PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (to the Prospectus dated February 6, 2024) |
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) Registration No. 333-276721 |
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
2,183,366 Shares of Common Stock
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger”, the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is selling 2,183,366 shares of its common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“common stock”), in a registered direct offering (“this offering”) to certain investors pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including 808,080 shares of our common stock to certain directors and executive officers of the Company.
The offering price for each share of common stock is $4.25, except for shares of common stock purchased by certain directors and executive officers of the Company, which will have an offering price of $4.95 per share, which is the closing bid price for shares of our common stock on April 15, 2024 on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”). We have retained Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated to act as our exclusive placement agent (“Stifel” or the “Placement Agent”) in connection with the securities offered in this offering. The Placement Agent has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to arrange for the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement, but the Placement Agent has no obligation to buy any of the shares of common stock from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of shares of common stock. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement. The Placement Agent is not purchasing or selling any securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
The Placement Agent will be entitled to fees in an amount of 6.0% the gross proceeds raised in this offering. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, the Placement Agent will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the compensation of the Placement Agent will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to reimburse the Placement Agent for its out-of-pocket legal expenses incurred in connection with this offering in an amount not to exceed $75,000. See the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” on page S-11 of this prospectus supplement for more information regarding these arrangements.
As of April 15, 2024, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, was approximately $47.7 million, based on 44,842,587 shares of outstanding common stock, of which 36,421,524 shares were held by affiliates, and a price of $5.66 per share, which was the price at which our common stock was last sold on Nasdaq on February 15, 2024 (a date within 60 days of the date hereof). As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have sold 33,798 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $173,251.26 pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12-calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus supplement. Accordingly, based on the foregoing, we are currently eligible under General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 to offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to approximately $15.7 million. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on this registration statement in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75 million (the “Baby Shelf Limitation”).
Our common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BAER”. On April 15, 2024, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $5.10 per share.
We are an “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company” under the federal securities laws, and, as such, are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See “Prospectus Supplement Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company.”
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 of this prospectus supplement and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of certain risks you should consider before investing in shares of our common stock.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Per Share | Per Share Purchased by Certain Directors and Executive Officers | Total | ||||||||||
Offering price | $ | 4.25 | $ | 4.95 | $ | 9,844,961.50 | ||||||
Placement Agent fee(1) | $ | 0.255 | $ | 0.297 | $ | 590,697.69 | ||||||
Proceeds to us, before expenses | $ | 3.995 | $ | 4.653 | $ | 9,254,263.81 |
(1) | We have agreed to pay Stifel a cash placement fee equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds in this offering and reimburse certain of Stifel’s expenses. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page S-11 for additional information. |
Delivery of the shares of common stock is expected to be made on or about April 17, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Stifel |
The date of this prospectus supplement is April 15, 2024
Prospectus Supplement | Page |
About this Prospectus Supplement | S-ii |
Prospectus Supplement Summary | S-1 |
Risk Factors | S-5 |
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | S-7 |
Use of Proceeds | S-8 |
Dividend Policy | S-9 |
Description of Common Stock | S-9 |
Dilution | S-10 |
Plan of Distribution | S-11 |
Legal Matters | S-12 |
Experts | S-12 |
Where You Can Find More Information | S-12 |
Information Incorporated by Reference | S-13 |
Prospectus
We have not, and the Placement Agent has not, authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus we prepare or authorize, and neither we nor the Placement Agent take any responsibility for any other information that others may give you. This prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell, nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of those documents, or that the information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement or any sale of a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
S-i |
About this Prospectus SUPPLEMENT
On January 26, 2024, we filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-276721) utilizing a shelf registration process relating to the securities described in this prospectus supplement, which registration statement was declared effective on February 6, 2024. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell up to $200 million in the aggregate of shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units, subject to the limitations of General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, as described on the cover of that prospectus.
This document consists of two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, provides more general information. In general, when we refer only to the prospectus, we are referring to both parts of this document combined. Before you invest, you should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, all information incorporated by reference herein and therein, as well as the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information Incorporated by Reference.” These documents contain information you should carefully consider when deciding whether to invest in our securities.
This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on information contained in this prospectus supplement, provided that if any statement in, or incorporated by reference into, one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date, the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. Any statement so modified will be deemed to constitute a part of this prospectus only as so modified, and any statement so superseded will be deemed not to constitute a part of this prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference herein or therein. Neither we nor the Placement Agent have authorized anyone to provide you with any different information. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may provide to you. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and in the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate only as of the date such information is presented. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the securities being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.
We note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference herein were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.
In this prospectus supplement, unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise, we use the terms the “Company,” “Bridger,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar references to refer to Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
S-ii |
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, and does not contain all of the information that you need to consider in making your investment decision. Before you decide to invest in our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the factors described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. You should also carefully read the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements, and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are a part.
The Company
Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and sustainable firefighting methods primarily throughout the United States. Our mission is to save lives, property and habitats threatened by wildfires, leveraging our high-quality team, specialized aircraft and innovative use of technology and data. We are meeting an underserved and growing need for next-generation full-service aerial firefighting platforms.
Bridger was founded by our Chief Executive Officer and former Navy SEAL officer Timothy Sheehy, in Bozeman, Montana in 2014 with one aircraft and a vision to build a global enterprise to fight wildfires. Bridger has since grown into a full-spectrum aerial firefighting service provider in the U.S. and in the field of aerial wildfire management, offering technology and services to provide front-line firefighters and fire suppression decision-makers access to key fire data in order to effectively combat wildfires. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has a team of 148 employees and has developed an ecosystem of solutions, services and technologies supporting firefighting ground crews and the public.
Our portfolio is organized across two core offerings:
· | Fire Suppression: Consists of deploying specialized Viking CL-415EAF (“Super Scoopers”) aircraft to drop large amounts of water quickly and directly on wildfires. | |
· | Aerial Surveillance: Consists of providing aerial surveillance via manned aircraft for fire suppression aircraft over an incident and providing tactical coordination with the incident commander. |
We manage our operations as a single segment for purposes of assessing performance, making operating decisions and allocating resources.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company
The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”) was enacted in April 2012 with the intention of encouraging capital formation in the United States and reducing the regulatory burden on newly public companies that qualify as emerging growth companies. We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the JOBS Act. We may take advantage of certain exemptions from various public reporting requirements, including the requirement that we provide more than two years of audited financial statements and related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and that our internal control over financial reporting be audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We have elected to use the extended transition period to enable us to comply with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date we (1) are no longer an emerging growth company and (2) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
S-1 |
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (a) December 31, 2028, (b) the last day of our fiscal year in which we have a total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (c) the last day of our fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under SEC rules with at least $700.0 million in market value of common equity securities held by non-affiliates as of the prior June 30, and (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. We are an “emerging growth company,” and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates is greater than or equal to $250 million as of the end of that fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter, and (ii) our annual revenues are greater than or equal to $100 million during the last completed fiscal year or the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of that fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter.
Corporate Information
The Company’s executive office is located at 90 Aviation Lane, Belgrade, Montana 59714, and the Company’s phone number is (406) 813-0079. Our website address is www.bridgeraerospace.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a part.
For a complete description of our business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, we refer you to our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see the sections of this prospectus supplement entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information Incorporated by Reference.”
S-2 |
Common stock offered by us | 2,183,366 shares of our common stock. |
Offering price per share of common stock | The offering price is $4.25 per share, except for shares of our common stock purchased by certain directors and executive officers of the Company, which will have an offering price of $4.95 per share, which is the closing bid price for shares of our common stock on April 15, 2024. |
Insider participation | 808,080 shares of our common stock will be purchased by certain directors and executive officers of the Company. |
Common stock outstanding immediately before this offering |
44,842,587 shares. |
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering | 47,025,953 shares. |
Use of proceeds | We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $8.97 million, after deducting the Placement Agent’s fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes. See the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page S-8 for additional detail. |
Trading symbol | Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BAER.” |
Risk factors | Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See the sections of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-5 and other information included or incorporated in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in our common stock. |
S-3 |
The number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after this offering as shown above is based on 44,842,587 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 15, 2024, and excludes as of such date:
· | 9,400,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants which were issued in exchange for the 9,400,000 warrants originally purchased in a private placement by JCIC Sponsor LLC, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (“JCIC Sponsor”) at a purchase price of $1.00 per share contemporaneously with the initial public offering of Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“JCIC”), with an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “Private Placement Warrants”); | |
· | 17,249,874 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of public warrants, which were issued in exchange for 17,250,000 warrants originally issued as part of the units JCIC issued in its initial public offering, with an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “Public Warrants”); | |
· | 32,913,572 shares of our common stock that may be issuable upon the conversion of any shares of our preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share, that are designated as Series A Preferred Stock in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Series A Preferred Stock”), at the election of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock; | |
· | 15,369,257 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (inclusive of (i) 5,722,283 restricted stock units that have been granted or promised prior to April 15, 2024 that are unvested and (ii) 4,127,170 shares issuable in respect of vested but unsettled RSUs); | |
· | 1,006,609 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and | |
· | Up to 8,399,198 shares of our common stock issuable as additional contingent consideration to the former shareholders of Ignis Technologies, Inc. (“Ignis”), a company acquired by Bridger in September 2023, subject to the achievement of certain operational milestones in 2024, 2025 and 2026. |
S-4 |
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as our other filings with the SEC, include material risk factors relating to our business. Those risks and uncertainties and the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial or that are not specific to us, such as general economic conditions, may also materially and adversely affect our business and operations. If any of those risks and uncertainties or the risks and uncertainties described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed substantially. In such a case, you may lose all or part of your investment. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and those risks and uncertainties incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as the other information included in this prospectus, before making an investment decision with respect to our common stock.
Risks Related to this Offering
We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways with which you may not agree. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes. See the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page S-8 for additional detail. Accordingly, you will be relying on the judgment of our management with regard to the use of the net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. it is possible that the net proceeds will be invested or otherwise used in a way that does not yield a favorable, or any, return for the Company. The failure of our management to use such funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of the common stock you purchase.
Since the price per share of our common stock being offered is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock, purchasers of our common stock in this offering will suffer immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock they purchase in this offering. Based on an offering price of $4.25 per share, purchasers of our common stock in this offering (excluding certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering) will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $11.36 per share with respect to the net tangible book value of our common stock. Based on an offering price of $4.95 per share, certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $12.06 per share with respect to the net tangible book value of our common stock. See the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Dilution” below for a more detailed illustration of the dilution you will incur if you participate in this offering. As a result of the dilution you will incur if you participate in this offering, you may receive significantly less than the purchase price paid in this offering, if anything, in the event of our liquidation.
S-5 |
As long as we are subject to SEC regulations relating to the Baby Shelf Limitation, we will be limited in the number of shares we may sell.
Under current SEC regulations, we are currently subject to the Baby Shelf Limitation and will remain subject to the Baby Shelf Limitation for so long as our public float remains less than $75 million, which limits the amount we can raise through primary public offerings of securities in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements. As of April 15, 2024, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, was approximately $47.7 million based on 44,842,587 shares of outstanding common stock, of which approximately 36,421,524 shares were held by affiliates, at a price of $5.66 per share on February 15, 2024 (a date within 60 days of the date hereof). As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have sold 33,798 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $173,251.26 pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12-calendar month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus supplement. Accordingly, based on the foregoing, following this offering and as of April 15, 2024, we will only be eligible under General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 to offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to approximately $5.9 million under the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is a part. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on this registration statement in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75 million.
Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and may fluctuate significantly.
Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq. Although an active trading market has developed for our common stock, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our common stock will be sustained. Failure to maintain an active trading market for our common stock may adversely affect our shareholders’ ability to sell our common stock in short time periods, or at all. Our common stock has experienced, and may experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or the availability of those shares for sale will have on the market price of our common stock.
We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you must rely on stock appreciation for any return on your investment.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will also depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors and will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Accordingly, you will have to rely on capital appreciation, if any, to earn a return on your investment in our common stock.
S-6 |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including statements incorporated by reference, that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs and expectations of the Company, are forward-looking statements, including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “poised,” “positioned,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “target,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references with respect to (1) anticipated expansion of Bridger’s operations and increased deployment of Bridger’s aircraft fleet, including references to Bridger’s acquisition of and/or right to use the four Super Scoopers from the Spanish government, including the expected closing timings thereof, the anticipated benefits therefrom, and the ultimate structure of such acquisitions and/or right to use arrangements; (2) Bridger’s business and growth plans and future financial performance; (3) current and future demand for aerial firefighting services, including the duration or severity of any domestic or international wildfire seasons; (4) the magnitude, timing, and benefits from any cost reduction actions; (5) Bridger’s exploration of, need for, or completion of any future financings; (6) anticipated investments in additional aircraft, capital resources, and research and development and the effect of these investments; and (7) the successful completion and timing of, and the receipt of proceeds from, this offering and the Company’s use of such proceeds. These statements are based on various assumptions and estimates, whether or not identified in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and on the current expectations of Bridger’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Bridger. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including Bridger’s ability to identify and effectively implement any current or future anticipated cost reductions, including any resulting impacts to Bridger’s business and operations therefrom; the duration or severity of any domestic or international wildfire seasons; changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; Bridger’s failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions; Bridger’s successful integration of any aircraft (including achievement of synergies and cost reductions); Bridger’s ability to successfully and timely develop, sell and expand its services, and otherwise implement its growth strategy; risks relating to Bridger’s operations and business, including information technology and cybersecurity risks, loss of requisite licenses, flight safety risks, loss of key customers and deterioration in relationships between Bridger and its employees; risks related to increased competition; risks relating to potential disruption of current plans, operations and infrastructure of Bridger, including as a result of the consummation of any acquisition; risks that Bridger is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; risks that Bridger experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; Bridger’s ability to compete with existing or new companies that could cause downward pressure on prices, fewer customer orders, reduced margins, the inability to take advantage of new business opportunities, and the loss of market share; the ability to successfully select, execute or integrate future acquisitions into Bridger’s business, which could result in material adverse effects to operations and financial conditions; and those factors discussed in the sections of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus entitled “Risk Factors.” Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risk factors and cautionary language described from time to time in the reports Bridger files with the SEC, including those in Bridger’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates thereto in Bridger’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. If any of these risks materialize or Bridger management’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties above are not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that Bridger presently does not know or that Bridger currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Bridger’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference, as applicable. Bridger anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Bridger’s assessments to change. However, while Bridger may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bridger specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Bridger’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference.
S-7 |
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $8.97 million, after deducting the Placement Agent’s fees and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
Our Board and management will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, and it is possible that we may allocate the proceeds differently than investors in the offering may desire or that we may fail to maximize the return on these proceeds. You will be relying on the judgment of our management with regard to the use of proceeds from this offering, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately.
We may temporarily invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing instruments or other investment-grade securities.
S-8 |
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. Any determination to pay cash dividends or to institute a dividend policy will be at the discretion of our board of directors (the “Board”) and will depend upon a number of factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, future prospects, contractual restrictions, covenants in the agreements governing current and future indebtedness, industry trends, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors the Board deems relevant. We currently intend to retain any future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of the business, and we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, our holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends to be paid twice a year, in cash or, at our election, by increasing the per share liquidation preference for such shares of Series A Preferred Stock (such liquidation preference is equal to the initial issuance price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared). The dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock accrue daily and are computed on the basis of a 365-day year, at a compounding rate initially anticipated to be 7.00% per annum. Such rate will increase to 9.00% per for the period from (and including) April 25, 2028 to (but excluding) April 25, 2029 and eventually will increase to 11.00% per annum from and after April 25, 2029 and subject to further increase upon the occurrence of certain events. No dividends shall be paid or payable to any other holders of our capital stock unless and until the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have received cumulative distributions equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock. For more information, see the section of the accompanying prospectus entitled “Description of Capital Stock — Preferred Stock — Series A Preferred Stock.”
The material terms of our common stock being offered in this offering are described under the section entitled “Description of Capital Stock” in the accompanying prospectus. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the accompanying prospectus, Mr. Hirsch is the sole BTO Stockholders director designee.
S-9 |
If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of the common stock you will pay in this offering and the net tangible book value (deficit) per share of our common stock after giving effect to this offering.
Our net tangible book value (deficit) as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $(342.8) million, or $(7.66) per share of common stock. Net tangible book value (deficit) per share is determined by dividing the net of total tangible assets less total liabilities and our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, by the aggregate number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023. After giving effect to the sale of our common stock at an offering price of $4.25 per share of common stock purchased by investors other than certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering and $4.95 per share of common stock purchased by certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering and after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) as of December 31, 2023 would have been approximately $(333.8) million, or $(7.11) per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in the net tangible book value (deficit) of $0.55 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value (deficit) of $11.36 per share to investors participating in this offering (other than certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering) and of $12.06 per share to certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering.
The following table illustrates this dilution per share to investors participating in this offering:
Offering price per share of common stock | $ | 4.25 | ||||||
Offering price per share of common stock to certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering | $ | 4.95 | ||||||
Net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December 31, 2023 | $ | (7.66) | ||||||
Increase in net tangible book value (deficit) per share attributable to this offering | $ | 0.55 | ||||||
As adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering | $ | (7.11) | ||||||
Dilution per share to investors participating in this offering | $ | 11.36 | ||||||
Dilution per share to certain directors and executive officers of the Company participating in this offering | $ | 12.06 |
The above table is based on 44,776,926 shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and excludes as of such date:
· | 9,400,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of Private Placement Warrants, with an exercise price of $11.50 per share; | |
· | 17,249,874 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of Public Warrants, with an exercise price of $11.50 per share; | |
· | 31,701,931 shares of our common stock that may be issuable upon the conversion of any shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, at the election of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock; |
· | 15,099,137 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (inclusive of (i) 6,624,459 restricted stock units that have been granted or promised prior to December 31, 2023 and (ii) 2,423,578 shares issuable in respect of vested but unsettled RSUs); | |
· | 1,006,609 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and | |
· | Up to 8,399,198 shares of our common stock issuable to the former shareholders of Ignis as additional contingent consideration, subject to the achievement of certain operational milestones in 2024, 2025 and 2026. |
To the extent that options or warrants are exercised, new options are issued under our equity incentive plans, or we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, there may be further dilution to investors participating in this offering. Moreover, we may choose to raise additional capital because of market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
S-10 |
We are selling 2,183,366 shares of common stock, including 808,080 shares of our common stock to certain directors and executive officers of the Company, for an aggregate gross sales price of $9,844,961.50. The offering price is $4.25 per share of common stock, except for shares of our common stock purchased by certain directors and executive officers of the Company, which will have an offering price of $4.95 per share, which is the closing bid price for shares of our common stock on April 15, 2024. We currently anticipate that the closing of the sale of such shares of common stock will take place on or about April 17, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. We have entered into Securities Purchase Agreements, dated April 15, 2024, by and among us and each investor in this offering, relating to the sale of these shares of common stock. We will only sell securities in this offering to such investors.
We have entered into a Placement Agent Agreement, dated April 15, 2024, by and between us and Stifel, relating to the securities offered in this offering. The Placement Agent has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to arrange for the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. The Placement Agent is not purchasing or selling any securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
The Placement Agent will be entitled to fees in an amount of 6.0% the aggregate gross proceeds raised in this offering. In connection with the sale of the securities on our behalf, the Placement Agent will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of the Placement Agent will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. The following table shows the per share and total cash Placement Agent fees we will pay to the Placement Agent in connection with the sale of the shares of our common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, assuming the purchase of all of the shares offered hereby.
We have also agreed to pay the Placement Agent, if certain investors or affiliates of certain investors provide financing to us during the 12-month period following the closing of this offering, a tail fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of such financing, subject to certain exceptions.
Per Share | Per Share Purchased by Certain Directors and Executive Officers | Total | ||||||||||
Offering price | $ | 4.25 | $ | 4.95 | $ | 9,844,961.50 | ||||||
Placement Agent fee | $ | 0.255 | $ | 0.297 | $ | 590,697.69 | ||||||
Proceeds to us, before expenses | $ | 3.995 | $ | 4.653 | $ | 9,254,263.81 |
We estimate that our total expenses of this offering payable by us, excluding the Placement Agent’s fees, will be approximately $286,000. We have also agreed to reimburse the Placement Agent for its out-of-pocket legal expenses incurred in connection with this offering in an amount not to exceed $75,000 in the aggregate.
We also have agreed to indemnify the Placement Agent against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the Placement Agent may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “BAER.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company.
S-11 |
The validity of the issuance of the common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sidley Austin LLP, New York, New York. Mayer Brown LLP, New York, New York is acting as counsel for the Placement Agent in connection with this offering.
The consolidated financial statements of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Crowe LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
Where You Can Find More Information
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC as required by the Exchange Act. You can read our SEC filings, including this prospectus, over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Those filings are also available to the public on, or accessible through, our website on at www.bridgeraerospace.com. The information we file with the SEC or contained on or accessible through our corporate website or any other website that we may maintain is not part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is a part. You may inspect a copy of the registration statement through the SEC’s website, as provided herein.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC and do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. The full registration statement and the exhibits thereto may be obtained from the SEC or us, as provided above. Whenever we make reference in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the references are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or a report we file under the Exchange Act, you should refer to the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit to a registration statement or report is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters.
S-12 |
Information Incorporated by Reference
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement the information contained in other documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part the documents listed below which have been filed by us and any future filings we make with the SEC (Commission File No. 001-41603) under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary) subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination or completion of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus supplement:
· | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2024; | |
· | the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 20, 2023 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2023; | |
· | our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2024 (Item 5.02 only); and | |
· | the description of our securities contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 24, 2023, including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description, including Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 20, 2023. |
Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement, to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement, or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement. The information contained in each of the documents incorporated by reference speaks only as of the date of such document.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. The registration statement, including the exhibits attached thereto, contains additional relevant information about us and our securities. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SEC at the address listed above in the section of this prospectus supplement entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.” The registration statement and the documents referred to above are also available at no cost, through the “Investor Relations” section of our website (www.bridgeraerospace.com) and you may request a copy of these filings (other than an exhibit to any filing unless we have specifically incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing), at no cost, by requesting them from us in writing or by telephone at the following address:
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
90 Aviation Lane
Belgrade,
Montana 59714
Telephone Number: (406) 813-0079
Information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement or other securities filings and is not a part of these filings.
S-13 |
PROSPECTUS
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
$200,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Units
We may offer and sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, up to $200,000,000 in the aggregate of any combination of the securities identified above from time to time in one or more offerings, either individually or in combination with other securities. We may also offer common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of debt securities, common stock upon conversion of preferred stock, or common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants.
Each time we offer and sell securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and the amounts, prices and terms of the securities. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectuses may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus with respect to that offering. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as any documents incorporated by reference, before you invest in any of our securities.
We may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through a combination of these methods. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the sections of this prospectus entitled “About this Prospectus” and “Plan of Distribution” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.
Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “BAER”. On January 24, 2024, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $5.40 per share.
As of January 25, 2024, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or public float, was approximately $66.7 million, based on 48,634,591 shares of outstanding common stock, of which 39,744,609 shares were held by affiliates, and a price of $7.50 per share, which was the price at which our common stock was last sold on Nasdaq on December 26, 2023 (a date within 60 days of the date hereof). We have not offered any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12-calendar-month period that ends on and includes the date of this prospectus. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities registered on this registration statement in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75 million (the “Baby Shelf Limitation”).
We are an “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company” under the federal securities laws, and, as such, are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See “The Company—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company.”
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” on page 3 of this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and in any applicable free writing prospectuses, and under similar headings in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is February 6, 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
i |
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities, warrants to purchase any of such securities and/or units consisting of any combination of such securities, either individually or in combination with other securities, in one or more offerings, up to a total dollar amount of $200,000,000, subject to the Baby Shelf Limitation. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.
Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, together with the information incorporated herein by reference as described under the section entitled “Important Information Incorporated by Reference”, before buying any of the securities being offered.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectuses, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.
The information appearing in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or any sale of a security. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information”.
On January 24, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), as contemplated by, the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 3, 2022 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“JCIC”), Wildfire New PubCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of JCIC (“Bridger”), Wildfire Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger, Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger, Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger, Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger, BTOF (Grannus Feeder)—NQ L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Legacy Bridger”), consummated the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, whereby Bridger became a publicly traded company, with JCIC and Legacy Bridger becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bridger (the “Business Combination”). On the Closing Date, Bridger changed its name to Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “Bridger,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar terms refer to Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.), and its consolidated subsidiaries.
ii |
Summary
This summary highlights selected information that is presented in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants or units, and it is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information included elsewhere in this prospectus. Before you decide whether to purchase shares of our common stock or preferred stock, or our debt securities, warrants or units, you should read this entire prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free-writing prospectus carefully, including the risks of investing in our securities discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should also carefully read the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our financial statements, and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The Company
Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and sustainable firefighting methods primarily throughout the United States. Our mission is to save lives, property and habitats threatened by wildfires, leveraging our high-quality team, specialized aircraft and innovative use of technology and data. We are meeting an underserved and growing need for next-generation full-service aerial firefighting platforms.
Bridger was founded by our Chief Executive Officer and former Navy SEAL officer Timothy Sheehy, in Bozeman, Montana in 2014 with one aircraft and a vision to build a global enterprise to fight wildfires. Bridger has since grown into a full-spectrum aerial firefighting service provider in the U.S. and in the field of aerial wildfire management, offering technology and services to provide front-line firefighters and fire suppression decision-makers access to key fire data in order to effectively combat wildfires. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has a team of 148 employees and has developed an ecosystem of solutions, services and technologies supporting firefighting ground crews and the public.
Our portfolio is organized across two core offerings:
· | Fire Suppression: Consists of deploying specialized Super Scooper aircraft to drop large amounts of water quickly and directly on wildfires. |
· | Aerial Surveillance: Consists of providing aerial surveillance for fire suppression aircraft over an incident and providing tactical coordination with the incident commander. Aerial surveillance uses both manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft. |
We manage our operations as a single segment for purposes of assessing performance, making operating decisions and allocating resources.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company
The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”) was enacted in April 2012 with the intention of encouraging capital formation in the United States and reducing the regulatory burden on newly public companies that qualify as emerging growth companies. We are an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the JOBS Act. We may take advantage of certain exemptions from various public reporting requirements, including the requirement that we provide more than two years of audited financial statements and related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and that our internal control over financial reporting be audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We have elected to use the extended transition period to enable us to comply with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date we (1) are no longer an emerging growth company and (2) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
1 |
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the Closing (December 31, 2028), (b) in which we have a total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of shares of our common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the prior June 30, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. We are an ‘emerging growth company,’ and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates is greater than or equal to $250 million as of the end of that fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter, and (ii) our annual revenues are greater than or equal to $100 million during the last completed fiscal year or the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of that fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter.
Corporate Information
The Company’s executive office is located at 90 Aviation Lane, Belgrade, Montana 59714, and the Company’s phone number is (406) 813-0079. Our website address is www.bridgeraerospace.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a part.
For a complete description of our business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, we refer you to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.”
2 |
Risk Factors
Investing in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, or any updates in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, together with all of the other information appearing in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase any of the securities being offered. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.
3 |
CautIONARY STATEMENT Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this prospectus are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements, including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “positioned,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “target,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) references with respect to anticipated expansion of Bridger’s operations and increased deployment of Bridger’s aircraft fleet; (2) the anticipated demand for and expansion of Bridger’s operations, including for certain customers, and the underlying causes for such anticipated demand, as well as the amount of revenues that may be generated pursuant to any particular customer contract; (3) Bridger’s operations and performance; (4) Bridger’s business and growth plans; (5) the types of services Bridger may offer; and (6) Bridger’s capital expenditures and acquisitions strategies, including anticipated investments in additional aircraft, renovation and upgrade costs, capital resources, and research and development and the effect of these investments. These statements are based on various assumptions and estimates, whether or not identified in this prospectus, and on the current expectations of Bridger’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Bridger. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including: changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions; Bridger’s successful integration of new aircraft (including achievement of synergies and cost reductions); Bridger’s ability to successfully and timely develop, sell and expand its services, and otherwise implement its growth strategy; risks relating to Bridger’s ongoing operations and businesses, including information technology (“IT”) and cybersecurity risks, loss of requisite licenses, flight safety risks, loss of key customers and deterioration in relationships between Bridger and its employees, including as a result of any acquisition; risks related to increased competition; risks relating to potential disruption of current plans, operations and infrastructure of Bridger as a result of the consummation of the Business Combination or any acquisition; risks that Bridger is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; risks that Bridger experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the ability to compete with existing or new companies that could cause downward pressure on prices, fewer customer orders, reduced margins, the inability to take advantage of new business opportunities, and the loss of market share; the impact of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic; the ability to successfully select, execute or integrate future acquisitions into the business, which could result in material adverse effects to operations and financial conditions; and those factors discussed in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors.” Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risk factors and cautionary language described from time to time in the reports Bridger files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those in Bridger’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updates thereto in Bridger’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties above are not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that Bridger presently does not know or that Bridger currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Bridger’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this prospectus. Bridger anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Bridger’s assessments to change. However, while Bridger may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bridger specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Bridger’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this prospectus. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus.
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Use of Proceeds
Except as described in the applicable prospectus supplement or in any free-writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus, if any, for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include, without limitation, supporting asset growth and engaging in acquisitions or other business combinations. We also may use a portion of the proceeds to repay debt.
The amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus will depend on a number of factors, such as the timing and progress of our research and development efforts, the timing and progress of any partnering and commercialization efforts, technological advances and the competitive environment for our products. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from the sale of securities under this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the timing and application of these proceeds. Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to temporarily invest the proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing instruments.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following summary of the material terms of our securities is not intended to be a complete summary of the rights and preferences of such capital stock and is qualified by reference to our amended and restated charter (the “Amended and Restated Charter”), our amended and restated bylaws (the “Amended and Restated Bylaws”) and the Stockholders Agreement, dated January 24, 2023, by and among the Company, certain former direct and indirect equityholders of Legacy Bridger and certain direct and indirect equityholders of Legacy Bridger that are affiliates of Blackstone Inc. (the “Stockholders Agreement”). We urge to you read each of the Amended and Restated Charter, the Amended and Restated Bylaws and the Stockholders Agreement described herein in their entirety for a complete description of the rights and preferences of our capital stock.
Authorized Capitalization
The Amended and Restated Charter authorizes the issuance of 1,010,000,000 shares, consisting of (a) 1,000,000,000 shares of our common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and (b) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share (of which 1,000,000 shares are designated as the “Series A Preferred Stock”).
As of January 25, 2024, there were outstanding 48,634,591 shares of our common stock, 315,789.473684 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 26,649,874 Warrants (as defined below), consisting of 17,249,874 Public Warrants (as defined below) and 9,400,000 Private Placement Warrants (as defined below).
Common Stock
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors.
Subject to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratable dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors (the “Board”) out of funds legally available therefor.
If the Company liquidates, dissolves or wind ups, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision is made for each class of stock, if any, having preference over our common stock.
Subject to the DGCL and the rights of holders of Series A Preferred Stock, holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to our common stock.
Preferred Stock
The Amended and Restated Charter authorizes the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock and provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more additional series. The Board is authorized to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, of any wholly unissued series of preferred stock, including, without limitation, dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including, without limitation, sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices and liquidation preferences of any such series, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing. Subject to the terms of any outstanding preferred stock, the Board may, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of our common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of the Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company or the removal of existing management.
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Series A Preferred Stock
Dividends. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends, paid twice per year, in cash or, at the election of the Company, by increasing the per share liquidation preference for such shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Dividends accrue on the Series A Preferred Stock daily, computed on the basis of a 365-day year, at a compounding rate initially anticipated to be 7.00% per annum but to increase to 9.00% per for the period from (and including) April 25, 2028 to (but excluding) April 25, 2029 and eventually to increase to 11.00% per annum from and after April 25, 2029 and subject to further increase upon the occurrence of certain events. The per share liquidation preference is equal to the initial issuance price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared. All payments and dividends in respect of the Series A Preferred Stock will be allocated among the holders thereof pro rata in proportion to the value of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held thereby. No dividends shall be paid or payable to any other holders the Company’s capital stock unless and until the holders of Series A Preferred Stock have received cumulative distributions equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Conversion. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, at the holder’s election at any time, into such number of shares of our common stock (or such other applicable securities in the case of merger, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification or consolidation) as is determined by dividing (x) the then current accrued liquidation preference of such shares (including any accrued and unpaid dividends since the most recent dividend payment date) by (y) a conversion price of $11.00 per share for such share of Series A Preferred Stock, subject to specified adjustments as set forth in Article IV of the Amended and Restated Charter. No fractional securities will be issued upon conversion of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, and, in lieu of such fractional shares, the Company will pay cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the applicable conversion price.
Optional Redemption. At any time and from time to time on or after April 25, 2027, the Company will have the right, in its sole discretion, to give notice of its election to redeem all or any portion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, for an amount in cash equal to the then current accrued liquidation preference of such shares (including any accrued and unpaid dividends since the most recent dividend payment date). Prior to April 25, 2027, in connection with the consummation of certain fundamental changes (as more fully described in the Amended and Restated Charter but including, among other things, certain change-in- control transactions and asset sales), the Company will have the right, in its sole discretion, to give notice of election to redeem all or any portion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, for an amount in cash equal to the then current accrued liquidation preference of such shares (including any accrued and unpaid dividends since the most recent dividend payment date) plus a make-whole amount determined by reference to the dividends that would be accrued through April 25, 2027, discounted to the date of redemption on a quarterly basis at the treasury rate on the date of the redemption plus 50 basis points. Any redemption of fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be made pro rata in proportion to the value of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held. No share of Series A Preferred Stock that is converted into our common stock prior to the applicable redemption date shall be subject to redemption.
Mandatory Redemption. On April 25, 2032, the Company will be required to redeem and purchase all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an amount, in cash, equal to the then current accrued liquidation preference of such shares (including any accrued and unpaid dividends since the most recent dividend payment date), up to but not including April 25, 2032.
Redemption in Connection with Reorganization Events and Fundamental Change Transactions. If the Company undergoes certain fundamental changes (as more fully described in Article IV of the Amended and Restated Charter but including, among other things, certain change-in-control transactions and asset sales), a holder of Series A Preferred Stock may give notice of its election to have us fully redeem all of such holder’s outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, for an amount in cash equal to the then current accrued liquidation preference of such shares (including any accrued and unpaid dividends since the most recent dividend payment date). Such redemption shall not be required if the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are purchased at the abovementioned redemption price (determined by reference to the date upon which such transaction is consummated) in connection with (and no later than the time of consummation of) such fundamental change transaction. If applicable law does not permit us to consummate any such redemption, the Company will be restricted from consummating the applicable fundamental change transaction unless (x) at the closing of the transaction, all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are purchased for an amount in cash equal to the abovementioned redemption price (determined by reference to the date upon which such fundamental change occurs) or (y) the Company gives a written notice of the terms and conditions of such transaction, which such notice affords the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock the right, but not the obligation, to elect to engage with us in an alternative transaction on terms that are the same as those of the applicable proposed fundamental change transaction (such right of first refusal described more fully in Article IV of the Amended and Restated Charter).
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Voting Rights. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as required by Delaware law or with respect to the amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of the Amended and Restated Charter, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting powers of the share of Series A Preferred Stock.
Consent Rights. For so long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company may not, and shall cause its subsidiaries not to, without the written consent or approval of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock representing not less than 55% of the outstanding value of Series A Preferred Stock (provided that at any time during which there are two or more unaffiliated holders of Series A Preferred Stock, this 55% must include at least two unaffiliated holders of Series A Preferred Stock), (i) create, authorize or issue (by reclassification or otherwise) any equity securities of the Company, including any additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock or other security convertible into or exchangeable for any of the Company’s equity securities, having rights, preferences or privileges ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock or pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) amend, modify, restate, repeal or make any other change (by amendment, merger, consolidation, operation of law or otherwise) to any provision of the Company’s or the Company’s subsidiaries’ organizational documents in a manner which adversely alters or changes the rights, preferences or privileges of the Series A Preferred Stock (provided that any issuance of securities junior to the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be deemed to be adverse to the Series A Preferred Stock), (iii) prior to payment in full in cash of the liquidation preference on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, effect any dividend or distribution to or redemption of any other shares of the Company’s capital stock or equity securities (other than the shares of Series A Preferred Stock), (iv) amend, modify or waive the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, (v) effect certain mergers or consolidations or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s and the Company’s subsidiaries’ assets (as more fully described in Article IV of the Amended and Restated Charter) unless the liquidation preference in respect of the Series A Preferred Stock is fully repaid, or in certain circumstances, the Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding, (vi) consent to the Company’s or any of the Company’s subsidiaries’ liquidation, dissolution or winding up unless, in the case of the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Company shall have delivered to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock not less than 10 business days’ prior written notice of such transaction. The Company also may not, without the prior written consent or approval of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock representing not less than 85% of the outstanding value of Series A Preferred Stock, amend, waive, or modify the Amended and Restated Charter in ways (as more fully described in Article IV of the Amended and Restated Charter) that adversely alter or change the rights, preferences, privileges or obligations of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, the Company shall not redeem or otherwise make any dividend or payment on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock other than in cash without the prior written consent or approval of each affected holder of such Series A Preferred Stock.
Board of Directors
The Company’s business and affairs is managed under the direction of its board of directors. Under the Amended and Restated Charter, the Board is divided into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, with each class consisting of three (3) directors. Class I directors will hold office for a term expiring at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders; Class II directors will hold office for a term expiring at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders; and Class III directors will hold office for a term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. At each succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting will be elected by plurality vote of all votes cast at such meeting to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election.
Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, certain direct and indirect equityholders of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC that are affiliates of Blackstone Inc. (the “BTO Stockholders”), collectively, have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate for election to the Board up to two (2) directors, for so long as the BTO Entities (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the outstanding Stock (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement); and (ii) one (1) director, for so long as the BTO Entities collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) less than 10% of the outstanding Stock, but at least 33% of the shares of Stock held by the BTO Entities as of the Closing. In addition, for so long as the BTO Entities have such nomination rights, the Board will use reasonable best efforts to cause any committee of the Board to include in its membership at least one director nominated by the BTO Stockholders provided that such individual satisfies all applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements. In the event that a vacancy is created at any time by the death, disqualification, resignation or removal of a director nominated by BTO Stockholders, the BTO Stockholders, collectively, shall have the right to designate a replacement to fill such vacancy. Ms. Hayes and Mr. Hirsch are the current BTO Stockholders director designees.
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Committees of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Bylaws, the Board may establish one or more committees to which may be delegated any or all of the powers and duties of the Board to the full extent permitted by law. The Board has established and maintained an audit committee, a governance committee and a compensation committee, and may establish such other committees as it determines from time to time.
Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, Bridger Element LLC (“Bridger Element”) and its former equityholders, to the extent they collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the outstanding Stock have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate the Chairperson of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board, subject to satisfaction of applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements.
Limitations on Non-Citizens
To assist with the Company’s compliance with Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as the same may be amended from time to time, Article X of the Amended and Restated Charter and Article V of the Amended and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that limit Non-Citizens to not more than (x) 24.9% of the aggregate votes of all the Company’s outstanding voting securities or (y) 49.0% of the aggregate number of the Company’s outstanding equity securities and prohibit certain voting right and transfers of the Company’s securities to ensure that ownership by Non-Citizens will not exceed these amounts. Additionally, such equity securities owned by Non-Citizens may not be voted unless such shares are registered on the separate stock record maintained by the Company or any transfer agent (on behalf of the Company) for the registration of the Company’s equity securities held by Non-Citizens.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Bylaws, at no time shall the number of Non-Citizens who serve as officers or director, respectively, of the Company exceed the limitations provided under Section 40102(a)(15) of Title 49 of the United States Code (which, as of the effective date of the Amended and Restated Bylaws and for informational purposes only, is one-third (1/3) of the total number of officers or director, respectively, then holding office).
“Non-Citizen” means persons or entities who are not “citizens of the United States” as defined in Section 40102(a)(15) under Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Amendment of Our Charter or Bylaws
The DGCL generally provides that the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on amendments to a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws is required to approve such amendment, unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as applicable, imposes a higher voting standard.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all then-outstanding Company our common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, is required to adopt, amend or repeal the Amended and Restated Bylaws and the provisions in the Amended and Restated Charter related to directors, indemnification and limitation of liability on directors and officers, Bylaw amendments, special stockholder meetings and no action by written consent of the stockholders, corporate opportunities waiver, forum selection and amendments to the Charter.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, the Amended and Restated Charter and the Amended and Restated Bylaws
Some provisions of the DGCL, the Amended and Restated Charter and the Amended and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that could make the following transactions more difficult: an acquisition the Company by means of a tender offer; an acquisition of the Company by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or the removal of the Company’s incumbent officers and directors. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in the Company’s best interests, including transactions which provide for payment of a premium over the market price for the Company’s shares.
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Stockholder Meetings
The Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board, chief executive officer or the Board.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals
The Amended and Restated Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals to be brought before a stockholder meeting and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the Board or a committee of Board.
Elimination of Stockholder Action by Written Consent
The Amended and Restated Bylaws do not permit stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting.
Staggered Board
The Board is divided into three (3) classes. Except for the directors first elected as Class I directors and Class II directors, the directors in each class serve for a three-year term, one class being elected each year by the Company’s stockholders. This system of electing and removing directors may tend to discourage a third-party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company, because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors.
Removal of Directors
The Amended and Restated Charter provides that no member of the Board may be removed from office by the Company’s stockholders except for cause and, in addition to any other vote required by law, upon the approval of at least a majority of the total voting power of all then-outstanding shares of capital stock then entitled to vote in the election of directors.
Stockholders Not Entitled to Cumulative Voting
The Amended and Restated Charter does not permit stockholders to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if they choose, other than any directors that holders of our preferred stock may be entitled to elect.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
The Amended and Restated Charter provides that the Company is not governed by Section 203 of the DGCL which, in the absence of such provisions, would have imposed additional requirements regarding mergers and other business combinations.
However, the Amended and Restated Charter includes a provision that restricts the Company from engaging in any business combination with an interested stockholder for three (3) years following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder. Such restrictions do not apply to any business combination between JCIC Sponsor, the BTO Stockholders, Banc of America Strategic Investments Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Funding Inc., Bridger Element, Mr. McAndrew Rudisill, Mr. Timothy Sheehy and Mr. Matthew Sheehy and any successors or affiliate thereof or their direct and indirect transferees, on the one hand, and us, on the other.
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The Company would be able to enter into a business combination with an interested stockholder if:
(a) before that person became an interested stockholder, the Board approved the business combination or the transaction in which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder;
(b) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by (i) persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer;
(c) at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company that is not owned by the interested stockholder; or
(d) the stockholder became an interested stockholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divested itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the stockholder ceased to be an interested stockholder and (ii) was not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between the Company and such stockholder, an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership.
In general, a “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder and an “interested stockholder” is any person who, together with affiliates and associates, is the owner of 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting stock or is the Company’s affiliate or associate and was the owner of 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting stock at any time within the three-year period immediately before the date of determination. Under the Amended and Restated Charter, an “interested stockholder” does not include JCIC Sponsor, the BTO Stockholders, Banc of America Strategic Investments Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Funding Inc., Bridger Element, Mr. McAndrew Rudisill, Mr. Timothy Sheehy and Mr. Matthew Sheehy and any successors or affiliate thereof or their direct and indirect transferees.
This provision of the Amended and Restated Charter could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire the Company even though such a transaction may offer the Company’s stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing market price. The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the Board.
Exclusive Forum
The Amended and Restated Charter provides that unless a majority of the Board, acting on behalf of the Company, consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (which consent may be given at any time, including during the pendency of litigation), the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state court located within the State of Delaware or, if no court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware), to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any of its directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Amended and Restated Charter or the Amended and Restated Bylaws (in each case, as may be amended from time to time), (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any of its directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware or (v) any other action asserting an “internal corporate claim,” as defined in Section 115 of the DGCL, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over all indispensable parties named as defendants. Subject to the preceding provisions and unless a majority of the Board, acting on behalf of the Company, consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (which consent may be given at any time, including during the pendency of litigation), the federal district courts of the United States of America, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any action asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
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Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and stockholders of corporations for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties, subject to certain exceptions. The Amended and Restated Charter includes a provision that eliminates, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL (as currently in effect or as it may in the future be amended), the personal liability of the Company’s directors for damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, the Company’s stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly demand and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Stockholders’ Derivative Actions
Under the DGCL, any of the Company’s stockholders may bring an action in the Company’s name to procure a judgment in the Company’s favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of the Company’s shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholder’s stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.
Listing of our Common Stock
Shares of our common stock are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BAER.”
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Description of Debt Securities
We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Unless the context requires otherwise, whenever we refer to the indenture, we also are referring to any supplemental indentures that specify the terms of a particular series of debt securities.
We will issue the debt securities under the indenture that we will enter into with the trustee named in the indenture. The indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the SEC.
The following summary of material provisions of the debt securities and the indenture is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements and any related free writing prospectuses we authorize for use in connection with a specific offering of debt securities, as well as the complete indenture that contains the terms of the debt securities.
General Matters
The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize and in any currency or currency unit that we may designate. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations or financial condition or transactions involving us.
We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities”, which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may be issued with “original issue discount”, or OID, for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of interest payment and other characteristics or terms of the debt securities. Material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with OID will be described in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of debt securities being offered, including:
· | the title of the series of debt securities; | |
· | any limit upon the aggregate principal amount that may be issued; | |
· | the maturity date or dates; | |
· | the form of the debt securities of the series; | |
· | the applicability of any guarantees; | |
· | whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt; |
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· | whether the debt securities rank as senior debt, senior subordinated debt, subordinated debt or any combination thereof, and the terms of any subordination; | |
· | if the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which the debt securities will be issued is a price other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of such debt securities that is convertible into another security or the method by which any such portion shall be determined; | |
· | the interest rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate and the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates; | |
· | our right, if any, to defer payment of interest, and the maximum length of any such deferral period; | |
· | if applicable, the date or dates after which, or the period or periods during which, and the price or prices at which, we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions, and the terms of those redemption provisions; | |
· | the date or dates, if any, on which, and the price or prices at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option to purchase, the series of debt securities, and the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are payable; | |
· | the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; | |
· | any and all terms, if applicable, relating to any auction or remarketing of the debt securities of that series and any security for our obligations with respect to such debt securities, and any other terms which may be advisable in connection with the marketing of debt securities of that series; | |
· | whether the debt securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security or securities; the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global security or securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual securities; and the depositary for such global security or securities; | |
· | if applicable, the provisions relating to conversion or exchange of any debt securities of the series, and the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the conversion or exchange price, as applicable, or how it will be calculated and may be adjusted, any mandatory or optional (at our option or at the holders’ option) conversion or exchange features, the applicable conversion or exchange period and the manner of settlement for any conversion or exchange; | |
· | if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof; | |
· | additions to or changes in the covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued, including, among others, the consolidation, merger or sale covenant; | |
· | additions to or changes in the events of default with respect to the securities, and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, with respect to such securities to be due and payable; |
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· | additions to or changes in or deletions of the provisions relating to covenant defeasance and legal defeasance; | |
· | additions to or changes in the provisions relating to satisfaction and discharge of the indenture; | |
· | additions to or changes in the provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the consent of the holders of the debt securities issued under the indenture; | |
· | the currency of payment of the debt securities if other than U.S. dollars, and the manner of determining the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars; | |
· | whether interest will be payable in cash or additional debt securities at our or the holders’ option, and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made; | |
· | the terms and conditions, if any, upon which we will pay amounts in addition to the stated interest, premium, if any, and principal amounts of the debt securities of the series to any holder that is not a “United States person” for federal tax purposes; | |
· | any restrictions on transfer, sale or assignment of the debt securities of the series; and | |
· | any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on the debt securities, any other additions or changes in the provisions of the indenture, and any terms that may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations. |
Conversion or Exchange Rights
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities. We will include provisions as to settlement upon conversion or exchange and whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock or our other securities that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.
Consolidation, Merger or Sale
Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the indenture will not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of our assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety. However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets (other than a subsidiary of ours) must assume all of our obligations under the indenture or the debt securities, as appropriate.
Events of Default under the Indenture
Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the following are events of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:
· | if we fail to pay any installment of interest on any series of debt securities, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 90 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment period by us in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental thereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose; |
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· | if we fail to pay the principal of, or premium on, if any, any series of debt securities as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to such series; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental thereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any; | |
· | if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant or agreement contained in the debt securities or the indenture, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for a period of 90 days after we receive written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such is a notice of default thereunder, from the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and | |
· | if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur. |
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than certain specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, of such series of debt securities immediately due and payable. If certain specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur with respect to us, the principal amount and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder.
The holders of a majority of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default or event of default.
Subject to the terms of the indenture, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities unless such holders have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:
· | the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and | |
· | subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding. |
A holder of the debt securities of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding under the indenture or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies, only if:
· | the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series; | |
· | the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made a written request; | |
· | such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred by the trustee in compliance with the request; and | |
· | the trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not receive from the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions within 90 days after the notice, request and offer. |
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These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal of, or the premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.
We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indenture.
Modification of Indenture; Waiver
Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including, but not limited to, the following:
· | to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture or in the debt securities of any series; | |
· | to comply with the provisions described above under “-Consolidation, Merger or Sale”; | |
· | to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities; | |
· | to add to our covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the indenture; | |
· | to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of debt securities, as set forth in the indenture; | |
· | to make any change that does not adversely affect the interests of any holder of debt securities of any series in any material respect; | |
· | to provide for the issuance of, and to establish the form and terms and conditions of, the debt securities of any series as provided above under “-General Matters”, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities; | |
· | to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under any indenture by a successor trustee; or | |
· | to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. |
In addition, under the indenture, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we and the trustee may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:
· | extending the fixed maturity of any debt securities of any series; | |
· | reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest, or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption of any series of debt securities; or | |
· | reducing the percentage of debt securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or waiver. |
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Discharge
The indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for specified obligations, including, but not limited to, the following obligations to:
· | provide for payment; | |
· | register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series; | |
· | replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of the series; | |
· | pay principal of and premium and interest on any debt securities of the series; | |
· | maintain paying agencies; | |
· | hold monies for payment in trust; | |
· | recover excess money held by the trustee; | |
· | compensate and indemnify the trustee; and | |
· | appoint any successor trustee. |
In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, and any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.
Form, Exchange and Transfer
We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indenture provides that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, or another depositary named by us and identified in the applicable prospectus supplement with respect to that series. To the extent the debt securities of a series are issued in global form and as book-entry, a description of terms relating to any book-entry securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
Subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will impose no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.
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We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.
If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:
· | issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of that series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the date of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the date of the mailing; or | |
· | register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part. |
Information Concerning the Trustee
The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given to it by the indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.
Payment and Paying Agents
Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.
We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that, unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments by check that we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.
All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any debt securities that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to the indenture or the debt securities, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.
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Description of Warrants
The following description summarizes certain terms and conditions of the warrants that we may offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of warrants, we will describe the specific terms and conditions of the warrants in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement whether the general terms and conditions described in this prospectus apply to the series of warrants. The terms and conditions of the warrants may be different in one or more respects from the terms and conditions described below. If so, those differences will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the complete warrant agreements and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the warrants.
We may issue warrants for the purchase of shares of our common stock or preferred stock or of debt securities. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and the investors or a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.
The particular terms of any issue of warrants will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:
· | the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase such shares and the price at which such number of shares may be purchased upon such exercise; | |
· | the designation, stated value and terms (including, without limitation, liquidation, dividend, conversion, and voting rights) of the series of preferred stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase preferred stock; | |
· | the principal amount of debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of a debt warrant and the exercise price for the warrants, which may be payable in cash, securities or other property; | |
· | the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related debt securities, preferred stock or common stock will be separately transferable; | |
· | the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants; | |
· | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire; | |
· | U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to the warrants; and | |
· | any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange, exercise and settlement of the warrants. |
Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the principal amount of debt securities or the number of shares of preferred stock or common stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
A holder of warrant certificates may exchange them for new warrant certificates of different denominations, present them for registration of transfer and exercise them at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Until any warrants to purchase debt securities are exercised, the holder of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise, including any rights to receive payments of principal, premium or interest on the underlying debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture.
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Until any warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock are exercised, the holders of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the underlying common stock or preferred stock, including any rights to receive dividends or payments upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up on the common stock or preferred stock, if any.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our public warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
Listing of our Warrants
The public warrants are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “BAERW”.
This description and the description in the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus of any warrants that we may offer is not and will not necessarily be complete and will be subject, and qualified in its entirety by reference, to the applicable warrant agreements and warrant certificates, which will be filed with the SEC.
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Description of Units
We may issue units consisting of any combination of the other types of securities offered under this prospectus in one or more series. We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that we will issue under a separate agreement. We may enter into unit agreements with a unit agent. Each unit agent will be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and address of the unit agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of units.
The following description, together with the additional information included in the applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the general features of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. You should read any prospectus supplement and any free-writing prospectus we authorize for use in connection with a specific offering of units, as well as the complete unit agreements that contain the terms of the units. Specific unit agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions, and we will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or we will incorporate by reference from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of each unit agreement relating to units offered under this prospectus.
If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:
· | the title of the series of units; | |
· | identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units; | |
· | the price or prices at which the units will be issued; | |
· | the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable; | |
· | a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and | |
· | any other terms of the units and their constituent securities. |
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Plan of Distribution
We may sell the securities from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, direct sales to the public, “at the market” offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities to or through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. We may distribute securities from time to time in one or more transactions:
· | at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; | |
· | at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; | |
· | at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or | |
· | at negotiated prices. |
A prospectus supplement or supplements (and any related free writing prospectus that we may have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering) will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:
· | the name or names of the underwriters, if any; | |
· | the purchase price of the securities or other consideration therefor, and the proceeds, if any, we will receive from the sale; | |
· | any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us; | |
· | any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation; | |
· | any public offering price; | |
· | any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and | |
· | any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed. |
Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.
If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement, other than securities covered by any over-allotment option. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may change from time to time. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.
We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
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We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the prospectus supplement.
We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.
All securities we may offer, other than common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but they will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.
Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.
Any underwriters that are qualified market makers on Nasdaq may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on Nasdaq in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus, and any supplement thereto, will be passed upon for us by Sidley Austin LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC (predecessor to Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.), as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Crowe LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
Where You Can Find More Information
We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities being offered under this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities being offered under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. The SEC’s Internet site can be found at http://www.sec.gov.
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Important Information Incorporated by Reference
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain important information that you should read about us.
The following documents are incorporated by reference into this prospectus:
· | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2023; | |
· | The information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2023; | |
· | Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2023; | |
· | Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on August 10, 2023; | |
· | Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023; | |
· | Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on (i) January 27, 2023, (ii) June 22, 2023, (iii) June 27, 2023, (iv) July 24, 2023, (v) September 13, 2023, (vi) September 14, 2023, (vii) September 20, 2023 and (viii) November 24, 2023; | |
· | The audited consolidated financial statements of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC (predecessor to Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.), as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the report of Crowe LLP thereon, contained on pages F-2 through F-40 of Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-275051) filed with the SEC on October 23, 2023; and | |
· | The description of our securities contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 24, 2023, including any amendments or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description, including Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 20, 2023. |
We also incorporate by reference any future filings (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary) made with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including those made after the date of the initial filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to effectiveness of such registration statement, until we file a post-effective amendment that indicates the termination of the offering of the securities made by this prospectus and will become a part of this prospectus from the respective dates that such documents are filed with the SEC. Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein 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 prospectus.
Documents incorporated by reference are available from us, without charge. You may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
90 Aviation Lane
Belgrade,
Montana 59714
Telephone Number: (406) 813-0079
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2,183,366 Shares of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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Stifel
April 15, 2024