Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR) agrees to $3.16/share cash deal plus milestone CVRs
Esperion Therapeutics is asking shareholders to approve a proposed merger under an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 1, 2026 in which Essence Parent Inc. (an affiliate of ArchiMed) will acquire the company.
Under the merger, each share of Company common stock (other than excluded or appraisal shares) would be converted into $3.16 in cash plus one Contingent Value Right (CVR) that may pay up to $40,000,000 (bempedoic acid milestone) and $60,000,000 (enbumyst milestone) if specified U.S. sales thresholds are met. The Board unanimously recommends shareholders vote FOR the merger, an advisory vote on transaction-related executive compensation, and an adjournment proposal if needed. The merger is subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approval, expiration/termination of the HSR waiting period and German merger clearance, and other closing conditions. Financing sources disclosed include an equity commitment of up to $706,100,000 and a debt commitment up to $550,000,000. Appraisal rights under Delaware law are available to eligible dissenting stockholders.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Transaction structure: a negotiated cash-and-CVR going-private acquisition requiring shareholder and antitrust approvals.
The merger agreement provides $3.16 per share in cash plus one CVR per share, with CVR payments contingent on two U.S. sales milestones (up to $40,000,000 and $60,000,000). The deal contemplates delisting and deregistration of the Company common stock post-closing.
Closing is conditioned on the affirmative shareholder vote and HSR and German merger control clearances; financing is committed by specified equity and debt parties. Appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL are available to qualifying holders; stockholders should follow the strict statutory procedures if electing appraisal.
Financing and economics: combination of cash consideration, milestone-linked CVRs, and committed equity/debt financing.
Parent disclosed an equity commitment up to $706,100,000 and debt commitments totaling $550,000,000, with total funds required noted at approximately $1.08 billion. The CVRs tie incremental payments to U.S. net sales thresholds for bempedoic acid products and ENBUMYST.
Termination fees are specified ($34,154,539 payable by the Company in certain cases; $68,309,078 payable by Parent in other cases). Timing and payment of any CVR amounts depend strictly on milestone achievement and the CVR agreement mechanics.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Contingent Value Right (CVR) financial
Appraisal rights (Section 262 DGCL) regulatory
HSR Act regulatory
Limited guarantee financial
Termination fee financial
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
7 Penn Plaza, Suite 503
New York, New York 10001
Stockholders may call toll-free: (800) 322-2885
Banks and brokers may call: (212) 929-5500
Proxy@mackenziepartners.com
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Corporate Secretary
| | | |
Page
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SUMMARY
|
| | | | 1 | | |
|
The Parties
|
| | | | 1 | | |
|
The Special Meeting
|
| | | | 2 | | |
|
Record Date and Stockholders Entitled to Vote; Vote Required to Approve Each Proposal
|
| | | | 2 | | |
|
Voting by Company Directors and Executive Officers
|
| | | | 2 | | |
|
The Merger; Certain Effects of the Merger; Consideration To Be Received in the Merger
|
| | | | 3 | | |
|
Background of the Merger
|
| | | | 3 | | |
|
Recommendation of the Board
|
| | | | 3 | | |
|
Opinion of the Company’s Financial Advisor
|
| | | | 4 | | |
|
Effects on the Company if the Merger Is Not Consummated
|
| | | | 4 | | |
|
Financing of the Merger
|
| | | | 5 | | |
|
Limited Guarantee
|
| | | | 5 | | |
|
Interests of the Company’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger
|
| | | | 5 | | |
|
Treatment of Equity-Based Awards
|
| | | | 6 | | |
|
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
|
| | | | 7 | | |
|
Regulatory Approvals in Connection with the Merger
|
| | | | 7 | | |
|
Appraisal Rights
|
| | | | 8 | | |
|
No Solicitation; Change in Board Recommendation
|
| | | | 9 | | |
|
Conditions to the Merger
|
| | | | 10 | | |
|
Termination of the Merger Agreement
|
| | | | 10 | | |
|
Termination Fees
|
| | | | 12 | | |
|
Additional Information
|
| | | | 13 | | |
|
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE MERGER
|
| | | | 14 | | |
|
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
|
| | | | 23 | | |
|
THE PARTIES
|
| | | | 25 | | |
|
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.
|
| | | | 25 | | |
|
THE SPECIAL MEETING
|
| | | | 26 | | |
|
Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting
|
| | | | 26 | | |
|
Purpose of the Special Meeting
|
| | | | 26 | | |
|
Recommendation of the Board
|
| | | | 26 | | |
|
Registering for the Special Meeting
|
| | | | 26 | | |
|
Record Date and Stockholders Entitled to Vote
|
| | | | 27 | | |
|
Quorum
|
| | | | 27 | | |
|
Vote Required
|
| | | | 27 | | |
|
Voting Procedures
|
| | | | 28 | | |
|
How Proxies Are Voted
|
| | | | 29 | | |
|
Revocation of Proxies
|
| | | | 29 | | |
|
Solicitation of Proxies
|
| | | | 30 | | |
|
Adjournments
|
| | | | 30 | | |
|
Voting by Company Directors, and Executive Officers
|
| | | | 30 | | |
|
Appraisal Rights
|
| | | | 31 | | |
|
Other Matters
|
| | | | 32 | | |
|
Assistance
|
| | | | 32 | | |
| | | |
Page
|
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PROPOSAL 1: MERGER AGREEMENT PROPOSAL
|
| | | | 33 | | |
|
PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY COMPENSATION PROPOSAL
|
| | | | 34 | | |
|
PROPOSAL 3: ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
|
| | | | 35 | | |
|
THE MERGER
|
| | | | 36 | | |
|
Overview
|
| | | | 36 | | |
|
Background of the Merger
|
| | | | 36 | | |
|
Recommendation of the Board
|
| | | | 52 | | |
|
Reasons for the Merger
|
| | | | 53 | | |
|
Certain Financial Forecasts
|
| | | | 57 | | |
|
Opinion of the Company’s Financial Advisor
|
| | | | 63 | | |
|
Certain Effects of the Merger
|
| | | | 70 | | |
|
Effects on the Company if the Merger Is Not Consummated
|
| | | | 71 | | |
|
Financing of the Merger
|
| | | | 71 | | |
|
Appraisal Rights
|
| | | | 74 | | |
|
Interests of the Company’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger
|
| | | | 78 | | |
|
Regulatory Approvals in Connection with the Merger
|
| | | | 88 | | |
|
Delisting and Deregistration of the Common Stock
|
| | | | 89 | | |
|
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
|
| | | | 90 | | |
|
Employee Matters
|
| | | | 109 | | |
|
Certain Additional Covenants and Agreements
|
| | | | 110 | | |
|
Conditions to the Merger
|
| | | | 110 | | |
|
Termination of the Merger Agreement
|
| | | | 111 | | |
|
Termination Fees
|
| | | | 113 | | |
|
Limitation of Liability
|
| | | | 113 | | |
|
Fees and Expenses
|
| | | | 114 | | |
|
Withholding Taxes
|
| | | | 114 | | |
|
Amendment or Supplement
|
| | | | 114 | | |
|
Extension of Time, Waiver, etc.
|
| | | | 115 | | |
|
Governing Law; Jurisdiction
|
| | | | 115 | | |
|
Specific Enforcement
|
| | | | 115 | | |
|
THE CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS AGREEMENT
|
| | | | 117 | | |
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
|
| | | | 122 | | |
|
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
|
| | | | 124 | | |
|
HOUSEHOLDING
|
| | | | 125 | | |
|
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
|
| | | | 126 | | |
|
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
| | | | 127 | | |
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
| | | | 128 | | |
| ANNEXES | | | | | | | |
|
ANNEX A — AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
|
| | | | A-1 | | |
|
ANNEX B — OPINION OF CENTERVIEW PARTNERS LLC
|
| | | | B-1 | | |
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
7 Penn Plaza, Suite 503
New York, New York 10001
Stockholders may call toll-free: (800) 322-2885
Banks and brokers may call: (212) 929-5500
Proxy@mackenziepartners.com
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ESPR2026SM and by using the 16-digit control number included in their proxy materials. You will not be able to attend the special meeting in person. Each Company stockholder is entitled to one vote per share of Company common stock held by such Company stockholder on the record date on each of the proposals presented in this proxy statement.
7 Penn Plaza, Suite 503
New York, New York 10001
Stockholders may call toll-free: (800) 322-2885
Banks and brokers may call: (212) 929-5500
Proxy@mackenziepartners.com
| | | |
2025E(1)
|
| |
2026E
|
| |
2027E
|
| |
2028E
|
| |
2029E
|
| |
2030E
|
| |
2031E
|
| |
2032E
|
| |
2033E
|
| |
2034E
|
| |
2035E
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total Net Revenue
|
| | | $ | 463 | | | | | $ | 447 | | | | | $ | 555 | | | | | $ | 610 | | | | | $ | 741 | | | | | $ | 683 | | | | | $ | 422 | | | | | $ | 148 | | | | | $ | 69 | | | | | $ | 55 | | | | | $ | 8 | | |
|
Adjusted Net Revenue(2)
|
| | | $ | 162 | | | | | $ | 240 | | | | | $ | 360 | | | | | $ | 433 | | | | | $ | 535 | | | | | $ | 656 | | | | | $ | 405 | | | | | $ | 133 | | | | | $ | 53 | | | | | $ | 31 | | | | | $ | 3 | | |
|
Operating Income(3)
|
| | | $ | 37 | | | | | $ | 25 | | | | | $ | 171 | | | | | $ | 172 | | | | | $ | 251 | | | | | $ | 343 | | | | | $ | 201 | | | | | $ | 74 | | | | | $ | 38 | | | | | $ | 34 | | | | | $ | 2 | | |
|
Unlevered Free Cash Flow(4)
|
| | | $ | (28) | | | | | $ | 35 | | | | | $ | 124 | | | | | $ | 112 | | | | | $ | 168 | | | | | $ | 234 | | | | | $ | 203 | | | | | $ | 124 | | | | | $ | 49 | | | | | $ | 32 | | | | | $ | 3 | | |
| | | |
2026E
|
| |
2027E
|
| |
2028E
|
| |
2029E
|
| |
2030E
|
| |
2031E
|
| |
2032E
|
| |
2033E
|
| |
2034E
|
| |
2035E
|
| |
2036E
|
| |
2037E
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total Net Revenue(1)
|
| | | $ | 418 | | | | | $ | 612 | | | | | $ | 704 | | | | | $ | 827 | | | | | $ | 955 | | | | | $ | 898 | | | | | $ | 859 | | | | | $ | 777 | | | | | $ | 785 | | | | | $ | 700 | | | | | $ | 338 | | | | | $ | 171 | | |
|
Adjusted Net Revenue(2)
|
| | | $ | 243 | | | | | $ | 409 | | | | | $ | 535 | | | | | $ | 644 | | | | | $ | 829 | | | | | $ | 817 | | | | | $ | 769 | | | | | $ | 683 | | | | | $ | 677 | | | | | $ | 675 | | | | | $ | 331 | | | | | $ | 170 | | |
|
Operating Income(3)
|
| | | $ | (4) | | | | | $ | 157 | | | | | $ | 148 | | | | | $ | 242 | | | | | $ | 432 | | | | | $ | 427 | | | | | $ | 273 | | | | | $ | 307 | | | | | $ | 326 | | | | | $ | 325 | | | | | $ | 48 | | | | | $ | 30 | | |
|
Unlevered Free Cash
Flow(4) |
| | | $ | 16 | | | | | $ | 102 | | | | | $ | 80 | | | | | $ | 155 | | | | | $ | 293 | | | | | $ | 329 | | | | | $ | 212 | | | | | $ | 235 | | | | | $ | 246 | | | | | $ | 243 | | | | | $ | 122 | | | | | $ | 63 | | |
| | | |
2026E(1)
|
| |
2027E
|
| |
2028E
|
| |
2029E
|
| |
2030E
|
| |
2031E
|
| |
2032E
|
| |
2033E
|
| |
2034E
|
| |
2035E
|
| |
2036E
|
| |
2037E
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total Net Revenue(2)
|
| | | $ | 389 | | | | | $ | 576 | | | | | $ | 661 | | | | | $ | 776 | | | | | $ | 895 | | | | | $ | 845 | | | | | $ | 813 | | | | | $ | 736 | | | | | $ | 749 | | | | | $ | 669 | | | | | $ | 311 | | | | | $ | 156 | | |
|
Adjusted Net Revenue(3)
|
| | | $ | 214 | | | | | $ | 374 | | | | | $ | 493 | | | | | $ | 593 | | | | | $ | 769 | | | | | $ | 763 | | | | | $ | 723 | | | | | $ | 642 | | | | | $ | 641 | | | | | $ | 644 | | | | | $ | 304 | | | | | $ | 155 | | |
|
Operating Income(4)
|
| | | $ | (36) | | | | | $ | 124 | | | | | $ | 113 | | | | | $ | 205 | | | | | $ | 394 | | | | | $ | 401 | | | | | $ | 257 | | | | | $ | 297 | | | | | $ | 319 | | | | | $ | 320 | | | | | $ | 90 | | | | | $ | 42 | | |
| | | |
2026E
|
| |
2027E
|
| |
2028E
|
| |
2029E
|
| |
2030E
|
| |
2031E
|
| |
2032E
|
| |
2033E
|
| |
2034E
|
| |
2035E
|
| |
2036E
|
| |
2037E
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Income
|
| | | $ | (36) | | | | | $ | 124 | | | | | $ | 113 | | | | | $ | 205 | | | | | $ | 394 | | | | | $ | 401 | | | | | $ | 257 | | | | | $ | 297 | | | | | $ | 319 | | | | | $ | 320 | | | | | $ | 90 | | | | | $ | 42 | | |
|
Minus: Tax Expense(1)
|
| | | | — | | | | | $ | (31) | | | | | $ | (28) | | | | | $ | (51) | | | | | $ | (98) | | | | | $ | (100) | | | | | $ | (64) | | | | | $ | (74) | | | | | $ | (80) | | | | | $ | (80) | | | | | $ | (22) | | | | | $ | (10) | | |
|
Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT)
|
| | | $ | (36) | | | | | $ | 93 | | | | | $ | 85 | | | | | $ | 153 | | | | | $ | 295 | | | | | $ | 300 | | | | | $ | 193 | | | | | $ | 223 | | | | | $ | 239 | | | | | $ | 240 | | | | | $ | 67 | | | | | $ | 31 | | |
|
Plus: Depreciation & Amortization
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | | | $ | 1 | | |
| | | |
2026E
|
| |
2027E
|
| |
2028E
|
| |
2029E
|
| |
2030E
|
| |
2031E
|
| |
2032E
|
| |
2033E
|
| |
2034E
|
| |
2035E
|
| |
2036E
|
| |
2037E
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Minus: Capital
Expenditures |
| | | | (0) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | | | | $ | (1) | | |
|
Minus/Plus: Change in Net Working Capital
|
| | | $ | (20) | | | | | $ | (15) | | | | | $ | (29) | | | | | $ | (25) | | | | | $ | (28) | | | | | $ | 8 | | | | | $ | 6 | | | | | $ | 3 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | $ | (2) | | | | | $ | 85 | | | | | $ | 37 | | |
|
Unlevered Free Cash
Flow(2) |
| | | $ | (56) | | | | | $ | 78 | | | | | $ | 55 | | | | | $ | 129 | | | | | $ | 267 | | | | | $ | 308 | | | | | $ | 198 | | | | | $ | 226 | | | | | $ | 240 | | | | | $ | 238 | | | | | $ | 152 | | | | | $ | 69 | | |
|
Selected Company
|
| |
EV/2027E Adj. Revenue
Trading Multiple |
|
|
Ardelyx, Inc.
|
| |
2.2x
|
|
|
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
|
| |
4.6x
|
|
|
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.
|
| |
1.0x
|
|
|
Phathom Pharmaceuticals Inc.
|
| |
1.8x
|
|
|
Puma Biotechnology Inc.
|
| |
1.5x
|
|
|
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
| |
1.5x
|
|
|
UroGen Pharma Ltd.
|
| |
3.1x
|
|
|
Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
|
| |
2.7x
|
|
| Median | | |
2.0x
|
|
|
Date Announced
|
| |
Target
|
| |
Acquiror
|
| |
EV/2-Yr. Fwd. Adj.
Revenue Multiple* |
|
| December 2025 | | | Dynavax Technologies Corporation | | | Sanofi S.A. | | |
3.5x
|
|
| August 2025 | | | scPharmaceuticals Inc. | | | MannKind Corporation. | | |
2.1x
|
|
| August 2025 | | | Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. | | | SERB S.a.r.l. | | |
3.4x
|
|
| August 2024 | | | G1 Therapeutics, Inc. | | | Pharmacosmos A/S | | |
3.4x
|
|
| June 2024 | | | Alimera Sciences, Inc. | | | ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | | |
3.1x
|
|
| April 2024 | | |
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
| | Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | |
6.9x
|
|
| September 2023 | | | Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | | | Alfasigma S.p.A | | |
2.2x
|
|
| June 2023 | | | Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | | | Gurnet Point Capital / Novo Holdings A/S | | |
1.9x
|
|
| August 2022 | | | Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | | | Alcon Inc. | | |
4.4x
|
|
|
Date Announced
|
| |
Target
|
| |
Acquiror
|
| |
EV/2-Yr. Fwd. Adj.
Revenue Multiple* |
|
| July 2022 | | | La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company | | | Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics, Inc. | | |
1.9x
|
|
| June 2022 | | | Radius Health, Inc. | | | Gurnet Point Capital / Patient Square Capital | | |
3.2x
|
|
| February 2022 | | | BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. | | | Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. | | |
2.7x
|
|
| Median | | | | | | | | |
3.1x
|
|
3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite
150 Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Attention: Corporate Secretary
|
Name
|
| |
Company
RSUs(1) (#) |
| |
Estimated
Value of Company RSUs ($) |
| |
Company
Stock Options (#) |
| |
Estimated
Value of Company Stock Options ($) |
| ||||||||||||
| Non-Employee Directors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
J. Martin Carroll
|
| | | | 33,000 | | | | | | 114,840 | | | | | | 137,500 | | | | | | 199,099 | | |
|
Seth H.Z. Fischer
|
| | | | 33,000 | | | | | | 114,840 | | | | | | 149,061 | | | | | | 199,099 | | |
|
Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., M.D., D. Phil.(2)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 32,100 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Robert E. Hoffman
|
| | | | 5,280 | | | | | | 18,374 | | | | | | 47,040 | | | | | | 101,170 | | |
|
Stephen Rocamboli
|
| | | | 33,000 | | | | | | 114,840 | | | | | | 139,089 | | | | | | 199,099 | | |
|
Jay P. Shepard
|
| | | | 33,000 | | | | | | 114,840 | | | | | | 136,200 | | | | | | 199,099 | | |
|
Craig Thompson
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 40,000 | | | | | | 99,200 | | |
|
Nicole Vitullo(3)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 140,100 | | | | | | 229,627 | | |
|
Tracy M. Woody
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 194,000 | | | | | | 353,887 | | |
| Executive Officers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Sheldon L. Koenig
|
| | | | 1,607,016 | | | | | | 5,592,416 | | | | | | 3,378,310 | | | | | | 3,082,358 | | |
|
Benjamin Halladay
|
| | | | 521,480 | | | | | | 1,814,750 | | | | | | 739,270 | | | | | | 937,861 | | |
|
John B. Harlow, Jr.
|
| | | | 424,536 | | | | | | 1,477,385 | | | | | | 380,000 | | | | | | — | | |
|
Benjamin O. Looker
|
| | | | 523,968 | | | | | | 1,823,409 | | | | | | 859,580 | | | | | | 892,479 | | |
|
Named Executive Officer
|
| |
Cash
($)(1) |
| |
Equity
($)(2) |
| |
Perquisites/
Benefits ($)(3) |
| |
Total
($) |
| ||||||||||||
|
Sheldon L. Koenig
|
| | | | 2,796,500 | | | | | | 8,674,774 | | | | | | 47,000 | | | | | | 11,518,274 | | |
|
Benjamin Halladay
|
| | | | 979,000 | | | | | | 2,752,611 | | | | | | 30,000 | | | | | | 3,761,611 | | |
|
John B. Harlow, Jr.
|
| | | | 875,750 | | | | | | 1,477,385 | | | | | | 30,000 | | | | | | 2,383,135 | | |
| |
Named Executive Officer
|
| |
Multiple of Base
Salary ($) |
| |
Multiple of
Target Bonus ($) |
| ||||||
| |
Sheldon L. Koenig
|
| | | | 1,598,000 | | | | | | 1,198,500 | | |
| |
Benjamin Halladay
|
| | | | 520,000 | | | | | | 234,000 | | |
| |
John B. Harlow, Jr.
|
| | | | 535,000 | | | | | | 240,750 | | |
| |
Named Executive Officer
|
| |
Company
RSUs ($) |
| |
Company Stock
Options ($) |
| ||||||
| |
Sheldon L. Koenig
|
| | | | 5,592,416 | | | | | | 3,082,358 | | |
| |
Benjamin Halladay
|
| | | | 1,814,750 | | | | | | 937,861 | | |
| |
John B. Harlow, Jr.
|
| | | | 1,477,385 | | | | | | — | | |
| | | |
Shares beneficially owned
|
| |||||||||
|
Name and address of beneficial owner(1)
|
| |
Number
|
| |
Percent
|
| ||||||
| 5% Stockholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Wasatch Advisors LP(2)
|
| | | | 15,768,897 | | | | | | 6.1% | | |
|
BlackRock, Inc.(3)
|
| | | | 14,265,367 | | | | | | 5.5% | | |
| Named Executive Officers | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Sheldon L. Koenig(4)
|
| | | | 2,587,662 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Benjamin Halladay(5)
|
| | | | 518,731 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
John B. Harlow, Jr.
|
| | | | — | | | | | | *% | | |
| Other Directors | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
J. Martin Carroll(6)
|
| | | | 235,150 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Jay P. Shepard(7)
|
| | | | 220,799 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Tracy M. Woody(8)
|
| | | | 227,566 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Seth H.Z. Fischer(9)
|
| | | | 210,211 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Stephen Rocamboli(10)
|
| | | | 208,350 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Craig Thompson(11)
|
| | | | 13,333 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
Robert E. Hoffman(12)
|
| | | | 25,653 | | | | | | *% | | |
|
All current directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons)(13)
|
| | | | 4,830,232 | | | | | | 1.8% | | |
c/o : Corporate Secretary
3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Attention: Corporate Secretary
3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 887-3903
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
|
ARTICLE I The Merger
|
| | | | A-2 | | |
|
SECTION 1.1
The Merger
|
| | | | A-2 | | |
|
SECTION 1.2
Closing
|
| | | | A-2 | | |
|
SECTION 1.3
Effective Time
|
| | | | A-2 | | |
|
SECTION 1.4
Effects of the Merger
|
| | | | A-2 | | |
|
SECTION 1.5
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation
|
| | | | A-2 | | |
|
SECTION 1.6
Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation
|
| | | | A-3 | | |
|
ARTICLE II Effect of the Merger on Capital Stock; Exchange of Certificates; Equity-Based Awards; Company Warrants
|
| | | | A-3 | | |
|
SECTION 2.1
Effect on Capital Stock
|
| | | | A-3 | | |
|
SECTION 2.2
Exchange Matters
|
| | | | A-3 | | |
|
SECTION 2.3
Treatment of Equity-Based Awards and Company ESPP
|
| | | | A-6 | | |
|
SECTION 2.4
Payments with Respect to Equity-Based Awards
|
| | | | A-7 | | |
|
SECTION 2.5
Treatment of Company Warrants
|
| | | | A-7 | | |
|
SECTION 2.6
Adjustments
|
| | | | A-7 | | |
|
SECTION 2.7
Appraisal Rights
|
| | | | A-8 | | |
|
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties of the Company
|
| | | | A-8 | | |
|
SECTION 3.1
Organization; Standing
|
| | | | A-8 | | |
|
SECTION 3.2
Capitalization
|
| | | | A-9 | | |
|
SECTION 3.3
Authority; Noncontravention
|
| | | | A-11 | | |
|
SECTION 3.4
Governmental Approvals
|
| | | | A-12 | | |
|
SECTION 3.5
Company SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities
|
| | | | A-12 | | |
|
SECTION 3.6
Absence of Certain Changes
|
| | | | A-14 | | |
|
SECTION 3.7
Legal Proceedings
|
| | | | A-14 | | |
|
SECTION 3.8
Compliance with Laws; Permits
|
| | | | A-14 | | |
|
SECTION 3.9
Tax Matters
|
| | | | A-15 | | |
|
SECTION 3.10
Employee Benefits
|
| | | | A-16 | | |
|
SECTION 3.11
Labor Matters
|
| | | | A-17 | | |
|
SECTION 3.12
Environmental Matters
|
| | | | A-18 | | |
|
SECTION 3.13
Intellectual Property
|
| | | | A-19 | | |
|
SECTION 3.14
Data Privacy and Technology; Information Security
|
| | | | A-21 | | |
|
SECTION 3.15
Property
|
| | | | A-22 | | |
|
SECTION 3.16
Contracts
|
| | | | A-22 | | |
|
SECTION 3.17
Regulatory Matters
|
| | | | A-24 | | |
|
SECTION 3.18
Affiliate Transactions
|
| | | | A-29 | | |
|
SECTION 3.19
Insurance
|
| | | | A-29 | | |
|
SECTION 3.20
No Rights Agreement; Anti-Takeover Provisions
|
| | | | A-30 | | |
|
SECTION 3.21
Opinion of Financial Advisor
|
| | | | A-30 | | |
|
SECTION 3.22
Brokers and Other Advisors
|
| | | | A-30 | | |
|
SECTION 3.23
No Other Parent and MergerCo Representations or Warranties
|
| | | | A-30 | | |
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
|
ARTICLE IV Representations and Warranties of Parent and MergerCo
|
| | | | A-31 | | |
|
SECTION 4.1
Organization; Standing
|
| | | | A-31 | | |
|
SECTION 4.2
Authority; Noncontravention
|
| | | | A-31 | | |
|
SECTION 4.3
Governmental Approvals
|
| | | | A-32 | | |
|
SECTION 4.4
Ownership and Operations of MergerCo
|
| | | | A-32 | | |
|
SECTION 4.5
Financing
|
| | | | A-32 | | |
|
SECTION 4.6
Solvency
|
| | | | A-34 | | |
|
SECTION 4.7
Certain Arrangements
|
| | | | A-34 | | |
|
SECTION 4.8
Brokers and Other Advisors
|
| | | | A-34 | | |
|
SECTION 4.9
Information Supplied
|
| | | | A-34 | | |
|
SECTION 4.10
Legal Proceedings
|
| | | | A-35 | | |
|
SECTION 4.11
Ownership of Equity of the Company
|
| | | | A-35 | | |
|
SECTION 4.12
Competing Businesses
|
| | | | A-35 | | |
|
SECTION 4.13
Limited Guarantee
|
| | | | A-35 | | |
|
SECTION 4.14
No Other Company Representations or Warranties
|
| | | | A-35 | | |
|
SECTION 4.15
Non-Reliance on Company Estimates, Projections, Forecasts, Forward-Looking Statements and Business Plans
|
| | | | A-36 | | |
|
ARTICLE V Additional Covenants and Agreements
|
| | | | A-36 | | |
|
SECTION 5.1
Conduct of Business
|
| | | | A-36 | | |
|
SECTION 5.2
Solicitation; Change in Recommendation
|
| | | | A-40 | | |
|
SECTION 5.3
Efforts.
|
| | | | A-44 | | |
|
SECTION 5.4
Public Announcements
|
| | | | A-46 | | |
|
SECTION 5.5
Access to Information; Confidentiality
|
| | | | A-46 | | |
|
SECTION 5.6
Indemnification and Insurance.
|
| | | | A-47 | | |
|
SECTION 5.7
Employee Matters
|
| | | | A-49 | | |
|
SECTION 5.8
Stockholder Litigation
|
| | | | A-51 | | |
|
SECTION 5.9
MergerCo Expenditures and Distributions
|
| | | | A-51 | | |
|
SECTION 5.10
Parent Vote
|
| | | | A-51 | | |
|
SECTION 5.11
Stock Exchange De-listing
|
| | | | A-51 | | |
|
SECTION 5.12
Preparation of the Proxy Statement; Stockholders’ Meeting
|
| | | | A-51 | | |
|
SECTION 5.13
Financing
|
| | | | A-53 | | |
|
SECTION 5.14
Transfer Taxes
|
| | | | A-58 | | |
|
SECTION 5.15
FIRPTA Certificate
|
| | | | A-58 | | |
|
SECTION 5.16
CVR Agreement
|
| | | | A-59 | | |
|
SECTION 5.17
Convertible Notes.
|
| | | | A-59 | | |
|
SECTION 5.18
Company Warrants.
|
| | | | A-59 | | |
|
SECTION 5.19
Section 16 Matters
|
| | | | A-60 | | |
|
ARTICLE VI Conditions to the Merger
|
| | | | A-60 | | |
|
SECTION 6.1
Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation To Effect the Merger
|
| | | | A-60 | | |
|
SECTION 6.2
Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and MergerCo
|
| | | | A-60 | | |
|
SECTION 6.3
Conditions to the Obligations of the Company
|
| | | | A-61 | | |
|
ARTICLE VII Termination
|
| | | | A-61 | | |
|
SECTION 7.1
Termination
|
| | | | A-61 | | |
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
|
SECTION 7.2
Effect of Termination
|
| | | | A-63 | | |
|
SECTION 7.3
Termination Fee
|
| | | | A-63 | | |
|
ARTICLE VIII Miscellaneous
|
| | | | A-65 | | |
|
SECTION 8.1
No Survival of Representations and Warranties
|
| | | | A-65 | | |
|
SECTION 8.2
Amendment or Supplement
|
| | | | A-65 | | |
|
SECTION 8.3
Extension of Time, Waiver, etc
|
| | | | A-66 | | |
|
SECTION 8.4
Assignment
|
| | | | A-66 | | |
|
SECTION 8.5
Counterparts
|
| | | | A-66 | | |
|
SECTION 8.6
Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries
|
| | | | A-66 | | |
|
SECTION 8.7
Governing Law; Jurisdiction
|
| | | | A-67 | | |
|
SECTION 8.8
Specific Enforcement
|
| | | | A-67 | | |
|
SECTION 8.9
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
|
| | | | A-68 | | |
|
SECTION 8.10
Notices
|
| | | | A-69 | | |
|
SECTION 8.11
Severability
|
| | | | A-70 | | |
|
SECTION 8.12
Definitions
|
| | | | A-70 | | |
|
SECTION 8.13
Fees and Expenses
|
| | | | A-82 | | |
|
SECTION 8.14
Performance Guaranty
|
| | | | A-82 | | |
|
SECTION 8.15
Interpretation
|
| | | | A-82 | | |
|
SECTION 8.16
Company Disclosure Letter
|
| | | | A-83 | | |
|
SECTION 8.17
No Recourse
|
| | | | A-84 | | |
| | Exhibit | | | | |
| | Exhibit A | | | Form of Surviving Corporation Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation | |
| | Exhibit B | | | Form of Surviving Corporation Third Amended and Restated Bylaws | |
| | Exhibit C | | | Form of CVR Agreement | |
Equity-Based Awards; Company Warrants
Silex2
9 Rue des Cuirassiers
69003 Lyon
France
Attention: Justin Bateman
Email: [***]
787 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Adam Cromie
adam.cromie@sidley.com
Suite 150
Ann Arbor, MI 48101
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
Email: [***]
Suite 150
Ann Arbor, MI 48101
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Email: [***]
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
Lisa R. Haddad
Jean A. Lee
lhaddad@goodwinlaw.com
jeanlee@goodwinlaw.com
|
Terms Not Defined in this Section 8.12
|
| |
Section
|
|
| Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement | | | Section 5.2(g) | |
| Adverse Effect on the Financing | | | Section 5.13(g) | |
| Adverse Recommendation Change | | | Section 5.2(e) | |
| Affiliate Transactions | | | Section 3.18 | |
| Agreement | | | Preamble | |
| Alternative Commitment Letters | | | Section 5.13(i) | |
| Alternative Financing | | | Section 5.13(i) | |
| Announcement | | | Section 5.4 | |
| Anti-Corruption Laws | | | Section 3.17(m) | |
| Anti-Money Laundering Laws | | | Section 3.17(n) | |
| Appraisal Shares | | | Section 2.6(a) | |
| ArchiMed | | | Section 5.5 | |
| Balance Sheet Date | | | Section 3.5(c) | |
| Bankruptcy and Equity Exception | | | Section 3.3(a) | |
| Book-Entry Share | | | Section 2.1(c) | |
| Capitalization Date | | | Section 3.2(a) | |
| Centerview | | | Section 3.21 | |
| Certificate of Merger | | | Section 1.3 | |
| cGMP | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
| Claim | | | Section 5.6(g) | |
| Closing | | | Section 1.2 | |
| Closing Date | | | Section 1.2 | |
| Closing Date Underwater Option | | | Section 2.3(a)(iv) | |
| COBRA | | | Section 3.10(e) | |
| Collection Costs | | | Section 7.3(c) | |
| Commitment Letters | | | Section 4.5(a) | |
| Company | | | Preamble | |
| Company Acquisition Agreement | | | Section 5.2(b)(v) | |
|
Terms Not Defined in this Section 8.12
|
| |
Section
|
|
| Company Board Recommendation | | | Recitals | |
| Company Common Stock | | | Recitals | |
| Company Disclosure Letter | | | Article III | |
| Company Inbound Licenses | | | Section 3.13(e) | |
| Company Outbound Licenses | | | Section 3.13(e) | |
| Company Preferred Shares | | | Section 3.2(a) | |
| Company Related Parties | | | Section 7.3(d) | |
| Company RSU | | | Section 2.3(a)(i) | |
| Company SEC Documents | | | Section 3.5(a) | |
| Company Securities | | | Section 3.2(b) | |
| Company Stock Option | | | Section 2.3(a)(ii) | |
| Company Stockholder Approval | | | Section 3.3(c) | |
| Company Stockholders’ Meeting | | | Section 5.12(b) | |
| Company Subsidiary Securities | | | Section 3.2(c) | |
| Company Termination Fee | | | Section 7.3(a)(ii) | |
| Comparability Period | | | Section 5.7(a) | |
| Confidentiality Agreement | | | Section 5.5 | |
| Continuing Employee | | | Section 5.7(a) | |
| Covered Entity | | | Section 3.17(k) | |
| Customs Laws | | | Section 3.17(o)(vi) | |
| Data Partners | | | Section 3.14(a) | |
| Debt Commitment Letter | | | Section 4.5(a) | |
| Debt Financing | | | Section 4.5(a) | |
| DGCL | | | Recitals | |
| Effective Time | | | Section 1.3 | |
| Employee Agreements | | | Section 3.13(e) | |
| Equity Award CVR | | | Section 2.4(b) | |
| Equity Commitment Letter | | | Section 4.5(a) | |
| Equity Commitment Parties | | | Recitals | |
| Equity Financing | | | Section 4.5(a) | |
| ESPP Final Purchase Date | | | Section 2.3(b) | |
| Exchange Act | | | Section 3.4 | |
| Exchange Fund | | | Section 2.2(a) | |
| Existing Offering Period | | | Section 2.3(b) | |
| FARs | | | Section 3.17(d) | |
| FDA Laws | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
| FDCA | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
| Filed SEC Documents | | | Article III | |
| Finance Expenses | | | Section 7.3(f) | |
| Financing | | | Section 4.5(a) | |
| Financing Uses | | | Section 4.5(e) | |
| GCP | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
| GLP | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
|
Terms Not Defined in this Section 8.12
|
| |
Section
|
|
| HIPAA | | | Section 3.19(k) | |
| Indebtedness | | | Section 5.1(b)(vi) | |
| Indemnitee | | | Section 5.6(a) | |
| Indemnitees | | | Section 5.6(a) | |
| Intervening Event | | | Section 5.2(h) | |
| Judgment | | | Section 3.7(a) | |
| Laws | | | Section 3.8(a) | |
| Limited Guarantee | | | Recitals | |
| Malicious Code | | | Section 3.14(f) | |
| Material Contract | | | Section 3.16(a) | |
| Materiality Scrape | | | Section 8.15(b) | |
| Merger | | | Recitals | |
| Merger Consideration | | | Section 2.1(c) | |
| MergerCo | | | Preamble | |
| MDRs | | | Section 3.17(d) | |
| NASDAQ | | | Section 3.4 | |
| Option CVR Consideration | | | Section 2.3(a)(iii) | |
| Outside Date | | | Section 7.1(b)(i) | |
| Parent | | | Preamble | |
| Parent Information | | | Section 5.12(a) | |
| Parent Plans | | | Section 5.7(c) | |
| Parent Related Parties | | | Section 7.3(d) | |
| Parent Termination Fee | | | Section 7.3(b) | |
| Paying Agent | | | Section 2.2(a) | |
| Per Share Cash Consideration | | | Section 2.1(c) | |
| Potential Takeover Proposal | | | Section 5.2(a) | |
| Product Development and Commercialization Activities | | | Section 3.17(l)(i) | |
| Proxy Statement | | | Section 3.4 | |
| QMSR | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
| Qualifying Takeover Proposal | | | Section 5.2(c) | |
| Qualifying Takeover Proposal Determination | | | Section 5.2(c) | |
| R&D Sponsor | | | Section 3.13(j) | |
| Regulated Third Parties | | | Section 3.17(a) | |
| Regulatory Permits | | | Section 3.17(j) | |
| Restraints | | | Section 6.1(a) | |
| RSU Cash Consideration | | | Section 2.3(a)(i) | |
| Sarbanes-Oxley Act | | | Section 3.5(a) | |
| SEC | | | Section 3.4 | |
| Secretary of State of Delaware | | | Section 1.3 | |
| Section 409A | | | Section 2.4(a) | |
| Securities Act | | | Section 3.5(a) | |
| Security Assessments | | | Section 3.14(d) | |
|
Terms Not Defined in this Section 8.12
|
| |
Section
|
|
| Security Risk Analysis | | | Section 3.14(d) | |
| Share Certificate | | | Section 2.1(c) | |
| Social Security Act | | | Section 3.17(g) | |
| Solvent | | | Section 4.6 | |
| Specified Date | | | Section 7.1(b)(i) | |
| Stock Option Cash Consideration | | | Section 2.3(a)(iii) | |
| Superior Proposal | | | Section 5.2(j) | |
| Superior Proposal Notice Period | | | Section 5.2(e)(ii) | |
| Surviving Corporation | | | Section 1.1 | |
| Takeover Law | | | Section 3.20(b) | |
| Takeover Proposal | | | Section 5.2(i) | |
| Tax Incentive | | | Section 3.9(n) | |
| Top Customers | | | Section 3.16(d) | |
| Top Suppliers | | | Section 3.16(d) | |
| Underwater Option | | | Section 2.3(a)(v) | |
| U.S. | | | Section 2.2(a) | |
| VA | | | Section 3.17(l)(v) | |
a Delaware corporation
Title: President and Secretary
a Delaware corporation
Title: President and Secretary
a Delaware corporation
Title: Chief Executive Officer
BYLAWS
OF
ESPERION THERAPEUTICS, INC.
OFFICES
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
INDEMNIFICATION
CERTIFICATES OF STOCK
GENERAL PROVISIONS
AMENDMENTS
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
|
Article I Definitions
|
| | | | A-C-1 | | |
|
Section 1.1
Definitions
|
| | | | A-C-1 | | |
|
Section 1.2
Additional Definitions
|
| | | | A-C-7 | | |
|
Section 1.3
Other Definitional Provisions
|
| | | | A-C-7 | | |
|
Article II Contingent Value Rights
|
| | | | A-C-7 | | |
|
Section 2.1
CVRs
|
| | | | A-C-7 | | |
|
Section 2.2
Nontransferable
|
| | | | A-C-8 | | |
|
Section 2.3
No Certificate; Registration; Registration of Transfer; Change of Address.
|
| | | | A-C-8 | | |
|
Section 2.4
Payment Procedures.
|
| | | | A-C-9 | | |
|
Section 2.5
No Voting, Dividends or Interest; No Equity or Ownership Interest in Parent or the Company
|
| | | | A-C-11 | | |
|
Section 2.6
Enforcement of Rights of Holders
|
| | | | A-C-11 | | |
|
Section 2.7
Ability to Abandon CVR
|
| | | | A-C-11 | | |
|
Article III The Rights Agent
|
| | | | A-C-12 | | |
|
Section 3.1
Certain Duties and Responsibilities
|
| | | | A-C-12 | | |
|
Section 3.2
Certain Rights of the Rights Agent
|
| | | | A-C-12 | | |
|
Section 3.3
Funds Received
|
| | | | A-C-14 | | |
|
Section 3.4
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor
|
| | | | A-C-14 | | |
|
Section 3.5
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor
|
| | | | A-C-15 | | |
|
Article IV Covenants
|
| | | | A-C-15 | | |
|
Section 4.1
List of Holders
|
| | | | A-C-15 | | |
|
Section 4.2
Payment of Milestone Payment
|
| | | | A-C-15 | | |
|
Section 4.3
Assignment Transactions; Change in Control.
|
| | | | A-C-15 | | |
|
Section 4.4
Books and Records; Updates
|
| | | | A-C-16 | | |
|
Section 4.5
Diligent Efforts
|
| | | | A-C-16 | | |
|
Article V Amendments
|
| | | | A-C-17 | | |
|
Section 5.1
Amendments without Consent of Holders.
|
| | | | A-C-17 | | |
|
Section 5.2
Amendments with Consent of Holders.
|
| | | | A-C-18 | | |
|
Section 5.3
Execution of Amendments
|
| | | | A-C-18 | | |
|
Section 5.4
Effect of Amendments
|
| | | | A-C-18 | | |
|
Article VI Miscellaneous and General
|
| | | | A-C-18 | | |
|
Section 6.1
Termination
|
| | | | A-C-18 | | |
|
Section 6.2
Notices to the Rights Agent and Parent or the Company
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| | | | A-C-19 | | |
|
Section 6.3
Notice to Holders
|
| | | | A-C-19 | | |
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Section 6.4
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
|
| | | | A-C-20 | | |
|
Section 6.5
No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative
|
| | | | A-C-20 | | |
|
Section 6.6
Entire Agreement; Counterparts
|
| | | | A-C-20 | | |
|
Section 6.7
Third-Party Beneficiaries; Action by Acting Holders
|
| | | | A-C-20 | | |
|
Section 6.8
Specific Performance
|
| | | | A-C-21 | | |
|
Section 6.9
Severability
|
| | | | A-C-21 | | |
|
Section 6.10
Assignment
|
| | | | A-C-21 | | |
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
|
Section 6.11
Renunciation of Rights
|
| | | | A-C-21 | | |
|
Section 6.12
Legal Holidays
|
| | | | A-C-22 | | |
|
Section 6.13
Interpretation; Construction.
|
| | | | A-C-22 | | |
| Annex A — Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement | | | | | | | |
|
Term
|
| |
Section
|
|
| Agreement | | | Preamble | |
| Assignee | | | Section 6.10 | |
| Assignment Transaction Acquiror | | | Section 4.3(a) | |
| Company | | | Preamble | |
| CVR Register | | | Section 2.3(b) | |
| DTC | | | Section 2.3(b) | |
| Funds | | | Section 3.3 | |
| Losses | | | Section 3.2(h) | |
| Merger | | | Recitals | |
| Merger Agreement | | | Recitals | |
| MergerCo | | | Recitals | |
| Milestone Achievement Notice | | | Section 2.4(a) | |
| Notice Holders | | | Section 4.4 | |
| Parent | | | Preamble | |
| Rights Agent | | | Preamble | |
c/o ArchiMed SAS
Silex2
9 Rue des Cuirassiers
69003 Lyon
France
Attention: Justin Bateman
Email: [***]
787 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Attention: David D’Urso; Adam Cromie
Email: ddurso@sidley.com; adam.cromie@sidley.com
Attention: [•]
Title:
Title:
as Rights Agent
Title:
Title:
Title:
31 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.
3891 Ranchero Drive, Suite 150
Ann Arbor, MI 48108