Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services
As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 26, 2007
Registration
No. 333-139244
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
AMENDMENT
NO. 2
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Florida
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65-0701248 |
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Organization) |
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4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor
Miami, Florida 33137
(212) 409-2000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Diane Chillemi, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor
Miami, Florida 33137
(212) 409-2000
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copies to:
David Alan Miller, Esq.
Graubard Miller
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10174
(212) 818-8800
(212) 818-8881 Facsimile
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after
the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, other than securities offered only
in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. þ
If this form 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. o
If this form 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. o
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the
following box. o
The 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 further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in
accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. None of the
selling shareholders may sell these securities under this prospectus until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not
an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any
state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Preliminary Prospectus
Subject to Completion, January 26, 2007
LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
8,400,000 shares of common stock
This prospectus relates to 8,400,000 shares of our common stock that may be offered for resale
for the account of the selling shareholders set forth in this prospectus under the heading Selling
Shareholders beginning on page 13. The selling shareholders may sell these shares in a variety of
transactions as described under the heading Plan of Distribution beginning on page 15.
Our
common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol LTS. On January 24, 2007, the last reported
sale price of our common stock was $1.85.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares covered by this prospectus.
However, we will receive any amounts paid by some of the selling shareholders upon exercise of
their warrants to acquire a total of 4,400,000 of the above 8,400,000 shares being registered under
this prospectus. If those warrants are exercised in full, we may receive up to $4,194,000.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See Risk Factors beginning on
page 4 for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment
in our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The
date of this prospectus is ____________, 2007
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that
contained in this prospectus. The selling shareholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to
buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The
information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus,
regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common stock.
Table of Contents
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
We are engaged in retail and institutional securities brokerage, investment banking services
and investment activities through our principal operating subsidiary, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by
meeting the varying investment needs of our corporate, institutional and retail clients.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is a full service investment banking and brokerage firm that has been
a member of the New York Stock Exchange since 1879. It provides its services principally for middle
market and emerging growth companies and high net worth individuals through a coordinated effort
among corporate finance, capital markets, investment management, brokerage and trading
professionals. Ladenburg is subject to regulation by, among others, the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the NYSE and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and is a member of
the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Its private client services and institutional sales
departments serve approximately 70,000 accounts nationwide and its asset management area provides
investment management and financial planning services to numerous individuals and institutions.
Recent Acquisitions
On September 11, 2006, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. acquired substantially all of the securities
brokerage accounts and registered representatives and employees of BroadWall Capital LLC. In
connection with this acquisition, we issued to BroadWall Capital ten-year warrants to purchase
1,500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.94 per share.
These warrants were subsequently distributed by BroadWall Capital to
its members.
The terms of the
warrants are set forth in detail under the heading Selling Shareholders beginning on page 13.
On October 18, 2006, we consummated the transactions contemplated by an agreement and plan of
merger, dated as of September 6, 2006, with Telluride Acquisition, Inc., our wholly owned
subsidiary, Telluride Holdings, Inc. and each of James S. Cassel, Scott Salpeter and Barry Steiner,
the stockholders of Telluride Holdings. Telluride Holdings is a Florida holding company that
operates principally through its subsidiary, Capitalink, L.C., an investment banking firm focused
on providing services to middle market and emerging growth companies. Pursuant to the merger
agreement, Telluride Holdings merged with and into Telluride Acquisition, with Telluride
Acquisition continuing as the surviving company. In exchange for all the capital stock of
Telluride Holdings, we paid Messrs. Cassel, Salpeter and Steiner $1,000,000 in cash and issued to
them (i) 4,000,000 shares of our common stock and (ii) ten-year warrants to purchase 2,900,000
shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.96 per share. The terms of the warrants are
set forth in detail under the heading Selling Shareholders beginning on page 13.
We agreed to register for re-sale the shares of common stock issued to the selling
shareholders or to be issued to them upon exercise of their warrants.
Corporate History
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida in February 1996. Ladenburg
Thalmann & Co. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in December 1971 and became
our wholly owned subsidiary in May 2001. Our principal executive offices are located at 4400
Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.s
principal executive offices are located at 153 East 53rd Street, New York, New York
10022. Both of our telephone numbers are (212) 409-2000. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. currently has
branch offices located in Miami and Boca Raton, Florida, Los Angeles, California, Melville, New
York, Lincolnshire, Illinois and Princeton, New Jersey. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. maintains a
website located at www.ladenburg.com.
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RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider all of the material risks described below before you decide to
invest in our company. Our business, financial condition or results of operation could be
materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could
decline because of any one of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We have incurred, and may continue to incur, significant operating losses.
We incurred significant losses from operations during each of the four calendar years ending
December 31, 2005. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve or sustain revenue growth,
profitability or positive cash flow on either a quarterly or annual basis or that profitability, if
achieved, will be sustained. Although we believe that we have adequate cash and regulatory capital
to fund our current level of operating activities through December 31, 2007, if we are unable to
achieve or sustain profitability, we may not be financially viable in the future and may have to
curtail, suspend or cease operations.
We may be unable to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business and
operations.
On September 11, 2006, Ladenburg acquired substantially all of the securities brokerage
accounts and registered representatives and employees of BroadWall Capital. On October 18, 2006, we
acquired Telluride Holdings and its operating subsidiary, Capitalink. We may experience difficulty
integrating the operations of these entities into our existing business and operations.
Furthermore, we may not be able retain all of the employees we acquired as a result of these
transactions. If we are unable to effectively address these risks, we may be required to
restructure the acquired business or write-off the value of some or all of the assets of the
acquired business. Moreover, although we have no specific plans to do so at this time, we may
acquire one or more businesses in the future. If we are unable to successfully integrate such
businesses into our existing business and operations in the future, it could have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations.
A substantial portion of our revenue for any period may result from a limited number of
transactions.
A large part of our revenue for any period may be derived from a limited number of
underwritings in which we serve as either the lead or co-manager. We cannot assure you that we will
continue to serve as lead or co-manager of similar underwritings in the future. If we are not able
to do so, our revenue may significantly decrease and our results of operations may be adversely
affected.
We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to the nature of
our business and therefore may fail to meet profitability expectations.
Our revenue and operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year
due to a combination of factors, including the level of underwritings and advisory transactions
completed by us and the level of fees we receive from those underwritings and transactions.
Accordingly, our operating results may fluctuate significantly due to an increased or decreased
number of transactions in any particular quarter or year.
If we are unable to repay our outstanding indebtedness obligations when due, our operations may be
materially adversely affected.
Currently, we have an aggregate of approximately $5,000,000 of indebtedness, of which
$5,000,000 owed to our former parent is due on March 31, 2007. We cannot assure you that our
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operations will generate funds sufficient to repay these or other future debt obligations as they
come due. Our failure to repay our indebtedness and make interest payments as required by our debt obligations could have a
material adverse affect on our operations.
We are currently subject to extensive securities regulation and the failure to comply with these
regulations could subject us to penalties or sanctions.
The securities industry and our business is subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, state
securities regulators and other governmental regulatory authorities. We are also regulated by
industry self-regulatory organizations, including the NYSE, the NASD and the Municipal Securities
Rulemaking Board. The regulatory environment is also subject to change and we may be adversely
affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other federal
or state governmental regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations. We also may be
adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by
these governmental authorities and self-regulatory organizations.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is a registered broker-dealer with the SEC and a member firm of the
NYSE. Broker-dealers are subject to regulations which cover all aspects of the securities business,
including:
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sales methods and supervision; |
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trading practices among broker-dealers; |
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use and safekeeping of customers funds and securities; |
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capital structure of securities firms; |
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record keeping; and |
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the conduct of directors, officers and employees. |
Compliance with many of the regulations applicable to us involves a number of risks,
particularly in areas where applicable regulations may be subject to varying interpretation. The
requirements imposed by these regulators are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial
markets and to protect customers and other third parties who deal with us. Consequently, these
regulations often serve to limit our activities, including through net capital, customer protection
and market conduct requirements. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers has been delegated to
self-regulatory organizations, principally the NASD Regulation, Inc., the regulatory arm of the
NASD, and the NYSE, which are our primary regulatory agencies. NASD Regulation and the NYSE adopt
rules, subject to approval by the SEC, that govern its members and conducts periodic examinations
of member firms operations.
If we are found to have violated any applicable regulation, formal administrative or judicial
proceedings may be initiated against us that may result in:
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censure; |
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fine; |
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civil penalties, including treble damages in the case of insider trading violations; |
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the issuance of cease-and-desist orders; |
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the deregistration or suspension of our broker-dealer activities; |
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the suspension or disqualification of our officers or employees; or |
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other adverse consequences. |
The imposition of any of these or other penalties could have a material adverse effect on our
operating results and financial condition.
We may incur significant losses from trading and investment activities due to market fluctuations
and volatility.
We may maintain trading and investment positions in the equity markets. To the extent that we
own assets, i.e., have long positions, in those markets, a downturn in those markets could result
in losses from a decline in the value of those long positions. Conversely, to the extent that we
have sold assets that we do not own, i.e., have short positions, in any of those markets, an upturn
in those markets could expose us to potentially unlimited losses as we attempt to cover our short
positions by acquiring assets in a rising market.
We may from time to time have a trading strategy consisting of holding a long position in one
security and a short position in another security from which we expect to earn revenues based on
changes in the relative value of the two securities. If, however, the relative value of the two
securities changes in a direction or manner that we did not anticipate or against which we are not
hedged, we might realize a loss in those paired positions. In addition, we maintain trading
positions that can be adversely affected by the level of volatility in the financial markets, i.e.,
the degree to which trading prices fluctuate over a particular period, in a particular market,
regardless of market levels.
We may need to raise additional funds in the near future.
Our capital requirements have been adversely affected in past years by our inability to
generate cash from operations. We have been forced to rely on borrowings and proceeds from the sale
of our common stock in order to generate working capital for our operations. Accordingly, we may
need to seek to raise additional capital through other available sources, including through equity
offerings or borrowing additional funds on a short-term basis from third parties, including our
current shareholders and clearing broker. As of September 30, 2006, we had cash and cash
equivalents of approximately $8,140,000. Accordingly, if we are unable to generate cash from
operations and are unable to find other sources of funding, it would have an adverse impact on our
liquidity and operations.
We may be prohibited from underwriting securities due to capital limits.
From time to time, our underwriting activities may require that we temporarily receive an
infusion of capital for regulatory purposes. This is predicated on the amount of commitment
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. makes for each underwriting. In the past, we borrowed such funds from our
current shareholders or clearing firm. Should we no longer be able to receive such funding from
these sources, and if there are no other viable sources available, it would have an adverse impact
on our ability to generate profits, recruit financial consultants and retain existing customers.
Our expenses may increase due to real estate commitments.
We have ceased using our Madison Avenue (New York City) office space and have subleased the
entire premises to various subtenants. Should any of the sub-tenants not renew or renew for a
sub-rental
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less than Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.s lease commitments, or not pay their rent for an extended
period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.s financial
position and liquidity.
Our business could be adversely affected by a downturn in the financial markets.
As a securities broker-dealer, our business is materially affected by conditions in the
financial markets and economic conditions generally, both in the United States and elsewhere around
the world. Many factors or events could lead to a downturn in the financial markets including war,
terrorism, natural catastrophes and other types of disasters. These types of events could cause
people to begin to lose confidence in the financial markets and their ability to function
effectively. If the financial markets are unable to effectively prepare for these types of events
and ease public concern over their ability to function, our revenues are likely to decline and our
operations will be adversely affected.
Our revenues may decline in adverse market or economic conditions.
Our investment banking revenues, in the form of financial advisory and underwriting fees, are
directly related to the number and size of the transactions in which we participate and therefore
may be adversely affected by any downturn in the securities markets. Additionally, downturn in
market conditions may lead to a decline in the volume of transactions that we execute for our
customers and, therefore, to a decline in the revenues we would otherwise receive from commissions
and spreads. Should these adverse financial and economic conditions appear and persist for any
extended period of time, we will incur a further decline in transactions and revenues that we
receive from commissions and spreads.
We depend on our senior employees and the loss of their services could harm our business.
Our success is dependent in large part upon the services of several of our senior executives
and employees, including those of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. We do not maintain and do not intend to
obtain key man insurance on the life of any executive or employee. If our senior executives or
employees terminate their employment with us and we are unable to find suitable replacements in
relatively short periods of time, our operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We face significant competition for professional employees.
From time to time, individuals we employ may choose to leave our company to pursue other
opportunities. We have experienced losses of registered representatives, trading and investment
banking professionals in the past, and the level of competition for key personnel remains intense.
We cannot assure you that the loss of key personnel will not occur again in the future. The loss of
a registered representative or a trading or investment banking professional, particularly a senior
professional with a broad range of contacts in an industry, could materially and adversely affect
our operating results.
Our principal shareholders including our directors and officers control a large percentage of our
shares of common stock and can significantly influence our corporate actions.
At the present time, our executive officers, directors and companies that these individuals
are affiliated with beneficially own approximately 36.6% of our common stock. Accordingly, these
individuals and entities will be able to significantly influence most, if not all, of our corporate
actions, including the election of directors and the appointment of officers. Additionally, this
ownership of our common stock may make it difficult for a third party to acquire control of us,
therefore possibly discouraging third parties from seeking to acquire us. A third party would have
to negotiate any possible transactions with these principal shareholders, and their interests may
be different from the interests of our other shareholders. This may depress the price of our common
stock.
The American Stock Exchange may delist our common stock from quotation on its exchange.
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Our common stock is currently quoted on the American Stock Exchange. In order to continue
quotation of our common stock, we must maintain certain financial, distribution and stock price
levels. Generally, we must maintain a minimum amount in shareholders equity (usually between
$2,000,000 and $4,000,000) and a minimum number of public shareholders (usually 300 shareholders).
Additionally, our common stock cannot have what is deemed to be a low selling price as determined
by the Exchange.
On
January 24, 2007, the last reported sale price of our common
stock was $1.85. If the
Exchange determines that this is a low selling price, it may require us to effect a reverse split
or suspend or remove our common stock from listing on the Exchange. In determining whether a
reverse split or suspension or removal is appropriate, the Exchange will consider all pertinent
factors including market conditions in general, the number of shares outstanding, plans which may
have been formulated by management, applicable regulations of the state or country of incorporation
or of any governmental agency having jurisdiction over the company and the relationship to other
Exchange policies regarding continued listing.
If the Exchange delists our common stock from trading on its exchange, we could face
significant material adverse consequences including:
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a limited availability of market quotations for our common stock; |
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a determination that our common stock is a penny stock which will
require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more
stringent rules and possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading
activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock; |
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a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and |
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a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain
additional financing in the future. |
We may lose customers and our revenues may decline due to our lack of online trading service
capability.
A growing number of brokerage firms offer online trading services to their customers in
response to increased customer demand for these services. Currently, we are unable to offer online
trading services, nor do we anticipate having such ability in the near future. Should we offer such
services in the future, the services may not appeal to our current or prospective customers and
these services may not be profitable. Our failure to commence online trading services in the near
future could have a material adverse effect on our business including the loss of our existing
customers to competitors that do offer these services. Additionally, if we commence online trading
services but are unable to attract customers for those services, our revenues will decline.
We rely on one primary clearing broker and the termination of the agreement with this clearing
broker could disrupt our business.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. primarily uses one clearing broker to process its securities
transactions and maintain customer accounts on a fee basis. The clearing broker also provides
billing services, extends credit and provides for control and receipt, custody and delivery of
securities. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. depends on the operational capacity and ability of the
clearing broker for the orderly processing of transactions. In addition, by engaging the processing
services of a clearing firm, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is exempt from some capital reserve
requirements and other regulatory requirements imposed by federal and state securities laws. If the
clearing agreement is terminated for any
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reason, we would be forced to find an alternative clearing
firm. We cannot assure you that we would be able to find an alternative clearing firm on acceptable
terms to us or at all.
Our clearing broker extends credit to our clients and we are liable if the clients do not pay.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. permits its clients to purchase securities on a margin basis or sell
securities short, which means that the clearing firm extends credit to the client secured by cash
and securities in the clients account. During periods of volatile markets, the value of the
collateral held by the clearing broker could fall below the amount borrowed by the client. If
margin requirements are not sufficient to cover losses, the clearing broker sells or buys
securities at prevailing market prices, and may incur losses to satisfy client obligations.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. has agreed to indemnify the clearing broker for losses it may incur while
extending credit to its clients.
We are subject to various risks associated with the securities industry.
As a securities broker-dealer, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is subject to uncertainties that are
common in the securities industry. These uncertainties include:
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the volatility of domestic and international financial, bond and stock markets; |
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extensive governmental regulation; |
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litigation; |
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intense competition; |
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substantial fluctuations in the volume and price level of securities; and |
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dependence on the solvency of various third parties. |
As a result, revenues and earnings may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to
year. In periods of low volume, profitability is impaired because certain expenses remain
relatively fixed. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is much smaller and has much less capital than many
competitors in the securities industry. In the event of a market downturn, our business could be
adversely affected in many ways. Our revenues are likely to decline in such circumstances and, if
we are unable to reduce expenses at the same pace, our profit margins would erode.
Our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified risks or an
unanticipated level of risk.
The policies and procedures we employ to identify, monitor and manage risks may not be fully
effective. Some methods of risk management are based on the use of observed historical market
behavior. As a result, these methods may not predict future risk exposures, which could be
significantly greater than the historical measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend
on evaluation of information regarding markets, clients or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible by us.
This information may not be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. Management of
operational, legal and regulatory risk requires, among other things, policies and procedures to
properly record and verify a large number of transactions and events. We cannot assure you that our
policies and procedures will effectively and accurately record and verify this information.
We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through a variety of separate but
complementary financial, credit, operational and legal reporting systems. We believe that we
effectively
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evaluate and manage the market, credit and other risks to which we are exposed.
Nonetheless, the effectiveness of our ability to manage risk exposure can never be completely or
accurately predicted or fully assured. For example, unexpectedly large or rapid movements or
disruptions in one or more markets or other unforeseen developments can have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The consequences of these developments
can include losses due to adverse changes in inventory values, decreases in the liquidity of
trading positions, higher volatility in earnings, increases in our credit risk to customers as well
as to third parties and increases in general systemic risk.
Credit risk exposes us to losses caused by financial or other problems experienced by third
parties.
We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets
will not perform their obligations. These parties include:
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trading counterparties; |
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customers; |
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clearing agents; |
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exchanges; |
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clearing houses; and |
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other financial intermediaries as well as issuers whose securities we hold. |
These parties may default on their obligations owed to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity,
operational failure or other reasons. This risk may arise, for example, from:
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holding securities of third parties; |
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executing securities trades that fail to settle at the required time due to
non-delivery by the counterparty or systems failure by clearing agents, exchanges,
clearing houses or other financial intermediaries; and |
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extending credit to clients through bridge or margin loans or other arrangements. |
Significant failures by third parties to perform their obligations owed to us could adversely
affect our revenues and perhaps our ability to borrow in the credit markets.
Intense competition from existing and new entities may adversely affect our revenues and
profitability.
The securities industry is rapidly evolving, intensely competitive and has few barriers to
entry. We expect competition to continue and intensify in the future. Many of our competitors have
significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Some of our
competitors also offer a wider range of services and financial products than we do and have greater
name recognition and a larger client base. These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to
new or changing opportunities, technologies and client requirements. They may also be able to
undertake more extensive promotional activities, offer more attractive terms to clients, and adopt
more aggressive pricing policies. We may not be able to compete effectively with current or future
competitors and competitive pressures faced by us may harm our business.
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The precautions we take to prevent and detect employee misconduct may not be effective and we could
be exposed to unknown and unmanaged risks or losses.
We run the risk that employee misconduct could occur. Misconduct by employees could include:
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employees binding us to transactions that exceed authorized limits or
present unacceptable risks to us; |
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employees hiding unauthorized or unsuccessful activities from us; or |
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the improper use of confidential information. |
These types of misconduct could result in unknown and unmanaged risks or losses to us including
regulatory sanctions and serious harm to our reputation. The precautions we take to prevent and
detect these activities may not be effective. If employee misconduct does occur, our business
operations could be materially adversely affected.
Failure to comply with net capital requirements could subject us to suspension or revocation by the
SEC or suspension or expulsion by the NASD and the NYSE.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is subject to the SECs net capital rule which requires the
maintenance of minimum net capital. We compute net capital under the alternate method permitted by
the net capital rule. Under this method, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. is required to maintain net
capital equal to $250,000. At September 30, 2006, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. had net capital of
$15,305,000 which exceeded its minimum net capital requirement by $15,055,000. The net capital rule
is designed to measure the general financial integrity and liquidity of a broker-dealer. In
computing net capital, various adjustments are made to net worth which exclude assets not readily
convertible into cash. Additionally, the regulations require that certain assets, such as a
broker-dealers position in securities, be valued in a conservative manner so as to avoid
over-inflation of the broker-dealers net capital. The net capital rule requires that a
broker-dealer maintain a certain minimum level of net capital. The particular levels vary in
application depending upon the nature of the activity undertaken by a firm. Compliance with the net
capital rule limits those operations of broker-dealers which require the intensive use of their
capital, such as underwriting commitments and principal trading activities. The rule also limits
the ability of securities firms to pay dividends or make payments on certain indebtedness such as
subordinated debt as it matures. A significant operating loss or any charge against net capital
could adversely affect the ability of a broker-dealer to expand or, depending on the magnitude of
the loss or charge, maintain its then present level of business. The NASD and the NYSE may enter
the offices of a broker-dealer at any time, without notice, and calculate the firms net capital.
If the calculation reveals a deficiency in net capital, the NASD may immediately restrict or
suspend certain or all of the activities of a broker-dealer, including its ability to make markets.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. may not be able to maintain adequate net capital, or its net capital may
fall below requirements established by the SEC, and subject us to disciplinary action in the form of fines, censure, suspension,
expulsion or the termination of business altogether.
Risk of losses associated with securities laws violations and litigation.
Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. An underwriter is exposed
to substantial liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state laws, and
court decisions, including decisions with respect to underwriters liability and limitations on
indemnification of underwriters by issuers. For example, a firm that acts as an underwriter may be
held liable for material misstatements or omissions of fact in a prospectus used in connection with
the securities being offered or for statements made by its securities analysts or other personnel.
In recent years, there has been an
11
increasing incidence of litigation involving the securities
industry, including class actions that seek substantial damages. Our underwriting activities will
usually involve offerings of the securities of smaller companies, which often involve a higher
degree of risk and are more volatile than the securities of more established companies. In
comparison with more established companies, smaller companies are also more likely to be the
subject of securities class actions, to carry directors and officers liability insurance policies
with lower limits or not at all, and to become insolvent. Each of these factors increases the
likelihood that an underwriter of a smaller companies securities will be required to contribute to
an adverse judgment or settlement of a securities lawsuit.
In the normal course of business, our operating subsidiaries have been and continue to be the
subject of numerous civil actions and arbitrations arising out of customer complaints relating to
our activities as a broker-dealer, as an employer and as a result of other business activities. In
general, the cases involve various allegations that our employees had mishandled customer accounts.
We believe that, based on our historical experience and the reserves established by us, the
resolution of the claims presently pending will not have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition. However, although we typically reserve an amount we believe will be sufficient to cover
any damages assessed against us, we have in the past been assessed damages that exceeded our
reserves. If we misjudged the amount of damages that may be assessed against us from pending or
threatened claims, or if we are unable to adequately estimate the amount of damages that will be
assessed against us from claims that arise in the future and reserve accordingly, our financial
condition may be materially adversely affected.
Possible additional issuances will cause dilution.
While
we currently have outstanding 156,487,410 shares of common stock and options and
warrants to purchase a total of 24,721,500 shares of common stock, we are authorized to issue up to
400,000,000 shares of common stock and are therefore able to issue additional shares without being
required under corporate law to obtain shareholder approval. If we issue additional shares, or if
our existing shareholders exercise their outstanding options, our other shareholders may find their
holdings drastically diluted, which if it occurs, means that they will own a smaller percentage of
our company.
We may issue preferred stock with preferential rights that may adversely affect your rights.
The rights of our shareholders will be subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights
of holders of any preferred stock that we may issue in the future. Our articles of incorporation
authorize our board of directors to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock
and to fix the rights, preferences, privilege and restrictions, including voting rights, of these
shares without further shareholder approval.
WARNING REGARDING OUR USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this prospectus are forward-looking that relate to
possible future events, our future performance and our future operations. In some cases, you can
identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as may, will, should,
anticipates, believes, expects, plans, future, intends, could, estimate, predict,
potential, continue, or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These
statements are only our predictions. Our actual results could and likely will differ materially
from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described above and
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activities,
performance or achievements. We are under no duty to
12
update any of the forward-looking statements
after the date of this prospectus to conform them to actual results or to changes in our
expectations.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares covered by this prospectus.
However, we will receive any amounts paid by some of the selling shareholders upon exercise of
their warrants to acquire a total of 4,400,000 of the above 8,400,000 shares being registered under
this prospectus. If those warrants are exercised in full, we may receive up to $4,194,000.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table provides certain information with respect to the selling shareholders
beneficial ownership of our common stock as of January 26, 2007 and as adjusted to give effect to
the sale of all of the shares offered by this prospectus. The term
selling shareholders includes any of such individuals or
entitys transferees, pledges, donees or successors. We will
file a prospectus supplement naming any such transferee, pledge,
donee or successor in this table if they are able to use this
prospectus to resell the securities.
Except as otherwise indicated, the
number of shares reflected in the table has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under this rule, each selling
shareholder is deemed to beneficially own the number of shares issuable upon exercise or conversion
of warrants, options or other convertible securities it holds that are exercisable or convertible
within 60 days from the date of this prospectus. However, for purposes of presentation, we have
included the full amount of the shares being registered by this prospectus and which underlie
warrants in the number of shares beneficially owned by the entity or individual holding the
warrants even though a portion of such warrants may not be exercisable within 60 days.
Additionally, for purposes of presentation, it is assumed that the selling shareholders will
exercise all of such warrants and then resell all of the shares received as a consequence of their
exercise. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the selling shareholders possesses sole voting and
investment power with respect to the securities shown.
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Shares Beneficially |
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Shares Beneficially |
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Owned |
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Owned |
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Before Offering |
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After Offering |
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Number of |
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Number |
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Number of |
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|
|
Shares |
|
of |
|
|
Name |
|
Shares |
|
Percentage |
|
Offered |
|
Shares |
|
Percentage |
James S.
Cassel(1) |
|
|
5,500,000 |
(2) |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
5,500,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Roni L.
Rosenstock(3) |
|
|
4,592,729 |
(4) |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
425,500 |
|
|
|
4,140,229 |
(5) |
|
|
|
% |
Scott E.
Salpeter(6) |
|
|
770,000 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
770,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Barry
Steiner(6) |
|
|
630,000 |
(8) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
630,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
David Ira
Rosenberg(9) |
|
|
351,500 |
(10) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
301,500 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
(11) |
|
|
* |
|
Adam Scott
Malamed(9) |
|
|
351,500 |
(10) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
301,500 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
(11) |
|
|
* |
|
Alison Thalheim Revocable Living
Trust dated 3/5/96(12) |
|
|
220,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
220,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
GNB Associates, Inc. |
|
|
168,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
168,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Steven
Cohen(13) |
|
|
82,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
82,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Seth
Cassel(14) |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Chira
Cassel(14) |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Philip
Cassel(14) |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Levi
Cassel(14) |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
13
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Since October 18, 2006, Mr. Cassel has been Vice Chairman, Senior Managing Director and Head
of Investment Banking of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents (i) 3,120,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Cassel, (ii) 80,000 shares of
common stock held by Mr. Cassels children and (iii) 2,300,000 shares issuable upon exercise
of outstanding warrants held by Mr. Cassel described below. |
|
|
(3) |
|
Roni Rosenstock is the wife of Richard J. Rosenstock. Mr. Rosenstock has been a member of
our board of directors since August 1999. From May 2001 until December 2002, Mr. Rosenstock
served as vice chairman of our board of directors and from August 1999 until December 2002,
served as our chief operating officer. He also served as our president from August 1999 until
May 2001. Since January 2003, Mr. Rosenstock has been a registered representative of Ladenburg
Thalmann & Co. Mr. Rosenstock was affiliated with Ladenburg Capital Management from 1986 until
December 2002, serving from May 2001 as Ladenburg Capital Managements chief executive
officer. From January 1994 until May 1998, he served as an executive vice president of
Ladenburg Capital Management and was its president from May 1998 until November 2001. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents (i) 425,500 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants
held by Roni L. Rosenstock, (ii) 5,000 shares of common stock held by the NFS/FMTC IRA for the
benefit of Roni L. Rosenstock, (iii) 5,000 shares of common stock held by the NFS/FMTC IRA for
the benefit of Richard J. Rosenstock, Roni L. Rosenstocks husband, (iv) 35,000 shares of
common stock held by the NFS/FMTC Rollover IRA for the benefit of Richard J. Rosenstock, (v)
169,633 shares of common stock held by Richard J. Rosenstock, (vi) 3,701,346 shares of common
stock held by The Richard J. Rosenstock Revocable Living Trust Dated 3/5/96 and (vii) 251,250
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently exercisable options held by Mr.
Rosenstock. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents all of the securities referred to above in footnote 9 except for those set forth
in clause (i). |
|
(6) |
|
Since October 18, 2006, each of Messrs. Salpeter
and Steiner has been a Managing Director Investment Banking of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. |
|
(7) |
|
Represents (i) 440,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 330,000 shares issuable upon exercise
of outstanding warrants held by Mr. Salpeter described below. |
|
(8) |
|
Represents (i) 360,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 270,000 shares issuable upon exercise
of outstanding warrants held by Mr. Steiner described below. |
|
(9) |
|
Since September 11, 2006, each of David Rosenberg, the Chief Executive Officer of BroadWall
Capital LLC, and Adam Malamed, the President of BroadWall Capital LLC, has served as a Senior
Vice President of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., acting as a co-head of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.s
Private Client Services department. |
|
(10) |
|
Represents (i) 301,500 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants
held by such individual and (ii) 50,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
presently exercisable options held by such individual. Does not include 450,000 shares of
common stock issuable upon exercise of options held by such individual that are not presently
exercisable and will not be exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(11) |
|
Represents 50,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable
options held by such individual. Does not include 450,000 shares of common stock issuable
upon exercise of options held by such individual that are not presently exercisable and will
not be exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(12) |
|
Alison Thalheim is the wife of David Thalheim. David Thalheim
was our administrator from August 1999 to May 2001. |
|
(13) |
|
Steven Cohen was previously a trader at Ladenburg Thalmann
& Co. Inc. during 2006. |
|
(14) |
|
Each of these individuals is a child of James Cassel, Vice Chairman, Senior Managing Director
and Head of Investment Banking of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. |
On September 11, 2006, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. acquired a majority of the securities
brokerage accounts and registered representatives and employees of BroadWall Capital LLC. In
connection with this acquisition, we issued to BroadWall Capital ten-year warrants to purchase
1,500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.94 per share.
These warrants were subsequently distributed by BroadWall Capital to
its members.
In connection with
the acquisition, each of David Rosenberg, the Chief Executive Officer of BroadWall Capital, and
Adam Malamed, the President of BroadWall Capital, became a Senior Vice President of Ladenburg
Thalmann & Co., acting as a co-head of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.s Private Client Services
department. The warrants issued to BroadWall Capital are currently exercisable as to 150,000
shares and will become exercisable as to 337,500 shares on each of September 11, 2007, 2008, 2009
and 2010. However, any unvested portion of the warrants shall terminate if the employment of
Messrs. Rosenberg and Malamed is terminated by Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. for cause or by Messrs.
Rosenberg and Malamed without good reason. Additionally, the warrant shall become fully vested
and exercisable if Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. terminates Messrs. Rosenberg and Malamed without
cause, Messrs. Rosenberg and Malamed terminate their employment with good reason, both Messrs.
Rosenberg and Malamed die or become disabled or if we undergo a change of control.
On October 18, 2006, we consummated the transactions contemplated by an agreement and plan of
merger, dated as of September 6, 2006, with Telluride Acquisition, Inc., our wholly owned
subsidiary, Telluride Holdings, Inc. and each of James S. Cassel, Scott Salpeter and Barry Steiner,
the stockholders of Telluride. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Telluride Holdings merged with
and into Telluride Acquisition, with Telluride Acquisition continuing as the surviving company. In
exchange for all the capital stock of Telluride Holdings, we paid Messrs. Cassel, Salpeter and Steiner $1,000,000 in cash and issued to
them (i) 4,000,000 shares of our common stock and (ii) ten-year warrants to purchase 2,900,000
shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.96 per share. Warrants to purchase 957,000
shares of our common stock are immediately exercisable and the remaining warrants will become
immediately exercisable upon their release from escrow as described below. In connection with the
merger, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. entered into three-year employment agreements with each of Messrs.
Cassel, Salpeter and Steiner. Mr. Cassel will serve as Vice Chairman, Senior Managing Director and
Head of Investment Banking of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., and each of Messrs. Salpeter and Steiner
will serve as Managing Directors Investment Banking of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Of the
consideration issued to Messrs. Cassel, Salpeter and Steiner, (x) 2,666,666 of the shares, (y)
warrants to purchase 1,943,000 shares of common stock and (z) $666,666.67 in cash has been placed
in escrow. One-half of the escrow amount will be released to the stockholders on June 3, 2007 and
one-half of the escrow amount will be released to the stockholders on January 18, 2008; provided,
however, that (i) if any of such stockholders employment is terminated by Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.
without cause, or by the stockholder for good reason, or upon his death or disability, or if we
undergo a change of control, then such
14
stockholders pro rata portion of the escrow amount will be
released to him; and (ii) if any of such stockholders employment is terminated for any reason
other than as a result of an event set forth in the preceding clause, then such stockholders pro
rata portion of the escrow amount will be returned to us.
Each
of the selling shareholders acquired the securities in the ordinary
course of their business for investment purposes and at the time of the
acquisition had no agreements or understandings, directly or
indirectly, with any person to distribute their securities.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The sale or distribution of the common stock may be effected directly to purchasers by the
selling shareholders, or by any donee, pledgee or transferee of the selling shareholders as
principals, or through one or more underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents from time to time in
one or more public or private transactions by any legally available means, including:
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block trades; |
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|
|
on the American Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market; |
|
|
|
|
otherwise than on the American Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market; |
|
|
|
|
through the writing of put or call options relating to the common stock; |
|
|
|
|
entering into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, and the broker-dealers may
in turn engage in short sales of the shares as part of establishing and maintaining the
hedge positions they entered into with the selling shareholders; |
|
|
|
|
entering into option or loan transactions that require the selling shareholder to
deliver shares to a broker-dealer which may then resell or otherwise transfer the
shares pursuant to this prospectus to cover the broker-dealers own short sales of the
shares or to cover short sales of the shares by customers of the broker-dealer; |
|
|
|
|
engaging in short sales of the common stock and delivering shares to cover such
short positions; |
|
|
|
|
the pledging of common stock to a broker-dealer and upon the default by the selling
shareholder on the pledge the broker-dealer may sell the pledged shares in accordance
with this prospectus; |
|
|
|
|
through the distribution of the common stock by any selling shareholder to its
partners, members or shareholders; or |
|
|
|
|
through a combination of these methods of sale. |
Any of these transactions may be effected:
|
|
|
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
|
|
|
|
at prices related to the prevailing market prices; |
|
|
|
|
at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or |
|
|
|
|
at negotiated or fixed prices. |
15
The sale or distribution of common stock under this prospectus will be made in compliance with
the applicable provisions of NASD Conduct Rule 2720. If the selling shareholders effect
transactions to or through underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents, these underwriters, brokers,
dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions
from the selling shareholders or purchasers. These discounts, concessions or commissions may be in
excess of those customary for the types of transactions involved. However, no NASD member or
independent broker-dealer will receive a commission or discount in excess of 8%.
The selling shareholders and any broker, dealer or agent that assists in the sale of the
common stock may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the
Securities Act. Accordingly, any profit on the sale of common stock by them and any discounts,
concessions or commissions received by any of the underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Selling shareholders may also resell all or a portion of the common stock in open market
transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In these cases, they must meet
the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.
We will pay all of the costs, expenses and fees incident to the registration of the shares
offered under this prospectus. The selling shareholders are responsible for any costs, expenses
and fees related to the offer and sale of the common stock to the public, including brokerage
commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the common stock offered by this prospectus has been passed upon by Graubard
Miller, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2005 appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2005, have been audited by Eisner LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by
reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance
upon the report of Eisner LLP given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SECs web site at
http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SECs public reference
room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information about the public reference room.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with it, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any
statement contained in a document 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
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or
16
superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. Any
information that we file after the date of this prospectus with the SEC will automatically update
and supersede the information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by
reference our documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until all of the securities are sold:
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our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005; |
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|
our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2006, June 30,
2006 and September 30, 2006; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated December 31,
2006 and filed with the SEC on January 3, 2007; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated and filed with the SEC on November 30, 2005, as
amended on April 4, 2006; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2005 and filed with the SEC on March
28, 2005, as amended on April 10, 2006 and April 28, 2006; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 2006 and filed with the SEC on July
14, 2006, as amended on August 3, 2006; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2006 and filed with the SEC on
September 7, 2006, as amended on October 24, 2006; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated September 11, 2006 and filed with the SEC on
September 12, 2006; |
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|
our current report on Form 8-K dated September 21, 2006 and filed with the SEC on
September 27, 2006; and |
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|
the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form
8-A (No. 1-15799) filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. |
Potential investors may obtain a copy of any of our SEC filings without charge by written or
oral request directed to Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., Attention: Investor Relations,
4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137, (212) 409-2000.
17
PART TWO
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the distribution of the securities
being registered are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
SEC Registration and Filing Fee |
|
$ |
1,025 |
|
NASD Registration and Filing Fee |
|
$ |
1,458 |
|
Legal Fees and Expenses |
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
Accounting Fees and Expenses |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Printing |
|
$ |
500 |
|
Miscellaneous |
|
$ |
2,017 |
|
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|
|
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TOTAL |
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$ |
30,000 |
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ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 607.0850 of the 1989 Business Corporation Act of the State of Florida empowers a
Florida corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an
action by, or in the right of, the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against liability, judgments, settlements, penalties,
fines (including excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan), and expenses
(including counsels fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding and
any subsequent appeals, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was
unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction, or upon
plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the
person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, Section 607.0850 empowers a
corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to
any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal, in any of the capacities
set forth above against expenses (including counsels fees) and amounts paid in settlement not
exceeding, in the judgment of the board of directors, the estimated expense of litigating the
proceeding to conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of the proceeding or any subsequent appeals, if the person acted in good faith and in a
manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation. With respect to any claim, issue, or matter as to which the person is adjudged to be
liable to the corporation, indemnification is not permitted unless, and only to the extent that,
the court in which the proceeding was brought determines upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for expenses that the court deems proper.
II-1
Section 607.0850 further provides:
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that a Florida corporation is required to indemnify a director, officer,
employee, or agent against expenses (including counsels fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with any proceeding or in defending any claim,
issue, or matter involved in the proceeding as to which the person has been successful
on the merits or otherwise; |
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that indemnification provided for by Section 607.0850 shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; |
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that indemnification provided for by Section 607.0850 shall, unless
otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased
to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
persons heirs, executors, and administrators; and |
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that a Florida corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or
who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
enterprise, against any liability asserted against the person and incurred by him or
her in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not
the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against liability under
Section 607.0850. |
A Florida corporation may provide indemnification only as authorized in the specific case upon a
determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the
circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct. The determination is
to be made:
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by the board of directors upon majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors who were not party to the proceeding; |
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if a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, by majority vote of
a committee consisting solely of two or more directors who are not parties to the
proceeding at the time, duly designated by the board of directors (in which interested
directors may participate); |
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by independent legal counsel selected by majority vote of the board of
directors who were not party to the proceeding or a committee so designated by the
board of directors; or |
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by shareholders upon majority vote of a quorum consisting of shareholders
who were not parties to the proceeding or, if a quorum is not obtainable, by a majority
vote of shareholders who were not parties to the proceeding. |
Article XI of our articles of incorporation, as amended, and Article VII of our bylaws provide
for indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, as now in
effect or later amended. Article VII of our bylaws provides that expenses incurred by a director
or officer in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by us in
advance of a final disposition upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or
officer to repay the advanced amount if he or she is ultimately found not to be entitled to
indemnification.
II-2
We may provide liability insurance for each of our directors and officers for certain losses
arising from claims or charges made against them while acting in their capacities as directors or
officers. We currently maintain this type of liability insurance.
Additionally, we have entered into indemnification agreements with all of our directors
and officers whereby we have agreed to indemnify, and advance expenses to, each indemnitee to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The indemnification agreements will continue until and
terminate upon the later of (i) ten years after the date that the indemnitee has ceased to serve as
a director or officer for us or (ii) the final termination of all pending proceedings in respect of
which the indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of expenses or any
proceeding commenced by the indemnitee.
Item 16. EXHIBITS
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Incorporated |
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Exhibit |
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By Reference |
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No. in |
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Number |
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Description |
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from Document |
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Document |
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Page |
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5.1 |
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Opinion of Graubard Miller |
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10.1 |
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Warrant issued to BroadWall Capital LLC |
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A |
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10.1 |
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Form of Warrant issued to each of |
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James S. Cassel, Scott E. Salpeter and |
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10.2 |
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Barry Steiner |
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B |
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10.2 |
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23.1 |
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Consent of Eisner LLP |
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Filed Herewith |
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23.2 |
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Consent of Graubard Miller (included |
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in Exhibit 5.1) |
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24.1 |
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Power of Attorney (included on |
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signature page of this Registration |
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Statement) |
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A. |
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Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 11, 2006 and filed with the SEC on September 12,
2006. |
B. |
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Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2006 and filed with the SEC on September 7,
2006. |
Item 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in
the registration statement;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the
registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement.
II-3
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if
the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the
form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price
set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in
the registration statement.
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration
statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or
furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrants annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC
such indemnification is against public policy expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted
by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto
duly authorized, in Miami, Florida on January 26, 2007.
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LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
(Registrant)
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By: |
/s/ Diane Chillemi
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Name: |
Diane Chillemi |
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Title: |
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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Richard J. Lampen
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President, Chief
Executive Officer and
Director (Principal
Executive Officer)
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January 26, 2007 |
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/s/ Diane Chillemi
Diane Chillemi
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Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and
Financial Officer)
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January 26, 2007 |
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Henry C. Beinstein
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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Director
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Dr. Phillip Frost |
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
II-5
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Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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Brian S. Genson
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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Saul Gilinski
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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Dr. Richard Krasno
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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Howard M. Lorber
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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Jeffrey S. Podell
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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*
Richard J. Rosenstock
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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Mark Zeitchick
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Director
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January 26, 2007 |
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By
Diane Chillemi
Power of
Attorney
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II-6