31, 2009 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
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|
|
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Net cash provided by/(used in) operating
activities |
|
$ |
(622,629 |
) |
|
$ |
1,467,518 |
|
|
$ |
844,889 |
|
Net cash provided by/ (used in) investing
activities |
|
|
707,713 |
|
|
|
(252,201,007 |
) |
|
|
(251,493,294 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,735,504 |
|
|
|
250,735,504 |
|
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
85,084 |
|
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
|
$ |
87,099 |
|
Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to
the Year Ended December 31, 2008:
49
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities decreased by $2.1 million to $0.6
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $1.5 million for the period from March
14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008. The increase is analyzed as follows:
The net income for the year ended December 31, 2009, decreased to $0.6 million negative from
$1.5 million for the period from March 14, 2008 to December 31, 2008. The decrease is analyzed as
follows:
Amounts due to related parties decreased by $0.11 million to $0.03 million as of December 31,
2009 from $0.14 million as of December 31, 2008. This decrease is mainly due to offering costs
reimbursed to Navios Holdings as well as the payment of administrative fees. We presently occupy
office space provided by Navios Holdings. Navios Holdings has agreed that, until the consummation
of a business combination, it will make such office space, as well as certain office and
secretarial services, available to us, as may be required by us from time to time. We have agreed
to pay such affiliate $10,000 per month for such services. As of December 31, 2009, we accrued
$0.03 million for administrative services rendered by Navios Holdings. This amount is included
under amounts due to related parties in the balance sheet.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets remained the same at $0.05 million for both December
31, 2009 and 2008. This amount is related to directors and officers insurance that covers the
twelve-month period ended June 25, 2010 and 2009.
Accrued expenses increased by $0.1 million from $0.3 million at December 31, 2008 to $0.4
million at December 31, 2009. This amount is related to accrued legal and professional fees and to
fees charged by bank for services provided relating to U.S. Treasury Bills.
Accounts payable increased by $0.03 million from $0.03 million at December 31, 2008 to $0.06
million at December 31, 2009. This amount concerns payables mainly for professional fees, legal
fees, filing expenses and fees charged by bank for services provided relating to U.S. Treasury
Bills.
Cash provided by/ (used in) investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared
to the Year Ended December 31, 2008:
Net cash provided by investing activities decreased by $251.5 million from $252.2 million at
December 31, 2008 to $0.7 million at December 31, 2009.
Restricted cash held in the Trust Account including short-term investments had a balance of
$251.5 million and $252.2 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Out of this
amount, cash held in the Trust Account amounted to $0.0 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively and the balance amount is related to U.S. Treasury Bills. Following the completion of
the Initial Public Offering, at least 99.1% of the gross proceeds, after payment of certain amounts
to the underwriters, were held in the Trust Account and invested in U.S. Treasury Bills. Our
agreement with the trustee requires that the trustee will invest and reinvest the proceeds in the
Trust Account only in United States government debt securities within the meaning of Section
2(a) (16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money
market funds meeting the conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act.
Except with respect to interest income that may be released to us (i) up to $3.0 million to fund
working capital requirements and (ii) any additional amounts needed to pay our income and other tax
obligations, the proceeds will not be released from the Trust Account until the earlier of the
completion of a business combination or liquidation, or for payments with respect to shares of
common stock converted in connection with the vote to approve an extension period. For the years
ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the amount of $1.0 and $0.0 million, respectively, was released
to us out of the interest income earned, with the purpose to fund working capital requirements.
Cash provided by financing activities for the Year Ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the Year
Ended December 31, 2008:
Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $250.7 million from $250.7 million at
December 31, 2008 to $0.0 million at December 31, 2009.
During the corresponding period of 2009, we did not have any investing activities.
Cash provided by financing activities of $250.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008
resulted from the following: (a) proceeds from issuance of warrants from us amounting to $7.6
million (these warrants were purchased by Navios Holdings at a price of $1.00 per warrant (7.6
million warrants in the aggregate) in the Private Placement. The proceeds from the Private
Placement were added to the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and placed in the Trust
Account); (b) gross proceeds of $253.0 million from the sale of 25,300,000 units on July 1, 2008 at
a price of $10.00 per unit (including 10,119,999 shares of common stock subject to possible
redemption); (c) proceeds from a loan of $0.5 million that we received from Navios Holdings on
March 31, 2008 (the loan evidenced thereby was non-interest bearing, unsecured, and was due upon
the earlier of March 31,
50
2009 or the completion of the Initial Public Offering. We fully repaid the loan in November
2008; (d) proceeds from issuance of 8,625,000 Sponsor Units to Navios Holdings for an aggregate
purchase price of $25,000 of which an aggregate of 290,000 were transferred to our officers and
directors (subsequently, on June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings agreed to return to the us an aggregate
of 2,300,000 Sponsor Units, which, upon receipt, we cancelled. Accordingly, the initial
stockholders own 6,325,000 Sponsor Units; and (e) payments for underwriters discount and offering
cost of $9.9 million.
C. Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
Not applicable.
D. Trend information
Not applicable.
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have, a
current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition,
revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
None.
G. Safe Harbor
Not applicable to the extent the disclosures require the safe harbor protection of forward
looking statements.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
Our current directors and executive officers, each of whose business address is c/o Navios
Maritime Acquisition Corporation, 85 Akti Miaouli Street, Piraeus, Greece, except as noted below,
are as follows:
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Name |
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Age |
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Position |
Angeliki Frangou
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44 |
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Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Ted C. Petrone
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54 |
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President and Director |
Nikolaos Veraros, CFA
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39 |
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Director |
Julian David Brynteson
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42 |
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|
Director |
John Koilalous
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|
79 |
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Director |
Leonidas Korres
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33 |
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Executive Vice President Business Development |
Angeliki Frangou has been our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since our inception. Ms.
Frangou is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Navios Holdings, our sponsor. In
addition, since August 2007, Ms. Frangou has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Navios Maritime Partners L.P., a New York Stock Exchange traded limited partnership, which is an
affiliate of Navios Holdings. Prior to the acquisition, of Navios
Holdings by International Shipping Enterprises,
Inc. (ISE), Ms Frangou was the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of ISE. Ms.
Frangou was the chief executive officer of Maritime Enterprises Management S.A., a company located
in Piraeus, Greece that specializes in the management of dry cargo vessels of various types and
sizes, from the time she founded the company in October 2001 until August 2005. From 1990 to
October 2001, Ms. Frangou was the chief executive officer of Franser Shipping S.A., a company that
was located in Piraeus, Greece, and was also engaged in the management of dry cargo vessels. Prior
to her employment with Franser Shipping, Ms. Frangou was an analyst on the trading floor of
Republic National Bank of New York from 1987 to 1989. Ms. Frangou was also a member of the board of
directors of Emporiki Bank of Greece, the second largest retail bank in Greece, from April 2004 to
July 2005, Ms. Frangou is also the Chairman of the board of directors of IRF European Finance
Investments Ltd., listed on the SFM of the London Stock Exchange. She was also Chairman of the
board of directors of Proton Bank, based in Athens, Greece, from June 2006 until September 2008.
Ms. Frangou is a member of the Mediterranean Committee of the China Classification Society and a
member of the Hellenic and Black Sea Committee of Bureau Veritas as well as a member of Greek
Committee of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. Ms. Frangou received a bachelors degree in mechanical
engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University (summa cum laude) and a masters degree in
mechanical engineering from Columbia University.
51
Ted C. Petrone has been our President and a member of our board of directors since March 2008.
He also is a director of Navios Holdings since May 2007, having become President of Navios
Corporation in September 2006. He heads Navios Holdings worldwide commercial operations. Mr.
Petrone served in the maritime industry for 31 years, of which 28 were with Navios Holdings. After
joining Navios Holdings as an assistant vessel operator, Mr. Petrone worked in various operational
and commercial positions. For the last fifteen years, Mr. Petrone was responsible for all the
aspects of the daily commercial Panamax activity, encompassing the trading of tonnage, derivative
hedge positions and cargoes. Mr. Petrone graduated from New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler
with a B.S. in Maritime Transportation. He served aboard U.S. Navy (Military Sealift Command)
tankers.
Nikolaos Veraros, CFA, has been a member of our board of directors since June 2008. Mr.
Veraros is a senior analyst at Investments & Finance Ltd., where he has worked since August 2001,
and also from June 1997 to February 1999. From March 1999 to August 2001, Mr. Veraros worked as a
senior equity analyst for National Securities, S.A, a subsidiary of National Bank of Greece. He is
a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), a Certified Market Maker for Derivatives in the Athens Stock
Exchange, and a Certified Analyst from the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. Mr. Veraros received
his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Athens University of Economics &
Business and his Master of Business Administration degree in Finance/Accounting from the William E.
Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester.
Julian David Brynteson has been a member of our Board of Directors since June 2008. Since
November 2006, Mr. Brynteson has been a managing director for sales and purchases at H. Clarkson &
Company Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of London Stock Exchange-listed, leading worldwide
shipbroker Clarkson PLC. Mr. Brynteson was a member of the board of directors of International
Shipping Enterprises, Inc., now Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., from September 2004 until October
2005. From March 1987 to November 2006, Mr. Brynteson was employed in various capacities with
Braemar Seascope Ltd. (the surviving entity following the merger between Seascope Shipping Ltd. and
Braemar Shipbrokers Ltd.), a London Stock Exchange-listed shipbroker, becoming a director in the
sales and purchase department in 2001.
John Koilalous has been a member of our board of directors since June 2008. Mr. Koilalous
began his career in the shipping industry in the City of London in 1949, having worked for various
firms both in London and Piraeus. He entered the adjusting profession in 1969, having worked for
Francis and Arnold for some 18 years and then with Pegasus Adjusting Services Ltd., of which he was
the founder and, until his retirement at the end of 2008, the managing director. He still remains
active in an advisory capacity on matters of marine insurance claims.
Leonidas Korres has been our Executive Vice President Business Development since January,
2010. Mr. Korres has served as the Special Secretary for Public Private Partnerships in the
Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Hellenic Republic from October 2005 until November 2009.
From April 2004 to October 2005, Mr. Korres served as Special Financial Advisor to the Minister of
Economy and Finance of the Hellenic Republic and as liquidator of the Organizational Committee for
the Olympic Games Athens 2004 S.A. Mr. Korres worked as Senior Financial Advisor for KPMG
Corporate Finance from 2002 to 2004. From May 2003 to December 2006, he also served as a chairman
of the board of directors of the Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship Non Profit Company.
Also, Mr. Korres has been a member of the board of directors and the audit committee of Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization S.A an Athens and New York Stock Exchange listed company until
January 2009, a member of the board of directors of Hellenic Olympic Properties S.A., the
company responsible for the exploitation of the Olympic venues until
November 2009. In addition, until his resignation in January
2010, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of Navios
Partners, an affiliate of Navios Holdings. He holds a
bachelors degree in Economics from the Athens University of Economics and Business and a masters
degree in Finance from the University of London.
Director independence
Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Veraros, Koilalous and Brynteson are
independent directors as defined in the New York Stock Exchange listing standards and Rule
10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act. Although the decision of whether our independent directors
will remain with us after the business combination is reserved for each such director, we will
always seek to have a board of directors composed of a majority of independent directors.
B. Executive compensation
No executive officer has received any cash compensation for services rendered and no
compensation of any kind, including finders and consulting fees, will be paid to our initial
stockholders, officers, directors or any of their respective affiliates. Nor will Navios Holdings
or, our officers, directors or any of their respective affiliates receive any cash compensation for
services rendered prior to or in connection with a business combination, except that our
independent directors will be entitled to receive $50,000 in cash per year, accruing pro rata from
the respective start of their service on our board of directors and payable only upon the
successful consummation of a business combination. However, all of these individuals will be
reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such
as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business
combinations.
52
On January, 2010, we announced the appointment of Leonidas Korres as our Senior Vice
President Business Development. Pursuant to an agreement between us and Navios Holdings, the
compensation of Mr. Korres up to the amount of EURO 65,000 is to be paid by Navios Holdings,
provided that if we complete a business combination, the we will reimburse such amounts to Navios
Holdings immediately following the completion of the business combination. In the event that we are
unable to complete a business combination, then we will not be obligated to make any payments to
Navios Holdings or Mr. Korres with respect to his employment.
Our chairman or any of our independent directors may continue to serve on our board of
directors after the consummation of our initial business combination. In that event, such
individuals may be paid consulting or other fees from the target business as a result of the
business combination, with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to stockholders, to the extent
then known, in the proxy solicitation materials furnished to the stockholders. It is unlikely the
amount of such compensation will be known at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider a
business combination, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to
determine executive and director compensation. In this event, such compensation will be publicly
disclosed at the time of its determination in a current report on a Form 6-K.
C. Board practices
Board classes
Our board of directors is divided into three classes with only one class of directors being
elected in each year and each class serving a three-year term. The term of office of the first
class of directors, consisting of Messrs. Koilalous and Brynteson, will expire at our 2012 annual
meeting of stockholders. The term of office of the second class of directors, consisting of Messrs.
Petrone and Veraros, will expire at our 2010 annual meeting of stockholders. The term of office
of the third class of directors, consisting of Angeliki Frangou, will expire at our 2011 annual
meeting.
Board committees
Our board of directors has an audit committee and a nominating committee. Our board of
directors has adopted a charter for the audit committee as well as a code of conduct and ethics
that governs the conduct of our directors and officers.
Audit committee
Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Veraros and Koilalous. Each member of our audit
committee is financially literate under the current listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange, and our board of directors has determined that Mr. Veraros qualifies as an audit
committee financial expert, as such term is defined by SEC rules.
The audit committee reviews the professional services and independence of our independent
registered public accounting firm and our accounts, procedures and internal controls. The audit
committee also selects our independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and approves the
scope of the annual audit, reviews and evaluates with the independent public accounting firm our
annual audit and annual consolidated financial statements, reviews with management the status of
internal accounting controls, evaluates problem areas having a potential financial impact on us
that may be brought to the committees attention by management, the independent registered public
accounting firm or the board of directors, and evaluates all of our public financial reporting
documents.
In addition, the audit committee reviews and approves all expense reimbursements made to our
officers or directors. Any expense reimbursements payable to members of our audit committee are
reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with the interested director or directors
abstaining from such review and approval.
Nominating committee
A nominating committee of the board of directors has been established, which consists of
Messrs. Veraros, Koilalous and Brynteson, each of whom is an independent director. The nominating
committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on our
board of directors. The nominating committee considers persons identified by its members,
management, stockholders, investment bankers and others.
Code of conduct and ethics
We have adopted a code of conduct and ethics applicable to our directors and officers in
accordance with applicable federal securities laws and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
Conflicts of interest
53
Stockholders and potential investors should be aware of the following potential conflicts of
interest:
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None of our officers and directors is required to commit their full time to our affairs
and, accordingly, they will have conflicts of interest in allocating management time among
various business activities, including those related to Navios Holdings and Navios
Partners. |
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Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief executive officer, is the chairman and chief
executive officer of Navios Holdings and Navios Partners, an affiliate of Navios Holdings.
In addition, Ms. Frangou is the chairman of the board of directors of IRF European Finance
Investments, Ltd. Ted C. Petrone, our president and a member of our board of directors, is
the president of Navios Corporation, and a director of Navios Holdings. In the course of
their business activities for Navios Holdings, our common officers and directors may become
aware of investment and business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to
us as well as to Navios Holdings and Navios Partners. They may have conflicts of interest
in determining to which entity a particular business opportunity should be presented. For
this reason, we have entered into a business opportunity right of first refusal agreement
with Navios Holdings and Navios Partners, the terms of which are discussed above. |
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Our officers and directors may in the future become affiliated with entities, including
other blank check companies, engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be
conducted by us. |
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|
Our board, certain of whose members are also members of the board of Navios Holdings,
may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is
appropriate to effect a business combination. The financial interests of our initial
stockholders, including our officers and directors, may influence their motivation in
identifying and selecting a target acquisition, and consummating a business combination
because: |
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our initial stockholders own Sponsor Units that will be released from escrow (or
from transfer restrictions in the case of the Private Placement warrants) only if a
business combination is successfully consummated; |
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Navios Holdings owns Private Placement warrants that will expire worthless if a
business combination is not consummated; and |
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upon the successful consummation of a business combination, Navios Holdings may
earn substantial fees for providing technical and/or commercial ship management
services. |
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Other than with respect to the business combination, we have not adopted a policy that
expressly prohibits our directors, officers, security holders or affiliates from having a
direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any investment to be acquired or disposed of by us
or in any transaction to which we are a party or have an interest. Nor do we have a policy
that expressly prohibits any such persons from engaging for their own account in business
activities of the types conducted by us. Accordingly, such parties may have an interest in
certain transactions in which we are involved, and may also compete with us. |
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Because each of our independent directors will be entitled to receive $50,000 in cash
per year for their board service, accruing pro rata from the respective start of their
service on our board of directors and payable only upon the successful consummation of a
business combination, the financial interest of our independent directors could influence
their motivation in selecting a target business. Additionally, certain of our directors may
continue with us as members of our board of directors as part of a business combination,
pursuant to which they may be entitled to compensation for their services. Thus, the
financial interests of our independent directors may influence their motivation when
determining whether a particular business combination is in our stockholders best interest
and securing payment of their annual fee. |
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Because it is possible that our chairman and one or more of our independent directors
may continue to serve on our board of directors after the consummation of our initial
business combination, and such individuals may be paid fees for their services, the
financial interest of such individuals may influence their motivation when determining
whether a particular business combination is in our stockholders best interest and
securing payment of such fees. |
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|
All of Navios Holdings investment in us will be lost if we do not consummate a business
combination. This amount is comprised of consideration paid for the Sponsor Units and
Private Placement warrants. These amounts are in addition to claims made against the Trust
Account by creditors who have not executed waivers of claims. In addition, Navios Holdings
has agreed to pay fees and expenses for our dissolution and liquidation in the event we do
not have sufficient funds outside of the Trust Account to pay for such expenses. |
Accordingly, as a result of multiple business affiliations, our officers and directors may
have similar legal obligations relating to presenting business opportunities to multiple entities.
In addition, conflicts of interest may arise when our board of
54
directors evaluates a particular business opportunity. We cannot assure you that any of the
above mentioned conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
Each of our directors has, or may come to have, to a certain degree, other fiduciary
obligations. Angeliki Frangou, our chairman and chief executive officer, is the chairman and chief
executive officer of Navios Holdings and Navios Partners, an affiliate of Navios Holdings. In
addition, Ms. Frangou is the chairman of the board of directors of IRF European Finance
Investments, Ltd. and chairman of the board of directors of Proton Bank. Ted C. Petrone, our
President and a member of our board of directors, is the President of Navios Corporation, and a
director of Navios Holdings. Mr. Veraros is a senior analyst at Investments & Finance, Ltd., an
investment banking firm specializing in the shipping industry. Mr. Koilalous is the founder and
managing director of Pegasus Adjusting Services, Ltd., an adjusting firm in the shipping industry.
Mr. Brynteson is a managing director for sales and purchases at H. Clarkson & Company, Ltd., a
subsidiary of leading worldwide shipbroker Clarkson PLC. In order to minimize potential conflicts
of interest, our directors and officers have agreed, until the earlier of the consummation of our
initial business combination or our liquidation, that they will not become affiliated as an
officer, director or stockholder of a blank check or blind pool company operating in or intending
to acquire a business in the marine transportation and logistics industries.
In addition, each of Navios Holdings and Navios Partners have agreed, for the period
commencing on the date of our Initial Public Offering and extending until the earlier of the
consummation of our initial business combination or our liquidation, that they will not form,
invest in or become affiliated with a blank check or blind pool company operating in or intended to
acquire a business in the marine transportation and logistics industries.
In connection with the vote required for any business combination, our initial stockholders
have agreed to vote their respective shares of common stock that were owned prior to our Initial
Public Offering in accordance with the vote of the public stockholders owning a majority of the
shares of our common stock sold in the Initial Public Offering and to vote any shares they acquired
in the Initial Public Offering or in the open market in favor of any business combination they
negotiate and present to the stockholders.
Each independent director will receive $50,000 in cash per year, accruing pro rata from the
respective start of their service on our board of directors and payable only upon the successful
consummation of a business combination. They will also receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by them in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential
target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. There is no limit
on the amount of these out-of-pocket expenses, but such expenses will be subject to the review and
approval of the audit committee, and any expense reimbursements payable to members of our audit
committee will be reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with the interested director or
directors abstaining from such review and approval. Although we believe that all actions taken by
our directors on our behalf will be in our best interests, we cannot assure you that this will be
the case.
Navios Holdings has a significant ownership interest in us. As a result of Navios Holdings
significant ownership stake in us and our common management, there are certain potential conflicts
of interest, including potential competition as to acquisition targets and, after an acquisition
has been consummated, potential competition and business relationships with each other.
In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest that may arise from multiple
affiliations, each of our officers and directors (other than our independent directors) has agreed,
until the earliest of the consummation of our initial business combination, 24 months (or up to 36
months if our stockholders approve the extended period) after the date of the closing of our
Initial Public Offering and such time as they cease to be an officer or director, to present to us
for our consideration, before presenting to any other entity, any business combination opportunity
involving the potential acquisition of a controlling interest in a marine transportation or
logistics business outside of the dry bulk shipping sector, subject to (i) any fiduciary duties or
contractual obligations they may have currently or in the future in respect of Navios Holdings or
Navios Partners and any businesses in which either such company invests and (ii) any other
pre-existing fiduciary duties or contractual obligations they may have.
As a controlled affiliate of Navios Holdings, we are subject to the omnibus agreement between
Navios Holdings and Navios Partners that governs business opportunities within the dry bulk
shipping sector, as described above. In June 2009, Navios Holdings was released from
the Omnibus Agreement restrictions for two years in connection with
acquiring such vessels from third parties (but not from the
requirement to offer to sell to Navios Partners qualifying vessels in
Navios Holdings existing fleet). Navios Partners and its subsidiaries granted to Navios Holdings a similar right
of first offer on any proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of any of its Panamax or
Capesize dry bulk carriers and related charters or any of its dry bulk vessels that is not a
Panamax or Capesize dry bulk vessel and related charters owned or acquired by it.
To resolve this conflict of interest,
we have entered into a right of first refusal agreement that grants us the first opportunity to
consider any business opportunity outside of the dry bulk shipping
sector. In June 2009, Navios Partners waived its rights of first
refusal with respect to an acquisition opportunity relating to such
vessels until(a) the consummation of a business combination, (b) the
liquidation and (c) June 2011.
Upon a change of control of Navios Holdings or Navios Partners, the noncompetition and right
of first offer provisions of the omnibus agreement, and hence our obligations there under, will
terminate within a specified period of time after such change in control. Our obligations under the
omnibus agreement will also be terminated whenever we are deemed to no longer be a controlled
affiliate of Navios Holdings.
Because of the overlap between Navios Holdings, Navios Partners and us with respect to
possible acquisitions under the
55
terms of the omnibus agreement, we have entered into a business opportunity right of first
refusal agreement which provides that, commencing from the closing of our Initial Public Offering
and extending until the earlier of the consummation of our initial business combination or our
liquidation, we, Navios Holdings and Navios Partners will share business opportunities in the
marine transportation and logistics industries as follows (subject to
the amended Omnibus Agreement and the
Waiver as previously disclosed):
|
|
|
We will have the first opportunity to consider any business opportunities outside of the
dry bulk shipping sector. |
|
|
|
|
Navios Holdings will have the first opportunity to consider any business opportunities
within the dry bulk shipping sector, with the exception of any Panamax or Capesize dry bulk
carrier under charter for three or more years it might own. |
|
|
|
|
Navios Partners has the first opportunity to consider an acquisition opportunity
relating to any Panamax or Capesize dry bulk carrier under charter for three or more years. |
Decisions by us to release Navios Holdings and Navios Partners to pursue any corporate
opportunity outside of the dry bulk sector will be made by a majority of our independent directors.
We are permitted to, and will, consider suitable opportunities both within and outside the dry bulk
shipping sector of the marine transportation and logistics industries. Although we have entered
into the business opportunity right of first refusal agreement, we have done so primarily to (i)
provide greater certainty to the process by which we manage any potential conflicts of interest and
(ii) provide each of our and Navios Holdings and Navios Partners management with guidelines to
permit each of them to fully and properly discharge their respective duties to each of us, Navios
Holdings and Navios Partners, where implicated.
As set forth above, we will have the ability to acquire a target business that is in
competition with and operate in the same business as Navios Holdings or Navios Partners. In such
case, there may be additional conflicts of interest between Navios Holdings, Navios Partners and
us, including direct head to head competition for chartering and additional vessel acquisition
opportunities, and otherwise. To mitigate such risks, we plan to add independent management or
replace our existing management with independent management if our acquisitions are such as to lead
to substantial direct competition between us. If we acquire an operating business, there is some
likelihood that some or all of the management of such business might join our management after the
business combination; however, there can be no assurance as to whom the management team would be or
as to their qualifications.
Further, all ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors
or their respective affiliates, including Navios Holdings, will be on terms believed by us to be no
less favorable than are available from unaffiliated third parties, and such transactions will
require prior approval, in each instance, by a unanimous vote of our disinterested independent
directors or the members of our board who do not have an interest in the transaction. In addition,
we will not pursue a business combination with an entity affiliated with us, Navios Holdings, or
our officers and directors unless we obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm
that is a member of FINRA that the business combination is fair to our unaffiliated stockholders
from a financial point of view, and all of our disinterested, independent directors approve the
transaction.
D. Employees
|
|
Not applicable as we do not intend to have any full time employees prior to the consummation of
a business combination. |
E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership, as of
January 27, 2010 of our common stock by our sponsor, each of our officers and directors and by all
of our directors and officers as a group. The information is not necessarily indicative of
beneficial ownership for any other purposes.
Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting
and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
of Beneficial |
|
Percentage of |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) |
|
Ownership(2) |
|
Common Stock |
Navios Maritime Holdings Inc.(2) |
|
|
6,035,000 |
|
|
|
19 |
% |
Angeliki Frangou |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Ted C. Petrone |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Nikolaos Veraros |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Julian David Brynteson |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John Koilalous |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All of our officers and directors as a group |
|
|
290,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is c/o Navios
Maritime Holdings Inc., 85 Akti Miaouli Street, Piraeus, Greece. |
|
(2) |
|
Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. is a U.S. public company controlled by its board of directors,
which consists of the following seven members: Angeliki Frangou (our chairman and chief
executive officer), Vasiliki Papaefthymiou, Ted C. Petrone (our president), Spyridon
Magoulas, John Stratakis, Rex Harrington and Allan Shaw. In addition, we have been informed
by Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. that, based upon documents filed with the SEC that are
publicly available, it believes that the beneficial owners of greater than 5% of the common
stock of Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. are: Angeliki Frangou, who has filed a Schedule 13D
amendment indicating that she intends, subject to market conditions, to purchase up to $20
million of common stock and as of October 10, 2005, she has purchased approximately $10.0
million in value of common stock. Any such additional purchases would change the percentage
owned by the initial stockholders and Ms. Frangou.(23.2%) and FMR LLC (11.9%). We have been
informed by Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. that, other than Angeliki Frangou, the president,
chief executive officer and a director of Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., no beneficial owner
of greater than 5% of Navios Maritime Holdings Inc.s common stock is an affiliate of Navios
Maritime Holding Inc. |
Item 7. Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Stockholders
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership as of January 27, 2010, of our
common stocks by each person we know to beneficially own more than 5% of the common stocks. The
number of common stock beneficially owned by each person is determined under SEC rules and the
information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under
SEC rules, a person beneficially owns any units as to which the person has or shares voting or
investment power. In addition, a person beneficially owns any common stocks that the person or
entity has the right to acquire as of March 27, 2010 through the exercise of any right.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stocks Beneficially Owned |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Number |
|
Percentage |
Navios Holdings |
|
|
6,035,000 |
|
|
|
19 |
% |
QVT Financial LP |
|
|
2,992,000 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
% |
Arrowgrass Capital Partners (US) LP |
|
|
2,606,324 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
% |
L3 Capital Advisors, LLC |
|
|
2,127,976 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
% |
Integrated Core Strategies (US) LLC |
|
|
2,058,835 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
% |
Genesis Capital Advisors LLC |
|
|
1,950,800 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
% |
Highbridge International LLC |
|
|
1,900,000 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
% |
Fir Tree, Inc. |
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
% |
HBK Services LLC |
|
|
1,721,500 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
B. Related Party Transactions
On March 18, 2008, Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation (sometimes referred to herein as
Navios Acquisition, the Company, we or us) issued 8,625,000 sponsor units, or the Sponsor
Units, to its sponsor, Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (Navios Holdings) for $25,000 in cash, at a
purchase price of approximately $0.003 per unit, of which 825,000 Sponsor Units were subject to
mandatory forfeiture if are to the extent the underwriters over-allotment option was not executed
in full. However, such Sponsor Units were not forfeited as the underwriters fully exercised their
over-allotment option. Each Sponsor Unit consists of one share of common stock and one warrant.
57
On June 11, 2008, Navios Holdings transferred an aggregate of 290,000 Sponsor Units to our
officers and directors.
On June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings returned to us an aggregate of 2,300,000 Sponsor Units,
which we have cancelled. Accordingly, our initial stockholders own 6,325,000 Sponsor Units.
On July 1, 2008, we closed our initial public offering of 25,300,000 units, including
3,300,000 units issued upon the full exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option (referred
to hereon as the Initial Public Offering). Each unit consists of one share of common stock and
one warrant that entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock. The units were sold at
an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $253.0 million.
Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated a private placement
of 7,600,000 warrants at a purchase price of $1.00 per warrant to our sponsor, Navios Holdings,
referred to herein as th Private Placement. The Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement
generated gross proceeds to the Company in an aggregate amount of $260.6 million.
Navios Holdings loaned us a total of $0.5 million for the payment of offering expenses. This
loan was payable on the earlier of March 31, 2009 or the completion of our Initial Public Offering.
On December 31, 2009, the balance of the loan was zero, as we fully repaid the loan in November
2008.
We presently occupy office space provided by Navios Holdings. Navios Holdings has agreed that,
until the consummation of a business combination, it will make such office space, as well as
certain office and secretarial services, available to us, as may be required by us from time to
time. We have agreed to pay Navios Holdings $10,000 per month for such services. As of December 31,
2009 and 2008, we accrued $30,000 and $60,000, respectively, for administrative services rendered
by Navios Holdings. These amounts are included under amounts due to related parties in the balance
sheet together with offering costs amounting to $0 and $76,323 as of December 31 2009 and 2008,
respectively, paid by Navios Holdings.
We have also agreed to pay each of the independent directors $50,000 in cash per year for
their board service, accruing pro rata from the respective start of their service on the board of
directors and payable only upon the successful consummation of a business combination. As of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were three independent directors appointed and the total amounts
accrued were $150,000 and $85,890, respectively.
On January 12, 2010, we announced the appointment of Leonidas Korres as our Senior Vice
President Business Development. Pursuant to an agreement between us and Navios Maritime Holdings
Inc. (Navios Holdings), the compensation of Mr. Korres up to the amount of EURO 65,000 is to be
paid by Navios Holdings, provided that if we complete a business combination, we will reimburse
such amounts to Navios Holdings immediately following the completion of the business combination.
In the event that we are unable to complete a business combination, then we will not be obligated
to make any payments to Navios Holdings or Mr. Korres with respect to his employment.
Item 8. Financial Information
A. Financial Statements and Other Financial Information
Financial Statements: See Item 18.
Legal Proceedings
Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our
operations in the normal course of business, we are not at present party to any legal proceedings
or aware of any proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us, that would have a
material effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Dividend policy
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and will not pay cash dividends
before the consummation of a business combination. After we consummate any business combination the
payment of dividends will depend on our revenue and earnings, if any, capital requirements and
general financial condition. The payment of dividends after a business combination will be within
the discretion of our then-board of directors.
B. Significant Changes
No significant changes have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements
included herein.
58
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
Our listing of securities are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and comprised of units
under the symbol NNA.U, of common stock and warrants under the symbols NNA and NNA WS,
respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price range |
|
Price range |
|
Price range |
|
|
Units |
|
Common stock |
|
Warrants |
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
Year Ended: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
|
8.61 |
|
|
$ |
9.90 |
|
|
$ |
8.57 |
|
|
|
0.81 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
December 31, 2008* |
|
$ |
10.20 |
|
|
$ |
8.40 |
|
|
$ |
9.40 |
|
|
$ |
8.08 |
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
Quarter Ended: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010 (through January 27, 2010) |
|
$ |
10.32 |
|
|
$ |
10.12 |
|
|
$ |
9.90 |
|
|
$ |
9.79 |
|
|
$ |
0.62 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
$ |
9.73 |
|
|
$ |
9.90 |
|
|
$ |
9.61 |
|
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
0.52 |
|
September 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.05 |
|
|
$ |
9.64 |
|
|
$ |
9.60 |
|
|
$ |
9.37 |
|
|
$ |
0.81 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
June 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
9.47 |
|
|
$ |
9.10 |
|
|
$ |
9.36 |
|
|
$ |
9.03 |
|
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
9.20 |
|
|
$ |
8.61 |
|
|
$ |
9.07 |
|
|
$ |
8.57 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.16 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
9.20 |
|
|
$ |
8.40 |
|
|
$ |
8.70 |
|
|
$ |
8.08 |
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
September 30, 2008* |
|
$ |
10.20 |
|
|
$ |
9.26 |
|
|
$ |
9.40 |
|
|
$ |
8.79 |
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.44 |
|
Month Ended: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31, 2010 (through January 27, 2010) |
|
$ |
10.32 |
|
|
$ |
10.12 |
|
|
$ |
9.90 |
|
|
$ |
9.79 |
|
|
$ |
0.62 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
$ |
9.73 |
|
|
$ |
9.90 |
|
|
$ |
9.76 |
|
|
$ |
0.73 |
|
|
$ |
0.52 |
|
November 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.50 |
|
|
$ |
9.96 |
|
|
$ |
9.80 |
|
|
$ |
9.70 |
|
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
0.62 |
|
October 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.30 |
|
|
$ |
10.02 |
|
|
$ |
9.76 |
|
|
$ |
9.61 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
September 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.05 |
|
|
$ |
9.90 |
|
|
$ |
9.60 |
|
|
$ |
9.54 |
|
|
$ |
0.81 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
August 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
10.03 |
|
|
$ |
9.67 |
|
|
$ |
9.58 |
|
|
$ |
9.40 |
|
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
July 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
9.81 |
|
|
$ |
9.64 |
|
|
$ |
9.56 |
|
|
$ |
9.37 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
|
|
(*) |
|
Period beginning July 1, 2008 |
Item 10. Additional Information
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Certificate of Incorporation
The information required to be disclosed under Item 10.B is incorporated by reference to the
following sections of the prospectus included in our Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with
the SEC on June 17, 2008: Proposed Business, Description of Securities Conflicts of Interest
and Fiduciary Duties and Dividend Policy.
C. Material Contracts
The following is a summary of each material contract, other than material contracts entered
into in the ordinary course of business, to which we are a party, for the year immediately
preceding the date of this annual report, each of which is included in the list of exhibits in Item
19. Please read Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Trends and Factors
Affecting Our Future Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources for a summary of
certain contract terms.
|
|
|
Underwriting-agreement, dated June 25, 2008, between the Company and J.P.
Morgan Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives of the
underwriters of the Initial Public Offering. |
|
|
|
|
Warrant Agreement, dated June 25, 2008, between Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation
and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. |
|
|
|
|
Securities Escrow Agreement, dated June 25, 2008, by and among the Company, Navios
Holdings, Angeliki Frangou, Ted C. Petrone, Julian David Brynteson, John Koilalous,
Nikolaos Veraros and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. |
59
|
|
|
Services Agreement 2008, dated June 25, between the Company and Navios Holdings. |
|
|
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 25, 2008, by and among the Company,
and Navios Holdings, Angeliki Frangou, Ted C. Petrone, Julian David Brynteson, John
Koilalous, Nikolaos Veraros and Amadeus Maritime S.A. |
|
|
|
|
Sponsor Warrant Purchase Agreement dated June 28, 2008, between the Company
and Navios Holdings. |
|
|
|
|
Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated June 25, 2008, by and between the
Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. |
|
|
|
|
Right of First Refusal and Corporate Opportunities Agreement, dated June 25, 2008, by
and among the Company, Navios Holdings and Navios Partners |
|
|
|
|
Letter Agreement between the Company, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Unit Purchase Agreement, dated June 16, 2008, by and between Navios Holdings and each of
the following purchasers identified: Angeliki Frangou, Ted C. Petrone, Julian David
Brynteson, John Koilalous and Nikolaos Veraros. |
|
|
|
|
Waiver of Navios Maritime Partners L.P. dated June 29, 2009. |
C. Exchange controls and other limitations
Not applicable, as we are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees or regulations,
including foreign exchange controls, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands that restrict the
export or import of capital, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments
to non-resident holders of our securities.
We are not aware of any limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or
vote our securities imposed by the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or our Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws.
E. Taxation
Marshall Islands Tax Considerations
Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and
no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to our
stockholders or proceeds from the disposition of our common stock.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations is based on the United
States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), current and proposed Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions as of the
date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
The following discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to us of our
activities is based, in part, on the description of our business in the section above entitled
Proposed Business and assumes that we will conduct our business as described in that section.
We currently are, and intend to continue to be, classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes and we currently do not, and do not intend to, maintain any office or other fixed
place of business within the United States. The remainder of this discussion assumes that we will
not maintain any office or other fixed place of business within the United States and that we will
be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If our business is not limited to the acquisition of vessels or businesses owning or operating
vessels, or if we maintain an office or fixed place of business in the United States or have other
contacts with the United States, we would be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on a net basis if
we are considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. In such event, we would be subject to U.S. corporate income tax and branch profits
tax at a combined rate of up to 54.5% on our income which is effectively connected with our United
States trade or business, or effectively connected income.
It is possible that at least one of our directors will be a citizen or resident of the United
States. However, we do not believe that any activities conducted by such directors in the United
States should result in our income being treated as effectively connected income under the rules
discussed above. Therefore, we anticipate that none of our income will be subject to U.S. federal
income tax on a net basis as a result of any directors connections to the United States. However,
whether a trade or
60
business is being conducted in the United States is inherently a factual determination. It is
possible that the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may disagree with our
conclusion.
Taxation of Shipping Income in General
Unless exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a non-U.S.
corporation is subject to U.S. federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived
from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or
bareboat charter basis, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses,
including income derived from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint
operating agreement, code sharing arrangement or other joint venture that generates such income,
which we refer to as shipping income, to the extent that the shipping income is derived from
sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is attributable
to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States
constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as U.S.-source
shipping income.
Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States
is considered to be 100% U.S.-source shipping income. We do not expect to engage in transportation
that produces income that is considered to be 100% U.S.-source shipping income.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. ports will be
considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from
sources outside the United States will not be subject to any U.S. federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, our gross U.S.-source
shipping income would be subject to either (i) a 4% tax, imposed without allowance for deductions,
as described below, or (ii) U.S. corporate income tax and branch profits tax at a combined rate of
up to 54.5%, as described below.
Exemption of Shipping Income from United States Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation on our
U.S.-source shipping income if:
|
I. |
|
we are organized in a foreign country (our country of
organization) that grants an equivalent exemption to
corporations organized in the United States with respect to each
category of shipping income for which exemption is being claimed under
Section 883 of the Code; and |
|
|
II. |
|
either: |
|
A. |
|
more than 50% of the value of our stock is
owned, directly or indirectly, by
individuals who are residents of our
country of organization or of another
foreign country that grants an equivalent
exemption to corporations organized in the
United States, which we refer to as the
50% Ownership Test, |
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our stock is primarily and regularly
traded on an established securities market
in our country of organization, in another
country that grants an equivalent
exemption to United States corporations,
or in the United States, which we refer to
as the Publicly Traded Test, or |
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we are a controlled foreign corporation
and satisfy certain other requirements,
which we refer to as the CFC Test. |
The Marshall Islands, our country of organization, grants an equivalent exemption to
United States corporations with respect to each category of shipping income we expect to earn.
Therefore, we expect that we will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation with respect to our
U.S.-source shipping income if we satisfy the 50% Ownership Test, the Publicly Traded
Test or the CFC Test. We do not expect that we will be able to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test
or the CFC Test due to the widely-held ownership of our stock. Our ability to satisfy the Publicly
Traded Test is discussed below.
The Treasury Regulations under Section 883 of the Code provide, in pertinent part, that stock
of a foreign corporation will be considered to be primarily traded in a country on one or more
established securities markets if the number of shares of
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each class of stock that are traded
during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of
shares in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any
other single country. With the completion of the offering, our stock is primarily traded on the
New York Stock Exchange, an established securities market in the United States.
Under the Treasury Regulations, our stock is considered to be regularly traded on an
established securities market if more than 50% of our stock (measured by voting power and by value)
is listed on such market, which we refer to as the listing threshold. Because our common stock
is our sole class of stock and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we will satisfy the
listing threshold as long as our stock continues to be so listed.
The Treasury Regulations further require that, in addition to the listing threshold, (i) our
stock must be traded on such market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during
the taxable year or 1/6 of the days in a short taxable year and (ii) the aggregate number of shares
of our stock traded on such market during the taxable year must be at least 10% of the average
number of shares of stock outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of
a short taxable year. The Treasury Regulations provide that the trading frequency and trading
volume tests will be deemed satisfied if, as we expect will be the case, our common stock is
regularly quoted by dealers making a market in our stock. Although we anticipate that our stock is
considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market, it is uncertain whether
there will be sufficient trading frequency and volume with respect to our shares in the future, or
whether our shares will, or will continue to, trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly,
there can be no assurance that these tests will be, or will be deemed to be, satisfied.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that our
stock is not be considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market for any
taxable year in which 50% or more of the outstanding shares of our stock is owned, actually or
constructively, under specified stock attribution rules, on more than half the days during the
taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of our outstanding stock, which we refer to as the
5 Percent Override Rule.
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or
more of our stock, or 5% Stockholders, the Treasury Regulations permit us to rely on current
Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings with the SEC to identify our 5% Stockholders. The Treasury
Regulations further provide that an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Stockholder for such purposes.
We do not anticipate that our 5% Stockholders will own 50% or more of our stock. Therefore, we
anticipate that we will not be subject to the 5% Override Rule, but there can be no assurance that
this will be, or will continue to be, the case.
Additionally, we plan to satisfy the substantiation and reporting requirements described in
the Treasury Regulations.
Taxation of Shipping Income in the Absence of the Section 883 Exemption
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 of the Code are unavailable, our U.S.-source
shipping income, to the extent not considered to be effectively connected with the conduct of a
U.S. trade or business, as described below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of
the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions. Since, under the sourcing rules
described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income is anticipated to be treated as
U.S.-source shipping income, the maximum effective rate of U.S. federal income tax on our
non-effectively connected shipping income is not expected to exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax
regime.
To the extent the benefits of the Section 883 exemption are unavailable and our U.S. source
shipping income is considered to be effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or
business, as described below, any such effectively connected U.S.-source shipping income, net
of applicable deductions, would be subject to the U.S. federal corporate income tax, currently
imposed at rates of up to 35%. In addition, we would be subject to the 30% branch profits taxes
on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, as determined after
allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the
conduct of our U.S. trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered effectively connected with the conduct
of a U.S. trade or business only if:
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we have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the
United States involved in the earning of U.S.-source shipping income;
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substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable
to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a
vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at
regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or
end in the United States (or, in the case of income from the leasing
of a vessel, is attributable to a fixed place of business in the
United States). |
We do not intend to have any vessel operating to or from the United States on a regularly
scheduled basis or maintain an office or other fixed place of business in the United States. Based
on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping operations and other activities, we
believe that none of our U.S.-source shipping income will be effectively connected with the
conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
United States Taxation of Gain on the Sale of Vessels
Upon the sale of a vessel that has produced income that was effectively connected with the
conduct of a U.S. trade or business, we could be subject to the U.S. federal corporate income tax
as well as branch profits tax as described above. Otherwise, we will not be subject to U.S.
federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is
considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles. In
general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this
purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer
outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel will be considered to occur
outside of the United States or to otherwise be structured so that the gain, if any, on the sale is
not subject to U.S. taxation.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences for Holders of Our Shares and Warrants
The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares and warrants by a U.S. holder. For purposes of
this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of our shares or warrants that is, for U.S.
federal income tax purposes:
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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.; |
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a corporation (or other entity taxed as a corporation) created or
organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any of its political
subdivisions; |
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an estate whose income is includible in gross income for U.S. federal
income tax purposes regardless of its source; or |
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a trust if (i) in general, a court within the U.S. is able to exercise
primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or
more United States persons (within the meaning of the Code) have
the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or
(ii) it has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury
Regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
Unless otherwise specifically indicated, this discussion does not consider the U.S. federal
income tax consequences to a person that is not a U.S. holder (a non-U.S. holder).
This discussion does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax
considerations that may be relevant to each prospective investors decision to purchase our shares
or warrants. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may
be relevant to any particular U.S. holder based on such holders individual circumstances. In
particular, this discussion considers only U.S. holders that will own shares or warrants as capital
assets (generally, assets held for investment) and does not address the potential application of
the alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders that are
subject to special treatment, including:
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broker-dealers; |
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insurance companies; |
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taxpayers who have elected mark-to-market accounting; |
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entities that are tax-exempt for U.S. federal income tax purposes and retirement plans,
individual retirement accounts and tax-deferred accounts; |
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regulated investment companies; |
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real estate investment trusts; |
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financial institutions or financial services entities; |
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taxpayers who hold our shares or warrants as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion
transaction or other integrated transaction; |
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taxpayers who receive our shares or warrants as compensation for the performance of services; |
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certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States; |
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holders owning directly, indirectly or by attribution at least 10% of our voting power; and |
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taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. |
This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate taxes, or state,
local or non-U.S. tax laws. Additionally, this discussion does not consider the tax treatment of
partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold our shares or warrants through such
entities. If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) is the beneficial owner of our shares or warrants, the U.S. federal income tax treatment
of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the
activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to
the tax consequences to it of acquiring, owning or disposing of our shares or warrants.
Prospective investors are advised to consult their tax advisers regarding the specific U.S.
federal income tax consequences to them of acquiring, owning or disposing of our shares or
warrants.
Allocation of Purchase Price of Units between the Shares and Warrants
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder must allocate the purchase price of a unit
between the shares and warrant that comprise a unit based on the relative fair market value of
each. Following the closing, we will advise each investor of our allocation of the purchase price
for a unit between the shares and warrant comprising each unit. However, our allocation will not be
binding on the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and it is possible that the IRS
could disagree with
our allocation. Each U.S. holder is advised to consult such holders own tax adviser with
respect to the risks associated with an allocation of the purchase price between the share and
warrant that comprise a unit that is inconsistent with our allocation of the purchase price.
Distributions Paid on Shares
Subject to the discussion of the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules below, a
U.S. holder will be required to include in gross income as a dividend the amount of any
distribution paid on our shares to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions
in excess of such earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the U.S. holders
basis in our shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as gain from the
sale or exchange of the shares. The Company intends to maintain calculations of its earnings and
profits under U.S. federal income tax principles.
In the case of a U.S. holder that is a corporation, a dividend from a non-U.S. corporation
will generally be taxable at regular corporate rates of up to 35% and generally will not qualify
for the dividends-received deduction. A non-corporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to tax
at ordinary income tax rates of up to 35% on dividends that it receives that are not treated as
qualified dividend income. A non-corporate U.S. holders qualified dividend income currently is
subject to tax at reduced rates not exceeding 15% for taxable years beginning on or before December
31, 2010. For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by a
non-U.S. corporation if the stock of that corporation with respect to which the dividends are paid
is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (e.g., the New York
Stock
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Exchange). However, dividends paid by a non-U.S. corporation will not qualify for the reduced
rates of tax if such corporation is treated for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or
the preceding taxable year as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See the discussion below
under the heading Tax Consequences If We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company regarding our
status as a PFIC. A non-corporate U.S. holder is eligible to treat dividends on our shares as
qualified dividend income only if the U.S. holder meets certain requirements, including certain
holding period requirements and the absence of certain risk reduction transactions with respect to
our shares. There can be no assurance that any dividends paid on our shares will be eligible for a
reduced rate of tax in the hands of a non-corporate U.S. holder.
Disposition of Shares
Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, upon the sale, exchange or other
disposition of our shares, including the exercise of conversion rights, a U.S. holder will realize
capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between such U.S. holders tax basis in
its shares and the amount realized on the disposition. A U.S. holders basis in its shares is
usually the cost of such shares (that is, an amount equal to the portion of the purchase price of a
unit allocated to such shares as described above under the heading Allocation of Purchase Price
of Units Between the Shares and Warrants). A share acquired pursuant to the exercise of a warrant
will have a tax basis equal to the U.S. holders tax basis in the warrant (that is, an amount equal
to the portion of the purchase price of each unit allocated to the warrant as described above under
the heading Allocation of Purchase Price of Units Between the Shares and Warrants) plus the
amount paid to exercise the warrant.
Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, capital gain from the sale, exchange or
other disposition of shares held for more than one year is long-term capital gain, and is eligible
for a reduced rate of taxation for individuals. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain
non-corporate holders in taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010 may qualify for a
reduced rate of taxation of 15% or less. A U.S. holders holding period in a share received upon
the exercise of a warrant will commence on the day after the warrant is exercised. The
deductibility of a capital loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares is
subject to limitations.
Warrants
Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, a U.S. holder generally will not recognize
gain or loss upon the exercise of a warrant. A U.S. holder will realize capital gain or loss upon
the sale, exchange or other disposition of a warrant in an amount equal to the difference between
the amount realized and the U.S. holders basis in the warrant (that is, an amount equal to the
portion of the purchase price of a unit allocated to the warrant as described above under the
heading Allocation of Purchase Price of Units Between the Shares and Warrants). Such capital
gain or loss will constitute long-term capital gain or loss if the warrant was held for more than
one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. holders in taxable years
beginning on or before December 31, 2010 may qualify for a reduced rate of taxation not exceeding
15%. If the terms of a warrant provide for any adjustment to the number of shares for which the
warrant may be exercised or to the exercise price of the warrant, such adjustment may under certain
circumstances result in a constructive distribution that could be taxable as a dividend to the
holder of the warrant. Conversely, the absence of an appropriate adjustment may result in a
constructive distribution that could be taxable as a dividend to the U.S. holders of our shares. If
a warrant is allowed to lapse unexercised, a U.S. holder would have a capital loss equal to such
holders tax basis in the warrant. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Tax Consequences If We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company
We will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, if 75% or more of our gross income
in a taxable year is passive income, or if at least 50% of our assets in a taxable year, averaged
over the year and ordinarily determined based on fair market value, are held for the production of,
or produce, passive income. In making these determinations, we would include our pro rata share of
the gross income and assets of any corporation in which we are considered to own 25% or more of the
shares by value. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents, royalties, net gains
from the disposition of passive assets and net gains from certain commodities transactions. Net
gains from commodities transactions will not be treated as passive income if they (1) are active
business gains or losses from the sale of commodities, but only if substantially all of a
corporations commodities are stock in trade or inventory, depreciable property or real property
used in trade or business or supplies used in the ordinary course of a trade or business, (2) arise
out of certain commodity hedging transactions entered into in the ordinary course of a trade or
business or (3) are attributable to certain foreign currency transactions.
Because we currently have no active business and may not acquire an active business in our
first taxable year, we believe that it is likely that we will satisfy the PFIC asset and income
tests for our first taxable year. However, the PFIC rules contain an exception to PFIC status for
corporations in their start-up year. A corporation will not be a PFIC in its start-up year,
which is the first taxable year the corporation has gross income, if (1) no predecessor of the
corporation was a PFIC, (2) the corporation satisfies the IRS that it will not be a PFIC for either
of the first two taxable years following the start-up year and (3) the corporation is not in fact a
PFIC for either of such taxable years. The applicability of the start-up exception to us is
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uncertain and it is not clear that we would be able to make the showings required by the
IRS to qualify for the start-up year exception. Even if we acquire a target business with an active
trade or business, we may still meet one of the PFIC tests depending on the timing of the
acquisition and the passive income and assets of the acquired company. If the target business that
we acquire is or was a PFIC, then it is likely that we will not qualify for the start-up year
exception and will be a PFIC for our first taxable year. We note, however, that PFIC status is
determined annually and it cannot be determined until the close of the taxable years in question.
Since we will not be able to determine whether we will be classified as a PFIC until an acquisition
(if any) is made and the timing of such acquisition is known, we cannot make any representations to
U.S. holders regarding our PFIC status at this time. Therefore, no assurances can be made that we
will not be a PFIC for either our start-up year or for any subsequent taxable year. The following
discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders if we are
classified as a PFIC.
If we were to be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder
could be subject to increased tax liability upon the sale or other disposition of our shares or
warrants (including gifts and pledges as security for a loan) or upon the receipt of distributions
treated as excess distributions. In general, an excess distribution is the amount of
distributions received during a taxable year that exceed 125% of the average amount of
distributions received by a U.S. holder in respect of our shares during the preceding three taxable
years, or if shorter, during the U.S. holders holding period prior to the taxable year of the
distribution. Under these rules, the excess distribution and any gain on the disposition of the
shares or warrants would be allocated ratably over the U.S. holders holding period for the shares
or warrants, as applicable. The amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year
prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The
amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest marginal
rate in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that taxable year, and an interest charge
for the deemed tax deferral benefit would be imposed on the resulting tax liability as if such tax
liability had been due with respect to such taxable years. The tax liability with respect to the
amounts allocated to taxable years prior to the year of disposition or distribution cannot be
offset by net operating losses. In addition, holders of stock in a PFIC may not receive a
step-up in basis on shares acquired from a decedent.
We will generally be treated as a PFIC with respect to any U.S. holder if we are a PFIC for
any taxable year during the U.S. holders holding period for our shares or warrants. However, if we
cease to satisfy the requirements for PFIC classification in any taxable year, a U.S. holder may
avoid the consequences of our PFIC classification for subsequent taxable years by making an
election to recognize gain based on the U.S. holders unrealized appreciation in our shares through
the close of the last taxable year in which we are a PFIC. The gain recognized would be subject to
the excess distribution rules described above. As a result of the election, a U.S. holder would
obtain a new basis and holding period in our shares. The tax law is unclear as to whether this
election is available with respect to the warrants.
The PFIC rules described above will not apply to a U.S. holder if the U.S. holder makes an
election to treat us as a qualified electing fund, or QEF, with respect to its shares in the first
taxable year the U.S. holder owns our shares. A U.S. holder may make a QEF election only if we
furnish the U.S. holder with certain tax information. Upon written request by a U.S. holder, we
intend to make available the PFIC annual statement currently required by the IRS, which provides
information necessary for a U.S. holder to comply with the reporting requirements applicable to the
QEF election.
A U.S holder may not make a QEF election with respect to the warrants. Even if a U.S. holder
that exercises warrants properly makes (or has in effect) a QEF election with respect to the shares
acquired upon such exercise, the adverse tax consequences relating to those shares will continue to
apply with respect to the pre-QEF election period, unless the holder makes a purging election.
The purging election creates a deemed sale of the shares acquired upon exercising the warrants. The
gain recognized as result of the purging election would be subject to the special tax and interest
charge rules, treating the gain as an excess distribution, as described above. As a result of the
purging election, the U.S. holder would have a new basis and holding period in the shares acquired
on the exercise of the warrants for purposes of the PFIC rules. The application of the PFIC and QEF
rules, including the consequences of making certain elections, to warrants and shares acquired upon
exercise of warrants is subject to significant uncertainties. Accordingly, each U.S. holder should
consult such holders tax adviser concerning the consequences of holding warrants or shares
acquired through the exercise of such warrants if we were to be a PFIC.
A U.S. holder that has in effect a QEF election is required for each taxable year in which we
are PFIC to include in its income a pro rata share of our ordinary earnings as ordinary income and
a pro rata share of our net capital gain as long-term capital gain, unless a separate election to
defer payment of taxes and pay an interest charge with respect to such deferred taxes is made by
the U.S. holder. Any income inclusion will be required whether or not such U.S. holder owns our
shares for an entire taxable year or at the end of our taxable year; however, such income inclusion
generally is required only with respect to the portion of the taxable year in which our shares are
held by the U.S. holder. The amount so includable will be determined without regard to our prior
year losses or the amount of cash distributions, if any, received from us. A U.S. holders basis in
our shares will increase by any amount included in income and decrease by any amount that is
distributed to the extent that such amount was previously included in income under the QEF rules.
So long as a U.S. holders QEF election is in effect with
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respect to its entire holding period for our shares, any gain or loss realized by such holder
on the disposition of our shares held as a capital asset generally should be capital gain or loss.
The QEF election is made on a stockholder-by-stockholder basis, applies to all shares held or
subsequently acquired by an electing U.S. holder and can be revoked only with the consent of the
IRS. A U.S. holder makes a QEF election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including the PFIC
annual information statement, to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return or, if no federal
income tax return is required to be filed, by filing such form with the IRS. Even if a QEF election
is not made, a U.S. holder in a PFIC must generally file a completed IRS Form 8621 in each year
during which the U.S. holder recognizes gain on a direct or indirect disposition of PFIC shares or
receives certain direct or indirect distributions from a PFIC
As an alternative to making the QEF election, a U.S. holder of PFIC stock which is publicly
traded (as discussed below) may in certain circumstances avoid certain of the tax consequences
generally applicable to holders of stock in a PFIC by electing to mark the stock to market. As a
result of such an election, in any taxable year that we are a PFIC, a U.S. holder would generally
be required to report gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the fair market value of
our shares at the end of the taxable year and such U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in our shares
at that time. Any gain under this computation, and any gain on an actual disposition of our shares,
would be treated as ordinary income. Any loss under this computation, and any loss on an actual
disposition of our shares, generally would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the
cumulative net mark-to-market gain previously included. Any remaining loss from marking our shares
to market would not be allowed, and any remaining loss from an actual disposition of our shares
generally would be capital loss. The U.S. holders tax basis in our shares would be adjusted
annually for any gain or loss recognized as a result of the mark-to-market election. If a mark-to
market election is not made as of the beginning of a U.S. holders holding period for our shares,
special rules may apply. In addition, under current law, a mark-to-market election cannot be made
with respect to our warrants.
This mark-to-market election is available so long as our shares constitute marketable
stock, which includes stock of a PFIC that is regularly traded on a qualified exchange or
other market (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange). A class of stock that is traded on one or more
qualified exchanges or other markets is regularly traded on an exchange or market for any
calendar year during which that class of stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on
at least 15 days during each calendar quarter, subject to special rules relating to an initial
public offering. It is uncertain whether there will be sufficient trading volume with respect to
our shares or whether our shares will, or will continue to, trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
Accordingly, there are no assurances that our shares will be marketable stock for these
purposes. As with a QEF election, a mark-to-market election is made on a stockholder-by-stockholder
basis, applies to all our shares held or subsequently acquired by an electing U.S. holder and can
only be revoked with the consent of the IRS (except to the extent our shares no longer constitute
marketable stock).
If we are a PFIC, any non-U.S. entity that is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes in which we acquire (directly or indirectly) an interest may also be treated as
a PFIC. U.S. holders of our shares may be able to make separate QEF elections for such an entity.
We intend to cause any such entity to provide information that is necessary for a U.S. holder that
owns our shares to make a QEF election with respect to such entity. However, we may not be able to
cause such entity to provide such information, in which case a QEF election with respect to such
entity generally will not be available. If a QEF election is not made with respect to such an
entity, the general PFIC rules described above will apply to direct and indirect dispositions of
(including a U.S. holders disposition of our shares), and excess distributions by, such entity. In
addition, it is not entirely clear whether a mark-to-market election made with respect to us would
be applicable to subsidiaries or other entities in which we acquire (directly or indirectly) an
interest and that are PFICs.
The rules dealing with PFICs and with the QEF and mark-to-market elections are very complex
and are affected by various factors in addition to those described above. As a result, U.S. holders
of our shares and/or warrants are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisers about the PFIC
rules in connection with their acquisition, ownership or disposition of our shares or warrants.
Non-U.S. holders
Except as described in Information Reporting and Back-up Withholding below, a non-U.S.
holder of our shares or warrants will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding taxes on the
payment of dividends with respect to our shares and the proceeds from the disposition of our shares
or warrants, and will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on such items unless:
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such item is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S.
holder of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of
a resident of a country which has a treaty with the United States,
such item is attributable to a permanent establishment or, in the case
of an individual, a fixed place of business, in the United States; or |
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with respect to the disposition of our shares or warrants, the
non-U.S. holder is an individual who holds the shares or warrants as a
capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more
in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions
are met. |
A non-U.S. holders effectively connected income generally will be subject to regular U.S.
federal income tax in the same manner as if it were realized by a U.S. holder. In addition, if a
corporate non-U.S. holder recognizes effectively connected income, such non-U.S. holder may, under
certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, or at a lower
rate if such non-U.S. holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for
a lower rate.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements with respect to
dividends paid on our shares and on the proceeds from the sale, exchange or disposition of our
shares or warrants. In addition, a U.S. holder is subject to backup withholding (currently at 28%)
on dividends paid on our shares, and on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our shares or
warrants, unless such U.S. holder provides a taxpayer identification number and a duly executed IRS
Form W-9, or otherwise establishes an exemption.
A non-U.S. holder generally is not subject to information reporting or backup withholding with
respect to dividends paid on our shares, or the proceeds from the sale, exchange or other
disposition of our shares or warrants, provided that a non-U.S. holder certifies as to its foreign
status on the applicable duly executed IRS Form W-8 or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax and the amount of any backup withholding will be
allowed as a credit against a U.S. or non-U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability and may
entitle such holder to a refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to
the IRS.
If a United States person (as defined in the Code) acquires our units in the offering and
either (i) immediately after such acquisition such person holds (directly or under applicable
attribution rules) 10% or more of the total voting power or value of our stock, or (ii) the
purchase price for such acquisition, together with transfers of cash to us by such United States
person or certain related persons during the 12-month period ending on the date of such
acquisition, exceeds $100,000, then such United States person is generally required to report such
acquisition to the IRS and may be subject to significant penalties if there is a failure to comply
with such reporting requirements.
F. Dividends and paying agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on display
We file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual
report and the accompanying exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the public facilities
maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or from the SECs website
(http://www.sec.gov). You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by
calling 1-(800) SEC-0330 and you may obtain copies at prescribed rates.
I. Subsidiary information
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
Foreign Exchange Risk
Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Although we maintain a cash account with a foreign
bank, its expenditures to date have been and are expected to continue to be denominated in U.S.
dollars. Accordingly, we have designated our functional currency as the U.S. dollar.
According to guidance issued in the FASB for Foreign Currency Translation, foreign currency
balance sheets will be translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect rate in
effect as of the balance sheet date and the statements of operations will be translated at the average exchange rates for each period. The resulting
translation adjustments to the balance sheet will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) within stockholders equity.
68
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses will be included in the statement of operations
as they occur.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a significant concentration of
credit risk consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Bills. However, management believes the Company is
not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository
institutions in which those deposits are held.
Inflation
Inflation has had a minimal impact on formation and operating expenses, and on general and
administrative expenses. Our management does not consider inflation to be a significant risk to
this kind of expenses in the current and foreseeable economic environment.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not applicable.
69
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 14E. Use of Proceeds
On July 1, 2008, we consummated our Initial Public Offering of 25,300,000 units, including
3,300,000 units issued upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option, generating gross
proceeds to us of $253.0 million. Each unit had an offering price of $10.00 and consisted of one
share of our common stock and one warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share
of our common stock at a price of $7.00. Each warrant will become exercisable on the later of our
consummation of a business combination or June 25, 2009 and will expire on June 25, 2013 or earlier
upon redemption. We closed our initial public offering of 25,300,000 units, including 3,300,000
units issued upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option. Each unit consists of one
share of common stock and one warrant that entitles the holder to purchase one share of common
stock. The units were sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds to
the Company of $253.0 million. Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we
consummated the Private Placement of 7,600,000 warrants at a purchase price of $1.00 per warrant to
our sponsor, Navios Holdings. The Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement generated
gross proceeds to us in the aggregate of $260.6 million. We intend to use the net proceeds from the
Initial Public Offering and the Private Placement to acquire through a merger, capital stock
exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase or other similar business combination, one or more
assets or operating businesses in the marine transportation and logistics industries. J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. acted as joint book running managers and S.
Goldman Advisors LLC acted as the co-manager for the Initial Public Offering. To the extent that
our capital stock is used in whole or in part as consideration to effect a business combination,
the proceeds held in the Trust Account as well as any other net proceeds not expended will be used
to finance the operations of the target business. The issuance of the securities sold in the
Initial Public Offering were registered under the Securities Act, on a registration statement on
Form F-1 (No. 333-151707). The SEC declared the registration statement effective on June 25, 2008.
Since the closing of the Initial Public Offering, an amount equal to approximately 99.1% of
the gross proceeds, after payment of certain amounts to the underwriters, has been held in the
Trust Account and invested in U.S. government debt securities defined as any treasury bill or
equivalent securities issued by the United States government having a maturity of 180 days or less
or money market funds meeting the conditions specified in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, until the earlier of (i) the consummation of our first business combination or (ii)
the distribution of the Trust Account. The proceeds in the Trust Account include $8,855,000 of the
gross proceeds of the Initial Public Offering representing deferred underwriting discounts and
commissions that will be released to the underwriters on completion of a business combination. For
the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to
December 31, 2008, interest income from Trust Account was $0.3 million and $1.4 million,
respectively. Interest income from Trust Account is included in the statements of operations and an
amount up to $3,000,000 is available to us for working capital purposes.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The management of the Company conducted an evaluation, pursuant to Rule 13a-15 promulgated
under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), of the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009. Based on this evaluation, the
management concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31,
2009.
Disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures that are designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified
in the Commissions rules and forms and that such information required to be disclosed by us in the
reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosures.
B. Managements annual report on internal control over financial reporting
The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial
70
reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Navios Partners
internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Companys management
and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial
statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.
Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with
respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
The Companys management assessed the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal
Control Integrated Framework. Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December
31, 2009, the Companys internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those
criteria.
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report
on the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
C. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the
Companys internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on Page F-2 of the
consolidated financial statements.
D. Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting (identified in
connection with managements evaluation of such internal controls over financial reporting) that
occurred during the year covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our audit committee consists of two independent directors, Messrs. Veraros and Koilalous. The
board of directors has determined that Mr. Veraros qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert as defined in the instructions of Item 16A of Form 20-F. Each member of our audit committee
is financially literate under the current listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, and our
board of directors has determined that Mr. Veraros qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert, as such term is defined by SEC.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of conduct and ethics applicable to our directors and officers in
accordance with applicable federal securities laws and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
The code is available for review on our website at www.navios.com/acquisitioncorporation.asp.
Item 16C. Principal our Accountant Fees and Services
Audit Fees and Audit-Related Fees
Our principal accountants for fiscal year 2009 were Rothstein Kass & Company, P.C.. The audit
fees for the audit of the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $40,000 and $18,000,
respectively and there were no audit related fees. The audit included the independent accountants
attestation report on the Companys internal control over financial reporting
Tax Fees and All Other Fees
There was no tax or other fees billed in 2009.
Audit Committee
The audit committee is responsible to review the professional services and independence of our
independent registered public accounting firm and our accounts, procedures and internal controls.
As part of this responsibility, the audit committee also selects our independent registered public
accounting firm, reviews and approves the scope of the annual audit, reviews and evaluates with the
independent public accounting firm our annual audit and annual consolidated financial statements,
evaluates problem areas having a potential financial impact on us that may be brought to the
committees attention by management, the independent registered public accounting firm or the board
of directors, and evaluates all of our public financial reporting documents.
71
In addition, the audit committee is responsible to review and approve all expense
reimbursements made to our officers or directors. Any expense reimbursements payable to members of
our audit committee is reviewed and approved by our board of directors, with the interested
director or directors abstaining from such review and approval.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable.
Item 16F. Changes in Registrants Certifying Accountant
None.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
Pursuant to an exception for foreign private issuers, we are not required to comply with the
corporate governance practices followed by U.S. companies under the New York Stock Exchange listing
standards. However, we have voluntarily adopted all of the New York Stock Exchange required
practices, except we do not have (i) a compensation committee consisting of independent directors
or (ii) a compensation committee charter specifying the purpose and responsibilities of the
compensation committee. Instead, all compensation decisions are currently made by a majority of our
independent board members.
Item 17. Financial Statements
See Item 18.
72
PART III
Item 18. Financial Statements
The financial information required by this Item together with the related report of Rothstein
Kass & Company, P.C. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon is filed as part of this
annual report on Page F-1 through F-14.
Item 19. Exhibits
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
1.1
|
|
Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1) |
1.2
|
|
By-laws(1) |
2.1
|
|
Specimen Unit Certificate (1) |
2.2
|
|
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (1) |
2.3
|
|
Specimen Warrant Certificate (1) |
2.4
|
|
Form of Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant
(1) |
2.5
|
|
Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc.(1) |
4.1
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, the underwriters and Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc.
(1) |
4.2
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, the underwriters and Angeliki Frangou (1) |
4.3
|
|
Form of Securities Escrow Agreement between the Registrant, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and
Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc. (1) |
4.4
|
|
Form of Services Agreement between Registrant and Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc. (1) |
4.5
|
|
Promissory Note dated March 31, 2008 issued to Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc. (1) |
4.6
|
|
Form of Warrant Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc. (1) |
4.7
|
|
Form of Investment Management Trust Agreement (1) |
4.8
|
|
Form of Right of First Refusal Agreement among the Registrant, Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc. and Navios
Maritime Partners, L.P. (1) |
4.9
|
|
Amended and Restated Sponsor Unit Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Navios Maritime
Holdings, Inc. dated June 16, 2008 (1) |
4.10
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, and Angeliki Frangou or her affiliate (1) |
4.11
|
|
Form of Co-Investment Share Subscription Agreement (1) |
4.12
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, the underwriters and Ted C. Petrone (1) |
4.13
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, the underwriters and Julian David Brynteson (1) |
4.14
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, the underwriters and John Koilalous (1) |
4.15
|
|
Form of Letter Agreement among the Registrant, the underwriters and Nikolaos Veraros (1) |
4.16
|
|
Unit Purchase Agreement among Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc., Angeliki Frangou, Ted C. Petrone, Julian
David Brynteson, John Koilalous and Nikolaos Veraros, dated June 16, 2008 (1) |
4.17
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement (1) |
11.
|
|
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (1) |
12.1
|
|
Certification by principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
12.2
|
|
Certification by principal financial officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
13.1
|
|
Certification by principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 + |
15.1
|
|
Consent of Rothstein Kass & Company, P.C. |
|
|
|
* |
|
Filed herewith. |
|
+ |
|
Furnished herewith. |
|
(1) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation Registration
Statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No 333-151707). |
73
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(a corporation in the development stage)
|
|
|
|
|
F- 2 |
|
|
|
Financial Statements: |
|
|
|
|
F- 3 |
|
|
F- 4 |
|
|
F- 5 |
|
|
F- 6 |
|
|
|
|
|
F- 7 |
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp. (a corporation
in the development stage) (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related
statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009
and the periods from March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008 and from March 14,
2008 (date of inception) through December 31, 2009. We have also audited the Companys internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established in Internal
Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible for these financial statements, for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Companys internal control
over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. Our audit over internal control over financial reporting included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of
internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the periods from
March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008 and from March 14, 2008 (date of inception)
through December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO).
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that Navios Acquisition
Corporation will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements,
Navios Acquisition Corporation will face a mandatory liquidation if a business combination is not
consummated by July 1, 2010, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the
outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Rothstein, Kass & Company, P.C.
Roseland, New Jersey
January 29, 2010
F-2
NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(a corporation in the development stage)
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
87,099 |
|
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
55,295 |
|
|
|
55,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
142,394 |
|
|
|
57,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in trust account, including restricted cash |
|
|
251,493,295 |
|
|
|
252,201,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other assets |
|
|
251,493,295 |
|
|
|
252,201,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
251,635,689 |
|
|
|
252,258,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
56,479 |
|
|
$ |
29,821 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
414,215 |
|
|
|
309,327 |
|
Amount due to related parties |
|
|
30,119 |
|
|
|
136,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
500,813 |
|
|
|
475,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term liabilities, deferred underwriters fees |
|
|
8,855,000 |
|
|
|
8,855,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock subject to redemption, 10,119,999 shares at redemption value,
$9.91 per share |
|
|
100,289,190 |
|
|
|
100,289,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $.0001 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; 31,625,000
shares issued and outstanding (includes the 10,119,999 shares subject to
redemption) |
|
|
3,163 |
|
|
|
3,163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
141,588,151 |
|
|
|
141,588,151 |
|
Earnings accumulated during the development stage |
|
|
399,372 |
|
|
|
1,047,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
141,990,686 |
|
|
|
142,638,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
251,635,689 |
|
|
$ |
252,258,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(a corporation in the development stage)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
Period From |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 14, 2008 |
|
|
March 14, 2008 |
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
(date of inception) to |
|
|
(date of inception) to |
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31,2009 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(120,000 |
) |
|
|
(60,000 |
) |
|
|
(180,000 |
) |
Formation and operating costs |
|
|
(874,377 |
) |
|
|
(332,771 |
) |
|
|
(1,207,148 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(994,377 |
) |
|
|
(392,771 |
) |
|
|
(1,387,148 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income from trust account |
|
|
331,656 |
|
|
|
1,435,550 |
|
|
|
1,767,206 |
|
Other interest |
|
|
14,909 |
|
|
|
4,405 |
|
|
|
19,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) applicable to common stockholders |
|
|
(647,812 |
) |
|
|
1,047,184 |
|
|
|
399,372 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) per ordinary share (excluding shares subject to possible
redemption), basic |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding shares subject to
possible redemption), basic |
|
|
21,505,001 |
|
|
|
12,801,234 |
|
|
|
17,636,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) per ordinary share (excluding shares subject to possible
redemption), diluted |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (excluding shares subject to
possible redemption), diluted |
|
|
21,505,001 |
|
|
|
18,075,777 |
|
|
|
25,568,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) per ordinary share for shares subject to possible redemption |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares subject to possible redemption |
|
|
10,119,999 |
|
|
|
10,119,999 |
|
|
|
10,119,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(a corporation in the development stage)
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
During the |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in |
|
|
Development |
|
|
Stockholders |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Stage |
|
|
Equity |
|
Sale of units issued to the sponsor at approximately
$0.003 per unit on March 18, 2008 |
|
|
8,625,000 |
|
|
$ |
863 |
|
|
$ |
24,137 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
Forfeiture of units issued to the sponsor on June 16, 2008 |
|
|
(2,300,000 |
) |
|
|
(230 |
) |
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of 25,300,000 units on July 1, 2008 at a price of
$10 per (including 10,119,999 shares of common stock
subject to possible redemption) |
|
|
25,300,000 |
|
|
|
2,530 |
|
|
|
252,997,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
253,000,000 |
|
Proceeds from public offering subject to redemption
(10,119,999 shares at redemption value) redemption value,
$9.91 per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100,289,190 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100,289,190 |
) |
Underwriters discount and offering costs related to the
public offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,744,496 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,744,496 |
) |
Sale of 7,600,000 warrants on July 1, 2008 at a price of
$1 per warrant to the sponsors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,600,000 |
|
Net income for the period from March 14, 2008 (date of
inception) to December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,047,184 |
|
|
|
1,047,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31, 2008 |
|
|
31,625,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,163 |
|
|
$ |
141,588,151 |
|
|
$ |
1,047,184 |
|
|
$ |
142,638,498 |
|
Net loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(647,812 |
) |
|
|
(647,812 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31, 2009 |
|
|
31,625,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,163 |
|
|
$ |
141,588,151 |
|
|
$ |
399,372 |
|
|
$ |
141,990,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(a corporation in the development stage)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
March 14, 2008 |
|
|
March 14,2008 |
|
|
|
December |
|
|
(date of inception) to |
|
|
(inception date) to |
|
|
|
31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31,2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) |
|
$ |
(647,812 |
) |
|
$ |
1,047,184 |
|
|
$ |
399,372 |
|
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
(158 |
) |
|
|
(55,137 |
) |
|
|
(55,295 |
) |
Accrued expenses |
|
|
104,888 |
|
|
|
309,327 |
|
|
|
414,215 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
(106,204 |
) |
|
|
136,323 |
|
|
|
30,118 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
26,657 |
|
|
|
29,821 |
|
|
|
56,479 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities |
|
|
(622,629 |
) |
|
|
1,467,518 |
|
|
|
844,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash held in trust account |
|
|
4,958 |
|
|
|
(7,338 |
) |
|
|
(2,380 |
) |
Investments in trust account |
|
|
702,755 |
|
|
|
(252,193,669 |
) |
|
|
(251,490,914 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
|
|
707,713 |
|
|
|
(252,201,007 |
) |
|
|
(251,493,294 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of warrants in private placement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,600,000 |
|
|
|
7,600,000 |
|
Gross proceeds from public offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
253,000,000 |
|
|
|
253,000,000 |
|
Payment for underwriters discount and offering cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,889,496 |
) |
|
|
(9,889,496 |
) |
Proceeds from loan payable, stockholder |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
Loan payment to stockholder |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(500,000 |
) |
|
|
(500,000 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,735,504 |
|
|
|
250,735,504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash |
|
|
85,084 |
|
|
|
2,015 |
|
|
|
87,099 |
|
Cash, beginning of period |
|
|
2,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, end of period |
|
$ |
87,099 |
|
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
|
$ |
87,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred underwriters fee |
|
$ |
8,855,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,855,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,855,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued offering costs |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
97,247 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount due to related party, offering costs |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
76,323 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(a corporation in the development stage)
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation (a corporation in the development stage) (the
Company) was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on March 14, 2008. The Company
was formed to acquire through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase
or other similar business combination one or more assets or operating businesses in the marine
transportation and logistics industries. The Company has neither engaged in any operations nor
generated significant revenue to date. The Company is considered to be in the development stage as
defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance for Accounting and
Reporting By Development Stage Enterprises, and is subject to the risks associated with activities
of development stage companies. The Company has selected December 31st as its fiscal
year end.
All activity from March 14, 2008 (inception) through December 31, 2009 relates to the
Companys formation, capital raising and initial public offering described below.
Proceeds of $250,770,000 from the initial public offering (the Offering) of 25,300,000 units
including 3,300,000 units issued upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option and the
private placement of 7,600,000 of the Companys insider warrants to purchase common stock (the
Private Placement), were placed in a trust account (the Trust Account) maintained by
Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as trustee. The amount of proceeds from the offering
also includes 3.5% of the underwriters underwriting discounts and commissions, or $8,855,000
payable to the underwriter in the offering. At closing of the Offering, $250,770,000 of the gross
proceeds, after payment of certain amounts to the underwriters, are held in the Trust Account and
invested in U.S. government debt securities (U.S. Treasury Bills). The Companys agreement with
the trustee requires that the trustee will invest and reinvest the proceeds in the Trust Account
only in United States government debt securities within the meaning of Section 2(a) (16) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 having a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money market funds
meeting the conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Except
with respect to interest income that may be released to the Company (i) up to $3,000,000 to fund
working capital requirements and (ii) any additional amounts needed to pay the Companys income and
other tax obligations, the proceeds will not be released from the Trust Account until the earlier
of the completion of a business combination or liquidation, or for payments with respect to shares
of common stock converted in connection with the vote to approve an extension period. The proceeds
held in the Trust Account may be used as consideration to pay sellers of a target business or
businesses with which the Company completes a business combination. Any amounts not paid as
consideration to the sellers of the target business (excluding taxes and amounts permitted to be
disbursed for expenses as well as the amount held in the Trust Account representing deferred
underwriting discounts and commissions), may be used to finance operations of the target business.
The initial business combination must occur with one or more target businesses that have a
fair market value of at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (exclusive of deferred
underwriter discounts and commissions). The Company, after signing a definitive agreement for the
acquisition of a target business, will submit such transaction for stockholder approval. The
Company will proceed with the initial business combination only if the following two conditions are
met: (i) a majority of the shares of common stock voted by the holders of the shares of common
stock sold in the Offering (Public Stockholders) are voted in favor of the business combination
and (ii) conversion rights have been exercised with respect to less than 40% of the shares sold in
the Offering. All of the Companys stockholders prior to the Offering, including all of the
officers and directors of the Company (Initial Stockholders), have agreed to vote their
respective shares of common stock owned by them in accordance with the majority of the shares of
common stock voted by the Public Stockholders with respect to any business combination. After
consummation of the Companys first business combination, all of these voting safeguards will no
longer be applicable. This voting arrangement shall not apply to shares included in the units
purchased in the Offering or purchased following the Offering in the open market by any of the
Companys existing stockholders, officers and directors. However, there is no assurance that the
Company will be able to effect a business combination successfully.
Voting against the business combination, or the extended period will not result in conversion
of a stockholders shares for a pro rata share of the Trust Account. Such Public Stockholders must
have also exercised their conversion rights described below. If Public Stockholders representing
40% or more of the shares sold in the Offering exercise their conversion rights, the Company will
be unable to consummate a business combination (or to extend the time period within which it can
consummate a business combination, as applicable) and no stockholders will receive a distribution
from the Trust Account.
Public Stockholders voting against (i) a business combination that is subsequently approved,
or (ii) an extended period that is subsequently approved will be entitled to convert their stock
into a pro rata share of the Trust Account, including any interest earned on their pro rata share,
net of interest that may be released to the Company as described above to fund working capital
requirements and pay any tax obligations, if the business combination is approved and consummated.
If (i) the
F-7
business combination is not approved or consummated, or (ii) the extended period is not
approved, then the Public Stockholders voting against the business combination or the extended
period, as applicable, will not be entitled to convert their
shares of common stock into a pro rata share of the aggregate amount then on deposit in the
Trust Account. The Company views this requirement as an obligation to its stockholders and will not
take any action to amend or waive this provision in its amended and restated certificate of
incorporation. Neither Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (Navios Holdings), the Companys existing
stockholders nor their permitted transferees will be able to exercise conversion rights with
respect to their shares of common stock, even shares acquired in the Offering or the open-market.
Public Stockholders who convert their common stock into a pro rata share of the Trust Account
will be paid promptly their conversion price following their exercise of conversion rights and will
continue to have the right to exercise any warrants they own. The initial conversion price is
approximately $9.91 per share. Since this amount may be lower than the market price of the common
stock on the date of conversion, there may be a disincentive on the part of Public Stockholders to
exercise their conversion rights.
If the Company has not consummated a business combination with 24 months (or up to 36 months
if a letter of intent, agreement in principle or definitive agreement with respect to a proposed
business combination has been executed and not terminated within such 24-month period and the
extended period has been approved) from the closing of the Offering, the Company will promptly take
all action necessary to distribute only to its Public Stockholders (including its Initial
Stockholders to the extent they have purchased shares in the Offering or in the open-market) the
amount in its Trust Account including (i) all accrued interest net of income taxes paid or payable
on such interest (less interest income of up to $3,000,000 earned on the Trust Account balance
previously released to us to fund the Companys working capital requirements), and (ii) all
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions plus any of the Companys remaining net assets. In
the event of liquidation, it is possible that the per share value of the residual assets remaining
available for distribution will be less than the initial public offering price per share in the
Offering (assuming no value is attributed to the warrants contained in the units offered in the
Offering discussed in Note 3).
The Companys operations, if a business combination is consummated outside the United States,
will be subject to local government regulations and to the uncertainties of the economic and
political conditions of those areas.
NOTE 2SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation:
The accompanying financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars and have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and
pursuant to the rules and pursuant to the accounting and disclosure rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
Development Stage Company:
The Company complies with the reporting requirements issued from FASB for Accounting and
Reporting by Development Stage Enterprises, and is subject to the risks associated with activities
of development stage companies.
Income/loss per common share:
The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements as defined in the FASB issued
guidance for Earnings Per Share. Basic net income/loss per common share is computed by dividing
net income/loss applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Income/loss per share of common stock, assuming dilution, reflects the
maximum potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock
were exercised or converted into common stock and would then share in the net income of the
Company, except where the results would be antidilutive. At December 31, 2009, the Company had
warrants outstanding to purchase 32,900,000 shares of common stock.
The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate potentially dilutive shares, as if
they were converted into common stock at the beginning of the period. For the period ended
December 31, 2009 and March 14, 2008 (date of inception) to December 31, 2008, dilutive securities
include 39,225,000 and 27,684,247, respectively, weighted average number of warrants that
represent incremental common shares, based on their assumed conversion to common stock, to be
included in the weighted average number of common shares for the calculation of diluted income/loss
per common share.
The Companys statement of operations includes a presentation of income/loss per share for
common stock subject to possible conversion in a manner similar to the two-class method of income
per share. Net income/loss per common share, basic and diluted amount for the maximum number of
shares subject to possible conversion is calculated by dividing the interest income, net of
applicable income taxes, attributable to common shares subject to conversion by
the weighted average number of common shares subject to
possible conversion.
F-8
Ordinary shares subject to possible redemption:
As discussed in Note 1, the Company will only proceed with a business combination if: (1) it
is approved by a majority of the votes cast by the Public Stockholders; and (2) Public Stockholders
holding less than 40% of the ordinary shares sold in the Offering, choose to exercise their
redemption rights thereby receiving their per share interest in the Trust Account. In accordance
with guidance issued by FASB for Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities, the
Company has classified 10,119,999 shares of its ordinary shares outside of permanent equity as
Ordinary shares subject to redemption, at a redemption price of $9.91 per share as of December
31, 2009 and 2008. The Company will recognize changes in the conversion value as they occur and
will adjust the carrying value of the ordinary shares subject to conversion to be equal to its
conversion value at the end of each reporting period.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a significant
concentration of credit risk consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Bills. However, management
believes the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of
the depository institutions in which those deposits are held.
Fair value of financial instruments:
The fair value of the Companys other current assets and accrued expenses, which qualify as
financial instruments under guidance by FASB for Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial
Instruments, approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet.
Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires the Companys management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. If the
Company were to consummate an initial business combination with an operating business, estimates
and assumptions made by the Company will be based on current circumstances and the experience and
judgment of the Companys management, and will be evaluated on an ongoing basis, and may employ
outside experts to assist in the Companys evaluations.
Cash and Cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, and other short-term liquid investments
with original maturities of three months or less, excluding funds held in Trust Account.
Securities held in trust:
Investment securities consist of U.S. Treasury Bills. The Company classifies its securities as
held-to-maturity as defined in the FASB issued guidance for Accounting for Certain Debt and Equity
Securities. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities which the Company has the ability and
intent to hold until maturity. Held-to-maturity treasury securities are recorded at amortized cost
and adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts.
A decline in the market value of held-to-maturity securities below cost that is deemed to be
other than temporary, results in an impairment that reduces the carrying costs to such securities
fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is
established. To determine whether an impairment is other than temporary, the Company considers
whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until a market price recovery and
considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence
to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment,
the severity and the duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end,
forecasted performance of the investee, and the general market condition in the geographic area or
industry the investee operates in.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related held-to-maturity
security as an adjustment to yield using the effective-interest method. Such amortization and
accretion is included in the interest Income line item in the statement of operations. Interest
income is recognized when earned.
Income taxes:
The Company complies with FASB issued guidance for Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires
an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred
income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and
tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based
on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to
affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax
assets to the amount expected to be realized.
F-9
The Company also complies with FASB issued guidance relating to Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes, which provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure
of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it
is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits.
Management is currently unaware of any issues that could result in significant payments, accruals,
or material deviations from its position.
The Company adopted the provisions of guidance issued by FASB relating to Accounting for
Income Taxes and to Accounting for Uncertainty in Income at inception on March 14, 2008.
Foreign currency translation:
The Companys reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Although the Company maintains a cash
account with a foreign bank, its expenditures to date have been and are expected to continue to be
denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company has designated its functional currency as the
U.S. dollar.
As defined in the FASB issued guidance for Foreign Currency Translation, foreign currency
balance sheets will be translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect rate in
effect as of the balance sheet date and the statements of operations will be translated at the
average exchange rates for each period. The resulting translation adjustments to the balance sheet
will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders equity.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses will be included in the statement of operations
as they occur.
Recently adopted accounting standards:
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance which establishes principles and requirements for
how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets
acquired, the liabilities assumed any non controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill
acquired. The guidance also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate
the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The guidance was effective for Navios
Acquisition for business combinations after January 1, 2009 and it did not have a material affect
on the Companys financial statements.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance which states that accounting and reporting for
minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a
component of equity. The guidance also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient
disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the
interests of the noncontrolling owners. Guidance applies to all entities that prepare consolidated
financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that
have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a
subsidiary. The guidance was effective as of January 1, 2009 and the financial statements were
updated to reflect the reporting and disclosure requirements.
Nonfinancial Assets and Nonfinancial Liabilities
In February 2008, the FASB issued guidance which delays the effective date of the guidance
application for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are
recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least
annually). For purposes of applying this guidance, nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities
would include all assets and liabilities other that those meeting the definition of a financial
asset or financial liability as defined in guidance The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities. This guidance defers the effective date of relative guidance to fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2008, and the interim periods within those fiscal years for items
within the scope of this guidance. The application of this guidance did not have a material effect
on the financial statements of the Company.
In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated its guidance in ASC 855
(formerly SFAS No. 165) regarding subsequent events, establishing principles and requirements for
subsequent events. In particular, ASC 855 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during
which management shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or
disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity shall recognize
events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the
disclosures that an entity shall make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance
sheet date. This updated guidance is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. The
adoption of ASC 855 did not have a material impact on the Companys financial condition or results
of operation.
In June 2009, the FASB approved the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification)
as the single
source of authoritative, nongovernmental, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAAP).
F-10
The Codification does not change current U.S. GAAP or how
the Company accounts for its transactions or the nature of related disclosures made; instead it is
intended to simplify user access to all authoritative U.S. GAAP by providing all the authoritative
literature related to a particular topic in one place. All existing accounting standard documents
will be superseded, and all other accounting literature not included in the Codification will be
considered non-authoritative. The Codification is effective for interim and annual periods ending
after September 15, 2009. The Codification is effective for the Company beginning with the year
ended December 31, 2009 and did not have an impact on its financial condition or results of
operations.
NOTE 3THE OFFERING
On July 1, 2008, the Company consummated its initial public offering of 25,300,000 units
including 3,300,000 units issued upon exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option at a
price of $10.00 per unit in the Offering. Each unit consists of one share of the Companys common
stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and one redeemable common stock purchase warrant. Each warrant
will entitle the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common stock at an exercise price
of $7.00 commencing on the later of (a) the completion of a business combination or (b) one year
from the date of the final prospectus for the Offering and will expire five years from the date of
the prospectus. The warrants will be redeemable at a price of $0.01 per warrant upon 30 days prior
notice after the warrants become exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the
common stock is at least $13.75 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period
ending on the third business day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given.
No warrants will be exercisable and the Company will not be obligated to issue shares of
common stock unless at the time a holder seeks to exercise such warrant, a prospectus relating to
the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is current and the common stock has been
registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence
of the holder of the warrants. Under the terms of the warrant agreement, the Company has agreed to
use its best efforts to meet these conditions and to maintain a current prospectus relating to the
common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants. However,
if the Company does not maintain a current prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon
exercise of the warrants, holders will be unable to exercise their warrants. In no circumstance
will the Company be required to settle any such warrant exercise for cash. If the prospectus
relating to the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is not current or if the
common stock is not qualified or exempt from qualification in the jurisdiction in which the holders
of the warrants reside, the warrants may have no value, the market for the warrants may be limited
and the warrants may expire worthless.
NOTE 4 INVESTMENT IN TRUST ACCOUNT; MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Since the closing of the Offering, an amount equal to approximately 99.1% of the gross
proceeds has been held in the Trust Account. The Trust Account may be invested in U.S. government
securities, defined as any Treasury Bill or equivalent securities issued by the United States
government having a maturity of one hundred and eighty (180) days or less or money market funds
meeting the conditions specified in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, until the
earlier of (i) the consummation of its first Business Combination or (ii) the distribution of the
Trust Account as described below. The proceeds in the Trust Account includes $8,855,000 of the
gross proceeds representing deferred underwriting discounts and commissions that will be released
to the underwriters on completion of a business combination.
Investment securities in the Companys Trust Account consist of direct U.S. Treasury Bills.
The Company classifies its U.S. Treasury bills as held-to-maturity as defined in the FASB issued
guidance for Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Held-to-maturity
securities are those securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until
maturity. Held-to-maturity treasury securities are recorded at amortized cost and adjusted for the
amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Any dividend and interest income, including
any amortization of the premium and discount arising at acquisition shall continue to be included
in earnings. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as either held-to-maturity also
shall continue to be reported in earnings. The Companys investment in the U.S. Treasury Bills
(approximately $251,491,000 and $252,194,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively) is
recorded at cost and adjusted for income distributions which occur monthly.
The carrying amount, including accrued interest, gross unrealized holding gains, and fair
value of held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2009 were as follows:
F-11
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Gross |
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unrealized |
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Carrying amount |
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holding gains |
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Fair value |
Held-to-maturity: |
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U. S.
Treasury
securities |
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$ |
251,493,565 |
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$ |
(2,651 |
) |
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$ |
251,490,914 |
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The carrying amount, including accrued interest, gross unrealized holding gains, and fair
value of held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2008 were as follows:
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Gross |
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unrealized |
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Carrying amount |
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holding gains |
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Fair value |
Held-to-maturity: |
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U. S.
Treasury
securities |
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$ |
251,964,599 |
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|
$ |
229,070 |
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$ |
252,193,669 |
|
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, investment in trust account, as presented in financial
statements, includes also restricted cash amounting to $2,380 and $7,338, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, for the period from March 14, 2008 (date of inception)
to December 31, 2008 and for the period March 14,2008 to December 31, 2009 the amounts of $331,656,
$1,426,829 and $1,767,206 respectively, are included in the statements of operations representing
interest income from Trust Account. An amount up to $3,000,000 of interest earned in the Trust
Account is available to the Company for working capital purposes. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008
the amount of interest earned in the Trust Account that was released to the Company for working
capital purposes was $1,000,000 and $0, respectively.
NOTE 5RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Navios Holdings had purchased an aggregate of 8,625,000 units for an aggregate purchase price
of $25,000 (the Sponsor Units) of which an aggregate of 290,000 were transferred to the Companys
officers and directors. Subsequently, on June 16, 2008, Navios Holdings agreed to return to the
Company an aggregate of 2,300,000 Sponsor Units, which, upon receipt, the Company cancelled.
Accordingly, the Initial Stockholders own 6,325,000 Sponsor Units. Each Sponsor Unit consists of
one share of common stock and one warrant.
The common stock and warrants comprising the Sponsor Units are identical to the common stock
and warrants comprising the units sold in the Offering, except that (i) Initial Stockholders and
their permitted transferees will not be able to exercise conversion rights, as described below,
with respect to the common stock underlying the Sponsor Units; (ii) Initial Stockholders have
agreed, and any permitted transferees will agree, to vote the shares of common stock in the same
manner as a majority of the shares of common stock voted by the Public Stockholders at the special
or annual stockholders meeting called for the purpose of approving (i) a business combination or
(ii) the extended period; (iii) Initial Stockholders have waived, and their permitted transferees
will waive, their right to participate in any liquidating distribution with respect to the common
stock if the Company fails to consummate a business combination; (iv) the warrants may not be
exercised unless and until the last sale price of the Companys common stock equals or exceeds
$13.75 for any 20 days within any 30-trading day period beginning 90 days after the business
combination; (v) the warrants will not be redeemable by the Company as long as they are held by
Initial Stockholders or their permitted transferees; (vi) the warrants may be exercised by the
holders by paying cash or on a cashless basis; and (vii) the Sponsor Units, and the underlying
common stock and the warrants (including the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants)
will not be transferable or salable, except to another entity controlled by Navios Holdings or
Angeliki Frangou, or, in the case of individuals, family members and trusts for estate planning
purposes, until 180 days after the consummation of the Companys business combination.
On July 1, 2008 Navios Holdings purchased 7,600,000 warrants from the Company at a price of
$1.00 per warrant ($7,600,000 in the aggregate) in the Private Placement that occurred
simultaneously with the completion of the Offering (the Sponsor Warrants). The proceeds from
the Private Placement were added to the proceeds of the Offering and placed in the Trust Account.
If a business combination is not consummated within 24 months (or up to 36 months if the Companys
stockholders approve an extended period) after the closing of the Offering, the $7,600,000 proceeds
from the sale of the Sponsor Warrants will be part of the liquidating distribution to the Public
Stockholders and the Sponsor Warrants will expire worthless. The Sponsor Warrants are identical to
the warrants included in the units sold in the offering except that: (i) the Sponsor Warrants will
be subject to certain transfer restrictions until after the consummation of the Companys initial
business combination; (ii) the Sponsor Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis, while the
warrants included in the units sold in the Offering cannot be exercised on a cashless basis; (iii)
the Sponsor Warrants will not be redeemable by the Company so long as they are held by Navios
Holdings or its permitted transferees; and (iv) none of the Sponsor Warrants purchased by Navios
Holdings will be transferable or salable, except to another entity controlled by Navios Holdings,
which will be subject to the same transfer restrictions until after a business combination is
consummated. The Company does not believe that the sale of the Sponsor Warrants will result in the
recognition of any stock-based compensation expense, as the Company believes that the Sponsor
Warrants were being sold at or above fair value.
F-12
The Company received a $500,000 loan from Navios Holdings on March 31, 2008. The loan
evidenced thereby is non-interest bearing, unsecured, and was due upon the earlier of March 31,
2009 or the completion of the Offering. On December 31, 2009, the balance of the loan was zero, as
the Company fully repaid the loan in November 2008.
The Company presently occupies office space provided by Navios Holdings. Navios Holdings has
agreed that, until the consummation of a business combination, it will make such office space, as
well as certain office and secretarial services, available to the Company, as may be required by
the Company from time to time. The Company has agreed to pay Navios Holdings $10,000 per month for
such services. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company accrued $30,000 and $60,000 for
administrative services rendered by Navios Holdings. This amount is included under amounts due to
related parties in the balance sheet together with offering costs amounting to $0 and $76,323 as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, paid by Navios Holdings and will be reimbursed to Navios
Holdings.
The Company has also agreed to pay each of the independent directors $50,000 in cash per year
for their board service, accruing pro rata from the respective start of their service on the
Companys board of directors and payable only upon the successful consummation of a business
combination. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were three independent directors appointed and
the total amounts accrued were $150,000 and $85,890, respectively.
On January 12, 2010, Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation (the Company) announced the
appointment of Leonidas Korres as Senior Vice President Business Development of the Company.
Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. (Navios Holdings),
the compensation of Mr. Korres up to the amount of EURO 65,000 is to be paid by Navios Holdings,
provided that if the Company completes a business combination, the Company will reimburse such
amounts to Navios Holdings immediately following the completion of the business combination. In the
event that the Company is unable to complete a business combination, then the Company will not be
obligated to make any payments to Navios Holdings or Mr. Korres with respect to his employment.
NOTE 6PREFERRED STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of $.0001 par value preferred stock with
such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time
by the Board of Directors. No shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding as at December
31, 2009.
NOTE 7COMMITMENTS
The Company paid an underwriting discount and commission of 3.5% of the public unit offering
price to the underwriters at the completion of the Offering, with an additional 3.5% deferred
underwriting discount and commission of the gross offering proceeds payable upon the Companys
consummation of a business combination. If an initial business combination is not consummated, the
underwriters have agreed that (i) upon liquidation, they will forfeit any rights or claims to their
deferred underwriting discounts and commissions, including any income earned thereon, then in the
Trust Account, and (ii) the deferred underwriting discounts and commission will be distributed on a
pro rata basis, together with any income earned thereon and net of taxes payable on such income, to
the Public Stockholders.
NOTE 8- GOING CONCERN
The consummation of the business combination is subject to, among other things, execution of a
definitive agreement and required stockholder approval. There can be no assurance that a business
combination will be consummated. However, if we anticipate that we will not be able to consummate
a business combination by July 1, 2010, we may seek shareholder approval to extend the period of
time to consummate a business combination until July 10, 2011. If we are unable to complete the
business combination by July 1, 2010, or July 1, 2011 if extension period approved, our purposes
and powers will be limited to dissolving, liquidating and winding up. Also contained in our
articles of association is the requirement that our board of directors, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, consider a resolution to dissolve our company at that time. Consistent with such
obligations, our board of directors will seek shareholder approval for any such plan of
distribution, and our pre-initial public offering shareholders and directors have agreed to vote in
favor of such dissolution and liquidation. This provision will be amended only in connection with,
and upon consummation of, its initial business combination by such date. The accompanying financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to
continue as a going concern and is required to liquidate.
F-13
SIGNATURES
The registrant, hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F
and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its
behalf.
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NAVIOS MARITIME ACQUISITION CORPORATION
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/s/ Angeliki Frangou
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By: |
Angeliki Frangou |
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Its: |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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Date:
January 29, 2010
F-14