S-3ASR 1 tv510836_s-3asr.htm S-3ASR

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 18, 2019

Registration No. 333-

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

GW PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

England and Wales Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

Sovereign House, Vision Park, Histon

Cambridge, CB24 9BZ

United Kingdom

+44 1223 266 800

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Greenwich Biosciences, Inc.

5750 Fleet Street, Suite 200

Carlsbad, California, 92008

(760) 795-2200 

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

Please send copies of all communications to:

 

David S. Bakst, Esq.

Mayer Brown LLP

1221 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020-1001

Telephone: (212) 506-2500

Facsimile: (212) 262-1910

 

Justin D. Gover, Chief Executive Officer

Scott Giacobello, Chief Financial Officer

GW Pharmaceuticals plc

c/o Greenwich Biosciences, Inc.

5750 Fleet Street, Suite 200

Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 795-2200

 

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: ¨

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
  Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
  Amount to be
Registered (1)(2)
  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per
Share(1)(2)
  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price (1)(2)
  Amount of
Registration Fee (3)
Ordinary shares, par value £0.001 per share(4)        
Debt Securities        
Warrants(5)        

 

 

(1)There are being registered hereunder such indeterminate number or amount of ordinary shares, debt securities or warrants as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices in offerings or upon exercise of warrants or conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities being registered hereunder. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of securities as may be issuable with respect to the securities being registered hereunder as a result of share splits, share dividends or similar transactions.

 

(2)Not applicable pursuant to Form S-3 General Instruction II.E.

 

(3)In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee. Any registration fees will be paid subsequently on a pay-as-you-go basis in accordance with Rule 457(r).

 

(4)These ordinary shares are represented by the Registrant’s American depositary shares, each of which represents 12 ordinary shares of the Registrant. Such American depositary shares issuable on deposit of the ordinary shares registered hereby have been registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (File No.: 333-187978).

 

(5)There are being registered hereby such indeterminate number of warrants as may be issued at indeterminate prices. Such warrants may be issued together with any of the other securities registered hereby. Warrants may be exercised to purchase any of the other securities registered hereby.

 

 

 

   

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

 

 

GW Pharmaceuticals plc

(Incorporated in England and Wales)

 

American Depositary Shares

Representing Ordinary Shares

 

Debt Securities

 

Warrants 

 

 

 

We may offer from time to time the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in any combination, in one or more offerings at prices and on terms that will be determined at the time of the offering.

 

We may offer and sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus.

 

This prospectus relates to the proposed sale from time to time by us or any selling shareholder of our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs. Each ADS represents 12 ordinary shares, par value £0.001 per share, or ordinary shares. We will not receive any proceeds from ADSs sold by any selling shareholder.

 

Our ADSs are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “GWPH”. On January 17, 2019, the last reported sale price of our ADSs was $134.50 per ADS. We will provide information in any applicable prospectus supplement regarding any listing of securities other than our ADSs on any securities exchange.

 

This prospectus describes the general terms of the securities we may offer and the general manner in which we may offer these securities. We will provide the specific terms of any offering of securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. Such prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with the documents we incorporate by reference, before you invest.

 

This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6 of this prospectus, as well as other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement before deciding to invest in these securities.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is January 18, 2019.

 

   

 

 

Table of Contents

 

  Page
   
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 1
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE 2
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 4
RISK FACTORS 6
USE OF PROCEEDS 6
SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS 6
DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES 7
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES 16
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 22
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 23
LEGAL MATTERS 25
EXPERTS 25
SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS 25

 

 -i- 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus relates to the sale of our ordinary shares in the form of ADSs, debt securities and warrants, either individually or in any combination.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using a “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf process, we or certain of our shareholders may sell the securities described in this prospectus from time to time in the future in one or more offerings.

 

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we or any selling shareholder may offer. Each time we or a selling shareholder offers securities pursuant to this prospectus, we will provide prospective investors with a supplement to this prospectus that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Accordingly, to the extent inconsistent, information in this prospectus is superseded by the information in any prospectus supplement. You should carefully read both this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, together with the information incorporated by reference and any other offering materials. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Information by Reference.”

 

In this prospectus, “GW Pharma,” the “Group,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to GW Pharmaceuticals plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires. All references in this prospectus to “$” are to U.S. dollars, all references to “£” are to pounds sterling and all references to “€” are to Euros. Epidiolex® and Sativex® are registered trademarks of GW Pharmaceuticals plc.

 

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us to which we have referred you. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. We take no responsibility for, and provide no assurances as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you.

 

You should assume that the information in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement, any document incorporated by reference herein or therein, and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us to which we have referred you is accurate only as of the respective date on the front of the applicable document, regardless of the time of delivery. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

We are not making an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities described herein in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not permitted or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed a registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, covering the securities offered hereby. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement. You are referred to the registration statement and the included exhibits for further information. This prospectus is qualified in its entirety by such other information.

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act) and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We also make available free of charge on our corporate website at www.gwpharm.com (in the “Investors” section) copies of materials we file with, or furnish to, the SEC. By referring to our corporate website, www.gwpharm.com, we do not incorporate any such website or its contents into this prospectus.

 

Our ADSs are quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “GWPH.” We will furnish to Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank of our ADSs, our annual and quarterly reports. When the depositary bank receives these reports, it will upon our request promptly provide them to all holders of record of ADSs or otherwise make such reports available to such ADS holders in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. We will also furnish the depositary bank with all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that we make available to our shareholders. The depositary bank will make these notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and will upon our request mail to all holders of record of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting it receives.

 

 1 

 

 

INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

The rules of the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.

 

The following documents filed with the SEC are incorporated in this prospectus by reference:

 

(1)Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2018;

 

(2)Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 1, 2018, October 5, 2018, November 26, 2018 and November 27, 2018; and

 

(3)The descriptions of our ordinary shares and ADSs contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 26, 2013, as amended on Form 8-A/A filed with the SEC on September 24, 2018 and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

 

In addition, all reports and other documents filed or submitted by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, unless otherwise stated therein) subsequent to the date hereof and prior to the termination of an offering pursuant to this prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be part of this prospectus from the date of filing or submission of such reports and documents.

 

You may also obtain copies of these documents free of charge by contacting us at the following address or telephone number set forth below:

 

GW Pharmaceuticals plc

Sovereign House, Vision Park, Histon

Cambridge, CB24 9BZ

United Kingdom

+44 1223 266800

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

Company Overview

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapeutics from our proprietary cannabinoid product platform in a broad range of disease areas. Our lead cannabinoid product is Epidiolex oral solution CV, a pharmaceutical formulation of cannabidiol (CBD), for which we retain global commercial rights. Epidiolex was approved by the FDA on June 25, 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or LGS, or Dravet syndrome, in patients two years of age and older. LGS and Dravet syndrome are severe childhood-onset, drug-resistant epilepsy syndromes. On September 28, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) placed Epidiolex in Schedule V, the lowest restriction classification. Epidiolex became commercially available in the U.S. on November 1, 2018. We have received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for Epidiolex for LGS, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We also received Orphan Designation from the EMA’s Committee for Orphan Medical Products (COMP) for Epidiolex for Dravet syndrome, LGS, and TSC. We continue to develop Epidiolex for additional indications, including the treatment of seizures associated with TSC and plan to commence a pivotal trial in the treatment of Rett syndrome. Previously, we developed the world’s first plant-derived cannabinoid prescription drug, Sativex (nabiximols), which is approved for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis in numerous countries outside the U.S.

 

We have a deep pipeline of additional cannabinoid product candidates focusing primarily on orphan childhood-onset neurologic conditions and oncology. Our pipeline includes research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Rett syndrome using both CBD and cannabidivarin (CBDV). We reported positive Phase 2 data for our CBD:THC product in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. We have also reported positive Phase 2 data in schizophrenia. In addition, we have received Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA for intravenous CBD for the treatment of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (NHIE), for which a Phase 1 trial has been completed.

 

Corporate Information

 

Our registered and principal executive offices are located at Sovereign House, Vision Park, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9BZ, United Kingdom, our general telephone number is +44 1223 266 800 and our internet address is http://www.gwpharm.com. Our website and the information contained on or accessible through our website are not part of this document. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Greenwich Biosciences, Inc., 5750 Fleet Street, Suite 200, Carlsbad, California, 92008. Since May 1, 2013, our ADSs, which represent 12 ordinary shares each, have been listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “GWPH.”

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and any related prospectus supplement, contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference herein and any related prospectus supplement, are forward-looking statements.

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause our actual results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, opportunities, achievements or industry results, as well as those of the markets we serve or intend to serve, to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding our present and future business strategies and the environment in which we expect to operate in the future. Important factors that could cause those differences include, but are not limited to:

 

·the inherent uncertainty of product development;
·successful commercialization and marketing of Epidiolex and market acceptance of Epidiolex;
·our and our contract manufacturers’ ability to successfully manufacture commercial quantities of our products in compliance with regulatory requirements;
·our ability to establish and maintain commercialization organizations in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere;
·our ability to submit and maintain Investigational New Drug applications, or INDs, and New Drug Applications, or NDAs, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and comparable filings outside of the U.S.;
·our ability to successfully design, commence and complete clinical trials;
·our ability to receive and maintain regulatory exclusivities, including Orphan Drug Designations for our drugs and our drug candidates;
·patents, including, but not limited to, our ability to have patents issued covering our drugs, drug candidates and processes, as well as oppositions and legal challenges;
·government regulation and approvals;
·future revenue being lower than expected;
·the level of pricing and reimbursement for our products and product candidates, if approved;
·increasing competitive pressures in our industry;
·general economic conditions or conditions affecting demand for the products offered by us in the markets in which we operate, both domestically and internationally, being less favorable than expected;
·currency fluctuations and hedging risks;
·worldwide economic and business conditions and conditions in the industry in which we operate;
·our relationships with our customers and suppliers;
·increased competition from other companies in the industry in which we operate;
·changing technology;
·our ability to manage and maintain our applications and data systems from security breaches and data loss;
·claims for personal injury or death arising from the use of products and product candidates produced by us;
·the occurrence of accidents or other interruptions to our production processes;
·changes in our business strategy or development plans, and our expected level of capital expenses;
·our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including with respect to the commercialization of Epidiolex;

 

 4 

 

 

·regulatory, environmental, legislative and judicial developments;
·our intention not to pay dividends; and
·factors that are not known to us at this time.

 

Additional factors that could cause actual results, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, opportunities, achievements or industry results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Risk Factors” or elsewhere in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference herein and in our other filings with the SEC. Additional risks that we may currently deem immaterial or that are not presently known to us could also cause the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus not to occur. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect” and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. Estimates and forward-looking statements speak only at the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update or to review any estimate and/or forward-looking statement because of new information, future events or other factors. Estimates and forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Our future results may differ materially from those expressed in these estimates and forward-looking statements. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the estimates and forward-looking statements discussed in this prospectus might not occur, and our future results and our performance may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to, inclusive of, but not limited to, the factors mentioned above. Because of these uncertainties, you should not make any investment decision based on these estimates and forward-looking statements.

 

 5 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to purchase our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors incorporated by reference from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other information contained in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement, as updated by those subsequent filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act that are incorporated herein by reference. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and cause the value of our securities to decline, in which case you may lose all or part of your investment. For more information see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Information by Reference.”

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we currently intend to use the net proceeds of any offering of securities for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Accordingly, we will have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. We may provide additional information on the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities in an applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offered securities. Unless otherwise indicated in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of ADSs by any selling shareholder.

 

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Information about selling security holders, where applicable, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in a post-effective amendment, or in filings we make with the SEC which are incorporated into this prospectus by reference.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

Citibank, N.A. has agreed to act as the depositary bank for the American Depositary Shares. Citibank’s depositary offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. American Depositary Shares are frequently referred to as “ADSs” and represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with the depositary bank. ADSs may be represented by certificates that are commonly known as “American Depositary Receipts” or “ADRs.” The depositary bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Citibank, N.A. London Branch, located at Citigroup Centre, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB, England.

 

We have appointed Citibank as depositary bank pursuant to a deposit agreement. A copy of the form of deposit agreement is on file with the SEC under cover of a Registration Statement on Form F-6 (Registration Number 333-187978).

 

We are providing you with a summary description of the material terms of the ADSs and of your material rights as an owner of ADSs. Please remember that summaries by their nature lack the precision of the information summarized and that the rights and obligations of an owner of ADSs will be determined by reference to the terms of the deposit agreement and not by this summary. We urge you to review the deposit agreement in its entirety. The portions of this summary description that are italicized describe matters that may be relevant to the ownership of ADSs but that may not be contained in the deposit agreement.

 

Each ADS represents the right to receive 12 ordinary shares, each of which is frequently referred to as a “Share” or collectively, as “Shares”, on deposit with the custodian. An ADS also represents the right to receive any other property received by the depositary bank or the custodian on behalf of the owner of the ADS but that has not been distributed to the owners of ADSs because of legal restrictions or practical considerations. The custodian, the depositary bank and their respective nominees will hold all deposited property for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of ADSs. The deposited property does not constitute the proprietary assets of the depositary bank, the custodian or their nominees. Beneficial ownership in the deposited property will under the terms of the deposit agreement be vested in the beneficial owners of the ADSs. The depositary bank, the custodian and their respective nominees will be the record holders of the deposited property represented by the ADSs for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of the corresponding ADSs. Owners of ADSs will be able to exercise beneficial ownership interests in the deposited property only through the registered holders of the ADSs, by the registered holders of the ADSs (on behalf of the applicable ADS owners) only through the depositary bank, and by the depositary bank (on behalf of the owners of the corresponding ADSs) directly, or indirectly through the custodian or their respective nominees, in each case upon the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

If you become an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the deposit agreement and therefore will be bound to its terms and to the terms of any ADR that represents your ADSs. The deposit agreement and the ADR specify our rights and obligations as well as your rights and obligations as owner of ADSs and those of the depositary bank. As an ADS holder, you appoint the depositary bank to act on your behalf in certain circumstances. The deposit agreement and the ADRs are governed by New York law. However, our obligations to the holders of Shares will continue to be governed by the laws of England and Wales, which may be different from the laws in the United States.

 

In addition, applicable laws and regulations may require you to satisfy reporting requirements and obtain regulatory approvals in certain circumstances. You are solely responsible for complying with such reporting requirements and obtaining such approvals. Neither the depositary bank, the custodian, us nor any of their or our respective agents or affiliates shall be required to take any actions whatsoever on your behalf to satisfy such reporting requirements or obtain such regulatory approvals under applicable laws and regulations.

 

As an owner of ADSs, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have direct shareholder rights. The depositary bank will hold on your behalf the shareholder rights attached to the Shares underlying your ADSs. As an owner of ADSs you will be able to exercise the shareholders rights for the Shares represented by your ADSs through the depositary bank only to the extent contemplated in the deposit agreement. To exercise any shareholder rights not contemplated in the deposit agreement you will, as an ADS owner, need to arrange for the cancellation of your ADSs and become a direct shareholder.

 

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As an owner of ADSs, you may hold your ADSs either by means of an ADR registered in your name, through a brokerage or safekeeping account, or through an account established by the depositary bank in your name reflecting the registration of uncertificated ADSs directly on the books of the depositary bank (commonly referred to as the “direct registration system” or “DRS”). The direct registration system reflects the uncertificated (book-entry) registration of ownership of ADSs by the depositary bank. Under the direct registration system, ownership of ADSs is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary bank to the holders of the ADSs. The direct registration system includes automated transfers between the depositary bank and The Depository Trust Company (DTC), the central book-entry clearing and settlement system for equity securities in the United States. If you decide to hold your ADSs through your brokerage or safekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as ADS owner. Banks and brokers typically hold securities such as the ADSs through clearing and settlement systems such as DTC. The procedures of such clearing and settlement systems may limit your ability to exercise your rights as an owner of ADSs. Please consult with your broker or bank if you have any questions concerning these limitations and procedures. All ADSs held through DTC will be registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. This summary description assumes you have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADS registered in your name and, as such, we will refer to you as the “holder.” When we refer to “you,” we assume the reader owns ADSs and will own ADSs at the relevant time.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

As a holder of ADSs, you generally have the right to receive the distributions we make on the securities deposited with the custodian. Your receipt of these distributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. Holders of ADSs will receive such distributions under the terms of the deposit agreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date, after deducting the applicable fees, taxes and expenses.

 

Distributions of Cash

 

Whenever we make a cash distribution for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the funds with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of the deposit of the requisite funds, the depositary bank will arrange for the funds to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to the laws and regulations of England and Wales.

 

The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The depositary bank will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect of securities on deposit.

 

The distribution of cash will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary bank will hold any cash amounts it is unable to distribute in a non-interest bearing account for the benefit of the applicable holders and beneficial owners of ADSs until the distribution can be effected or the funds that the depositary bank holds must be escheated as unclaimed property in accordance with the laws of the relevant states of the United States.

 

Distributions of Shares

 

Whenever we make a free distribution of Shares for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the applicable number of Shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary bank will either distribute to holders new ADSs representing the Shares deposited or modify the ADS-to-Share ratio, in which case each ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in an integral number of the additional Shares so deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a cash distribution.

 

The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the ADS-to-Share ratio upon a distribution of Shares will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the new Shares so distributed.

 

No such distribution of new ADSs will be made if it would violate a law (i.e., the U.S. securities laws) or if it is not practicable. If the depositary bank does not distribute new ADSs as described above, it may sell the Shares received upon the terms described in the deposit agreement and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the case of a distribution of cash.

 

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Distributions of Rights

 

Whenever we intend to distribute rights to purchase additional Shares, we will give prior notice to the depositary bank and will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be made available to you. In such case, we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.

 

The depositary bank will establish procedures to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make the rights available to holders of ADSs, we indicate that we wish such rights to be made available to holders of ADSs, and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges to subscribe for the new ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary bank is not obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution and exercise by holders of rights to purchase new Shares other than in the form of ADSs.

 

The depositary bank will not distribute the rights to you if:

 

·We do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you or we request that the rights not be distributed to you; or
·We fail to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or
·It is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights.

 

The depositary bank will sell the rights that are not exercised or not distributed if such sale is lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary bank is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.

 

Elective Distributions

 

Whenever we intend to distribute a dividend payable at the election of shareholders either in cash or in additional shares, we will give prior notice thereof to the depositary bank and will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be made available to you. In such case, we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.

 

The depositary bank will make the election available to you only if it is unlawful and reasonably practicable, we indicate that we wish such election to be made available to holders of ADSs, and if we have provided all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement. In such case, the depositary bank will establish procedures to enable you to elect to receive either cash or additional ADSs, in each case as described in the deposit agreement.

 

If the election is not made available to you, you will receive either cash or additional ADSs, upon the terms described above for distributions of cash and Shares, respectively, depending on what a shareholder in England and Wales would receive upon failing to make an election, as more fully described in the deposit agreement.

 

Other Distributions

 

Whenever we intend to distribute property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, we will notify the depositary bank in advance and will indicate whether we wish such distribution to be made to you. If so, we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.

 

If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to you, we indicate that we wish such distribution to be made available to holders of ADSs, and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.

 

The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes and governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the property received.

 

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The depositary bank will not distribute the property to you and will sell the property if:

 

·We do not request that the property be distributed to you or if we ask that the property not be distributed to you; or
·We do not deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or
·The depositary bank determines that all or a portion of the distribution to you is not reasonably practicable.

 

The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution.

 

Redemption

 

Whenever we decide to redeem any of the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank in advance. If it is practicable and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will provide notice of the redemption to the holders.

 

The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price. The depositary bank will convert the redemption funds received into U.S. dollars upon the terms of the deposit agreement and will establish procedures to enable holders to receive the net proceeds from the redemption upon surrender of their ADSs to the depositary bank. You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges upon the redemption of your ADSs. If less than all ADSs are being redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as the depositary bank may determine.

 

Changes Affecting Shares

 

The Shares held on deposit for your ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, a split-up, cancellation, consolidation or reclassification of such Shares or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.

 

If any such change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent permitted by law, represent the right to receive the property received or exchanged in respect of the Shares held on deposit. The depositary bank may in such circumstances deliver new ADSs to you, amend the deposit agreement, the ADRs and the applicable Registration Statement(s) on Form F-6, call for the exchange of your existing ADSs for new ADSs and take any other actions that are appropriate to reflect as to the ADSs the change affecting the Shares. If the depositary bank may not lawfully distribute such property to you, the depositary bank may sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash distribution.

 

Issuance of ADSs upon Deposit of Shares

 

The Shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus will be deposited by us with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary bank will issue ADSs to the underwriters named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The depositary bank may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposit Shares with the custodian. The depositary bank will deliver these ADSs to the person you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the Shares to the custodian. Your ability to deposit Shares and receive ADSs may be limited by U.S., as well as English and Welsh legal considerations applicable at the time of deposit.

 

The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the Shares have been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary bank will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.

 

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When you make a deposit of Shares, you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to the depositary bank. As such, you will be deemed to represent and warrant that:

 

·The Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained.
·All preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares have been validly waived or exercised.
·You are duly authorized to deposit the Shares.
·The Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, “restricted securities” (as defined in the deposit agreement).
·The Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements.

 

If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any way, we and the depositary bank may, at your cost and expense, take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences of the misrepresentations.

 

Transfer, Combination and Split-Up of ADRs

 

As an ADR holder, you will be entitled to transfer, combine or split up your ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby. For transfers of ADRs, you will have to surrender the ADRs to be transferred to the depositary bank and also must:

 

·ensure that the surrendered ADR is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer;
·provide such proof of identity and genuineness of signatures as the depositary bank deems appropriate;
·provide any transfer stamps required by the State of New York or the United States; and
·pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon the transfer of ADRs.

 

To have your ADRs either combined or split up, you must surrender the ADRs in question to the depositary bank with your request to have them combined or split up, and you must pay all applicable fees, charges and expenses payable by ADR holders, pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon a combination or split-up of ADRs.

 

Withdrawal of Shares Upon Cancellation of ADSs

 

As a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation and then receive the corresponding number of underlying Shares at the custodian’s offices. Your ability to withdraw the Shares may be limited by U.S. and England and Wales considerations applicable at the time of withdrawal. In order to withdraw the Shares represented by your ADSs, you will be required to pay to the depositary bank the fees for cancellation of ADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the Shares being withdrawn. You assume the risk for delivery of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.

 

If you hold ADSs registered in your name, the depositary bank may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such other documents as the depositary bank may deem appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal of the Shares represented by your ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank receives satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind that the depositary bank will only accept ADSs for cancellation that represent a whole number of securities on deposit.

 

You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs at any time except for:

 

·Temporary delays that may arise because (i) the transfer books for the Shares or ADSs are closed, or (ii) Shares are immobilized on account of a shareholders’ meeting or a payment of dividends.
·Obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges.
·Restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit.

 

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·The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs except to comply with mandatory provisions of law.

 

Voting Rights

 

As a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights for the Shares represented by your ADSs. The voting rights of holders of Shares are described in “Description of Share Capital —Our Articles of Association — Shares and rights attaching to them — Voting rights.”

 

At our request, the depositary bank will distribute to you any notice of shareholders meetings received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs. The timing required by the depositary bank and set forth in the deposit agreement to establish a record date and to distribute the notice of meeting and voting materials to holders of ADSs may differ from the timelines set forth in “Description of Share Capital — Differences in Corporate Law.”

 

If the depositary bank timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities (in person or by proxy) represented by the holder’s ADSs as follows:

 

·In the event of voting by show of hands, the Depositary will vote (or cause the custodian to vote) all Shares held on deposit at that time in accordance with the voting instructions received from a majority of holders of ADSs who provide timely voting instructions.
·In the event of voting by poll, the Depositary will vote (or cause the custodian to vote) the Shares held on deposit in accordance with the voting instructions received from the holders of ADSs. Under certain limited circumstances described in the deposit agreement, a person designated by us shall be entitled to vote the Shares held on deposit for which voting instructions have not been timely received by the depositary from holders of ADSs.

 

Please note that the ability of the depositary bank to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary bank in a timely manner. Except as described in the deposit agreement, securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted.

 

Fees and Charges

 

The following table shows the fees and charges that a holder of our ADSs may have to pay, either directly or indirectly. These fees and charges are set by the Depositary and are subject to change:

 

Service   Fees
     
Issuance of ADSs   Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS issued
     
Cancellation of ADSs   Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS canceled
     
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions   Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held
     
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends, free stock distributions or exercise of rights   Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held
     
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs   Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held
     
Depositary Services   Up to U.S. 5¢ per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary bank

 

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As an ADS holder you will also be responsible for paying certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:

 

·Fees for the transfer and registration of Shares or other deposited securities, including those charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the Shares in England and Wales (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of Shares).
·Expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars.
·Expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities.
·Taxes and duties (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges, including upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when Shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit).
·Fees and expenses as are incurred by the depositary bank in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Shares, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs.
·Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of Shares and other property on deposit.

 

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary bank by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary bank to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.

 

The Depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividend, rights), the depositary bank charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary bank sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary bank generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary banks.

 

In the event of a refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.

 

Note that the fees and charges you may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary bank. You will receive prior notice of such changes.

 

The depositary bank may reimburse us for certain expenses incurred by us in respect of the ADS program established pursuant to the deposit agreement, by making available a portion of the depositary fees charged in respect of the ADS program or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as we and the depositary bank may agree from time to time.

 

Amendments and Termination

 

We may agree with the depositary bank to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give holders 30 days’ prior notice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement. We will not consider to be materially prejudicial to your substantial rights any modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for the ADSs to be registered under the Securities Act or to be eligible for book-entry settlement, in each case without imposing or increasing the fees and charges you are required to pay. In addition, we may not be able to provide you with prior notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to accommodate compliance with applicable provisions of law.

 

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You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreement become effective. The deposit agreement cannot be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the Shares represented by your ADSs (except as permitted by law).

 

We have the right to direct the depositary bank to terminate the deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary bank may in certain circumstances on its own initiative terminate the deposit agreement. In either case, the depositary bank must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination. Until termination, your rights under the deposit agreement will be unaffected.

 

After termination, the depositary bank will continue to collect distributions received (but will not distribute any such property until you request the cancellation of your ADSs) and may sell the securities held on deposit. After the sale, the depositary bank will hold the proceeds from such sale and any other funds then held for the holders of ADSs in a non-interest bearing account. At that point, the depositary bank will have no further obligations to holders other than to account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding (after deduction of applicable fees, taxes and expenses).

 

Books of Depositary

 

The depositary bank will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the ADSs and the deposit agreement.

 

The depositary bank will maintain facilities in New York to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADSs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.

 

Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities

 

The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary bank’s obligations to you. Please note the following:

 

·We and the depositary bank are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith.
·The depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is cast or for the effect of any vote, provided it acts in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement.
·The depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the content of any document forwarded to you on our behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the investment risks associated with investing in Shares, for the validity or worth of the Shares, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the timeliness of any of our notices or for our failure to give notice.
·We and the depositary bank will not be obligated to perform any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement.
·We and the depositary bank disclaim any liability if we or the depositary bank are prevented or forbidden from or subject to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the deposit agreement, by reason of any provision, present or future of any law or regulation, or by reason of present or future provision of our articles of association, or any provision of or governing the securities on deposit, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond our control.
·We and the depositary bank disclaim any liability by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the deposit agreement or in our articles of association or in any provisions of or governing the securities on deposit.
·We and the depositary bank further disclaim any liability for any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any holder of ADSs or authorized representatives thereof, or any other person believed by either of us in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.

 

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·We and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for the inability of a holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit that is made available to holders of Shares but is not, under the terms of the deposit agreement, made available to you.
·We and the depositary bank, our and its controlling persons and agents and any custodian may rely without any liability upon any written notice, request or other document believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper parties.
·We and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement.
·No disclaimer of any Securities Act liability is intended by any provision of the deposit agreement.

 

Pre-Release Transactions

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, the depositary may issue to broker/dealers ADSs before receiving a deposit of Shares or release Shares to broker/dealers before receiving ADSs for cancellation. These transactions are commonly referred to as “pre-release transactions,” and are entered into between the depositary bank and the applicable broker/dealer. The deposit agreement limits the aggregate size of pre-release transactions (not to exceed 30% of the ADSs outstanding (other than ADSs issued in pre-release transactions); provided that the depositary bank may change or disregard such limit in its discretion) and imposes a number of conditions on such transactions (e.g., the need to receive collateral, the type of collateral required, the representations required from brokers and other conditions). The depositary bank may retain the compensation received from the pre-release transactions.

 

Taxes

 

You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by the ADSs. We, the depositary bank and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.

 

The depositary bank may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver, transfer, split-up or combine ADRs or to release securities on deposit until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The depositary bank and the custodian may take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for any distributions on your behalf. However, you may be required to provide to the depositary bank and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and such other information as the depositary bank and the custodian may require to fulfill legal obligations. You are required to indemnify us, the depositary bank and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained for you.

 

Foreign Currency Conversion

 

The depositary bank will arrange for the conversion of all foreign currency received into U.S. dollars if such conversion is practical, and it will distribute the U.S. dollars in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. You may have to pay fees and expenses incurred in converting foreign currency, such as fees and expenses incurred in complying with currency exchange controls and other governmental requirements.

 

If the conversion of foreign currency is not practicable or lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period, the depositary bank may take the following actions in its discretion:

 

·Convert the foreign currency to the extent practical and lawful and distribute the U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the conversion and distribution is lawful and practical.
·Distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the distribution is lawful and practical.
·Hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the applicable holders.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

The following is a general description of the debt securities that we may offer from time to time. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by us and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions described below may apply to those securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. As you read this section, please remember that the specific terms of a debt security as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and may modify or replace the general terms described in this section. If there are any differences between the applicable prospectus supplement and this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will control. As a result, the statements we make in this section may not apply to the debt security you purchase.

 

Our debt securities, consisting of notes, debentures and other evidences of indebtedness, may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to an indenture to be entered into between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

 

Because the following is only a summary of selected provisions of the indenture and the debt securities, it does not contain all information that may be important to you. This summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the base indenture and any supplemental indentures thereto or officers’ certificate or board resolution related thereto. We urge you to read the indenture because the indenture, not this description, defines the rights of the holders of the debt securities. The indenture will be substantially in the form included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The terms of our debt securities will include those set forth in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (Trust Indenture Act).

 

In this summary description of the debt securities, unless we state otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, all references to “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to GW Pharmaceuticals plc only and not to any of its subsidiaries.

 

General

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder, and the indenture does not limit the amount of other unsecured debt or securities that we may issue. We may issue debt securities under the indenture from time to time in one or more series.

 

We are not obligated to issue all debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of that series, for the issuance of additional debt securities of that series. Additional debt securities of a particular series will have the same terms and conditions as outstanding debt securities of such series, except that the additional debt securities may have a different date of original issuance, offering price and first interest payment date, and will be consolidated with, and form a single series with, such outstanding debt securities.

 

When we refer to “debt securities” or a “series of debt securities,” we mean debt securities or a series of debt securities issued under the indenture. When we refer to a prospectus supplement, we mean the prospectus supplement describing the specific terms of the applicable debt security. The terms used in a prospectus supplement will have the meanings described in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified.

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the indenture will not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities in the event we participate in a highly leveraged transaction or upon a change of control. In addition, unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the indenture will not contain provisions that give holders of the debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their securities in the event of a decline in our credit rating for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

·the title of the debt securities;
·the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

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·the date or dates on which the principal of and any premium on the debt securities will be payable;
·any interest rate, the date from which any such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which any such interest will be payable and the record dates for any such interest payments;
·whether and under what circumstances we will pay any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities;
·the place or places where payments on the debt securities will be payable;
·any provisions for optional redemption or early repayment;
·any provisions for the conversion or exchange of the debt securities into other securities, cash or property;
·any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to redeem, purchase or repay the debt securities;
·the denominations in which we will issue the debt securities if other than $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;
·whether the provisions described below under the heading “— Defeasance and Discharge” apply to the debt securities;
·any changes or additions to the events of default or covenants described in this prospectus;
·any restrictions or other provisions relating to the transfer, conversion or exchange of debt securities; and
·any other terms of the debt securities, whether in addition to, or by modification or deletion of, the terms described herein.

 

We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount. These debt securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. If we sell these debt securities, we will describe in the prospectus supplement any material United Kingdom federal income tax consequences and other special considerations.

 

We may purchase or otherwise acquire such debt securities, whether by open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise.

 

Events of Default

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the following are events of default with respect to a series of debt securities:

 

·our failure to pay any installment of interest on or any additional amounts with respect to any debt security of that series when due and such default continues for 30 days (unless the entire amount of such payment is deposited by us with the trustee or with a paying agent prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the 30th day of such period);
·our failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any debt security of that series when due;
·a default in the observance or performance of any other covenant or agreement in the indenture applicable to debt securities of such series which continues for a period of 60 days after we receive written notice by the trustee or by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series issued under the indenture (except for our failure to comply with the covenant prohibiting certain consolidations, mergers and sales of assets);
·one or more judgments in an aggregate amount in excess of $25 million shall have been rendered against us remain undischarged, unpaid or unstayed for a period of 60 days after the judgment or judgments become final and non-appealable;
·specified events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; and
·any other event of default provided for in that series of debt securities.

 

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We may change, eliminate or add to the events of default with respect to any particular series or any particular debt security or debt securities within a series, as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. A default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be a default under any other series.

 

If an event of default relating to certain events of our bankruptcy or insolvency occurs, all then outstanding debt securities of that series will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee may and, at the written direction of the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, declare all of those debt securities to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to us and, in case of a notice by holders, also to the trustee specifying the respective event of default and that it is a notice of acceleration.

 

Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power with respect to that series. The trustee may withhold from holders of the debt securities of any series notice of any continuing default or event of default for such series if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a default or event of default relating to the payment of principal, interest, premium or additional amounts, if any.

 

Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, in case an event of default for any series occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any holders of debt securities of that series unless such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium or additional amounts, if any, or interest when due, no holder of debt securities of a series may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the debt securities unless:

 

·such holder has previously given the trustee notice that an event of default is continuing with respect to that series;
·holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series have requested the trustee to pursue the remedy;
·such holders have offered the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense;
·the trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
·holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series have not given the trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

 

Holders of a debt security are entitled at any time, however, to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on a debt security on or after its stated maturity (or, if a debt security is redeemable, on or after its redemption date).

 

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of any series by notice to the trustee may, on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of that series, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing default or event of default for such series and its consequences under the indenture except a continuing default or event of default in the payment of interest, additional amounts or premium on, or the principal of, the debt securities.

 

Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request for the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of the maturity.

 

We will be required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture. Upon our becoming aware of any default or event of default, we will be required within five business days to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying such default or event of default.

 

 18 

 

 

Modification and Waiver

 

Except as provided in the next four succeeding paragraphs, the indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the change, voting as separate classes for this purpose, and any existing default or event of default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the waiver, voting as separate classes for this purpose, in each case, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to such indenture for all or any particular debt securities of any series.

 

Without the consent of each holder of debt securities of the series affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any debt securities of such series held by a non-consenting holder):

 

·reduce the principal amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
·reduce the principal of any debt security or change its stated maturity, or alter the provisions relating to the redemption or repurchase of any debt securities;
·reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any debt security;
·waive a default or event of default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, or any additional amounts, if any, on, the debt securities (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
·make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to waivers of past defaults or the rights of holders of debt securities to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on the debt securities;
·waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt securities;
·make any change that adversely affects any right of a holder to convert or exchange any debt security into or for shares of the Company’s Shares, depositary receipts representing its Shares, or other securities, cash or other property in accordance with the terms of such Security;
·impair a holder’s right to sue for payment of any amount due on its debt security; or
·make any change in the preceding amendment, supplement and waiver provisions.

 

Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or any debt securities or request a waiver.

 

We and the trustee may supplement or amend the indenture or the debt securities without notice to or the consent of any holders of debt securities issued under the indenture in certain circumstances, including:

 

·to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
·to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;
·to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture;
·to provide for the assumption of our obligations to holders of debt securities of any series in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, as applicable;
·to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
·to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of debt securities or that does not materially adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture of any such holder;
·to add additional covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;
·to add additional events of default with respect to all or any series of debt securities;
·to change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture; provided that any such change or elimination will become effective only when there is no outstanding debt security of any series created prior to the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture that is adversely affected in any material respect by such change in or elimination of such provision;

 

 19 

 

 

·to supplement any provision of the indenture to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities so long as any action does not adversely affect the interest of holders of debt securities of that or any other series in any material respect;
·to secure the debt securities;
·to evidence and provide for the acceptance under the indenture of a successor trustee, each as permitted under the indenture; or
·to conform the text of the indenture or any debt securities to the description thereof in any prospectus or prospectus supplement of us with respect to the offer and sale of such debt securities, to the extent that such provision is inconsistent with a provision of the indenture or the debt securities, in each case, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to the indenture for all or any particular debt securities of any series, as set forth in an officers’ certificate.

 

Defeasance and Discharge

 

Defeasance

 

When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under the indenture.

 

If we deposit with the trustee under the indenture any combination of money or non-callable government securities sufficient, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm of independent public accountants, to make payments on the debt securities of a series issued under the indenture on the dates those payments are due, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

 

·we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of that series (“legal defeasance”); or

 

·we will no longer have any obligation to comply with specified restrictive covenants with respect to the debt securities of that series and other specified covenants under the indenture, and the related events of default will no longer apply (“covenant defeasance”).

 

With respect to legal defeasance, if a series of debt securities is defeased pursuant to such terms, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except with respect to provisions relating to (i) the payment of principal, interest, premiums, if any, and additional amounts, if any, (ii) the registration, transfer and exchange of the securities, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and (iv) optional redemption, if any.

 

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the debt securities to recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes and that the holders would be subject to federal income tax in the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related defeasance had not occurred. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge

 

The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt securities of a series issued under the indenture, except for our obligation to register the transfer, conversion or exchange of debt securities of that series, when:

 

·either:
oall debt securities of that series that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed debt securities that have been replaced or paid and debt securities for whose payment money has been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to us, have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

 

 20 

 

 

oall debt securities of that series that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable within one year, and we have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. government securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable U.S. government securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the debt securities of that series not delivered to the trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

 

·no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the deposit (other than a default or event of default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which we or any subsidiary is a party or by which we or any subsidiary is bound;
·we have paid or caused to be paid to the trustee all sums payable by us to it under the indenture with respect to such series; and
·we have delivered irrevocable instructions to the trustee under the indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the debt securities at maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be.

 

In addition, we must deliver an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel to the trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

 

Governing Law

 

The laws of the State of New York will govern the Indenture and the securities of each series of debt securities issued thereunder.

 

The Trustee

 

U.S. Bank National Association will be the trustee under the indenture.

 

 21 

 

  

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

We may issue warrants to purchase ordinary shares, including ADSs representing ordinary shares, or debt securities. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent for the holders of the warrants. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

·the title of such warrants;

 

·the aggregate number of such warrants;

 

·the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;

 

·the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

 

·if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

·if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

 

·information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

·if applicable, a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

 

·any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

 

We urge you to read the prospectus supplement related to any series of warrants we may offer, as well as the complete warrant agreement and warrant certificate that contain the terms of the warrants. If we offer warrants, forms of warrant agreements and warrant certificates relating to warrants for the purchase of such ordinary shares, including ADSs representing ordinary shares, or debt securities will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part from reports we would subsequently file with the SEC.

 

 

 22 

 

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Any of the securities being offered by this prospectus may be sold:

 

·through agents;
·to or through underwriters;
·through dealers;
·through brokers;
·directly to purchasers or to a single purchaser; or
·through a combination of any such methods of sale.

 

The securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices or varying prices determined at the time of sale. The distribution of securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions by means of one or more of the following transactions, which may include cross or block trades:

 

·transactions on Nasdaq or any other organized market where the securities may be traded;
·in the over-the-counter market;
·in negotiated transactions;
·through put or call option transactions relating to the securities;
·under delayed delivery contracts or other contractual commitments;
·in connection with hedging transactions; or
·a combination of such methods of sale.

 

Agents designated by us from time to time may solicit offers to purchase the securities. We will name any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and set forth any commissions payable by us to such agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the securities.

 

If underwriters are used in the sale of securities, securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions. Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. If an underwriter or underwriters are used in the sale of securities, we will execute an underwriting agreement with such underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for such sale is reached. We will set forth in the prospectus supplement the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, and the terms of the transactions, including compensation of the underwriters and dealers. Such compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters and others participating in any offering of securities may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of such securities. We will describe any such activities in the prospectus supplement. We may elect to list any class or series of securities on any exchange, but we are not currently obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters, if any, may make a market in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities we may offer.

 

In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) the maximum compensation or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8 percent of the offering proceeds from the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

 

If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities, we or an underwriter will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. The prospectus supplement may set forth the name of the dealer and the terms of the transactions.

 

 23 

 

 

 

We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities, and we may sell directly to institutional investors or others. These persons may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale of the securities. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any such sales, including the terms of any bidding, auction or other process, if utilized.

 

Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements that may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms and conditions of such indemnification or contribution. Some of the agents, underwriters or dealers, or their affiliates may be customers of ours, or engage in transactions with or perform services for us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

 

 24 

 

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters of United States federal law and New York State law will be passed upon for us by Mayer Brown LLP. The validity of the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs and certain other legal matters as to English law will be passed upon for us by Mayer Brown International LLP.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of GW Pharmaceuticals plc and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of and for the year ended September 30, 2018, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS

 

We are incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. Many of our directors and officers reside outside the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to serve legal process on us or our directors and executive officers (as well as certain directors, managers and executive officers of the finance subsidiaries) or have any of them appear in a U.S. court.

 

We have appointed Greenwich Biosciences Inc. as our authorized agent upon whom process may be served in any action instituted in any U.S. federal or state court having subject matter jurisdiction in the Borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, arising out of or based upon the ADSs, the deposit agreement or the underwriting agreement related to the ADSs.

 

Mayer Brown International LLP, our English solicitors, has advised us that there is some doubt as to the enforceability in the United Kingdom, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil liabilities based solely on the federal securities laws of the United States. In addition, awards for punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in the United Kingdom. An award for monetary damages under the U.S. securities laws would be considered punitive if it does not seek to compensate the claimant for loss or damage suffered and is intended to punish the defendant. The enforceability of any judgment in the United Kingdom will depend on the particular facts of the case as well as the laws and treaties in effect at the time. The United States and the United Kingdom do not currently have a treaty providing for recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters.

 

 25 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

January 18, 2019

 

   

 

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

The expenses payable by us in connection with this offering are as follows:

 

    Amount
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee   *
Accountants’ Fees and Expenses   **
Legal Fees and Expenses   **
Miscellaneous   **
Total Expenses   *

 

 

* Omitted because the registration fee is being deferred in reliance on, and in accordance with, Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act.

** These fees and expenses are calculated based on the number of issuances and amount of securities offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

The Registrant’s articles of association provide that, each of its directors and officers (other than an auditor) are entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant against any liability incurred by or attaching to such director or officer in the actual or proposed execution and discharged of his duties, the exercise or purported exercise of his powers or otherwise in relation to his duties, powers or office. However, in the case of a director, such indemnity does not extend to any indemnity rendered void by the Companies Act 2006. The Companies Act 2006 renders void an indemnity for a director against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company of which he is a director, or an associated company, except that the company is permitted to (a) purchase and maintain insurance against such liability; (b) provide a “qualifying third party indemnity” (being an indemnity against liability incurred by the director to a person other than the company or an associated company as long as he is successful in defending the claim or criminal proceedings); and (c) provide a “qualifying pension scheme indemnity” (being an indemnity against liability incurred in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of an occupational pension plan).

 

The Registrant also maintains directors and officers insurance to insure such persons against certain liabilities.

 

In any underwriting agreement we enter into in connection with the sale of securities being registered hereby, the underwriters will agree to indemnify, under certain conditions, us, our directors, our officers and persons who control us within the meaning of the Securities Act against certain liabilities.

 

Item 16. Exhibits

 

See Exhibit Index beginning on page II-4 of this registration statement.

 

Item 17. Undertakings

 

(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

 

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

 II-1 

 

 

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or any decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act need not be furnished, provided that the Registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form S-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act or Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-K if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, that are incorporated by reference in this Form S-3.

 

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser:

 

(i) Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of 314 securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

 II-2 

 

 

(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

 

(a) The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c) With respect to any offering in which securities are to be offered to existing security holders pursuant to warrants and any securities not taken by security holders are to be reoffered to the public, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

 II-3 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description of Exhibit
     
1.1*   Form of Underwriting Agreement
     
4.1**   Form of specimen certificate evidencing ordinary shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-187356), as amended, initially filed with the SEC on March 19, 2013)
     
4.2**   Form of Deposit Agreement among GW Pharmaceuticals plc, Citibank, N.A., as the depositary bank and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs issued thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-187356), as amended, initially filed with the SEC on March 19, 2013)
     
4.3**   Form of American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 4.2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-187356), as amended, initially filed with the SEC on March 19, 2013)
     
4.4   Form of Indenture for Debt Securities
     
4.5*  

Form of Warrant Agreement (including form of warrant certificate)

     
5.1   Opinion of Mayer Brown International LLP
     

5.2

  Opinion of Mayer Brown LLP
     
23.1   Consent of Deloitte LLP
     
23.2   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
     
23.3   Consent of Mayer Brown International LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
     
23.4   Consent of Mayer Brown LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2)
     
24.1   Powers of Attorney (included in the signature page to this Registration Statement)
     
25.1   Statement of eligibility of U.S. Bank National Association as trustee on Form T-1 with respect to the Form Indenture for Debt Securities

 

 

*To be filed as an amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a report filed or furnished to the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement.
**Previously filed.

 

 II-4 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in in the City of Carlsbad, State of California, on January 18, 2019.

 

  GW PHARMACEUTICALS P.C
     
  By: /s/ Justin Gover
    Name: Justin Gover
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Dr. Geoffrey Guy, Justin Gover and Scott Giacobello, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign (i) any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements to this registration statement on Form S-3, (ii) any exhibits to any such registration statement, amendments, supplements or (iii) any and all applications and other documents in connection with any such registration statement amendments, or supplements, and generally to do all things and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever requisite and necessary or desirable to enable GW Pharmaceuticals plc to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on January 18, 2019.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Justin Gover   Chief Executive Officer and Director    
Justin Gover   (Principal Executive Officer)   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Scott Giacobello   Chief Financial Officer    
Scott Giacobello   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Geoffrey Guy        
Dr. Geoffrey Guy   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ James Noble        
James Noble   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Cabot Brown        
Cabot Brown   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Thomas Lynch        
Thomas Lynch   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Catherine Mackey        
Dr. Catherine Mackey   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Alicia Secor        
Alicia Secor   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ William Waldegrave        
Lord William Waldegrave   Director   January 18, 2019
         
/s/ Scott Giacobello   Authorized Representative in the United States   January 18, 2019
Scott Giacobello        

 

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