-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, NaPMG51D2mk965HtDBpVkO4PmodLzax4UNN3KCxGjAvxNkStpxRQYpgfqwO9G1IU SnDy6hHt/OUEhosUAhVEaw== 0001144204-09-011894.txt : 20090303 0001144204-09-011894.hdr.sgml : 20090303 20090303170115 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-09-011894 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090227 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20090303 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090303 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RESPONSE GENETICS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001124608 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: IN VITRO & IN VIVO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES [2835] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-33509 FILM NUMBER: 09652435 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1640 MARENGO ST., STREET 2: 6TH FLOOR CITY: LOS ANGELES, STATE: CA ZIP: 90033 BUSINESS PHONE: (323) 224-3900 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1640 MARENGO ST., STREET 2: 6TH FLOOR CITY: LOS ANGELES, STATE: CA ZIP: 90033 8-K 1 v141676_8k.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):    February 27, 2009

RESPONSE GENETICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
000-1124608
 
11-3525548
(State or other
 
(Commission File
 
(IRS Employer
jurisdiction of
 
Number)
 
Identification No.)
incorporation)
       

1640 Marengo St., 6th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90033
(323) 224-3900
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
 
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
 
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
 
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
 
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 

 

Item 1.01  Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
 
On February 27, 2009, Response Genetics Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain affiliates of Special Situations Funds (the “Purchasers”) for the private placement of 2,000,000 newly-issued shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) at a per share price of $1.00 (the “Private Placement”).  The closing of the sale of the Shares occurred on Monday, March 2, 2009.
 
In connection with the Private Placement, the Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 27, 2009, with the Purchasers (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which it has agreed to file, within 90 days of the closing of the Private Placement, a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to register the Shares for resale, which registration statement is required to become effective within 150 days following the closing.  If the Registration Statement is not filed or declared effective within the timeframes set forth above, then the Company will be obligated to pay liquidated damages to the Purchasers in an amount equal to 1.5% of the aggregate amount invested by the Purchasers for each 30−day period, or pro rata for any portion thereof, following the date by which the Registration Statement should have been filed or declared effective. In addition, liquidated damages will also accrue in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the Company does not maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement until the earlier of the sale of all of the Shares or the Shares become eligible for sale under Rule 144 without regard to any volume limitations. The Company entered into similar registration rights agreements with Vice Chairman of the Board David M. Smith, current director Michael Serruya, Clara Serruya and Samuel Serruya (“Registering Stockholders”), providing for the registration of the shares of the Company’s common stock currently held by them (together with the Registration Rights Agreement, the “Registration Rights Agreements”), provided, however, that no liquidated damages shall accrue to the Registering Stockholders for failure to meet the filing and effectiveness timeframes specified therein.
 
The Purchase Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, and the Registration Rights Agreements are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2, Exhibit 10.3 and Exhibit 10.4, and each agreement is incorporated herein by reference.  The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreements do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreements, respectively, attached hereto.
 
Item 3.02  Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities.
 
The information set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K that relates to the unregistered sale of equity securities is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02.
 
The aggregate offering price of the Shares is approximately $2 million.
 
The sale of the Shares has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).  The Shares were sold to accredited investors in reliance upon exemptions from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder.  The Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under or exemption from the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.
 
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are being furnished with this Current Report on Form 8-K:
 
Exhibit Number
   
Document Description 
     
10.1
 
Purchase Agreement, by and between Response Genetics Inc., Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. and Special Situations Life Sciences Fund, L.P. dated February 27, 2009.
     
10.2
 
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Response Genetics Inc. and the Investors identified therein, dated February 27, 2009.
     
10.3
 
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Response Genetics Inc. and David M. Smith, dated March 2, 2009.
     
10.4
 
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Response Genetics Inc. and Michael Serruya, Clara Serruya and Samuel Serruya, dated March 2, 2009.

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
RESPONSE GENETICS, INC.
     
Dated: March 3, 2009
By:
/s/ Thomas Stankovich
 
Name:  
Thomas Stankovich
 
Title:
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 

 
EX-10.1 2 v141676_ex10-1.htm
 
Exhibit 10.1
 
PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of the 27th day of February, 2009 by and among Response Genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Investors set forth on the signature pages affixed hereto (each an “Investor” and collectively the “Investors”).

Recitals

A.           The Company and the Investors are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by the provisions of Regulation D (“Regulation D”), as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

B.           The Investors wish to purchase from the Company, and the Company wishes to sell and issue to the Investors, upon the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (together with any securities into which such shares may be reclassified the “Common Stock”), at purchase price of $1.00 per share; and

C.           Contemporaneous with the sale of the Common Stock, the parties hereto will execute and deliver a Registration Rights Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will agree to provide certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws.

In consideration of the mutual promises made herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.           Definitions.  In addition to those terms defined above and elsewhere in this Agreement, for the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.

Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks in New York City are open for the general transaction of business.

Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

 

 

Company’s Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the executive officers (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act) of the Company, after due inquiry.

Confidential Information” means trade secrets, confidential information and know-how (including but not limited to ideas, formulae, compositions, processes, procedures and techniques, research and development information, computer program code, performance specifications, support documentation, drawings, specifications, designs, business and marketing plans, and customer and supplier lists and related information).

Control” (including the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” or “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Effective Date” means the date on which the initial Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC.

Effectiveness Deadline” means the date on which the initial Registration Statement is required to be declared effective by the SEC under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

Intellectual Property” means all of the following: (i) patents, patent applications, patent disclosures and inventions (whether or not patentable and whether or not reduced to practice); (ii) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, corporate names, logos, slogans and Internet domain names, together with all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing; (iii) copyrights and copyrightable works; (iv) registrations, applications and renewals for any of the foregoing; and (v) proprietary computer software (including but not limited to data, data bases and documentation).

Material Adverse Effect” means an event, change or occurrence that, individually or together with any other event, change or occurrence, has a material adverse effect on (i) the assets, liabilities, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise), business, or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents, excluding, for purposes of each of (i) and (ii), any event, change or occurrence resulting from the announcement or consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

Nasdaq” means The Nasdaq Capital Market.

Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, business trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.

 
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Purchase Price” means Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Required Investors” means the Investors holding a majority of the Shares.

SEC Filings” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.

Shares” means the shares of Common Stock being purchased by the Investors hereunder.

Subsidiary” of any Person means another Person, an amount of the voting securities, other voting ownership or voting partnership interests of which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its Board of Directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, 50% or more of the equity interests of which) is owned directly or indirectly by such first Person.

Transaction Documents” means this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.

1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

2.            Purchase and Sale of the Shares.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Closing Date, each of the Investors shall severally, and not jointly, purchase, and the Company shall sell and issue to the Investors, the Shares in the respective amounts set forth opposite the Investors’ names on the signature pages attached hereto in exchange for the Purchase Price as specified in Section 3 below.

3.            Closing.  The closing (the “Closing”) of the purchase and sale of the Shares shall take place as promptly as practicable after the date hereof (the date on which the Closing occurs, the “Closing Date”) at the offices of Lowenstein Sandler PC, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 18th Floor, New York, New York 10020, or at such other location and on such other date as the Company and the Investors shall mutually agree.  At the Closing, the Company shall deliver to Lowenstein Sandler PC a certificate or certificates, registered in such name or names as the Investors may designate, representing the Shares and, in full consideration and exchange for the Shares, each Investor shall thereupon pay to the Company an amount representing such Investor’s pro rata portion of the Purchase Price as set forth on the signature pages to this Agreement (payable by a wire transfer in same day funds to be sent to the account of the Company as instructed in writing by the Company).

 
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4.           Representations and Warranties of the Company.  The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Investors that, except as disclosed in the SEC Filings or as set forth in the schedules delivered herewith (collectively, the “Disclosure Schedules”):

4. 1           Organization, Good Standing and Qualification.  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and to own its properties.  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property makes such qualification or leasing necessary unless the failure to so qualify has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Company’s Subsidiaries are listed on Schedule 4.1 hereto.

4.2           Authorization.  The Company has full power and authority and has taken all requisite action on the part of the Company, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for (i) the authorization, execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, (ii) the authorization of the performance of all obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, and (iii) the authorization, issuance (or reservation for issuance) and delivery of the Shares.  The Transaction Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability, relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally.

4.3           Capitalization.  Schedule 4.3 sets forth as of the date hereof (a) the authorized capital stock of the Company; (b) the number of shares of capital stock issued and outstanding; (c) the number of shares of capital stock issuable pursuant to the Company’s stock plans; and (d) the number of shares of capital stock issuable and reserved for issuance pursuant to securities (other than the Shares) exercisable for, or convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of capital stock of the Company.  All of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of pre-emptive rights and, to the Company’s Knowledge, were issued in full compliance with applicable state and federal securities law and any rights of third parties.  Except as described on Schedule 4.3, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of pre-emptive rights, were issued in full compliance with applicable state and federal securities law and any rights of third parties and are owned by the Company, beneficially and of record, subject to no lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim.  Except as described on Schedule 4.3, no Person is entitled to pre-emptive or similar statutory or contractual rights with respect to any securities of the Company.  Except as described on Schedule 4.3, there are no outstanding warrants, options, convertible securities or other rights, agreements or arrangements of any character under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be obligated to issue any equity securities of any kind and except as contemplated by this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently in negotiations for the issuance of any equity securities of any kind.  Except as described on Schedule 4.3 and except for the Registration Rights Agreement, there are no voting agreements, buy-sell agreements, option or right of first purchase agreements or other agreements of any kind among the Company and any of the securityholders of the Company relating to the securities of the Company held by them.  Except as described on Schedule 4.3 and except as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement, no Person has the right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company under the 1933 Act, whether on a demand basis or in connection with the registration of securities of the Company for its own account or for the account of any other Person.

 
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Except as described on Schedule 4.3, the issuance and sale of the Shares hereunder will not obligate the Company to issue shares of Common Stock or other securities to any other Person (other than the Investors) and will not result in the adjustment of the exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price of any outstanding security.

Except as described on Schedule 4.3, the Company does not have outstanding stockholder purchase rights or “poison pill” or any similar arrangement in effect giving any Person the right to purchase any equity interest in the Company upon the occurrence of certain events.

 4.4           Valid Issuance.  The Shares have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued and paid for pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and shall be free and clear of all encumbrances and restrictions (other than those created by the Investors), except for restrictions on transfer set forth in the Transaction Documents or imposed by applicable securities laws.

 4.5           Consents.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents and the offer, issuance and sale of the Shares require no consent of, action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Person, governmental body, agency, or official other than filings that have been made pursuant to applicable state securities laws and post-sale filings pursuant to applicable state and federal securities laws which the Company undertakes to file within the applicable time periods.  Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each Investor set forth in Section 5 hereof, the Company has taken all action necessary to exempt (i) the issuance and sale of the Shares, and (ii) the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents from the provisions of any stockholder rights plan or other “poison pill” arrangement, any anti-takeover, business combination or control share law or statute binding on the Company or to which the Company or any of its assets and properties may be subject and any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws that is or could reasonably be expected to become applicable to the Investors as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, the issuance of the Shares and the ownership, disposition or voting of the Shares by the Investors or the exercise of any right granted to the Investors pursuant to this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

 4.6           Delivery of SEC Filings; Business.  The Company has made available to the Investors through the EDGAR system, true and complete copies of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (as amended prior to the date hereof, the “10-KSB”), and all other reports filed by the Company pursuant to the 1934 Act since the filing of the 10-KSB and prior to the date hereof (collectively, the “SEC Filings”).  The SEC Filings are the only periodic reports required of the Company pursuant to the 1934 Act for such period.

 
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4.7           Use of Proceeds.  The net proceeds of the sale of the Shares hereunder shall be used by the Company for working capital and general corporate purposes.

4.8           No Material Adverse Change.  Since December 31, 2007, except as identified and described in the SEC Filings or as described on Schedule 4.8, there has not been:

  (i)           any change in the consolidated assets, liabilities, financial condition or operating results of the Company except as reflected in the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and except for changes since September 30, 2008 in the ordinary course of business which have not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, individually or in the aggregate;

  (ii)          any declaration or payment of any dividend, or any authorization or payment of any distribution, on any of the capital stock of the Company, or any redemption or repurchase of any securities of the Company;

 
  (iii)         any material damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance to any assets or properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries;

  (iv)         any waiver, not in the ordinary course of business, by the Company or any Subsidiary of a material right or of a material debt owed to it;

  (v)          any change or amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or material change to any material contract or arrangement by which the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or to which any of their respective assets or properties is subject;

  (vi)         any material labor difficulties or labor union organizing activities with respect to employees of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 
  (vii)        any material transaction entered into by the Company or a Subsidiary other than in the ordinary course of business;

  (vii)        the loss of the services of any key employee, or material change in the composition or duties of the senior management of the Company or any Subsidiary; or

  (viii)       any other event or condition of any character that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
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4.9          SEC Filings; S-3 Eligibility.

(a)          At the time of filing thereof, the SEC Filings complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(b)          The Company is eligible to use Form S-3 to register the Registrable Securities (as such term is defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) for sale by the Investors as contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement.

4.10         No Conflict, Breach, Violation or Default.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the issuance and sale of the Securities will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under (i) the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Company’s Bylaws, both as in effect on the date hereof (true and complete copies of which have been made available to the Investors through the EDGAR system), or (ii)(a) any statute, rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their respective assets or properties, or (b) any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or a Subsidiary is bound or to which any of their respective assets or properties is subject, except, in the case of clause (ii) only, such breaches, violations or defaults that individually or in the aggregate would not cause a Material Adverse Effect.

4.11         Tax Matters.  The Company and each Subsidiary has timely prepared and filed all tax returns required to have been filed by the Company or such Subsidiary with all appropriate governmental agencies and timely paid all taxes shown thereon or otherwise owed by it, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of taxes for all fiscal periods are adequate in all material respects, and there are no material unpaid assessments against the Company or any Subsidiary.  All taxes and other assessments and levies that the Company or any Subsidiary is required to withhold or to collect for payment have been duly withheld and collected and paid to the proper governmental entity or third party when due.  There are no tax liens or claims pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective assets or property.  Except as described on Schedule 4.11, there are no outstanding tax sharing agreements or other such arrangements between the Company and any Subsidiary or other corporation or entity.

4.12         Title to Properties.  Except as disclosed in the SEC Filings, the Company and each Subsidiary has good and marketable title to all real properties and all other properties and assets owned by it, in each case free from liens, encumbrances and defects that would materially affect the value thereof or materially interfere with the use made or currently planned to be made thereof by them; and except as disclosed in the SEC Filings, the Company and each Subsidiary holds any leased real or personal property under valid and enforceable leases with no exceptions that would materially interfere with the use made or currently planned to be made thereof by them.

 
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4.13          Certificates, Authorizations and Permits.  The Company and each Subsidiary possess adequate certificates, authorizations or permits issued by appropriate governmental agencies or bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by it, except where the failure to possess such certificates, authorizations or permits has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authority or permit that, if determined adversely to the Company or such Subsidiary, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, individually or in the aggregate.

4.14         Labor Matters.

(a)           Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14, the Company is not a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreements or other agreements with labor organizations.  The Company has not violated in any material respect any laws, regulations, orders or contract terms, affecting the collective bargaining rights of employees, labor organizations or any laws, regulations or orders affecting employment discrimination, equal opportunity employment, or employees’ health, safety, welfare, wages and hours.

(b)           (i) There are no labor disputes existing, or to the Company's Knowledge, threatened, involving strikes, slow-downs, work stoppages, job actions, disputes, lockouts or any other disruptions of or by the Company's employees, (ii) there are no unfair labor practices or petitions for election pending or, to the Company's Knowledge, threatened before the National Labor Relations Board or any other federal, state or local labor commission relating to the Company's employees, (iii) no demand for recognition or certification heretofore made by any labor organization or group of employees is pending with respect to the Company and (iv) to the Company's Knowledge, the Company enjoys good labor and employee relations with its employees and labor organizations.

(c)           The Company is, and at all times has been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws respecting employment (including laws relating to classification of employees and independent contractors) and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, wages and hours, and immigration and naturalization.  There are no claims pending against the Company before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other administrative body or in any court asserting any violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 or 1983 or any other federal, state or local Law, statute or ordinance barring discrimination in employment.

(d)           Except as disclosed in the SEC Filings or as described on Schedule 4.14, the Company is not a party to, or bound by, any employment or other contract or agreement that contains any severance, termination pay or change of control liability or obligation, including, without limitation, any “excess parachute payment,” as defined in Section 280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 
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(e)          Except as specified in Schedule 4.14, each of the Company's employees is a Person who is either a United States citizen or a permanent resident entitled to work in the United States.  To the Company's Knowledge, the Company has no liability for the improper classification by the Company of such employees as independent contractors or leased employees prior to the Closing.

4.15        Intellectual Property.

(a)           To the Company’s Knowledge, all Intellectual Property of the Company and its Subsidiaries is currently in compliance with all legal requirements (including timely filings, proofs and payments of fees) and is valid and enforceable.  No Intellectual Property of the Company or its Subsidiaries which is necessary for the conduct of Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as currently conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted has been or is now involved in any cancellation or litigation, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, no such action is threatened.  No patent of the Company or its Subsidiaries has been or is now involved in any interference, reissue, re-examination, cancellation or opposition proceeding.

(b)           To the Company’s Knowledge, all of the licenses and sublicenses and consent, royalty or other agreements concerning Intellectual Property which are necessary for the conduct of the Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as currently conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their assets are bound (other than  generally commercially available, non-custom, off-the-shelf software application programs having a retail acquisition price of less than $10,000 per license) (collectively, “License Agreements”) are valid and binding obligations of the Company or its Subsidiaries that are parties thereto and, to the Company’s Knowledge, the other parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and to the Company’s Knowledge there exists no event or condition which will result in a material violation or breach of or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any such License Agreement.

(c)           To the Company’s Knowledge, the Company and its Subsidiaries own or have the valid right to use all of the Intellectual Property that is necessary for the conduct of the Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as currently conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted and for the ownership, maintenance and operation of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ properties and assets, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or obligations to license all such owned Intellectual Property and Confidential Information, other than licenses entered into in the ordinary course of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ businesses.  To the Company’s Knowledge, the Company and its Subsidiaries have a valid and enforceable right to use all third party Intellectual Property and Confidential Information used or held for use in the respective businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 
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(d)           To the Company’s Knowledge, the conduct of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ businesses as currently conducted does not infringe or otherwise impair or conflict with (collectively, “Infringe”) any Intellectual Property rights of any third party or any confidentiality obligation owed to a third party, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, the Intellectual Property and Confidential Information of the Company and its Subsidiaries which are necessary for the conduct of Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as currently conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted are not being Infringed by any third party.  There is no litigation or order pending or outstanding or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened or imminent, that seeks to limit or challenge or that concerns the ownership, use, validity or enforceability of any Intellectual Property or Confidential Information of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ use of any Intellectual Property or Confidential Information owned by a third party, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, there is no valid basis for the same.

(e)           The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Transaction Documents will not result in the alteration, loss, impairment of or restriction on the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ ownership or right to use any of the Intellectual Property or Confidential Information which is necessary for the conduct of Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as currently conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted.

(f)           The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable steps to protect the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ rights in their Intellectual Property and Confidential Information.  To the Company’s Knowledge, each employee, consultant and contractor who has had access to Confidential Information which is necessary for the conduct of Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses as currently conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted has agreed to maintain the confidentiality of such Confidential Information.  Except under confidentiality obligations, to the Company’s Knowledge, there has been no material disclosure of any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ Confidential Information to any third party.

4.16         Environmental Matters.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any statute, rule, regulation, decision or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, relating to the use, disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or relating to the protection or restoration of the environment or human exposure to hazardous or toxic substances (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), owns or operates any real property contaminated with any substance that is subject to any Environmental Laws, is liable for any off-site disposal or contamination pursuant to any Environmental Laws, or is subject to any claim relating to any Environmental Laws, which violation, contamination, liability or claim has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, individually or in the aggregate; and there is no pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened investigation that might lead to such a claim.

4.17         Litigation.  Except as described on Schedule 4.17, there are no pending actions, suits or proceedings against or affecting the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of its or their properties; and to the Company’s Knowledge, no such actions, suits or proceedings are threatened or contemplated.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, any director or officer thereof, is or since January 1, 2007 has been the subject of any action involving a claim of violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty.  There has not been, and to the Company’s Knowledge, there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the SEC involving the Company or any current or former director or officer of the Company.  The SEC has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by the Company or any Subsidiary under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act.

 
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4.18           Financial Statements.  The financial statements included in each SEC Filing present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of the dates shown and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods shown, and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis (“GAAP”) (except as may be disclosed therein or in the notes thereto, and, in the case of quarterly financial statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q under the 1934 Act).  Except as set forth in the financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Filings filed prior to the date hereof or as described on Schedule 4.18, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liabilities, contingent or otherwise, except those incurred in the ordinary course of business, consistent (as to amount and nature) with past practices since the date of such financial statements, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

4.19           Insurance Coverage.  The Company and each Subsidiary maintains in full force and effect insurance coverage that its Board of Directors has determined is reasonable for the business being conducted and properties owned or leased by the Company and each Subsidiary, and the Company reasonably believes such insurance coverage to be adequate against all liabilities, claims and risks against which it is customary for comparably situated companies to insure.

4.20           Compliance with Nasdaq Continued Listing Requirements.  The Company is in compliance with applicable Nasdaq continued listing requirements.  There are no proceedings pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against the Company relating to the continued listing of the Common Stock on Nasdaq and the Company has not received any notice of, nor to the Company’s Knowledge is there any basis for, the delisting of the Common Stock from Nasdaq.

4.21           Brokers and Finders.  No Person will have, as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, any valid right, interest or claim against or upon the Company, any Subsidiary or an Investor for any commission, fee or other compensation pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into by or on behalf of the Company, other than as described in Schedule 4.21.

4.22           No Directed Selling Efforts or General Solicitation.  Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf has conducted any general solicitation or general advertising (as those terms are used in Regulation D) in connection with the offer or sale of any of the Shares.

 
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4.23           No Integrated Offering.  Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any Company security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Company on Section 4(2) or Rule 506 of Regulation D for the exemption from registration for the transactions contemplated hereby or would require registration of the Shares under the 1933 Act.

4.24           Private Placement.  Subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each Investor set forth in Section 5 hereof, the offer and sale of the Shares to the Investors as contemplated hereby is exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.

4.25           Questionable Payments.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Company’s Knowledge, any of their respective current or former stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents or other Persons acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary, has on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary or in connection with their respective businesses: (a) used any corporate funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity; (b) made any direct or indirect unlawful payments to any governmental officials or employees from corporate funds; (c) established or maintained any unlawful or unrecorded fund of corporate monies or other assets; (d) made any false or fictitious entries on the books and records of the Company or any Subsidiary; or (e) made any unlawful bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment of any nature.

4.26           Transactions with Affiliates.  Except as disclosed in the SEC Filings or as disclosed on Schedule 4.26, none of the officers or directors of the Company and, to the Company’s Knowledge, none of the employees of the Company is presently a party to any transaction with the Company or any Subsidiary (other than as holders of stock options and/or warrants, and for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such employee or, to the Company’s Knowledge, any entity in which any officer, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

 
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4.27           Internal Controls.  The Company is in material compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 currently applicable to the Company.  The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 1934 Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including the Subsidiaries, is made known to the certifying officers by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which the Company’s most recently filed periodic report under the 1934 Act, as the case may be, is being prepared.  The Company's certifying officers have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by the most recently filed periodic report under the 1934 Act (such date, the "Evaluation Date").  The Company presented in its most recently filed periodic report under the 1934 Act the conclusions of the certifying officers about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on their evaluations as of the Evaluation Date.  Since the Evaluation Date, there have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls (as such term is defined in Item 308 of Regulation S-K) or, to the Company's Knowledge, in other factors that could reasonably be expected to significantly affect the Company's internal controls.  The Company maintains and will continue to maintain a standard system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP and the applicable requirements of the 1934 Act.

4.28           Disclosures.  Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf has provided the Investors or their agents or counsel with any information that constitutes or might constitute material, non-public information, other than the terms of the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.           Representations and Warranties of the Investors.  Each of the Investors hereby severally, and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Company that:

5.1           Organization and Existence.  Such Investor is either an individual or a validly existing corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company and has all requisite corporate, partnership or limited liability company power and authority to invest in the Shares pursuant to this Agreement, and to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and otherwise carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder.

5.2           Authorization.  The execution, delivery and performance by such Investor of the Transaction Documents to which such Investor is a party have been duly authorized and each will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such Investor, enforceable against such Investor in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability, relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally.

5.3           Purchase Entirely for Own Account.  The Shares to be received by such Investor hereunder will be acquired for such Investor’s own account, not as nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of the 1933 Act, and such Investor has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same in violation of the 1933 Act, without prejudice, however, to such Investor’s right at all times to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of such Shares in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws.  Nothing contained herein shall be deemed a representation or warranty by such Investor to hold the Shares for any period of time.  Such Investor is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the 1934 Act or an entity engaged in a business that would require it to be so registered.  Such Investor, if an entity, is acquiring the Shares in the ordinary course of business.

 
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5.4           Investment Experience.  Such Investor acknowledges that it can bear the economic risk and complete loss of its investment in the Shares and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment contemplated hereby.

5.5           Disclosure of Information.  Such Investor has had an opportunity to receive all information related to the Company requested by it and to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company regarding the Company, its business and the terms and conditions of the offering of the Shares.  Such Investor acknowledges receipt of copies of the SEC Filings.  Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigation conducted by such Investor shall modify, limit or otherwise affect such Investor’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement.

5.6           Restricted Securities.  Such Investor understands that the Shares are characterized as “restricted securities” under the U.S. federal securities laws inasmuch as they are being acquired from the Company in a transaction not involving a public offering and that under such laws and applicable regulations such securities may be resold without registration under the 1933 Act only in certain limited circumstances.  In connection with any transfer of Shares other than (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement or Rule 144, (ii) to the Company or (iii) to an Affiliate of such Investor, Investor understands that the Company may require the transferor thereof to provide to the Company an opinion of counsel selected by the transferor and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the form and substance of which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer does not require registration of such transferred Shares under the Securities Act. As a condition of transfer, any such transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and shall have the rights of an Investor under this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.

5.7           Legends.  It is understood that, except as provided below, certificates evidencing the Shares may bear the following or any similar legend:

 (a)           “The securities represented hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws.  The securities represented hereby may not be transferred unless (i) such securities have been registered for sale pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) such securities may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144, or (iii) the Company has received an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to it that such transfer may lawfully be made without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 or qualification under applicable state securities laws.”

 (b)           If required by the authorities of any state in connection with the issuance of sale of the Shares, the legend required by such state authority.

5.8           Accredited Investor.  Such Investor is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D, as amended, under the 1933 Act.

 
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5.9           No General Solicitation.  Such Investor did not learn of the investment in the Shares as a result of any general solicitation or general advertising.

5.10         Brokers and Finders.  No Person will have, as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, any valid right, interest or claim against or upon the Company, any Subsidiary or an Investor for any commission, fee or other compensation pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into by or on behalf of such Investor.

5.11         Prohibited Transactions.  Since the earlier of (a) such time as such Investor was first contacted by the Company or any other Person acting on behalf of the Company regarding the transactions contemplated hereby or (b) thirty (30) days prior to the date hereof, neither such Investor nor any Affiliate of such Investor which (x) had knowledge of the transactions contemplated hereby, (y) has or shares discretion relating to such Investor’s investments or trading or information concerning such Investor’s investments, including in respect of the Shares, or (z) is subject to such Investor’s review or input concerning such Affiliate’s investments or trading (collectively, “Trading Affiliates”) has, directly or indirectly, effected or agreed to effect any short sale, whether or not against the box, established any “put equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the 1934 Act) with respect to the Common Stock, granted any other right (including, without limitation, any put or call option) with respect to the Common Stock or with respect to any security that includes, relates to or derived any significant part of its value from the Common Stock or otherwise sought to hedge its position in the Shares (each, a “Prohibited Transaction”).  Prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the termination of this Agreement, (ii) the Effective Date or (iii) the Effectiveness Deadline, such Investor shall not, and shall cause its Trading Affiliates not to, engage, directly or indirectly, in a Prohibited Transaction.  Such Investor acknowledges that the representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Section 5.11 are being made for the benefit of the Investors as well as the Company and that each of the other Investors shall have an independent right to assert any claims against such Investor arising out of any breach or violation of the provisions of this Section 5.11.

6.  Conditions to Closing.

6.1         Conditions to the Investors’ Obligations. The obligation of each Investor to purchase the Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment to such Investor’s satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by such Investor (as to itself only):

(a)           The representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 4 hereof qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct at all times prior to and on the Closing Date, except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and, the representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 4 hereof not qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct in all material respects at all times prior to and on the Closing Date, except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date.  The Company shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and covenants herein required to be performed by it on or prior to the Closing Date.

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(b)           The Company shall have obtained any and all consents, permits, approvals, registrations and waivers necessary or appropriate for consummation of the purchase and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, all of which shall be in full force and effect.

(c)           The Company shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

(d)           [intentionally omitted]

(e)           No judgment, writ, order, injunction, award or decree of or by any court, or judge, justice or magistrate, including any bankruptcy court or judge, or any order of or by any governmental authority, shall have been issued, and no action or proceeding shall have been instituted by any governmental authority, enjoining or preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or in the other Transaction Documents.

(f)           The Company shall have delivered a Certificate, executed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer or its Chief Financial Officer, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying to the fulfillment of the conditions specified in subsections (a), (b), (e) and (i) of this Section 6.1.

(g)           The Company shall have delivered a Certificate, executed on behalf of the Company by its Secretary, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company approving the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the issuance of the Shares, certifying the current versions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company and certifying as to the signatures and authority of persons signing the Transaction Documents and related documents on behalf of the Company.

(h)           The Investors shall have received an opinion from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, the Company's counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Investors and addressing such legal matters as the Investors may reasonably request.

(i)           No stop order or suspension of trading shall have been imposed by Nasdaq, the SEC or any other governmental or regulatory body with respect to public trading in the Common Stock.

6.2         Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The Company's obligation to sell and issue the Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment to the satisfaction of the Company on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by the Company:

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(a)           The representations and warranties made by the Investors in Section 5 hereof, other than the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 and 5.9 (the “Investment Representations”), shall be true and correct in all material respects when made, and shall be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of said date.  The Investment Representations shall be true and correct in all respects when made, and shall be true and correct in all respects on the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of said date.  The Investors shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and covenants herein required to be performed by them on or prior to the Closing Date.

(b)           The Investors shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

(c)           The Investors shall have delivered the Purchase Price to the Company.

6.3         Termination of Obligations to Effect Closing; Effects.

(a)           The obligations of the Company, on the one hand, and the Investors, on the other hand, to effect the Closing shall terminate as follows:

(i)           Upon the mutual written consent of the Company and the Investors;

(ii)           By the Company if any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 shall have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been waived by the Company;

(iii)           By an Investor (with respect to itself only) if any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 shall have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been waived by the Investor; or

(iv)           By either the Company or any Investor (with respect to itself only) if the Closing has not occurred on or prior to March 15, 2009;

provided, however, that, except in the case of clause (i) above, the party seeking to terminate its obligation to effect the Closing shall not then be in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents if such breach has resulted in the circumstances giving rise to such party’s seeking to terminate its obligation to effect the Closing.

(b)           In the event of termination by the Company or any Investor of its obligations to effect the Closing pursuant to this Section 6.3, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other Investors by the Company and the other Investors shall have the right to terminate their obligations to effect the Closing upon written notice to the Company and the other Investors.  Nothing in this Section 6.3 shall be deemed to release any party from any liability for any breach by such party of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or to impair the right of any party to compel specific performance by any other party of its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.
 
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7.           Covenants and Agreements of the Company.

7.1           [intentionally omitted]

7.2           No Conflicting Agreements.  The Company will not take any action, enter into any agreement or make any commitment that would conflict or interfere in any material respect with the Company’s obligations to the Investors under the Transaction Documents.

7.3           Insurance.  The Company shall not materially reduce the insurance coverages described in Section 4.19.

7.4           Compliance with Laws.  The Company will comply in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders and decrees of all governmental authorities.

7.5           Listing of Underlying Shares and Related Matters.  The Company shall take all necessary action to cause the Shares to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market as soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no later than five Business Days after the Closing Date, the Company shall file with Nasdaq a Notification Form: Listing of Additional Shares for the listing of the Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market, a copy of which shall be provided to the Investors.  Further, if the Company applies to have its Common Stock or other securities traded on any other principal stock exchange or market, it shall include in such application the Shares and will take such other action as is necessary to cause such Common Stock to be so listed.  The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to continue the listing and trading of its Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market and, in accordance, therewith, will use commercially reasonable efforts to comply in all respects with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the bylaws or rules of such market or exchange, as applicable.

7.6           Termination of Covenants.  The provisions of Sections 7.2 through 7.4 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect on the date on which the Company’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to register or maintain the effectiveness of any registration covering the Registrable Securities (as such term is defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) shall terminate.
 
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7.7           Removal of Legends.  In connection with any sale or disposition of the Shares by an Investor pursuant to Rule 144 or pursuant to any other exemption under the 1933 Act such that the purchaser acquires freely tradable shares and upon compliance by the Investor with the requirements of this Agreement, the Company shall cause the transfer agent for the Common Stock (the “Transfer Agent”) to issue replacement certificates representing the Shares sold or disposed of without restrictive legends.  Upon the earlier of (i) registration for resale pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or (ii) the Shares becoming freely tradable by a non-affiliate pursuant to Rule 144 the Company shall (A) deliver to the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions that the Transfer Agent shall reissue a certificate representing shares of Common Stock without legends upon receipt by such Transfer Agent of the legended certificates for such shares, together with either (1) a customary representation by the Investor that Rule 144 applies to the shares of Common Stock represented thereby or (2) a statement by the Investor that such Investor has sold the shares of Common Stock represented thereby in accordance with the Plan of Distribution contained in the Registration Statement, and (B) cause its counsel to deliver to the Transfer Agent one or more blanket opinions to the effect that the removal of such legends in such circumstances may be effected under the 1933 Act.  From and after the earlier of such dates, upon an Investor’s written request, the Company shall promptly cause certificates evidencing the Investor’s Shares to be replaced with certificates which do not bear such restrictive legends.  When the Company is required to cause an unlegended certificate to replace a previously issued legended certificate, if: (1) the unlegended certificate is not delivered to an Investor within three (3) Business Days of submission by that Investor of a legended certificate and supporting documentation to the Transfer Agent as provided above and (2) prior to the time such unlegended certificate is received by the Investor, the Investor, or any third party on behalf of such Investor or for the Investor’s account, purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Investor of shares represented by such certificate (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall pay in cash to the Investor (for costs incurred either directly by such Purchaser or on behalf of a third party) the amount by which the total purchase price paid for Common Stock as a result of the Buy-In (including brokerage commissions, if any) exceeds the proceeds received by such Investor as a result of the sale to which such Buy-In relates.  The Investor shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Investor in respect of the Buy-In.

7.8           Equal Treatment of Investors.  No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of the Transaction Documents unless the same consideration is also offered to all of the parties to the Transaction Documents.  For clarification purposes, this provision constitutes a separate right granted to each Investor by the Company and negotiated separately by each Investor, and is intended for the Company to treat the Investors as a class and shall not in any way be construed as the Investors acting in concert or as a group with respect to the purchase, disposition or voting of Shares or otherwise.

8.           Survival and Indemnification.

8.1  Survival.  The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement (other than Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.4) shall expire and be of no further force and effect from and after the first anniversary of the Closing Date.

8.2  Indemnification.  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Investor and its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorney fees and disbursements and other expenses incurred in connection with investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim or proceeding, pending or threatened and the costs of enforcement thereof) (collectively, “Losses”) to which such Person may become subject as a result of any breach of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by or to be performed on the part of the Company under the Transaction Documents, and will reimburse any such Person for all such amounts as they are incurred by such Person.
 
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8.3  Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings.  Promptly after receipt by any Person (the Indemnified Person”) of notice of any demand, claim or circumstances which would or might give rise to a claim or the commencement of any action, proceeding or investigation in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 8.2, such Indemnified Person shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, and shall assume the payment of all fees and expenses; provided, however, that the failure of any Indemnified Person so to notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder except to the extent that the Company is materially prejudiced by such failure to notify.  In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless: (i) the Company and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel; or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of any such Indemnified Person based upon written advice of its counsel, representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them.  The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with such consent, or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless such Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability (to the extent stated above) by reason of such settlement or judgment.  Without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, the Company shall not effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all liability arising out of such proceeding.

9.           Miscellaneous.

9.1           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement may not be assigned by a party hereto without the prior written consent of the Company or the Investors, as applicable, provided, however, that an Investor may assign its rights and delegate its duties hereunder in whole or in part to an Affiliate or to a third party acquiring some or all of its Shares in a transaction complying with applicable securities laws without the prior written consent of the Company or the other Investors.  The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

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9.2           Counterparts; Faxes.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement may also be executed and transmitted via facsimile, or by portable document format via electronic mail, which shall be deemed an original.

9.3           Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

9.4           Notices.  Unless otherwise provided, any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given as hereinafter described (i) if given by personal delivery, then such notice shall be deemed given upon such delivery, (ii) if given by telex or telecopier, then such notice shall be deemed given upon receipt of confirmation of complete transmittal, (iii) if given by mail, then such notice shall be deemed given upon the earlier of (A) receipt of such notice by the recipient or (B) three days after such notice is deposited in first class mail, postage prepaid, and (iv) if given by an internationally recognized overnight air courier, then such notice shall be deemed given one Business Day after delivery to such carrier.  All notices shall be addressed to the party to be notified at the address as follows, or at such other address as such party may designate by ten days’ advance written notice to the other party:

If to the Company:

Response Genetics, Inc.
1640 Marengo Street
6th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90033
Attention:             Thomas Stankovich
Denise McNairn
Fax:           (323) 224-3097

With a copy to:

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019-6099
Attention:  Steven A. Seidman
Fax:  (212) 728-9763

If to the Investors:

to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereto.
 
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9.5           Expenses.  The parties hereto shall pay their own costs and expenses in connection herewith, except that the Company shall pay to Lowenstein Sandler PC the sum of $10,000 at Closing; it being understood that Lowenstein Sandler PC has only rendered legal advice to the Special Situations Funds participating in this transaction and not to the Company or any other Investor in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that each of the Company and each Investor has relied for such matters on the advice of its own respective counsel.  Such expenses shall be paid upon demand.  The Company shall reimburse the Investors upon demand for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Investors, including without limitation reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and disbursements, in connection with any amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.  In the event that legal proceedings are commenced by any party to this Agreement against another party to this Agreement in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, the party or parties which do not prevail in such proceedings shall severally, but not jointly, pay their pro rata share of the reasonable attorneys’ fees and other reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party in such proceedings.

9.6           Amendments and Waivers.  Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with the written consent of the Company and the Required Investors; provided, however, that no such amendment or waiver which disproportionately and materially adversely affects an Investor shall be binding on such Investor without its written consent.  Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon each holder of any Shares purchased under this Agreement at the time outstanding, each future holder of all such Shares, and the Company.

9.7           Publicity.  Except as set forth below, no public release or announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by the Company or the Investors without the prior consent of the Company (in the case of a release or announcement by the Investors) or the Investors (in the case of a release or announcement by the Company) (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld), except as such release or announcement may be required by law or the applicable rules or regulations of any securities exchange or securities market, in which case the Company or the Investors, as the case may be, shall allow the Investors or the Company, as applicable, to the extent reasonably practicable in the circumstances, reasonable time to comment on such release or announcement in advance of such issuance.  By 8:30 a.m. (New York City time) on the trading day immediately following the Closing Date, the Company shall issue a press release disclosing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  No later than the fourth trading day following the Closing Date, the Company will file a Current Report on Form 8-K attaching the press release described in the foregoing sentence as well as copies of the Transaction Documents, which shall be provided to the Investors in draft form for their review and comment not less than one Business Day prior to filing.  In addition, the Company will make such other filings and notices in the manner and time required by the SEC or Nasdaq.

9.8           Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof but shall be interpreted as if it were written so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any provision hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
 
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9.9           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, including the Exhibits and the Disclosure Schedules, and the other Transaction Documents constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereof with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both oral and written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

9.10           Further Assurances.  The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.

9.11           Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York located in New York County and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court.  Each party hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.

9.12           Independent Nature of Investors' Obligations and Rights.  The obligations of each Investor under any Transaction Document are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Investor, and no Investor shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Investor under any Transaction Document.  The decision of each Investor to purchase Shares pursuant to the Transaction Documents has been made by such Investor independently of any other Investor.  Nothing contained herein or in any Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Investor pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Investors as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Investors are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.  Each Investor acknowledges that no other Investor has acted as agent for such Investor in connection with making its investment hereunder and that no Investor will be acting as agent of such Investor in connection with monitoring its investment in the Shares or enforcing its rights under the Transaction Documents.  Each Investor shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of the other Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Investor to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.  The Company acknowledges that each of the Investors has been provided with the same Transaction Documents for the purpose of closing a transaction with multiple Investors and not because it was required or requested to do so by any Investor.

[signature page follows]
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

The Company:                                                RESPONSE GENETICS, INC.

By: /s/ Kathleen Danenberg                                      
Name:  Kathleen Danenberg
Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer
 
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The Investors:                                                 SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND III QP, L.P.

By: /s/ Austin W. Marxe                                       
Name: Austin W. Marxe
Title: General Partner

Aggregate Purchase Price:  $750,000
Number of Shares:  750,000

Address for Notice:
527 Madison Avenue
Suite 2600
New York, NY  10022

with a copy to:

Lowenstein Sandler PC
65 Livingston Avenue
Roseland, NJ  07068
Attn:  John D. Hogoboom, Esq.
Telephone:             973.597.2500
Facsimile:              973.597.2400

SPECIAL SITUATIONS CAYMAN FUND, L.P.

By: /s/ Austin W. Marxe                                   
Name: Austin W. Marxe
Title: General Partner

Aggregate Purchase Price:  $500,000
Number of Shares:  500,000

Address for Notice:
527 Madison Avenue
Suite 2600
New York, NY  10022
 
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with a copy to:

Lowenstein Sandler PC
65 Livingston Avenue
Roseland, NJ  07068
Attn:  John D. Hogoboom, Esq.
Telephone:            973.597.2500
Facsimile:             973.597.2400


SPECIAL SITUATIONS LIFE SCIENCES FUND, L.P.

By: /s/ Austin W. Marxe                                          
Name: Austin W. Marxe
Title: General Partner

Aggregate Purchase Price:  $750,000
Number of Shares:  750,000

Address for Notice:
527 Madison Avenue
Suite 2600
New York, NY  10022

with a copy to:

Lowenstein Sandler PC
65 Livingston Avenue
Roseland, NJ  07068
Attn:  John D. Hogoboom, Esq.
Telephone:            973.597.2500
Facsimile:             973.597.2400

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EX-10.2 3 v141676_ex10-2.htm
Exhibit 10.2

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this 27th day of February, 2009 by and among Response Genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the “Investors” named in that certain Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and the Investors (the “Purchase Agreement”).  Capitalized terms used herein have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Purchase Agreement unless otherwise defined herein.
 
The parties hereby agree as follows:
 
1.      Certain Definitions.
 
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and any securities into which such shares may hereinafter be reclassified.
 
Investor Counsel” means Lowenstein Sandler PC or any other counsel designated from time to time by the Required Investors.
 
Investors” means the Investors identified in the Purchase Agreement and any Affiliate or permitted transferee of any Investor who is a subsequent holder of any Registrable Securities.
 
Prospectus” means (i) the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, and (ii) any “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act.
 
Register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration made by preparing and filing a Registration Statement or similar document in compliance with the 1933 Act (as defined below), and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such Registration Statement or document.
 
Registrable Securities” means (i) the Shares and (ii) any other securities issued or issuable with respect to or in exchange for Registrable Securities; provided, that, a security shall cease to be a Registrable Security upon (A) sale pursuant to a Registration Statement or Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, or (B) such security becoming eligible for sale without restriction by the Investors pursuant to Rule 144.
 
Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the 1933 Act that covers the resale of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement.
 
Required Investors” means the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities.
 
SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
 
 

 

Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
 
1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
2.      Registration.
 
(a)           Registration Statements.  Promptly following the closing of the purchase and sale of the securities contemplated by the Purchase Agreement (the “Closing Date”) but no later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date (the “Filing Deadline”), the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC one Registration Statement on Form S-3 (or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Company, on such form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Registrable Securities), covering the resale of the Registrable Securities.  Subject to any SEC comments, such Registration Statement shall include the plan of distribution attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided, however, that no Investor shall be named as an “underwriter” in the Registration Statement without the Investor’s prior written consent.  Such Registration Statement also shall cover, to the extent allowable under the 1933 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder (including Rule 416), such indeterminate number of additional shares of Common Stock resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions with respect to the Registrable Securities.  Such Registration Statement shall not include any shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of any other holder without the prior written consent of the Required Investors.  The Registration Statement (and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each request for acceleration of effectiveness thereof) shall be provided in accordance with Section 3(c) to the Investors and their counsel prior to its filing or other submission.  If a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities is not filed with the SEC on or prior to the Filing Deadline, the Company will make pro rata payments to each Investor, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, in an amount equal to 1.5% of the aggregate amount invested by such Investor for each 30-day period or pro rata for any portion thereof following the Filing Deadline for which no Registration Statement is filed with respect to the Registrable Securities.  Such payments shall constitute the Investors’ exclusive monetary remedy for such events, but shall not affect the right of the Investors to seek injunctive relief.  Such payments shall be made to each Investor in cash no later than three (3) Business Days after the end of each 30-day period.
 
(b)           Expenses.  The Company will pay all expenses associated with each registration, including filing and printing fees, the Company’s counsel and accounting fees and expenses, costs associated with clearing the Registrable Securities for sale under applicable state securities laws, listing fees, fees and expenses of Lowenstein Sandler PC (not to exceed $10,000) and the Investors’ reasonable expenses in connection with the registration, but excluding discounts, commissions, fees of underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or similar securities industry professionals with respect to the Registrable Securities being sold.
 
 
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(c)          Effectiveness.
 
(i)           The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after filing.  The Company shall notify the Investors by facsimile or e-mail as promptly as practicable, and in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours, after any Registration Statement is declared effective and shall simultaneously provide the Investors with copies of any related Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby.  If (A) a Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities is not declared effective by the SEC prior to the earlier of (i) five (5) Business Days after the SEC shall have informed the Company that no review of the Registration Statement will be made or that the SEC has no further comments on the Registration Statement or (ii) the 150th day after the Closing Date or (B) after a Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC, sales cannot be made pursuant to such Registration Statement for any reason (including without limitation by reason of a stop order, or the Company’s failure to update the Registration Statement), but excluding any Allowed Delay (as defined below) or the inability of any Investor to sell the Registrable Securities covered thereby due to market conditions, then the Company will make pro rata payments to each Investor, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, in an amount equal to 1.5% of the aggregate amount invested by such Investor for each 30- day period or pro rata for any portion thereof following the date by which such Registration Statement should have been effective (the “Blackout Period”).  Such payments shall constitute the Investors’ exclusive monetary remedy for such events, but shall not affect the right of the Investors to seek injunctive relief.  The amounts payable as liquidated damages pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid monthly within three (3) Business Days of the last day of each month following the commencement of the Blackout Period until the termination of the Blackout Period.  Such payments shall be made to each Investor in cash.
 
(ii)           For not more than twenty (20) consecutive days or for a total of not more than forty-five (45) days in any twelve (12) month period, the Company may suspend the use of any Prospectus included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this Section in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such suspension is necessary to (A) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company or (B) amend or supplement the affected Registration Statement or the related Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (an “Allowed Delay”); provided, that the Company shall promptly (a) notify each Investor in writing of the commencement of and the reasons for an Allowed Delay, but shall not (without the prior written consent of an Investor) disclose to such Investor any material non-public information giving rise to an Allowed Delay, (b) advise the Investors in writing to cease all sales under the Registration Statement until the end of the Allowed Delay and (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate an Allowed Delay as promptly as practicable.
 
 
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(d)           Rule 415; Cutback  If at any time the SEC takes the position that the offering of some or all of the Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement is not eligible to be made on a delayed or continuous basis under the provisions of Rule 415 under the 1933 Act or requires any Investor to be named as an “underwriter”, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to persuade the SEC that the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement is a valid secondary offering and not an offering “by or on behalf of the issuer” as defined in Rule 415 and that none of the Investors is an “underwriter”. The Investors shall have the right to participate or have their counsel participate in any meetings or discussions with the SEC regarding the SEC’s position and to comment or have their counsel comment on any written submission made to the SEC with respect thereto. No such written submission shall be made to the SEC to which Investor Counsel reasonably objects. In the event that, despite the Company’s commercially reasonable best efforts and compliance with the terms of this Section 2(d), the SEC refuses to alter its position, the Company shall (i) remove from the Registration Statement such portion of the Registrable Securities (the “Cut Back Shares”) and/or (ii) agree to such restrictions and limitations on the registration and resale of the Registrable Securities as the SEC may require to assure the Company’s compliance with the requirements of Rule 415 (collectively, the “SEC Restrictions”); provided, however, that the Company shall not agree to name any Investor as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement without the prior written consent of such Investor. Any cut-back imposed on the Investors pursuant to this Section 2(d) shall be allocated among the Investors on a pro rata basis, unless the SEC Restrictions otherwise require or provide or the Investors otherwise agree. No liquidated damages shall accrue on or as to any Cut Back Shares until the earlier of (i) the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date or (ii) such time as the Company is able to effect the registration of the Cut Back Shares in accordance with any SEC Restrictions (the earlier of such dates, the “Restriction Termination Date”).  From and after the Restriction Termination Date, all of the provisions of this Section 2 (including the liquidated damages provisions) shall again be applicable to the Cut Back Shares.
 

3.      Company Obligations.  The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms hereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will, as expeditiously as possible:
 
(a)            use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and to remain continuously effective for a period that will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement as amended from time to time, have been sold, and (ii) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 (the “Effectiveness Period”) and advise the Investors in writing when the Effectiveness Period has expired;
 
(b)            prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and to comply with the provisions of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act with respect to the distribution of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby;
 
(c)            provide copies to and permit counsel designated by the Investors to review each Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto no fewer than seven (7) days prior to their filing with the SEC and not file any document to which Investor Counsel reasonably objects;
 
 
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(d)            furnish to the Investors and their counsel (i) promptly after the same is prepared and publicly distributed, filed with the SEC, or received by the Company (but not later than two (2) Business Days after the filing date, receipt date or sending date, as the case may be) one (1) copy of any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, each preliminary prospectus and Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each letter written by or on behalf of the Company to the SEC or the staff of the SEC, and each item of correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, in each case relating to such Registration Statement (other than any portion of any thereof which contains information for which the Company has sought confidential treatment), and (ii) such number of copies of a Prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto and such other documents as each Investor may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor that are covered by the related Registration Statement;
 
(e)            use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness and, (ii) if such order is issued, obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment;
 
(f)             prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify or cooperate with the Investors and their counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions requested by the Investors and do any and all other commercially reasonable acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the distribution in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(f), (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Section 3(f), or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction;
 
(g)            use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange, interdealer quotation system or other market on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
 
(h)            immediately notify the Investors, at any time prior to the end of the Effectiveness Period, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the Prospectus includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, and promptly prepare, file with the SEC and furnish to such holder a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may be necessary so that such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing; and
 
 
- 5 - -

 

(i)             otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, including, without limitation, Rule 172 under the 1933 Act, file any final Prospectus, including any supplement or amendment thereof, with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the 1933 Act, promptly inform the Investors in writing if, at any time during the Effectiveness Period, the Company does not satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 172 and, as a result thereof, the Investors are required to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any disposition of Registrable Securities and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the registration of the Registrable Securities hereunder; and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than the Availability Date (as defined below), an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve (12) months, beginning after the effective date of each Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act, including Rule 158 promulgated thereunder (for the purpose of this subsection 3(i), “Availability Date” means the 45th day following the end of the fourth fiscal quarter that includes the effective date of such Registration Statement, except that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, “Availability Date” means the 90th day after the end of such fourth fiscal quarter).
 
(j)             With a view to making available to the Investors the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investors to sell shares of Common Stock to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to:  (i) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) six months after such date as all of the Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction by the holders thereof pursuant to Rule 144 without regard to any volume limitation requirements thereunder or (B) such date as all of the Registrable Securities shall have been resold; (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the 1934 Act; and (iii) furnish to each Investor upon request, as long as such Investor owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act, (B) a copy of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail such Investor of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.

4.      Due Diligence Review; Information.  The Company shall make available, during normal business hours, for inspection and review by the Investors, advisors to and representatives of the Investors (who may or may not be affiliated with the Investors and who are reasonably acceptable to the Company), all financial and other records, all SEC Filings (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and other filings with the SEC, and all other corporate documents and properties of the Company as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of such review, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees, within a reasonable time period, to supply all such information reasonably requested by the Investors or any such representative, advisor or underwriter in connection with such Registration Statement (including, without limitation, in response to all questions and other inquiries reasonably made or submitted by any of them), prior to and from time to time after the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement for the sole purpose of enabling the Investors and such representatives, advisors and underwriters and their respective accountants and attorneys to conduct initial and ongoing due diligence with respect to the Company and the accuracy of such Registration Statement.
 
 
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The Company shall not disclose material nonpublic information to the Investors, or to advisors to or representatives of the Investors, unless prior to disclosure of such information the Company identifies such information as being material nonpublic information and provides the Investors, such advisors and representatives with the opportunity to accept or refuse to accept such material nonpublic information for review and any Investor wishing to obtain such information enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement with the Company with respect thereto.
 
5.      Obligations of the Investors.
 
(a)            Each Investor shall furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it, as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request.  At least five (5) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of any Registration Statement, the Company shall notify each Investor of the information the Company requires from such Investor if such Investor elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.  An Investor shall provide such information to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement if such Investor elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.
 
(b)            Each Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement hereunder, unless such Investor has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
 
(c)            Each Investor agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of either (i) the commencement of an Allowed Delay pursuant to Section 2(c)(ii) or (ii) the happening of an event pursuant to Section 3(h) hereof, such Investor will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities, until the Investor is advised by the Company in writing that such dispositions may again be made.
 
 
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6.      Indemnification.
 
(a)            Indemnification by the Company.  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Investor and its officers, directors, members, employees and agents, successors and assigns, and each other person, if any, who controls such Investor within the meaning of the 1933 Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof; (ii) any blue sky application or other document executed by the Company specifically for that purpose or based upon written information furnished by the Company filed in any state or other jurisdiction in order to qualify any or all of the Registrable Securities under the securities laws thereof (any such application, document or information herein called a “Blue Sky Application”); (iii) the omission or alleged omission to state in a Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (iv) any violation by the Company or its agents of any rule or regulation promulgated under the 1933 Act applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration; or (v) any failure to register or qualify the Registrable Securities included in any such Registration Statement in any state where the Company or its agents has affirmatively undertaken or agreed in writing that the Company will undertake such registration or qualification on an Investor’s behalf and will reimburse such Investor, and each such officer, director or member and each such controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon (1) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by such Investor or any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or (2) the delivery by such Investor of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Investor in writing that the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and that (A) as a result the Investor must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement and (B) the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Investor of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the amended or supplemented Prospectus the misstatement or omission giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability would have been corrected.
 
(b)            Indemnification by the Investors.  Each Investor shall, severally but not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, stockholders and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the 1933 Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from (x) such Investor’s failure to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration after the Company has advised the Investor in writing that (A) the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and (B) as a result the Investor must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement or (y) any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in (1) any information furnished in writing by such Investor to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or (2) in an outdated or defective Prospectus delivered by the Investor in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement after the Company has notified such Investor in writing that the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and that (A) as a result the Investor must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement and (B) the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Investor of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the amended or supplemented Prospectus the misstatement or omission giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability would have been corrected.  In no event shall the liability of an Investor be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expense paid by such Investor in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such Investor has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission) received by such Investor upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
 
 
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(c)            Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings.  Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (a) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, or (b) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable period of time and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (c) in the reasonable judgment of any such person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such person); and provided, further, that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation.  It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties.  No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.  No indemnified party will, except with the consent of the indemnifying party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnifying party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.
 
(d)            Contribution.  If for any reason the indemnification provided for in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless, other than as expressly specified therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act shall be entitled to contribution from any person not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  In no event shall the contribution obligation of a holder of Registrable Securities be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.
 
 
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7.      Miscellaneous.
 
(a)            Amendments and Waivers.  This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by the Company and the Required Investors; provided, however, that no such amendment which disproportionately and materially adversely affects an Investor shall be binding on such Investor without its written consent.  The Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained the written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act, of the Required Investors; provided, however, that no such amendment, action or omission which disproportionately and materially adversely affects an Investor shall be binding on such Investor without its written consent.
 
(b)            Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made as set forth in Section 9.4 of the Purchase Agreement.
 
(c)            Assignments and Transfers by Investors.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Investors and their respective successors and assigns.  An Investor may transfer or assign, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more persons its rights hereunder in connection with the transfer of Registrable Securities by such Investor to such person, provided that such Investor complies with all laws applicable thereto and provides written notice of assignment to the Company promptly after such assignment is effected.
 
(d)            Assignments and Transfers by the Company.  This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Required Investors, provided, however, that the Company may assign its rights and delegate its duties hereunder to any surviving or successor corporation in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation, or a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to another corporation, without the prior written consent of the Required Investors, after notice duly given by the Company to each Investor.
 
(e)            Benefits of the Agreement.  The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
 
(f)             Counterparts; Faxes.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement may also be executed and transmitted via facsimile, or by portable document format via electronic mail, which shall be deemed an original.
 
 
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(g)            Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
 
(h)            Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof but shall be interpreted as if it were written so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any provisions hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
 
(i)             Further Assurances.  The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.
 
(j)             Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
 
(k)            Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York located in New York County and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court.  Each party hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.
 
The Company:
RESPONSE GENETICS, INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ Kathleen Danenberg
 
Name:
Kathleen Danenberg
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
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The Investors:
SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND III QP, L.P.
     
 
By:
/s/ Austin W. Marxe
 
Name: 
Austin W. Marxe
 
Title:
General Partner
     
 
SPECIAL SITUATIONS CAYMAN FUND, L.P.
     
 
By:
/s/ Austin W. Marxe
 
Name:
Austin W. Marxe
 
Title:
General Partner
     
 
SPECIAL SITUATIONS LIFE SCIENCES FUND, L.P.
     
 
By:
/s/ Austin W. Marxe
 
Name:
Austin W. Marxe
 
Title:
General Partner

 
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Exhibit A

Plan of Distribution

The selling stockholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions.  These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

- ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

- block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

- purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

- an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

- privately negotiated transactions;

- short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;

- through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

- broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and

- a combination of any such methods of sale.

The selling stockholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus.  The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
 
 
 

 

In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume.  The selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities.  The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any.  Each of the selling stockholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents.  We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.

The selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act.  Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.  Selling stockholders who are "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.  In addition, in some states the common stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.
 
 
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We have advised the selling stockholders that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates.  In addition, to the extent applicable we will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling stockholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.  The selling stockholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the shares offered by this prospectus.

We have agreed with the selling stockholders to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with the registration statement or (2) the date on which the shares may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act without regard to any volume limitation requirements thereunder.
 
 
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EX-10.3 4 v141676_ex10-3.htm
Exhibit 10.3

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this 2nd day of March, 2009 by and among Response Genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and David M. Smith.
 
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
 
1.      Certain Definitions.
 
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.
 
Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks in New York City are open for the general transaction of business.
 
Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and any securities into which such shares may hereinafter be reclassified.
 
Control” (including the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” or “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
 
Holder” means David M. Smith and any Affiliate or permitted transferee of David M. Smith who is a subsequent holder of any Registrable Securities.
 
Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, business trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.
 
Prospectus” means (i) the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, and (ii) any “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act.
 
Register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration made by preparing and filing a Registration Statement or similar document in compliance with the 1933 Act (as defined below), and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such Registration Statement or document.
 
Registrable Securities” means (i) the Shares and (ii) any other securities issued or issuable with respect to or in exchange for Registrable Securities; provided, that, a security shall cease to be a Registrable Security upon (A) sale pursuant to a Registration Statement or Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, or (B) such security becoming eligible for sale without restriction by the Holder pursuant to Rule 144.
 

 
Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the 1933 Act that covers the resale of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement.
 
SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Shares” means the shares of Common Stock held by the Holder as set forth below the name of the Holder on the signature pages hereto.
 
1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
2.      Registration.
 
(a)       Registration Statements.  Promptly following the date hereof but no later than ninety (90) days after the date hereof (the “Filing Deadline”), the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC one Registration Statement on Form S-3 (or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Company, on such form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Registrable Securities), covering the resale of the Registrable Securities, which Registration Statement may include additional shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of any other holder in the discretion of the Company.  Subject to any SEC comments, such Registration Statement shall include the plan of distribution attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided, however, that the Holder shall not be named as an “underwriter” in the Registration Statement without the Holder’s prior written consent.  Such Registration Statement also shall cover, to the extent allowable under the 1933 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder (including Rule 416), such indeterminate number of additional shares of Common Stock resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions with respect to the Registrable Securities.  The Registration Statement (and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each request for acceleration of effectiveness thereof) shall be provided in accordance with Section 3(c) to the Holder and its counsel prior to its filing or other submission.
 
(b)      Expenses.  The Company will pay all expenses associated with each registration, including filing and printing fees, the Company’s counsel and accounting fees and expenses, costs associated with clearing the Registrable Securities for sale under applicable state securities laws, listing fees, fees and expenses of one counsel to the Holder (not to exceed $10,000) and the Holder’s reasonable expenses in connection with the registration, but excluding discounts, commissions, fees of underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or similar securities industry professionals with respect to the Registrable Securities being sold.
 
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(c)       Effectiveness.
 
(i)        The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after filing, and in any event no later than the earlier of (i) five (5) Business Days after the SEC shall have informed the Company that no review of the Registration Statement will be made or that the SEC has no further comments on the Registration Statement or (ii) the 150th day after the date hereof.  The Company shall notify the Holder by facsimile or e-mail as promptly as practicable, and in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours, after any Registration Statement is declared effective and shall simultaneously provide the Holder with copies of any related Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby.
 
(ii)       For not more than twenty (20) consecutive days or for a total of not more than forty-five (45) days in any twelve (12) month period, the Company may suspend the use of any Prospectus included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this Section in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such suspension is necessary to (A) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company or (B) amend or supplement the affected Registration Statement or the related Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (an “Allowed Delay”); provided, that the Company shall promptly (a) notify the Holder in writing of the commencement of and the reasons for an Allowed Delay, but shall not (without the prior written consent of the Holder) disclose to the Holder any material non-public information giving rise to an Allowed Delay, (b) advise the Holder in writing to cease all sales under the Registration Statement until the end of the Allowed Delay and (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate an Allowed Delay as promptly as practicable.
 
3.      Company Obligations.  The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms hereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will, as expeditiously as possible:
 
(a)       use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and to remain continuously effective for a period that will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement as amended from time to time, have been sold, and (ii) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 (the “Effectiveness Period”) and advise the Holder in writing when the Effectiveness Period has expired;
 
(b)      prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and to comply with the provisions of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act with respect to the distribution of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby;
 
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(c)       provide copies to and permit counsel designated by the Holder to review each Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto no fewer than seven (7) days prior to their filing with the SEC and not file any document to which such counsel reasonably objects;
 
(d)      furnish to the Holder and its legal counsel (i) promptly after the same is prepared and publicly distributed, filed with the SEC, or received by the Company (but not later than two (2) Business Days after the filing date, receipt date or sending date, as the case may be) one (1) copy of any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, each preliminary prospectus and Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each letter written by or on behalf of the Company to the SEC or the staff of the SEC, and each item of correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, in each case relating to such Registration Statement (other than any portion of any thereof which contains information for which the Company has sought confidential treatment), and (ii) such number of copies of a Prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto and such other documents as the Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by the Holder that are covered by the related Registration Statement;
 
(e)       use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness and, (ii) if such order is issued, obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment;
 
(f)       prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify or cooperate with the Holder and their counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions requested by the Holder and do any and all other commercially reasonable acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the distribution in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(f), (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Section 3(f), or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction;
 
(g)      use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange, interdealer quotation system or other market on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
 
(h)      immediately notify the Holder, at any time prior to the end of the Effectiveness Period, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the Prospectus includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, and promptly prepare, file with the SEC and furnish to such holder a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may be necessary so that such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing; and
 
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(i)        otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, including, without limitation, Rule 172 under the 1933 Act, file any final Prospectus, including any supplement or amendment thereof, with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the 1933 Act, promptly inform the Holder in writing if, at any time during the Effectiveness Period, the Company does not satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 172 and, as a result thereof, the Holder is required to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any disposition of Registrable Securities and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the registration of the Registrable Securities hereunder; and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than the Availability Date (as defined below), an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve (12) months, beginning after the effective date of each Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act, including Rule 158 promulgated thereunder (for the purpose of this subsection 3(i), “Availability Date” means the 45th day following the end of the fourth fiscal quarter that includes the effective date of such Registration Statement, except that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, “Availability Date” means the 90th day after the end of such fourth fiscal quarter).
 
(j)        With a view to making available to the Holder the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Holder to sell shares of Common Stock to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to:  (i) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) six months after such date as all of the Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction by the holders thereof pursuant to Rule 144 without regard to any volume limitation or current information requirements thereunder or (B) such date as all of the Registrable Securities shall have been resold; (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the 1934 Act; and (iii) furnish to the Holder upon request, as long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act, (B) a copy of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail the Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.

4.      Due Diligence Review; Information.  The Company shall make available, during normal business hours, for inspection and review by the Holder, advisors to and representatives of the Holder (who may or may not be affiliated with the Holder and who are reasonably acceptable to the Company), all financial and other records, and all other corporate documents and properties of the Company as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of such review, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees, within a reasonable time period, to supply all such information reasonably requested by the Holder or any such representative, advisor or underwriter in connection with such Registration Statement (including, without limitation, in response to all questions and other inquiries reasonably made or submitted by any of them), prior to and from time to time after the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement for the sole purpose of enabling the Holder and such representatives, advisors and underwriters and their respective accountants and attorneys to conduct initial and ongoing due diligence with respect to the Company and the accuracy of such Registration Statement.
 
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Except to the extent the Holder is then an employee or director of the Company, the Company shall not disclose material nonpublic information to the Holder, or to advisors to or representatives of the Holder, unless prior to disclosure of such information the Company identifies such information as being material nonpublic information and provides the Holder, such advisors and representatives with the opportunity to accept or refuse to accept such material nonpublic information for review and any Holder wishing to obtain such information enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement with the Company with respect thereto.
 
5.      Obligations of the Holder.
 
(a)       The Holder shall furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it, as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request.  At least five (5) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of any Registration Statement, the Company shall notify the Holder of the information the Company requires from such Holder if the Holder elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.  The Holder shall provide such information to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement if the Holder elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.
 
(b)      The Holder, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Holder has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
 
(c)       The Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of either (i) the commencement of an Allowed Delay pursuant to Section 2(c)(ii) or (ii) the happening of an event pursuant to Section 3(h) hereof, the Holder will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities, until the Holder is advised by the Company in writing that such dispositions may again be made.
 
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6.      Indemnification.
 
(a)       Indemnification by the Company.  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Holder and its officers, directors, members, employees and agents, successors and assigns, each other person, if any, who controls the Holder within the meaning of the 1933 Act, and each underwriter, if any, and each person who may be deemed an underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof; (ii) any blue sky application or other document executed by the Company specifically for that purpose or based upon written information furnished by the Company filed in any state or other jurisdiction in order to qualify any or all of the Registrable Securities under the securities laws thereof (any such application, document or information herein called a “Blue Sky Application”); (iii) the omission or alleged omission to state in a Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (iv) any violation by the Company or its agents of any rule or regulation promulgated under the 1933 Act applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration; or (v) any failure to register or qualify the Registrable Securities included in any such Registration Statement in any state where the Company or its agents has affirmatively undertaken or agreed in writing that the Company will undertake such registration or qualification on the Holder’s behalf and will reimburse the Holder, and each such officer, director or member and each such controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon (1) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by the Holder or any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or (2) the delivery by the Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified the Holder in writing that the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and that (A) as a result the Holder must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement and (B) the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by the Holder of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the amended or supplemented Prospectus the misstatement or omission giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability would have been corrected.
 
(b)      Indemnification by the Holder.  The Holder shall, severally but not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, stockholders and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the 1933 Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from (x) the Holder’s failure to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration after the Company has advised the Holder in writing that (A) the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and (B) as a result the Holder must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement or (y) any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in (1) any information furnished in writing by the Holder to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or (2) in an outdated or defective Prospectus delivered by the Holder in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement after the Company has notified the Holder in writing that the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and that (A) as a result the Holder must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement and (B) the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by the Holder of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the amended or supplemented Prospectus the misstatement or omission giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability would have been corrected.  In no event shall the liability of the Holder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expense paid by the Holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages the Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission) received by the Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
 
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(c)       Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings.  Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (a) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, or (b) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable period of time and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (c) in the reasonable judgment of any such person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such person); and provided, further, that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation.  It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties.  No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.  No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with such consent, or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party shall indemnify and hold harmless such indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
 
(d)       Contribution.  If for any reason the indemnification provided for in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless, other than as expressly specified therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act shall be entitled to contribution from any person not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  In no event shall the contribution obligation of a holder of Registrable Securities be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.
 
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7.      Miscellaneous.
 
(a)       Amendments and Waivers.  This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by the Company and the Holder.  The Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained the written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act, of the Holder.
 
(b)       Notices.  Unless otherwise provided, any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given as hereinafter described (i) if given by personal delivery, then such notice shall be deemed given upon such delivery, (ii) if given by telex or telecopier, then such notice shall be deemed given upon receipt of confirmation of complete transmittal, (iii) if given by mail, then such notice shall be deemed given upon receipt of such notice by the recipient and (iv) if given by an internationally recognized overnight air courier, then such notice shall be deemed given upon receipt of such notice by the recipient.  All notices shall be addressed to the party to be notified at the address as follows, or at such other address as such party may designate by ten days’ advance written notice to the other party:

If to the Company:

Response Genetics, Inc.
1640 Marengo Street
6th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90033
Attention:         Thomas Stankovich
Denise McNairn
Fax:    (323) 224-3097

With a copy to:

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019-6099
Attention:  Steven A. Seidman
Fax:  (212) 728-9763

If to the Holder:

to the address set forth on the signature pages hereto.
 
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(c)       Assignments and Transfers by Holder.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Holder and its respective successors and assigns.  The Holder may transfer or assign, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more persons its rights hereunder in connection with the transfer of Registrable Securities by the Holder to such person, provided that the Holder complies with all laws applicable thereto and provides written notice of assignment to the Company promptly after such assignment is effected.
 
(d)       Assignments and Transfers by the Company.  This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Holder, provided, however, that the Company may assign its rights and delegate its duties hereunder to any surviving or successor corporation in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation, or a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to another corporation, without the prior written consent of the Holder, after notice duly given by the Company to the Holder.
 
(e)       Benefits of the Agreement.  The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
 
(f)       Counterparts; Faxes.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement may also be executed and transmitted via facsimile, or by portable document format via electronic mail, which shall be deemed an original.
 
(g)       Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
 
(h)       Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof but shall be interpreted as if it were written so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any provisions hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
 
(i)        Further Assurances.  The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.
 
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(j)        Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
 
(k)       Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York located in New York County and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court.  Each party hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.
 
The Company:
RESPONSE GENETICS, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Kathleen Danenberg
  
 
Name: Kathleen Danenberg
 
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 
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The Holder:

/s/ David M. Smith
 
David M. Smith
 

Number of Shares:  1,386,229

Address for Notice:
P.O. Box 359
Manhasset, NY 11030

with a copy to:

Emanuel J. Adler
Blank Rome LLP
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10174-0208
Fax: 212.885.5001
 
 
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Exhibit 10.3

Exhibit A

Plan of Distribution

The selling stockholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions.  These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

- ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

- block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

- purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

- an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

- privately negotiated transactions;

- short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;

- through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

- broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and

- a combination of any such methods of sale.

The selling stockholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus.  The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.
 

 
In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume.  The selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities.  The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any.  Each of the selling stockholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents.  We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.

The selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act.  Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.  Selling stockholders who are "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.  In addition, in some states the common stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.
 
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We have advised the selling stockholders that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates.  In addition, to the extent applicable we will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling stockholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.  The selling stockholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the shares offered by this prospectus.

We have agreed with the selling stockholders to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with the registration statement or (2) the date on which the shares may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act without regard to any volume limitation or current information requirements thereunder.
 
 
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EX-10.4 5 v141676_ex10-4.htm
Exhibit 10.4

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this 2nd day of March, 2009 by and among Response Genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the “Holders” set forth on the signature pages hereto.
 
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
 
1.      Certain Definitions.
 
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.
 
Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks in New York City are open for the general transaction of business.
 
Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and any securities into which such shares may hereinafter be reclassified.
 
Control” (including the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” or “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
 
Holders” means the Holders set forth on the signature pages hereto and any Affiliate or permitted transferee of any Holder who is a subsequent holder of any Registrable Securities.
 
Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, business trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.
 
Prospectus” means (i) the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, and (ii) any “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act.
 
Register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration made by preparing and filing a Registration Statement or similar document in compliance with the 1933 Act (as defined below), and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such Registration Statement or document.
 
Registrable Securities” means (i) the Shares and (ii) any other securities issued or issuable with respect to or in exchange for Registrable Securities; provided, that, a security shall cease to be a Registrable Security upon (A) sale pursuant to a Registration Statement or Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, or (B) such security becoming eligible for sale without volume or restriction by the Holders pursuant to Rule 144.

 

 
 
Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed under the 1933 Act that covers the resale of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement.
 
Required Holders” means the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities.
 
SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Shares” means the shares of Common Stock held by each Holder as set forth below the name of each Holder on the signature pages hereto.
 
1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
2.      Registration.
 
(a)        Registration Statements.  Promptly following the date hereof but no later than ninety (90) days after the date hereof (the “Filing Deadline”), the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC one Registration Statement on Form S-3 (or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Company, on such form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Registrable Securities), covering the resale of the Registrable Securities, which Registration Statement may include additional shares of Common Stock or other securities for the account of any other holder in the discretion of the Company.  Subject to any SEC comments, such Registration Statement shall include the plan of distribution attached hereto as Exhibit A; provided, however, that no Holder shall be named as an “underwriter” in the Registration Statement without the Holder’s prior written consent.  Such Registration Statement also shall cover, to the extent allowable under the 1933 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder (including Rule 416), such indeterminate number of additional shares of Common Stock resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions with respect to the Registrable Securities.  The Registration Statement (and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each request for acceleration of effectiveness thereof) shall be provided in accordance with Section 3(c) to the Holders and their counsel prior to its filing or other submission.
 
(b)        Expenses.  The Company will pay all expenses associated with each registration, including filing and printing fees, the Company’s counsel and accounting fees and expenses, costs associated with clearing the Registrable Securities for sale under applicable state securities laws, listing fees, fees and expenses of one counsel to the Holders (not to exceed $10,000) and the Holders’ reasonable expenses in connection with the registration, but excluding discounts, commissions, fees of underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or similar securities industry professionals with respect to the Registrable Securities being sold.

 
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(c)        Effectiveness.
 
(i)         The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after filing, and in any event no later than the earlier of (i) five (5) Business Days after the SEC shall have informed the Company that no review of the Registration Statement will be made or that the SEC has no further comments on the Registration Statement or (ii) the 150th day after the date hereof.  The Company shall notify the Holders by facsimile or e-mail as promptly as practicable, and in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours, after any Registration Statement is declared effective and shall simultaneously provide the Holders with copies of any related Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby.
 
(ii)        For not more than twenty (20) consecutive days or for a total of not more than forty-five (45) days in any twelve (12) month period, the Company may suspend the use of any Prospectus included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this Section in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such suspension is necessary to (A) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company or (B) amend or supplement the affected Registration Statement or the related Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (an “Allowed Delay”); provided, that the Company shall promptly (a) notify each Holder in writing of the commencement of and the reasons for an Allowed Delay, but shall not (without the prior written consent of an Holder) disclose to such Holder any material non-public information giving rise to an Allowed Delay, (b) advise the Holders in writing to cease all sales under the Registration Statement until the end of the Allowed Delay and (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate an Allowed Delay as promptly as practicable.

3.      Company Obligations.  The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms hereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will, as expeditiously as possible:
 
(a)        use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and to remain continuously effective for a period that will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement as amended from time to time, have been sold, and (ii) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement may be sold without volume or other restriction pursuant to Rule 144 (the “Effectiveness Period”) and advise the Holders in writing when the Effectiveness Period has expired;
 
(b)        prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and to comply with the provisions of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act with respect to the distribution of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby;

 
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(c)        provide copies to and permit counsel designated by the Holders to review each Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto no fewer than seven (7) days prior to their filing with the SEC and not file any document to which such counsel reasonably objects;
 
(d)        furnish to the Holders and their legal counsel (i) promptly after the same is prepared and publicly distributed, filed with the SEC, or received by the Company (but not later than two (2) Business Days after the filing date, receipt date or sending date, as the case may be) one (1) copy of any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, each preliminary prospectus and Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each letter written by or on behalf of the Company to the SEC or the staff of the SEC, and each item of correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, in each case relating to such Registration Statement (other than any portion of any thereof which contains information for which the Company has sought confidential treatment), and (ii) such number of copies of a Prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto and such other documents as each Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder that are covered by the related Registration Statement;
 
(e)        use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness and, (ii) if such order is issued, obtain the withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment;
 
(f)         prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify or cooperate with the Holders and their counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions requested by the Holders and do any and all other commercially reasonable acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the distribution in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(f), (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Section 3(f), or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction;
 
(g)        use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange, interdealer quotation system or other market on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
 
(h)        immediately notify the Holders, at any time prior to the end of the Effectiveness Period, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the Prospectus includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, and promptly prepare, file with the SEC and furnish to such holder a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may be necessary so that such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing; and

 
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(i)         otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, including, without limitation, Rule 172 under the 1933 Act, file any final Prospectus, including any supplement or amendment thereof, with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the 1933 Act, promptly inform the Holders in writing if, at any time during the Effectiveness Period, the Company does not satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 172 and, as a result thereof, the Holders are required to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any disposition of Registrable Securities and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the registration of the Registrable Securities hereunder; and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than the Availability Date (as defined below), an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve (12) months, beginning after the effective date of each Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act, including Rule 158 promulgated thereunder (for the purpose of this subsection 3(i), “Availability Date” means the 45th day following the end of the fourth fiscal quarter that includes the effective date of such Registration Statement, except that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, “Availability Date” means the 90th day after the end of such fourth fiscal quarter).
 
(j)         With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Holders to sell shares of Common Stock to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to:  (i) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) six months after such date as all of the Registrable Securities may be sold without restriction by the holders thereof pursuant to Rule 144 without regard to any volume limitation requirements thereunder or (B) such date as all of the Registrable Securities shall have been resold; (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the 1934 Act; and (iii) furnish to each Holder upon request, as long as such Holder owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act, (B) a copy of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail such Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.

4.      Due Diligence Review; Information.  The Company shall make available, during normal business hours, for inspection and review by the Holders, advisors to and representatives of the Holders (who may or may not be affiliated with the Holders and who are reasonably acceptable to the Company), all financial and other records, and all other corporate documents and properties of the Company as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of such review, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees, within a reasonable time period, to supply all such information reasonably requested by the Holders or any such representative, advisor or underwriter in connection with such Registration Statement (including, without limitation, in response to all questions and other inquiries reasonably made or submitted by any of them), prior to and from time to time after the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement for the sole purpose of enabling the Holders and such representatives, advisors and underwriters and their respective accountants and attorneys to conduct initial and ongoing due diligence with respect to the Company and the accuracy of such Registration Statement.

 
-5-

 
 
Except for any Holder that is then an employee or director of the Company, the Company shall not disclose material nonpublic information to the Holders, or to advisors to or representatives of the Holders, unless prior to disclosure of such information the Company identifies such information as being material nonpublic information and provides the Holders, such advisors and representatives with the opportunity to accept or refuse to accept such material nonpublic information for review and any Holder wishing to obtain such information enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement with the Company with respect thereto.
 
5.      Obligations of the Holders.
 
(a)        Each Holder shall furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities held by it, as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities and shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request.  At least five (5) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of any Registration Statement, the Company shall notify each Holder of the information the Company requires from such Holder if such Holder elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.  An Holder shall provide such information to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement if such Holder elects to have any of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement.
 
(b)        Each Holder, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement hereunder, unless such Holder has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.
 
(c)        Each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of either (i) the commencement of an Allowed Delay pursuant to Section 2(c)(ii) or (ii) the happening of an event pursuant to Section 3(h) hereof, such Holder will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities, until the Holder is advised by the Company in writing that such dispositions may again be made.

 
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6.      Indemnification.
 
(a)        Indemnification by the Company.  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Holder and its officers, directors, members, employees and agents, successors and assigns, and each other person, if any, who controls such Holder within the meaning of the 1933 Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof; (ii) any blue sky application or other document executed by the Company specifically for that purpose or based upon written information furnished by the Company filed in any state or other jurisdiction in order to qualify any or all of the Registrable Securities under the securities laws thereof (any such application, document or information herein called a “Blue Sky Application”); (iii) the omission or alleged omission to state in a Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (iv) any violation by the Company or its agents of any rule or regulation promulgated under the 1933 Act applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration; or (v) any failure to register or qualify the Registrable Securities included in any such Registration Statement in any state where the Company or its agents has affirmatively undertaken or agreed in writing that the Company will undertake such registration or qualification on an Holder’s behalf and will reimburse such Holder, and each such officer, director or member and each such controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon (1) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by such Holder or any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or (2) the delivery by such Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and that (A) as a result the Holder must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement and (B) the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the amended or supplemented Prospectus the misstatement or omission giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability would have been corrected.
 
(b)        Indemnification by the Holders.  Each Holder shall, severally but not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, stockholders and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the 1933 Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from (x) such Holder’s failure to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration after the Company has advised the Holder in writing that (A) the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and (B) as a result the Holder must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement or (y) any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in (1) any information furnished in writing by such Holder to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or (2) in an outdated or defective Prospectus delivered by the Holder in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Company does not meet the conditions for use of Rule 172 and that (A) as a result the Holder must deliver a Prospectus in connection with any sales under the Registration Statement and (B) the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, but only if and to the extent that following the receipt of the amended or supplemented Prospectus the misstatement or omission giving rise to such loss, claim, damage or liability would have been corrected.  In no event shall the liability of an Holder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expense paid by such Holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission) received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

 
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(c)        Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings.  Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (a) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, or (b) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable period of time and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (c) in the reasonable judgment of any such person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such person); and provided, further, that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation.  It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties.  No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.  No indemnified party will, except with the consent of the indemnifying party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnifying party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.
 
(d)        Contribution.  If for any reason the indemnification provided for in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless, other than as expressly specified therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act shall be entitled to contribution from any person not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  In no event shall the contribution obligation of a holder of Registrable Securities be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 6 and the amount of any damages such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.

 
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7.      Miscellaneous.
 
(a)        Amendments and Waivers.  This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by the Company and the Required Holders.  The Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained the written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act, of the Required Holders.
 
(b)        Notices.  Unless otherwise provided, any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given as hereinafter described (i) if given by personal delivery, then such notice shall be deemed given upon such delivery, (ii) if given by telex or telecopier, then such notice shall be deemed given upon receipt of confirmation of complete transmittal, (iii) if given by mail, then such notice shall be deemed given upon the earlier of (A) receipt of such notice by the recipient or (B) three days after such notice is deposited in first class mail, postage prepaid, and (iv) if given by an internationally recognized overnight air courier, then such notice shall be deemed given one Business Day after delivery to such carrier.  All notices shall be addressed to the party to be notified at the address as follows, or at such other address as such party may designate by ten days’ advance written notice to the other party:

If to the Company:
 
Response Genetics, Inc.
1640 Marengo Street
6th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90033
Attention:        Thomas Stankovich
              Denise McNairn
Fax:   (323) 224.3097
 
With a copy to:
 
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019-6099
Attention:  Steven A. Seidman
Fax:  (212) 728-9763
 
If to the Holders:

 
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to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereto.
 
(c)        Assignments and Transfers by Holders.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Holders and their respective successors and assigns.  An Holder may transfer or assign, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more persons its rights hereunder in connection with the transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder to such person, provided that such Holder complies with all laws applicable thereto and provides written notice of assignment to the Company promptly after such assignment is effected.
 
(d)        Assignments and Transfers by the Company.  This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, provided, however, that the Company may assign its rights and delegate its duties hereunder to any surviving or successor corporation in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation, or a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to another corporation, without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, after notice duly given by the Company to each Holder.
 
(e)        Benefits of the Agreement.  The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
 
(f)         Counterparts; Faxes.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement may also be executed and transmitted via facsimile, or by portable document format via electronic mail, which shall be deemed an original.
 
(g)        Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
 
(h)        Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof but shall be interpreted as if it were written so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any provisions hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
 
(i)         Further Assurances.  The parties shall execute and deliver all such further instruments and documents and take all such other actions as may reasonably be required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby and to evidence the fulfillment of the agreements herein contained.

 
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(j)         Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
 
(k)        Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York located in New York County and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court.  Each party hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.
 
The Company:
RESPONSE GENETICS, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Kathleen Danenberg
 
Name: Kathleen Danenberg
 
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 
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The Holders:
 
   
 
/s/  Michael Serruya
 
Michael Serruya
   
Number of Shares:  3,939
 
   
 
Address for Notice:
 
Michael Serruya
 
210 Shields Crt.
 
Markham, Ontario
 
L3R-8V2
   
 
with a copy to:
   
 
Stuart Neuhauser
 
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP
 
150 East 42nd Street, 11th Floor
 
New York, New York 10017
   
 
/s/  Clara Serruya
 
Clara Serruya
   
Number of Shares:  864,328
 
   
 
Address for Notice:
 
166 Arnold Avenue
 
Thornhill, Ontario
 
Canada L4J 1B7
   
 
with a copy to:
   
 
Stuart Neuhauser
 
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP
 
150 East 42nd Street, 11th Floor
 
New York, New York 10017

 
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/s/  Samuel Serruya
 
Samuel Serruya
   
Number of Shares:  864,328
 
   
 
Address for Notice:
 
166 Arnold Avenue
 
Thornhill, Ontario
 
Canada L4J 1B7
   
 
with a copy to:
   
 
Stuart Neuhauser
 
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP
 
150 East 42nd Street, 11th Floor
 
New York, New York 10017

 
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Exhibit 10.4

Exhibit A

Plan of Distribution

The selling stockholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions.  These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

- ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

- block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

- purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

- an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

- privately negotiated transactions;

- short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;

- through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

- broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; and

- a combination of any such methods of sale.

The selling stockholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus.  The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.

 
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In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume.  The selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities.  The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any.  Each of the selling stockholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents.  We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.

The selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act.  Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.  Selling stockholders who are "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.  In addition, in some states the common stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

 
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We have advised the selling stockholders that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates.  In addition, to the extent applicable we will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling stockholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.  The selling stockholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the shares offered by this prospectus.

We have agreed with the selling stockholders to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with the registration statement or (2) the date on which the shares may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act without regard to any volume limitation or current information requirements thereunder.

 
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