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As filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2005
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Registration No. 333-128605 |
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Amendment
No. 2 to
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
HearUSA, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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22 2748248 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
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Identification No.) |
1250 Northpoint Parkway
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
(561) 478-8770
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Stephen J. Hansbrough
Chief Executive Officer
HearUSA, Inc.
1250 Northpoint Parkway
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
(561) 478-8770
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copies of all correspondence to:
LaDawn Naegle, Esq.
Bryan Cave LLP
700 13th Street, N.W., Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005 3960
(202) 508-6000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: From time to time after this
Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities
offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.
þ
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this form is a post effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities
Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the
following box. o
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be
necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in
accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE
SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN
OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Subject
to Completion Dated November 1, 2005
PROSPECTUS
HearUSA, Inc.
Common Stock
The selling stockholders may offer to sell from time to time up to 1,554,960 shares of
the common stock of HearUSA, Inc. All of these shares are underlying warrants. HearUSA will not
receive any of the proceeds from sales of these shares of common stock by the selling stockholders,
although we will receive cash proceeds from the exercise of warrants by the selling stockholders
prior to the sale of the shares underlying these warrants.
The selling stockholders may sell the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus at
prices determined by the prevailing market prices for the common stock or in negotiated
transactions. The selling stockholders may also sell the shares to or with the assistance of
broker-dealers.
HearUSA common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol EAR. On
October 27, 2005, the last reported sale price of the common stock on the American Stock Exchange
was $1.65 per share.
Before buying any shares, you should read the discussion of risks under Risk Factors
beginning on page 2.
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 , 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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THE COMPANY |
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1 |
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RISK FACTORS |
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2 |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
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USE OF PROCEEDS |
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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS |
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
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COMMON STOCK |
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION |
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INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE |
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LEGAL MATTERS |
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EXPERTS |
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THE COMPANY
HearUSA, Inc. has a network of 134 company-owned hearing care centers in eight states and the
Province of Ontario, Canada. We also sponsor approximately 1,400 credentialed audiology providers
as part of a nationwide network of providers that participate in selected hearing benefit programs
contracted by the company with employer groups, health insurers and benefit sponsors in 49 states.
The centers and the network providers provide audiological products and services for the hearing
impaired.
We seek to increase our market share and market penetration in our center and network markets
through creative marketing and an organized delivery system that targets both the medical and
consumer communities. Our strategy for increasing market penetration includes advertising to the
non-insured self-pay market, positioning our company as the leading provider of hearing care to
healthcare providers and increasing awareness of physicians about hearing care services and
products in our geographic markets. We believe we are well positioned to successfully address the
concerns of access, quality and cost for the patients of managed care and other health insurance
companies; the diagnostic needs of referring physicians; and ultimately, the hearing health needs
of the public in general.
HearUSA was incorporated in Delaware on April 11, 1986 under the name HEARx Ltd., and formed
HEARx West LLC, a fifty-percent owned joint venture with Kaiser Permanente, in 1998. In July 2002,
we acquired Helix Hearing Care of America Corp. and changed our name from HEARx Ltd. to HearUSA,
Inc. Our principal executive offices are located at 1250 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach,
Florida 33407, and our telephone number is (561) 478-8770.
1
RISK FACTORS
This offering involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following
risks and all other information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus before
purchasing the common stock offered by this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties described below
are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of may
become important factors that affect us. If any of the following risks occur, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that
event, the trading price of our shares could decline, and you may lose part or all of your
investment.
HearUSA has a history of operating losses and may never be profitable.
HearUSA has incurred net losses in each year since its organization, and its accumulated
deficit at July 2, 2005 was $102,259,259. We expect quarterly and annual operating results to
fluctuate, depending primarily on the following factors:
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Timing of product sales; |
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Level of consumer demand for our products; |
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Timing and success of new centers; and |
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Timing and amounts of payments by health insurance and managed care organizations. |
There can be no assurance that HearUSA will achieve profitability in the near or long term or
ever.
We may not effectively compete in the hearing care industry.
The hearing care industry is highly fragmented and barriers to entry are low. Approximately
11,000 practitioners provide testing and dispense products and services that compete with those
provided and sold by HearUSA. We also compete with small retailers, as well as large networks of
franchisees and distributors established by larger companies, such as those manufacturing and
selling Miracle Ear and Beltone products. Some of the larger companies have far greater resources
than HearUSA and could expand and/or change their operations to capture the market targeted by
HearUSA. Large discount retailers, such as Costco Wholesale Corporation, also sell hearing aids and
present a competitive threat in our markets. In addition, it is possible that the hearing care
market could be effectively consolidated by the establishment of cooperatives, alliances or
associations that could compete more successfully for the market targeted by us.
We are dependent on manufacturers who may not perform.
HearUSA is not a hearing aid manufacturer. We rely on major manufacturers to supply our
hearing aids and to supply hearing enhancement devices. A significant disruption in supply from any
or all of these manufacturers could materially adversely affect our business. Our strategic and
financial relationship with Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. requires us to purchase from Siemens
a certain portion of our requirements of hearing aids at specified prices for a period of ten
years, with separate requirements for each five-year period. Although Siemens is the worlds
largest manufacturer of hearing devices, there can be no assurance that Siemens technology and
product line will remain desirable in the marketplace. Furthermore, if Siemens manufacturing
capacity cannot keep pace with the demand of HearUSA and other customers, our business may be
adversely affected.
We rely on qualified audiologists, without whom our business may be adversely affected.
HearUSA currently employs approximately 175 licensed hearing professionals, of whom
approximately 130 are audiologists and 50 are licensed hearing aid specialists. If we are not able
to attract and retain qualified audiologists, we will be less able to compete with networks of
hearing aid retailers or with the independent audiologists who also sell hearing aids, and our
business may be adversely affected.
2
We may not be able to maintain existing agreements or enter into new agreements with health
insurance and managed care organizations, which may result in reduced revenues.
HearUSA enters into provider agreements with health insurance companies and managed care
organizations for the furnishing of hearing care in exchange for fees. The terms of most of these
agreements are to be renegotiated annually, and these agreements may be terminated by either party
on 90 days or less notice at any time. There is no certainty that we will be able to maintain these
agreements on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot maintain these contractual arrangements or
enter into new arrangements, there will be a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of
operations. In addition, the early termination or failure to renew the agreements that provide for
payment to HearUSA on a per-patient-per-month basis would cause us to lower our estimates of
revenues to be received over the life of the agreements. This could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations.
We depend on our joint venture for our California operations and may not be able to attract
sufficient patients to our California centers without it.
HEARx West LLC, our joint venture with Kaiser Permanente, operates 20 full-service centers in
California as well as two satellite locations in Kaiser facilities. Since their inception, HEARx
West centers have derived approximately two-thirds of their revenues from sales to Kaiser
Permanente members, including revenues through an agreement between the joint venture and Kaiser
Permanentes California division servicing its hearing benefited membership. If Kaiser Permanente
does not perform its obligations under the agreement, or if the agreement is not renewed upon
expiration, the loss of Kaiser patients in the HEARx West centers would adversely affect our
business. In addition, HEARx West centers would be adversely affected by the loss of the ability to
market to Kaiser members and promote the business within Kaisers medical centers, including the
referral of potential customers by Kaiser.
We rely on the efforts and success of managed care companies that may not be achieved or
sustained.
Many managed care organizations, including some of those with whom we have contracts, have
experienced and are continuing to experience significant difficulties arising from the widespread
growth and reach of available plans and benefits. In fact, primarily as a result of these problems
of the managed care organizations, we have focused marketing resources on the self-pay market.
There can be no assurance that we can maintain all of our centers. We will close centers where
warranted, and such closures could have a material adverse effect on us.
We may not be able to maintain JCAHO accreditation, and our revenues may suffer.
During 1998, HearUSA was awarded a three-year accreditation from the Joint Committee on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). We applied and were granted renewal of this
accreditation for the Hearx centers for an additional three years, in 2002 and again in 2005. This
status distinguishes HearUSA from other hearing care providers and is widely used by our marketing
efforts. If we are not able to maintain our accredited status, we will not be able to distinguish
HearUSA on this basis and our revenues may suffer. Also, there is no assurance that JCAHO
accreditation will extend to Helix centers or the network business.
We are exposed to potential product and professional liability that could adversely affect us if a
successful claim is made in excess of insurance policy limits.
In the ordinary course of its business, HearUSA may be subject to product and professional
liability claims alleging that products sold or services provided by the company failed or had
adverse effects. We maintain liability insurance at a level which we believe to be adequate. A
successful claim in excess of the policy limits of the liability insurance could materially
adversely affect our business. As the distributor of products manufactured by others, we believe we
would properly have recourse against the manufacturer in the event of a product liability claim.
There can be no assurance, however, that recourse against a manufacturer by HearUSA would be
successful, or that any manufacturer will maintain adequate insurance or otherwise be able to pay
such liability.
Risks Relating to HearUSA Common Stock
The price of the common stock is volatile and could decline.
The price of HearUSA common stock could fluctuate significantly, and you may be unable to sell
your shares at a profit. There are significant price and volume fluctuations in the market
generally that may be unrelated to our operating performance, but which nonetheless may adversely
affect the market price for HearUSA common stock. The price of our common stock could change
suddenly due to factors such as:
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the amount of our cash resources and ability to obtain additional funding; |
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economic conditions in markets we are targeting; |
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fluctuations in operating results; |
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changes in government regulation of the healthcare industry; |
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failure to meet estimates or expectations of the market; and |
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rate of acceptance of hearing aid products in the geographic markets we are targeting. |
Any of these conditions may cause the price of HearUSA common stock to fall, which may reduce
business and financing opportunities available to us and reduce your ability to sell your shares at
a profit, or at all.
HearUSA might fail to maintain a listing for its common stock on the American Stock Exchange,
making it more difficult for stockholders to dispose of or to obtain accurate quotations as to the
value of their HearUSA stock.
HearUSA common stock is presently listed on the American Stock Exchange. The American Stock
Exchange will consider delisting a companys securities if, among other things,
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the company fails to maintain stockholders equity of at least $2,000,000 if the company
has sustained losses from continuing operations or net losses in two of its three most
recent fiscal years; |
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the company fails to maintain stockholders equity of $4,000,000 if the company has
sustained losses from continuing operations or net losses in three of its four most recent
fiscal years; or |
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the company has sustained losses from continuing operations or net losses in its five
most recent fiscal years. |
HearUSA may not be able to maintain its listing on the American Stock Exchange, and there may
be no public market for the HearUSA common stock. In the event the HearUSA common stock were
delisted from the American Stock Exchange, trading, if any, in the common stock would be conducted
in the over-the-counter market. As a result, you would likely find it more difficult to dispose of,
or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of, your HearUSA common stock.
If penny stock regulations apply to HearUSA common stock, you may not be able to sell or dispose
of your shares.
If HearUSA common stock were delisted from the American Stock Exchange, the penny stock
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission might apply to transactions in the common
stock. A penny stock generally includes any over-the-counter equity security that has a market
price of less than $5.00 per share. The Commission regulations require the delivery, prior to any
transaction in a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule prescribed by the Commission relating to the
penny stock. A broker-dealer effecting transactions in penny stocks must make disclosures,
including disclosure of commissions, and provide monthly statements to the customer with
information on the limited market in penny stocks. These requirements may discourage broker-dealers
from effecting transactions in penny stocks. If the penny stock regulations were to become
applicable to transactions in shares of HearUSA common stock, they could adversely affect your
ability to sell or otherwise dispose of your shares.
Conversion of outstanding of HearUSA convertible subordinated notes and convertible preferred
stock, and exercise of outstanding HearUSA options and warrants, could cause substantial dilution.
As
of September 26, 2005, outstanding convertible subordinated notes, convertible preferred stock,
warrants and options of HearUSA included:
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$7.5 million in convertible subordinated notes, convertible into approximately 4,285,715
shares of common stock, assuming any interest is paid in cash (all of which notes are
subject to contractual restrictions preventing their conversion prior to December 2005); |
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Warrants to purchase approximately 5,214,853 shares of common stock (of which 3,609,893
are subject to contractual restrictions preventing their exercise prior to October or
December 2005); and |
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Options to purchase approximately 5,725,502 shares of common stock. |
Approximately 1,550,000 of the shares described above are covered by the registration
statement of which this prospectus forms a part. To the extent outstanding subordinated notes or
shares of preferred stock are converted, options or warrants are exercised or additional shares of
capital stock are issued, stockholders receiving HearUSA common stock will incur additional
dilution.
Future sales of shares may depress the price of HearUSA common stock.
If substantial stockholders sell shares of HearUSA common stock into the public market, or
investors become concerned that substantial sales might occur, the market price of HearUSA common
stock could decrease. Such a decrease could make it difficult for HearUSA to raise capital by
selling stock or to pay for acquisitions using stock. In addition, HearUSA employees hold a
significant number of options to purchase shares, many of which are presently exercisable.
Employees may exercise their options and sell shares soon after such options become exercisable,
particularly if they need to raise funds to pay for the exercise of such options or to satisfy tax
liabilities that they may incur in connection with exercising their options.
Because of the HearUSA rights agreement and the related rights plan for the exchangeable shares, a
third party may be discouraged from making a takeover offer which could be beneficial to HearUSA
and its stockholders.
HearUSA has entered into a rights agreement with The Bank of New York, as rights agent. HEARx
Canada Inc. has adopted a similar rights plan relating to the exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada
Inc. issued in connection with the acquisition of Helix. The rights agreements contain provisions
that could delay or prevent a third party from acquiring HearUSA or replacing members of the
HearUSA board of directors, even if the acquisition or the replacements would be beneficial to
HearUSA stockholders. The rights agreements could also result in reducing the price that certain
investors might be willing to pay for shares of the common stock of HearUSA and making the market
price lower than it would be without the rights agreement.
Because HearUSA stockholders do not receive dividends, stockholders must rely on stock
appreciation for any return on their investment in HearUSA.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on any of our capital stock. We currently intend
to retain our earnings for future growth and, therefore, do not anticipate paying cash dividends in
the future. As a result, only appreciation of the price of HearUSA common stock will provide a
return to investors who purchase or acquire common stock pursuant to this prospectus.
Other Risks Relating to the Business of HearUSA
We may not be able to access funds under our credit facility with Siemens if we cannot maintain
compliance with the restrictive covenants contained therein, and we may incur a substantial
penalty upon a change of control.
On December 7, 2001, HearUSA and Siemens Hearing Instruments Inc. entered into a credit
agreement pursuant to which HearUSA obtained a $51,875,000 secured credit facility from Siemens,
which was amended in March 2003 to add a $3,500,000 secured loan facility. As of July 2, 2005, an
aggregate of $19,458,358 in loans was outstanding under the credit facility. To continue to access
the credit facility, we are required to comply with the terms of the credit facility, including
compliance with restrictive covenants. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply
with these restrictive covenants in the future and, accordingly, may be unable to access the funds
provided under the credit facility. In addition, if we are unable to comply with these restrictive
covenants, we may be found in default by Siemens and face other penalties under the credit
agreement. As part of our agreement with Siemens, if we undergo a change of control resulting from
the sale of HearUSA to another manufacturer of hearing aids or related products and terminate our
agreements with Siemens, we must pay $50 million to Siemens.
5
We may not be able to obtain additional capital on reasonable terms, or at all, to fund our
operations.
If capital requirements vary from those currently planned or losses are greater than expected,
HearUSA may require additional financing. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of
convertible debt or equity securities, the percentage ownership of existing stockholders may be
diluted, the securities issued may have rights and preferences senior to those of stockholders, and
the terms of the securities may impose restrictions on operations. If adequate funds are not
available on reasonable terms, or at all, we will be unable to take advantage of future
opportunities to develop or enhance our business or respond to competitive pressures and possibly
even to remain in business.
Future acquisitions or investments could negatively affect our operations and financial results or
dilute the ownership percentage of our stockholders.
We expect to review acquisition and investment prospects that would complement or expand our
current services or otherwise offer growth opportunities. We may have to devote substantial time
and resources in order to complete potential acquisitions. We may not identify or complete
acquisitions in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or at all.
In the event of any future acquisitions, HearUSA could:
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issue additional stock that would further dilute our current stockholders percentage ownership; |
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incur debt; |
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assume unknown or contingent liabilities; or |
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experience negative effects on reported operating results from acquisition-related
charges and amortization of acquired technology, goodwill and other intangibles. |
These transactions involve numerous risks that could harm operating results and cause the
price of HearUSA common stock price to decline, including:
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potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations; |
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problems integrating the acquired business, including its information systems and personnel; |
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unanticipated costs that may harm operating results; |
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diversion of managements attention from business concerns; and |
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adverse effects on existing business relationships with customers. |
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Any of these risks could harm the business and operating results of HearUSA. |
Increased exposure to currency fluctuations could have adverse effects on our reported earnings.
Most of HearUSAs revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, some of our
revenues and expenses are denominated in Canadian dollars and, therefore, we are exposed to
fluctuations in the Canadian dollar. As a result, our earnings will be affected by increases or
decreases in the Canadian dollar. Increases in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S.
dollar would tend to increase reported earnings (or reduce losses) in U.S. dollar terms, and
decreases in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar would tend to reduce reported
earnings (or increase losses).
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains and incorporates by reference forward-looking statements based on our
current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, in particular, statements
about our plans, strategies and prospects under the heading The Company in this prospectus and
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and of Financial Condition for the year ended
December 25, 2004.
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You can identify certain forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology
such as the words may, will, believes, expects, anticipates, intends, plans,
estimates or similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not
limited to the factors described in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in and incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We do not undertake to update or revise these forward-looking
statements to reflect new events or circumstances.
USE OF PROCEEDS
HearUSA will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares being offered by the selling
stockholders. We might receive cash payment of the exercise price upon exercise of certain warrants
held by the selling stockholders, which amounts we intend to use for general corporate purposes.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
HearUSA is registering the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus on behalf of the
selling stockholders listed in the table below. We have registered the shares to permit the selling
stockholders and their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors-in-interest that receive
their shares from the selling stockholders as a gift, partnership distribution or other non-sale
related transfer after the date of this prospectus to resell the shares when they deem appropriate.
All of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are issuable pursuant to
warrants, all issued in our $5.5 million private placement in August 2005 of our 7% Subordinated
Notes (due 2008). Of these, 55,000 shares of the common stock are issuable pursuant to a warrant
that was issued to the placement agent, C.E. Unterberg Towbin in connection with that private
placement. These warrants may be exercised at any time until August 2010. The warrants have an
exercise price of $2.00 per share.
The following table sets forth the names of the selling stockholders, the number of shares of
common stock beneficially owned by each selling stockholder, the number of shares that may be
offered for resale under this prospectus, the number of shares and percentage (if greater than one
percent) of common stock that will be beneficially owned by the selling stockholders after this
offering is completed. The number of shares in the column Shares Being Offered represents all of
the shares that the selling stockholders may offer under this prospectus. We do not know how long
the selling stockholders will hold the shares before selling them. The selling stockholders are not
required to sell all or any shares offered by this prospectus. The table assumes that all shares
being offered in this offering are sold to non-affiliates of the selling stockholders.
None of the selling stockholders has any
position, office or other material relationship with HearUSA within the past three years except as
a result of the ownership of the Companys shares and except that C.E. Unterberg Towbin LP has
an engagement with the Company to serve as the Companys placement agent.
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Shares |
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% of Common Stock |
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Shares Beneficially |
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Beneficially |
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Beneficially Owned |
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Owned Prior |
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Shares Being |
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After Offering (if |
Name of Selling Stockholder |
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to Offering |
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Offered |
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After Offering |
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greater than 1%) |
C.E. Unterberg, Towbin
Capital Partners I, L.P. |
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191,360 |
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136,360 |
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0 |
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C.E. Unterberg Towbin LP |
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191,360 |
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55,000 |
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0 |
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Kevin Casey |
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20,454 |
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20,454 |
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0 |
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Castle Creek Technology Partners LLC |
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136,360 |
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136,360 |
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0 |
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Cordillera Fund, L.P. |
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204,540 |
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204,540 |
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0 |
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Graham Partners LP |
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410,996 |
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149,996 |
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261,000 |
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William Kane Mahon |
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70,272 |
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27,272 |
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|
43,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MidSouth Investor Fund LP |
|
|
81,816 |
|
|
|
81,816 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nite Capital LP |
|
|
68,180 |
|
|
|
68,180 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
% of Common Stock |
|
|
Shares Beneficially |
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficially |
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
|
Owned Prior |
|
Shares Being |
|
Owned |
|
After Offering (if |
Name of Selling Shareholder |
|
to Offering |
|
Offered |
|
After Offering |
|
greater than 1%) |
Richard Press |
|
|
585,944 |
|
|
|
54,544 |
|
|
|
531,400 |
|
|
|
1.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shea Ventures LP |
|
|
204,540 |
|
|
|
204,540 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smithfield Fiduciary LLC |
|
|
136,360 |
|
|
|
136,360 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Straus Partners LP |
|
|
136,360 |
|
|
|
74,998 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Straus-GEPT Partners LP |
|
|
136,360 |
|
|
|
61,362 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whalehaven Capital Fund Limited |
|
|
143,178 |
|
|
|
143,178 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,718,080 |
|
|
|
1,554,960 |
|
|
|
835,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors in interest may,
from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or
trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at
fixed or negotiated prices. The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following
methods when selling shares:
|
|
|
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker dealer solicits
purchasers; |
|
|
|
|
block trades in which the broker dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may
position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
|
|
|
|
purchases by a broker dealer as principal and resale by the broker dealer for its account; |
|
|
|
|
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
|
|
|
|
privately negotiated transactions; |
|
|
|
|
broker dealers may agree with the selling stockholder to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
|
|
|
|
a combination of any such methods of sale; and |
|
|
|
|
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933,
if available, rather than under this prospectus.
The selling stockholders may pledge their shares to their brokers under the margin provisions
of customer agreements. If the selling stockholders default on a margin loan, the broker may, from
time to time, offer and sell the pledged shares.
Broker dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers dealers to
participate in sales. Broker dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling
stockholders (or, if any broker dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the
purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling stockholders do not expect these commissions
and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The selling stockholders and any broker dealers or agents that are involved in selling the
shares may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection
with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by
8
such persons and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be
underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
HearUSA is required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares,
but is not obligated and will not pay any commissions or discounts in connection with the sales to
be made by the selling stockholders. HearUSA has agreed to indemnify certain of the selling
stockholders and these selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify HearUSA against certain
losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
COMMON STOCK
Each share of HearUSA common stock trades with and has attached to it a right to purchase
shares of preferred stock. The terms of the rights are set forth in an amended and restated rights
agreement dated as of July 11, 2002, between HearUSA and The Bank of New York, as rights agent.
Each right entitles the holder to purchase from HearUSA one one-hundredth of a share of Series H
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, at a price of $28.00, subject to
adjustment. The rights will be evidenced by common stock certificates and are not exercisable until
the earlier of:
|
|
|
the close of business on the tenth business day following the date of public announcement
of or the date on which HearUSA first has notice or determines that a person or group of
affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or has obtained the right to acquire, 15% or
more of the outstanding shares of HearUSA voting stock without the prior express written
consent of the Board of Directors, or |
|
|
|
|
the close of business on the tenth business day following the commencement of a tender
offer or exchange offer by a person, without the prior written consent of the Board of
Directors, which offer, upon consummation would result in such persons control of 15% or
more of HearUSA voting stock. |
If not exercised by the holders or earlier redeemed or exchanged by HearUSA, the rights will
expire on December 14, 2009. The purchase price payable, and the number of share of Series H
preferred stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the rights are subject
to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution by action of the Board of Directors and in
circumstances described in the Rights Agreement.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, DC 20549, a
registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common
stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth
in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement.
Certain items are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information with respect to HearUSA and the common stock offered by this prospectus,
reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed with the
registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract
or any other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference is
made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
A copy of the registration statement, and the exhibits and schedules filed with it, may be
inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 100 F
Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549, and the Commissions regional office located at the
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and
copies of all or any part of the registration statement may be obtained from such offices upon the
payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission. The public may obtain information on the
operation of the public reference room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission
maintains a World Wide Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including HearUSA.
The address of the site is http://www.sec.gov. The registration statement, including all its
exhibits and amendments, has been filed electronically with the Commission.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The Commission allows us to incorporate by reference the information we provide in documents
filed with the Commission, which means that we can disclose important information by referring to
those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus.
Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus is
automatically updated and superseded if information contained in this prospectus, or information
that we later file with the
9
Commission, modifies and replaces this information. We incorporate by reference the following
documents we have filed with the Commission:
|
(a) |
|
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004 (File No.
001-11655); |
|
|
(b) |
|
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended April 2, 2005 and July 2,
2005 (File No. 001-11655); |
|
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2005, March 29,
2005, May 9, 2005, May 13, 2005, June 21, 2005, August 24, 2005,
September 2, 2005 and October 27, 2005; and |
|
|
|
|
(d) |
|
The description of the common stock contained in the companys Registration Statement on
Form 8-A, filed on March 4, 1996 (File No. 001-11655). |
In addition, all documents filed by HearUSA with the Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (other than those deemed furnished on Form 8-K)
after the date of this prospectus and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that
indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all securities
remaining unsold, will be considered to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be
a part of this prospectus from the dates of the filing of such documents.
You may get copies of any of the incorporated documents (excluding exhibits, unless the
exhibits are specifically incorporated) at no charge to you by writing or calling Secretary,
HearUSA, Inc., 1250 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, telephone (561) 478-8770.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus has been passed upon for
HearUSA by Bryan Cave LLP, Washington, D.C.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of HearUSA, Inc. incorporated by reference
in this prospectus, have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, to the extent and for
the periods set forth in their reports incorporated herein by
reference, and are incorporated herein in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
10
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the expenses (other than underwriting discounts and
commissions), which other than the SEC registration fee are estimates, payable by HearUSA in
connection with the sale and distribution of the shares registered hereby:
|
|
|
|
|
SEC registration fee |
|
$ |
291 |
|
AMEX additional listing fee |
|
|
45,000 |
* |
Accounting fees and expenses |
|
18,000 |
* |
Legal fees and expenses |
|
|
25,000 |
* |
Total |
|
$ |
88,291 |
* |
|
|
|
|
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
DGCL) empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, or suit
by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such
action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable
to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which
such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem
proper.
Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has
been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding
referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith; that indemnification provided for by Section
145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be
entitled; that indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall, unless otherwise provided when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee
or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such persons heirs, executors and administrators; and
empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer of
the corporation against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such
capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power
to indemnify him against such liability under Section 145.
Article VII of the HearUSA By-laws provides that HearUSA shall indemnify its directors,
officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
Section 102(b)(7) of DGCL provides that a certificate of incorporation may contain a provision
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders
for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided
II-1
that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any
breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit. Article 7 of the HearUSA Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
directors of the company shall have no personal liability to the company or its stockholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent provided by
Section 102(b)(7).
Item 16. Exhibits
See Exhibit Index.
Item 17. Undertakings
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
|
1. |
|
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement. To include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this
Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration
Statement. |
|
|
2. |
|
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
|
|
3. |
|
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the
securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrants annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of West Palm Beach, State of
Florida, on October 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HearUSA, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BY:
|
|
/s/ Stephen J. Hansbrough |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name: Stephen J. Hansbrough |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signatures |
|
Title |
|
Date |
/s/
Stephen J. Hansbrough *
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Director
|
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Brown, M.D. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen J. Hansbrough
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen J. Hansbrough
|
|
(principal executive officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gino Chouinard
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gino Chouinard
|
|
(principal accounting officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen J. Hansbrough *
|
|
Director
|
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas W. Archibald |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen J. Hansbrough *
|
|
Director
|
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph L. Gitterman III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen J. Hansbrough * |
|
Director
|
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Michel Labadie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen J. Hansbrough *
|
|
Director
|
|
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
David J. McLachlan |
|
|
|
|
* By Stephen J. Hansbrough
as attorney-in-fact
II-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description |
2.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Merger Agreement, dated November 6, 2001,
between HEARx and Helix Hearing Care of America Corp.
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2.1 to the
Companys Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg.
No. 333-73022)). |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Interim Order issued by the Superior Court of Quebec and
Notice of Application (incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit 2.2 to the Companys Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Plan of Arrangement, including exchangeable share provisions
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 2.3 to the
Companys Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg.
No. 333-73022)). |
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of HEARx Ltd., including
certain certificates of designations, preferences and rights
of certain preferred stock of the Company (incorporated herein
by reference as Exhibit 3 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed May 17, 1996 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.1A to the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
June 28, 1996 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation including
one for ten reverse stock split and reduction of authorized
shares (incorporated herein as Exhibit 3.5 to the Companys
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending July 2,
1999 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation including
an increase in authorized shares and change of name
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 3.1 to the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 17, 2002
(File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating Preferred Stock
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 4 to the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 17, 1999
(File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys Special Voting Preferred Stock (incorporated herein
by reference as Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed July 19, 2002 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.7
|
|
Amendment to Certificate of Designations, Preferences and
Rights of the Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 4
to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 17,
2002 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys 1998-E Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated
herein by reference as Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed August 28, 2003 (File No.
001-11655)). |
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
Amended and Restated By-Laws of HearUSA, Inc. (incorporated by
reference as Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005). |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen of Certificate representing common stock
(incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit 4.1 to the
Companys Registration Statement on Form S-18, filed September
4, 1987 (Reg. No. 33-17041-NY)). |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated July 11, 2002
between HEARx and the Rights Agent, which includes an
amendment to the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and
Rights of the Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit
4.9.1 to the Companys Joint Proxy/Prospectus on Form S-4
(Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Form of 2005 Private Placement warrant to
purchase shares of Common Stock.**
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Form of 2005 7% Subordinated Note.**
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description |
5
|
|
Opinion of Bryan Cave LLP.** |
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Purchase Agreement dated August 19,
2005 by and among HearUSA, Inc. and each of the purchasers named
therein.** |
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement dated
August 22, 2005 by and among HearUSA, Inc. and the purchasers named
therein.** |
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP. |
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
Consent of Bryan Cave LLP (included
in Exhibit 5).** |
|
|
|
24.1
|
|
Power of Attorney (included on
signature page).** |
|
|
|
**
|
|
Previously filed. |