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Date
Rule
801.10
Staff
Kristin Shaffer
Response/Comments

Yes, all three categories must be included in the size of transaction. Please see Rule 801.10 to determine valuation.

Question

From: Shaffer, Kristin <kshaffer@ftc.gov>
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 12:07:34 PM (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
To: [Redacted]
Cc: HSRHelp <HSRHelp@ftc.gov>
Subject: RE: Question Re: Valuation and Aggregation of Privately-Held Voting Securities

[Redacted]

Yes, all three categories must be included in the size of transaction. Please see Rule 801.10 to determine valuation.

Best regards,

Kristin

From: [Redacted]
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2024 7:36:28 PM (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
To: HSRHelp <HSRHelp@ftc.gov>
Cc: [Redacted]
Subject: Question Re: Valuation and Aggregation of Privately-Held Voting Securities

Dear PNO:

I hope this inquiry finds you well.

We represent Issuer A with respect to an acquisition of additional privately-held voting securities by current Stockholder A.

I want to make sure I correctly understand both the aggregation and valuation rules for purposes of the reportability analysis, particularly with respect to previously-acquired “Convertible Voting Securities” that will convert to “Voting Securities” (within the meaning of the HSR Act) at closing.

  • Stockholder A currently holds a non-controlling share of Common Stock. The Common Stock carries a present right to vote at one vote per share.
  • Stockholder A will acquire additional shares of Preferred Stock as part of the proposed transaction. The Preferred Stock will carry a present right to vote at one vote per share.
  • Stockholder A also currently holds Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes do not carry a present right to vote so meet the definition of “Convertible Voting Securities” under the HSR Act. While the Convertible Notes do not presently carry the right to vote, the Convertible Notes will convert at close. Once converted, the Convertible Notes will carry a right to vote at one vote per share.

For purposes of determining whether the “size of transaction” threshold is met, can you confirm that:

  • The previously-acquired Common Stock will be valued at FMV;
  • The to-be-acquired Preferred Stock will be valued at the Acquisition Price (it is determined); and
  • The Convertible Notes (because they will be converted into voting securities at close) must be included in the “size of transaction” calculation and valued at FMV.

If the Convertible Notes are not included or valued in some other manner for purposes of determining reportability, please let us know.

About Informal Interpretations

Informal interpretations provide guidance from previous staff interpretations on the applicability of the HSR rules to specific fact situations. You should not rely on them as a substitute for reading the Act and the Rules themselves. These materials do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice.

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