This guide is intended as a practical overview of key issues involved in going public in Canada. Advice should be sought in connection with any specific transaction.
To learn more about going-public transactions and the range of legal services that WeirFoulds can assist you with, please visit our website at www.weirfoulds.com/securities or get in touch with someone on our team.
Wayne T. Egan Managing Partner [email protected] 416.947.5086
Michael Dolphin Partner [email protected] 416.947.5005
4100-66 WELLINGTON STREET WEST PO BOX 35, TD BANK TOWER, TORONTO, M5K 1B7 +1 416.365.1110 WWW.WEIRFOULDS.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1 The Decision to Go Public ......................................................................................................... 2 Canadian Stock Exchanges....................................................................................................... 3
Toronto Stock Exchange.................................................................................................... 3 TSX Venture Exchange....................................................................................................... 3 Canadian Securities Exchange.......................................................................................... 4 Methods of Going Public ........................................................................................................... 5 Initial Public Offering.......................................................................................................... 5 Reverse Take-over ............................................................................................................. 9 Qualifying Transactions ...................................................................................................11
TSX-V's Capital Pool Company Program .............................................................11 TSX's Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation Program..................................13 Direct Listing.....................................................................................................................14 Graduation to the TSX......................................................................................................14 Costs of Going Public in Canada............................................................................................. 15 Life as a Public Company........................................................................................................ 16 Appendix 1: Minimum Listing Requirements (TSX) ................................................................ 17 Appendix 2: Minimum Listing Requirements (TSX-V) ............................................................. 21 Appendix 3: Minimum Listing Requirements (CSE) ................................................................ 24
INTRODUCTION Canada has a strong and well-regulated capital market with a history of funding growth companies. By going public in Canada, companies can achieve robust valuations and raise funds from an array of institutional and retail investors. Access to funding opportunities is further broadened by allowing companies to select the best option for them among the three main Canadian stock exchanges: the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"), and the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). A company can "go public" and proceed to obtain a listing on a Canadian stock exchange through a variety of methods, including an initial public offering ("IPO"), a reverse take-over ("RTO"), the TSX-V's capital pool company program ("CPC") or the TSX's special purpose acquisition corporation program ("SPAC").
If you are considering a going-public transaction in Canada, we invite you to review the information presented in this guide which outlines some of the key issues you may wish to consider, including:
- making the decision to go public in Canada; - which Canadian stock exchange to list on; - methods of going public; - minimum listing requirements; and - the timeline and cost of going public.
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THE DECISION TO GO PUBLIC Before making the decision to go public, companies should consider the many advantages but also certain burdens or responsibilities that come with being a public company.
Advantages
Easier access to capital whether it be for specific projects or future growth, companies are able to access capital on more favourable conditions than private equity financing and without the interest costs of debt financing. Greater liquidity for existing and future shareholders shares will become easier to sell; however, securities held by principals may be subject to escrow requirements imposed by statute and/or arrangements with underwriters. Greater liquidity options for founders founders may sell some or all of their shares or use them as collateral for personal loans. Increased credibility generally speaking, due to greater transparency and visibility, public issuer status enhances corporate image which in turn assists in developing relationships with customers, suppliers and the community. Ability to use equity as compensation to management permits greater flexibility in compensation arrangements. Ability to use equity as compensation for purchases enhances the ability of an issuer to complete mergers utilizing liquid stock as consideration. Enhanced ability to borrow the increase in equity base creates more leverage for growth by improving a company's debt-to-equity ratio. Method of valuation through the market provides a more accurate assessment of the fair market value of the enterprise.
Other Considerations
Set-up costs the initial costs of going public incurred, including management time and internal resources. Ongoing costs additional costs on a going-forward basis will be incurred to meet continuous disclosure and corporate governance requirements of the exchanges and securities regulators. Decreased flexibility for founders public companies become subject to various restrictions under listing rules and that can impact activities, including issuing securities, related party transactions, etc. More pressure on management as the number of shareholders increase, meeting their expectations of continuing success and profit, as well as expectations of a broader variety of stakeholders, will require more from management. Loss of confidentiality due to extensive corporate and financial reporting obligations. Potential for civil liability the issuer, directors and certain advisors could all be held liable for misrepresentations in public disclosure documents. Potential loss of certain tax benefits current income tax laws provide certain credits and deductons to Canadian-controlled private corporations which are no longer available to a company once it goes public. Increased vulnerability to hostile takeovers especially where founders own less than the majority of the outstanding stock.
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CANADIAN STOCK EXCHANGES The two principal exchanges for equity securities in Canada are the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). The TMX Group owns and operates both exchanges. Of the two, the TSX is the market for senior issuers. The TSX-V is the market for more junior issuers that have not yet met the requirements for listing on the TSX. A third exchange in Canada, the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"), is operated by CNSX Markets Inc. Recognized as a stock exchange in 2004, the CSE began operations in 2003 to provide a modern and efficient alternative for companies looking to access the Canadian public capital markets. In order to secure a listing on either of these exchanges, a company must complete a listing application which, together with supporting data, must demonstrate that the issuer is able to meet the applicable minimum listing requirements of the relevant exchange. Toronto Stock Exchange The TSX is the largest stock exchange in Canada. It lists more than 1,500 companies with an aggregate market capitalization in excess of $2.8 trillion. In addition to traditional companies, exchange-traded funds, split share corporations, income trusts and other investment funds may be listed on the TSX. The TSX classifies applicant issuers into one of three listing categories: (i) industrial (general), (ii) mining, and (iii) oil and gas.
- The industrial (general) category is further separated into profitable companies, companies forecasting profitability, technology companies, and research and development companies.
- The mining category is further separated into producing mining companies, and mineral exploration and development-stage companies.
For the minimum listing requirements for the TSX, please refer to Appendix 1. TSX Venture Exchange The TSX-V is a public venture capital marketplace for emerging companies. It provides a fair marketplace where growth companies can raise capital to develop and market their properties, products and services. For investors, this exchange provides opportunities to seek early stage investments in growth companies. While the TSX-V continues to demonstrate its strength in attracting resource companies, its 2,000+ issuers represent a diverse mix of industry sectors, including industrial, life sciences, technology, clean technology and financial services. As the listing requirements are specifically designed for emerging companies, they focus more on the experience of the management team rather than the company's products and services. The TSX-V classifies applicant issuers into two tiers based on historical financial performance, stage of business development and financial resources:
- Tier 1 is for issuers with greater financial resources and has more onerous minimum listing requirements and ongoing tier maintenance requirements than for Tier 2 issuers.
- Tier 2 is for early-stage companies in all industry sectors. The majority of the TSX-V listed issuers trade in Tier 2. Tier 2 issuers may obtain Tier 1 status if they later meet Tier 1 minimum listing requirements.
Issuers are further classified within each of the two tiers into industry sectors, including (i) mining, (ii) oil and gas, (iii) technology or industrial, (iv) real estate or investment, and (v) research and development. For the minimum listing requirements for the TSX-V, please refer to Appendix 2.
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Canadian Securities Exchange The CSE, formerly known as the Canadian National Stock Exchange, is an alternative for micro-cap and emerging growth companies. It offers simplified reporting requirements, a streamlined regulatory model with no transactional reviews, approvals of fees and reduced barriers to listing, including no mandatory sponsorship requirements. Built as a solution for today's challenging market conditions, the CSE structure is designed to allow entrepreneurs to spend less time managing their listing and more time focused on growing the company's value for shareholders. The CSE will permit for listing equity and debt securities with different requirements for each type. Debt instruments listed by the CSE include structure products (such as principal protected notes), government bonds, and corporate debentures and crown-corporation debt instruments. For the minimum listing requirements for the CSE, please refer to Appendix 3.
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METHODS OF GOING PUBLIC The listing of a private company on the TSX, the TSX-V or the CSE can be achieved through different routes, the most common of which include an initial public offering, completing a reverse take-over, completing a qualifying transaction, and other specific programs offered by the TSX-V and the TSX. These three, along with other routes mentioned above, are discussed below. While an IPO may come to mind as the most obvious route to listing, most other options available offer quicker and less costly means towards a similar end. Deciding which road to take should be based on the characteristics of the company, the concurrent capital raising needs of the company and the motivations for taking the company public. Initial Public Offering An initial public offering ("IPO") is the traditional method of going public. An IPO is typically completed via a long-form prospectus offering of shares in conjunction with an initial listing on a stock exchange. The typical structure of an IPO is relatively straightforward. The company wishing to complete the IPO files a listing application with the selected exchange. The listing application must demonstrate that the company meets the minimum listing requirements of the selected exchange. In addition to listing, an essential element of the IPO consists of capital raising which requires the engagement of underwriters to market the offering of the securities to the public. Upon approval of the listing application and on closing of the offering, the company's shares become listed for trading on the exchange. An IPO involves the preparation of a prospectus in accordance with Canadian securities laws. Approval of the prospectus by securities regulators in the jurisdictions in which the securities will be sold is required. The prospectus is written by the company's legal counsel and requires the participation of management, auditors, underwriters (including its legal counsel), securities commissions and the exchange. It must contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the shares being offered for sale to the public. Typically, a prospectus includes:
- the history of the company and a description of its business; - a description of the company's business and investment plans; - a description of the intended use of the proceeds raised by the IPO; - a description of the securities being offered; - a summary of the major risk factors affecting investment in the company; - detailed information on management, directors and principal shareholders; - disclosure regarding particulars of material contracts other than those entered into during
the ordinary course of business; - audited financial statements; - a plan of distribution and distributions spread (i.e., commissions, options or other fees
payable to the underwriters); - certification of "full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts" signed by the CEO, CFO
and two directors; and - the same certification from the underwriter, with the addition of "to the best of our
knowledge, information and belief".
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A financing conducted by underwriters can be arranged in different ways, including on a firmcommitment basis and a best-efforts basis. When acting on a firm-commitment basis, the underwriter acts as a principal rather than agent and purchases the offered shares and then attempts to sell them to the public. An IPO underwritten on a firm-commitment basis is attractive to a company as the amount raised by the company is guaranteed regardless of the success the underwriter has in marketing the offered shares and obtaining investors. However, a firmcommitment basis IPO will likely be priced at a larger discount to market, making it easier for the underwriter to sell the shares. In contrast, an underwriter acting on a best-efforts basis may market the offered shares but the purchased shares pass directly from the company to the investors. Furthermore, the underwriter is not obliged to purchase any unsold shares. This exposes the company to the risk that the market will not have an appetite for the offering and the company may raise less than expected. Regardless of the method under which the underwriter sells the shares, both parties must be confident that the shares being sold under the prospectus will be attractive to investors.
As mentioned, a financing is an integral part of the IPO process. While an IPO provides an opportunity to raise significant equity for the company, it also results in share dilution whereby founders or major shareholders of the private company lose their controlling interest in the resulting public company.
The timetable for an IPO is comprised of three general stages.
- The first stage involves the drafting of the preliminary prospectus and concludes with the filing of the preliminary prospectus with the selected exchange and the securities commission.
- The second stage is the period between the filing of the preliminary prospectus and the filing of the final prospectus which involves a review of the preliminary prospectus by the securities commission. This "waiting period" coincides with the underwriter conducting marketing efforts to solicit interest from institutional investors and retail brokers.
- The third stage is the period between the filing of the final prospectus and the closing of the offering.
Throughout the process, underwriters and their legal counsel conduct an extensive due diligence investigation to ensure the prospective issuer has disclosed all material facts that would impact the stakeholders of the company.
Timeline of an IPO
The following chart breaks down the three phases mentioned into a step-by-step timeline of events which generally occur in an IPO of securities by a Canadian corporation. This timeline should be used as a guide only as the actual timing will vary from transaction to transaction. Subject to a number of internal and external factors, an IPO generally takes roughly three to six months.
Phase 1 Preliminary Steps
Step 1
1 2 weeks
Initial Preparation
Step 2 Draft Preliminary Prospectus
4 8 weeks
Organize and engage working group (including lawyers, auditors, underwriters/agents)
Distribute draft timetable Meet with auditors and other advisers to discuss
financials and any technical (mining) reports or oil and gas reports for applicable issuers Underwriters begin due diligence Commence drafting prospectus Commence preparation of financial statements and any technical (mining) reports or oil and gas reports for applicable issuers
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Step 3 Conduct Due Diligence and Prepare Listing Application
2 3 weeks
Step 4 Obtain Board Approval and File Preliminary Prospectus
1 2 weeks
Phase 2 Waiting Period Step 5 Prepare for Closing and File Listing Application
1 2 weeks
Step 6 Finalize and File Final Prospectus
1 2 weeks
Phase 3 Completion of IPO
Step 7
1 2 weeks
Close Transaction
and Listing Complete
Review and revision of documents, including: - prospectus - financial statements - any technical (mining) reports or oil and gas reports for applicable issuers
Prepare listing application Attend to listing requirements such as:
- application for CUSIP number - distribution of personal information forms to
directors and officers, etc. Continue legal and business due diligence Prepare marketing materials Arrange financial printers Conduct oral due diligence session with company's
management, auditors, underwriters/agents and legal counsel Finalize preliminary prospectus (French translation will be necessary if offering into Quebec) Hold board meeting to approve preliminary prospectus (including financial statements and any technical reports) File preliminary prospectus with relevant securities commission(s) Issue press release Begin preparation of closing documentation Confirm settlement and trading mechanics Settle underwriting agreement Respond to comments on preliminary prospectus Underwriters begin marketing efforts File listing application Complete marketing and solicit expressions of interest Hold bring-down due diligence session with company's management, auditors and legal counsel Resolve any outstanding comments from the securities commissions on the preliminary prospectus Finalize terms of offering (price, size, etc.) Finalize prospectus Board approval of final prospectus and any other ancillary matters File final prospectus with relevant securities commission(s) Issue press release Print commercial copies of final prospectus for distribution to subscribers Expiry of statutory withdrawal rights in Canada Pre-closing meeting to settle and sign all closing documentation Closing occurs Issue press release Securities begin trading on the exchange
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Other Considerations Financial Statements included in the Prospectus
Generally, the prospectus requirements include audited financial statements for the three mostrecently completed financial years, except for the statement of financial position which is required for the two most-recently completed financial years (in each case, as applicable, depending on when the company was formed). In addition, comparative quarterly financial statements for the period not ending more than 45 days before the date of the prospectus (60 days for the TSXV or the CSE) are required. If an issuer has completed a "significant acquisition" in the most-recently completed financial year or proposes to complete one as part of the IPO process, that issuer must provide audited comparative financial statements in relation to the "significant acquisition". Quarterly unaudited pro forma financial statements in relation to the "significant acquisition" are also required. Certain exemptions are also available to the filing of audited financial statements, especially for junior entities where assets, revenue and shareholders' equity are less than $10 million. In such circumstances, these junior entities do not need their second and third previous years to be audited. All financial information is to be prepared under and comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards. Corporate Governance Corporate governance has recently become even more critical to the operations of public companies, and continues to be highly scrutinized and reviewed by the regulators and by the public. The governance rules vary depending on which exchange is used for listing in Canada. In general, for the TSX, the board will need three independent directors who are financially literate to serve on the audit committee, while companies listed on the TSXV or the CSE require two independent directors who are financially literate. It is also a listing requirement of all the exchanges that management and the board have adequate experience and technical expertise relevant to the listed company's business and industry, as well as public company experience. Also, election of directors is done individually, so that slate voting is no longer permitted. Each company should also consider addressing the following voluntary corporate governance guidelines, as issued by the Canadian regulators:
- The board should consist of a majority of independent directors with an independent chair.
- Written board and committee mandates or policies should be developed and approved. - Clear position descriptions should be developed for the chairman of the board, chairs of
committees and the CEO. - A written code of conduct and ethics should be established. - An entirely independent nominating and compensation committee should be created. - There should be regular assessments of the board, all committees and each board
member's effectiveness. - There should be succession planning and a process for regular replacement of board
members. Escrowed Shares In the IPO process, the regulators require the imposition of escrow provisions on the securities held by insiders (directors, senior officers and principal shareholders holding greater than 10% of securities, and promoters). These securities are released over 18 to 36 months, depending on various conditions. In addition, the underwriters may request that key individuals contractually agree to restrict sale of their securities for a period of time following the IPO.
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Reverse Take-over
Generally, a RTO, or the reverse take-over of an existing company, is a transaction whereby a public company (typically inactive) which has few, if any, assets ("Public Co") acquires all of the securities of a private company which has substantial assets and/or operations ("Private Co"). The result of this transaction is Private Co indirectly "going public". Public Co acquires the securities of Private Co by issuing to Private Co's shareholders a significant number of shares in Public Co (equivalent in value to the assets or operations of Private Co).
Typically, the result of a RTO is a change of control in the ownership of Public Co and, in many cases, the former shareholders of Private Co will hold a large majority of the shares of Public Co post RTO. Public Co will remain listed on a stock exchange but will now also have assets and/or operations.
This type of transaction is subject to the approval of the shareholders of Public Co, using a proxy circular prepared with financial statements similar to the requirements for an IPO prospectus. Although the proxy circular distributed to the shareholders of Public Co is not reviewed by securities regulators, it must contain prospectus-level disclosure of the public company, private issuer and the issuer resulting from the RTO. Moreover, the transaction is subject to the review and approval of the applicable exchange, and the issuer resulting from the RTO must meet the original minimum listing requirements of the exchange.
The time and costs of completing a RTO are similar to the time and costs of completing an IPO. An additional factor in a RTO is that Private Co must conduct due diligence on Public Co to ensure that the shell company, Public Co, is clear of any undisclosed liabilities from its prior business. Public Co will also conduct due diligence on Private Co to ensure any potential legal issues are identified, addressed and corrected if necessary. Due diligence is a crucial step to protect the interests of both Public Co and Private Co shareholders.
Pre-RTO
Public Co Shareholders
Private Co Shareholders
Public Co
Post-RTO Public Co Shareholders
Private Co Private Co Shareholders Public Co
Private Co -9-
Timeline of a RTO
Phase 1 Identifying Target, Commencing Negotiations
2 4 weeks
Phase 2
1 2 weeks
Announcing Transaction
Phase 3 Filing Initial Draft Documents
4 8 weeks
Phase 4 Obtaining Conditional Approval
2 4 weeks
Phase 5 Closing the Transaction
1 2 weeks
Identify Public Co target and commence negotiations Commence due diligence process on each other Determine stock consideration ratio or range Consider whether a financing is required in connection
with the RTO Commence drafting of technical reports (if applicable),
required for mining or oil and gas companies Begin preparation of financial statements for
information circular Announce transaction with Public Co Commence preparation of Public Co's shareholders
meeting materials Continue preparation of financial statements and
technical reports Continue legal and business due diligence Select management and board of directors of resulting
issuer Deliver initial draft documentation to the exchange,
including: - information circular - financial statements - technical reports - listing application - personal information forms
Publish record date for shareholders meeting (at least 7 days prior to the record date)
Obtain conditional listing approval from applicable exchange
Determine record date for shareholders meeting (must be at least 30 days prior to meeting date)
Print and mail meeting materials to Public Co shareholders (must be at least 21 days prior to the meeting date)
Hold shareholders meeting and obtain shareholder approval
Filing of post shareholder approval documents with the TSX, including: - scrutineer's report - legal opinion - balance of filing fees
Close RTO transaction Exchange issues final exchange bulletin (evidencing
final listing approval) Common shares of the resulting issuer commence
trading
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Qualifying Transactions Both the TSX and the TSX-V have programs in place that permit a company with no commercial operations and no assets except cash to complete an IPO and become listed. On the TSX-V, this process is done through a capital pool company ("CPC") raising proceeds between $200,000 and $4.75 million. The TSX special purpose acquisition corporation program ("SPAC") permits raising a minimum of $30 million. In each case, the sole purpose of creating these companies is to complete a transaction which qualifies the entity for listing within a specified period of time. Upon listing, the CPC or SPAC uses its pool of cash to identify and review assets or businesses with a view to completing a qualifying transaction or qualifying acquisition, respectively, to acquire assets of a business. A SPAC must complete a qualifying acquisition within 36 months of its initial public offering and a CPC must complete a qualifying transaction within 24 months of its initial listing. The advantage of this method of going public as compared to a reverse take-over is that the approval of the CPC shareholders is not required (unless the transaction is with a non-arm's length party). Prospectus-level disclosure concerning the acquisition is, however, required. TSX-V's Capital Pool Company Program A CPC is a shell company that has completed an IPO, raised a modest amount of money (the minimum required to be raised under the IPO by TSX-V rules is $200,000 and the maximum permitted by TSX-V rules together with any prior seed funding is $5 million) and obtained a listing on the TSX-V, with the sole purpose of completing a qualifying transaction -- essentially a reverse takeover transaction. A qualifying transaction must be completed within two years of the CPC's IPO. An advantage of completing a qualifying transaction with a CPC over a regular reverse take-over transaction is that approval of the shareholders of the CPC is not required unless the parties are not at arm's length or the qualifying transaction is structured in a manner requiring shareholder approval under applicable corporate or securities laws. In most cases, the required disclosure document is a filing statement or, if shareholder approval is required, a proxy circular. Either way, prospectus-level disclosure is required. Due diligence of the public shell company is typically more straightforward for a qualifying transaction with a CPC than a regular reverse take-over in that it will not have carried on any active business prior to the completion of a qualifying transaction. The financial statements of the private company required to be included in the filing statement or proxy circular for a qualifying transaction are similar to financial statements required for an issuer completing an IPO. Time and costs in completing a qualifying transaction may be less than for a reverse take-over if it is structured such that shareholder approval is not required. Once the parties reach an understanding as to the valuation of the private company, they are free to negotiate the number of shares of the CPC to be issued. However, minimum public float requirements of the TSX-V, such as the requirement that at least 20% of the issued shares must be in the hands of public shareholders, place a limit on the number of shares that may be issued to shareholders of the private issuer. Moreover, the number of "value securities", which are subject to more favourable escrow arrangements pertaining to the private issuer, is determined by dividing the value of the private issuer (determined based on a valuation method recognized by the TSX-V) by the last market price before announcement of the qualifying transaction (discounted in accordance with permitted discount rules). In addition, since the TSX-V limits the aggregate number of "surplus securities" the CPC may issue that are unsupported by value in accordance with TSX-V valuation methods, the valuation of the private issuer should be considered early in the process.
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Timeline of a CPC Transaction
Phase 1 The Capital Pool Company
Step 1
4 8 weeks
Creating the CPC
Step 2 Selling the Shares
6 12 weeks
Minimum three individuals with an appropriate combination of business and public company experience put up a minimum of the greater of $100,000 or 5% of total funds raised.
These founders incorporate a shell company (the CPC) and issue shares in exchange for seed capital at a minimum price between the greater of $0.05 or 50% of the price at which subsequent shares are to be sold via prospectus.
The CPC and its advisors prepare a prospectus that outlines management's intention to raise between $200,000 and $4,750,000 by selling CPC shares at typically twice the issuance price of the seed shares and to use the proceeds to identify and evaluate potential acquisitions.
The CPC files the prospectus with the appropriate securities commission(s) and applies for listing on TSX-V.
Regulatory authorities review the prospectus and inform the CPC's professional advisors of any deficiencies.
After all deficiencies are cleared to the satisfaction of the regulators, file an amended prospectus in final form.
The securities commission will issue a final receipt as acceptance of the prospectus.
This approval allows the CPC to begin selling shares in the provincial jurisdictions where a final receipt has been issued.
The broker sells the CPC shares, pursuant to the prospectus, to at least 200 arm's length shareholders, each of whom buys at least 1,000 shares. No one purchaser can purchase more than 2% of the offering and no one purchaser together with his, her or its associates or affiliates can purchase more than 4% of the offering.
Once the distribution has been completed and closed, the CPC is listed for trading in the secondary market. The symbol includes ".P" to identify the company as a CPC.
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Phase 2 The Qualifying Transaction
Step 1
2 4 weeks
Announcing the
Acquisition
Step 2 Closing the Deal
Must occur within 24 months of the date on which the CPC is listed for trading
The CPC identifies an appropriate business as its "qualifying transaction" and issues a news release to announce that it has entered an agreement in principle to acquire the business.
The CPC prepares a draft filing statement or information circular providing prospectus-level disclosure on the business that is to be acquired.
TSX-V reviews the disclosure document and evaluates the business to ensure it meets minimum listing requirements.
Where shareholder approval is required for a non-arm's length qualifying transaction, an information circular is posted on SEDAR and sent to the CPC's shareholders prior to holding a shareholders' meeting to obtain majority of the minority approval of the proposed qualifying transaction.
Where shareholder approval is not required for an arm's length qualifying transaction, the filing statement is posted on SEDAR for at least 7 business days, after which the qualifying transaction closes and the business is acquired.
Additional components of the deal often include a change of name and a private placement coinciding with the closing of the qualifying transaction.
The ".P" from the ticker symbol is removed and the company now trades as a regular TSX Venture listed company.
TSX's Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation In 2008, the TSX introduced a program for special purpose acquisition corporations (or SPACs) as a result of growing market acceptance of SPACs in the United States. A SPAC is similar to a CPC in that both involve the creation of publicly-traded shell companies that later acquire an operating business using the initial proceeds raised. Like a CPC, a SPAC listing involves a two-step process. A SPAC must first be listed and raise a minimum of $30 million through its IPO, at least 90% of which must be placed into escrow. The proceeds are then to be used to acquire an operating company or assets through a qualifying acquisition within 36 months of such listing. The business or assets acquired must have an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 80% of the value of the escrowed funds. Once the SPAC has completed its qualifying acquisition, which must meet TSX listing requirements, it is treated as a regular issuer by the TSX. Despite being similar, SPACs are much larger than CPCs and, therefore, involve more stringent investor protections in the form of regulatory requirements, including:
- prohibition against obtaining any debt financing before the completion of the qualifying acquisition;
- public distribution criteria, including: o at least 1 million free-trading securities held by public holders; o the aggregate market value of the securities held by public holders being $30 million; and o at least 150 public holders of securities, holding at least one board lot each; and
- requirement that securities issued pursuant to the IPO must be issued at a minimum price of $2.00 per share or unit.
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Direct Listing An issuer already listed on another stock exchange may list directly on the TSX or the TSX-V if it is able to meet the applicable listing standards. Furthermore, an issuer may be eligible for certain exemptions from the regulatory and reporting requirements under applicable securities laws if it is a reporting issuer in certain foreign jurisdictions. Graduation to the TSX A company already listed on the TSX-V now has the opportunity to increase its profile, liquidity and access to capital by graduating to the TSX, provided that the company meets the TSX listing requirements. Since January 1, 2000, 600 companies have taken advantage of this option. The benefits of this option include a reduction of documentation in a streamlined process by which issuer information that is on file with the TSX-V can be provided directly to the TSX with the issuer's consent. In addition, this method is cost saving as the TSX's application fee is waived and credit is given for any TSX-V transaction fees paid in the 90 days prior to the date on which the issuer lists on the TSX. Further, sponsorship requirements can be waived in most cases for qualified TSX-V issuers.
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COSTS OF GOING PUBLIC IN CANADA Costs of going public on one of the stock exchanges in Canada are not limited to the initial listing fees paid to the applicable exchange. Additional common expenses include accounting or auditing fees, legal fees and often an underwriters' commission paid to the agent of a financing in connection with a going-public transaction. A general estimate of these fees, and how they differ under each exchange, is summarized in the chart below.
TSX
TSX VENTURE
CSE
Listing Fees
$10,000 to $200,000
$10,000 to $40,000
$15,000
Accounting/Auditing Fees
$75,000 to $100,000
$25,000 to $100,000
$15,000 to $25,000
Legal Fees
$400,000 to $750,000 $75,000 to $150,000+ $50,000 to $100,000
Underwriters' Commission
4% to 8%
up to 12%
8% to 15%
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LIFE AS A PUBLIC COMPANY Regardless of the method used, once a private company has successfully gone public, the resulting issuer is subject to all requirements applicable to a "reporting issuer" under Canadian securities legislation. Insiders of the issuer become subject to reporting and other obligations and restrictions. Moreover, in order to maintain a listing, the company must comply with continuous disclosure obligations set out by each specific exchange. These may include the public filing of annual and interim financial statements, annual and interim management's discussion and analysis, annual reports, proxy circulars, material change reports (which disclose material changes in the business, operations or capital structure of the reporting issuer) and other reporting requirements. Going Forward Once the going public process has been completed, there are a number of ongoing challenges faced by public companies in Canada. The primary areas of these challenges include the following:
coping with and meeting the increased continuous disclosure obligations, both on the company and on the individual insiders;
managing relationships with shareholders; staying focused on day-to-day business concerns in light of public company pressures; adapting to reduced flexibility with respect to board, and sometimes shareholder,
involvement; dealing with increased vulnerability to takeover; meeting the demands of increased regulatory scrutiny; handling the selective disclosure of information, including competitive information; resisting pressure to keep the stock price up at all costs, which can focus on a short-term
outlook that is inconsistent with existing strategy; retaining experienced, capable senior management and board members in place; dealing with an owner who is not ready to concede control of the company and related
succession issues; and managing interest from the investment community.
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Appendix 1: Minimum Listing Requirements (TSX)
Mining
Property Requirements
Recommended Work Program Working Capital and Financial Resources
Net Tangible Assets, Earnings or Revenue
Other Criteria Management and Board of Directors Distribution, Market Capitalization and Public Float Sponsorship *Mining Disclosure Standards
TSX Non-Exempt (Mineral
TSX Non-Exempt
TSX Exempt
Exploration and Development-- (Producing Mining Companies)
Stage Companies)
50% ownership1 in an Three years proven and Three years proven and
advanced property2
probable reserves as estimated probable reserves as estimated
by an independent qualified by an independent qualified
person (if not in production, a person
production decision made)
$750,000 on advanced Bringing the mine into Commercial level mining
property as recommended in commercial production
operations
independent technical report3
Minimum $2,000,000 working Adequate funds to bring the Adequate working capital to
capital, but sufficient to property into commercial carry on the business;
complete
recommended production; plus adequate appropriate capital structure
programs, plus 18 months working capital for all budgeted
G&A4, anticipated property capital expenditures and to
payments and capital carry on the business;
expenditures;
appropriate appropriate capital structure
capital structure
$3,000,000 net tangible assets $4,000,000 net tangible $7,500,000 net tangible
assets; evidence indicating a assets; pre-tax profitability from
reasonable likelihood of future ongoing operations in last fiscal
profitability supported by a year; pre-tax cash flow of
feasibility study or historical $700,000 in last fiscal year and
production and financial average of $500,000 for past
performance
two fiscal years
Up-to-date comprehensive technical report prepared by Up-to-date
comprehensive
independent qualified person and 18-month projection (by quarter) technical report prepared by
of sources and uses of funds, signed by CFO
independent qualified person
Management, including board of directors, should have adequate experience and technical expertise
relevant to the company's business and industry as well as adequate public company experience.
Companies are required to have at least two independent directors
$4,000,000 publicly held 1,000,000 free trading public shares; 300 public holders each holding one
board lot
Required (may be waived if sufficient previous third party due Not required
diligence)
National Instrument 43-101 is the Canadian Securities Administrators' ("CSA") policy that governs the scientific and technical disclosure for mineral projects made by mineral exploration and mining companies, including the preparation of technical reports. The instrument covers oral statements as well as written documents and websites. NI 43-101 requires that all technical disclosure be prepared by or under the supervision of a "qualified person". Issuers are required to make disclosure of reserves and resources using definitions approved by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
NI 43-101 is available at: http://www.osc.gov.on.ca/en/SecuritiesLaw_rule_20051223_43-101_mineral-projects.jsp
1 A company must hold or have the right to earn and maintain a 50% interest in the property. Companies holding less than a 50% interest will be considered on a case-by-case basis looking at program size, stage of advancement of the property and strategic alliances. 2 "advanced property" refers to one on which a zone of mineralization has been demonstrated in three dimensions with reasonable continuity indicated. The mineralization identified has economically interesting grades. 3 "geological report" or "technical report", in the case of a mining property, is a report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects or any successor instrument. 4 "G&A" means general and administrative expenses.
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Oil and Gas (Exploration or Producing)
Net Tangible Assets, Earnings or Revenue
Working Capital and Financial Resources
Distribution, Market Capitalization and Public Float Sponsorship Property Requirements Recommended Work Program Management and Board of Directors Other Criteria
TSX Non-Exempt
TSX Non-Exempt
TSX Exempt
(Oil & Gas Development Stage Companies)5 (Producing Oil & Gas
Oil & Gas Issuers6
Companies)
No requirements
Pre-tax profitability from
ongoing operations in last fiscal
year
Pre-tax cash flow from ongoing
operations of $700,000 in last
fiscal year and average pre-tax
cash flow from ongoing
operations of $500,000 for the
past two fiscal years
Adequate funds to either:
Adequate funds to execute the Adequate working capital to
(a) execute the development plan and program and cover all other carry on the business;
cover all other capital expenditures, G&A7 capital expenditures, G&A and appropriate capital structure.
and debt service expenses for 18 months debt service expenses for 18
with a contingency allowance; OR
months with a contingency
(b) bring the property into commercial allowance; 18-month projection
production, and adequate working capital to of sources and uses of funds
fund all budgeted capital expenditures and signed by CFO; appropriate
carry on the business. 18-month projection capital structure
of sources and uses of funds signed by
CFO8; appropriate capital structure
At least 1,000,000 free-trading shares with At least 1,000,000 free-trading shares with an aggregate market
an aggregate market value of $4,000,000; value of $4,000,000; 300 public holders, each with one board lot
300 public holders, each with one board lot or more
or more
Minimum market value of the issued
securities that are to be listed of at least
$200,000,000
Sponsor report may be required (generally not required for IPOs or TSX Venture Not required
Graduates)
Contingent resources9 of $500,000,00010
$3,000,000 proved developed $7,500,000 proved developed
reserves11 12
reserves
Clearly defined development plan, Clearly defined program to
satisfactory to the Exchange, which can increase reserves
reasonably be expected to advance the
property
Management, including the board of directors, should have adequate experience and technical expertise relevant to
the company's business and industry as well as adequate public company experience. Companies are required to
have at least two independent directors.
Up-to-date technical report prepared by an independent technical consultant (NI 51-10113)
5 The Exchange strongly recommends pre-consultation with the Exchange for any applicant applying under this listing category. Generally, this category will be limited to Issuers with unconventional oil and gas assets, such as oil sands. 6 Exceptional circumstances may justify the granting of Exempt status notwithstanding the minimum requirements. Generally an affiliation with an established business and/or exceptionally strong financial position is required. 7 "G&A" means general and administrative expenses. 8 This projection must also include actual financial results for the most recently completed quarter; 9 "Contingent resources" are defined in accordance with Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and National Instrument 51-101; however, the Exchange in its discretion may exclude certain resources classified as contingent resources after taking into consideration the nature of the contingency. The Exchange will use the best-case estimate for contingent resources, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101. 10 The Company must submit a technical report prepared by an independent technical consultant that conforms to National Instrument 51-101 and be acceptable to the Exchange. Reports prepared in conformity with other reporting systems deemed by the Exchange to be the equivalent of National Instrument 51-101 will normally be acceptable also. The value of the resources should be calculated as the best-case estimate of the net present value of future cash flows before income taxes, prepared on a forecast basis, and discounted at a rate of 10%. The Exchange may, at its discretion, also require the provision of a price sensitivity analysis. 11 "Proved developed reserves" are defined as those reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve low expenditure, when compared to the cost of drilling a well, to put the reserves on production. 12 Reserve value of pre-tax net present value of future cash flows using a 10% discount rate: forecast pricing assumptions are used. 13 NI 51-101" means National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil & Gas Activities. Available at: http://www.osc.gov.on.ca/
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Industrial, Technology and Research and Development Companies
Minimum Listing Requirements Earnings or Revenue Cash Flow Net Tangible Assets Adequate Working Capital and Capital Structure Cash in Treasury Products and Services
Management and Board of Directors
TSX
TSX Non-Exempt
TSX Non-Exempt
TSX
TSX Exempt
Non-Exempt
Research and
Forecasting
Non-Exempt
Industrial
Technology Issuers14
Development
Profitability
Profitable Issuers15 Companies16
(R&D) Issuers
Evidence of pre-tax Pre-tax earnings Pre-tax earnings
earnings
from from
ongoing from
ongoing
ongoing operations operations of at operations of at
for the current or least $200,000 in least $300,000 in
next fiscal year of the last fiscal year the last fiscal year
at least
$200,000 17
Evidence of pre-tax Pre-tax cash flow Pre-tax cash flow
cash flow from of $500,000 in of $700,000 in the
ongoing operations the last fiscal year last fiscal year and
for the current or
an average of
next fiscal year of
$500,000 for the
at least $500,000
past 2 fiscal years
$7,500,000 18 19
$2,000,000
$7,500,000
Funds to cover all Funds to cover all Working capital to carry on the business and an appropriate
planned development planned
R&D capital structure
expenditures, capital expenditures,
expenditures,
and capital
G&A20 expenses for one expenditures and
year21
G&A expenses for
two years
Minimum $10,000,000 Minimum
in the treasury, with $12,000,000 in
majority raised by the treasury, with
prospectus offering
majority raised by
prospectus offering
Evidence that products Minimum 2 year
or services at an operating history
advanced stage of that includes R&D
development
or activities
commercialization and Evidence
of
that management has technical expertise
the expertise and and resources to
resources to develop advance its R&D
the business22
programs23
Management, including the board of directors, should have adequate experience and technical expertise relevant
to the company's business and industry as well as adequate public company experience. Companies are required
to have at least 2 independent directors
14 Generally includes companies engaged in hardware, software, telecommunications, data communications, information technology and new technologies that are not currently profitable or able to forecast profitability. 15 Exceptional circumstances may justify granting of a listing, notwithstanding minimum requirements - generally an affiliation with established business and/or exceptionally strong financial position is required. 16 As well as for granting Exempt status. Special purpose Issuers are generally considered on an exceptional basis. 17 Applicants should file a complete set of forecast financial statements covering the current and/or next fiscal year (on a quarterly basis). Forecasts must be accompanied by an auditor's opinion that the forecast complies with the CICA Auditing Standards for future-oriented financial information. Applicants should have at least six months of operating history. 18 Under certain circumstances, deferred development charges or other intangible assets can be included in net tangible asset calculations. 19 Companies with less than $2,000,000 in net tangible assets may qualify for listing if the earnings and cash flow requirements for
senior companies are met.
20 "G&A" means general and administration expenses. 21 A quarterly projection of sources and uses of funds, for the relevant period, including related assumptions signed by the CFO must be submitted. Projection should exclude uncommitted payments from third parties or other contingent cash receipts. R&D Issuers should exclude cash flows from future revenues. 22 "Advanced stage of development or commercialization" is generally restricted to historical revenues from the Issuer's main business or contracts for future sales. Other factors may also be considered. 23 Other relevant factors may also be considered.
- 19 -
Minimum Listing Requirements Public Distribution and Market Capitalization
Sponsorship
TSX Non-Exempt Technology Issuers14 1,000,000 free-trading public shares $10,000,000 held by public shareholders 300 public shareholders each holding a board lot Minimum $50,000,000 market capitalization Generally required
TSX Non-Exempt Research and Development (R&D) Issuers
TSX Non-Exempt Forecasting Profitability
TSX Non-Exempt Profitable Issuers15
TSX Exempt Industrial Companies16
1,000,000 free-trading public shares $4,000,000 held by public shareholders 300 public shareholders each holding a board lot
Not required
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Appendix 2: Minimum Listing Requirements (TSX-V)
Mining
Property Requirements
Recommended Work Program Working Capital and Financial Resources Net Tangible Assets, Earnings or Revenue Other Criteria Management and Board of Directors Distribution, Market Capitalization and Public Float Sponsorship
TSX Venture Tier 1 Material interest in a Tier 1 property24 $500,000 on the Tier 1 property as recommended by geological report26 Adequate working capital and financial resources to carry out stated work program or execute business plan for 18 months following listing; $200,000 in unallocated funds $2,000,000 net tangible assets
TSX Venture Tier 2 Significant interests25 in a qualifying property or, at discretion of the Exchange, a right to earn a significant interest in a qualifying property; sufficient evidence of no less than $100,000 of exploration expenditures on the qualifying property in the past three years $200,000 on the qualifying property as recommended by geological report Adequate working capital and financial resources to carry out stated work program or execute business plan for 12 months following listing; $100,000 in unallocated funds No requirement
Geological report recommending completion of work program
Management, including board of directors, should have adequate experience and technical expertise
relevant to the company's business and industry as well as adequate public company experience.
Companies are required to have at least 2 independent directors.
Public float of 1,000,000 shares; 250 public Public float of 500,000 shares; 200 public
shareholders each holding a board lot and having shareholders each holding a board lot and having
no resale restrictions on their shares; 20% of no resale restrictions on their shares; 20% of
issued and outstanding shares in the hands of issued and outstanding shares in the hands of
public shareholders
public shareholders
Sponsor report may be required
24 "Tier 1 property" means a property that has substantial geological merit and is: (a) a property in which the Issuer holds a material interest; (b) a property on which previous exploration, including detailed surface geological, geophysical and/or geochemical surveying, and at least an initial phase of drilling or other detailed sampling (such as trench or underground opening sampling), has been completed; (c) a property that has, at a minimum, a current inferred mineral resource; and (d) an independent geological report recommends a minimum $500,000 Phase 1 drilling (or other form of detailed sampling) program based on the merits of previous exploration results; or an independent, positive feasibility study demonstrates that the property is capable of generating positive cash flow from ongoing operations.
25 "significant interest" means at least 50% interest. 26 "geological report" or "technical report", in the case of a mining property, is a report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects or any successor instrument.
- 21 -
Oil and Gas (Exploration or Producing)
Net Tangible Assets, Earnings or Revenue
TSX Venture Tier 1 No requirement
TSX Venture Tier 2
Working Capital and Financial Resources Distribution, Market Capitalization and Public Float Sponsorship Property Requirement
Recommended Work Program
Management and Board of Directors Other Criteria
Adequate working capital and financial Adequate working capital and financial resources to
resources to carry out stated work program or carry out stated work program or execute business
execute business plan for 18 months plan for 12 months following listing; $100,000
following listing; $200,000 unallocated funds unallocated funds
Public float of 1,000,000 shares; 250 Public Public float of 500,000 shares; 200 Public
Shareholders each holding a board lot and Shareholders each holding a board lot and having no
having no resale restrictions on their shares; resale restrictions on their shares; 20% of issued and
20% of issued and outstanding shares in the outstanding shares in the hands of public
hands of public shareholders
Shareholders
Sponsor report may be required
Sponsor report may be required
Exploration - $3,000,000 in reserves of Exploration - either (i) Issuer has an unproven
which a minimum of $1,000,000 must be property with prospects or (ii) Issuer has joint venture
proved developed reserves27 and the balance interest and $5,000,000 raised by prospectus offering
probable reserves
Reserves - either (i) $500,000 in proved developed
Producing - $2,000,000 in proved developed producing reserves or (ii) $750,000 in proved plus
reserves
probable reserves
Exploration - satisfactory work program (i) of Exploration - minimum of $1,500,000 allocated by
no less than $500,000 and (ii) which can Issuer to a work program as recommended in a
reasonably be expected to increase reserves, Geological Report except where Issuer has a joint
as recommended in a Geological Report
venture interest and has raised $5,000,000 in
prospectus offering
Producing - No requirement
Reserves - (i) satisfactory work program and (ii) in an
amount of no less than $300,000 if proved developed
producing reserves have a value of less than
$500,000 as recommended in geological report
Management, including board of directors, should have adequate experience and technical expertise
relevant to the company's business and industry as well as adequate public company experience.
Companies are required to have at least 2 independent directors.
Geological report recommending completion of work program
27 "Proved development reserves" are defined as those reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed
facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve low expenditure, when compared to the cost of drilling a well, to put the reserves on production.
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Industrial, Technology, Research and Development, and Real Estate Companies
Net Tangible Assets, Revenue or Arm's Length Financing (as applicable)
Adequate Working Capital and Capital Structure Property
TSX Venture Tier 1
TSX Venture Tier 2
Industrial / Technology / Industrial / Technology/
Life Sciences
Life Sciences
$5,000,0000
net $750,000 net tangible
tangible assets or
assets or $500,000 in
$5,000,000 revenue
revenue or $2,000,000
arm's length financing
If no revenue, 2-year
management
plan If no revenue, 2-year
demonstrating
management
plan
reasonable likelihood of demonstrating
revenue within 24 reasonable likelihood of
months
revenue within 24
months
Adequate
working Adequate
working
capital and financial capital and financial
resources to carry out resources to carry out
stated work program or stated work program or
execute business plan execute business plan
for 18 months following for 12 months following
listing;
$200,000 listing;
$100,000
unallocated funds
unallocated funds
Issuer has significant interest in business or primary
asset used to carry on business
TSX Venture Tier 1 Real Estate or Investment Real Estate $5,000,000 net tangible assets
TSX Venture Tier 2 Real Estate or Investment $2,000,000 net tangible assets or $3,000,000 arm's length financing
Investment $10,000,000 net tangible assets
Adequate
working Adequate
working
capital and financial capital and financial
resources to carry out resources to carry out
stated work program or stated work program or
execute business plan execute business plan
for 18 months following for 12 months following
listing;
$200,000 listing;
$100,000
unallocated funds
unallocated funds
Real Estate
Issuer has significant interest in real property
Prior Expenditures and Work Program
History of operations or validation of business
Investment no requirement Real Estate no requirement
Real Estate no requirement
Management and Board of Directors Distribution, Market Capitalization and Public Float
Sponsorship
Investment
Investment
disclosed investment
(i) disclosed
policy
investment policy and
(ii) 50% of available
funds must be allocated
to at least 2 specific
investments
Management, including board of directors, should have adequate experience and technical expertise relevant
to the company's business and industry as well as adequate public company experience. Companies are
required to have at least 2 independent directors
Public float of Public float of 500,000 Public float of Public float of 500,000
1,000,000 shares;
shares;
1,000,000 shares;
shares;
250 Public Shareholders 200 public shareholders 250 public shareholders 200 public shareholders
each holding a board lot each holding a board lot each holding a board lot each holding a board lot
and having no resale and having no resale and having no resale and having no resale
restrictions on their restrictions on their restrictions on their restrictions on their
shares;
shares;
shares;
shares;
20% of issued and 20% of issued and 20% of issued and 20% of issued and
outstanding shares in outstanding shares in outstanding shares in outstanding shares in
the hands of public the hands of public the hands of public the hands of public
shareholders
shareholders
shareholders
shareholders
Sponsor report may be required
- 23 -
Appendix 3: Minimum Listing Requirements (CSE)
General Requirements
Float and Distribution Adequate Working Capital and Capital Structure Property
Equity Securities
Operating Company
Non-Operating Company
A prospective equity securities Issuer on the CSE must meet one of the following general requirements:
1. an operating company with revenue from the sale of goods or services;
2. a non-operating company with financial resources to carry out its business for 12 months following
listing, subject to a minimum of $200,000 in working capital at the time of listing, and have advanced to
a stage of development; or
3. a company that is listed on an exchange in Canada and is not proposing a transaction or change that
would be considered a fundamental change or change of business, provided that the company has the
financial resources to achieve stated objectives for 12 months following listing
Public float of at least 500,000 free-trading shares and consisting of at least 150 public holders28 holding at
least a board lot each of the security
10% of the issued and outstanding shares held by public holders29
Must have achieved revenue from the sale of goods Minimum of $200,000 in working capital at the time
or the delivery of services to customers
of listing
Business plan and financial resources that demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of sustaining operations and achieving its objectives for 12 months following listing
Must have financial resources to carry out proposed work plan or achieve stated objectives for 12 months following listing Must have (a) a significant interest in its primary business or asset, (b) a history of development of the business or asset, and (c) specific objectives and milestones and financial resources necessary to achieve them
Mineral Resource Title to a property (or specific means and ability to acquire interest) that is prospective for minerals on which there has been exploration previously conducted, including qualifying expenditures of at least $75,000 by the Issuer or its predecessor during the most recent 36 months and an independent report which recommends further exploration on the property, with a budget for the first phase of at least $100,000
Additional Requirements for Investment and Real Estate Companies
Energy Resource Title to a property (or specific means and ability to acquire interest) on which measurable quantities of conventional energy resources have been identified or title (or specific means and ability to acquire interest) to an unproven property with prospects Minimum net assets of (i) $2,000,000, at least 50% of which has been allocated to at least 2 specific investments; or (ii) $4,000,000
Management with a solid track record of acquiring and divesting interests in arm's length enterprises in a manner that can be characterized as conducting an active business
28 A "public holder" is any securityholder other than a related person, an employee of a related person of an Issuer or any person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert holding (a) more than 5% of the issued and outstanding securities of the class to be listed; or (b) securities convertible or exchangeable into the listed equity security and would, on conversion or exchange, hold more than 5% of the issued and outstanding securities. 29 The public distribution requirement will not be met if a significant number of the public securityholders (a) did not purchase the shares directly or receive the shares in exchange for previously purchased shares of another Issuer; or (b) hold the minimum number of shares described.
- 24 -
Additional requirements for Debt Securities: 1. For Issuers of asset-backed securities, a trustee must be appointed to represent the interests of the
holders and the trustee must hold the underlying assets and all money and benefits flowing from the assets. 2. For Issuers of asset-backed securities that are secured on debt obligations or other receivables from a managed pool of assets, the entity appointed to manage the pool of assets must have adequate experience and expertise and such entity must be required to provide periodic financial reports on the performance and credit quality of the pool, for the benefit of the trustee. 3. For Issuers of asset-backed securities that are secured by equity securities, the equity securities must represent minority interests in, and must not have control of, the underlying entities and must be listed on an exchange. 4. The Issuer must appoint and maintain a payment agent acceptable to the exchange.
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