0001144204-12-046664.txt : 20120817 0001144204-12-046664.hdr.sgml : 20120817 20120817080831 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-12-046664 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120817 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120817 GROUP MEMBERS: ALEXANDER B. WASHBURN GROUP MEMBERS: BRANDON D. BATY GROUP MEMBERS: COLUMBIA PACIFIC ADVISORS, LLC GROUP MEMBERS: COLUMBIA PACIFIC OPPORTUNITY FUND, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: DANIEL R. BATY GROUP MEMBERS: LAKE UNION CAPITAL FUND, LP GROUP MEMBERS: LAKE UNION CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC GROUP MEMBERS: MICHAEL SELF GROUP MEMBERS: NEW VERNON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC GROUP MEMBERS: NEW VERNON PARTNERS LLC GROUP MEMBERS: STANLEY L. BATY GROUP MEMBERS: THOMAS PATRICK GROUP MEMBERS: TRENT STEDMAN SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ChinaEdu CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001411419 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-EDUCATIONAL SERVICES [8200] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: E9 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-83714 FILM NUMBER: 121041350 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12TH FLOOR, CAPTIAL TIMES SQUARE STREET 2: NO. 88 XICHANGAN STREET CITY: BEIJING STATE: F4 ZIP: 100031 BUSINESS PHONE: (8610) 8391 3168 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12TH FLOOR, CAPTIAL TIMES SQUARE STREET 2: NO. 88 XICHANGAN STREET CITY: BEIJING STATE: F4 ZIP: 100031 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: New Vernon Aegir Master Fund Ltd. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001510223 IRS NUMBER: 980683760 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 799 CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 350 CITY: HIGHLAND PARK STATE: IL ZIP: 60035 BUSINESS PHONE: 847-926-5712 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 799 CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 350 CITY: HIGHLAND PARK STATE: IL ZIP: 60035 SC 13D/A 1 v321858_sc13da.htm SC 13D/A

 

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

SCHEDULE 13D
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 7)*

 

ChinaEDU Corporation
(Name of Issuer)

 

Ordinary Shares in the form of American Depositary Shares
(Title of Class of Securities)

 

16945L107
(CUSIP Number)

 

David L. Ronn

McGuireWoods LLP

600 Travis Street, Suite 7500

Houston, Texas 77002-2906

(713) 353-6671

 

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

 

August 16, 2012
(Date of event which requires filing of this statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because § 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g) check the following box ¨.

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

 

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act.

 

(Page1 of 20)
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 2 of 20

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Lake Union Capital Fund, LP

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

WC

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

2,856,021
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

2,856,021
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

2,856,0211

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

5.3%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

PN

       

1 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 952,007 American Depositary Shares, representing 2,856,021 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 3 of 20

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Lake Union Capital Management, LLC

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

2,856,021
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

2,856,021
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

2,856,0212

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

5.3%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IA

       

2 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 952,007 American Depositary Shares, representing 2,856,021 underlying Ordinary Shares.


 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 4 of 20

  

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Michael Self

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

United States of America

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

2,856,021
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

2,856,021
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

2,856,0213

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

5.3%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

       

3 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 952,007 American Depositary Shares, representing 2,856,021 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 5 of 20

  

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P.

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

WC

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Washington

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

9,388,026
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

9,388,026
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

9,388,0264

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

17.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

PN

       

4 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 3,129,342 American Depositary Shares, representing 9,388,026 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 6 of 20

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Washington

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

9,388,026
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

9,388,026
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

9,388,0265

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

17.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IA

       

5 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 3,129,342 American Depositary Shares, representing 9,388,026 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 7 of 20

  

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Alexander B. Washburn

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

9,388,026
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

9,388,026
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

9,388,0266

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

17.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

       

6 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 3,129,342 American Depositary Shares, representing 9,388,026 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 8 of 20

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Daniel R. Baty

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

9,388,026
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

9,388,026
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

9,388,0267

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

17.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

       

7 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 3,129,342 American Depositary Shares, representing 9,388,026 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 9 of 20

  

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Stanley L. Baty

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

9,388,026
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

9,388,026
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

9,388,0268

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

17.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

       

8 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 3,129,342 American Depositary Shares, representing 9,388,026 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 10 of 20

  

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS.

 

Brandon D. Baty

 

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(a)   x

(b)   ¨

3 SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AF

5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)         ¨
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

USA

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON WITH

7 SOLE VOTING POWER

9,388,026
8

SHARED VOTING POWER

0

9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

9,388,026
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

0
11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

9,388,0269

12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES  ¨
13

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

17.4%

14

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

       

9 As of August 16, 2012, the Reporting Person beneficially owns 3,129,342 American Depositary Shares, representing 9,388,026 underlying Ordinary Shares.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 11 of 20

 

Note: This Amendment No. 7 (the “Amendment”) amends and supplements the Schedule 13D originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on August 17, 2011, as amended on October 14, 2011, December 12, 2011, December 15, 2011, January 12, 2012, May 7, 2012 and July 9, 2012 (the “Schedule 13D”), by the Aegir Parties, the Lake Union Parties and the Columbia Pacific Parties relating to ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) issued by ChinaEDU Corporation (the “Issuer” or the “Company”), the principal executive office of which is located at 4th Floor-A, GeHua Building, No. 1 QinglongHutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100007 People’s Republic of China. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Schedule 13D.

 

The cover pages previously filed by the Aegir Parties remain unchanged. Any items that are reported are deemed to amend and supplement the existing items in the Schedule 13D. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not defined herein have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Schedule 13D, as previously amended.

 

Item 3.      Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

 

Item 3 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended by the addition of the following:

 

Lake Union Parties

 

The 14,100 Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs purchased by Lake Union Parties since July 6, 2012 were acquired by Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25,009 and were acquired with the investment capital of Lake Union Fund, as more fully detailed in Item 5 herein.

 

Columbia Pacific Parties

 

The 449,247 Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs purchased by the Columbia Pacific Parties since July 6, 2012 were acquired by the Columbia Pacific Parties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $760,304 and were acquired with the investment capital of the Columbia Pacific Parties, as more fully detailed in Item 5 herein.

 

Item 4.       Purpose of Transaction.

 

The second, third and fourth paragraphs of Item 4 of the Schedule 13D are hereby amended and restated by the following:

 

The Lake Union Parties acquired their interests in the Company between April 7, 2008 and August 9, 2012, and presently hold approximately 5.3% of the Company’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs. The purchases of the ADSs were made in the Lake Union Parties’ ordinary course of business and were not made for the purpose of acquiring control of the Company.

 

The Columbia Pacific Parties acquired their interests in the Company between August 7, 2008 and August 16, 2012, and presently hold approximately 17.4% of the Company’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs. The purchases of the ADSs were made in the Columbia Pacific Parties’ ordinary course of business and were not made for the purpose of acquiring control of the Company.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 12 of 20

 

The Aegir Parties, Lake Union Parties and the Columbia Pacific Parties formed The ChinaEDU Value Realization Committee (the “Committee”) for the purposes described below. The Committee may be deemed to be a group under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 representing approximately 31.8% of the Company’s outstanding Ordinary Shares in the Form of ADSs.

 

Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by the following:

 

The Reporting Persons have engaged Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. (“Stifel”) to act as their exclusive financial advisor with respect to the sale of their investment in the Company. The Reporting Persons anticipate Stifel will contact potential strategic and financial buyers, the Company, and other shareholders in connection with this engagement. The Reporting Persons believe this engagement may lead prospective buyers to consider an acquisition of all or a majority of the Company’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs (a “Control Transaction”). Stifel may seek to advise a prospective buyer or the Company in connection with a Control Transaction, and the Reporting Persons may encourage Stifel to do so. As currently contemplated, the Reporting Persons’ agreement with Stifel would be terminated prior to or contemporaneously with Stifel’s agreement to be engaged by such other party. The foregoing summary of this engagement is qualified by reference to the text of the Engagement Letter, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.5 to this Schedule 13D and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.      Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

 

The first paragraph in Item 5 is hereby amended and restated by the following:

 

By virtue of the understanding reached between the Reporting Persons described in Item 4, the Reporting Persons may be deemed to have formed a “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Act of 1934. Collectively, the group may be deemed to have voting control over a combined 17,120,415 of the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs of the Issuer.

 

The information under the heading “Lake Union Parties” in Item 5 is hereby amended and restated by the following:

 

Lake Union Parties

 

(a)As of the close of trading on August 16, 2012, (i) Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. directly beneficially owns (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act) 2,856,021 Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs over which it has sole voting and dispositive power.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 13 of 20

 

Lake Union Capital Management, LLC is the investment manager and general partner of Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. and, as such, may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs directly beneficially owned by Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. and, accordingly, may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own such shares.

 

Mr. Self is the managing member of Lake Union Capital Management, LLC. In such capacity, Mr. Self controls the trading of securities held by Lake Union Capital Fund L.P. As a result of such role and otherwise by virtue of his relationship to Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. and Lake Union Capital Management LLC, Mr. Self may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs directly beneficially owned by Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. and, accordingly, may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own such shares.

 

The 5.3% of the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs beneficially owned by each of Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P., Lake Union Capital Management, LLC and Mr. Self are based on 53,804,980 Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs that were outstanding as of December 31, 2011 (as set forth on the Issuer’s Form 20-F filed April 27, 2012 with the Securities and Exchange Commission).

Lake Union Capital Management LLC and Mr. Self disclaim beneficial ownership of the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs held by Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P., except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

 

(b)The response to Item 5(a) above under the heading “Lake Union Parties” is incorporated herein by reference.
   
(c)The trading dates, number of Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs purchased and sold and price per share for all transactions in the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs since the most recent filing by the Lake Union Parties were all effected in unsolicited broker transactions on the NASDAQ Global Market as set forth in Schedule B.

 

Other than the acquisition of the 14,100 shares of the Issuer’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs set forth on Schedule B hereto, the Lake Union Parties have not engaged in any transactions in the Issuer’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs since the most recent filing.

 

(d)The response to Item 5(a) above under the heading “Lake Union Parties” is incorporated herein by reference.
   
 (e)Not applicable. 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 14 of 20

 

The information under the heading “Columbia Pacific Parties” in Item 5 is hereby amended and restated by the following:

 

Columbia Pacific Parties

 

(a)As of the close of trading on August 16, 2012, (i) Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. directly beneficially owns (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act) 9,388,026 Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs over which it has sole voting and dispositive power.

 

Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC is the advisor and sole general partner of Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. and, as such, may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs directly beneficially owned by Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P., and, accordingly, may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own such shares.

 

Mr. Washburn, Daniel R. Baty, Stanley L. Baty and Brandon D. Baty are the managing members of Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC. In such capacity, Mr. Washburn, Daniel R. Baty, Stanley L. Baty and Brandon D. Baty control the trading of securities held by Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. As a result of such role and otherwise by virtue of their relationship to Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. and Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC, each may be deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs directly beneficially owned by Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. and, accordingly, may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own such shares.

 

The 17.4% of the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs beneficially owned by each of Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P., Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC, Mr. Washburn, Daniel R. Baty, Stanley L. Baty and Brandon D. Baty are based on 53,804,980 Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs that were outstanding as of December 31, 2011 (as set forth on the Issuer’s Form 20-F filed April 27, 2012 with the Securities and Exchange Commission).

 

Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC, Mr. Washburn, Daniel R. Baty, Stanley L. Baty and Brandon D. Baty disclaim beneficial ownership of the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs held by Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P., except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

 

(b)The response to Item 5(a) above under the heading “Columbia Pacific Parties” is incorporated herein by reference.
  
(c)The trading dates, number of Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs purchased and sold and price per share for all transactions in the Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs since the most recent filing by the Columbia Pacific Parties were all effected in unsolicited broker transactions on the NASDAQ Global Market as set forth in Schedule C.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 15 of 20

 

Other than the acquisition of the 449,247 shares of the Issuer’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs set forth on Schedule C hereto, the Columbia Pacific Parties have not engaged in any transactions in the Issuer’s Ordinary Shares in the form of ADSs since the most recent filing.

 

(d)The response to Item 5(a) above under the heading “Columbia Pacific Parties” is incorporated herein by reference.
  
(e)Not applicable. 

 

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

 

Item 6 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by the following:

 

The Reporting Persons have engaged Stifel to act as their exclusive financial advisor with respect to the sale of their investment in the Company. The Reporting Persons anticipate Stifel will contact potential strategic and financial buyers, the Company, and other shareholders in connection with this engagement. The Reporting Persons believe this engagement may lead prospective buyers to consider a Control Transaction. Stifel may seek to advise a prospective buyer or the Company in connection with a Control Transaction, and the Reporting Persons may encourage Stifel to do so. As currently contemplated, the Reporting Persons’ agreement with Stifel would be terminated prior to or contemporaneously with Stifel’s agreement to be engaged by such other party. The foregoing summary of this engagement is qualified by reference to the text of the Engagement Letter, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.5 to this Schedule 13D and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7. Material to Be Filed as Exhibits.

 

Item 7 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended to add the following exhibit:

 

Exhibit Description
99.5 Letter Agreement, dated August 16, 2012 by and between Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and the Shareholder Group

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 16 of 20

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

   After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.


Dated: August 17, 2012

 

New Vernon Aegir Master Fund Ltd.

By: New Vernon Partners LLC

 

/s/ Barton S. Aronson                                   

Name: Barton S. Aronson, Authorized Signatory for Trent Stedman

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

New Vernon Investment Management LLC

By: Trent Stedman

 

/s/ Barton S. Aronson                                   

Name: Barton S. Aronson, Authorized Signatory for Trent Stedman

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

New Vernon Partners LLC

By: Trent Stedman

 

/s/ Barton S. Aronson                                   

Name: Barton S. Aronson, Authorized Signatory for Trent Stedman

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Barton S. Aronson                                   

Name: Barton S. Aronson, Authorized Signatory for Trent Stedman

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Barton S. Aronson                                   

Name: Barton S. Aronson, Authorized Signatory for Thomas Patrick

  

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 17 of 20

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

Lake Union Capital Fund, LP

By: Lake Union Capital Management, LLC

 

/s/ Michael Self                                               

Name: Michael Self

Title: General Partner

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

Lake Union Capital Management, LLC

 

/s/ Michael Self                                               

Name: Michael Self

Title: Managing Member

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Michael Self                                               

Name: Michael Self

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P.

By: Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC

 

/s/ Alexander B. Washburn                          

Name: Alexander B. Washburn

Title: Managing Member of Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC

 

/s/ Alexander B. Washburn

Name: Alexander B. Washburn

Title: Managing Member of Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Alexander B. Washburn                          

Name: Alexander B. Washburn

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 18 of 20

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Daniel R. Baty                                           

Name: Daniel R. Baty

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Stanley L. Baty                                           

Name: Stanley L. Baty

 

Dated: August 17, 2012

 

/s/ Brandon D. Baty                                       

Name: Brandon D. Baty

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 19 of 20

 

 

SCHEDULE B

TRANSACTIONS BY THE LAKE UNION PARTIES

 

Reporting Person Date Transaction Number of ADSs (1) Purchased Underlying Ordinary Shares of Such ADSs Approximate Price Per ADS (excluding commissions)
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/09/2012 BUY 900 300 5.68
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/10/2012 BUY 3,600 1,200 5.58
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/17/2012 BUY 600 200 5.34
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/18/2012 BUY 300 100 5.33
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/20/2012 BUY 900 300 5.42
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/23/2012 BUY 300 100 5.09
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/24/2012 BUY 1,200 400 5.21
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/25/2012 BUY 600 200 5.15
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/27/2012 BUY 900 300 4.89
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 7/31/2012 BUY 600 200 5.11
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 8/01/2012 BUY 300 100 4.96
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 8/02/2012 BUY 300 100 4.90
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 8/08/2012 BUY 600 200 4.77
Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. 8/09/2012 BUY 3,000 1,000 5.34

 

(1) American Depositary Shares, each representing three Ordinary Shares, par value US $0.01 per share

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 16945L107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 20 of 20

 

 

SCHEDULE C

TRANSACTIONS BY THE COLUMBIA PACIFIC PARTIES

 

Reporting Person Date Transaction Number of ADSs (1) Purchased Underlying Ordinary Shares of Such ADSs Approximate Price Per ADS (excluding commissions)
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/09/2012 BUY 1,900 5,700 5.74
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/10/2012 BUY 5,100 15,300 5.69
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/11/2012 BUY 1,300 3,900 5.56
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/12/2012 BUY 3,289 9,867 5.55
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/13/2012 BUY 1,000 3,000 5.74
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/16/2012 BUY 1,800 5,400 5.50
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/17/2012 BUY 8,200 24,600 5.35
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/18/2012 BUY 1,900 5,700 5.41
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/19/2012 BUY 5,500 16,500 5.35
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/20/2012 BUY 5,749 17,247 5.34
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/23/2012 BUY 4,699 14,097 5.24
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/24/2012 BUY 7,000 21,000 5.16
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/25/2012 BUY 8,275 24,825 5.12
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/26/2012 BUY 11,700 35,100 5.06
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/27/2012 BUY 11,598 34,794 4.89
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/30/2012 BUY 800 2,400 5.06
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 7/31/2012 BUY 2,900 8,700 5.11
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/01/2012 BUY 2,600 7,800 5.02
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/02/2012 BUY 12,325 36,975 4.75
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/03/2012 BUY 12,349 37,047 4.55
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/06/2012 BUY 9,859 29,577 4.74
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/07/2012 BUY 8,405 25,215 4.66
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/08/2012 BUY 100 300 4.84
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/09/2012 BUY 3,600 10,800 5.04
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/10/2012 BUY 2,900 8,700 5.32
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/13/2012 BUY 4,400 13,200 5.25
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/14/2012 BUY 2,001 6,003 5.35
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/15/2012 BUY 900 2,700 5.37
Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. 8/16/2012 BUY 7,600 22,800 5.37

 

(1) American Depositary Shares, each representing three Ordinary Shares, par value US $0.01 per share

 

 

EX-99.5 2 v321858_ex99-5.htm EXHIBIT 99.5

 

Exhibit 99.5

 

August 16, 2012

 

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

 

New Vernon Aegir Master Fund Ltd.

Trent Stedman

Thomas Patrick

c/o Trent Stedman

799 Central Avenue

Suite 350

Highland Park, IL 60035

 

Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P.

c/o Michael Self

601 Union Street

Suite 4616

Seattle, WA 98101

 

Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P.

c/o Alexander Washburn

1910 Fairview Avenue

Suite 500

Seattle, WA 98102

 

 

Gentlemen:

 

This letter agreement (together with its Attachments, the “Agreement”) is to confirm our understanding of the basis upon which Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel Nicolaus”) is being engaged to act as exclusive financial advisor for New Vernon Aegir Master Fund Ltd., Trent Stedman, Thomas Patrick, Lake Union Capital Fund, L.P. and Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P. (together with any of their respective present and future subsidiaries and affiliates, the “Shareholder Group”), in seeking, arranging, negotiating and generally advising with respect the placement or sale, in one or a series of transactions, of all or a portion of the American Depository Shares, representing Ordinary Shares (the “ADS Shares”), of ChinaEDU Corporation (the “Company”) beneficially owned by the Shareholder Group (“the Share Sale” and each such separate transaction, a “Share Sale”). The parties hereto understand that, as a potential consequence of this engagement, Stifel Nicolaus may identify buyers interested in acquiring all or a majority of the Company’s outstanding equity securities (a “Control Transaction”), and that Stifel Nicolaus may be engaged by a prospective buyer or the Company in connection with a Control Transaction. The parties hereto further understand that the Shareholder Group may seek to facilitate such an engagement. The parties agree that such an engagement will not constitute a conflict of interest between the parties hereto, and will result in the immediate termination of this Agreement.

 

 
 

 

I. Services of Stifel Nicolaus

 

A.                Stifel Nicolaus will endeavor to obtain one or more commitments for the Share Sale (individually a “Commitment” and collectively the “Commitments”) from one or more financial institutions or other sources, which institutions or other sources are not, in connection with a Commitment, represented by or otherwise obligated to compensate Stifel Nicolaus (the “Investors”). The major terms of the Share Sale which Stifel Nicolaus will seek to obtain will be deemed acceptable to the Shareholder Group as evidenced by written acceptance signed by each member of the Shareholder Group. During the term of the Agreement, in connection with a Share Sale, Stifel Nicolaus may perform or cause one or more of its affiliates to perform, and the Shareholder Group hereby grants Stifel Nicolaus and its affiliates the exclusive right and authority to perform, the following services:

 

1. Assist the Shareholder Group in the preparation of materials (collectively, the “Documents”) that include select business and financial information about the Company, a description of the proposed Share Sale with proposed terms and conditions, and other relevant information as Investors may request.

 

2. Contact and seek to elicit interest from one or more Investors to participate in the Share Sale.

 

3. Coordinate inquiries from and assist in the preparation of additional Documents providing such information and analyses as may be requested by Investors.

 

4. Advise the Shareholder Group as to the procedures to obtain a favorable Share Sale, and assist the Shareholder Group in evaluating and negotiating the terms and conditions of any Commitment.

 

5. Assist the Shareholder Group in closing the Share Sale after a Commitment is procured.

 

II. Representations, Warranties, Terms and Conditions

 

The Shareholder Group hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, Stifel Nicolaus as follows:

 

A. This Agreement has been duly authorized and represents the legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of each member of the Shareholder Group and that neither this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby requires the approval or consent of any governmental or regulatory agency or violates any law, regulation, contract or order binding on any member of the Shareholder Group. The Shareholder Group further represents and warrants that each member of the Shareholder Group is in all respects qualified and authorized to accept the Commitments being arranged by Stifel Nicolaus.

 

 
 

 

B. Stifel Nicolaus’ services in obtaining a Share Sale are fully performed at the time the Shareholder Group accepts in writing a Commitment and the Share Sale closes (or at the time the Shareholder Group fails to close, defaults on or abandons the Commitment as further described in Attachment B, Sec. A.

 

C. Stifel Nicolaus is hereby granted the sole and exclusive right and authority to locate sources for a Share Sale and to obtain Commitments during the term of this Agreement. If any member of the Shareholder Group accepts or otherwise enters into any Commitment during the term of this Agreement or within the 12 month period commencing upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement with any Investor (or affiliate of such Investor) introduced to the Shareholder Group by Stifel Nicolaus, and such member of the Shareholder Group closes the Share Sale under such Commitment (although such closing may occur subsequent to the expiration of this Agreement), the Shareholder Group expressly agrees that Stifel Nicolaus’ services have been fully performed as outlined herein, and the Shareholder Group shall pay Stifel Nicolaus compensation as outlined herein. In order that the Shareholder Group and Stifel Nicolaus can best coordinate efforts to obtain a Commitment satisfactory to the Shareholder Group, the Shareholder Group agrees that it will not initiate or engage in any discussions relating to a Share Sale during the term of this Agreement except through Stifel Nicolaus.

 

D. The Shareholder Group will furnish Stifel Nicolaus with all information and material concerning the Company, the Shareholder Group and the Share Sale in connection with the performance of Stifel Nicolaus’s obligations hereunder. The Shareholder Group represents and warrants that all information regarding the Shareholder Group made available to Stifel Nicolaus by the Shareholder Group or contained in the Documents will, at all times during the period of the engagement of Stifel Nicolaus hereunder, be complete and correct in all material respects and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements are made. The Shareholder Group acknowledges and agrees that in rendering its services hereunder, Stifel Nicolaus will be using and relying upon, without any independent investigation or verification thereof, all information that is or will be furnished to Stifel Nicolaus by the Shareholder Group and on publicly available information, and Stifel Nicolaus will not in any respect be responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any of the foregoing kinds of information, and that Stifel Nicolaus will not undertake to make an independent appraisal of any of the assets of the Company. The Shareholder Group understands that in rendering services hereunder Stifel Nicolaus does not provide accounting, legal or tax advice and will rely upon the advice of counsel to the Company and the Shareholder Group and other advisors to the Company and the Shareholder Group as to accounting, legal, tax and other matters relating to the Share Sale or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

 

 
 

 

E. In connection with engagements of the nature covered by this Agreement, it is Stifel Nicolaus’ practice to provide for indemnification, contribution, and limitation of liability. By signing this Agreement, the Shareholder Group agrees to the provisions contained in Attachment A, which provisions are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

 

F. Each member of the Shareholder Group represents and warrants that: (a) it has good and valid title to its ADS Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances or claims; and (b) its ADS Shares have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and its ADS Shares are freely transferable without restriction.

 

III. Compensation/Payment for Services Performed

 

In consideration for Stifel Nicolaus’ services hereunder, the Shareholder Group shall compensate Stifel Nicolaus as described in Attachment B hereto.

 

IV. Miscellaneous

 

A. The term of this engagement will continue until December 31, 2012 unless earlier terminated by either Stifel Nicolaus or the Shareholder Group at any time by giving the other party at least 30 days’ prior written notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stifel Nicolaus may immediately terminate this Agreement at any time if (i) it reasonably determines that results from its due diligence review of the Company’s business, management and future prospects are unsatisfactory or (ii) its Private Placement Committee does not approve proceeding with this transaction; provided that if Stifel Nicolaus terminates this Agreement pursuant to either subsection (i) or (ii) above, then Stifel Nicolaus shall refund the Initial Fee to the Shareholder Group. The last three sentences of the initial paragraph of this Agreement and the provisions of Sections II(C), II(D), II(E) and Attachment A, II (F), IV(C), IV(D), IV(E), IV(F), IV(G), and Attachment B Sections (A), (B), and (C) hereof shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement, except that Section II(C) and Attachment B Sections (A), (B) (other than with respect to expenses incurred prior to the date of termination), and (C) shall not survive in the event that Stifel Nicolaus terminates pursuant to this Section IV(A).

 

B. Stifel Nicolaus is being retained to serve as financial advisor solely to the Shareholder Group, and it is agreed that the engagement of Stifel Nicolaus is not, and shall not be deemed to be, on behalf of, and is not intended to, and will not, confer rights or benefits upon any other shareholder or creditor of the Company or upon any other person or entity. No one other than the Shareholder Group is authorized to rely upon this engagement of Stifel Nicolaus or any statements, conduct or advice of Stifel Nicolaus, and no one other than the Shareholder Group is intended to be a beneficiary of this engagement. All opinions, advice or other assistance (whether written or oral) given by Stifel Nicolaus in connection with this engagement are intended solely for the benefit and use of the Shareholder Group and will be treated by the Shareholder Group as confidential, and no opinion, advice or other assistance of Stifel Nicolaus shall be used for any other purpose or reproduced, disseminated, quoted or referred to at any time, in any manner or for any purpose, nor shall any public or other references to Stifel Nicolaus (or to such opinions, advice or other assistance) be made without the express prior written consent of Stifel Nicolaus.

 

 
 

 

C. The Shareholder Group agrees that, following the closing or consummation of a Share Sale, Stifel Nicolaus has the right to place an announcement on its website and/or advertisements in financial and other newspapers and journals at its own expense, describing its services to the Shareholder Group and a general description of the Share Sale. Any reference to the Shareholder Group or any member thereof in such announcement and/or advertisement is subject to the written approval of the Shareholder Group or the member, respectively, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. In addition, the Shareholder Group agrees to include in any press release or public announcement announcing a Share Sale a reference to Stifel Nicolaus’ role as exclusive financial advisor to the Shareholder Group with respect to such Share Sale , provided that the Shareholder Group will submit a copy of any such press release or public announcement to Stifel Nicolaus for its prior approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

D. The Shareholder Group represents and warrants that there are no brokers, representatives or other persons that have an interest in any compensation due to Stifel Nicolaus from any transaction contemplated herein. The Shareholder Group acknowledges and agrees that Stifel Nicolaus is a full-service securities firm which may be engaged at various times, either directly or through its affiliates, in various activities including, without limitation, securities trading, investment management, financing and brokerage activities and financial advisory services for companies, governments and individuals. In the ordinary course of these activities, which may conflict with the interests of the Shareholder Group and the Company, Stifel Nicolaus and its affiliates from time-to-time may effect transactions for its own account or the accounts of its customers and hold long or short positions in debt or equity securities or other financial instruments (or related derivative instruments) of the Company or other parties which may be the subject of this engagement or any transaction contemplated hereby. Stifel Nicolaus will not accept any fee or engagement to represent, advise, or provide services to any party in connection with that party’s purchase or prospective purchase of the ADS Shares. Stifel Nicolaus may be engaged subsequent to completion of all Share Sales pursuant to this Agreement by the potential purchaser(s) of the Shareholder Group’s ADS Shares in the Company as such purchaser(s)’s financial advisor or investment banker in connection with the potential acquisition of the Company or its assets, businesses or securities, which the Shareholder Group acknowledges shall not constitute a conflict of interest.

 

E. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Shareholder Group and Stifel Nicolaus and the other Indemnified Persons and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives, and no other person shall acquire or have any right by virtue of this Agreement. The Shareholder Group and Stifel Nicolaus acknowledge and agree that Stifel Nicolaus is acting as an independent contractor, and is not a fiduciary of, nor will its engagement hereunder give rise to fiduciary duties to, the Company, the Shareholder Group or the Company’s other shareholders. Stifel Nicolaus further acknowledges and agrees that any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement in connection with an individual member of the Shareholder Group (including Attachment A hereto) is made by that individual member only, and Stifel Nicolaus may pursue any claims, rights or actions relating thereto against that member only. Stifel Nicolaus further acknowledges that, with respect to any claims, rights, or actions it may pursue relating to any representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements made by the Shareholder Group collectively, each member of the Shareholder Group’s liability is limited to that percentage of the total liability that equals the member’s percentage ownership of the ADS Shares owned by the Shareholder Group at the time the conduct giving rise to the liability occurred. This Agreement represents the entire understanding among the Shareholder Group and Stifel Nicolaus with respect to the Share Sales, Sale of the Company and Stifel Nicolaus’ engagement hereunder, and all prior discussions are merged herein. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including fax or electronic counterparts), all of which together will be considered a single instrument. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO SUCH STATE’S PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS, AND MAY BE AMENDED, MODIFIED OR SUPPLEMENTED ONLY BY WRITTEN INSTRUMENT EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO.

 

 
 

 

F. It is understood that Stifel Nicolaus’ obligation under this Agreement is to use its commercially reasonable efforts throughout the period for which it acts as the Shareholder Group’s exclusive agent as described herein. Stifel Nicolaus’ engagement is not intended to provide the Shareholder Group or any other person or entity with any assurances that any Share Sale, Sale of the Company or other transaction will be consummated, and in no event will Stifel Nicolaus be obligated to purchase ADS Shares or any other securities for its own account or the accounts of its customers.

 

G. The parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction of and venue in the federal courts located in the City of New York, New York in connection with any dispute related to this Agreement, any transaction contemplated hereby, or any other matter contemplated hereby. If for any reason jurisdiction and/or venue is unavailable in such federal courts, then the parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction of and venue in the state courts located in such city in connection with any such dispute or matter. In addition, the parties hereby waive any right to a trial by jury with respect to any such dispute or matter.

 

 
 

 

If the foregoing correctly sets forth the entire understanding and agreement among Stifel Nicolaus and the Shareholder Group, please so indicate in the space provided for that purpose below and return an executed copy to us, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement as of the date first above written.

 

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

 

By: /s/ Meredith Ruble                              

Meredith Ruble

Managing Director

  

AGREED:

 

New Vernon Aegir Master Fund Ltd.

By: New Vernon Partners LLC

 

/s/ Trent Stedman                                  

Trent Stedman

 

 

Trent Stedman

 

 

/s/ Trent Stedman                                  

Trent Stedman

 

 

Thomas Patrick

 

 

/s/ Trent Stedman                                  

Name: Trent Stedman, Authorized Signatory for Thomas Patrick

 

 

 

Lake Union Capital Fund, LP

By: Lake Union Capital Management, LLC

 

 

/s/ Michael Self                                      

Name: Michael Self

Title: General Partner

 

 
 

 

Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund, L.P.

By: Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC

 

 

 

/s/ Alexander B. Washburn                  

Name: Alexander B. Washburn

Title: Managing Member of Columbia Pacific Advisors, LLC