[8-K] Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. Reports Material Event
Tempest Therapeutics announced an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire four CAR T-cell therapy programs (ERI-2003, ERI-2206, ERI-3003 and ERI-3206) from Erigen LLC and Factor Bioscience. In exchange, Tempest will issue 8,268,495 shares of common stock to Erigen as closing consideration. After closing and Erigen’s dissolution, pre-closing Tempest stockholders are expected to own about 35.0% of the company, with Erigen equityholders Matt Angel, Ph.D. and Lotus Capital (BVI) Limited expected to own about 38.0% and 27.0%, respectively, on a fully diluted basis.
Immediately before closing, Tempest will declare a dividend of one warrant per share of common stock, each warrant exercisable at $18.48 per share for five years. At closing, Dr. Angel will become President, Chief Executive Officer and a director, Stephen Brady is expected to become Chairman, and one director is expected to resign. Closing requires stockholder approval, completion of at least $5.0 million of equity financing, leadership changes and other customary conditions, and may be terminated under specified circumstances with a potential $300,000 termination fee.
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Insights
Tempest plans a share-funded CAR T asset acquisition with major ownership shift.
The agreement adds four autologous and allogeneic dual-targeting CAR T-cell programs to Tempest Therapeutics, in exchange for
The transaction is contingent on multiple conditions, including stockholder approval, appointment of Dr. Angel as President and Chief Executive Officer, and completion of a pre-closing equity financing with at least
A warrant dividend will grant existing stockholders one warrant per share with a strike price of
Leadership shifts place new CEO from seller side in control with robust package.
Upon closing, Matt Angel, Ph.D. will become Tempest’s President, Chief Executive Officer and a director, while Stephen Brady is expected to move to Chairman and one director is expected to resign. Dr. Angel’s employment terms include a base salary of
Severance protections are significant. If terminated without cause or resigning for good reason outside a change in control, Dr. Angel is entitled to 12 months of salary, a prorated target bonus and up to 12 months of COBRA premiums. During a defined change in control period, these increase to 18 months of salary,
The filing also notes that Brady and Maestas were rehired full time, with Brady expected to receive a
FAQ
What major transaction did Tempest Therapeutics (TPST) announce in this 8-K?
Tempest Therapeutics announced an Asset Purchase Agreement with Erigen LLC and Factor Bioscience Inc.. Tempest will acquire CAR T-cell therapy assets ERI-2003, ERI-2206, ERI-3003 and ERI-3206 in exchange for issuing 8,268,495 shares of common stock to Erigen as closing consideration.
How will ownership of Tempest Therapeutics change after the transaction closes?
Assuming no additional share issuances, pre-closing Tempest equityholders are expected to own about 35.0% of the company on a fully diluted basis. Erigen equityholders are expected to own approximately 38.0% (Matt Angel, Ph.D.) and 27.0% (Lotus Capital (BVI) Limited), respectively, as determined using the treasury stock method.
What warrant dividend did Tempest Therapeutics announce in connection with the deal?
Immediately prior to closing, Tempest plans to declare a dividend granting each stockholder one warrant per share of common stock held as of a record date. Each warrant will allow the purchase of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $18.48 per share and will be exercisable from the issue date until the fifth anniversary of that date.
What are the key closing conditions for Tempest Therapeutics contemplated acquisition?
Closing depends on several conditions, including stockholder approval of the contemplated transactions, appointment of Dr. Matt Angel as President and Chief Executive Officer, completion of a pre-closing equity financing with at least $5.0 million in gross proceeds, and the absence of specified material adverse effects, along with other customary closing conditions.
What leadership and board changes are tied to the Tempest Therapeutics transaction?
At closing, Dr. Matt Angel will become President, Chief Executive Officer and a director. Stephen Brady is expected to transition from CEO and President to Chairman of the board, and Geoff Nichol is expected to resign from the board, effective upon closing. Nicholas Maestas will continue as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy.
What is the lock-up agreement between Erigen and Tempest Therapeutics?
Under a Lock-Up Agreement, Erigen agreed that, subject to specified exceptions, it and its permitted transferees will not transfer 50% of their Tempest common shares for a period starting at closing and ending 180 days after the closing date.
What severance and equity terms apply to new CEO Matt Angel at Tempest Therapeutics?
Dr. Angels employment agreement provides a $650,000 base salary, target bonus of 50% of base salary, and an option to purchase shares equal to 2% of outstanding common stock on his start date, vesting over four years. If terminated without cause or for good reason, he may receive salary and bonus severance, COBRA premium payments, and, during a defined change in control period, up to 18 months of salary, 150% of target bonus and full acceleration of equity awards.