0000903423-16-000986.txt : 20160426 0000903423-16-000986.hdr.sgml : 20160426 20160426164428 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000903423-16-000986 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20160426 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20160426 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000850261 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-COMMERCIAL PHYSICAL & BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH [8731] IRS NUMBER: 330344842 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-82540 FILM NUMBER: 161592477 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9380 JUDICIAL DRIVE CITY: SAN DIEGO STATE: CA ZIP: 92121 BUSINESS PHONE: 858-210-3700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9380 JUDICIAL DRIVE CITY: SAN DIEGO STATE: CA ZIP: 92121 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: QUIKBYTE SOFTWARE INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Wildcat Capital Management, LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001582384 IRS NUMBER: 453715536 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1213 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 888 SEVENTH AVENUE CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10106 BUSINESS PHONE: 212-468-5100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 888 SEVENTH AVENUE CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10106 SC 13D/A 1 wildcat13da1.htm

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 13D
(Rule 13d-101)

(Amendment No. 1)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO 240.13d-2(a)

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
(Name of Issuer)
 
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)
 
83587F202
(CUSIP Number)
 

Leonard A. Potter

President and Managing Member

Wildcat Capital Management, LLC

888 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10106

(212) 468-5100

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person

Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

 
April 25, 2016
(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 of §§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 §240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

(Continued on following pages)

(Page 1 of 13 Pages)

______________________

* 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 (however, see the Notes).

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 2 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Wildcat Capital Management, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

OO (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

2,499,936 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

2,499,936 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

2,499,936 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

6.5% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

OO

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock (as defined herein) outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 15, 2016.

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 3 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Wildcat – Liquid Alpha, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

WC (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

184,000 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

184,000 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

184,000 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

0.5% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

OO

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.
 
 

 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 4 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

OO (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

0.3% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

OO

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.
 
 

 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 5 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Infinity Q Management Equity, LLC

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

OO (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

0.3% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

OO

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.
 
 

 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 6 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Infinity Q Diversified Alpha Fund

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

WC (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Delaware

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

0.3% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

OO

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.

 

 

 
 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 7 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Bonderman Family Limited Partnership

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

WC (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

Texas

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

2,623,533 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

2,623,533 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

2,623,533 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

6.8% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

PN

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.
 
 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 8 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

Leonard A. Potter

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

OO (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

United States

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

2,623,533 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

2,623,533 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

2,623,533 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

6.8% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.
 
 

 

 

CUSIP No. 83587F202 13D Page 9 of 13 Pages

 

1

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

James Velissaris

2

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP

(see instructions)

(a) o

(b) o

   
3  SEC USE ONLY
4

SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)

OO (See Item 3)

5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)   o
6

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

United States

 

 

 

NUMBER OF SHARES

BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING

PERSON WITH

 

7

SOLE VOTING POWER

-0-

8

SHARED VOTING POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

9

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

-0-

10

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

11

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

123,597 (See Items 3, 4 and 5)

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

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 11

0.3% (See Item 5)*

14

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON

IN

             
*The calculation assumes that there are a total of 38,365,767 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 10, 2016, as set forth in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.
 
 

 

This Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) amends and supplements the Schedule 13D filed on April 18, 2016 (the “Original Schedule 13D” and, as further amended and supplemented by this Amendment, the “Schedule 13D”) by Wildcat Capital Management, LLC, Wildcat – Liquid Alpha, LLC, Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC, Infinity Q Management Equity, LLC, Infinity Q Diversified Alpha Fund, Bonderman Family Limited Partnership, Leonard A. Potter and James Velissaris with respect to the Common Stock of the Issuer. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the same meanings ascribed to them in the Original Schedule 13D.

 

Item 4.  Purpose of Transaction

This Amendment amends and restates the third paragraph of Item 4 of the Original Schedule 13D in its entirety as set forth below:

 

“On April 11, 2016, WLA submitted a 220 Letter which highlighted serious concerns regarding the Transactions and demanding the right to inspect certain books and records of the Issuer relating to the Transactions. A copy of the demand letter is attached as Exhibit 2. On April 18, 2016, the Issuer responded through its counsel to WLA’s demand by sending a letter to counsel for WLA, in which the Issuer rejected outright WLA’s demand and refused to produce any documents responsive to the demand. WLA believes the Issuer’s assertions for rejecting outright WLA’s demand and refusing to produce any documents responsive to the demand are without merit and believes the Issuer should provide its shareholders with sufficient information by which to determine, among other things: (i) the likelihood that the Transactions actually close and the specifics of any condition that may cause the Transactions not to close; (ii) the actual number of shares of Common Stock that may be acquired; (iii) the Transactions’ dilutive effect on the Issuer’s existing shareholders; (iv) any other relationship or agreements between any of the Investors and the Issuer; (v) the relationship, if any, between the Investors or any agreements amongst the Investors with respect to the Issuer; (vi) the governance rights of any Investor or the Investors collectively; (vii) whether a vote by the Issuer’s shareholders is required to approve the Transactions; (viii) whether the Transactions constitute a “change of control” under applicable regulations and law, including, without limitation, pursuant to Rule 5635 of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules (the “NASDAQ Rules”); and (ix) whether the board of directors of the Issuer complied with its fiduciary duties, as applicable to the Transactions, under Delaware law.

 

Accordingly, on April 25, 2016, WLA filed a verified complaint for the inspection of books and records (the “Complaint”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware seeking an order compelling the Issuer to provide WLA certain books and records of the Issuer for inspection and copying pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. A copy of the Complaint is attached as Exhibit 3. As noted above, Wildcat is investigating whether the Transactions may require shareholder approval under the NASDAQ Rules, and has raised, or may raise, its concerns with management or directors of the Issuer, other shareholders and regulators.”

 

Item 7. Material to Be Filed as Exhibits

This Amendment amends and restates Item 7 of the Original Schedule 13D in its entirety as set forth below:

1.Agreement of Joint Filing as required by Rule 13d-1(k)(1) under the Act.
2.Demand for Inspection of Books and Records, dated April 11, 2016.
3.Verified Complaint for Inspection of Books and Records filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware on April 25, 2016.

Page 10 of 13 Pages

 
 

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: April 26, 2016

 

 

Wildcat Capital Management, LLC

   
  By:   /s/ Leonard A. Potter   
  Name:  Leonard A. Potter
Title: President
 

 

 

 

Wildcat – Liquid Alpha, LLC

   
  By:   /s/ Clive Bode           
  Name:  Clive Bode
Title: President

 

 

 

Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC

   
  By:   /s/ Leonard A. Potter   
  Name:  Leonard A. Potter
Title: Chief Executive Officer
 

 

 

 

Infinity Q Management Equity, LLC

   
  By:   /s/ James Velissaris           
  Name: James Velissaris
Title: Sole Manager

 

 

 

Infinity Q Diversified Alpha Fund

   
 

By: Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC

   
  By:   /s/ Leonard A. Potter   
  Name:  Leonard A. Potter
Title: Chief Executive Officer
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 11 of 13 Pages

 
 

 

 

Bonderman Family Limited Partnership

   
  By:   /s/ Clive Bode  
  Name: Clive Bode
Title: President
 

 

 

 

 

Leonard A. Potter

   
  By:   /s/ Leonard A. Potter   
  Name:  Leonard A. Potter

 

 

James Velissaris

   
  By:   /s/ James Velissaris  
  Name:  James Velissaris
 

 

 




Page 12 of 13 Pages

 
 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

1.Agreement of Joint Filing as required by Rule 13d-1(k)(1) under the Act.*
2.Demand for Inspection of Books and Records, dated April 11, 2016.**
3.Verified Complaint for Inspection of Books and Records filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware on April 25, 2016.

 

 

 

 

_________________

*Incorporated herein by reference to the Agreement of Joint Filing by and among Wildcat Capital Management, LLC, Wildcat – Liquid Alpha, LLC, Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC, Infinity Q Management Equity, LLC, Infinity Q Diversified Alpha Fund, Bonderman Family Limited Partnership, Leonard A. Potter and James Velissaris, dated as of April 18, 2016, which was previously filed with the SEC as Exhibit 1 to Schedule 13G filed by Wildcat Capital Management, LLC, Wildcat – Liquid Alpha, LLC, Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC, Infinity Q Management Equity, LLC, Infinity Q Diversified Alpha Fund, Bonderman Family Limited Partnership, Leonard A. Potter and James Velissaris, on April 18, 2016.

**Incorporated herein by reference to Demand for Inspection of Books and Records, dated April 11, 2016, which was previously filed with the SEC as Exhibit 2 to Schedule 13D filed by Wildcat Capital Management, LLC, Wildcat – Liquid Alpha, LLC, Infinity Q Capital Management, LLC, Infinity Q Management Equity, LLC, Infinity Q Diversified Alpha Fund, Bonderman Family Limited Partnership, Leonard A. Potter and James Velissaris, on April 18, 2016.

 

 

 

Page 13 of 13 Pages

EX-3 2 exhibit3_0425.htm IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

Exhibit 3

 

 

IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

 

Wildcat Liquid Alpha, LLC,

Plaintiff,

v.

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.,

Defendant.

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

 

 

C.A. No. _____________

 

VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR

INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS

Plaintiff Wildcat Liquid Alpha, LLC (“WLA”), by and through its undersigned counsel, upon knowledge as to itself and upon information and belief as to all other matters, allege for its complaint as follows:

Nature of the Action

1.                 This is an action pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Section 220”) seeking an order compelling defendant, Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (“Sorrento” or the “Company”), to provide Plaintiff certain books and records of the Company for inspection and copying.

JURISDICTION

2.                 This Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine this action pursuant to 8 DEL. C. § 220.

 
 

The Parties

3.                 Plaintiff WLA is a shareholder of common stock of the Company.

4.                 Defendant Sorrento is a Delaware Corporation, whose registered agent is the Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

FACTS

                        I.                  The Company Announces the Transactions

5.                 On April 5, 2016, the Company filed a Form 8-K announcing that it had entered into contemporaneous purchase agreements with two investor groups (the “Investors”) whereby such Investors would invest up to approximately $150 million in separate private placements in newly issued common stock at $5.55 per share, and receive warrants to purchase common stock with an exercise price of $8.50 per share (collectively, the “Transactions”). Attached hereto as Exhibit 1 is a true and correct copy of the Company’s April 5, 2016 Form 8-K.

6.                 The first investor group includes ABG SRNE Limited and Ally Bridge LB Healthcare Master Fund Limited (collectively, “Ally Bridge”), and the second investor group includes Yuhan Corporation, Beijing Shijilongxin Investment Co., Ltd., and FREJOY Investment Management Co., Ltd. (collectively, “Yuhan”).

 2 

 

7.                 In its March 14, 2016 Form 10-K, the Company reported that, as of March 10, 2016, it had 38,365,767 shares of common stock outstanding. Attached hereto as Exhibit 2 is a true and correct copy of the Company’s March 14, 2016 Form 10-K.

8.                 According to its public disclosures, if the Company issues all of the shares contemplated by the Transactions, it will issue 32,317,966 shares of common stock to the Investors, representing over 45% of the Company’s outstanding shares post-Transactions based on 38,365,767 shares of common stock outstanding.

                     II.                   The Company’s Shareholders Have Been Provided

With No Information Concerning the Transactions

 

9.                 Other than the sparse and incomplete disclosures in the Company’s April 4, 2016 press release and its April 5, 2016 Form 8-K announcing the Transactions, the Company’s shareholders have been provided with no information concerning the Transactions.

10.            The Company states that the closing of the Transactions is subject to customary closing conditions and the completion of due diligence by the Investors, but has not provided any information about the specific closing conditions, the rights of Ally Bridge or the other Investors to acquire less than the maximum number of shares, or the “listing requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC” to which the Company maintains the Transactions are subject.

 3 

 

11.            Further, according to the Company’s April 5, 2016 Form 8-K, the Company anticipates closing the Transactions by the end of May 2016, but does not intend to publicly file the Transactions’ documents, including the applicable purchase agreements and warrants, until roughly a month later, when the Company files its Form 10-Q on or about June 30, 2016.

12.            Accordingly, based on the Company’s statements and filings, the Company’s shareholders have not been, and will not be, provided with sufficient information by which to determine, among other things: (i) the likelihood that the Transactions actually close and the specifics of any condition that may cause the Transactions not to close; (ii) the actual number of shares of common stock that may be acquired (in the case of Ally Bridge, the Company’s filing states that “up to” $50 million of shares may be sold); (iii) the Transactions’ dilutive effect on the Company’s existing shareholders; (iv) any other relationship or agreements between any of the Investors and the Company (e.g., a recently reported joint venture agreement between Yuhan and the Company pursuant to which Yuhan will contribute additional capital); (v) the relationship, if any, between the Investors or any agreements amongst the Investors with respect to the Company; (vi) the governance rights of any Investor or the Investors collectively; (vii) whether a vote by the Company’s shareholders is required to approve the Transactions; (viii) whether the Transactions constitute a “change of control” under applicable

 4 

 

regulations and law, including, without limitation, pursuant to Rule 5635 of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules (the “NASDAQ Rules”); and (ix) whether the board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) complied with its fiduciary duties, as applicable to the Transactions, under Delaware law.

13.            These unresolved and unaddressed matters raise serious concerns about the validity and viability of the announced Transactions.

                 III.                   WLA’s Demand for Inspection of Books and Records

14.            For the purpose of investigating potential waste, mismanagement, and breaches of fiduciary duty in connection with the Transactions (including, without limitation, the significant concerns described above, supra Section II) -- and particularly the possibility that the Transactions constitute a “change of control” under NASDAQ Rules, such that closing the Transactions without a shareholder vote could violate those rules, and expose the Company to the range of serious consequences provided for by those rules -- and because of the lack of information the Company has provided to its shareholders concerning the Transactions, on April 12, 2016, Plaintiff caused to be delivered to the Company at the office of its registered agent, a letter demanding inspection of certain books and records of the Company pursuant to Section 220 (the “Demand”). Attached hereto as Exhibit 3 is a true and correct copy of the Demand.

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15.            In its Demand, WLA demanded the right (in person or by its attorneys), during normal business hours, to inspect the following books and records and other documents of the Company (collectively, “Books and Records”) and to make copies or extracts therefrom: (i) all documents and agreements concerning the Transactions, including but not limited to the applicable purchase agreements, warrants, and other associated transactional documents; (ii) all documents and other materials presented to the Company’s Board of Directors or any committee thereof concerning the Transactions; (iii) all minutes of any Board of Directors meetings, as well as any meetings of any regular or special committee, concerning the Transactions; (iv) all agreements between or among any of the Investors, and/or the Company, concerning the Transactions or related arrangements, agreements, or understanding; (v) all documents communicating, reflecting, or analyzing any competing offers or alternative proposals to the Transactions presented to the Board of Directors or its advisors, whether or not such offers or proposals were actually considered by the Board of Directors; (vi) any analysis or presentations by a financial advisor in connection with the Transactions or any competing offers or alternative proposals to the Transactions; and (vii) any correspondence with NASDAQ concerning the Transactions.

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                 IV.                   The Company’s Response to WLA’s Demand

16.            On April 18, 2016, the Company responded through its counsel to WLA’s Demand by sending a letter to counsel for WLA (the “Response”). Attached hereto as Exhibit 4 is a true and correct copy of the Response.

17.            In the Response, the Company rejected outright WLA’s Demand and refused to produce any documents responsive to the Demand.

18.            The Company’s assertions for rejecting outright WLA’s Demand and refusing to produce any documents responsive to the Demand are without merit.

COUNT I

Inspection of Sorrento’s Books and Records
Pursuant to 8 DEL. C. § 220

 

19.            Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each of the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.

20.            Plaintiff is a shareholder of common stock of the Company.

21.            As a shareholder, Plaintiff is entitled to inspect the Books and Records of the Company pursuant to Section 220.

22.            Plaintiff fully complied with the provisions of Section 220 regarding the form and manner for making the Demand, and delivered the Demand to the Company’s registered agent in the State of Delaware.

23.            Plaintiff’s stated purpose in the Demand is proper under Delaware law and is directly related to its interest as a shareholder of the Company.

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24.            Plaintiff’s specific requests for the Books and Records are narrowly tailored to serve the Demand’s stated purpose, and are necessary and essential to fulfill that purpose.

25.            The Company has failed to permit the demanded inspection in response to the Demand and has no legitimate basis under Section 220 to refuse to permit the demanded inspection.

26.            It has been more than five (5) days since Plaintiff served the Demand on the Company and the Company has failed to permit the demanded inspection.

27.            Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.

28.            By reason of the foregoing, Plaintiff is entitled to an Order compelling the inspection and copying of all the Books and Records requested in the Demand.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court enter an Order pursuant to Section 220:

                                           i.                        Summarily directing the Company, its officers, directors, agents and employees forthwith to permit Plaintiff to inspect and to make copies of all the Books and Records sought in the Demand;

                                         ii.                        Awarding costs and expenses incurred by Plaintiff in connection with this action; and

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                                      iii.                        Granting such further relief as this Court shall deem appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OF COUNSEL:

 

Marc E. Kasowitz

Albert S. Mishaan

Jed I. Bergman

Kasowitz, benson, torres & friedman llp

1633 Broadway

New York, New York 10019

(212) 506-1700

 

April 25, 2016

MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT

& TUNNELL LLP

 

 

/s/ William M. Lafferty

William M. Lafferty (#2755)

Kevin M. Coen (#4775)

Thomas P. Will (#6086)

1201 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19889

(302) 658-9200

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff

Wildcat Liquid Alpha, LLC

 

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