Reverse Merger Attorneys
Traditionally, private companies become publicly traded by registering an offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Reverse Mergers involve backdoor going public transactions that are often plagued with bad actors. Where public shell is used, reverse merger attorneys perform due diligence before completion of the going public transaction. Many reverse merger companies have dodgy histories and undisclosed liabilities that taint the public vehicle for years.
The general perception in the securities industry among regulators is that Reverse Mergers are used as vehicles for fraud either by stock promoters or others including securities lawyers who manufacture them.
It is critical that any company considering a reverse merger transaction have competent representation from a securities attorney who does not sell public shell companies to their clients. Many securities attorneys wear two hats. One as a lawyer and the other as a shell broker.
At Hamilton and Associates we act only as securities lawyers protecting the interest of our clients.
Going Public transactions involving reverse mergers involve unique risks and uncertainties. Hamilton & Associates has extensive experience in conducting due diligence of reverse merger transactions and public shells. The firm has analyzed hundreds of public companies and identified numerous public shells used in reverse merger transactions. Many of these shells were illegally manufactured by lawyers using bogus S-1 filings and custodianship actions. If a Reverse Merger transaction is not properly reviewed by securities counsel, the post Reverse Merger Company can end up a private company with public company reporting requirements and expenses. In addition to the traditional Reverse Merger risks, reverse mergers subject private companies going public to SEC investigations or violations, undisclosed liabilities, litigation and potential litigation.
Despite success stories touted by shell brokers, reverse mergers involve a significant amount of legal and compliance risk.
The Myths of Reverse Mergers
There are many misconceptions about Reverse Mergers that shell brokers use to entice private companies into purchasing a public shell company including but not limited to those set forth below.
Reverse Mergers Can Help a Private Company Receive Funding
Stock promoters often compare the price of an initial public offering (“IPO”) with that of a Reverse Merger. This is misleading because with an IPO, a company pays an underwriter to sell securities to the public and develop an active market after the company becomes public. A Reverse Merger is not a capital raising transaction. A private company can go public and file their own Registration Statement less than the cost of a reverse merger transaction. In addition to the time it takes to perform due diligence, negotiate the Reverse Merger agreement, and close the Reverse Merger, recent SEC and FINRA requirements eliminate the timeliness benefit of the Reverse Merger.
Failure to comply with these requirements can create additional costs for the private company engaging in the reverse merger and even result in a loss of ticker symbol, DTC eligibility or SEC Enforcement action.
New Rules for Reverse Mergers
In 2005, new rules were adopted that require former Shell Companies to file “Form 10 Information” with the SEC within four business days after the completion of a Reverse Merger. This information is substantially equivalent to that found in a Form 10 or SEC registration statement and requires comprehensive disclosure of the company’s business plan, risk factors, financial condition, management, properties, and audited financial statements. Companies not prepared to prepare these disclosures can result in the Company becoming a delinquent SEC filer. Hamilton & Associates can guide your company through the preparation of these disclosures and help you determine if a reverse merger is the right going public method for your company.
Reverse Merger Task Force
In July of 2013, the SEC created a task force to combat micrcap merger fraud. The stated targets of the task force include reverse merger purveyors and gatekeeper securities attorneys who assist them.
Any private company seeking to have its securities publicly traded should proceed with caution when considering whether to engage in a Reverse Merger. In light of these considerations, private companies should consult a qualified and independent securities attorney to perform thorough research and due diligence before engaging in a Reverse Merger. Hamilton & Associates has extensive experience in conducting due diligence of reverse merger transactions and public shells. Our founder has analyzed hundreds of public companies and identified numerous public shells used in reverse merger transactions.
For further information about this securities law blog post, please contact Brenda Hamilton, Securities Attorney at 101 Plaza Real S, Suite 202 N, Boca Raton, Florida, (561) 416-8956, by email at [email protected].
This securities law blog post is provided as a general informational service to clients and friends of Hamilton & Associates Law Group and should not be construed as, and does not constitute, legal and compliance advice on any specific matter, nor does this message create an attorney-client relationship. For more information about going public and the rules and regulations affecting the use of Rule 144, Form 8K, FINRA Rule 6490, Rule 506 private placement offerings and memorandums, Regulation A, Rule 504 offerings, SEC reporting requirements, SEC registration statements on Form S-1 , IPO’s, OTC Pink Sheet listings,Form 10 OTCBB and OTC Markets disclosure requirements, DTC Chills, Global Locks, reverse mergers, public shells, direct public offerings and direct public offerings please contact Hamilton and Associates at (561) 416-8956 or [email protected]. Please note that the prior results discussed herein do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Hamilton & Associates | Securities Lawyers
Brenda Hamilton, Securities Attorney
101 Plaza Real South, Suite 202 North
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Telephone: (561) 416-8956
Facsimile: (561) 416-2855
www.SecuritiesLawyer101.com
