Robert A. Schwartz, Esq.
If the only securities being registered on this formForm are beingto be offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [box: X]¨
If any of the securities being registered on this formForm are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, (the "Securities Act"), other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans,plan, check the following box. [ ]box: þ
If this formForm is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]¨
If this formForm is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. [ ]¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D.I.C filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. [ ]¨
IndicatedIndicate by check mark whether the registrationregistrant is a large accelerated filer, andan accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smallsmaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ]¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) ¨ | Smaller reporting company þ
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Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [X]
(Do not check ifThe registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a smaller reporting company)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
| Title of Securities to be registered | Amount to be registered | Proposed maximum offering price per unit | Proposed maximum aggregate offering price | Amount of registration fee (1) |
Common Stock, no par value | 200,000 shares | $7.26 | $1,452,000.00 | $57.06 |
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(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining thefurther amendment which specifically states that this registration fee,statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Rule 457 underSection 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 based uponor until the averageregistration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
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| SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2016 |
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| PROSPECTUS $50,000,000 Common Stock Preferred Stock Warrants Debt Securities Depositary Shares Units
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| Unity Bancorp, Inc. may offer, issue and sell from time to time, together or separately, in one or more offerings, any combination of (i) our common stock, (ii) our preferred stock, which we may issue in one or more series, (iii) warrants, (iv) senior or subordinated debt securities, (v) depositary shares and (vi) units, up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $50,000,000. The debt securities may consist of debentures, notes, or other types of debt. The debt securities, preferred stock and warrants may be convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, common or preferred stock or other securities of ours. The preferred stock may be represented by depositary shares. The units may consist of any combination of the securities listed above. We may offer and sell these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of the offering. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, as well as the documents incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus, carefully before you make your investment decision. Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol “UNTY.” On November 21, 2016, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System was $13.65 per share. You are urged to obtain current market quotations of the common stock. Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We may offer to sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis, through agents, dealers or underwriters, or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. If our agents or any dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of the securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the names of the agents, dealers or underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts. Our net proceeds from the sale of securities will also be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. Investing in these securities involves substantial risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 8 herein and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein, updated and supplemented by our periodic reports and other information filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference herein. The prospectus supplement applicable to each type or series of securities we offer may contain a discussion of additional risks applicable to an investment in us and the particular type of securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement. NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY BODY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. THE SECURITIES ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
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| The date of this prospectus is , 2016. |
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any other or different information. If anyone provides you with information that is different from, or inconsistent with, the information in this prospectus, you should not rely on it. You should assume that the information in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates. This document may only be used where it is legal to sell these securities. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of the reported high and lowtime of delivery of this prospectus or of any sales prices of the Common Stock report on the Nasdaq on May 28, 2008.
UNITY BANCORP, INC.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
WITH OPTIONAL CASH INVESTMENTour shares of common stock.
Common Stock
(no par value)Neither we, nor any of our officers, directors, agents or representatives, make any representation to you about the legality of an investment in our common stock. You should not interpret the contents of this prospectus to be legal, business, investment or tax advice. You should consult with your own advisors for that type of advice and consult with them about the legal, tax, business, financial and other issues that you should consider before investing in our common stock.
This Prospectus relatesprospectus does not offer to sell, or ask for offers to buy, any shares of our common stock no par value (the "Common Stock")in any state or jurisdiction where it would not be lawful or where the person making the offer is not qualified to do so.
No action is being taken in any jurisdictions outside the United States to permit a public offering of our common stock or possession or distribution of this prospectus in those jurisdictions. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any restrictions that apply in those jurisdictions to this offering or the distribution of this prospectus.
As used in this prospectus, “Unity Bancorp, Inc.” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Unity Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") available for purchase under the Unity Bancorp, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment Plan with Option Cash Investment (the "Plan"). The Plan provides each holder of Common Stock with a method of purchasing additional shares of Common Stock without payment of any brokerage commissions or other administrative fees of any kind.and its subsidiaries.
The Plan consists of a dividend reinvestment component and a cash purchase component. The dividend reinvestment component permits a participant in the Plan to use such participant's cash dividends to purchase additional shares
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the Common Stock. The cash purchase component allows a participantstatements in this document discuss future expectations, contain projections or results of operations or financial conditions or state other “forward-looking” information. Those statements are subject to make optional cash payments to purchase additional shares of Common Stock.
Shares of Common Stock available under the Plan may be obtained, at the option of the Company, on the open market or from the legally authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock held by the Company. The purchase price for shares obtained under the Plan will be based upon the market price of the Common Stock.
Each participant in the Plan should recognize that neither the Company nor Registrarknown and Transfer Company, the transfer agent administering the Plan for the Company, can provide any assurance that shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan will, at any time, be worth more or less than their purchase price.
The Plan does not represent a change in the dividend policy of the Company, which will continue to depend upon earnings, financial requirementsunknown risk, uncertainties and other factors and which will be determinedthat could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the Company's Board of Directorsstatements. We based the forward-looking statements on various factors and using numerous assumptions. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ from time to time. Stockholders who do not wish to participate inthose contemplated by forward-looking statements include those disclosed or incorporated by reference under “Risk Factors” as well as the Plan will continue to receive cash dividends as declared. It is suggested that this Prospectus be retained for future reference.following factors:
The datethe success or failure of this Prospectus is May 30, 2008.
our efforts to implement our business strategy; the effect of changing economic conditions and, in particular, changes in interest rates;
changes in government regulations, tax rates and similar matters;INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCEour ability to attract and retain quality employees; and
The Company hereby incorporates by reference the following documents heretofore filedrisks which may be described in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”): (i)(referred to as the audited financial statementsSEC).
We do not undertake to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in assumptions or other factors that could affect those statements.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, allows us to “incorporate by reference” information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of Unity Bancorp, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the unaudited financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; and (ii) the descriptionthis prospectus. We incorporate by reference each of the Company's Common Stockdocuments listed below, except for portions of such reports which is contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A.were deemed to be furnished and not filed:
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| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 27, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2016 |
| • | Our Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2016 |
| • | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 25, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 28, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2016 |
| • | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 10, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 25, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 2, 2016 |
| • | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 26, 2016 |
| • | our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 25, 2016 |
| • | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2016 |
In addition, all documents subsequentlyfilings filed by the Company withpursuant to the CommissionSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and all documents subsequently filed after the date of this prospectus pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14,14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering1934, as amended shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereofprospectus.
You can obtain these documents from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (together with the exhibits and any amendments thereto, the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of which this Prospectus is a part. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, to which reference is hereby made, copies of which may be obtained from the Commission as specified above.
The Company will provideus, without charge to each person to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon such person's written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents which are incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits, to such documents, unless suchthe exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference), by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:
Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Attn: Alan Bedner, Chief Financial Officer
64 Old Highway 22
Clinton, NJ 08809
(908) 730-7630
Or by visiting our following website, and clicking on the “Investor Relations” link:
http://www.unitybank.com/
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.
The registration statement containing this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. You should read the registration statement and the accompanying exhibits for further information. The registration statement, including the exhibits and the documents incorporated or deemed incorporated herein by reference, intocan be read and are available to the public on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 30.
Each time we sell securities pursuant to this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of a particular offering by us. That prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations that apply to those securities. The prospectus supplement may add, update or change information in this prospectus. If the information in the prospectus is inconsistent with a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in that prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and, if applicable, any prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 30 for more information.
We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and any prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such documents). Such requestsoffer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should be directednot assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of such document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus and any prospectus supplement is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.
Unless this prospectus indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Unity,” “Unity Bancorp” or the “Company” as used in this prospectus refer to Unity Bancorp, Inc., 64 Old Highway 22, Clinton, and its subsidiaries, including Unity Bank, which we sometimes refer to as the “Bank,” except that such terms refer to only Unity Bancorp, Inc. and not its subsidiaries in the sections entitled “Description of Common Stock,” “Description of Preferred Stock,” “Description of Warrants,” “Description of Debt Securities,” “Description of Depositary Shares” and “Description of Units.”
Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Unity Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey 08809.
THE COMPANY
to serve as a holding company for Unity Bank. The Company was organized in February, 1994 byat the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of the Bank. The only significant activity of the Company is ownership and supervision of the Bank. The Company also owns 100% of the common equity of Unity (NJ) Statutory Trust II. The trust has issued $10.0 million of preferred securities to investors.
The Bank (the "Bank").opened for business on September 16, 1991. The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiaryfull-service commercial bank, providing a wide range of business and consumer financial services through its main office in Clinton, New Jersey and fifteen New Jersey branches located in Clinton, Edison, Emerson, Flemington, Highland Park, Linden, Middlesex, North Plainfield, Phillipsburg, Scotch Plains, Somerset, South Plainfield, Union, Washington and Whitehouse. In addition, the Company.Bank has one Pennsylvania branch located in Forks Township. The Bank's primary service area encompasses the Route 22/Route 78 corridors between the Forks Township, Pennsylvania office and its Linden, New Jersey branch. The Bank isanticipates opening a new branch in Somerville, New Jersey state chartered commercial bank formed in 1991. November 2016.
The principal executive offices of the Company and the Bank are located at 64 Old Highway 22, Clinton, New Jersey 08809.08809, and the telephone number is (800) 618-2265. The Company’s website address is www.unitybank.com.
The Company's primary business is ownership and supervision of the Bank. The Company, through the Bank, conducts a traditional and community-oriented commercial banking business and offers services, including personal and business checking accounts, time deposits, money market accounts and regular savings accounts. The Company structures its specific services and charges in a manner designed to attract the business of the small and medium sized business and professional community, as well as that of individuals residing, working and shopping in its service area. The Company engages in a wide range of lending activities and offers commercial, Small Business Administration (“SBA”), consumer, mortgage, home equity and personal loans.
The Company's primary service area is defined as the neighborhoods served by the Bank's offices. The Bank's main office, located in Clinton, NJ, in combination with its Flemington and Whitehouse offices, serves the greater area of Hunterdon County. The Bank's North Plainfield and Somerset offices serve those communities located in the northern, eastern and central parts of Somerset County and the southernmost communities of Union County. The Bank's Scotch Plains, Linden, and Union offices serve the majority of the communities in Union County and the southwestern communities of Essex County. The offices in Middlesex, South Plainfield, Highland Park, and Edison extend the Company's service area into Middlesex County. The Bank’s Phillipsburg and Washington offices serve Warren County. The Bank's Emerson office serves Bergen County, New Jersey. The Bank’s Forks Township office serves Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
The Company is located in an extremely competitive area. The Company's service area is also serviced by national banks, major regional banks, large thrift institutions and a variety of credit unions. In addition, since passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (the “Modernization Act”), securities firms and insurance companies have been allowed to acquire or form financial institutions, thereby increasing competition in the financial services market. Most of the Company's competitors have substantially more capital, and therefore greater lending limits than the Company. The Company's competitors generally have established positions in the service area and have greater resources than the Company with which to pay for advertising, physical facilities, personnel and interest on deposited funds. The Company relies on the competitive pricing of its loans, deposits and other services, as well as its ability to provide local decision-making and personal service in order to compete with these larger institutions.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our updates to those Risk Factors in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q following the most recent Form 10-K, and in all other information appearing in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect us will be described in those documents. In addition to those risk factors, there may be additional risks and uncertainties of which management is not aware or focused on or that management deems immaterial. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.
MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK
Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market, under the symbol “UNTY.” As of November 17, 2016, we had approximately 385 holders of record. The following table shows the high and low sales price during the periods indicated, as well as dividends declared:
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| 2014 | | | | | | | |
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 11.37 | $ | 7.39 | $ | 0.027 |
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| Third Quarter | | 8.83 | | 7.52 | | 0.027 |
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| Second Quarter | | 8.44 | | 7.12 | | 0.018 |
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| First Quarter | | 7.43 | | 6.50 | | 0.018 |
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| 2015 | | | | | | | |
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 11.71 | $ | 8.66 | $ | 0.036 |
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| Third Quarter | | 9.22 | | 8.55 | | 0.036 |
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| Second Quarter | | 9.00 | | 8.10 | | 0.027 |
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| First Quarter | | 9.00 | | 8.00 | | 0.027 |
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| Fourth Quarter (through November 21, 2016) | $ | 13.85 | $ | 11.85 | $ | 0.050 |
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| Third Quarter | | 12.82 | | 10.72 | | 0.045 |
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| Second Quarter | | 12.15 | | 10.10 | | 0.036 |
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| First Quarter | | 12.24 | | 8.66 | | 0.036 |
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In addition to the cash dividends described in the table above, on August 26, 2016, the Board of Directors announced a 10% stock dividend, which was paid on on September 30, 2016 to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2016. The figures above have been restated to adjust for this stock dividend.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company declared a $0.05 per share cash dividend on November 17, 2016, which will be paid on December 30, 2016, to shareholders of record as of December 16, 2016. Our future dividend policy will depend on a number of factors, including our earnings and financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements, the general economic and regulatory climate, our ability to service any equity or debt obligations senior to our common stock, and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. At this time, no decision has been made regarding the payment of future cash dividends.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus used to offer specific securities, we expect to use the net proceeds from any offering of securities by us for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions, capital expenditures, investments, supporting operations and additional lending and the repayment, redemption or refinancing of all or a portion of any indebtedness or other securities outstanding at a particular time. Pending the application of the net proceeds, we expect to invest the proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing instruments or other investment-grade securities.
DESCRIPTIONS OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, depositary shares and units that we may offer and sell from time to time. We may issue the debt securities as exchangeable and/or convertible debt securities exchangeable for or convertible into shares of common stock or preferred stock. The preferred stock may also be exchangeable for and/or convertible into shares of common stock or another series of preferred stock. When one or more of these securities are offered in the future, a prospectus supplement will explain the particular terms of the securities and the extent to which these general provisions may apply. These summary descriptions and any summary descriptions in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete descriptions of the terms and conditions of each security and are qualified in their entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and by applicable New Jersey law and any other documents referenced in such summary descriptions and from which such summary descriptions are derived. If any particular terms of a security described in the applicable prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described herein, then the terms described herein will be deemed superseded by the terms set forth in that prospectus supplement.
We may issue securities in book-entry form through one or more depositaries, such as The Depository Trust Company, Euroclear or Clearstream, named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each sale of a security in book-entry form will settle in immediately available funds through the applicable depositary, unless otherwise stated. We will issue the securities only in registered form, without coupons, although we may issue the securities in bearer form if so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any securities are to be listed or quoted on a securities exchange or quotation system, the applicable prospectus supplement will say so.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
General
Our certification of incorporation provides that we may issue up to 12,500,000 shares of capital stock, of which 12,000,000 shares are designated as common stock, no par value, and 500,000 shares are designated as preferred stock, no par value. Our board of directors is authorized to issue the preferred stock from time to time in one or more classes or series, with such designations, preferences, rights and limitations as the board shall determine. We may increase our authorized shares of capital stock subsequent to the date of this prospectus. As of September 30, 2016, there were 9,330,600 shares of our common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “UNTY.”
Dividend Rights
Unity Bancorp is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. Virtually all of the revenue of the Unity Bancorp available for payment of dividends on its capital stock will result from amounts paid to the Company by the Bank. All such dividends are subject to the laws of the state of New Jersey, the Banking Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”) and the regulation of the DOBI and of the FDIC.
Under the New Jersey Corporation Act, the Company is permitted to pay cash dividends provided that the payment does not leave us insolvent. As a bank holding company under the BHCA, we would be prohibited from paying cash dividends if we are not in compliance with any capital requirements applicable to us. However, as a practical matter, for so long as our major operations consist of ownership of the Bank, the Bank will remain our source of dividend payments, and our ability to pay dividends will be subject to any restrictions applicable to the Bank.
Under the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended, dividends may be paid by the Bank only if, after the payment of the dividend, the capital stock of the Bank will be unimpaired and either the Bank will have a surplus of not less than 50% of its capital stock or the payment of the dividend will not reduce the Bank’s surplus. The payment of dividends is also dependent upon the Bank’s ability to maintain adequate capital ratios pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements.
The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the FRB’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. FRB regulations also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized, and under regulations implementing the Basel III accord,
a bank holding company’s ability to pay cash dividends may be impaired if it fails to satisfy certain capital buffer requirements. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Voting Rights
Each outstanding share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, except as otherwise required by law. The quorum for shareholders’ meetings is a majority of the outstanding shares. Generally, actions and authorizations to be taken or given by shareholders require the approval of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our common stock at a meeting at which a quorum is present. There is no cumulative voting.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Unity Bancorp, holders of our common stock are entitled to share equally and ratably in assets available for distribution after payment of debts and liabilities, subject to the rights of the holders of our preferred stock described below.
Assessment and Redemption
All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Our common stock is not redeemable at the option of the issuer or the holders thereof.
Other Matters
Certain provisions in our certificate of incorporation, applicable New Jersey corporate law and applicable federal banking law may have the effect of discouraging a change of control of Unity Bancorp, even if such a transaction is favored by some of our shareholders and could result in shareholders receiving a substantial premium over the current market price of our shares. The primary purpose of these provisions is to encourage negotiations with our management by persons interested in acquiring control of our corporation. These provisions may also tend to perpetuate present management and make it difficult for shareholders owning less than a majority of the shares to be able to elect even a single director.
Computershare is presently the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
“Blank Check” Preferred Stock
The 500,000 unissued shares of preferred stock are typically referred to as “blank check” preferred stock. This term refers to stock for which the rights and restrictions are determined by the board of directors of a corporation. In general, our certificate of incorporation, authorizes our board of directors to issue new shares of our common stock or preferred stock without further shareholder action, provided that there are sufficient authorized shares.
The issuance of additional common or preferred stock may be viewed as having adverse effects upon the holders of common stock. Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive rights with respect to any newly issued stock. Our board could adversely affect the voting power of holders of our common stock by issuing shares of preferred stock with certain voting, conversion and/or redemption rights. In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of Unity Bancorp that the board of directors does not believe to be in the best interests of its shareholders, the board could issue additional preferred stock which could make any such takeover attempt more difficult to complete. Our board of directors does not intend to issue any preferred stock except on terms that the board deems to be in the best interests of our company and our shareholders.
Terms of the Preferred Stock That We May Offer and Sell to You
We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to the preferred stock that we may offer to you unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The complete terms of the preferred stock will be contained in the prospectus supplement. You should read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.
Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the shareholders, to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares, dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences, sinking funds, and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to each such series of preferred stock.
Prior to the issuance of a new series of preferred stock, we will further amend our certificate of incorporation, designating the stock of that series and the terms of that series. The issuance of any preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock and, therefore, reduce the value of the common stock. The ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock could discourage, delay or prevent a takeover or other corporate action.
The terms of any particular series of preferred stock will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series of preferred stock, including, where applicable:
the designation, stated value and liquidation preference of such preferred stock and the amount of stock offered;
the offering price;
the dividend rate or rates (or method of calculation), the date or dates from which dividends shall accrue, and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends shall commence to cumulate;
any redemption or sinking fund provisions;
the amount that shares of such series shall be entitled to receive in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up;
the terms and conditions, if any, on which shares of such series shall be convertible or exchangeable for shares of our stock of any other class or classes, or other series of the same class;
the voting rights, if any, of shares of such series;
the status as to reissuance or sale of shares of such series redeemed, purchased or otherwise reacquired, or surrendered to us on conversion or exchange;
the conditions and restrictions, if any, on the payment of dividends or on the making of other distributions on, or the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by us or any subsidiary, of the common stock or of any other class of our shares ranking junior to the shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation;
the conditions and restrictions, if any, on the creation of indebtedness by us or by any subsidiary, or on the issuance of any additional stock ranking on a parity with or prior to the shares of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation; and
any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking or retirement fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of such preferred stock.
The description of the terms of a particular series of preferred stock in the applicable prospectus supplement will not be complete. You should refer to the applicable amendment to our certificate of incorporation for complete information regarding a series of preferred stock.
The preferred stock will, when issued against payment of the consideration payable therefor, be fully paid and nonassessable. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will, upon issuance, rank senior to the common stock and on a parity in all respects with each other outstanding series of preferred stock. The rights of the holders of our preferred stock will be subordinate to that of our general creditors.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to the warrants unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The complete terms of the warrants will be contained in the applicable warrant certificate and warrant agreement. These documents have been or will be included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the warrant certificate and the warrant agreement. You should also read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.
General
We may issue, together with other securities or separately, warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities. We may issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrant agent would act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of the series being offered and would not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, where applicable, of warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
the title of the warrants;
the designation, amount and terms of the securities for which the warrants are exercisable and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such warrants;
the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to be issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security;
the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;
the aggregate number of warrants;
any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants;
the price or prices at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;
if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable;
if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the warrants;
any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants;
the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which the right shall expire;
if applicable, the maximum or minimum number of warrants which may be exercised at any time;
the identity of the warrant agent;
any mandatory or optional redemption provision;
whether the warrants are to be issued in registered or bearer form;
whether the warrants are extendible and the period or periods of such extendibility;
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and
any other terms of the warrants.
Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive dividends, if any, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up or to exercise voting rights, if any.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase the amount of such principal amounts of debt securities or such number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or other securities at the exercise price as will in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the purchased securities. If less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants.
Enforceability of Rights of Holders of Warrants
Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, that holder’s warrant(s).
Modification of the Warrant Agreement
The warrant agreement will permit us and the warrant agent, without the consent of the warrant holders, to supplement or amend the agreement in the following circumstances:
to cure any ambiguity;
to correct or supplement any provision which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions; or
to add new provisions regarding matters or questions that we and the warrant agent may deem necessary or desirable and which do not adversely affect the interests of the warrant holders.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to the debt securities unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The complete terms of the debt securities will be contained in the applicable notes. The notes will be included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the provisions of the notes. You should also read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.
General
This prospectus describes certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee to be designated prior to the issuance of the debt securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.
We may issue, from time to time, debt securities, in one or more series, that will consist of either our senior debt (“senior debt securities”), our senior subordinated debt (“senior subordinated debt securities”), our subordinated debt (“subordinated debt securities”) or our junior subordinated debt (“junior subordinated debt securities” and, together with the senior subordinated debt securities and the subordinated debt securities, the “subordinated securities”). Debt securities, whether senior, senior subordinated, subordinated or junior subordinated, may be issued as convertible debt securities or exchangeable debt securities.
We have summarized herein certain terms and provisions of the form of Subordinated Indenture and the Senior Debt Indenture (collectively, the “indenture”). The summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual text of the indenture. The indenture is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the indenture for the provisions which may be important to you. The indenture is subject to regulation and supervisiongoverned by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities which we may issue. We may issue debt securities up to an aggregate principal amount as we may authorize from time to time, which securities may be in any currency or currency unit designated by us. The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to (a) a supplemental indenture, and (b) a resolution of our board of directors. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt securities being offered, including:
the title of the debt securities;
the limit, if any, upon the aggregate principal amount or issue price of the debt securities of a series;
ranking of the specific series of debt securities relative to other outstanding indebtedness, including any debt of any of our subsidiaries;
the price or prices at which the debt securities will be issued;
the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations of the series of debt securities;
the issue date or dates of the series and the maturity date of the series;
whether the securities will be issued at par or at a premium over or a discount from their face amount;
the interest rate, if any, and the method for calculating the interest rate and basis upon which interest shall be calculated;
the right, if any, to extend interest payment periods and the duration of the extension;
the interest payment dates and the record dates for the interest payments;
any mandatory or optional redemption terms or prepayment, conversion, sinking fund or exchangeability or convertibility provisions;
the currency of denomination of the securities;
the place where we will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, and the place where the debt securities may be presented for transfer;
if payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined;
if other than denominations of $1,000 or multiples of $1,000, the denominations the debt securities will be issued in;
whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates;
the applicability of and additional provisions, if any, relating to the defeasance of the debt securities;
the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the entire principal amount;
the currency or currencies, if other than the currency of the United States, in which principal and interest will be paid;
the dates on which premium, if any, will be paid;
any addition to or change in the “Events of Default” described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;
any addition to or change in the covenants described in the prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;
our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of this deferral period; and
other specific terms, including any additional events of default or covenants.
We may issue debt securities at a discount below their stated principal amount. Even if we do not issue the debt securities below their stated principal amount, for United States federal income tax purposes the debt securities may be deemed to have been issued with a discount because of certain interest payment characteristics. We will describe in any applicable prospectus supplement the United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued at a discount or deemed to be issued at a discount, and will describe any special United States federal income tax considerations that may be applicable to the particular debt securities.
We may structure one or more series of subordinated securities so that they qualify as capital under federal regulations applicable to bank holding companies. We may adopt this structure whether or not those regulations may be applicable to us at the time of issuance.
We are a holding company and Unity Bancorp’s operating assets are owned by our subsidiaries. We rely primarily on dividends from such subsidiaries to meet our obligations. We are a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries. The principal sources of our income are dividends and interest from the Bank. Supplementing this income is rental income from our Clinton branch location in the amount of approximately $400,000 per year The Bank is subject to restrictions imposed by federal law on any extensions of credit to, and certain other transactions with, us and certain other affiliates, and on investments in stock or other securities thereof. In addition, payment of dividends to us by the Bank is subject to ongoing review by banking regulators. Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is subject to the prior claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent we may ourselves be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including deposits, of our subsidiaries, and holders of the debt securities should look only to our assets for payments on the debt securities. The indenture does not limit the incurrence or issuance of our debt including senior indebtedness.
Senior Debt
Senior debt securities will rank equally and pari passu with all of our other unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding.
Subordinated Debt
The indenture does not limit our ability to issue subordinated debt securities. Any subordination provisions of a particular series of debt securities will be set forth in a supplemental indenture related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement.
If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with a series of subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus will set forth the approximate amount of senior indebtedness outstanding as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our other securities or property. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be set forth in the supplemental indenture, board resolution or officers’ certificate related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:
the conversion or exchange price;
the conversion or exchange period;
provisions regarding our ability or the ability of the holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;
events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and
provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
The indenture prohibits us from merging into or consolidating with any other person or selling, leasing or conveying substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person, unless:
either we are the continuing corporation or the successor corporation or the person which acquires by sale, lease or conveyance substantially all our or our subsidiaries’ assets is a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, and expressly assumes the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the debt securities and the due performance of every covenant of the indenture to be performed or observed by us, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the trustee by such corporation;
immediately after giving effect to such transactions, no Event of Default described under the caption “Events of Default and Remedies” below or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, has happened and is continuing; and
we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel each stating that such transaction and such supplemental indenture comply with the indenture provisions relating to merger, consolidation and sale of assets and that such supplemental indenture, if any, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such corporation.
Upon any consolidation or merger with or into any other person or any sale, conveyance, lease, or other transfer of all or substantially all of our or our subsidiaries’ assets to any person, the successor person shall succeed, and be substituted for, us under the indenture and each series of outstanding debt securities, and we shall be relieved of all obligations under the indenture and each series of outstanding debt securities to the extent we were the predecessor person.
Events of Default and Remedies
When we use the term “Event of Default” in the indenture with respect to the debt securities of any series, we mean:
(1) default in paying interest on the debt securities when it becomes due and the default continues for a period of 30 days or more;
(2) default in paying principal, or premium, if any, on the debt securities when due;
(3) default is made in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund or analogous obligation when the same becomes due, and such default continues for 30 days or more;
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty in the indenture (other than defaults specified in clause (1), (2) or (3) above) and the default or breach continues for a period of 60 days or more after we receive written notice of such default from the trustee or we and the trustee receive notice from the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series;
(5) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, administration or similar proceedings with respect to us have occurred; and
(6) any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus.
No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness that we may have outstanding from time to time. Unless otherwise provided by the terms of an applicable series of debt securities, if an Event of Default under the indenture occurs with respect to the debt securities of any series and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 51% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may by written notice require us to repay immediately the entire principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series (or such lesser amount as may be provided in the terms of the securities), together with all accrued and unpaid interest and premium, if any. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.
After a declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind this accelerated payment requirement if all existing Events of Default, except for nonpayment of the principal on the debt securities of that series that has become due solely as a result of the accelerated payment requirement, have been cured or waived and if the rescission of acceleration would not conflict with any judgment or decree. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series also have the right to waive past defaults, except a default in paying principal or interest on any outstanding debt security, or in respect of a covenant or a provision that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of all holders of the debt securities of that series.
No holder of any debt security may seek to institute a proceeding with respect to the indenture unless such holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing Event of Default, the holders of not less than 51% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series have made a written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of the Event of Default, the holder or holders have offered indemnity satisfactory to the trustee and the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days after it received this notice. In addition, within this 60-day period the trustee must not have received directions inconsistent with this written request by holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. These limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a holder of a debt security for the enforcement of the payment of principal, interest or any premium on or after the due dates for such payment.
During the existence of an Event of Default actually known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee is required to exercise the rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would under the circumstances in the conduct of that person’s own affairs. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee is not under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of any of the holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee. Subject to certain provisions, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust, or power conferred on the trustee.
The trustee will, within 90 days after receiving notice of any default, give notice of the default to the holders of the debt securities of that series, unless the default was already cured or waived. Unless there is a default in paying principal, interest or any premium when due, the trustee can withhold giving notice to the holders if it determines in good faith that the withholding of notice is in the interest of the holders. In the case of a default specified in clause (4) above describing Events of Default, no notice of default to the holders of the debt securities of that series will be given until 60 days after the occurrence of the event of default.
The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. Upon the occurrence of a default or Event of Default, the Company shall promptly provide notice thereof to the Trustee.
Modification and Waiver
The indenture may be amended or modified without the consent of any holder of debt securities in order to:
evidence a successor to the trustee;
cure ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies;
provide for the assumption of our obligations in the case of a merger or consolidation or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets that complies with the covenant described under “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”;
make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of the debt securities of a series;
add guarantors or co-obligors with respect to the debt securities of any series;
secure the debt securities of a series;
establish the form or forms of debt securities of any series;
add additional Events of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series;
add additional provisions as may be expressly permitted by the Trust Indenture Act;
maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or
make any change that does not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder as certified to the Trustee in an Officer's Certificate.
Other amendments and modifications of the indenture or the debt securities issued may be made with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the amendment or modification. However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected:
change the maturity date or the stated payment date of any payment of premium or interest payable on the debt securities;
reduce the principal amount, or extend the fixed maturity, of the debt securities;
change the method of computing the amount of principal or any interest of any debt security;
change or waive the redemption or repayment provisions of the debt securities;
change the currency in which principal, any premium or interest is paid or the place of payment;
reduce the percentage in principal amount outstanding of debt securities of any series which must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver or consent to take any action;
impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on the debt securities;
waive a payment default with respect to the debt securities;
reduce the interest rate or extend the time for payment of interest on the debt securities;
adversely affect the ranking or priority of the debt securities of any series; or
release any guarantor or co-obligor from any of its obligations under its guarantee or the indenture, except in compliance with the terms of the indenture.
Satisfaction, Discharge and Covenant Defeasance
We may terminate our obligations under the indenture with respect to the outstanding debt securities of any series, when:
either:
all debt securities of any series issued that have been authenticated and delivered have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or
all the debt securities of any series issued that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, will become due and payable within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year and we have made arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by such trustee in our name and at our expense, and in each case, we have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee sufficient funds to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the series of debt securities; and
we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable under the indenture; and
we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under the indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture have been complied with.
We may elect to have our obligations under the indenture discharged with respect to the outstanding debt securities of any series (“legal defeasance”). Legal defeasance means that we will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding debt securities of such series under the indenture, except for:
the rights of holders of the debt securities to receive principal, interest and any premium when due;
our obligations with respect to the debt securities concerning issuing temporary debt securities, registration of transfer of debt securities, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment for security payments held in trust;
the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee; and
the defeasance provisions of the indenture.
In addition, we may elect to have our obligations released with respect to certain covenants in the indenture (“covenant defeasance”). If we so elect, any failure to comply with these obligations will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of any series. In the event covenant defeasance occurs, certain events, not including non-payment, bankruptcy and insolvency events, described under “Events of Default and Remedies,” will no longer constitute an event of default for that series.
In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to outstanding debt securities of any series, we must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the holders of the debt securities of a series:
money in an amount; or
U.S. government obligations (or equivalent government obligations in the case of debt securities denominated in other than U.S. dollars or a specified currency) that will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount; or
a combination of money and U.S. government obligations (or equivalent government obligations, as applicable),
in each case sufficient, in the written opinion (with respect to U.S. or equivalent government obligations or a combination of money and U.S. or equivalent government obligations, as applicable) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the trustee to pay and discharge, all of the principal (including mandatory sinking fund payments), interest and any premium at due date or maturity;
in the case of legal defeasance, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that, under then applicable federal income tax law, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected and will be subject to the same federal income tax as would be the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge did not occur;
in the case of covenant defeasance, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and covenant defeasance to be effected and will be subject to the same federal income tax as would be the case if the deposit and covenant defeasance did not occur;
no event of default or default with respect to the outstanding debt securities of that series has occurred and is continuing at the time of such deposit after giving effect to the deposit or, in the case of legal defeasance, no default relating to bankruptcy or insolvency has occurred and is continuing at any time on or before the 91st day after the date of such deposit, it being understood that this condition is not deemed satisfied until after the 91st day;
the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not cause the trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, assuming all debt securities of a series were in default within the meaning of such Act;
the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which we are a party;
if prior to the stated maturity date, notice shall have been given in accordance with the provisions of the indenture;
the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless the trust is registered under such Act or exempt from registration; and
we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent with respect to the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.
Covenants
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.
Paying Agent and Registrar
The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar for all debt securities. We may change the paying agent or registrar for any series of debt securities without prior notice, and we or any of our subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.
Forms of Securities
Each debt security will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of the series of debt securities. Certificated securities will be issued in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.
Global Securities
We may issue the registered debt securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its custodian identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or its nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on,
and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. Neither we nor the trustee or any other agent of ours or the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
If the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the trustee or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.
Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as depositary for each series of debt securities issued as global securities. DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the “Indirect Participants”). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and the Indirect Participants.
Governing Law
The indenture and each series of debt securities are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to depositary shares unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The complete terms of the depositary shares will be contained in the depositary agreement and depositary receipt applicable to any depositary shares. These documents have been or will be included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the depositary agreement and the depositary receipt. You should also read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.
General
We may offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we do so, we may issue receipts for depositary shares that each represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. The prospectus supplement will indicate that fraction. The shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a depositary agreement between us and a bank or trust company that meets certain requirements and is selected by us, which we refer to as the “bank depositary.” Each owner of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented by the depositary share. The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the depositary agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the offering.
The following summary description of certain common provisions of a depositary agreement and the related depositary receipts and any summary description of the depositary agreement and depositary receipts in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of such depositary agreement and depositary receipts. The forms of the depositary agreement and the depositary receipts relating to any particular issue of depositary shares will be filed with the SEC each time we issue depositary shares, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you.
Dividends and Other Distributions
If we pay a cash distribution or dividend on a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares, the bank depositary will distribute such dividends to the record holders of such depositary shares. If the distributions are in property other than cash, the bank depositary will distribute the property to the record holders of the depositary shares. However, if the bank depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution of property, the bank depositary may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to the record holders of the depositary shares.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
If we redeem a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares, the bank depositary will redeem the depositary shares from the proceeds received by the bank depositary in connection with the redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will equal the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share of the preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares are redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata as the bank depositary may determine.
Voting the Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock represented by depositary shares are entitled to vote, the bank depositary will mail the notice to the record holder of the depositary shares relating to such preferred stock. Each record holder of these depositary shares on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock, may instruct the bank depositary as to how to vote the preferred stock represented by such holder’s depositary shares. The bank depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the amount of the preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions, and we will take all action that the bank depositary deems necessary in order to enable the bank depositary to do so. The bank depositary will abstain from voting shares of the preferred stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such preferred stock.
Amendment and Termination of the Depositary Agreement
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement or required by law, the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the depositary agreement may be amended by agreement between the bank depositary and us. The depositary agreement may be terminated by the bank depositary or us only if:
all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed, or
there has been a final distribution in respect of the preferred stock in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, and such distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts.
Charges of Bank Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the bank depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges, including a fee for the withdrawal of shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts, as are expressly provided in the depositary agreement for their accounts.
Withdrawal of Preferred Stock
Except as may be provided otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the bank depositary, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the owner of the depositary shares may demand delivery of the number of whole shares of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by those depositary shares. Partial or fractional shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holders evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the bank depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Holders of preferred stock thus withdrawn may not thereafter deposit those shares under the depositary agreement or receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.
Miscellaneous
The bank depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the bank depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock.
Neither the bank depositary nor we will be liable if we are prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing our obligations under the depositary agreement. The obligations of the bank depositary and us under the depositary agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of our duties thereunder, and we will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
Resignation and Removal of Bank Depositary
The bank depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the bank depositary. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon the appointment of a successor bank depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. The successor bank depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company meeting the requirements of the depositary agreement.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:
the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units;
the terms of the unit agreement governing the units;
United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the units; and
whether the units will be issued in fully registered global form.
This summary of certain general terms of units and any summary description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all provisions of the applicable unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units. The forms of the unit agreements and other documents relating to a particular issue of units will be filed with the SEC each time we issue units, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
We are authorized by our certificate of incorporation to issue 12,500,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share, and 500,000 shares of preferred stock, the terms, rights and features of which are determined by our Board of Directors upon issuance. As of the date hereof, we have 9,344,031 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding, as adjusted for the 10% stock dividend announced on August 26, 2016, and paid on September 30, 2016 to shareholders of records as of September 15, 2016.
All shares of common stock are entitled to share equally in dividends from funds legally available therefore, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, and upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, to share equally in the assets of the Company available for distribution to shareholders, after satisfying in full the preferential liquidation rights of any series of preferred stock that may be authorized and issued in the future. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to the shareholders.
There is no cumulative voting, redemption right, sinking fund provision, or right of conversion in existence with respect to the common stock. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for preemptive rights to acquire additional shares of common stock when issued. All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Preferred Stock
We have no shares of preferred stock outstanding. We currently have 500,000 shares of preferred stock authorized and available for issuance from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors without shareholder approval. The Board of Directors has the authority to prescribe for each series of preferred stock it establishes the number of shares in that series, the number of votes (if any) to which the shares in that series are entitled, the consideration for the shares in that series, and the designations, powers, preferences and other rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares in that series. Depending upon the rights prescribed for a series of preferred stock, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse effect on the voting power of the holders of common stock and could adversely affect holders of common stock by delaying or preventing a change in control, making removal of our present management more difficult or imposing restrictions upon the payment of dividends and other distributions to the holders of common stock.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and the New Jersey corporation law summarized in the following paragraphs may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects and may delay, defer, or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in such shareholder's best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders, and may make removal of management more difficult.
Authorized but Unissued Stock
The authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without shareholder approval. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions, and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of common and preferred stock may enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which could render more difficult or discourage any attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management.
Number of Directors
Our current board is comprised of 12 directors. Our certificate of incorporation currently provides that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than 1 or more than 15 directors. The number of directors may be amended only by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office or the affirmative vote of shareholders owning at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
Classified Board of Directors
Our certificate of incorporation divides the Board of Directors into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, approximately one-third of the Board of Directors will be elected at each annual meeting of shareholders. The classification of directors will have the effect of making it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the Board of Directors. As a result, at least two annual meetings of shareholders may be required for the shareholders to change a majority of the directors, whether or not a change in the Board of Directors would be beneficial to the Company and its shareholders and whether or not a majority of the Company’s shareholders believes that such a change would be desirable.
Bank Regulatory Requirements
Under the Federal Change in Bank Control Act (the “Control Act”), a 60 day prior written notice must be submitted to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under(“FRB”) if any person, or any group acting in concert, seeks to acquire 10% or more of any class of outstanding voting securities of a bank holding company, unless the FRB determines that the acquisition will not result in a change of control. Under the Control Act, the FRB has 60 days within which to act on such notice taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer, the convenience and needs of the community served by the bank holding company and its subsidiary banks and the antitrust effects of the acquisition. Under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. In additionamended (‘BHCA”), a company is generally required to obtain prior approval of the FRB before it may obtain control of a bank holding company. Under the BHCA, control is generally described to mean the beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a company, although a presumption of control may exist if a party beneficially owns 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a company and certain other circumstances are present.
New Jersey Shareholders Protection Act
A provision of New Jersey law, the New Jersey Shareholders Protection Act (the “SPA”), prohibits certain transactions involving an “interested stockholder” and a corporation. An “interested stockholder” is generally defined as one who is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding stock of the corporation. The SPA prohibits certain business combinations between an interested stockholder and a New Jersey corporation subject to the Federal Reserve,SPA for a period of five years after the Bank is subject to regulationdate the interested stockholder acquired his stock, unless the transaction was approved by the New Jersey Departmentcorporation’s board of Bankingdirectors prior to the time the interested stockholder acquired his stock. After the five-year period expires, the prohibition on business combinations with an interested stockholder continues unless certain conditions are met. The conditions include (i) that the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the target corporation; (ii) that the business combination is approved by a vote of two-thirds of the voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder; and Insurance(iii) that the stockholders of the corporation receive a price in accordance with the SPA.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Initial Offering and Sale of Securities
Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we, and certain holders of our securities, may sell the securities being offered hereby, from time to time, by one or more of the following methods:
to or through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters;
through one or more underwriters without a syndicate for them to offer and sell to the public;
through dealers or agents; and
to investors directly in negotiated sales or in competitively bid transactions.
Offerings of securities covered by this prospectus also may be made into an existing trading market for those securities in transactions at other than a fixed price, either:
on or through the facilities of the NASDAQ or any other securities exchange or quotation or trading service on which those securities may be listed, quoted, or traded at the time of sale; and/or
to or through a market maker otherwise than on the securities exchanges or quotation or trading services set forth above.
Those at-the-market offerings, if any, will be conducted by underwriters acting as principal or agent of the Company, who may also be third-party sellers of securities as described above. The prospectus supplement with respect to the offered securities will set forth the terms of the offering of the offered securities, including:
the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;
the purchase price of the offered securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. proceeds to us from such sale;
any underwriting discounts and commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation, provided that such compensation shall not exceed 8% of any offering proceeds as calculated pursuant to applicable rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA;
any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
any securities exchange on which such offered securities may be listed.
Any underwriter, agent or dealer involved in the offer and sale of any series of the securities will be named in the prospectus supplement.
The principal sourcedistribution of fundsthe securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:
at fixed prices, which may be changed;
at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale;
at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
at negotiated prices.
Each prospectus supplement will set forth the manner and terms of an offering of securities including:
whether that offering is being made by us, or certain holders of our securities;
whether that offering is being made to underwriters or through agents or directly;
the rules and procedures for dividend payments by the Company is dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. The amount of dividends paid by the Bank is limited by state and federal laws and regulations.any auction or bidding process, if used;
UNITY BANCORP, INC.
