Summary
This 8-K filing from The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (now Nasdaq, Inc.) reports on the closing of the eSpeed acquisition from BGC Partners. The acquisition, initially announced on April 1, 2013, was completed on June 28, 2013. A key component of the transaction involves contingent future issuances of NASDAQ OMX common stock to BGC, totaling up to 992,247 shares annually for 15 years, subject to anti-dilution adjustments and specific acceleration events. This issuance is considered unregistered and falls under the exemption of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
Key Highlights
- 1The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. has officially closed its acquisition of the eSpeed platform from BGC Partners.
- 2The closing date of the eSpeed acquisition was June 28, 2013.
- 3A significant portion of the purchase price involves contingent future issuances of NASDAQ OMX common stock.
- 4Up to 992,247 shares of NASDAQ OMX common stock can be issued annually for 15 years as consideration, subject to adjustments.
- 5A Registration Rights Agreement has been entered into, granting BGC Partners holders the right to register these future shares for public resale.
- 6The agreement allows BGC Partners holders to request underwritten public offerings and to 'piggyback' on other NASDAQ OMX offerings.
- 7The issuance of these 'Consideration Shares' is considered an unregistered sale of equity securities, exempt under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.