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BIONOMICS LIMITED/FI
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0001191070
2024-11-08
2024-11-08
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 8, 2024
BIONOMICS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Australia |
|
001-41157 |
|
N/A |
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
|
(Commission File Number) |
|
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
200 Greenhill Road
Eastwood, SA
Australia |
|
5063 |
(Address of principal executive
offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
+61 8 8150 7400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code)
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since
last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities
Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under
the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of each class |
|
Trading Symbol(s) |
|
Name of exchange on which registered |
American Depositary Shares |
|
BNOX |
|
The Nasdaq Global Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant
has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant
to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Item 8.01 Other Events
As discussed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2024, Bionomics Limited, an Australian corporation (“Bionomics”), and Neuphoria
Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Neuphoria”), have entered into a Scheme Implementation Agreement to re-domicile
from Australia to the U.S. State of Delaware pursuant to a Scheme of Arrangement under Australian law. Upon completion of the Scheme of
Arrangement, Bionomics would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria and Neuphoria’s common stock would be listed on Nasdaq.
Subsequent to entering into the Scheme Implementation Agreement, Bionomics
and Neuphoria amended it to change the exchange ratio to be as follows:
| ● | holders
of ordinary shares in Bionomics will receive one share of common stock in Neuphoria for every
2,160 ordinary shares of Bionomics held as of record date; and |
| ● | holders
of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) of Bionomics will receive one share of
common stock in Neuphoria for every 12 ADSs held in Bionomics as of the record date. |
These changes are set out in an Amending Agreement, which is attached
as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.
As disclosed in a Form
8-K filed on July 16, 2024, Bionomics received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”)
indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the company’s ADSs for the 30 consecutive business days between May 28, 2024
and July 10, 2024, Bionomics did not meet the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global
Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). The letter also indicated that Bionomics will be provided with a compliance period
of 180 calendar days, or until January 7, 2025, in which to regain compliance.
Upon completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, Neuphoria will become
the successor issuer to Bionomics and, with the exchange ratio disclosed above, the company expects to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s
minimum bid price requirement.
On November 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of New South Wales approved:
|
● |
the convening by Bionomics of a meeting of Bionomics shareholders to consider and vote on the Scheme of Arrangement at 8:30 am on December 12, 2024 Sydney time (“Scheme Meeting”); and |
|
● |
the dispatch of an explanatory statement providing information about the Scheme of Arrangement, together with notice of meeting for the Scheme Meeting (together, the “Scheme Booklet”), to Bionomics shareholders. |
Further information is included in the Scheme Booklet attached as Exhibit
99.2 and a related press release is attached as Exhibit 99.3, which are both incorporated by reference into this Item 8.01.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
hereunto duly authorized.
|
BIONOMICS LIMITED |
|
|
|
Date: November 8, 2024 |
By: |
/s/ Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
|
|
Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
2
Exhibit 99.1
Scheme Implementation Agreement – Amending Agreement
Date: 24 October 2024
Parties
Bionomics |
Name |
Bionomics Limited
(a company incorporated in South Australia) |
|
ACN |
075 582 740 |
|
Address |
200 Greenhill Road, Eastwood SA 5063 |
|
Email |
[redacted] |
|
Attention |
Spyridon “Spyros” Papapetropoulos, M.D. |
Neuphoria |
Name |
Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc.
(a company incorporated in Delaware) |
|
Address |
100 Summit Dr, Burlington, MA 01803 USA |
|
Email |
[redacted] |
|
Attention |
Spyridon “Spyros” Papapetropoulos, M.D. |
Background
| (A) | The Parties are parties to a Scheme Implementation Agreement dated 1 October 2024 (the Agreement) in respect of a proposed
Scheme of Arrangement between Bionomics and its members. |
| (B) | The Parties wish to amend the Agreement on the terms of this document. |
Operative provisions
| 1. | Definitions and interpretation |
Capitalised terms in this document
have the same meanings as in the Agreement unless the context requires otherwise.
The Agreement is amended as follows.
| (a) | clause 4.2 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“4.2 Scheme Consideration
| (a) | In consideration of the Scheme Shareholders transferring their Scheme Shares to Neuphoria at Completion of the Scheme, Neuphoria covenants
in Bionomics’ favour (in its own right and separately as trustee or nominee for each Scheme Shareholder) that Neuphoria will, on
the Implementation Date and immediately prior to the transfer of the Scheme Shares to Neuphoria, issue to each Scheme Shareholder (other
than the Australian custodian for the ADS Depositary, each Ineligible Foreign Shareholder and each Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder (as
defined in the Scheme at Annexure A)) one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares held by the Scheme Shareholder on the Scheme
Record Date. |
| (b) | in the case of a Scheme Shareholder who holds Scheme Shares on behalf of the ADS Depositary (who itself holds Bionomics Shares for
the benefit of the ADS Holders), being the Australian custodian for the ADS Depositary, Neuphoria will, on the Implementation Date and
immediately prior to the transfer of the Scheme Shares to Neuphoria: |
| (i) | issue one Neuphoria Share to the ADS Depositary for every 2,160 Scheme Shares held by the ADS Depositary; and |
| (ii) | procure the ADS Depositary to then, subject to compliance by the ADS Holder within the terms of the arrangements pursuant to which
the ADS Depositary acts as depositary for ADS Holders, deliver (by way of exchange) such Neuphoria Shares to the ADS Holders on the basis
of one Neuphoria Share for every twelve Bionomics ADSs held by the ADS Holder on the Record Date. |
| (c) | Where a Scheme Shareholder would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Neuphoria Share as part of its Scheme Consideration, the
Neuphoria Share entitlement will be rounded to the nearest whole number except if a fractional entitlement would be one-half of a Neuphoria
Share, then the entitlement will be rounded up to one Neuphoria Share.” |
| (b) | Annexure A – Scheme of Arrangement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the document contained at Annexure A of this
document. |
The amendments to the Agreement which
are set out in this document take effect on and from the date of this document as specified above.
Other than as varied by this document,
the terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect.
This document may be signed in counterparts and all counterparts
taken together constitute one document.
| 2.3 | Governing law and jurisdiction |
| (a) | This document is governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. |
| (b) | Each party irrevocably and unconditionally: |
| (i) | submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales; and |
| (ii) | waives, without limitation, any claim or objection based on absence of jurisdiction or inconvenient forum. |
Executed as an agreement
Executed by |
) |
|
Bionomics Limited |
) |
|
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth): |
) |
|
|
|
|
/Spyridon Papapetropoulos/ _________ |
|
/Alan Fisher/ _________ |
Signature of Director |
|
Signature of Director/Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spyridon Papapetropoulos _________ |
|
Alan Fisher _________ |
Name of Director/Secretary (print) |
|
Name of Director/Secretary (print) |
Executed by |
) |
|
Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. |
) |
|
In accordance with its constituent documents and laws of its place of incorporation: |
) |
|
|
|
|
/Spyridon Papapetropoulos/_________ |
|
|
|
|
|
Spyridon Papapetropoulos, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Annexure A – Scheme of Arrangement
Scheme of Arrangement
Bionomics Limited
ACN 075 582 740
and
Scheme Participants
SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT
Under section 411 of the Corporations Act
BETWEEN:
| (1) | Bionomics Limited ACN 075 582 740 formed in Australia whose registered office is at 200 Greenhill
Road, Eastwood South Australia 5063 (Bionomics); and |
| (2) | Each person registered as a holder of fully paid ordinary shares in Bionomics as at the Record Date, other
than Excluded Shareholders (Scheme Participants). |
THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
| 1. | Definitions and interpretation |
Unless the contrary intention appears,
these meanings apply:
ADS means an American Depositary
Share.
ADS Depositary means Citibank,
N.A.
ADS Holder means a holder of
Bionomics ADSs.
ASIC means the Australian Securities
& Investments Commission.
Bionomics ADS means each American
Depositary Share, representing 180 Bionomics Shares and which trade on Nasdaq under the ticker code “BNOX”.
Bionomics Share means each fully
paid ordinary share in Bionomics.
Bionomics Shareholder means
each person entered in the Register as a holder of Bionomics Shares.
Business Day means a day (other
than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) on which banks are open for general banking business in Adelaide, South Australia or Delaware,
United States.
Completion means completion
of the implementation of the Scheme on the Implementation Date.
Corporations Act means the Corporations
Act 2001 (Cth).
Court means Supreme Court of
New South Wales or such other court of competent jurisdiction as the parties may agree in writing.
Deed Poll means the deed poll
dated 23 October 2024 executed by Neuphoria substantially in the form of Annexure D of the Scheme Booklet or as otherwise agreed by Neuphoria
and Bionomics under which Neuphoria covenants in favour of each Scheme Participant to perform its obligations under this Scheme.
Effective means the coming into
effect, under section 411(10) of the Corporations Act, of the order of the Court made under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act
in relation to the Scheme, but in any event at no time before an office copy of the order of the Court is lodged with ASIC.
Effective Date means the date
on which the Scheme becomes Effective.
Encumbrance means any security
for the payment of money or performance of obligations, including a mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, trust, power or title retention or
flawed deposit arrangement and any “security interest” as defined in sections 12(1) or 12(2) of the PPSA or any agreement
to create any of them or allow them to exist.
End Date means the Sunset Date,
including any extension to that date, as defined in the Scheme Implementation Agreement.
Excluded Shareholder means Neuphoria
and any of its subsidiaries.
Implementation Date means the
fifth Business Day following the Record Date or such other date as the parties agree in writing.
Ineligible Overseas Shareholder
means a Bionomics Shareholder:
| (a) | who is (or is acting on behalf of) a resident of a jurisdiction other than a Permitted Jurisdiction; or |
| (b) | whose address shown in the Register is a place outside a Permitted Jurisdiction, |
unless Neuphoria
and Bionomics jointly determine that it is lawful and not unduly onerous and not unduly impracticable to issue that Bionomics Shareholder
with Neuphoria Shares when the Scheme becomes Effective and it is lawful for that Bionomics Shareholder to participate in the Scheme by
the law of such other place as a Bionomics Shareholder may be resident or located.
Nasdaq means the Nasdaq Global
Market.
Neuphoria means Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
Neuphoria Share means a share
of common stock in Neuphoria.
New Neuphoria Shares means Neuphoria
Shares to be issued under the Scheme as Scheme Consideration.
Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder
means a Small Parcel Holder who has not made a valid election to not participate in the Sale Facility, or having made such an election
has validly withdrawn their election.
Permitted Jurisdiction means
Australia, Canada, European Union (excluding Austria), Hong Kong, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa,
Switzerland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and any other jurisdictions mutually agreed by Bionomics and Neuphoria.
PPSA means the Personal Property
Securities Act 2009 (Cth).
Record Date means 7.00 pm on
the second Business Day following the Effective Date, or any other date (after the Effective Date) agreed by the parties to be the record
date to determine entitlements to receive Scheme Consideration under the Scheme.
Register means the register
of members of Bionomics.
Registered Address means, in
relation to a Bionomics Shareholder, the address shown in the Register.
Sale Facility means the facility
to be conducted in accordance with clause 6.4.
Scheme means this scheme of
arrangement between Bionomics and Scheme Participants under which all of the Scheme Shares will be transferred to Neuphoria under Part
5.1 of the Corporations Act as described in clause 6 of this Scheme, in consideration for the Scheme Consideration, subject to any amendments
or conditions made or required by the Court pursuant to section 411(6) of the Corporations Act to the extent they are approved in writing
by Bionomics and Neuphoria in accordance with clause 10 of this Scheme.
Scheme Booklet means the information
prepared in accordance with the Scheme Implementation Agreement and agreed by the parties (acting reasonably) to be approved by the Court
and despatched to Scheme Participants in relation to the Scheme.
Scheme Consideration in relation
to a Scheme Participant means the number of New Neuphoria Shares to be issued to the Scheme Participant as described in clause 6.2.
Scheme Implementation Agreement
means the scheme implementation agreement dated 1 October 2024 between Bionomics and Neuphoria under which, amongst other things, Bionomics
has agreed to propose this Scheme to Bionomics Shareholders, and each of Neuphoria and Bionomics has agreed to take certain steps to give
effect to this Scheme.
Scheme Meeting means the meeting
of Bionomics Shareholders to be convened as ordered by the Court under section 411(1) of the Corporations Act, to consider the Scheme.
Scheme Participant means each
Bionomics Shareholder as at the Record Date (taking into account registration of all registrable transfers and transmission applications
received at Bionomics’ share registry by the Record Date) other than an Excluded Shareholder.
Scheme Record Date means 7.00
pm on the second Business Day after the Effective Date, or such other date (after the Effective Date) as Bionomics and Neuphoria may agree
in writing.
Scheme Share means a Bionomics
Share held by a Scheme Participant as at the Record Date and, for the avoidance of doubt, includes any Bionomics Shares issued on or before
the Record Date.
Second Court Date means the
first day on which the Court hears the application for an order under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act approving the Scheme or,
if the application is adjourned or subject to appeal for any reason, the first day on which the adjourned or appealed application is heard.
Share Scheme Transfer means,
for each Scheme Participant, a duly completed and executed proper instrument of transfer of the Scheme Shares held by that Scheme Participant
for the purposes of section 1071B of the Corporations Act, which may be a master transfer of all Scheme Shares.
Small Parcel Holder means a
Scheme Participant who holds fewer than 200,000 Bionomics Shares as at the Scheme Record Date.
| 1.2 | General interpretation |
Headings and labels used for definitions
are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Unless the contrary intention appears, in this document:
| (a) | the singular includes the plural and vice versa; |
| (b) | a reference to a document includes any agreement or other legally enforceable arrangement created by it
(whether the document is in the form of an agreement, deed or otherwise); |
| (c) | a reference to a document also includes any variation, replacement or novation of it; |
| (d) | the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by “including”,
“for example”, “such as” or similar expressions; |
| (e) | a reference to “person” includes an individual, a body corporate, a partnership, a joint venture,
an unincorporated association and an authority or any other entity or organisation; |
| (f) | a reference to a particular person includes the person’s executors, administrators, successors,
substitutes (including persons taking by novation) and assigns; |
| (g) | a reference to a time of day is a reference to Sydney, Australia, time; |
| (h) | a reference to dollars, $ or A$ is a reference to the currency of Australia; |
| (i) | a reference to any legislation includes regulations under it and any consolidations, amendments, re-enactments
or replacements of any of them; |
| (j) | a reference to a group of persons is a reference to any 2 or more of them jointly and to each of them
individually; |
| (k) | a reference to any thing (including an amount) is a reference to the whole and each part of it; |
| (l) | a period of time starting from a given day or the day of an act or event, is to be calculated exclusive
of that day; |
| (m) | if a party must do something under this document on or by a given day and it is done after 5.00 pm on
that day, it is taken to be done on the next day; and |
| (n) | if the day on which a party must do something under this document is not a Business Day, the party must
do it on the next Business Day. |
Bionomics is:
| (a) | An unlisted public company limited by shares; and |
| (b) | incorporated in Australia and registered in South Australia. |
Neuphoria is:
| (a) | An unlisted non-public corporation; and |
| (b) | incorporated in Delaware, United States. |
| 2.3 | If Scheme becomes Effective |
If this Scheme becomes Effective:
| (a) | in consideration of the transfer of each Scheme Share to Neuphoria, Bionomics will procure Neuphoria to
provide the Scheme Consideration to each Scheme Participant in accordance with the terms of this Scheme; |
| (b) | all Scheme Shares will be transferred to Neuphoria on the Implementation Date; and |
| (c) | Bionomics will enter the name of Neuphoria in the Register in respect of all Scheme Shares transferred
to Neuphoria in accordance with the terms of this Scheme. |
| 2.4 | Scheme Implementation Agreement |
Bionomics and Neuphoria have agreed
by executing the Scheme Implementation Agreement to implement the terms of this Scheme.
| (a) | Neuphoria has executed the Deed Poll for the purpose of covenanting in favour of the Scheme Participants
to perform (or procure the performance of) its obligations as contemplated by this Scheme, including to provide the Scheme Consideration. |
| (b) | Bionomics undertakes in favour of each Scheme Participant to enforce the Deed Poll against Neuphoria on
behalf of and as agent and attorney for the Scheme Participants. |
| 3.1 | Conditions precedent to Scheme |
This Scheme is conditional on, and
will have no force or effect until, the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:
| (a) | as at 8.00 am on the Second Court Date, the Deed Poll not having been terminated; |
| (b) | as at 8.00 am on the Second Court Date, all of the conditions precedent in clause 3.1 of the Scheme Implementation
Agreement having been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of the Scheme Implementation Agreement, other than the conditions
in clauses 3.1(c) (Court approval of Scheme) and 3.1(d) (Order lodged with ASIC); |
| (c) | the Court having approved this Scheme, with or without any modification or condition, pursuant to section
411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act, and if applicable, Bionomics and Neuphoria having accepted in writing any modification or condition
made or required by the Court under section 411(6) of the Corporations Act; |
| (d) | lodgement with ASIC of an office copy of the order of the Court approving the Scheme pursuant to section
411(10) of the Corporations Act; and |
| (e) | the coming into effect, pursuant to section 411(10) of the Corporations Act, of the orders of the Court
made under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act (and, if applicable, section 411(6) of the Corporations Act) in relation to this
Scheme. |
| 3.2 | Conditions precedent and operation of clause 5 |
The satisfaction of each condition
of clause 3.1 of this Scheme is a condition precedent to the operation of clause 5 of this Scheme.
| 3.3 | Certificate in relation to conditions precedent |
| (a) | Bionomics and Neuphoria must provide to the Court on the Second Court Date a certificate confirming (in
respect of matters within their knowledge) whether or not all of the conditions precedent set out in clause 3.1 of this Scheme (other
than the conditions precedent in clauses 3.1(c), 3.1(d) and 3.1(e) of this Scheme) have been satisfied or waived as at 8.00 am on the
Second Court Date. |
| (b) | The certificate referred to in this clause 3.3 will constitute conclusive evidence of whether the conditions
precedent referred to in clause 3.1 of this Scheme (other than the conditions precedent in clauses 3.1(c), 3.1(d) and 3.1(e) of this Scheme)
have been satisfied or waived as at 8.00 am on the Second Court Date. |
Subject to clause 4.2, this Scheme
will come into effect pursuant to section 411(10) of the Corporations Act on and from the Effective Date.
This Scheme will lapse and be of no
further force or effect if the Effective Date does not occur on or before the End Date.
| 5. | Implementation of Scheme |
| 5.1 | Lodgement of Court orders with ASIC |
If the conditions precedent set out
in clause 3.1 of this Scheme (other than the conditions precedent in clauses 3.1(d) and 3.1(e) of this Scheme) are satisfied, Bionomics
must lodge with ASIC in accordance with section 411(10) of the Corporations Act an office copy of the Court order approving this Scheme
as soon as possible, and in any event by no later than 4.00 pm on the first Business Day after the day on which the Court approves this
Scheme or such later time as Neuphoria and Bionomics agree in writing.
| 5.2 | Transfer and registration of Bionomics Shares |
On the Implementation Date, but subject
to the provision of the Scheme Consideration for the Scheme Shares in accordance with clause 6 of this Scheme and Neuphoria having provided
Bionomics with written confirmation of the provision of the Scheme Consideration:
| (a) | the Scheme Shares, together with all rights and entitlements attaching to the Scheme Shares as at the
Implementation Date, will be transferred to Neuphoria without the need for any further act by any Scheme Participant (other than acts
performed by Bionomics as attorney and agent for Scheme Participants under clause 8 of this Scheme) by: |
| (i) | Bionomics delivering to Neuphoria a duly completed and executed Share Scheme Transfer executed on behalf
of the Scheme Participants; and |
| (ii) | Neuphoria duly executing the Share Scheme Transfer and delivering it to Bionomics for registration; and |
| (b) | as soon as practicable after receipt of the duly executed Share Scheme Transfer, Bionomics must enter
the name of Neuphoria in the Register in respect of all Scheme Shares transferred to Neuphoria in accordance with the terms of this Scheme. |
| 5.3 | Entitlement to Scheme Consideration |
On the Implementation Date, in consideration
for the transfer to Neuphoria of the Scheme Shares, each Scheme Participant will be entitled to receive the Scheme Consideration in respect
of each of their Scheme Shares in accordance with clause 6 of this Scheme.
| 5.4 | Title and rights in Bionomics Shares |
Subject to the provision of the Scheme
Consideration for the Scheme Shares as contemplated by clause 6 of this Scheme, on and from the Implementation Date, Neuphoria will be
beneficially entitled to the Scheme Shares transferred to it under the Scheme, pending registration by Bionomics of Neuphoria in the Register
as the holder of the Scheme Shares.
| 5.5 | Scheme Participants’ agreements |
Under this Scheme, each Scheme Participant
agrees to the transfer of their Scheme Shares, together with all rights and entitlements attaching to those Scheme Shares, in accordance
with the terms of this Scheme.
| 5.6 | Warranty by Scheme Participants |
Each Scheme Participant warrants to
Neuphoria and is deemed to have authorised Bionomics to warrant to Neuphoria as agent and attorney for the Scheme Participant by virtue
of this clause 5.6, that:
| (a) | all their Scheme Shares (including any rights and entitlements attaching to those shares) transferred
to Neuphoria under the Scheme will, as at the date of the transfer, be fully paid and free from all Encumbrances; and |
| (b) | they have full power and capacity to sell and to transfer their Scheme Shares (including any rights and
entitlements attaching to those shares) to Neuphoria under the Scheme. |
| 5.7 | Transfer free of Encumbrances |
To the extent permitted by law, all
Bionomics Shares (including any rights and entitlements attaching to those shares) which are transferred to Neuphoria under this Scheme
will, at the date of the transfer of them to Neuphoria, vest in Neuphoria free from all Encumbrances and interests of third parties of
any kind, whether legal or otherwise, and free from any restrictions on transfer of any kind not referred to in this Scheme.
| 5.8 | Nomination of acquirer subsidiary |
If Neuphoria nominates a Neuphoria
Nominee (as defined in clause 4.3 of the Scheme Implementation Agreement) to acquire Bionomics Shares under the Scheme references to the
transfer of Scheme Shares to Neuphoria and the entering of Neuphoria into the Register, will be read as references to Neuphoria Nominee.
| 6.1 | Issue of consideration under the Scheme |
On the Implementation Date, Bionomics must procure that,
in consideration for the transfer to Neuphoria of the Bionomics Shares, Neuphoria issues to the Scheme Participants (or to the nominee
in the case of Ineligible Overseas Shareholders or Non-Electing Small Parcel Holders, in accordance with clause 6.4) the Scheme Consideration
in accordance with this clause 6.
| (a) | In consideration of the Bionomics Shareholders transferring their Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria at Completion,
Neuphoria will, on the Implementation Date and immediately upon transfer of the Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria, issue to each Bionomics
Shareholder (other than the Australian custodian for the ADS Depositary and each Ineligible Overseas Shareholder and each Non-Electing
Small Parcel Holder) one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares held by the Bionomics Shareholder on the Scheme Record Date. |
| (b) | In the case of the Bionomics Shareholder who holds Bionomics Shares on behalf of the ADS Depositary (who
itself holds Bionomics Shares for the benefit of the ADS Holders), being the Australian custodian for the ADS Depositary, Neuphoria will,
on the Implementation Date and immediately prior to the transfer of the Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria: |
| (i) | issue one Neuphoria Share to the ADS Depositary for every 2,160 Scheme Shares held by the ADS Depositary;
and |
| (ii) | procure the ADS Depositary to then, subject to compliance by the ADS Holder within the terms of the arrangements
pursuant to which the ADS Depositary acts as depositary for ADS Holders, deliver (by way of exchange) such Neuphoria Shares to the ADS
Holders on the basis of one Neuphoria Share for every 12 Bionomics ADSs held by the ADS Holder on the Record Date. |
| (c) | Where a Bionomics Shareholder would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Neuphoria Share as part of
its Scheme Consideration, the Neuphoria Share entitlement will be rounded to the nearest whole number except if a fractional entitlement
would be one-half of a Neuphoria Share, then the entitlement will be rounded up to one Neuphoria Share. |
| 6.3 | Scheme Participants’ agreements |
Under this Scheme, each Scheme Participant
(and the nominee on behalf of the Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Non-Electing Small Parcel Holders) irrevocably:
| (a) | agrees to become a shareholder of Neuphoria, to have their name entered in the Neuphoria register, accepts
the Neuphoria Shares issued to them and agrees to be bound by the Neuphoria’s charter documents; |
| (b) | agrees and acknowledges that the issue of Neuphoria Shares in accordance with clause 6.2 or the payment
under clause 6.4 (as applicable) constitutes satisfaction of all that person’s entitlements under this Scheme; |
| (c) | acknowledges that the Scheme binds Bionomics and all of the Scheme Participants from time to time (including
those who do not attend the Scheme Meeting and those who do not vote, or vote against this Scheme, at the Scheme Meeting); and |
| (d) | consents to Bionomics and Neuphoria doing all things and executing all deeds, instruments, transfers or
other documents as may be necessary or desirable to give full effect to this Scheme and the transactions contemplated by it. |
Where a Scheme Participant is an Ineligible
Overseas Shareholder or a Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder, such Scheme Participant authorises Neuphoria to:
| (a) | issue to a nominee appointed by Neuphoria any New Neuphoria Shares to which an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder
or a Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder would otherwise be entitled to (Relevant Neuphoria Shares); |
| (b) | procure, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Implementation Date, and in no event no more than
30 days after the Implementation Date, that the nominee: |
| (i) | sells or procures the sale of all of the Relevant Neuphoria Shares issued to the nominee pursuant to clause
6.4(a), in the ordinary course of trading on Nasdaq at such price as the nominee determines in good faith; and |
| (ii) | remits to Neuphoria the proceeds of sale (Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or
fees associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility); and |
| (c) | promptly after the last sale of the Relevant Neuphoria Shares in accordance with clause 6.4(b)(i),
pay to each Ineligible Overseas Shareholder and Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder an amount equal to the proportion of the proceeds of
sale received by Neuphoria under clause 6.4(b)(ii) to which that Ineligible Overseas Shareholder and Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder
is entitled, in full satisfaction of their entitlement to the Relevant Neuphoria Shares. |
Neither Bionomics nor Neuphoria make
any assurance or representation as to the amount of proceeds of sale to be received by Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Non-Electing
Small Parcel Holders under the Sale Facility. Both Bionomics and Neuphoria expressly disclaim any fiduciary duty to the Ineligible Overseas
Shareholders and Non-Electing Small Parcel Holders which may arise in connection with the Sale Facility.
| 6.5 | Shares to rank equally |
Neuphoria covenants in favour of Bionomics
(in its own right and on behalf of the Scheme Participants) that:
| (a) | the New Neuphoria Shares will rank equally in all respects with all existing Neuphoria Shares; |
| (b) | it will do everything reasonably necessary to ensure that trading in the New Neuphoria Shares commences
by the first Business Day after the Implementation Date; and |
| (c) | on issue, each New Neuphoria Share will be fully paid and free from any Encumbrance. |
In the case of Bionomics Shares held
in joint names:
| (a) | any Neuphoria Shares to be issued under this Scheme must be issued and registered in the names of the
joint holders and entry in the Neuphoria register of members must take place in the same order as the holders’ names appear in the
Register; and |
| (b) | any document required to be sent under this Scheme, will be forwarded to either, at the sole discretion
of Bionomics, the holder whose name appears first in the Register as at the Record Date or to the joint holders. |
| 7. | Dealings in Scheme Shares |
| 7.1 | Determination of Scheme Participants |
To establish the identity of the Scheme
Participants, dealings in Scheme Shares will only be recognised by Bionomics if registrable transmission applications or transfers in
registrable form in respect of those dealings are received on or before the Record Date at the place where the Register is kept.
Bionomics must register any registrable
transmission applications or transfers of the Scheme Shares received in accordance with clause 7.1 of this Scheme on or before the Record
Date.
| 7.3 | No disposals after Effective Date |
| (a) | If this Scheme becomes Effective, a holder of Scheme Shares (and any person claiming through that holder)
must not dispose of or purport or agree to dispose of any Scheme Shares or any interest in them after the Effective Date in any way except
as set out in this Scheme and any such disposal will be void and of no legal effect whatsoever. |
| (b) | Bionomics will not accept for registration or recognise for any purpose any transmission, application
or transfer in respect of Scheme Shares received after the Record Date (except a transfer to Neuphoria pursuant to this Scheme and any
subsequent transfer by Neuphoria or its successors in title). |
| 7.4 | Maintenance of Bionomics Register |
For the purpose of determining entitlements
to the Scheme Consideration, Bionomics will maintain the Register in accordance with the provisions of this clause 7.4 until the Scheme
Consideration has been issued to the Scheme Participants and Neuphoria has been entered in the Register as the holder of all the Scheme
Shares. The Register in this form will solely determine entitlements to the Scheme Consideration.
| 7.5 | Effect of certificates and holding statements |
Subject to provision of the Scheme
Consideration and registration of the transfer to Neuphoria contemplated in clauses 5.2 and 7.4 of this Scheme, any statements of holding
in respect of Scheme Shares will cease to have effect after the Record Date as documents of title in respect of those shares (other than
statements of holding in favour of Neuphoria and its successors in title). After the Record Date, each entry current on the Register as
at the Record Date (other than entries in respect of Neuphoria or its successors in title) will cease to have effect except as evidence
of entitlement to the Scheme Consideration.
| 7.6 | Details of Scheme Participants |
Within three Business Days after the
Record Date, Bionomics will ensure that details of the names, Registered Addresses and holdings of Scheme Shares for each Scheme Participant,
as shown in the Register at the Record Date are available to Neuphoria in such form as Neuphoria reasonably requires.
Each Scheme Participant, without the
need for any further act by any Scheme Participant, irrevocably appoints Bionomics and each of its directors and secretaries (jointly
and each of them individually) as its attorney and agent for the purpose of:
| (a) | executing any document necessary or expedient to give effect to this Scheme including the Share Scheme
Transfer; and |
| (b) | enforcing the Deed Poll against Neuphoria, and Bionomics accepts such appointment. |
If a notice, transfer, transmission
application, direction or other communication referred to in this Scheme is sent by post to Bionomics, it will not be taken to be received
in the ordinary course of post or on a date and time other than the date and time (if any) on which it is actually received at Bionomics’
registered office or at the office of the registrar of Bionomics Shares.
The accidental omission to give notice
of the Scheme Meeting or the non-receipt of such a notice by any Bionomics Shareholder will not, unless so ordered by the Court, invalidate
the Scheme Meeting or the proceedings of the Scheme Meeting.
| 10.1 | Variations, alterations and conditions |
Bionomics may, with the consent of
Neuphoria (which cannot be unreasonably withheld), by its counsel or solicitor consent on behalf of all persons concerned to any variations,
alterations or conditions to this Scheme which the Court thinks fit to impose.
| 10.2 | Further action by Bionomics |
Bionomics will execute all documents
and do all things (on its own behalf and on behalf of each Scheme Participant) necessary or expedient to implement, and perform its obligations
under, this Scheme.
| 10.3 | Authority and acknowledgement |
Each of the Scheme Participants:
| (a) | irrevocably consents to Bionomics and Neuphoria doing all things necessary or expedient for or incidental
to the implementation of this Scheme; and |
| (b) | acknowledges that this Scheme binds Bionomics and all Scheme Participants (including those who do not
attend the Scheme Meeting or do not vote at that meeting or vote against the Scheme at that meeting) and, to the extent of any inconsistency
and to the extent permitted by law, overrides the constitution of Bionomics. |
| 10.4 | No liability when acting in good faith |
Without prejudice to the parties’ rights
under the Scheme Implementation Agreement, neither Bionomics nor Neuphoria, nor any of their respective officers, will be liable for anything
done or omitted to be done in the performance of this Scheme in good faith.
Neuphoria will pay all stamp duty (including
any fines, penalties and interest) payable in connection with this Scheme.
| 11.1 | Governing law and jurisdiction |
| (a) | This document and any dispute arising out of or in connection with the subject matter of this document
is governed by the laws of South Australia, Australia. |
| (b) | Each party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that state, and courts of appeal
from them, in respect of any proceedings arising out of or in connection with the subject matter of this document. |
Without preventing any other method
of service, any document in an action in connection with this document may be served on a party by being delivered or left at that party’s
address set out below:
Bionomics
|
Address: |
200 Greenhill Road, Eastwood SA 5063 |
|
Email: |
[redacted] |
|
Attention: |
Spyridon “Spyros” Papapetropoulos, M.D - CEO |
|
Copy to: |
Guy Sanderson, Hamilton Locke |
|
Address: |
Level 42, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 |
|
Email: |
[redacted] |
Neuphoria
|
Address: |
100 Summit Dr, Burlington, MA 01803 USA |
|
Email: |
[redacted] |
|
Attention: |
Spyridon “Spyros” Papapetropoulos, M.D - CEO |
|
Copy to: |
Andrew Reilly, Rimon |
|
Address: |
Level 2, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 |
|
Email: |
[redacted] |
Exhibit 99.2
Bionomics Limited
Scheme Booklet
for a scheme of arrangement in relation to the proposed acquisition
by Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. of the ordinary shares in Bionomics Limited (ACN 075 582 740).
The Bionomics Directors unanimously recommend that you vote in
favour of the Scheme, subject to the Independent Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
This is an important document and requires your urgent attention.
If you are in any doubt as to how to deal with this Scheme Booklet, please consult your legal, financial, taxation or other professional adviser. If you have any general questions relating to the Scheme, please call the Bionomics Shareholder Information Line on 1300 850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia) on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time).
Please disregard this Scheme Booklet if you have recently sold all your Bionomics Shares (including as represented by American Depositary Shares) or no longer hold any Bionomics Shares.
Australian legal adviser to Bionomics |
|
US legal adviser to Bionomics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Important Notices
Nature of this booklet
This Scheme Booklet is important. Bionomics Shareholders should
carefully read this Scheme Booklet in its entirety before making a decision on how to vote on the Scheme.
The purpose of this Scheme Booklet is to explain the terms of
the Scheme, the manner in which the Scheme will be considered and implemented (if all of the conditions to the Scheme are satisfied or
(if permitted) waived) and to provide such information as is prescribed or otherwise material for Bionomics Shareholders when deciding
how to vote on the Scheme. This document includes the explanatory statement required by section 412(1) of the Corporations Act in relation
to the Scheme.
This Scheme Booklet is not a disclosure document required by Chapter
6D or Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act. Section 708(17) of the Corporations Act provides that an offer of securities does not require
disclosure to investors if it is made under a compromise or arrangement under Part 5.1 of the Corporations Act and approved at a meeting
held as a result of an order under section 411(1) or (1A) of the Corporations Act.
If you have sold all your Bionomics Shares (including as represented
by American Depositary Shares), please disregard this Scheme Booklet.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION
Bionomics has been solely responsible for preparing the Bionomics
Information. The information concerning Bionomics and the intentions, views and opinions of Bionomics and the Bionomics Directors contained
in this Scheme Booklet has been prepared by Bionomics and is the responsibility of Bionomics. None of Neuphoria, its Related Bodies Corporate,
or their respective directors, officers, employees or advisers have verified any of the Bionomics Information, and none of them assume
any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of the Bionomics Information.
Neuphoria has been solely responsible for preparing the Neuphoria
Information. The information concerning Neuphoria and the intentions, views and opinions of Neuphoria contained in this Scheme Booklet,
has been prepared by Neuphoria and is the responsibility of Neuphoria. None of Bionomics, its Related Bodies Corporate, or their respective
directors, officers, employees or advisers have verified any of the Neuphoria Information, and none of them assume any responsibility
for the accuracy or completeness of any of the Neuphoria Information.
The Independent Expert, Findex Corporate Finance (Aust) Ltd, has
prepared the Independent Expert’s Report and takes responsibility for that report. None of Bionomics, Neuphoria or their respective
Related Bodies Corporate, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or advisers takes any responsibility for the Independent
Expert’s Report. The Independent Expert’s Report is set out in Annexure A.
REGULATORY INFORMATION AND ROLE
OF ASIC
This document includes the explanatory statement for the Scheme
between Bionomics and the Scheme Participants for the purposes of section 412(1) of the Corporations Act. A copy of the Scheme is included
in this Scheme Booklet as Annexure B.
A draft of this Scheme Booklet has been provided to ASIC in accordance
with section 411(2) of the Corporations Act. It was then registered by ASIC under section 412(6) of the Corporations Act before being
sent to Bionomics Shareholders.
ASIC has been requested to provide a statement, in accordance
with section 411(17)(b) of the Corporations Act, that it has no objection to the Scheme. ASIC’s policy in relation to statements
under section 411(17)(b) of the Corporations Act is that it will not provide such a statement until the Second Court Date. This is because
ASIC will not be in a position to advise the Court until it has had an opportunity to observe the entire process of the Scheme.
If ASIC provides that statement, it will be produced to the Court
at the Second Court Hearing. Neither ASIC nor any of its officers takes any responsibility for the contents of this Scheme Booklet.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Scheme Booklet contains both historical and forward- looking
statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements.
All forward looking statements in this Scheme Booklet reflect
views only as at the date of this Scheme Booklet, and generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe”,
“aim”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intending”, “foreseeing”, “likely”,
“should”, “planned”, “may”, “estimate”, “potential”, or other similar words.
Similarly, statements that describe Bionomics, Neuphoria or the Combined Group’s objectives, plans, goals or expectations are or
may be forward looking statements. The statements contained in this Scheme Booklet about the impact that the Scheme may have on the results
of Bionomics and/or Neuphoria’s operations and the advantages and disadvantages anticipated to result from the Scheme are also forward-looking
statements.
Bionomics Shareholders should be aware that there are risks (both
known and unknown), uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors that could cause the actual conduct, results, performance or
achievements of Bionomics, Neuphoria or the Combined Group to be materially different from the future conduct, results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such statements or that could cause the future conduct, results, performance or achievements to be
materially different from historical conduct, results, performance or achievements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other
important factors include, among other things, the risks set out in section 10 of this Scheme Booklet.
None of Bionomics, Neuphoria, or any of their respective Related
Bodies Corporate, directors, officers, employees or advisers, or any person named in this Scheme Booklet with their consent, or otherwise
involved in the preparation of this Scheme Booklet, give any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events
expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this Scheme Booklet will actually occur.
Bionomics Shareholders are cautioned about relying on any such
forward looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Scheme Booklet reflect views held only as at the date of this Scheme
Booklet. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or the Listing Rules, Bionomics, Neuphoria and their respective directors
and officers disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Scheme Booklet, to reflect any change
in expectations in relation to those statements or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which a statement is based.
NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE
The information contained in this Scheme Booklet does not take
into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any individual Bionomics Shareholder or any other person.
Before making any investment decision in relation to the Scheme, you should consider, with or without the assistance of an independent
securities or other adviser, whether that decision is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial
circumstances. No cooling-off period applies to the acquisition of Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme.
Past performance
You should note that past performance metrics and figures (including
any data about past share price of Bionomics and Neuphoria) in this Scheme Booklet are given for illustrative purposes only and cannot
be relied upon as an indicator of (and provide no guidance as to) future performance, including future share price of the Combined Group.
Any such historical information is not represented as being, and is not, indicative of the view of Bionomics and Neuphoria on their future
financial condition and/or performance, nor the future financial condition or performance of the Combined Group.
FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS
The release, publication or distribution of this Scheme Booklet
in jurisdictions other than Australia may be restricted by law or regulation in such other jurisdictions and persons outside Australia
who come into possession of this Scheme Booklet should observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may
constitute a violation of applicable laws or regulations.
This Scheme Booklet has been prepared in accordance with Australian
law. No action has been taken to register or qualify this Scheme Booklet or any aspect of the Scheme in any jurisdiction outside Australia.
If you are an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder, you will not be
entitled to receive Neuphoria Shares. Neuphoria Shares that would otherwise be issued to you under the Scheme will be issued the Sale
Agent to be sold on Nasdaq, with the sale proceeds, to be paid to you. Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees
associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility.
Based on the information available, Bionomics
shareholders whose addresses are shown in the register on the Record Date as being in the following jurisdictions will be entitled to
receive the Scheme Booklet and have Neuphoria Shares issued to them under the Scheme subject to any qualifications set out below in respect
of that jurisdiction:
| (iii) | European Union (excluding Austria and France), where the Bionomics shareholder is a “qualified investor”
(as defined in Article 2(e) of the EU Prospectus Regulation) or (ii) the number of other Bionomics shareholders is less than 150; |
| (iv) | France, where the Bionomics shareholder is a “qualified investor” (as defined in Article 2(e)
of the Prospectus Regulation) and, solely with respect to the issuance of Neuphoria Shares upon completion of the Scheme, the number of
other Bionomics shareholders is less than 150; |
| (vi) | Jersey, where the number of Bionomics shareholders is fewer than 50; |
| (viii) | Mexico, where the number of Bionomics shareholders is less than 100; |
| (x) | Norway, where (a) Bionomics shareholders are “professional clients” or (b) the number of non-professional
clients is less than 150; |
| (xiii) | South Korea, where (a) Bionomics shareholders are “accredited investors” (as defined in the
Financial Investment Services and Capitals Markets Act of Korea) or (b) the number of other Bionomics shareholders is less than 50; |
| (xvii) | any other person or jurisdiction in respect of which Bionomics reasonably believes that it is not prohibited
and not unduly onerous or impractical to issue Neuphoria Shares to a Bionomics shareholder with a registered address in such jurisdiction. |
Nominees and custodians who hold Bionomics shares
on behalf of a beneficial owner resident outside Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland,
United Kingdom and the United States may not forward this Scheme Booklet (or any accompanying document) to anyone outside these countries
without the consent of Bionomics, except nominees and custodians may forward the Scheme Booklet to any beneficial shareholder in the European
Union (excluding Austria) who is a “qualified investor” (as defined in Article 2(e) of the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the
European Parliament and the Council of the European Union). A Shareholder whose address shown in the Bionomics Share Register is in a
jurisdiction outside the Eligible Jurisdictions will be deemed to be an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder for the purposes of the Scheme.
Shareholders who are deemed to be Ineligible Overseas Shareholders should refer to Section 6.5 for more information.
This Scheme Booklet does not constitute an offer
to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, it would not
be lawful to make such an offer or solicitation.
See Section 12.11 for further information on legal
restrictions outside Australia on the distribution of the Scheme Booklet and participation in the Scheme.
Notice to Shareholders in the United States
The Neuphoria Shares have not been registered
under the US Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. Instead, Neuphoria intends
to rely on an exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act provided by Section 3(a)(10) of the US Securities
Act in connection with the consummation of the Scheme and the issuance of Neuphoria Shares. Section 3(a)(10) of the US Securities Act
exempts securities issued in exchange for other securities from the general requirement of registration where the terms and conditions
of the issuance and exchange have been approved by a court of competent jurisdiction, after a hearing upon the fairness of the terms and
conditions of the issuance at which all persons to whom the securities will be issued have the right to appear. Approval of the Scheme
by the Court will be relied upon by Bionomics and Neuphoria for the purposes of qualifying for the Section 3(a)(10) exemption.
This Scheme Booklet has not been filed with, or
reviewed by, the US Securities and Exchange Commission or any US state securities authority and none of them has passed upon the merits
of the Scheme or the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of this Scheme Booklet. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence.
Bionomics Shareholders in the United States should
note that the Scheme will be conducted in accordance with the laws of Australia. As a result, it may be difficult for you to enforce your
rights, including any claim you may have arising under US federal securities laws, as Bionomics is incorporated in Australia and some
of its officers and directors are resident in Australia. As such, you may not be able to take legal action against Bionomics or its officers
and directors in Australia for violations of US securities laws and it may be difficult to compel Bionomics and its officers and directors
to subject themselves to a US court’s judgement.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH
COURT ORDER
The fact that, under subsection 411(1) of the Corporations Act,
the Court has ordered that the Scheme Meeting be convened does not mean that the Court:
| ● | has formed any view as to the merits of the proposed Scheme or as to how
Bionomics Shareholders should vote (on this matter, Bionomics Shareholders must reach their own decision); or |
| ● | has prepared, or is responsible for the content of, the Scheme Booklet. |
The order of the Court that the Scheme Meeting be convened is
not, and should not be treated as, an endorsement by the Court of, or any other expression of opinion by the Court on, the Scheme.
NOTICE OF Scheme Meeting
The
Notice of Scheme Meeting is set out in Annexure D.
NOTICE OF SECOND COURT HEARING
At the Second Court Hearing, the Court will consider whether to
approve the Scheme following the vote at the Scheme Meeting.
Any Bionomics Shareholder may appear at the Second Court Hearing,
which is expected to be held on Monday 16 December 2024 at the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Any Bionomics Shareholder who wishes to oppose approval of the
Scheme at the Second Court Hearing may do so by filing with the Court and serving on Bionomics a notice of appearance in the prescribed
form together with any affidavit that the Bionomics Shareholder proposes to rely on.
The notice of appearance and affidavit must be served on Bionomics
at its address for service at least three days before the Second Court Hearing. The postal address for service is 200 Greenhill Road,
Eastwood SA 5063, Australia.
implied value
Scheme Participants (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders
and Electing Small Parcel Holders) will receive their Scheme Consideration as Neuphoria Shares. Any reference to the implied value
of the Scheme Consideration should not be taken as an indication that the implied value is fixed. The implied value of the Scheme Consideration
will vary with the market price of Neuphoria Shares.
If you are an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing
Small Parcel Holder, this also applies to the Neuphoria Shares which will be issued to the Sale Agent and sold on Nasdaq by the Sale Agent.
The amount of cash remitted to you from the net sale proceeds will depend on the market price of Neuphoria Shares at the time of sale
by the Sale Agent.
TAX IMPLICATIONS OF THE Scheme
If the Scheme becomes Effective and is implemented, there will
be tax consequences for Scheme Participants which may include tax being payable on any gain on disposal of Bionomics Shares unless potentially
capital gains tax roll-over relief applies.
For further detail about the general US and Australian tax consequences
of the Scheme, refer to section 11 of this Scheme Booklet. The tax treatment may vary depending on the nature and characteristics of each
Bionomics Shareholder and their specific circumstances. Accordingly, Bionomics Shareholders should seek professional tax advice in relation
to their particular circumstances.
PRIVACY
Bionomics and Neuphoria may need to collect personal information
in connection with the Scheme.
The personal information may include the names, contact details
and details of holdings of Bionomics Shareholders, together with contact details of individuals appointed as proxies, attorneys or corporate
representatives for the Scheme Meeting. The collection of some of this information is required or authorised by the Corporations Act.
The primary purpose of the collection of personal information
is to assist Bionomics and Neuphoria to conduct the Scheme Meeting and implement the Scheme.
The information may be disclosed to Bionomics, Neuphoria, and
their respective Related Bodies Corporate and advisers, print and mail service providers, share registries, securities brokers and any
other service provider to the extent necessary to promote and effect the Scheme.
Bionomics Shareholders who are individuals, and other individuals
in respect of whom personal information is collected, have certain rights to access the personal information collected about them. Bionomics
Shareholders may contact the Share Registry if they wish to exercise these rights.
If the information outlined above is not collected, Bionomics
and Neuphoria may be hindered in, or prevented from, conducting the Scheme Meeting or implementing the Scheme. Bionomics Shareholders
who appoint an individual as their proxy, attorney or corporate representative to vote at the Scheme Meeting should inform that individual
of the matters outlined above.
RIGHT to inspect share register
Bionomics Shareholders have the right to inspect the Share Register
which contains the name and address of each Bionomics Shareholder and certain other prescribed details relating to Bionomics Shareholders,
without charge.
Bionomics Shareholders also have the right to request a copy of
the Share Register upon payment of a fee (if any) up to a prescribed amount.
Bionomics Shareholders have these rights by virtue of section
173 of the Corporations Act.
EXTERNAL WEBSITES
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the content of Bionomics’
website and Neuphoria’s website does not form part of this Scheme Booklet and Bionomics Shareholders should not rely on any such content.
Defined terms
Capitalised terms used in this Scheme Booklet (other than in the
Annexures which accompany this Scheme Booklet) are defined in the Glossary in section 13 of this Scheme Booklet or otherwise in the sections
in which they are used.
Section 13 of this Scheme Booklet also sets out rules of interpretation
which apply to this Scheme Booklet.
Financial amounts
All financial amounts in this Scheme Booklet are expressed in
Australian currency, unless otherwise stated.
Charts and diagrams
Any diagrams, charts, graphs and tables appearing in this Scheme
Booklet are illustrative only and may not be drawn to scale. Unless otherwise stated, all data contained in diagrams, charts, graphs and
tables is based on information available at the date of this document.
Rounding
A number of figures, amounts, percentages, prices, estimates, calculations
of value and fractions in this Scheme Booklet are subject to the effect of rounding. Accordingly, the actual calculation of figures, amounts,
percentages, prices, estimates, calculations of value and fractions may differ from the figures, amounts, percentages, prices, estimates,
calculations of value and fractions set out in this Scheme Booklet. Any discrepancies between totals in tables or financial information,
or in calculations, graphs or charts are due to rounding.
Time
A reference to time in this Scheme Booklet is to Sydney, Australia
time, unless otherwise indicated.
DATE OF THIS SCHEME BOOKLET
This Scheme Booklet is dated 8 November 2024.
Contents Page
Important Notices |
2 |
|
|
Key dates and times |
10 |
|
|
What you should do |
11 |
|
|
Key reasons to vote for and against the Scheme |
12 |
|
|
Letter from the Chair of the Bionomics Board |
13 |
1. |
Overview of the Scheme |
16 |
|
|
|
2. |
Frequently asked questions |
22 |
|
|
|
3. |
How to vote |
31 |
|
|
|
4. |
Considerations relevant to your vote |
33 |
|
|
|
5. |
Implementation of the Scheme |
39 |
|
|
|
6. |
Scheme Consideration |
47 |
|
|
|
7. |
Information about Bionomics |
50 |
|
|
|
8. |
Information about Neuphoria |
62 |
|
|
|
9. |
Overview of the Combined Group |
73 |
|
|
|
10. |
Risk factors |
76 |
|
|
|
11. |
Taxation |
78 |
|
|
|
12. |
Additional information |
90 |
|
|
|
13. |
Glossary |
103 |
Corporate Directory |
111 |
|
|
Schedule 1 |
112 |
|
|
Annexure A – Independent Expert’s Report |
135 |
|
|
Annexure B – Scheme |
136 |
|
|
Annexure C – Deed Poll |
148 |
|
|
Annexure D – Notice of Scheme Meeting |
154 |
Key dates and times
Event |
Date |
Deadline for receipt by the Share Registry of Proxy Forms, powers of attorney or appointments of corporate representatives for the Scheme Meeting (Proxy Cut-Off Date) |
8.30am (Sydney time) Tuesday 10 December 2024 |
Time and date for determining eligibility to vote at the Scheme Meeting (Voting Entitlement Time) |
5.00pm (Sydney time) Tuesday 10 December 2024 |
Scheme Meeting |
8.30am (Sydney time) Thursday 12 December 2024 |
Last day to reposition Shares between the Australian principal and United States branch share registers |
Friday, 13 December 2024 |
Election
date: Last date by which the Share Registry must receive an election from Small Parcel Holders who wish to opt in to participating
in the Sale Facility, or withdraw a previous election made |
5.00pm on Friday, 13 December 2024 |
Second Court Hearing for approval of the Scheme |
3.00pm Monday 16 December 2024 |
Close of ADS books (i.e. cessation of issuance and cancellation) |
Friday 13 December 2024 |
Effective Date of the Scheme |
Monday 16 December 2024 |
Record Date: Time and date for determining entitlements to the Scheme Consideration |
5.00pm (Sydney time) Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
Scheme Implementation |
Tuesday 24 December 2024 |
Commencement of trading of Neuphoria Shares on Nasdaq |
Expected to commence promptly following the Implementation Date |
All times and dates in the above timetable are
references to the time and date in Sydney, Australia. All dates following the date of the Scheme Meeting are indicative only and, amongst
other things, are subject to all necessary approvals from the Court and ASIC and any other relevant government agency, and any other conditions
to the Scheme having been satisfied or, if applicable, waived. Any changes to the above timetable will be announced on Bionomics’
website at https://www.bionomics.com.au/.
What you should do
STEP 1: READ THIS SCHEME BOOKLET
This is an important document and requires your immediate attention.
It contains information that is material to Bionomics Shareholders in making a decision on whether or not to vote in favour of the Scheme.
You should read this Scheme Booklet in its entirety,
including the Independent Expert’s Report, before making a decision on how to vote in relation to the Scheme.
If you are in any doubt as to what you should
do with this Scheme Booklet, please consult your legal, financial, tax or other professional adviser. If you have any general questions
relating to the Scheme, please call the Bionomics Shareholder Information Line on 1300 850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside
Australia) on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time).
STEP 2: VOTE AT THE SCHEME MEETING
If you are registered as a Bionomics Shareholder by the Share
Registry at the Voting Entitlement Time, which is 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December 2024, you will be entitled to vote at the
Scheme Meeting.
If you are entitled to vote at the Scheme Meeting, it is important
that you vote. This is because the Scheme must be passed by a majority in number (more than 50%) of Bionomics Shareholders who are present
and voting at the Scheme Meeting, by person or by proxy, and at least 75% of the votes cast at the Scheme Meeting.
The Scheme
Meeting will be held at 8:30 am Sydney time on Thursday 12 December 2024 / 4:30
pm New York time on Wednesday 11 December 2024 via Bionomics’ online meeting platform at https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV.
Further details about the Scheme Meeting are set out in the Notice
of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet.
You should note that implementation of the Scheme is subject to
a number of other Scheme Conditions which must be satisfied or waived (where capable of waiver) before the Scheme can be implemented.
So, the Scheme may not proceed even if the Scheme is approved by Bionomics Shareholders at the Scheme Meeting. The Scheme Conditions are
summarised in detail in section 5.3 of this Scheme Booklet.
Please refer to section 3 of this Scheme Booklet for a summary of voting
procedures for the Scheme Meeting.
STEP 3: IF YOU ARE A SMALL PARCEL HOLDER, CONSIDER WHETHER TO
OPT IN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SALE FACILITY
If you are registered as the holder of fewer than 200,000 Bionomics
Shareholder on the Record Date (and you are not an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder), you will be a Small Parcel Holder. As a Small
Parcel Holder you have the option to opt in to participate in the Sale Facility, which will mean that the Neuphoria Shares to which you
would otherwise be entitled to receive as a Scheme Participant will be issued to the Sale Agent and sold on your behalf. Your share of
the sale proceeds of all the Neuphoria Shares in the Sale Facility will then be paid to you, and Bionomics will pay the brokerage and
other costs of the Sale Facility.
If you want to opt in to participate then you will need to complete
and return the Election Form. Participation is optional, and if you do not return the Election Form then you will not participate in the
Sale Facility and you will receive Neuphoria Shares as the Scheme Consideration on the same basis as all other Bionomics Shareholders
(assuming the Scheme becomes Effective).
The decision whether to opt in to the Sale Facility is separate to
your decision as to how to vote on the Scheme. Relevant considerations for your Sale Facility election decision are set out in section
1.3.
Key reasons to vote for and against the Scheme
Reasons
to vote in favour of the Scheme
ü |
Directors’ unanimous recommendation1 |
ü |
The Independent Expert has concluded that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders |
ü |
Increased alignment with prominent US pharmaceutical companies |
ü |
US corporate structure that should increase the company’s attractiveness to potential strategic partners or acquirers |
ü |
Improved marketability to US institutional investors |
ü |
Increased attractiveness to a broader US investor pool who previously could not invest in non-US companies |
ü |
Simplified corporate structure that will decrease administrative costs, including compliance and auditing costs |
ü |
Eliminate administrative fees payable under Bionomics’ American Depositary Receipt program |
ü |
Facilitate engagement with the US Food and Drug Administration and enhance regulatory pathway |
Reasons why you might decide to vote in favour of the Scheme are set out in more detail in section 4 of this Scheme Booklet |
Potential
reasons to vote against the Scheme
r |
You may disagree with the Directors and the Independent Expert |
r |
Change in legal jurisdiction and differences in shareholders’ rights between Australia and Delaware |
r |
The tax consequences of the Scheme may not suit your current financial situation |
r |
The future value of Neuphoria Shares may shift with investor sentiment and as such is uncertain |
r |
There could be a more litigious environment under Delaware corporate law |
r |
The costs of implementing the Scheme |
Reasons
why you might decide not to vote in favour of the Scheme are set out in more detail in section 4 of this Scheme Booklet.
|
| 1 | Each Bionomics Director, other than Mr Peter Davies, holds Bionomics
Options pursuant to the employee equity plan involving Bionomics Options issued to directors and employees of Bionomics. Bionomics Directors
who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will receive Neuphoria
Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options. The terms of
the Bionomics Options do not contain any vesting conditions that will be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Mr Peter Davies, who does
not hold Bionomics Options, considers that, despite these arrangements, it is appropriate for the Bionomics Directors who hold Bionomics
Options to make a recommendation on the Scheme Resolution given their role in the operation and management of Bionomics, and that Bionomics
Shareholders would wish to know their views in relation to the Scheme Resolution. Those Bionomics Directors also consider that it is
appropriate for them to make recommendations on the Scheme Resolution. |
Letter from the Chair of the
Bionomics Board
Dear Bionomics Shareholder,
On behalf of the Board of Bionomics, I am pleased to provide you
with this Scheme Booklet that contains information that you will need to consider in relation to the proposed scheme of arrangement relating
to Bionomics.
On 1 October 2024, Bionomics and Neuphoria signed a binding Scheme
Implementation Agreement to re-domicile Bionomics from Australia to the United States via a proposed scheme of arrangement between Bionomics
and its shareholders that will be governed by Australian law. Implementation of the Scheme is subject to approval of Bionomics’
shareholders and other regulatory and court approvals.
Overview of the Scheme
Bionomics is an Australian corporation and its ordinary shares, in
the form of ADSs, have been trading in the United States since listing on the Nasdaq Global Market in December 2021. Each ADS represents
180 ordinary shares of Bionomics.
Should the Scheme be approved by Bionomics shareholders and an Australian
court, shareholders of Bionomics (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders, described below) will
receive a proportionate number of shares of common stock in Neuphoria, a new parent company that was recently incorporated in the U.S.
State of Delaware for purposes of the re-domiciliation. Neuphoria will become the successor issuer to Bionomics and the Neuphoria Shares
will be listed on Nasdaq Global Market (Nasdaq), replacing the ADSs of Bionomics. Bionomics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Neuphoria.
As a result of the Scheme, current holders of Bionomics Shares and
Bionomics ADSs (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders) will own the same proportion of Neuphoria
Shares following completion of the Scheme as they owned in Bionomics Shares and Bionomics ADS prior to completion of the Scheme. In other
words, there will be no change in the economic interests of Bionomics Shareholders and ADS Holders (except for Ineligible Overseas Shareholders
and Electing Small Parcel Holders) in Bionomics’ current assets.
In conjunction with the Scheme, Neuphoria will apply for quotation
of the Neuphoria Shares on Nasdaq to succeed the Bionomics ADSs. Once the Scheme is completed, it is anticipated that the Neuphoria Shares
will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “NEUP”.
The Scheme is subject to a range of conditions, including approval
by Bionomics shareholders, court approval and Nasdaq approving the listing of Neuphoria. Bionomics and Neuphoria have entered into a Scheme
Implementation Agreement relating to the Scheme containing common terms and conditions for a scheme such as this, including mutual representations
and warranties.
The re-domiciliation is not expected to result in any material change
to Bionomics’ assets, management, operations or strategy.
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders
Where Neuphoria cannot legally offer Neuphoria Shares to holders of
Bionomics Shares in certain jurisdictions outside Australia (who in this document are called Ineligible Overseas Shareholders) due to
local securities laws, Neuphoria will arrange for a cash payment to those shareholders instead. That cash payment will be funded by the
sale of the Neuphoria Shares to which Ineligible Overseas Shareholders are otherwise entitled through the Sale Facility. Please refer
to section 5.9 of this Scheme Booklet which describes the Sale Facility for Ineligible Overseas Shareholders in further detail.
Small Parcel Holders and opt-in Sale Facility
Bionomics has an unusual share register, due in part to the fact that
its ADSs are quoted on Nasdaq. The Bionomics Shares underlying the ADSs (180 shares per ADS) are all held by a single Shareholder, being
the Australian custodian who holds those shares for the ADS Depositary. That custodian currently holds around 95% of all issued Bionomics
Shares, on behalf of approximately 500 ADS Holders. As an ADS Holder could in turn hold its ADSs for the benefit of other investors, the
exact underlying number of underlying beneficial holders is not known.
The remaining 5% or so of Bionomics Shares are held by around 3,500
registered Bionomics Shareholders. Of those, approximately 3,350 shareholders hold fewer than 200,000 Bionomics Shares, which is a figure
that represents a holding worth less than around A$350 (or around US$225) based on the ADS price on the Last Practicable Date (US$0.20).
In this Scheme Booklet a Shareholder with fewer than 200,000 shares at the Record Date (and who is not an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder)
is termed a Small Parcel Holder. While Small Parcel Holders constitute a relatively large proportion of Bionomics Shareholders
by number (due to the single holding of the ADS custodian), they represent only a small proportion of total Bionomics Shares on issue
(around 1.5% at the date of this Scheme Booklet).
As part of the Scheme, Small Parcel Holders will by default receive
new Neuphoria Shares in exchange for their Bionomics Shares, in the same way as other Scheme Participants. To assist Small Parcel Holders
who may want to realise value for their Neuphoria Shares without having to set up a brokerage account to sell US shares on Nasdaq, the
Company will allow Small Parcel Holders to opt in to participate in the Sale Facility alongside Ineligible Overseas Shareholders. This
would involve those Neuphoria Shares being issued to the Sale Agent, who will sell the sell the shares and distribute the sale proceeds
proportionately amongst participating Small Parcel Holders and Ineligible Overseas Shareholders. Participation in the Sale Facility by
Small Parcel Holders is entirely optional, but Bionomics will pay the brokerage and other costs of the Sale Agent in relation to the Sale
Facility.
If you are a Small Parcel Holder, you can opt in to the Sale Facility
by completing a Small Parcel Holder Election Form, which will be sent to you along with the notice of access for the Scheme Booklet and
your Proxy Form. Small Parcel Holders who do not wish to participate in the Sale Facility do not have to do anything if they wish to
receive Neuphoria Shares, and will automatically receive Neuphoria Shares as Scheme Consideration, as is the case for other Bionomics
Shareholders.
Considerations relevant to your decision whether to opt in to the Sale
Facility if you are a Small Parcel Holder are set out in section 1.3, and the Directors recommend that you carefully consider whether
participation in the Sale Facility would be of benefit to you.
Independent Expert
The Bionomics Board commissioned an Independent Expert, Findex
Corporate Finance (Aust) Ltd, to prepare the Independent Expert’s Report in relation to the Scheme.
The Independent Expert has concluded that the advantages of
the Scheme outweigh the disadvantages and accordingly the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
The Independent Expert has concluded that the advantages of the Scheme
outweigh the disadvantages and accordingly the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.The approach taken by the Independent
Expert has been to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the Scheme to determine whether the Scheme is in the best interests of
Bionomics Shareholders, rather than to undertake a valuation and provide an opinion of whether the Scheme is “fair and reasonable”.
This approach is consistent with ASIC Regulatory Guide 111, which provides that in the absence of a change in the underlying economic
interests of shareholders or a change of control, an expert should provide an opinion as to whether the advantages of the transaction
outweigh the disadvantages. Given that the nature of the transaction is a re-domiciliation transaction involving a newly incorporated
head company incorporated solely for the purposes of the Scheme and it does not have any assets or liabilities, there will be no effective
change in the underlying economic interests of Bionomics Shareholders in the current assets of Bionomics as a result of the Scheme (other
than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders), and because there will be continuity of the Board of Bionomics,
the approach of a ‘best interests’ opinion has been taken in the Independent Expert’s Report.
A copy of the Independent Expert’s Report is contained in
Annexure A of this Scheme Booklet.
Directors’ recommendation
After carefully considering the expected advantages and potential
disadvantages of the Scheme and considering the Independent Expert’s report, each of Bionomics Director considers the Scheme to
be in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders and recommends that Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, subject
to the Independent Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.2
Subject to these same qualifications, each Bionomics director
intends to vote, or procure the voting of, any Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADS in which he or she has a Relevant Interest in favour
of the Scheme.
The interests of Bionomics Directors are disclosed in Section 12.1
of this Scheme Booklet. Bionomics Shareholders should have regard to these interests when considering how to vote on the Scheme Resolution.3
The Bionomics Board unanimously
considers the Scheme to be in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders having regard to anticipated benefits of the Scheme including
increasing the Bionomics Group’s visibility and reputation in the pharmaceutical industry and increasing attractiveness to potential
investors, simplifying the corporate structure, increasing of the investor pool and enhanced regulatory pathways through direct access
to FDA resources. These benefits are summarised in more detail under the heading “Key reasons
to vote for and against the scheme” above.
| 2 | The interests of Bionomics Directors are disclosed in section 12.1
of this Scheme Booklet. Bionomics Shareholders should have regard to these interests when considering how to vote on the Scheme Resolution.
See also disclosure of Directors’ interests in footnote 3 below. |
| 3 | Each Bionomics Director, other than Mr Peter Davies, holds Bionomics
Options pursuant to the employee equity plan involving Bionomics Options issued to directors and employees of Bionomics. Bionomics Directors
who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will receive Neuphoria
Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options. The terms of
the Bionomics Options do not contain any vesting conditions that will be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Mr Peter Davies, who does
not hold Bionomics Options, considers that, despite these arrangements, it is appropriate for the Bionomics Directors who hold Bionomics
Options to make a recommendation on the Scheme Resolution given their role in the operation and management of Bionomics, and that Bionomics
Shareholders would wish to know their views in relation to the Scheme Resolution. Those Bionomics Directors also consider that it is appropriate
for them to make recommendations on the Scheme Resolution. |
The Bionomics Board has also considered the disadvantages of the Scheme,
including the differences in shareholders’ rights and obligations in a new jurisdiction in the United States, the Scheme potentially
not suiting your personal tax and financial situation, the uncertainty of the Scheme Consideration, which depends on the price at which
Neuphoria Shares trade on Nasdaq after the Implementation date, the potential for a more litigious environment under Delaware law, and
transaction costs of implementing the Scheme.
Further detail on the potential advantages, disadvantages and
risks relating to the Scheme can be found in sections 4.1, 4.2 and 10 respectively.
Scheme Meeting
Your vote is important. The Scheme can only be implemented if
it is approved by:
| ● | a majority in number (more than 50%) of Bionomics Shareholders who are present
and voting, in person or by proxy, at the Scheme Meeting (unless the Court otherwise orders); and |
| ● | at
least 75% of the votes cast at the Scheme Meeting, |
and if it is subsequently approved by the Court.
The Scheme Meeting will be held at 8:30 am Sydney time on Thursday
12 December 2024 / 4:30 pm New York time on Wednesday 11 December 2024 via Bionomics’ online meeting platform at https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV.
Further details about the Scheme Meeting are set out in the Notice
of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet.
Should you wish to appoint a proxy to attend and vote on your
behalf, please complete and sign the personalised Proxy Form accompanying this Scheme Booklet and return it to the Share Registry in one
of the ways set out in the explanatory notes of the Notice of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet, by no
later than 8.30am (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December 2024.
I strongly encourage you to carefully consider all the information
set out in this Scheme Booklet when deciding whether to vote in favour of the Scheme.
If you have any general questions relating to the Scheme, please
call the Bionomics Shareholder Information Line on 1300 850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia) on Monday to
Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time).
On behalf of the Board of Bionomics, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank you in advance for your ongoing support of Bionomics. The Bionomics Board unanimously believes that the re-domiciliation
of Bionomics through the Scheme involving Neuphoria as its new holding company makes strong commercial and strategic sense and is in the
best interests of Bionomics Shareholders. We encourage you to vote in favour of the Scheme and look forward to your participation in the
Scheme Meeting.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ Alan Fisher |
|
Alan Fisher |
|
Chair of the Board of Bionomics Limited |
|
This overview identifies key features
of the Scheme and should be read in conjunction with the additional details set out in this Scheme Booklet.
On 1 October 2024, Bionomics announced
that it and Neuphoria had signed a Scheme Implementation Agreement under which it is proposed that Neuphoria will acquire all Bionomics
Shares by way of a scheme of arrangement between Bionomics and its shareholders. Following the implementation
of the Scheme, Neuphoria will become the ultimate parent company of the Bionomics group of companies, with Bionomics becoming a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Neuphoria, and Neuphoria will be listed on Nasdaq as a “successor issuer” to Bionomics.
The re-domiciliation is not expected
to result in any material change to Bionomics’ assets, management, operations or strategy.
If the Scheme is approved by the Requisite
Majority of Bionomics Shareholders and the Court, and all other Scheme Conditions relevant to the Scheme are satisfied or waived (as applicable),
Bionomics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria.
If the Scheme is not approved, then
the Scheme will not proceed and Bionomics will continue as a standalone entity.
| 1.2 | What will you receive? |
Pursuant to the Scheme:
| (i) | holders of Bionomics Shares will be entitled to receive one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares held on the Record Date; |
| (ii) | the ADS Depositary (who holds Bionomics Shares for the benefit of the ADS Holders through their Australian custodian) will be directly
issued one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares held on behalf of the ADS Depositary on the Record Date by their Australian
custodian; and |
| (iii) | Neuphoria will procure that the ADS Depositary delivers (by way of exchange) such Neuphoria Shares to the ADS Holders on the basis
of one Neuphoria Share for every 12 Bionomics ADSs held on the Record Date. |
Current Bionomics Shareholders and ADS Holders (other than Ineligible
Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders) will own an equivalent proportion of issued Neuphoria Shares following completion
of the Scheme.
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders will receive
sale proceeds for the Neuphoria Shares to which they would otherwise be entitled through the Sale Facility and Small Parcel Holders will
be entitled to opt in to the Sale Facility, as described in sections 1.2(b) and 1.2(c). Potential considerations for a Small Parcel Holder
in deciding whether to opt in to the Sale Facility are outlined in section 1.3.
See section 6 of this Scheme Booklet for
a more detailed explanation of the Scheme Consideration.
| (b) | Ineligible Overseas Shareholders |
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders will
not receive Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme. Neuphoria Shares that would otherwise be issued to these Scheme Participants under the
Scheme will be issued to the Sale Agent to be sold on Nasdaq, with the sale proceeds to be paid to the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder.
Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility.
More details on Ineligible Overseas
Shareholders are set out in section 6.5 of this Scheme Booklet.
| (c) | Electing Small Parcel Holders |
Small Parcel Holders who elect to opt in to the Sale Facility process
(being Electing Small Parcel Holders) will not receive Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme. Neuphoria Shares that would otherwise
be issued to these Scheme Participants under the Scheme will be issued instead to the Sale Agent to be sold on Nasdaq, with the sale proceeds
to be paid to the Electing Small Parcel Holders. Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees associated with the
sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility. Potential considerations for a Small Parcel Holder in deciding whether to opt in to
the Sale Facility are set out in section 1.3.
Each Small Parcel Holder will be entitled
to elect to participate in the Sale Facility by completing the Election Form (which is being sent to Shareholders along with this
Scheme Booklet) and returning it in accordance with the instructions on the Election Form so that it is received by the Share Registry
by 5:00 pm (Sydney time) on Friday, 13 December 2024. An election under this clause 6.5 must be made in accordance with the terms and
conditions on the Election Form.
Small Parcel Holders who have elected to participate and then wish
to withdraw their election and not participate in the Sale Facility can do so by requesting a Small Parcel Holder Election Withdrawal
Form from the Shareholder Information Line and completing and returning the Small Parcel Holder Election Withdrawal Form in accordance
with the instructions on the form, such that it is received by the Share Registry by 5:00 pm (Sydney time) on Friday, 13 December 2024.
| (d) | Exchange of Bionomics Options and Bionomics Warrants |
Bionomics and Neuphoria will use reasonable endeavours to enter into
an agreement with each holder of Bionomics Options and Bionomics Warrants. The effect of the exchange will be to replace current Bionomics
Options and Bionomics Warrants with equivalent options and warrants in relation to Neuphoria Shares, without changing the economic terms
of such securities.
Subject to the Scheme becoming Effective,
Neuphoria must issue such equivalent Neuphoria Options and Neuphoria Warrants.
The key terms of the Bionomics Options,
Bionomics Warrants and equivalent options and warrants to be issued by Neuphoria are summarised at section 7.6(b).
The adjustments for all Bionomics Warrants
and Bionomics Options which are exchanged into Neuphoria Warrants or Neuphoria Options (respectively) will be the standard adjustment
on a share consolidation, which is to reduce the number of warrants or options by a factor of 2,160 (in the case of options over shares)
or 12 (in the case of warrants over ADSs), and to increase the exercise price of the warrant or option in the inverse of that same ratio.
The same rounding rules that apply to fractional shares in the Scheme will apply to the Neuphoria Options and Neuphoria Warrants issued.
The terms of the Bionomics Options and
Bionomics Warrants do not contain any vesting conditions that would be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Any Directors of Bionomics
who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will receive Neuphoria
Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options. No Director
of Bionomics holds any Bionomics Warrants.
If any Bionomics Option Holders or Bionomics Warrant Holders do not
agree to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement or Warrants Exchange Agreement, Neuphoria would have several alternatives for dealing
with any such outstanding options or warrants. In the case of the Bionomics Warrants, this would include Neuphoria agreeing to assume
the obligations of Bionomics under the relevant warrant agreements (which Neuphoria would intend to do), which would mean that Neuphoria
Shares would be issued on any future exercise of the warrants. In the case of Bionomics Options, Neuphoria would have the option of compulsorily
acquiring those Bionomics Options under Chapter 6A.2 of the Corporations Act after the Scheme completes, subject to those provisions being
applicable.
| 1.3 | Considerations for a Small Parcel Holder in deciding whether to opt
in to the Sale Facility |
If you are a Small Parcel Holder, you are encouraged to carefully consider
whether to opt in to the Sale Facility, thereby becoming an Electing Small Parcel Holder.
| (a) | Potential reasons to opt in to the Sale Facility (i.e.
become an Electing Small Parcel Holder) include: |
| (i) | Disproportionate costs of selling a small number of shares:
If you are a Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder, you would be issued Neuphoria Shares, listed on Nasdaq. If you do not wish to sell
your Neuphoria Shares but wish to simply hold them, you will not need to set up a brokerage account. If you choose to sell your Neuphoria
Shares yourself, you will have to set up a brokerage account which enables selling shares in a US company (if you do not already have
such an account), and potential brokerage costs for executing trades on that platform. While there are a number of Australian based online
brokers that allow trading in US stocks (some of them offering discount brokerage rates – see section 4.3(e)), it may be uneconomical
to pay even a small amount of brokerage to sell your Neuphoria Shares yourself relative to the value of your shareholding. |
For example, using the US$0.20 closing price of a Bionomics ADS on
the Last Practicable Date and applying the Exchange Ratio to get a theoretical price of US$2.40 for a Neuphoria Share, if your current
holding of Bionomics shares is:
| § | Fewer
than 3,240 then you will receive 1 Neuphoria Share (due to rounding). This would theoretically be worth US$2.40. |
| § | Just
under 200,000 then you will receive 93 Neuphoria Shares (due to rounding). This would theoretically be worth US$223.20. |
Using US$5.00 as indicative brokerage to sell your Neuphoria Shares
(which is the amount charged by a popular Australian online broker, although other brokers charge a range of different fees), for a very
small number of Neuphoria Shares the brokerage could exceed the sale proceeds. You should compare the number and theoretical value of
the Neuphoria Shares which you will receive if the Scheme is implemented with the minimum brokerage fees charged by your broker (if you
have one already) or by others in the market, to work out if it is economical to sell those shares yourself.
| (ii) | No brokerage costs payable to participate in the Sale Facility: Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies
or fees associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility. |
| (iii) | Possible small value of Neuphoria Shares as an investment: By definition, as a Small Parcel Holder you hold fewer than 200,000
Bionomics Shares on the Record Date. As the Scheme Consideration involves the exchange of 2,160 Bionomics Shares for 1 Neuphoria Share,
the number of Neuphoria Shares you would receive if you do not elect to opt in to the Sale Facility would be one-2,160th of the number
of Bionomics Shares you own at the Record Date (subject to rounding). |
If you will hold only a small number of
Neuphoria Shares as a result of this exchange ratio, and potentially as few as one Neuphoria Share (if you currently hold fewer than 3,240
Bionomics Shares due to the rounding of fractional entitlements), you should consider whether the small value of such Neuphoria Shares
is worthwhile holding as an investment. As an indicative example, based on the last sale price of Bionomics ADSs at the Last Practicable
Date and applying the Exchange Ratio, one Neuphoria Share would be worth approximately US$2.40. This is an indicative figure only, and
the actual future trading prices of Neuphoria Shares are likely to be different. As referred to in paragraph (i) above, the brokerage
costs of selling a small number of Neuphoria Shares may be disproportionate to the value of your potential shareholding in Neuphoria.
| (iv) | Change of legal jurisdiction: If you are a Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder, you would hold shares in Neuphoria, a company
incorporated in Delaware, United States, which is subject to securities and other laws and regulations of the United States instead of
Australian laws and regulations as is the case with your investment in Bionomics. Small Parcel Holders may not be familiar with the laws
and regulations applicable in Delaware and the United States, and the need to familiarise yourself with such laws and regulations may
not be worthwhile in the context of a small value of Neuphoria Shares. |
| (b) | Potential reasons to not opt in to the Sale Facility (i.e. remain a Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder) include: |
| (i) | Liquidity of new investment: The Neuphoria Shares you would receive if you choose to not opt in to the Sale Facility will be
tradeable on Nasdaq (once you have a brokerage account that allows trading of shares in US companies, which is described in further detail
in section 4.3(e)). As your Bionomics Shares are not listed on any exchange at present (unless you convert your holding of Bionomics shares
into ADSs), you may consider it attractive to receive Neuphoria Shares which are quoted. |
| (ii) | Continued participation in Bionomics’ business: You may have a preference to stay invested in the Combined Group and
benefit from any future upside, including capital growth or income generated by the Combined Group. If you participate in the Sale Facility
then you will not benefit from such future upside. |
| (iii) | Base for future increase in investment: You may wish to purchase additional shares in Neuphoria in the future in order to build
a more sizeable investment, and therefore retain your Neuphoria Share entitlement in the Scheme in order to build on its value. |
| (iv) | Future share price of Neuphoria Shares: You may wish to see how your Neuphoria Shares perform on Nasdaq following implementation
of the Scheme before making a decision to sell them. |
| (v) | Price realised for the sale of Neuphoria Shares under the
Sale Facility: There is no guarantee as to the price that will be realised for the sale of Neuphoria Shares under the Sale Facility.
It will be dependent on matters including available liquidity and the willingness of buyers to acquire shares in Neuphoria (and the price
such buyers are willing to pay). |
Implementation of the Scheme is subject
to a number of Scheme Conditions which must be satisfied or waived (where capable of waiver) before the Scheme can be implemented.
The Scheme Conditions are set out
in full in clause 3 of the Scheme Implementation Agreement. They are summarised in detail in section 5.3 of this Scheme Booklet.
If a Scheme Condition in the Scheme Implementation Agreement is not
satisfied or waived by its Relevant Date (assuming it is capable of being waived), or if a circumstance occurs that is reasonably likely
to result in a Scheme Condition not being capable of being satisfied, or if the Scheme has not become Effective by the End Date, then
Bionomics and Neuphoria must consult in good faith to determine whether:
| ● | the Scheme may proceed by way of alternative means or methods; |
| ● | to extend the relevant time or date for satisfaction of the
Scheme Condition; or |
If Bionomics and Neuphoria are unable
to reach agreement, and the relevant Scheme Condition has not been waived (as applicable), then the parties may terminate the Scheme Implementation
Agreement in accordance with clause 7 of the Scheme Implementation Agreement.
| 1.5 | What are the recommendations and intentions of the Bionomics Board? |
The Bionomics Board has considered the proposed Scheme
to evaluate its terms, reach an independent conclusion on whether the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders, and make
an independent recommendation to Bionomics Shareholders on how to vote on the Scheme.
The Bionomics Board unanimously recommends that you
vote in favour of the Scheme subject to the Independent Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interests
of Bionomics Shareholders.
Subject to these same qualifications, each Bionomics
Director intends to cause any Bionomics Shares in which they have a Relevant Interest to be voted in favour of the Scheme. Relevant Interests
of Bionomics Board are disclosed in section 12.1 of this Scheme Booklet.4
Bionomics Shareholders should have regard to these interests when considering how to vote on the Scheme Resolution, including the recommendations
on the Scheme Resolution which appear throughout this Scheme Booklet.
| 1.6 | What is the Independent Expert’s conclusion? |
The Bionomics Board engaged Findex Corporate Finance (Aust)
Ltd as the Independent Expert to consider, and prepare a report on, whether the Scheme is in the best interests of the Bionomics Shareholders.
The Independent Expert has concluded that the
advantages of the Scheme outweigh the disadvantages and, accordingly, the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics
Shareholders. The Independent Expert’s Report is contained in Annexure A.
If the Scheme becomes Effective and
is implemented:
| ● | each Scheme Participant will receive the Scheme Consideration except
for Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders); |
| ● | Neuphoria will acquire all of the Bionomics Shares and Bionomics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria; and |
| ● | Neuphoria will, subject to Nasdaq approval, be listed on the Nasdaq as a successor entity to Bionomics. |
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Small
Parcel Holders will receive the proportionate proceeds to which they are entitled from the sale of the Neuphoria Shares to which they
would be otherwise entitled under the Sale Facility. Further details as to the Sale Facility are set out below.
If the Scheme becomes Effective, it will bind all Scheme Participants,
regardless of whether they were present at the Scheme Meeting, voted at the Scheme Meeting or voted against the Scheme.
A copy of the Scheme is provided as Annexure
B.
| 1.8 | Steps for implementing the Scheme |
There are various steps that need to be taken to implement the Scheme,
which are described in section 5.2 of this Scheme Booklet.
Each Bionomics Shareholder who is registered on the Share Register
as the holder of a Bionomics Share at the Voting Entitlement Time (other than Excluded Shareholders) may vote at the Scheme Meeting.
More details about voting are set out in section 3 of
this Scheme Booklet.
4 | Each Bionomics Director, other than Mr Peter Davies, holds
Bionomics Options pursuant to the employee equity plan involving Bionomics Options issued to directors and employees of Bionomics. Bionomics
Directors who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will
receive Neuphoria Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options.
The terms of the Bionomics Options do not contain any vesting conditions that will be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Mr Peter Davies,
who does not hold Bionomics Options, considers that, despite these arrangements, it is appropriate for the Bionomics Directors who hold
Bionomics Options to make a recommendation on the Scheme Resolution given their role in the operation and management of Bionomics, and
that Bionomics Shareholders would wish to know their views in relation to the Scheme Resolution. Those Bionomics Directors also consider
that it is appropriate for them to make recommendations on the Scheme Resolution. |
| 1.10 | When and where will the Scheme Meeting be held? |
The Scheme Meeting to consider the
Scheme will be held at 8:30 am Sydney time Thursday 12 December 2024 / 4:30 pm New York time on Wednesday
11 December 2024 via Bionomics’ online meeting platform at https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV.
Further details about the Scheme Meeting
are set out in the Notice of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet.
A summary of the general US and Australian
taxation implications of the Scheme for Bionomics Shareholders who are Australian residents is set out in section 11 of this Scheme Booklet.
The information is general in nature and not taxation advice.
Your decision regarding how to vote on the Scheme should be made only
after consultation with your financial, legal or other professional adviser based on your own investment objectives, financial situation,
taxation position and particular needs.
| 1.12 | What is the current status of the Scheme and next steps? |
As described elsewhere in this section,
the Scheme must be approved by the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders and by the Court and the Scheme Conditions must be satisfied
or waived.
As at the date of this Scheme Booklet,
Neuphoria, Bionomics and the Bionomics Board are not aware of any reasons why the Scheme Conditions will not be satisfied or the Scheme
Implementation Agreement would be terminated.
A statement about the status of Scheme Conditions will be made at the
commencement of the Scheme Meeting.
| 1.13 | How to obtain further information |
If you have any general questions relating to the Scheme, please call
the Bionomics Shareholder Information Line on 1300 850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia) on Monday to Friday
between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time). If you are in any doubt about what to do or anything in this Scheme Booklet, you should consult
your legal, financial, taxation or other professional adviser immediately.
| 2. | Frequently asked questions |
This section answers some questions you may have about the Scheme.
The information is a basic summary only and is elaborated on in specified areas of this Scheme Booklet. The information should be read
in conjunction with those specified areas.
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
General |
Why has this Scheme Booklet been made available to you? |
This Scheme Booklet has been made available to assist you in deciding how to vote (should you wish to) on the proposed scheme of arrangement through which Neuphoria will acquire all Bionomics Shares (including those underlying the Bionomics ADSs) (Scheme). |
This Scheme Booklet |
What are you being asked to consider? |
Bionomics Shareholders and ADS Holders are being asked to consider whether the Scheme should be implemented or not. |
Sections 1 and 4 |
What is a scheme of arrangement? |
A scheme of arrangement is a statutory procedure under the Corporations Act that is commonly used to enable one company to acquire another. |
Sections 1 and 5 |
What would be the effect of the Scheme? |
If the Scheme is implemented, all Bionomics Shares (including those underlying the
Bionomics ADSs) will be transferred to Neuphoria and in return you will receive the Scheme Consideration (except if you are an
Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or Small Parcel Holder who has elected to opt in to the Sale Facility (Electing Small Parcel Holder)). Bionomics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria. Neuphoria
will be listed on Nasdaq as a successor entity to Bionomics.
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders will receive the proportionate proceeds to which they are
entitled from the sale of the Neuphoria Shares to which they would be otherwise entitled under the Sale Facility. Further details as
to the Sale Facility are set out below. |
Sections 1.7 and 6 |
Are there any conditions that need to be satisfied before the Scheme can proceed? |
Certain conditions need to be satisfied (or waived)
before the Scheme can proceed, including:
● (Voting)
for the Scheme to proceed, the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders must vote in favour of the Scheme at the Scheme Meeting. As
to the voting rights of ADS Holders, see Section 3.5;
● (Approvals)
approvals are required from regulatory authorities (such as ASIC and the Court); and
● (Other
conditions) various other conditions must be satisfied (such as approval of listing of the Neuphoria Shares by Nasdaq) or waived for
the Scheme to proceed, including the Independent Expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
These conditions are set out in full in section 5.3 of this Scheme Booklet.
If these conditions are not satisfied or waived
by their Relevant Dates, the Scheme will not proceed.
|
Sections 1.2(c) and 5.3 |
When will the Scheme become effective? |
The Scheme becomes effective when the Court orders
it under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act. This is called the ‘Effective Date’. The Court will not consider granting
the order for the Scheme unless the Scheme has been approved by the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders.
If the Court does not grant the order for the
Scheme by 31 January 2025, or such later date as Bionomics and Neuphoria mutually agree, the Scheme will not proceed.
|
Section 5.2(f) |
Can I sell my Bionomics Shares or my Bionomics ADSs now? |
You can sell your Bionomics Shares in the form
of ADSs at any time before the Effective Date on Nasdaq. |
Section 6.2 |
Can I choose to keep my Bionomics Shares or my Bionomics ADSs? |
If the Scheme proceeds, you will not be able to keep your Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs. All Bionomics Shares (including those underlying the Bionomics ADSs) will be transferred to Neuphoria so that Bionomics becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Neuphoria. In the case of ADSs, Neuphoria will procure that the ADS Depositary delivers to you (by way of exchange for your ADSs) the Neuphoria Shares which the ADS Depositary is entitled to receive. |
Sections 1 and 5 |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
Bionomics Board recommendations and Independent Expert’s conclusion |
Who are the members of the Bionomics Board? |
The directors of Bionomics have considered the proposed Scheme to evaluate the terms of the proposed Scheme, reach an independent conclusion on whether the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders, and make an independent recommendation to Bionomics Shareholders on how to vote on the Scheme. |
Section 7.6 |
|
|
Bionomics
Board |
|
|
|
|
Alan David Fisher |
Chair |
|
|
|
|
Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
David Ian Wilson |
Director |
|
|
|
|
Jane Ryan |
Director |
|
|
|
|
Peter Miles Winston Davies |
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What do the Bionomics Board members recommend? |
The Bionomics Board members unanimously recommend
that Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, subject to the Independent Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme
is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
The interests held by the members of the Bionomics
Board are disclosed in section 12.1 of this Scheme Booklet. The following Bionomics Board members have a Relevant Interest in Bionomics
Shares:5
|
Sections 1.5, and 12.1 |
|
|
Bionomics
Director |
Number
of Bionomics Shares held as of the Last Practicable Date |
|
|
|
|
David Ian Wilson |
251,939 Bionomics Shares directly held |
|
|
|
|
Alan David Fisher |
100,000 Bionomics Shares directly held |
|
|
|
|
Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
5,999,940 Bionomics Shares directly held |
|
|
|
|
Jane Ryan |
nil |
|
|
|
|
Peter Miles Winston Davies |
269,984 Bionomics Shares directly and indirectly held |
|
|
|
Bionomics Shareholders should have regard to these interests when considering how to vote on the Scheme. |
|
How do the Bionomics Directors intend to vote in respect of their own Bionomics Shares? |
Each Bionomics Director intends to cause any Bionomics Shares in which they have a Relevant Interest to be voted in favour of the Scheme, subject to the Independent Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders. |
Sections 1.5 and 12.1 |
What is the Independent Expert’s opinion? |
The Independent Expert has considered the Scheme
and concluded that the advantages of the Scheme outweigh the disadvantages and the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
The Independent Expert’s Report is contained
in Annexure A. |
Sections 1.6 and Annexure A |
| 5 | Each Bionomics Director, other than Mr Peter Davies, holds Bionomics
Options pursuant to the employee equity plan involving Bionomics Options issued to directors and employees of Bionomics. Bionomics Directors
who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will receive Neuphoria
Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options. The terms of
the Bionomics Options do not contain any vesting conditions that will be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Mr Peter Davies, who does
not hold Bionomics Options, considers that, despite these arrangements, it is appropriate for the Bionomics Directors who hold Bionomics
Options to make a recommendation on the Scheme Resolution given their role in the operation and management of Bionomics, and that Bionomics
Shareholders would wish to know their views in relation to the Scheme Resolution. Those Bionomics Directors also consider that it is appropriate
for them to make recommendations on the Scheme Resolution. |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
Why you may consider voting in favour of the Scheme |
There are various reasons why you may consider voting in favour of the Scheme, which are set out in detail in section 4.1 of this Scheme Booklet. |
Section 4.1 |
Why you may consider voting against the Scheme |
The potential reasons you may consider voting against the Scheme are set out in detail in section 4.2 of this Scheme Booklet. |
Section 4.2 |
What are the risks associated with the Scheme? |
Risks relating to the Scheme include:
● the
value of Scheme Consideration is uncertain;
● court
approval not being granted;
● transaction
costs may vary; and
● there
may be tax consequences for Scheme Participants.
Detailed disclosure of the risks relating to the
Scheme is set out in Section 10.
Further, if the Scheme is not approved and implemented,
you will continue to be a Bionomics Shareholder and participate in the future financial performance of Bionomics’ business and continue
to be subject to the specific risks associated with Bionomics’ business including duplicative costs of compliance under Australian
and US law, and other general risks. Risks if the Scheme does not proceed are outlined in section 10.4.
|
Section 10 |
Scheme Consideration and value |
|
What will Bionomics Shareholders receive? |
Bionomics Shareholders (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders
and Electing Small Parcel Holders) will be issued one Neuphoria Share quoted on Nasdaq in exchange for 2,160 Bionomics Shares or 12 Bionomics
ADSs.
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders
will have their new Neuphoria Shares sold in the Sale Facility, as set out further below in section 6.5.
|
Section 6 |
How has the exchange ratio been determined? |
The exchange ratio has been determined by Bionomics
and Neuphoria having regard to:
● the
current trading price of Bionomics ADSs on Nasdaq;
● the
theoretical trading price of Neuphoria Shares and the trading price that is expected of a stock listing on a major stock exchange in the
United States; and
● Nasdaq’s
minimum initial listing price requirement of US$4.00 and minimum continued listing price requirement of US$1.00.
The exchange will effectively
be an ‘implicit consolidation’ of the securities that a Bionomics Shareholder holds (as at the Record Date) in that existing
Bionomics Shares will effectively be consolidated on a 2,160-to-1 basis on their exchange with Neuphoria Shares to be issued by Neuphoria.
Accordingly, on implementation of the Scheme,
Neuphoria will have (subject to rounding) 1/2,160th of the number of shares on issue (in the form of common stock) as compared
with the number of Neuphoria Shares that Bionomics will have on issue on the Record Date.
|
Section 6.1 |
What is an ADS? |
It is an American Depositary Share, a security
issued by the ADS Depositary that represents ordinary shares of Bionomics. Currently, one ADS represents 180 ordinary shares of Bionomics.
ADSs issued by the ADS Depositary, representing
ordinary shares of Bionomics, are the securities that currently are listed and trade on Nasdaq.
|
Section 6.2 |
Can I sell my Bionomics ADSs on Nasdaq prior to the Scheme becoming Effective? |
You can sell your Bionomics ADSs on Nasdaq prior
to (and on) the Implementation Date. However, you will not be able to do so after the Implementation Date, with respect to the Bionomics
ADSs.
If you sell your Bionomics ADSs on Nasdaq:
● you
may pay brokerage on the sale;
|
Section 6.2 |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
|
● if
the Scheme becomes Effective, you will not receive any Scheme Consideration which would have otherwise been attributed to the Bionomics
ADSs that you have sold;
● you
will not share in any potential ongoing benefits of owning Neuphoria Shares; and
● there
may be different tax consequences for you compared to those that would arise under the implementation of the Scheme.
|
|
When can I trade my Neuphoria Shares? |
Subject to the Scheme becoming Effective and the
admission of Neuphoria to the official list of Nasdaq, it is expected that trading of Neuphoria Shares on Nasdaq will to commence
promptly following the Implementation Date.
As soon as practicable following the Implementation
Date, Neuphoria will procure that a DRS Statement documenting the Neuphoria Shares held by each Scheme Participant is dispatched to that
Scheme Participant.
Upon receipt of the DRS Statement evidencing the
issue of Neuphoria Shares to you after the Implementation Date, you will be able to trade your Neuphoria Shares immediately.
For further details, see Section
12.17.
|
Section 12.17 |
Are Bionomics Shareholders and ADS Holders being offered a premium? |
No. The Scheme involves each Bionomics Shareholder (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders) and each ADS Holder effectively maintaining the same economic interest in Bionomics and its assets. |
Section 6 |
When and how will I receive my Scheme Consideration? |
You will receive your Scheme Consideration on
the Implementation Date, which is expected to be Tuesday 24 December 2024, provided you are a Bionomics Shareholder (and listed on the
Share Register as such) or ADS Holder as at the Record Date (which is 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 17 December 2024).
Neuphoria will issue Neuphoria Shares to you in
accordance with the procedures in section 6 of this Scheme Booklet.
|
Section 6 |
How will fractional entitlements be treated? |
Any entitlements to a fraction of a Neuphoria
Share arising under the calculation of Scheme Consideration will be rounded up or down to the nearest Neuphoria Share as applicable (and
if the fractional entitlement would include one-half of a Neuphoria Share, the entitlement will be rounded up).
If rounding would result in a Bionomics Shareholder
receiving zero Neuphoria Shares, their entitlement will be rounded up to one Neuphoria Share.
|
Section 6.4 |
What is an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder and how are they treated under the Scheme? |
An Ineligible Overseas Shareholder is a Scheme
Participant whose address (as shown in Bionomics’ Share Register on the Record Date) is located outside of Australia, Canada, European
Union (excluding Austria), Hong Kong, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland,
the United Kingdom and the United States and any other jurisdictions mutually agreed by Bionomics and Neuphoria.
Under the Scheme, Ineligible Overseas Shareholders
will not be entitled to receive Neuphoria Shares. Neuphoria Shares that would otherwise be issued to these shareholders under the Scheme
will be issued to the Sale Agent to be sold on Nasdaq, with the proceeds to be paid to the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder. Bionomics
will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility.
|
Sections 1.2(b) and 6.5 |
What is a Small Parcel Holder? |
Scheme Participants who are not Ineligible
Overseas Shareholders and who hold fewer than 200,000 Shares as of the Record Date will be regarded as Small Parcel Holders. This number
has been fixed as it represents a value less than approximately A$500 (US$350) as of the date of this Scheme Booklet.
As at the date of this Scheme Booklet, there are
approximately 3,500 Shareholders in total, approximately 3,350 of which are Small Parcel Holders. The total number of registered Shareholders
includes only a single registered holder on behalf of all ADS Holders (being the ADS Depositary’s custodian), and so does not represent
the total number of underlying beneficial owners of Bionomics Shares.
Holders of ADSs cannot qualify as Small Parcel
Holders because they do not directly own Bionomics Shares.
|
Sections 1, 5.9 and 6.5 |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
What if I am a Small Parcel Holder? |
As part of the Scheme, Small Parcel Holders will
by default receive new Neuphoria Shares as Scheme Consideration on the same basis as other Shareholders unless they opt in to participate
in the Sale Facility.
The Sale Facility operates on an opt in basis
for Small Parcel Holders, so Small Parcel Holders who do not make a positive election to participate in the Sale Facility will receive
Neuphoria Shares. You do not have to do anything to opt out of the Sale Facility if you do not want to participate in it.
Considerations for and against participation are
outlined in section 1.3.
Small Parcel Holders may elect to opt in to participating in the Sale
Facility and have their Neuphoria Shares issued to the Sale Agent to be sold on Nasdaq in return for sale proceeds, by completing and
returning the Small Parcel Holder Election Form provided to Scheme Participants, in accordance with the instructions on that form,
such that it is received by the Share Registry by 5:00 pm on Friday, 13 December 2024. Small Parcel Holders who wish to withdraw their
election and not participate in the Sale Facility can do so by requesting a Small Parcel Holder Election Withdrawal Form from the Shareholder
Information Line and completing and returning the Small Parcel Holder Election Withdrawal Form in accordance with the instructions on
that form such that it is received by the Share Registry by 5:00 pm on Friday, 13 December 2024.
|
Sections 1.3, 5.9 and 6.5 |
If
I am a Small Parcel Holder, do I have to opt in to the Sale Facility? |
No, Participation is entirely optional. Small Parcel Holders do not
have to opt in to the Sale Facility and can choose to be a Non-Electing Small Parcel Holder, simply by not completing the Election Form. |
1.2(c) |
How
should a Small Parcel Holder decide whether to opt in to the Sale Facility? |
If you are a Small Parcel Holder, you are encouraged to carefully consider
whether to opt in to the Sale Facility, thereby becoming an Electing Small Parcel Holder. Potential reasons to opt in to the Sale Facility
and reasons to not opt in are set out in section 1.3.
Reasons to opt
in to the Sale Facility include:
● Disproportionate
costs of selling a small number of shares in a United States company;
● No
brokerage costs payable to participate in the Sale Facility;
● Possible
small value of Neuphoria Shares as an investment; and
● Change
of legal jurisdiction of your investment.
Reasons to
not opt in to the Sale Facility include:
● Liquidity
of your new investment in Neuphoria;
● Continued
participation in Bionomics’ business;
● You
may wish to increase your Neuphoria shareholding in the future;
● You
may wish to wait and sell your Neuphoria Shares in the future; and
● Uncertainty
as to the amount that may be received as a result of the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility.
|
1.3 |
Will
I have to pay brokerage fees or stamp duty? |
No
brokerage fees or Australian stamp duty will be payable by
Bionomics Shareholders in relation to the disposal of their Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria
under the Scheme. |
Section
11.5 |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
Neuphoria and the Combined Group |
What is Neuphoria? |
Neuphoria is a Delaware company that was incorporated
on 1 July 2024 for the purpose of this re-domiciliation Scheme. It currently has no shareholders.
Further details in relation to Neuphoria and its
board composition is set out in Section 8.
|
Section 8 |
What is the Combined Group? |
The Combined Group will be the combination of
Neuphoria and Bionomics into a single corporate group, where Bionomics is wholly owned by Neuphoria.
Details of the Combined Group immediately following
implementation of the Scheme are detailed in section 9.2.
|
Section 9 |
What are Neuphoria’s intentions for Bionomics and the Combined Group if the Scheme is successful? |
Neuphoria intends to continue the business of
Bionomics in a similar manner as it is currently operating.
The re-domiciliation is not expected to result
in any material change to Bionomics’ assets, management, operations or strategy.
|
Section 9.7 |
Who will be the directors and senior management of the Combined Group? |
Directors
Following completion of the Proposed Transaction,
the Board of Neuphoria will be same as the current Board of Bionomics.
Senior Management
The combined group will be led by the current
management team of Bionomics, ensuring continuity and leveraging their expertise. The combined company will be led by Spyridon “Spyros”
Papapetropoulos, M.D., as President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tim Cunningham as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary.
|
Sections 8.2 and 9.3 |
Voting at the Scheme Meeting |
|
What is the Scheme Meeting? |
The Scheme Meeting is the meeting of Bionomics Shareholders to vote on whether to approve the Scheme. |
Section 3.2 and Annexure D |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
When and where will the Scheme Meeting be held? |
The Scheme Meeting will be held at 8:30 am Sydney time on Thursday
12 December 2024 / 4:30 pm New York time on Wednesday 11 December 2024 via Bionomics’ online meeting platform at https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV.
Further details about the Scheme Meeting are set out in the Notice
of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet.
|
Sections 1.10 and 3.2
Annexure D
|
What am I being asked to vote on? |
Bionomics Shareholders are being asked to vote
in favour of, or against, the Scheme being implemented.
Important details on the matters to be voted on
at the Scheme Meeting are set out in the Notice of Scheme Meeting in Annexure D.
|
Annexure D |
What majority is required to approve the Scheme? |
For the Scheme to be implemented, it is necessary that the Requisite
Majority of Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour at the Scheme Meeting. This requires more than 50% in number of Bionomics Shareholders
present and voting (by person or by proxy) (unless the Court otherwise orders), and at least 75% of the total number of votes cast to
vote in favour of the Scheme Resolution. |
See definition of ‘Requisite Majority’ in section 13 |
Am I entitled to vote? |
You can vote on the Scheme if you are a Bionomics Shareholder who is registered on the Share Register as the holder of a Bionomics Share at the Voting Entitlement Time (which is 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December 2024). |
Sections 1.9 and 3.3 |
Is voting compulsory? |
Voting is not compulsory. The voting approval threshold for the Scheme (the ‘Requisite Majority’) is determined on the basis of Bionomics Shareholders who are present and voting at the Scheme Meeting. |
See definition of ‘Requisite Majority’ in section 13 |
What if I hold Bionomics ADSs? |
ADS Holders as at a voting record date set by
the ADS Depositary and notified by the ADS Depositary to ADS Holders may instruct the ADS Depositary how to vote the number of deposited
Shares their ADSs represent.
The ADS Depositary will notify ADS Holders of
the Scheme Meeting and will send or make voting materials available to ADS Holders. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted
on at the Scheme Meeting and explain how ADS Holders may instruct the ADS Depositary how to vote. For instructions to be valid, they must
reach the ADS Depositary by a date set by the ADS Depositary. ADS Holders that hold Bionomics ADSs through brokers or other securities
intermediaries will receive notice and must give their instructions through their securities intermediaries.
For further details, see Section 3.5.
|
Section 3.5 |
How can I vote if I cannot physically attend the Scheme Meeting? |
The Scheme Meeting will facilitate online participation.
To attend and vote online, you (or your proxy, attorney or corporate representative) must:
● access
the following link: https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV; and
● follow
the additional instructions for online attendance and voting that are set out in the Notice of Scheme Meeting in Annexure D.
To appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, please complete and lodge
the Proxy Form accompanying this Scheme Booklet. The explanatory notes in the Notice of Scheme Meeting explain how you can complete and
lodge your Proxy Form.
You can also vote by appointing a corporate representative
(if you are a corporate shareholder) or an attorney. The explanatory notes in the Notice of Scheme Meeting explain how to appoint an attorney
or corporate representative.
Proxy Forms, powers of attorney or appointments
of corporate representatives for the Scheme Meeting are due by 8.30am (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December 2024.
|
Section 3.4 and Annexure D |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
When will the result of the Scheme Meeting be known? |
The results of the Scheme Meeting will be announced
shortly after the conclusion of the Scheme Meeting.
The Scheme will only proceed if the Court also
approves the Scheme and all the other Scheme Conditions for the Scheme are satisfied or waived.
|
Sections 5.2(c), 5.3 and 5.4 |
What will be the effect of the Scheme? |
If the Scheme is approved by the Requisite Majority
of Bionomics Shareholders and the Court and all other conditions to the Scheme are satisfied or (where applicable) waived, then:
● all
of the Bionomics Shares you hold on the Record Date will be transferred to Neuphoria and in exchange, you will be issued the Scheme Consideration
for each Bionomics Share you hold, unless you are an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder;
● if you hold ADSs, the Bionomics Shares underlying those ADSs will be
transferred to Neuphoria and Neuphoria will procure that the ADS Depositary will deliver to you (by way of exchange for your ADSs) the
Neuphoria Shares which the ADS Depositary is entitled to receive in exchange for the Bionomics Shares underlying the ADSs;
● Bionomics
will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria and Bionomics will be removed from the official list of Nasdaq; and
● Neuphoria
Shares will be listed on Nasdaq.
|
Section 5 |
How do I oppose the approval of the Scheme? |
If you do not support the Scheme, your options
are:
● to
attend the Scheme Meeting online, or by proxy, and vote against the Scheme being implemented; and/or
● if
the Scheme is approved by the other Bionomics Shareholders and you vote against the Scheme Resolution, then you may wish to oppose the
approval by filing and serving a notice of opposition and any other supporting documents on Bionomics at least three days before the Second
Court Date and attending the Second Court Hearing.
|
Section 3 |
How will the Scheme be implemented? |
If the Scheme becomes Effective, no further action
is required on the part of the Bionomics Shareholders in order to implement the Scheme. Under the Scheme, Bionomics is given authority
to effect a valid transfer of all Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria and to enter the name of Neuphoria in its share register as holder of
all Bionomics Shares.
If the Scheme becomes Effective, each Bionomics
Shareholder (other than an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder) will be deemed to have agreed to
become a holder of Neuphoria Shares in accordance with the Scheme and to have accepted the Neuphoria Shares issued to that holder
under the Scheme subject to, and to be bound by, Neuphoria’s certificate of incorporations and bylaws.
Following implementation, Neuphoria Shares will
be listed on Nasdaq, to replace Bionomics’ current listings of ADSs on Nasdaq. Neuphoria Shares will be quoted on Nasdaq with the ticker
symbol “NEUP”).
|
Section 5 |
What happens if I do not vote? |
If you do not vote but the Scheme is approved by a Requisite Majority
of Shareholders and the Court and become Effective, then your Bionomics Shares and the Bionomics Shares underlying the Bionomics ADSs
will be transferred to Neuphoria in consideration for Neuphoria procuring the issue to you of the Scheme Consideration for your Bionomics
Shares or Bionomics ADSs (unless you are an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or Electing Small Parcel Holder).
If you are an Ineligible
Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder, your entitlements to Neuphoria Shares will be issued to the Sale Agent who
will sell such Neuphoria Shares as soon as possible after the Scheme becomes effective and remit the proceeds to Neuphoria.
Neuphoria will then promptly remit to you your pro rata share of the proceeds from the sale of Scheme Consideration sold through the
Sale Facility. Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares
through the Sale Facility.
If the Scheme is not implemented, you will remain
a Bionomics Shareholder or an ADS Holder and Bionomics will not be acquired by Neuphoria.
|
Section 4.3 |
Question |
Answer |
More
information |
What happens if the Scheme is not approved? |
If the Scheme Resolution is not passed by the
Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders or the Scheme is not approved by the Court, then the Scheme will not be implemented.
Further, if any of the conditions to the Scheme
are not satisfied or waived (where applicable), including if the Scheme is not approved by the Requisite Majority of Shareholders and
by the Court, then the Scheme Implementation Deed may be terminated and the Scheme will not be implemented.
The consequences of the Scheme not being implemented
include:
● you
will retain your Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs (as the case may be), and you will not be issued the Scheme Consideration;
● the
Bionomics ADSs will remain listed on Nasdaq, and you will continue to be exposed to the benefits and risks associated with your investment
in the Bionomics ADSs;
● the
Board and management will continue to operate Bionomics’ business;
● the
expected advantages of the Scheme (set out in Section 4.1) will not be realised, nor will the disadvantages of the Scheme (set out in
Section 4.2); and
● Bionomics
will have incurred significant costs and management time and resources for no outcome.
|
Section 1.1 |
Tax implications |
|
What are the Australian tax implications of the Scheme for Bionomics Shareholders? |
A summary of the general Australian income tax,
stamp duty and GST consequences for Bionomics Shareholders who participate in the Scheme is set out in section 11 of this Scheme Booklet.
Your tax position will depend on your particular
circumstances. You are urged to consult your own professional tax adviser as to the specific tax consequences to you of the Scheme, including
the applicability and effect of income tax and other tax laws in your particular circumstances.
|
Section 11 |
Am I entitled to capital gains tax (CGT) roll-over relief? |
Australian resident Bionomics Shareholders who
would otherwise make a capital gain on the disposal of their Bionomics Shares under the Scheme should be eligible to choose CGT roll-over
relief.
The tax consequences of the Scheme will differ
for each Bionomics Shareholder, who should consult their own professional tax advisers to seek advice that considers their individual
circumstances.
|
Section 11.2 |
Further questions |
Who can I contact if I have further questions in relation to this Scheme Booklet or the Scheme? |
If you have any further questions of a general
nature in relation to this Scheme Booklet, the Scheme or any related matter, then you may call the Bionomics Shareholder Information
Line on 1300 850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia) on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time);
or
For more specific advice relating to your own
circumstances, please contact your legal, investment or other professional adviser.
|
Section 1.13 |
You should carefully read this Scheme Booklet
in its entirety before deciding whether to vote in favour of the Scheme.
Bionomics Shareholders should refer to
section 4 of this Scheme Booklet for further guidance on the reasons to vote for and against the Scheme. However, as noted elsewhere in
this document, this Scheme Booklet does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any
individual Bionomics Shareholder.
If you have any general questions relating
to the Scheme, please call the Bionomics Shareholder Information Line on 1300 850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia)
on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time).
If you require further advice in relation
to the Scheme, contact your financial or other professional adviser.
The Scheme Meeting is scheduled to be held
at 8:30 am Sydney time on Thursday 12 December 2024/ 4:30 pm New York time on Wednesday 11 December 2024 via Bionomics’ online meeting
platform at https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV.
Further details about the Scheme Meeting
are set out in the Notice of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet.
For the Scheme to be implemented, it is
necessary that the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour of the resolution to approve the Scheme at the Scheme Meeting.
You should note that even if the Scheme
is approved by the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders, it is possible that the Scheme may not proceed to be implemented. This
may occur if the Scheme Conditions are not satisfied or waived.
Each Bionomics Shareholder who is registered
on the Share Register as the holder of a Bionomics Share at the Voting Entitlement Time (which is 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December
2024) is entitled to attend and vote at the Scheme Meeting, either personally or by proxy, attorney or corporate representative.
Each Bionomics Shareholder will have one
vote for each Bionomics Share they hold.
In the case of Bionomics Shares held by
joint holders, only one of the joint shareholders is entitled to vote. If more than one shareholder votes in relation to jointly held
Bionomics Shares, only the vote of the shareholder whose name appears first on the Share Register will be counted.
Details about the permitted methods of
voting are set out in section 3.4 and in the Notice of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D of this Scheme Booklet.
Voting on the Scheme Resolution will be
conducted by way of a poll.
If you are a Bionomics Shareholder entitled
to vote at the Scheme Meeting, you may vote:
| (a) | online: by attending and voting via Bionomics’ online meeting platform located at https://meetnow.global/MCKR7AV; |
| (b) | by proxy: by lodging your Proxy Form (in one of the ways set out in the explanatory notes in the Notice of Scheme Meeting)
so that it is received by 8.30am (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December 2024; |
| (c) | by attorney: by appointing an attorney to attend the Scheme Meeting and vote on your behalf, using a duly executed power
of attorney so that it is received by 8.30am (Sydney time) on Tuesday 10 December 2024; or |
| (d) | by corporate representative: in the case of a body corporate, appointing a body corporate representative to attend the Scheme
Meeting and vote on your behalf, using a duly executed certificate of appointment of body corporate representative. |
Further information on how to vote using
each of these methods is contained in the Notice of Scheme Meeting contained in Annexure D to this Scheme Booklet.
The Scheme will not be implemented unless
the Scheme Resolution is approved at the Scheme Meeting by the Requisite Majorities.
| 3.5 | Voting information for ADS Holders |
ADS Holders as at a voting record date
set by the ADS Depositary and notified by the ADS Depositary may instruct the ADS Depositary how to vote the number of deposited Bionomics
Shares that their Bionomics ADSs represent. The ADS Depositary will notify registered ADS Holders of the Scheme Meeting and will send
or make voting materials available to ADS Holders. Those materials will describe the matters to be voted on at the Scheme Meeting and
explain how ADS Holders may instruct the ADS Depositary how to vote. ADS Holders that hold Bionomics ADSs through brokers or other securities
intermediaries will receive notice and must give their instructions through their securities intermediaries. For instructions to be valid,
they must reach the ADS Depositary by a date set by the ADS Depositary. The ADS Depositary will try, as far as practicable, subject to
applicable laws and Bionomics’ constitution, to vote or to have its agent vote the deposited Bionomics Shares as instructed by ADS
Holders. In any event, the ADS Depositary will not exercise any discretion in voting deposited Bionomics Shares and will only vote as
instructed.
Except by instructing the ADS Depositary
as described above, ADS Holders will not be able to exercise voting rights directly unless they surrender their Bionomics ADSs, withdraw
their underlying Bionomics Shares and arrange to receive those Bionomics Shares into their securities account in Australia (which is a
process that typically takes one or two Business Days to complete). If ADS Holders wish to do this, but do not have a securities account
in Australia, then they should contact their financial intermediary to make appropriate arrangements to receive the underlying Bionomics
Shares before the Record Date.
| 4. | Considerations relevant to your vote |
The Bionomics Board unanimously recommends that Bionomics
Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme.
In
making this recommendation, the Bionomics Board has considered the information contained in:
| ● | section
4.1 (reasons to vote in favour of the Scheme); |
| ● | section
4.2 (potential reasons to vote against the Scheme); |
| ● | section
4.3 (other key considerations relevant to voting on the Scheme); and |
| ● | sections
10 and 11 (risk factors and taxation implications). |
Bionomics
Shareholders should seek professional advice on their individual circumstances, as appropriate.
| 4.1 | Reasons to vote in favour of the Scheme |
This section summarises the reasons why the Bionomics Board
has determined to unanimously recommend that Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, provided that the Independent Expert
continues to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
| (a) | Your Directors recommend the Scheme |
Your Directors unanimously recommend that Shareholders vote
in favour of the Scheme subject to the Independent Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interest of Shareholders.
Each Director who holds or controls Bionomics Shares intends
to vote those Shares in favour of the Scheme at the Scheme Meeting, subject to the same qualification. The interests of Bionomics Directors
are disclosed in section 12.1 of this Scheme Booklet. Bionomics Shareholders should have regard to these interests when considering how
to vote on the Scheme Resolution, including the recommendations on the Scheme Resolution which appear throughout this Scheme Booklet.6
| (b) | The Independent Expert has concluded that the Scheme is in the best interest of Shareholders |
The Independent Expert, Findex Corporate Finance (Aust) Ltd,
has concluded that the Scheme is in the best interest of Shareholders.
| 6 | Each
Bionomics Director, other than Mr Peter Davies, holds Bionomics Options pursuant to the employee equity plan involving Bionomics Options
issued to directors and employees of Bionomics. Bionomics Directors who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options
Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will receive Neuphoria Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and
on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options. The terms of the Bionomics Options do not contain any vesting conditions
that will be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Mr Peter Davies, who does not hold Bionomics Options, considers that, despite these
arrangements, it is appropriate for the Bionomics Directors who hold Bionomics Options to make a recommendation on the Scheme Resolution
given their role in the operation and management of Bionomics, and that Bionomics Shareholders would wish to know their views in relation
to the Scheme Resolution. Those Bionomics Directors also consider that it is appropriate for them to make recommendations on the Scheme
Resolution. |
In
reaching this view, the Independent Expert has concluded that the advantages of the Scheme do outweigh the disadvantages and accordingly
the Scheme is in the best interest of the Shareholders. In particular, the Independent Expert considered:
| ● | the
advantages and disadvantages of the Scheme; |
| ● | other
factors which it considered to be relevant to Shareholders in their assessment (including,
among others, tax implications for Shareholders, implementation costs related to the Proposed
Transaction and protection of Shareholders under the new jurisdiction); and |
| ● | the
position of Shareholders should the Scheme not proceed. |
The Independent Expert’s Report is set out in Annexure
A and Shareholders are encouraged to read it in full.
| (c) | Alignment with leading industry peers |
The Directors believe that re-domiciling
and listing on Nasdaq will enable the Combined Group to align more closely with other prominent US pharmaceutical companies that are listed
on Nasdaq. The Directors consider that this alignment can enhance the Combined Group’s visibility and reputation within the industry.
| (d) | US corporate structure could increase attractiveness to potential strategic partners or acquirers |
The Directors believe that, with a US parent company, the Combined
Group could be more attractive to potential US strategic partners or acquirers.
| (e) | Improved marketability to US institutional investors |
The Directors believe that re-domiciling
to the United States will make the Combined Group more attractive to US institutional investors, who often prefer to invest in US companies.
In addition, US institutional investors are likely to prioritise US companies with a clear regulatory pathway and a higher likelihood
of FDA approval. This increased investor interest can help provide ongoing capital to continue to fund the Combined Group’s clinical research
initiatives, support regulatory submissions, and advance the development of its pharmaceutical products.
| (f) | Increased attractiveness to a broader US investor pool who previously could not invest in non-US companies |
The Directors consider that US investors
generally prefer investments in common stock of US companies rather than ADSs of non-US companies. As a domestic US company, the Combined
Group can offer US investors the opportunity to invest directly in Neuphoria shares of common stock, providing them with their desired
ownership structure.
This can attract a broader range of US investors
who prefer the transparency, voting rights, and economic benefits associated with holding common stock. By accommodating this preference,
the Combined Group aims to enhance investor participation and strengthen its relationship with US shareholders.
| (g) | Lower compliance and auditing costs |
Until 1 July 2024, Bionomics qualified as a “foreign
private issuer” (as defined in Rule 405 under the US Securities Act of 1933) and, as a result, was able to take advantage of certain
reduced disclosure and other requirements as an SEC-registrant with securities listed on Nasdaq. Since that date, Bionomics must report
like a US company while, as an Australian public company, still being required to comply with reporting requirements under the Corporations
Act. As a result, the regulatory and compliance costs to Bionomics have increased.
A re-domiciliation via the Scheme will eliminate significant
Australian compliance costs, including avoiding the need to prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as well as US generally accepted accounting principles.
| (h) | Eliminate administrative fees payable under Bionomics’ American Depositary Receipt program |
Under our Depositary Agreement with Citibank
N.A., Bionomics has incurred significant costs related to the program through which the ADSs are issued. Such costs would cease upon completion
of the re-domiciliation as the depositary program would be terminated. In addition, the Depositary currently charges ADS holders an annual
fee of US$0.05 per ADS. This charge and other fees charged to investors by depositary will be eliminated upon completion of the re-domiciliation.
| (i) | Enhanced regulatory pathway |
The Directors believe that re-domiciling and listing on Nasdaq
will better facilitate the Combined Group’s engagement with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and streamline the regulatory
pathway for its pharmaceutical products. Being a US company and operating under a US regulatory jurisdiction may provide the Combined
Group with better access to FDA resources, guidance, and expertise, expediting the approval process for its clinical trials and potential
product registrations.
| 4.2 | Potential reasons to vote against the Scheme |
Although the Bionomics Board has determined
to unanimously recommend that Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, Bionomics Shareholders should consider the following
reasons to potentially vote against the Scheme before making a decision on how to vote.
| (a) | You may disagree with your Directors’ unanimous recommendations or the Independent Expert’s conclusions |
All
of your Directors and the Independent Expert have concluded that the Scheme is in the best interest of Bionomics Shareholders.7
These conclusions do not take into account your personal interests and circumstances, and so you may not believe that the
Scheme in in your best interest. Alternatively, you may weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Scheme differently and so reach
a different conclusion to the Directors and Independent Expert.
| (b) | Changing to a new jurisdiction and the differences in shareholders’ rights and obligations as a shareholder of a US domiciled
company |
On implementation of the Scheme, Bionomics Shareholders (other
than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders or Electing Small Parcel Holders) will become holders of Neuphoria Shares. Neuphoria, as a company
incorporated in the State of Delaware, will not be subject to any of the provisions of the Corporations Act (which Bionomics is currently
subject to) and instead will be subject to the Delaware General Corporation Law.
| 7 | Each Bionomics Director, other than Mr Peter Davies, holds Bionomics
Options pursuant to the employee equity plan involving Bionomics Options issued to directors and employees of Bionomics. Bionomics Directors
who hold Bionomics Options will be asked to enter into an Options Exchange Agreement with Bionomics and Neuphoria and will receive Neuphoria
Options under the agreement, as would be the case with (and on identical terms as) any other holder of Bionomics Options. The terms of
the Bionomics Options do not contain any vesting conditions that will be affected or triggered by the Scheme. Mr Peter Davies, who does
not hold Bionomics Options, considers that, despite these arrangements, it is appropriate for the Bionomics Directors who hold Bionomics
Options to make a recommendation on the Scheme Resolution given their role in the operation and management of Bionomics, and that Bionomics
Shareholders would wish to know their views in relation to the Scheme Resolution. Those Bionomics Directors also consider that it is
appropriate for them to make recommendations on the Scheme Resolution. |
The rights of holders of Neuphoria Shares, including those
living outside the United States, will be primarily governed by the laws of the United States and the corporate law of the State of Delaware
as well as the Neuphoria Charter Documents.
As a result of this, certain Shareholders may decide that they
do not wish to become a shareholder of a Delaware domiciled company and would prefer to remain a shareholder of an Australian company.
Currently, Bionomics Shareholders residing in Australia wishing
to take action to enforce the provisions of Bionomics’ constitution or the securities laws applicable to Bionomics may take action
in Australian courts and applying Australian law. After the implementation of the Scheme, such actions in respect of Neuphoria will be
determined in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Delaware. An Australian shareholder will be entitled to seek
enforcement of applicable laws in the same manner as a shareholder residing in the United States.
A non-exhaustive comparison of the rights of holders of Bionomics
Shares (which are also the underlying securities of the ADSs) and the rights of holders of Neuphoria Shares is set out in Schedule 1.
| (c) | The potential tax consequences of the Scheme may not suit your current financial position or tax circumstances |
Implementation of the Scheme may have adverse tax implications
for you depending on your individual circumstances. Similar to an investment in Bionomics ADSs, an investment in Neuphoria Shares involves
US income tax considerations. Following implementation of the Scheme, US and non-US holders of Neuphoria Shares may be subject to US tax
and reporting requirements like an investment in shares of other US companies. Please refer to Section 11 for a general overview of certain
United States and Australian tax implications of the Scheme.
All Shareholders are advised to seek independent professional
advice about their particular circumstances including, for non-Australian Shareholders, the foreign tax consequences.
| (d) | Although the exchange ratio is fixed at one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares, the exact value of the Scheme Consideration
if issued is not certain and will depend on the price at which the Neuphoria Shares trade on Nasdaq after the Implementation Date. |
Under the terms of the Scheme, Bionomics Shareholders on the
Share Register as at the Record Date will be issued one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares they hold (rounded to the nearest
whole Neuphoria Share). The exact value of this Scheme Consideration that would be realised by individual Bionomics Shareholders will
depend on the price at which Neuphoria Shares trade on Nasdaq after the Implementation Date.
In addition, the Sale Agent will be issued the Neuphoria Shares
that would otherwise be issued in the name of Ineligible Overseas Shareholders or Electing Small Parcel Holders and will sell them as
soon as reasonably practicable after the Implementation Date. Although the quantum of these sales is expected to be limited, it is possible
that such sales may exert downward pressure on the share price of Neuphoria Shares during the applicable period. Moreover, the price that
may be realised by the sale of these shares will depend on matters including prevailing market conditions and the willingness of buyers
to acquire Neuphoria shares.
| (e) | There could be a more litigious environment under Delaware corporate law |
Neuphoria may be exposed to increased litigation as a Delaware
corporation because the corporate legal environment is generally more litigious in the United States compared to Australia.
Shareholders of a Delaware corporation are entitled to commence
class action suits on their own behalf and on behalf of any other similarly situated shareholders to enforce an obligation owed to shareholders
directly where the requirements for maintaining a class action under Delaware law have been met. There is a risk that any material or
costly dispute or litigation could adversely affect the Combined Group’s reputation, financial performance or value.
| (f) | Costs of implementing the Proposed Transaction |
Bionomics estimates the cost of implementing the re-domiciliation
as being approximately A$900,000 (excluding GST). These are one-off costs that have mostly already been incurred by Bionomics. In addition,
Citibank, N.A., as depositary for Bionomics’ American Depositary Receipt program, has demanded a significant amount of fees be paid
in connection with the re-domiciliation. While Bionomics believes the demand is excessive, there is uncertainty as to how much Bionomics
might be required to pay.
| 4.3 | Other key considerations in relation to voting on the Scheme |
Bionomics Shareholders should also consider
the following additional considerations in determining how to exercise their vote at the Scheme Meeting:
| (a) | The Scheme may be implemented even if you vote against the Scheme or do not vote at all. It is an “all-or-nothing”
proposal |
Even if you vote against the Scheme or do not vote at all,
the Scheme may still be implemented if it is approved by the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders and the Court and all of the
other Scheme Conditions to the Scheme are either satisfied or waived. If this occurs:
| (i) | the Scheme will bind all Bionomics Shareholders, including those who did not vote on the Scheme Resolution and those who voted against
it; |
| (ii) | on the Implementation Date, your Bionomics Shares will be transferred to Neuphoria and you will receive the Scheme Consideration; |
| (iii) | Bionomics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria; and |
| (iv) | Neuphoria will apply to list on Nasdaq. |
| (b) | Conditionality of the Scheme |
Implementation of the Scheme is subject to
the satisfaction or waiver of a number of Scheme Conditions. If the Scheme Conditions are not satisfied or waived by their Relevant Dates,
the Scheme will not proceed (in which case Bionomics Shareholders will not receive the Scheme Consideration or any other amount to which
they would be entitled under the Scheme)).
| (c) | Implications for Bionomics Shareholders if the Scheme is not implemented |
| (i) | (No Scheme Consideration): If the Scheme is not implemented, each Bionomics Shareholder will retain their Bionomics
Shares and will not receive any Scheme Consideration. |
| (ii) | (Remain listed): If the Scheme is not implemented, Bionomics Shareholders will continue to be exposed to the risks and
benefits of owning Bionomics Shares. |
| (d) | Deemed warranties by Scheme Participants |
The effect of the Scheme is that all Scheme
Participants, including those who vote against the Scheme and those who do not vote, will be deemed to have warranted to Neuphoria (and
have authorised Bionomics to warrant to Neuphoria as agent and attorney for the Scheme Participant), that, as at the Implementation Date,
their Bionomics Shares are fully paid and free from all encumbrances and that the Scheme Participant has the power to sell their Bionomics
Shares to Neuphoria under the Scheme. The terms of the warranties are set out in clause 6 of the Scheme Implementation Agreement and are
summarised in section 5.8 of this Scheme Booklet. The Scheme is set out in Annexure B.
You should ensure that these warranties can
be given by you prior to, and remain correct as at, the Implementation Date.
| (e) | You may need a brokerage account which allows trading of US stocks if you want to sell your Neuphoria Shares |
If you are a Bionomics Shareholder (other
than the Australian custodian for the ADS Depositary) and you are not an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or Electing Small Parcel Holder
and you wish to sell your Neuphoria Shares, you would be required to obtain a brokerage account which allows you to trade US stocks, such
as Neuphoria Shares, on Nasdaq. If you do not wish to sell your Neuphoria Shares but wish to simply hold them, you will not need to set
up a brokerage account.
ADS Holders could use a broker to trade Neuphoria
Shares just as they do currently to trade Bionomics ADSs.
If you are a Bionomics Shareholder, to open
a brokerage account for your Neuphoria Shares, you should select a brokerage platform which offers the ability to hold and trade US stocks
if you do not have one already. Several Australian brokers (including a number of discount online brokers) offer this ability. While Bionomics
cannot provide a specific broker recommendation, the Australian Securities Exchange has a listing of online Australian brokers on its
website at https://www.asx.com.au/investors/start-investing/find-a-broker-adviser/full-service-and-online-brokers which you could consider
as a starting point to choose a broker who offers the ability to hold and trade US stocks.
The instructions of your selected platform should be followed to open
a brokerage account (if you do not already have one), but typically this will involve opening an online account (unless it is a platform
associated with your bank, in which case account opening may be simpler), providing your personal and financial information and entering
into an agreement for broker services with the provider.
| 5. | Implementation of the Scheme |
The Scheme is a scheme of arrangement under
Part 5.1 of the Corporations Act. A scheme of arrangement is commonly used to give effect to re-domiciliation of a company to an overseas
jurisdiction.
The key terms of the Scheme, if approved and implemented,
will involve:
| (a) | the acquisition by Neuphoria on the Implementation Date of all Bionomics Shares not already held by Neuphoria as at the Record Date;
and |
| (b) | the provision of the Scheme Consideration
to Scheme Participants (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders) who hold Bionomics Shares at the
Record Date.
|
This section explains the steps involved
in implementing the Scheme (a copy of which is contained in Annexure B).
If the Scheme becomes Effective, Bionomics
will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria and will request Nasdaq to have the Bionomics ADSs delisted as soon as possible after
the Implementation Date. Neuphoria will be admitted to the official list of Nasdaq and the Neuphoria Shares will be listed on Nasdaq.
| 5.2 | Steps in implementing the Scheme |
| (a) | Scheme Implementation Agreement |
On 1 October 2024, Bionomics and Neuphoria entered into the
Scheme Implementation Agreement which sets out each of Bionomics and Neuphoria’s rights and obligations in connection with the implementation
of the Scheme.
Certain key aspects of the Scheme Implementation Agreement
are summarised in this section 5 of this Scheme Booklet. The Scheme Implementation Agreement (excluding annexures) can be accessed on
a current report on Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC on 2 October 2024. It may be accessed at the following link: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1191070/000121390024084175/0001213900-24-084175-index.html
The Scheme Implementation Agreement does not contain provisions
regarding the treatment of Small Parcel Holders as described in this Scheme Booklet, although the Scheme of Arrangement does implement
those procedures and has the consent of Neuphoria.
On 23 October 2024, Neuphoria executed the Deed Poll in favour
of each Scheme Participant, pursuant to which Neuphoria agreed to perform its obligations under the Scheme and to otherwise comply with
the Scheme as if Neuphoria was a party to the Scheme.
The key obligation of Neuphoria under the Scheme is to provide
the Scheme Consideration to each Scheme Participant subject to satisfaction or waiver of the Scheme Conditions.
A copy of the Deed Poll is set out in Annexure C.
On 8 November 2024, the Court ordered that Bionomics convene
a meeting of Bionomics Shareholders to consider and vote on the Scheme. The Court ordered that the Scheme Meeting be held at 8.30am (Sydney
time), which is 4.30pm on Thursday 12 December 2024 (New York time).
Instructions on how to attend and vote at the Scheme Meeting
are set out in section 3 of this Scheme Booklet and in the Notice of Scheme Meeting in Annexure D.
No endorsement by the Court
The fact that under section 411(1) of the Corporations Act
the Court ordered that a meeting of the Bionomics Shareholders be convened by Bionomics to consider and vote on the Scheme does not mean
that the Court:
| ● | has
formed any view as to the merits of the proposed Scheme or as to how Bionomics Shareholders
should vote (on this matter, Bionomics Shareholders must reach their own decision); or |
| ● | has
prepared, or is responsible for, the content of this Scheme Booklet. |
Required majority to pass resolutions
For the Scheme to be implemented, it is necessary that the
Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders vote in favour of the resolution to approve the Scheme at the Scheme Meeting.
If the Requisite Majority of Bionomics Shareholders
approve the Scheme at the Scheme Meeting, the result of the Scheme Meeting will be announced during the Scheme Meeting.
In order to become Effective, the Scheme
(with or without modification) must be approved by an order of the Court at the Second Court Hearing in accordance with section 411(4)(b)
of the Corporations Act.
Apply for approval
If the Scheme is approved at the Scheme Meeting
by the Requisite Majority, Bionomics intends to apply to the Court for the necessary orders approving the Scheme.
The Court has an overriding discretion whether
or not to approve the Scheme under section 411(4)(a)(ii)(A) of the Corporations Act and can, for example, disregard the Headcount Test.
Bionomics reserves the right to apply to the Court at the Second Court Hearing to approve the Scheme even if the Headcount Test is not
satisfied.
If the Scheme is approved at the Scheme Meeting
by the Requisite Majority, but not subsequently approved by the Court at the Second Court Hearing, then the Scheme will not proceed.
Opposing the Scheme
Each Bionomics Shareholder has the right
to seek leave to appear at Court at the Second Court Hearing and be heard in respect of the Scheme.
The Second Court Hearing is scheduled to
be held at 3.00pm on Monday 16 December 2024 in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Information on attending the Second Court Hearing
will be released on Bionomics’ website if the Scheme is approved by Bionomics Shareholders at the Scheme Meeting.
If you want to object to approval of the
Scheme by the Court at the Second Court Hearing, you must file with the Court and serve on Bionomics a notice of appearance in the prescribed
form together with any affidavit that you propose to rely on at the hearing.
The notice of appearance and affidavit must
be served on Bionomics at its address for service at least three days before the Second Court Hearing. The postal address for service
is 200 Greenhill Road, Eastwood SA 5063, Australia.
Determination of entitlement to Scheme
Consideration
Bionomics Shareholders (other than Excluded
Shareholders, Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders) will be entitled to receive the Scheme Consideration
under the Scheme if they are registered as holders of Bionomics Shares on the Record Date.
The Record Date is currently proposed to
be 5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 17 December 2024.
In this Scheme Booklet, Bionomics Shareholders
as at the Record Date (other than Excluded Shareholders) are referred to as ‘Scheme Participants’.
From the Record Date (and other than for
Neuphoria following the Implementation Date), the Share Register will close for transfers and all holding statements for Bionomics Shares
(other than holding statements in favour of Neuphoria) will cease to have effect as documents of title. Each entry on the Share Register
on the Record Date will cease to have any effect other than as evidence of entitlement to the Scheme Consideration.
If the Court approves the Scheme at the Second
Court Hearing, Bionomics will (pursuant to section 411(10) of the Corporations Act) lodge with ASIC the office copy of the Court order
approving the Scheme. Bionomics intends to lodge the office copy of the Court order with ASIC on the Effective Date, which is expected
to be Monday 16 December 2024.
If the Scheme Conditions are satisfied or
waived, the Scheme will legally come into effect on the Effective Date.
If the Scheme has not become Effective or
the relevant Scheme Conditions have not been satisfied or waived by 31 January 2025 or such later date as Bionomics and Neuphoria agree
in writing (being the End Date), the Scheme will lapse and be of no further force or effect.
The Implementation Date of the Scheme is
the date which is 5 Business Days after the Record Date or such other date as agreed by Bionomics and Neuphoria. The Implementation Date
is currently proposed to be Tuesday 24 December 2024.
If the Scheme
becomes Effective, on the Implementation Date:
| ● | all Bionomics Shares held by Scheme Participants will be transferred
to Neuphoria without any further action required by Scheme Participants; |
| ● | all
Scheme Participants (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders, Electing Small Parcel
Holders and the Australian custodian of the ADS Depositary) and the ADS Depositary will receive
the Scheme Consideration. Holders of Neuphoria Shares will have their names entered on the
Neuphoria Register; |
| ● | Bionomics
will enter the name of Neuphoria in the Share Register in respect of the Bionomics Shares; |
| ● | Neuphoria
will procure that the ADS Depositary delivers (by way of exchange) such Neuphoria Shares
to the ADS Holders on the basis of one Neuphoria Share for every 12 Bionomics ADSs held on
the Record Date; and |
| ● | Bionomics
will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neuphoria. |
More
information about the provision of the Scheme Consideration on the Implementation Date is set out in section 6.3 of this Scheme
Booklet.
If the Scheme becomes Effective, Neuphoria will apply to Nasdaq
to list its shares, with effect from the close of trading on the Effective Date.
| (i) | Trading in Neuphoria Shares |
Neuphoria will seek confirmation from the Nasdaq that, from
the Business Day after the Effective Date (or any later date as Nasdaq requires), the Neuphoria Shares will be listed for quotation on
the official list of Nasdaq. Neuphoria has requested that Nasdaq grant approval for use of the Nasdaq ticker symbol “NEUP”.
The Neuphoria Shares are expected to commence trading promptly
after Implementation Date.
The exact number of Neuphoria Shares to be issued to each Scheme
Participant (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders) will not be known until after the Record
Date and will not be confirmed to each relevant Scheme Participant until they receive their holding statements following the Implementation
Date. It is the responsibility of each relevant Scheme Participant to confirm their holdings of Neuphoria Shares (as applicable) before
they trade them, to avoid the risk of committing to sell more than will be issued to them.
| (j) | Existing shareholder instructions to Bionomics |
Except for tax file numbers and except as prohibited by law,
all instructions, notifications or elections by each Bionomics Shareholder to Bionomics that are binding or deemed binding between the
Bionomics Shareholder and Bionomics, relating to Bionomics, Bionomics Shares, including instructions, notifications or elections relating
to the receipt of notices or other communications from Bionomics (including by email) will be deemed from the Implementation Date (except
to the extent determined otherwise by Neuphoria in its sole discretion) to be made by the Scheme Participant to Neuphoria, and to be a
binding instruction, notification or election to, and accepted by Neuphoria in respect of any Neuphoria Shares provided to that Scheme
Participant until and unless that instruction, notification or election is revoked or amended in writing addressed to Neuphoria or its
agent (including the share registry).
The Scheme will not proceed unless all the Scheme Conditions
are satisfied or waived (if capable of being waived) in accordance with the Scheme Implementation Agreement or Scheme (as applicable).
The Scheme Conditions are set out in clause 3.1 of the Scheme
Implementation Agreement and clause 3.1 of the Scheme.
The Scheme Conditions are summarised below. Capitalised terms
in the table below are defined in the Scheme Implementation Agreement.
Condition |
Party
entitled to
benefit |
Responsibility
to
satisfy |
(e) Orders convening Scheme Meeting: The Court orders the convening of the Scheme Meeting under section 411(1) of the Corporations Act. |
Both |
Bionomics |
(f) Bionomics Shareholder Approval: Bionomics Shareholder Approval is obtained at the Scheme Meeting. |
Bionomics |
Bionomics |
(g) Court approval of Scheme: The Court makes orders under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act approving the Scheme on the Second Court Date. |
Both |
Bionomics |
(h) Order lodged with ASIC: An office copy of the Court orders approving the Scheme is lodged with ASIC as contemplated by section 411(10) of the Corporations Act on or before the End Date. |
Both |
Bionomics |
(i) Regulatory Consents: All approvals or consents required from any Government Agency to implement the Scheme (other than the approval of the Court of the Scheme under section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act) are obtained (or deemed obtained) and not withdrawn by 8.00 am on the Second Court Date (Regulatory Consents). |
Both |
In respect of each agreed consent, waiver or approval, the party who has the legal obligation to obtain it |
(j) Nasdaq approval for listing: Prior to 8.00 am on the Second Court Date, Nasdaq has confirmed it has no objections to listing on Nasdaq of Neuphoria Shares, subject to official notice of issuance following implementation and any customary conditions. |
Neuphoria |
Neuphoria |
(k) Independent Expert’s report: The Independent Expert issues its report before the date on which the Scheme Booklet is provided to ASIC and the Independent Expert concludes that the Scheme is in the best interest of Bionomics Shareholders (and does not change that conclusion prior to 8.00 am on the Second Court Date). |
Both |
Bionomics |
| 5.4 | Status of Scheme Conditions |
As at the date of this Scheme Booklet,
neither Bionomics nor Neuphoria is aware of any circumstances which would cause any Scheme Conditions not to be satisfied or any termination
right to be enlivened.
A statement about the status of Scheme Conditions will be
made at the commencement of the Scheme Meeting.
| 5.5 | If the Scheme does not proceed |
If the Scheme does not proceed, Bionomics
Shareholders will continue to hold Bionomics Shares and will not receive the Scheme Consideration.
Bionomics will be liable to pay certain transaction costs
relating to the Scheme regardless of whether the Scheme proceeds. If the Scheme is implemented, additional costs will be incurred.
| 5.6 | Termination of the Scheme Implementation Agreement |
The circumstances in which the Scheme Implementation
Agreement can be terminated are set out in full in clause 10 of the Scheme Implementation Agreement.
Below is a summary of the termination rights
of the parties under the Scheme Implementation Agreement:
Cause for
termination |
Description
of termination right |
Breach |
Where the other party is in material breach of the Scheme Implementation
Agreement, the party wishing to terminate has given the other party written notice and the breach has not been remedied within 10 Business
Days of the date of the notice |
Automatic termination |
Bionomics shareholder approval is not obtained at the Scheme Meeting |
Mutual agreement |
Bionomics and Neuphoria may terminate by mutual agreement in writing. |
| 5.7 | Warranties in Scheme Implementation Agreement |
Under the Scheme Implementation Agreement,
Bionomics and Neuphoria each provide a range of representations and warranties to the other in relation to their respective organisations
and operations as well as their provision of information to the other in the context of the Proposed Transaction. Clause 9 of the Scheme
Implementation Agreement contains these warranties and representations.
| 5.8 | Warranties by Scheme Participants under the Scheme |
The effect of the Scheme is that each Scheme Participant,
including those who vote against the Scheme and those who do not vote, will be deemed to have warranted to Neuphoria (and to have authorised
Bionomics to warrant to Neuphoria as agent and attorney for the Scheme Participant) that:
| ● | all their Bionomics Shares which are transferred to Neuphoria under the Scheme are, as at the Implementation Date, fully paid and
free from all encumbrances; and |
| ● | they have full power and capacity to sell and to transfer their Bionomics Shares (including any rights and entitlements attaching
to those shares) to Neuphoria under the Scheme. |
The Scheme is set out in Annexure B.
If you are an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing
Small Parcel Holder, the entire Scheme Consideration that would otherwise have been issued to you will be issued to the Sale Agent, as
your nominee on trust, for sale through the Sale Facility and you will be paid a pro rata share of the net proceeds from the sale of all
Scheme Consideration sold through the Sale Facility. Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders will be paid the
proceeds of sale. Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through
the Sale Facility on behalf of Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders.
The Sale Agent will sell the Neuphoria Shares in such manner, at such
price and on such other terms as the Sale Agent determines in good faith.
The Sale Facility will operate as follows:
| a) | as soon as reasonably practicable, but no more than eight weeks after
the Implementation Date, the Sale Agent will arrange for the sale of all the Neuphoria Shares issued to it, held for the benefit of Ineligible
Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders. The sales will be effected in such manner, at such price and on such other terms
as the Sale Agent determines in good faith and at the sole risk of the Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders;
and |
| b) | Bionomics will pay all brokerage and related costs, levies or fees
associated with the sale of Neuphoria Shares through the Sale Facility. |
| c) | the Sale Agent will then remit the sale proceeds in US dollars, to
Neuphoria which will then account to each Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders for their pro rata share
of the net aggregated sale proceeds in Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars (as applicable), converted using the prevailing AUD/USD
or AUD/NZD exchange rate (as applicable). Interest will not be paid on any sale proceeds. |
Each Ineligible Overseas Shareholder and each Electing Small Parcel
Holder will be paid their pro rata share of the net sale proceeds on an averaged basis so that all Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and
Electing Small Parcel Holders will be paid the same price per Neuphoria Share (subject to rounding down to the nearest whole cent) in
Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars (as applicable), after conversion from US dollars.
The actual price received by an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or
an Electing Small Parcel Holder for their Neuphoria Shares that are sold under the Sale Facility may be more or less than the actual price
that is received by the Sale Agent for those Neuphoria Shares. Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders will
be paid (in their pro rata proportions) the proceeds of the sale of their Neuphoria Shares as soon as practicable after implementation
of the Scheme, by either:
| a) | where an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder has, before the Record Date, made a valid election
in accordance with the requirements of the share registry to receive dividend payments from Bionomics by electronic funds transfer, to
a bank account nominated by the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or Electing Small Parcel Holder, paying, or procuring the payment
of, the relevant amount in Australian currency by electronic means in accordance with that election; or |
| b) | by Global Wire Payment Service, if an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder has elected to receive
payments electronically in their local currency using the share registry’s Global Wire Payment Service; |
| c) | for an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder with a registered address in New Zealand, by making a
deposit in New Zealand currency into an account notified by the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder
to Bionomics and recorded in the Share Register as at the Record Date; or |
| d) | dispatching, or procuring the dispatch of, a cheque for the relevant
amount in Australian currency to the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder by prepaid post to their address
as shown in the Bionomics share register (as at the Record Date), such cheque being drawn in the name of the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder
or an Electing Small Parcel Holder (in the case of joint holders, the cheque will be drawn in the name of the joint holders). |
Payment of the proceeds to each Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or
each Electing Small Parcel Holder (in their pro rata proportions) in the manner set out above satisfies in full Neuphoria’s obligations
to the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or the Electing Small Parcel Holder under the Scheme in respect of the Scheme Consideration.
For Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or each Electing Small Parcel Holder
with a registered address in New Zealand who have not provided their bank account details, their payment will be withheld pending receipt
of their valid bank account details or dealt with in accordance with applicable unclaimed money legislation.
If an Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder
wishes to verify and/or update their bank account details, they can do this online at www.investorcentre.com/au or by contacting the share
registry prior to the Record Date. If the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or the Electing Small Parcel Holder has already registered,
they can log in using their User ID and password. If the Ineligible Overseas Shareholder or an Electing Small Parcel Holder is not a member,
they will need their Securityholder Reference Number to register. The new user registration process requires an account verification code
to be mailed to the Shareholder’s registered address as an additional layer of security to protect their security holding. Ineligible
Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders should allow sufficient time for delivery of the verification code so that they
can update their bank account details before the Record Date.
This section provides information regarding the Scheme Consideration
that is relevant for Bionomics Shareholders.
Pursuant
to the Scheme:
| ● | holders
of fully paid ordinary shares in Bionomics (“Bionomics Shares”) will be entitled
to receive one share of common stock in Neuphoria (“Neuphoria Share”) for every
2,160 Bionomics Shares held on the Record Date; |
| ● | the ADS Depositary (who holds Bionomics Shares for the benefit of the
ADS Holders through their Australian custodian) will be directly issued one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares held on behalf
of the ADS Depositary on the Record Date by their Australian custodian; and |
| ● | Neuphoria
will procure that the ADS Depositary delivers (by way of exchange) such Neuphoria Shares
to the ADS Holders on the basis of one Neuphoria Share for every 12 Bionomics ADSs held on
the Record Date. |
Such a consolidation of share capital is considered appropriate following
advice from two investment banks concerning an appropriate pricing model for an ambitious and emerging biotechnology research and development
company. If the company were to apply the ratio proposed above to its current share price, the estimated Nasdaq share price would be approximately
US$2.40 per share as of the Last Practicable Date. Furthermore, any reorganisation of capital does not affect the value of the company
nor shareholder position.
See section 8.6 for a detailed description of the rights attaching
to Neuphoria Shares. See also Schedule 1 for a comparison of the Australian and US legal regimes regarding rights of holders of Bionomics
Shares and Neuphoria Shares (respectively), which will be relevant to your consideration as to whether to vote in favour of the Scheme.
Holders of Bionomics Options and Bionomics Warrants will be asked to
exchange those convertible securities for equivalent options and warrants in Neuphoria based on the same exchange ratio as the Scheme
ratio.
The adjustments for all Bionomics Warrants and Bionomics Options which
are exchanged into Neuphoria Warrants or Neuphoria Options (respectively) will be the standard adjustment on a consolidation, which is
to reduce the number of warrants or options by a factor of 2,160 (in the case of options over shares) or 12 (in the case of warrants over
ADSs), and to increase the exercise price of the warrant or option in the inverse of that same ratio. The same rounding rules that apply
to fractional shares in the Scheme will apply to the Neuphoria Options and Neuphoria Warrants issued.
| 6.2 | Entitlement to Scheme Consideration |
Scheme Participants, being Bionomics Shareholders whose names appear
on the Share Register as at the Record Date (5.00pm (Sydney time) on Tuesday 17 December 2024) (other than Ineligible Overseas Shareholders
and Electing Small Parcel Holders), will be entitled to receive the Scheme Consideration under the Scheme.
The Scheme does not preclude you from selling your Bionomics
ADSs on market for cash, if you wish, provided you do so before close of trading on Nasdaq on the Implementation Date (currently expected
to be Tuesday 24 December 2024).
If you
sell your Bionomics ADSs on market for cash, as referred to above, you:
| ● | will
not be entitled to receive the Scheme Consideration; and |
| ● | may
incur a brokerage charge. |
Dealings on or prior to the Record Date
For the purpose of establishing the persons who are entitled
to participate in the Scheme, dealings in Bionomics Shares will only be recognised if:
| (a) | in the case of requests to convert ADSs to Bionomics Shares, the person is registered in the Share Register as the holder of the relevant
Bionomics Shares on or before the Record Date; and |
| (b) | in all other cases, registrable transmission applications or transfers in respect of those dealings are received on or before 5.00pm
on the Effective Date. |
Bionomics will not accept for registration
or recognise any transfer or transmission application received after such times or received before such times but not in registrable or
actionable form.
Dealings after the Record Date
For the purpose of determining entitlements to Scheme Consideration,
Bionomics will maintain the Share Register in accordance with the terms of the Scheme and the Share Register in this form will solely
determine entitlements to the Scheme Consideration.
As from the Record Date (other than for Neuphoria after the
Implementation Date), each entry current on the Share Register will cease to have effect except as evidence of entitlement to the Scheme
Consideration in respect of the Bionomics Shares relating to that entry.
All statements of holding in respect of Bionomics Shares
will cease to have effect after the Record Date as documents of title in respect of those shares (other than statements of holdings in
favour of Neuphoria).
| 6.3 | Provision of the Scheme Consideration |
Neuphoria has entered into the Deed Poll under which Neuphoria
covenants in favour of Scheme Participants to provide the Scheme Consideration in accordance with the Scheme.
If the Scheme becomes Effective, Neuphoria must issue the
Neuphoria Shares (as applicable) to each Scheme Participant entitled to receive the Scheme Consideration under the Scheme. Neuphoria must
enter the name of the Scheme Participant in Neuphoria’s register of Shareholders as the holder of those Neuphoria Shares on the
Implementation Date.
| 6.4 | Fractional entitlements |
Any entitlements to a fraction of a Neuphoria
Share arising under the calculation of Scheme Consideration will be rounded up or down to the nearest Neuphoria Share (and if the fractional
entitlement would include one-half of a Neuphoria Shares, the entitlement will be rounded up).
If rounding would result in a Bionomics
Shareholder receiving zero Neuphoria Shares, their entitlement will be rounded up to one Neuphoria Share.
As part of the Scheme, Small Parcel Holders will by default receive
Neuphoria Shares on the same basis as all other Scheme Participants unless they opt in to participate in the Sale Facility (becoming an
Electing Small Parcel Holder), in which case they will be paid a pro rata share of the proceeds of sale of those Neuphoria Shares.
Each Small Parcel Holder will be entitled
to elect to participate in the Sale Facility by completing the Election Form and returning it in accordance with the instructions on the
Election Form so that it is received by the Share Registry by 5:00 pm on Friday, 13 December 2024. An election under this clause 6.5 must
be made in accordance with the terms and conditions on the Election Form.
Small Parcel Holders who have submitted
an Election Form and then wish to withdraw their election and to not participate in the Sale Facility can do so by requesting a Small
Parcel Holder Election Withdrawal Form from the Shareholder Information Line and completing and returning the Small Parcel Holder Election
Withdrawal Form in accordance with the instructions on that form, such that it is received by the Share Registry by 5:00 pm on Friday,
13 December 2024.
Small Parcel Holders can only make an
election in relation to all (and not only some) of the Scheme Shares held by them. If a Shareholder holds one or more parcels of Bionomics
Shares as trustee or nominee for, or otherwise on account of, another person, that Shareholder may not make separate elections in respect
of each of those parcels. In order to make separate elections, the trustee or nominee must first establish distinct holdings on the Share
Register in respect of each parcel of Bionomics Shares and must make a separate election (using a separate Small Parcel Holder Election
Form) in respect of each such parcel of Bionomics Shares. However, the trustee or nominee may not accept instructions from an underlying
beneficiary to make an election unless it is in respect of all parcels of Bionomics Shares held by the trustee or nominee on behalf of
that beneficiary, and the underlying beneficiary has confirmed to the trustee or nominee that its aggregated beneficial and legal holding
of Bionomic Share is fewer than 200,000 Bionomics Shares as of the Record Date.
| 6.6 | Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders |
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders
will participate in the Scheme on the same basis as all other Scheme Participants. However, Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing
Small Parcel Holders will not receive the Neuphoria Shares to which they would otherwise be entitled under the Scheme. Instead, the Neuphoria
Shares that Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders would otherwise be entitled to will be issued to the Sale
Agent who will sell them on Nasdaq as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event no more than eight weeks after the Implementation
Date, at such market price on Nasdaq at the time of sale. Refer to Section 5.9 for more information about the Sale Facility.
A general guide to the Australian and US consequences for Scheme Participants
is set out in section 11 of this Scheme Booklet. This guide is not intended to provide specific tax advice in respect of the individual
circumstances of any Scheme Participants, who should obtain their own independent professional tax advice.
| 7. | Information about Bionomics |
| 7.1 | Responsibility for information |
The information set out in this section
was prepared by Bionomics, which is responsible for the information contained in this section.
Bionomics is an Australian corporation registered in South
Australia and its ordinary shares, in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), have been trading in the United States
since listing on the Nasdaq Global Market in December 2021. Each ADS represents 180 ordinary shares of Bionomics. Bionomics has approximately
3,500 shareholders and 500 ADS holders.
Bionomics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company
developing novel, allosteric ion channel modulators designed to transform the lives of patients suffering from serious central nervous
system (“CNS”) disorders with high unmet medical need. Ion channels serve as important mediators of physiological function
in the CNS and the modulation of ion channels influences neurotransmission that leads to downstream signaling in the brain. The α7
nicotinic acetylcholine (“ACh”) receptor (“α7 receptor”) is an ion channel that plays an important role
in driving emotional responses and cognitive performance. Utilizing our expertise in ion channel biology and translational medicine, we
are developing orally active small molecule negative allosteric modulators (“NAMs”) to treat anxiety and stressor-related
disorders. In addition, through a long-standing strategic partnership with Merck & Co., Inc., in the United States and Canada (“MSD”),
we are also developing positive allosteric modulators (“PAMs”) of the α7 receptor to treat cognitive dysfunction. Bionomics’
pipeline also includes preclinical assets that target Kv3.1/3.2 and Nav1.7/1.8 ion channels being developed for CNS conditions of high
unmet need.
We are advancing our lead product candidate, BNC210, an
oral, proprietary, selective NAM of the α7 receptor, for the chronic treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”)
and the acute treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (“SAD”). There remains a significant unmet medical need for the over 27
million patients in the United States alone suffering from SAD and PTSD.
Current pharmacological treatments include certain antidepressants
and benzodiazepines, and there have been no new FDA approved therapies in these indications in nearly two decades. These existing treatments
have multiple shortcomings, such as a slow onset of action of antidepressants, and significant side effects of both classes of drugs,
including abuse liability, addiction potential and withdrawal symptoms. BNC210 has been observed in our clinical trials to have a fast
onset of action and clinical activity without the limiting side effects seen with the current standard of care.
In September 2023, we announced the results of the Phase
2b ATTUNE study, which was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in a total of 34 sites in the United States and the United
Kingdom, with 212 enrolled patients, randomized 1:1 to receive either twice daily 900 mg BNC210 as a monotherapy (n=106) or placebo (n=106)
for 12 weeks. The trial met its primary endpoint of change in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (“CAPS-5”) total
symptom severity score from baseline to Week 12 (p=0.048). A statistically significant change in CAPS-5 score was also observed at Week
4 (p=0.016) and at Week 8 (p=0.015). Treatment with BNC210 also showed statistically significant improvement both in clinician-administered
and patient self-reporting in two of the secondary endpoints of the trial. Specifically, BNC210 led to significant improvements at Week
12 in depressive symptoms (p=0.041) and sleep (p=0.039) as measured by Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (“MADRS”)
and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), respectively. BNC210 also showed signals and trends across visits in the other secondary endpoints
including the clinician and patient global impression - symptom severity (“CGI-S”, “PGI-S”, respectively) and
the Sheehan Disability Scale (“SDS”). In July 2024, we announced a positive outcome of an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with FDA
that provides a potential path to New Drug Application (“NDA”) submission for BNC210 for PTSD that alongside the positive
Phase 2b ATTUNE trial includes a single additional Phase 3 trial. This Phase 3 trial will evaluate two dose levels of BNC210 in a 12-week
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 52-week open-label extension. Start-up activities for a planned Phase 3 trial
of BNC210 in PTSD are underway. We plan to initiate the Phase 3 trial in PTSD in the second half of 2025, contingent upon having sufficient
capital on hand. Although the FDA has denied our initial Breakthrough Therapy designation application, we are considering a rebuttal in
the future. The approval process for the BNC210 PTSD program is not expected to be impeded, as we have already received Fast-Track designation
for both the PTSD and SAD programs.
We have completed our Phase 2 PREVAIL trial for BNC210
for the acute treatment of SAD. While PREVAIL narrowly missed its primary endpoint, as measured by the change from baseline to the average
of the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (“SUDS”) scores during a 5-minute Public Speaking Challenge in the BNC210-treated
patients when compared to placebo, the December 2022 topline data readout revealed encouraging trends in the prespecified endpoints. The
findings did indicate a consistent trend toward improvements across primary and secondary endpoints and a favorable safety and tolerability
profile consistent with previously reported results. These results supported a post-hoc in-depth analysis of the full dataset to better
understand the potential of the drug and guide late-stage trial design. In October 2023, we announced a positive outcome of an End-of-Phase
2 meeting with FDA that enables advancement of BNC210 into Phase 3 studies in SAD. Start-up activities for a planned Phase 3 trial of
BNC210 in SAD are underway. In July 2024, we announced the initiation of patient screening for the Phase 3 AFFIRM-1 trial evaluating the
safety and efficacy of BNC210 for the acute, as-needed treatment of SAD. AFFIRM-1 targets enrollment of 330 adult patients with SAD at
clinical sites in the United States. It is a multi-center, double-blind, two-arm, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial. Participants
will be randomized 1:1 to receive a single dose of 225 mg BNC210 or matched placebo about one hour before speaking in public. The primary
endpoint will compare BNC210 to placebo using the SUDS to measure self-reported anxiety levels during a public speaking task. Secondary
efficacy endpoints include the Clinical and Patient Global Impression (“CGI” and “PGI”, respectively) scales and
the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (“STAI”). Topline results from the AFFIRM-1 trial are expected in the third quarter of 2025.
The Company’s expertise in ion channels and approach to
developing allosteric modulators have been validated through its strategic partnership with MSD for our α7 receptor PAM program,
which targets a receptor that has garnered significant attention for treating cognitive deficits. This partnership enables Bionomics to
maximize the value of its ion channel and chemistry platforms and develop transformative medicines for patients suffering from cognitive
disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Below is a summary of our non-partnered BNC210 CNS pipeline,
which shows the current status and expected topline data:
Below is a summary of the status of the programs
under our collaboration relationships:
Below is a summary of the status of
the programs under our preclinical programs:
For further information about Bionomics’ business,
see Item 1 (Business) to its 2024 annual report on Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on 30 September 2024. It may be accessed on Bionomics’
website (https://ir.bionomics.com.au/financials-filings/sec-filings) and the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).
Bionomics Inc., incorporated in Delaware,
is a fully owned subsidiary of Bionomics Limited. Bionomics Limited has no other subsidiaries.
| 7.5 | Directors, company secretary and senior management |
This section provides details of the
Bionomics Directors and key management personnel of Bionomics as at the date of this Scheme Booklet.
Spyridon Papapetropoulos
Spyridon Papapetropoulos, M.D. has served as our President
and Chief Executive Officer since January 2023. Dr. Papapetropoulos is an experienced biopharmaceutical executive, a recognized neuroscientist/neurologist,
and change agent with a 25-year career focused on CNS disorders. He has held various positions of increasing responsibility at CNS-focused
start-up/small, medium specialty and large biopharma companies. Since 2020, he was the Chief Medical Officer of Vigil Neuroscience Inc,
a Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of neuroimmune targeted therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative
disorders. Prior to joining Vigil, he served as Chief Development Officer, and SVP, Head of Development at Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.,
CEO at SwanBio Therapeutics, and EVP of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer at Cavion. Before Cavion, he held senior/executive
positions at Biogen Inc., Allergan plc, Pfizer Inc., and Teva Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr. Papapetropoulos has filed multiple INDs and has
overseen a broad spectrum of CNS biopharmaceutical development programs (small molecules, biologics, gene therapy), leading to successful
regulatory filings (>20 INDs and multiple NDAs/BLAs) and new product launches worldwide. Dr. Papapetropoulos received his MD and PhD
in Greece from the University of Patras, School of Medicine and before joining the biopharmaceutical industry served as faculty at the
Department of Neurology of the University of Miami, School of Medicine.
David Ian Wilson
David Wilson has served as a member
of our board of directors since June 2016. He has served as the Chairman and CEO of WG Partners LLP, an investment banking boutique advising
life sciences companies on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising, since November 2011. Prior to WG Partners
LLP, Mr. Wilson worked at Piper Jaffray in various roles from 2001 to 2011, including CEO of European Operations, Chairman of the Global
Healthcare Team and a Member of the Global Operating Board. He was also a Managing Director of ING Investment Banking from 1999 to 2001
and the Head of Small Companies Corporate Finance at Deutsche Bank from 1998 to 1999. He is currently on the board of directors of several
privately held companies, including CS Pharmaceuticals Limited, a pharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom, since July 2021.
Mr. Wilson received his Bachelors degree from the University of Cambridge. Mr. Wilson’s experience in corporate finance and
capital raising in the healthcare industry contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that he should serve as a director
of our company.
Alan David Fisher
Alan Fisher, a member of the Board
since September 2016 was appointed Non-Executive Chair of the Board, effective from July 2023. He is also Chair of the Audit and Risk
Management Committee and a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Mr. Fisher has served as the Managing Director of Fisher
Corporate Advisory Pty Ltd since 1997, where he advises public and private companies on mergers and acquisitions, public and private equity
raisings, business restructuring and strategic advice. He currently serves on the board of ASX-listed investment company Thorney Technologies
Limited (Non-Executive Director – Chair of Audit and Risk Management Committee), since 2016. Mr. Fisher served as a Corporate Finance
Partner of Coopers & Lybrand from 1985 to 1997. Mr. Fisher received his B.Com., Accounting from the University of Melbourne, Australia
and is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Mr. Fisher’s experience as a biopharmaceutical
board member and with financing and related transactions across industries contributed to our board of directors’ conclusion that
he should serve as a director of our company.
Jane Ryan
Jane Ryan, Ph.D. has served as a member
of our board of directors since October 2020. Dr. Ryan is a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and Chair of the Nomination
and Remuneration Committee. Since January 2014, Dr. Ryan has provided executive level advisory services to biotechnology companies in
connection with capital raising, business development, and mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Ryan currently serves as a non-executive director
of Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility Pty Ltd. She previously served as commercial and product development advisor to BCAL Diagnostics,
a cancer diagnostics company listed on the ASX. From 2014 to 2017, Dr. Ryan served as the CEO of Sementis Ltd., a public company (unlisted)
developing vaccine technology. Prior to that, Dr. Ryan was an executive and division leader of product development at Biota Holdings,
a biotechnology company listed on the ASX and Nasdaq, where she provided oversight to Biota Holdings’ development portfolio and
programs, including the negotiation and winning of a $231 million advanced development contract with the government of the United States.
From 2018 to 2023, Dr. Ryan served as director of Anatara Life Sciences, an ASX-listed company. Dr. Ryan has served as a director of IDT
Australia Limited since January 2022, a listed company. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She received
her B.Sc. from the Australia National University, her Ph.D. from Macquarie University and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University.
Dr. Ryan’s knowledge of our business and experience as a biopharmaceutical executive and board member contributed to our board of
directors’ conclusion that she should serve as a director of Bionomics.
Peter Miles Winston Davies
Peter Miles Winston Davies has served
as a member of our board of directors since July 2021, and since June 2024 was appointed as a member of our Audit & Risk Management
Committee. Mr. Davies worked at Apeiron Investment Group Ltd in the Healthcare team from 2021 to 2022. Prior to that, Mr. Davies was at
Rothschild & Co. from 2006 to 2021. Mr. Davies received his Masters Degree from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr.
Davies’ experience in the healthcare industry includes mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory, capital raisings and restructuring
transactions.
Rajeev Chandra – Company
Secretary
Rajeev Chandra has served as our Company
Secretary since September 2023. Mr. Chandra was previously CFO and Company Secretary of a listed ASX company and has held multiple roles,
including as Financial Controller, and National Sales and Country Manager in healthcare company Johnson & Johnson. He presently
serves as a Company Secretary of multiple entities. Mr. Chandra is an Australian Chartered Accountant, a Fellow of the Governance
Institute of Australia and holds an MBA from Deakin University, Australia and a Bachelor of Commerce from Auckland University in New Zealand.
Spyridon Papapetropoulos –
President and CEO
Spyridon Papapetropoulos,
M.D. has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2023. Dr. Papapetropoulos is an experienced biopharmaceutical
executive, a recognized neuroscientist/neurologist, and change agent with a 25-year career focused on CNS disorders. He has held various
positions of increasing responsibility at CNS-focused start-up/small, medium specialty and large biopharma companies. Since 2020, he
was the Chief Medical Officer of Vigil Neuroscience Inc, a Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of neuroimmune
targeted therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Prior to joining Vigil, he served as Chief Development Officer,
and SVP, Head of Development at Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., CEO at SwanBio Therapeutics, and EVP of Research & Development and Chief
Medical Officer at Cavion. Before Cavion, he held senior/executive positions at Biogen Inc., Allergan plc, Pfizer Inc., and Teva Pharmaceuticals
Inc. Dr. Papapetropoulos has filed multiple INDs and has overseen a broad spectrum of CNS biopharmaceutical development programs (small
molecules, biologics, gene therapy), leading to successful regulatory filings (>20 INDs and multiple NDAs/BLAs) and new product launches
worldwide. Dr. Papapetropoulos received his MD and PhD in Greece from the University of Patras, School of Medicine and before joining
the biopharmaceutical industry served as faculty at the Department of Neurology of the University of Miami, School of Medicine.
Tim
Cunningham – Chief Financial Officer
Tim Cunningham has served as our
Chief Financial Officer since July 2023 through a consulting agreement entered into between the Company and Danforth Advisors LLC, or
Danforth. He has served as a Chief Financial Officer Consultant at Danforth, a strategic finance and operations firm with a focus on life
sciences companies, since September 2020, where he provides chief financial officer consulting services to both public and private pharma
and biotechnology companies. Prior to joining Danforth, Mr. Cunningham served as Chief Financial Officer at Organogenesis (Nasdaq:ORGO),
where he took the company public and helped raise over $250 million in equity and debt financing to facilitate the company’s growth.
He has held leadership positions with several different public and private companies over the course of his career, which began at KPMG
in NY followed by PwC Boston. Mr. Cunningham holds an MBA from Boston University, a BS in Accounting from Boston College and is a CPA
in the state of Florida.
Liz Doolin – Vice President
Clinical Development
Ms Doolin has over 25 years international
experience in drug discovery, clinical and life sciences research. She joined Bionomics Limited in 2008 to lead the early clinical development
program for BNC210, a small molecule with therapeutic potential for anxiety disorders, and trauma and stressor-related disorders including
PTSD. Ms Doolin currently leads Bionomics’ clinical programs across central nervous system disorders and oncology, including three
novel investigational drugs in Phase 1 and 2 clinical development. In addition to her extensive clinical research experience in Australia,
Ms Doolin has a strong immunology and biotechnology research background, as well as biopharmaceutical development and GMP manufacturing
experience, gained in New Zealand and the UK.
| (a) | Capital structure table |
As at the Last Practicable Date, the capital structure
of Bionomics is as set out below:
Bionomics
security |
Number
on issue |
Shares |
3,514,922,864
Of these, 3,325,373,980 ordinary shares are in ADS form and held by
approximately 500 ADS Holders, and 189,548,884 ordinary shares are not represented by ADSs and are held by approximately 3,500 shareholders.
Bionomics ordinary shares are held on trust for Bionomics ADS Holders
by Citicorp Nominees Pty Ltd, as custodian for Citibank NA, as the ADS depositary.
|
Options under Employee Equity Plan |
97,424,330 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, of which options to issue 63,580,498 new ordinary shares were vested. These options are held by 47 persons, who are existing or former employees and directors of Bionomics. |
Warrants |
●
A pre-funded warrant originally to purchase up to 6,279,905 ADSs (representing
1,130,382,900 ordinary shares), which have been exercised in full as outlined in section 7.6(b); and
●
An accompanying 5-year warrant to purchase up to 12,652,572 ADSs (representing
2,277,462,960 ordinary shares).
These Bionomics Warrants will not be exercised in such a way that would
increase the interest of the holder to above a 9.99% interest in Bionomics, as explained in section 7.6(b).
|
Bionomics does not have any other type of securities
on issue.
| (b) | Terms of Bionomics Options and Bionomics Warrants |
Bionomics currently has 97,424,330 options on issue, which are held
by existing or former employees and directors. These options have a wide variety of terms, with exercise prices ranging from $0.0321 to
$0.5125 per share, and with expiry dates between 4 November 2024 and 16 December 2031.
The Bionomics Warrants consisted of a pre-funded warrant
that had an exercise price of US$0.01 per ADS and an accompanying 5-year warrant to purchase up to 12,652,572 ADSs at an exercise price
of US$0.99 per ADS. The holder of the Warrants may not exercise the Bionomics Warrants if such exercise would take the holder’s
beneficial ownership of Bionomics Shares above 9.99%.
The Bionomics Warrants were issued by Bionomics to Armistice
Capital Master Fund Ltd (Armistice), a US-based institutional investor, in June 2024. Armistice is the only holder of Bionomics
Warrants.
Armistice partially exercised the pre-funded warrants in July, August
and September 2024, as set out below. The pre-funded warrants have been exercised in full and there are no pre-funded warrants outstanding.
| ● | in July 2024, 1,439,905 ADSs (representing 259,182,900 ordinary shares) were issued to Armistice upon its partial exercise of the
pre-funded warrant; |
| ● | in August 2024, 1,600,000 ADSs (representing 288,000,000 ordinary shares) were issued to Armistice upon its partial exercise of the
pre-funded warrant; |
| ● | in September 2024, 1,033,000 ADSs (representing 185,940,000 ordinary shares) were issued to Armistice upon its partial exercise of
the pre-funded warrant; and |
| ● | In October 2024, 2,207,000 ADSs (representing 397,260,000
ordinary shares) were issued to Armistice upon its partial exercise of the pre-funded warrant. |
Armistice has assured Bionomics that it has not, and
will not, exceed a 9.99% interest in Bionomics. Bionomics understands that only after Armistice sells Bionomics ADSs on Nasdaq, it acquires
additional Bionomics ADSs via exercise of a Warrant, thus maintaining an interest of approximately 9.99% (but no more). This is consistent
with US market practice. If Armistice were to exceed 10%, then it would be viewed as an “affiliate” under US securities law
and, as an affiliate, it would be subject to US reporting requirements and limitations on trading that are applicable to officers and
directors of the issuer. Any transfer by Armistice to a related body or associate would be subject to the same combined 9.99% limit.
To the best of Bionomics’ knowledge, Armistice
has not exceeded a 9.99% relevant interest in Bionomics shares at any time.
Neuphoria will issue replacement Neuphoria Warrants
to Armistice in exchange for the Bionomics Warrants currently issued to it by Bionomics, with appropriate adjustments for the terms of
the Scheme including the exchange ratio. The Neuphoria Warrants will be subject to the same restriction on acquiring an interest above
9.99% in Neuphoria.
| (c) | Substantial holders in Bionomics |
The following table sets out the beneficial
ownership of Bionomics Shares of as of October 7, 2024, based on information known to Bionomics. It is taken from the Form 10-K filed
by Bionomics with SEC on 30 September 2024 and an amendment to Schedule 13D filed by Apeiron with the SEC on 7 October 2024.
The term “beneficial ownership”
under US securities law is broad and includes affiliates (ie persons under common control) such as related bodies and associates so as
to comprise a calculation which is equivalent to a substantial holder disclosure for Corporations Act purposes. The US law definition
of “beneficial ownership” generally provides that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses
sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are exercisable within 60 days. This
includes the holder of the security and its affiliates (ie, related bodies and associates).
Name of beneficial owner |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage of shares |
Apeiron Investment Group Ltd |
276,490,501 |
8.87% |
Armistice Capital, LLC |
311,454,520 |
9.99% |
Bionomics is not aware of any other person with a relevant interest of 5% or more in its shares.
| 7.7 | Historical financial information |
The historical financial information of Bionomics includes
audited financial statements for the financial years ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023, which are summarised in sections 7.7(b), 7.7(c)
and 7.7(d)
(the Bionomics Historical Financial Information).
The accompanying notes to the financial statements should be read in conjunction with the summarised financial information in sections
7.7(b), 7.7(c) and 7.7(d) and are contained in the Bionomics Historical Financial Information, which can be accessed as set out below.
The Bionomics Historical Financial Information is contained
in Item 15 of Form 10-K of Bionomics for the period up to 30 June 2024, filed with SEC on 30 September 2024, which may
be accessed on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) and Bionomics’ website (https://ir.bionomics.com.au/financials-filings/sec-filings).
The Bionomics Historical Financial Information is also
contained in sections 5.7 – 5.8 of the Independent Expert Report, as set out in Annexure A.
If you would like to request a copy of the Bionomics
Historical Financial Information to be emailed to you, please contact the Shareholder Information Line on 1300
850 505 (within Australia) or +61 3 9415 4000 (outside Australia) on Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Sydney time).
| (b) | Consolidated Balance Sheet |
Below is a summary of Bionomics’ consolidated balance
sheets for the years ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023.
Bionomics Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| |
June 30, | |
| |
2024 | | |
2023 | |
Assets | |
| | |
| |
Current assets: | |
| | |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
$ | 12,608,109 | | |
$ | 12,103,047 | |
Accounts receivable, non-trade | |
| 126,884 | | |
| 426,087 | |
Prepaid insurance expense | |
| 458,765 | | |
| 797,478 | |
Total current assets | |
| 13,193,758 | | |
| 13,326,612 | |
Property and equipment, net | |
| 1,994 | | |
| 2,522 | |
Intangible assets, net | |
| 5,467,522 | | |
| 6,130,253 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | |
| 216,975 | | |
| 330,478 | |
Restricted cash | |
| 78,826 | | |
| 78,897 | |
Goodwill | |
| 8,690,018 | | |
| 8,694,186 | |
Total assets | |
$ | 27,649,093 | | |
$ | 28,562,948 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | |
| | | |
| | |
Current liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accounts payable | |
$ | 2,243,662 | | |
$ | 1,439,291 | |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | |
| 1,463,421 | | |
| 1,185,567 | |
Operating lease liability | |
| 121,990 | | |
| 113,930 | |
Total current liabilities | |
| 3,829,073 | | |
| 2,738,788 | |
Operating lease liability, net of current portion | |
| 117,628 | | |
| 239,835 | |
Contingent consideration | |
| 587,762 | | |
| 2,456,199 | |
Deferred tax liability | |
| 963,540 | | |
| 1,102,713 | |
Accompanying warrants liability | |
| 4,657,832 | | |
| - | |
Other non-current liabilities | |
| 2,886 | | |
| 14,850 | |
Total liabilities | |
| 10,158,721 | | |
| 6,552,385 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) | |
| | | |
| | |
Shareholders’ equity: | |
| | | |
| | |
Ordinary shares, no par value; 2,384,539,964 and 1,468,735,424 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Additional paid in capital | |
| 198,481,038 | | |
| 187,554,251 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | |
| (3,013,595 | ) | |
| (3,058,783 | ) |
Accumulated deficit | |
| (177,977,071 | ) | |
| (162,484,905 | ) |
Total Shareholders’ equity | |
| 17,490,372 | | |
| 22,010,563 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |
$ | 27,649,093 | | |
$ | 28,562,948 | |
| (c) | Consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) |
Below is a summary of Bionomics’ consolidated statements
of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023.
Bionomics Limited
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
| |
Year Ended June 30, | |
| |
2024 | | |
2023 | |
Operating expenses: | |
| | |
| |
Research and development | |
$9,417,785 | | |
$13,071,705 | |
General and administrative | |
8,474,591 | | |
8,911,271 | |
Total operating expenses | |
| 17,892,376 | | |
| 21,982,976 | |
Loss from operations | |
| (17,892,376 | ) | |
| (21,982,976 | ) |
Other income: | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest income, net | |
| 220,097 | | |
| 323,158 | |
(Loss) gain on foreign currency transactions | |
| (209,842 | ) | |
| 308,852 | |
Research and development incentive award | |
| 95,215 | | |
| 422,742 | |
Gain (loss) on fair value adjustments | |
| 2,207,420 | | |
| (592,627 | ) |
Total other income, net | |
| 2,312,890 | | |
| 462,125 | |
Loss before income taxes | |
| (15,579,486 | ) | |
| (21,520,851 | ) |
Income tax benefit | |
| 87,320 | | |
| 139,174 | |
Net loss | |
| (15,492,166 | ) | |
| (21,381,677 | ) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income: | |
| | | |
| | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation | |
| 45,188 | | |
| (1,036,633 | ) |
Total other comprehensive income (loss): | |
| 45,188 | | |
| (1,036,633 | ) |
Comprehensive loss | |
$ | (15,446,978 | ) | |
$ | (22,418,310 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net loss per share—basic and diluted | |
$ | (0.01 | ) | |
$ | (0.02 | ) |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic and diluted | |
| 1,797,606,532 | | |
| 1,468,735,424 | |
| (d) | Consolidated statements of cash flows |
Below is a summary of Bionomics’ consolidated statements
of cash flows for the years ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023.
| |
Year Ended June 30, | |
| |
2024 | | |
2023 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | |
| | |
| |
Net loss | |
$ | (15,492,166 | ) | |
$ | (21,381,677 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Share-based compensation | |
| 814,808 | | |
| 1,345,309 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | |
| 662,991 | | |
| 663,192 | |
Non-cash rent expense | |
| 113,503 | | |
| 115,123 | |
Change in fair value of accompanying warrant liability | |
| (338,983 | ) | |
| - | |
Change in fair value of contingent consideration | |
| (1,868,437 | ) | |
| 592,627 | |
Effect of foreign currency remeasurement | |
| (27,350 | ) | |
| (556,782 | ) |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accounts receivable, non-trade | |
| 299,203 | | |
| 4,137,199 | |
Prepaid insurance expense | |
| 338,713 | | |
| 173,975 | |
Accounts payable | |
| 804,371 | | |
| 374,176 | |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | |
| 277,854 | | |
| 138,079 | |
Operating lease liability | |
| (114,147 | ) | |
| (107,808 | ) |
Deferred tax liability | |
| (139,173 | ) | |
| (139,173 | ) |
Other non-current liabilities | |
| (11,964 | ) | |
| 8,041 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | |
| (14,680,777 | ) | |
| (14,637,720 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of ADS shares and ADS pre-funded warrants, net of issue costs of $1.3 million | |
| 10,111,979 | | |
| - | |
Proceeds from sale of ADS shares, net of issue costs of $1.1 million | |
| - | | |
| 3,858,451 | |
Proceeds from the sale of accompanying ADS warrants | |
| 4,996,815 | | |
| - | |
Net cash provided in financing activities | |
| 15,108,794 | | |
| 3,858,451 | |
Effect of exchange rate on changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | |
| 76,974 | | |
| (243,822 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | |
| 428,017 | | |
| (10,779,269 | ) |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period | |
| 12,181,944 | | |
| 23,205,035 | |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period | |
$ | 12,686,935 | | |
$ | 12,181,944 | |
Reconciliation of cash, cash
equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year: | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
$ | 12,608,109 | | |
$ | 12,103,047 | |
Restricted cash | |
| 78,826 | | |
| 78,897 | |
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | |
$ | 12,686,935 | | |
$ | 12,181,944 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Supplemental cash flow data: | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash paid for interest expense | |
$ | 31,516 | | |
$ | - | |
Cash paid for income tax expense | |
$ | 51,853 | | |
$ | - | |
| 7.8 | Material changes in Bionomics’ financial position |
To the knowledge of the members of the Bionomics Board, the
financial position of Bionomics as at the Last Practicable Date has not materially changed since the financial year ended 30 June 2024,
other than:
| (a) | in the ordinary course of trading; and |
| (b) | as a result of generally known market conditions. |
| 7.9 | Bionomics Directors’ intentions for the business of Bionomics |
If the Scheme is implemented, it is intended
by Neuphoria that the existing Bionomics Board will remain the same, as will its assets and operations.
Neuphoria’s intentions regarding
Bionomics’ business, assets and employees if the Scheme is implemented are set out in section 9.7 of this Scheme Booklet.
If the Scheme is not implemented, the Bionomics
Directors intend to continue to operate Bionomics in the ordinary course of business.
Bionomics is not aware of any material
litigation, either in progress or proposed, to which it is a party.
Bionomics is a “disclosing entity”
for the purposes of the Corporations Act and is subject to regular reporting and disclosure obligations under the Corporations Act. These
obligations require Bionomics to notify the ASIC of periodic financial information, and information about specified matters and events
as they arise for the purpose of the ASIC making that information publicly available. As an unlisted disclosing entity, Bionomics is subject
to Corporations Act requirements which require (subject to some exceptions) continuous disclosure of any information that Bionomics has
that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of Bionomics Shares. Bionomics is also required
to lodge various documents with ASIC.
Bionomics is also subject to the reporting
and disclosure requirements applicable to US companies under the Exchange Act. See Schedule 1 for further information.
Copies of documents lodged with ASIC by
Bionomics may be obtained from ASIC. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available on its EDGAR system.
| 8. | Information about Neuphoria |
Neuphoria is a new company that was recently
incorporated in the US State of Delaware for purposes of the re-domiciliation. Neuphoria would become the successor issuer to Bionomics
and the Neuphoria shares would be listed on Nasdaq, replacing the ADSs of Bionomics.
| 8.2 | Directors and senior management |
As
at the date of this Scheme Booklet, the Directors of Neuphoria are as follows:
| ● | Spyridon
Papapetropoulos, M.D. |
| ● | Peter
Miles Winston Davies |
Details
of these individuals can be found in Section 7.6(a).
As
at the date of this Scheme Booklet, the senior management of Neuphoria are as follows:
| ● | Spyridon
Papapetropoulos, M.D. – President and Chief Executive Officer |
| ● | Tim
Cunningham - Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
See Section 7.5(c) for details of Mr Cunningham’s
qualifications and experience.
Neuphoria is incorporated in Delaware, US, and as such it
is not required to have (and does not have) any shareholders prior to the Implementation Date.
The capital structure of Neuphoria at the Last Practicable
Date is set out below:
Neuphoria security |
Number
of authorised shares |
Neuphoria Shares |
30,000,000 shares of common stock are authorised (ie, available for issuance);
no shares are outstanding |
Neuphoria Shares of preferred stock |
3,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorised (ie, available for issuance);
no shares are outstanding |
The pro forma capital structure of Neuphoria at the Implementation
Date is set out in section 9.4.
| 8.4 | Neuphoria Director’s interests in Neuphoria Shares and Bionomics Shares |
| (a) | Interests in Neuphoria Shares |
No person has any interest in Neuphoria
Shares at the date of the Scheme Booklet.
| (b) | Interests in Bionomics Shares |
For the interests of Neuphoria Directors
in the shares of Bionomics, please see Section 12.1(b).
| (c) | Disclosure of interests |
Except as otherwise provided in this Scheme
Booklet, no:
| (i) | Neuphoria Director or proposed director of Neuphoria; |
| (ii) | person named in this Scheme Booklet as performing a function in a professional, advisory or other capacity in connection with the
preparation or distribution of this Scheme Booklet for or on behalf of Neuphoria; |
| (iii) | promoter, stockbroker or underwriter of Neuphoria or the Combined Group, |
(together the Interested Persons)
holds, or held at any time during the two years before the date of this Scheme Booklet any interests in:
| (iv) | the formation or promotion of Neuphoria; |
| (v) | property acquired or proposed to be acquired by Neuphoria in connection with the formation or promotion of Neuphoria or the offer
of Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme; or |
| (vi) | the offer of Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme. |
| (d) | Disclosure of fees and other benefits |
Except as otherwise disclosed in this
Scheme Booklet, Neuphoria has not paid or agreed to pay any fees, or provided or agreed to provide any benefit:
| (i) | to a director or proposed director of Neuphoria to induce them to become or qualify as a director of Neuphoria; |
| (ii) | for services provided by any Interested Persons in connection with: |
| (A) | the formation or promotion of Neuphoria or the Combined Group; or |
| (B) | the offer of Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme. |
| 8.5 | Choice of Jurisdiction |
The Board considers that the State of Delaware is an appropriate
jurisdiction for the domicile of Neuphoria. More than 50% of the public companies listed on Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange are
incorporated in Delaware. In addition, Delaware provides a well-developed body of law defining the fiduciary duties and decision-making
processes expected of boards of directors in a variety of contexts, including evaluating potential and proposed corporate takeover offers
and business combinations.
Bionomics’s aim is to redomicile the Bionomics group
to the United States and obtain the advantages of Neuphoria being a US company. Neuphoria has adopted a customary form of by-laws for
a Delaware corporation that it believes is appropriate for a Nasdaq-listed company. A description of a number of the key differences between
the Australian and Delaware corporate legal regimes and their implications for shareholders of Neuphoria is set out in Schedule 1 of this
Scheme Booklet.
Neuphoria Shares will generally confer the same rights as
Bionomics Shares. Certain differences exist due to the facts explained below.
Neuphoria Shares will have shareholder rights governed by
different corporate documents and different laws than those governing the Shares. The primary corporate documents governing Neuphoria
shareholder rights will be Neuphoria’s Charter Documents, rather than Bionomics’s constitution. The primary laws governing Neuphoria shareholder
rights will be the corporate law of the State of Delaware and the US federal securities law, rather than Australian law.
Neuphoria will not be governed by the Corporations Act or
other Australian laws by which Bionomics is currently governed. Neuphoria will be subject to the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Key differences between the rights of the Neuphoria Shares
and the Bionomics Shares and further details on the differences between Neuphoria’s governing documents and governing laws and Bionomics’s
governing documents and governing laws are set out in Schedule 1.
| 8.7 | Summary of the Neuphoria Charter Documents and Rights of Neuphoria Shareholders Neuphoria |
Neuphoria is incorporated under the laws of the US State
of Delaware and the rights of shareholders will be governed by the laws of Delaware, including the Delaware General Corporation Law, as
well as the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Neuphoria Bylaws (collectively, “Charter Documents”).
Common Stock
The Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
will authorise the issuance of up to 30,000,000 shares of common stock.
Shareholders will be entitled to one vote per share on
all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, and the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will not provide
for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Shareholders will receive pro-rata any dividends declared by the Neuphoria Board out
of funds legally available. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Neuphoria, shareholders will be entitled to
share pro-rata in all assets remaining after payment of, or provision for, any liabilities.
Preferred Stock
Under the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the Neuphoria Board will have the authority, without further action by shareholders, to issue up to 3,000,000 shares of
preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix
the dividend, voting and other rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of preferred stock of each wholly unissued series and
any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon, and to increase or decrease the number of shares of preferred stock of any such
series.
The Neuphoria Board may authorise the issuance of preferred
stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of shareholders. The issuance of preferred
stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control and may adversely affect the market price of Neuphoria’s common stock and the voting and other
rights of shareholders.
Board
structure
| ● | Classified
Neuphoria Board: The Neuphoria Charter Documents will establish a classified Neuphoria
Board consisting of three classes of directors, with staggered three-year terms. Only one
class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of shareholders, with the other
classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. |
| ● | Election
and removal of directors: The Neuphoria Charter Documents will provide that directors
will be elected by a plurality vote. Directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the votes that all shareholders would be entitled
to cast in an annual election of directors. |
| ● | Number
of directors: The Neuphoria Charter Documents will provide that the number of directors
on the Neuphoria Board will be determined from time to time solely by resolution adopted
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then authorised. |
| ● | Neuphoria
Board vacancies: Unless otherwise provided by law or the Neuphoria Charter Documents,
any newly created directorship or any vacancy occurring in the Neuphoria Board for any cause
may be filled by a majority of the remaining members of the Neuphoria Board, even if such
majority is less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by shareholders),
and any director so chosen shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class
of directors to which the new directorship was added or in which the vacancy occurred and
until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s
earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. |
| ● | Neuphoria
Board committees: The Neuphoria Board may designate one or more committees, each consisting
of one or more directors. Except as otherwise required by law or the Neuphoria Charter Documents,
any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Neuphoria Board establishing
such committee, may exercise all the powers and authority of the Neuphoria Board in the management
of the business and affairs of Neuphoria. Standing committees of the Neuphoria Board will
consist of an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating and corporate governance
committee. |
| ● | Special
meetings of the Neuphoria Board: Special meetings of the Neuphoria Board may be called
at any time by the Chairman of the Neuphoria Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or a majority
of the directors then in office. |
Director
liability and indemnification
| ● | Limitation
of liability of directors and officers: To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law, a director of Neuphoria will not be personally liable to Neuphoria
or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty owed to Neuphoria and
its shareholders. |
| ● | Indemnification
of directors and officers: Neuphoria will indemnify any person for any proceeding by
reason of being a director or officer of Neuphoria or, while a director or officer, is or
was serving at the request of Neuphoria as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee
of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise if such
proceeding or part thereof was authorised by the Neuphoria Board. The right to indemnification
covers all expense, liability and loss actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such
indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. It also includes the right to be paid by Neuphoria
the expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred in defending or otherwise participating
in any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that an advancement
of expenses will be made only upon delivery to Neuphoria of an undertaking, by or on behalf
of the indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it will ultimately be determined by
final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the indemnitee
is not entitled to be indemnified for the expenses. |
Shareholder
meetings
| ● | Notice
of shareholder meetings: Written notice stating the place, if any, date and time of each
meeting of shareholders, the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at
the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for shareholders entitled to
notice of the meeting), the means of remote communications, if any, by which shareholders
and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, if the meeting
is to be held solely by means of remote communications, the means for accessing the list
of shareholders, and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the
meeting is called will, unless otherwise provided by law or the Neuphoria governing documents,
be delivered not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, to each
shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining shareholders
entitled to notice of the meeting. |
| ● | Shareholder
proposals: No business may be transacted at an annual meeting of shareholders, other
than business that is either: (i) specified in the Neuphoria notice of meeting delivered
pursuant to the Neuphoria Bylaws; (ii) properly brought before the annual meeting by or at
the direction of the Neuphoria Board; or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the annual
meeting by any shareholder of Neuphoria who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies
with the notice procedures set forth in the bylaws and who is a shareholder of record at
the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of Neuphoria. |
| ● | Requirements
for advance notification of shareholder proposals: The Neuphoria Bylaws will establish
advance notice procedures with respect to shareholder proposals and the nomination of candidates
for election as directors. A shareholder must: (i) give timely notice thereof in proper written
form to the Secretary of Neuphoria; and (ii) the business must be a proper matter for shareholder
action. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received by the Secretary at the principal
executive offices of Neuphoria not less than 90 or more than 120 days before the meeting.
The public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting shall not
commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a shareholder’s
notice. Additionally, a shareholder must provide information pursuant to the advance notice
provisions in the Neuphoria Bylaws. |
| ● | Shareholder
nominations of candidates for election as directors: Nominations of persons for election
to the Neuphoria Board may be made at an annual meeting of shareholders, or at any special
meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors as set forth in the
Neuphoria notice of such special meeting: (i) by or at the direction of the Neuphoria Board;
or (ii) by any shareholder of Neuphoria who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies
with the notice procedures set forth in the Neuphoria Bylaws and who is a shareholder of
record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of Neuphoria. |
| ● | Requirements
of advance notice for shareholder nominations: For a nomination to be made by a shareholder,
such shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary.
To be timely, a shareholder’s notice to the Secretary must be received by the Secretary at
the principal executive offices of Neuphoria: (i) in the case of an annual meeting, not later
than the close of business not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first
anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting or, if the number of directors to be elected
to the Neuphoria Board is increased and the first public announcement naming all of the nominees
for directors or specifying the size of the increased Neuphoria Board is less than 10 days
prior to the last day a shareholder may deliver a notice in accordance with the above, the
close of business on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date
of such meeting is first made; and (ii) in the case of a special meeting of shareholders
called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the
10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the special meeting
is first made by Neuphoria. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or
postponement of an annual meeting or special meeting commence a new time period (or extend
any time period) for the giving of a shareholder’s notice. Additionally, a shareholder must
provide information pursuant to the advance notice provisions in the Neuphoria Bylaws. |
| ● | No
shareholder ability to call special meetings: The Neuphoria Charter Documents provide
that only the Neuphoria Board may be able to call special meetings of shareholders and only
those matters set forth in the notice of the special meeting may be considered or acted upon
at a special meeting of shareholders. |
Other
provisions with anti-takeover effects
| ● | Issuance
of undesignated preferred stock: Under the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation, the Neuphoria Board will have the authority, without further action by
shareholders, to issue undesignated preferred stock with rights and preferences, including
voting rights, designated from time to time by the Neuphoria Board. The existence of authorised
but unissued shares of preferred stock enables the Neuphoria Board to make it more difficult
to attempt to obtain control of Neuphoria by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest
or otherwise. |
| ● | No
written consent of shareholders: The Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
will provide that all shareholder actions be taken by a vote of shareholders at an annual
or special meeting, and that shareholders may not take any action by written consent in lieu
of a meeting. |
| ● | Amendments
to certificate of incorporation and bylaws: Any amendment to the Neuphoria Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation will be required to be approved by a majority of the
Neuphoria Board as well as, if required by law or the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation, a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment
and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class,
except that the amendment of provisions to Neuphoria Board classification, shareholder action,
certificate amendments, and liability of directors must be approved by not less than two-thirds
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, voting together as a single
class. Any amendment to the Neuphoria Bylaws will be required to be approved by either a
majority of the Neuphoria Board or not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote on the amendment, voting together as a single class. |
| ● | Section
203 opt-out: Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits a Delaware
corporation from engaging in a business combination specified in the statute with an interested
shareholder (as defined in the statute) for a period of three years after the date of the
transaction in which the person first becomes an interested shareholder, unless the business
combination is approved in advance by a majority of the independent directors or by the holders
of at least two-thirds of the outstanding disinterested shares. Neuphoria has elected to
opt out of Section 203. See Schedule 1 for more information regarding takeover provisions
in US law. |
These
provisions are designed to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of the Neuphoria Board and its policies,
to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened acquisition of Neuphoria and to reduce its vulnerability
to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. These provisions are also designed to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights.
However, these provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for Neuphoria Shares and, as a consequence,
they may also reduce fluctuations in the market price of Neuphoria Shares that could result from actual or rumoured takeover attempts.
Exclusive forum selection clause
The Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
will provide that, unless Neuphoria consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum to the
fullest extent permitted by law for: (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Neuphoria; (2) any action asserting
a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee to Neuphoria or its shareholders; (3) any action asserting
a claim against Neuphoria or any director or officer or other employee arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law; (4) any
action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the
Neuphoria Bylaws; or (5) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, shall be the Court of Chancery
of the State of Delaware (or another state court or the federal court located within the State of Delaware if the Court of Chancery does
not have or declines to accept jurisdiction), in all cases subject to the court’s having jurisdiction over indispensable parties named
as defendants. In addition, the Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will provide that the federal district courts
of the United States will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the US Securities
Act, but the forum selection provisions will not apply to claims brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against Neuphoria or its directors or officers. Although the
Neuphoria Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains the choice of forum provisions described above, it is possible that
a court could find that such provisions are inapplicable for a particular claim or action or that such provisions are unenforceable.
| 8.8 | Changes in financial reporting and reporting obligations |
If the Scheme proceeds, a different financial reporting
regime will apply with respect to Neuphoria’s accounts. Neuphoria will not report under both IFRS and US Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (US GAAP) as Bionomics did but will instead report solely in accordance with US GAAP.
Bionomics’ board of directors considers there is
no reason to believe that there would be a material difference in reported results under the different accounting principles. The Board
believes users of the accounts will continue to understand the content of the accounts after the completion of the re-domiciliation.
| 8.9 | Reporting obligations of Neuphoria following implementation of the Proposed Transaction |
A detailed comparison of the reporting regimes in the US
and Australia and how these differences may affect Bionomics’ accounts is set out in Schedule 1. Bionomics Shareholders should note that
the comparison in Schedule 1 is not an exhaustive statement of all relevant financial reporting principles and is intended as a general
guide only.
In connection with the implementation of the Scheme and
the listing of Neuphoria Shares on Nasdaq, Neuphoria will become subject to the reporting requirements of the US Securities Exchange Act
and will be required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC in addition to
its reporting requirements under the Nasdaq listing rules. Affiliates of Neuphoria will also be subject to the short-swing profit disclosure
and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the US Securities Exchange Act.
No funds are being raised under the Scheme.
The Scheme Consideration will not be subject to escrow
restrictions.
| 8.12 | Employee incentive scheme |
In connection with the re-domicile, the board of directors
of Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. will adopt the Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the Neuphoria Stock Plan).
If the Neuphoria Stock Plan is implemented, holders of Bionomics Options will receive, under the Neuphoria Stock Plan, options to purchase
one share of common stock of Neuphoria for every 2,160 Bionomics Options cancelled and on terms which mirror, to the extent possible,
their existing Bionomics Options.
The following summary of the Neuphoria Stock Plan is qualified
in its entirety by the specific language of the Neuphoria Stock Plan. A copy of the Neuphoria Stock Plan can be obtained by contacting
Bionomics. All capitalised terms used in this section are as defined in the Neuphoria Stock Plan unless otherwise stated.
The purpose of the Neuphoria Stock Plan is to provide a
means through which Neuphoria and its affiliates may attract and retain key personnel and whereby directors, employees, and consultants
of Neuphoria and its affiliates can acquire an equity interest in Neuphoria, thereby strengthening their commitment to the success of
Neuphoria and aligning their interests with Neuphoria’s shareholders. The Neuphoria Stock Plan permits the grant of stock options
(both nonstatutory stock options and incentive stock options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock
bonuses, and performance awards (collectively the Awards).
Subject to adjustment provisions in the Neuphoria Stock
Plan, the board of directors of Neuphoria may reserve an appropriate number of Neuphoria Shares for issuance under the Neuphoria Stock
Plan and such Neuphoria Shares may consist of authorised but unissued or reacquired shares or any combination thereof.
If (i) any stock option or stock appreciation right granted
under the Neuphoria Stock Plan is exercised through the tendering of Neuphoria Shares (either actually or by attestation) or by the withholding
of Shares by Neuphoria, or (ii) tax or deduction liabilities arising from an Award are satisfied by the tendering of Neuphoria Shares
(either actually or by attestation) or by the withholding of Shares by Neuphoria, then in each case the Shares tendered or withheld shall
be added to the Shares available for grant under the Neuphoria Stock Plan on a one-for-one basis. Shares underlying Awards under the Neuphoria
Stock Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, expire unexercised, or are settled in cash are available again for Awards under the Neuphoria
Stock Plan on a one-for-one basis.
In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether
in the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalisation, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganisation,
merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Neuphoria Shares or other securities, or other change
in corporate structure affecting the shares occurs, the administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or
potential benefits intended to be made available under the Neuphoria Stock Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares that may be
delivered under the Neuphoria Stock Plan and/or the number, class, and price of shares covered by each outstanding Award. In the event
of a proposed dissolution or liquidation of Neuphoria, the administrator will notify each participant as soon as practicable prior to
the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately
prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
The board of directors of Neuphoria or a committee thereof
has the authority to administer the Neuphoria Stock Plan, provided that different committees may administer the Neuphoria Stock Plan with
respect to different groups of participants. The administrator’s authority includes the powers to, in its discretion: (i) designate
participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a participant; (iii) determine the number of Neuphoria Shares
to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine
the form of Award agreement and the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances
Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Neuphoria Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or cancelled, forfeited,
or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, cancelled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether,
to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, Neuphoria Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property
and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the participant or of
the administrator; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the
Neuphoria Stock Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Neuphoria Stock Plan; (viii) establish,
amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the administrator shall deem appropriate for the proper
administration of the Neuphoria Stock Plan; (ix) accelerate the vesting or exercisability of, payment for or lapse of restrictions on,
Awards, including, but not limited to, upon a qualifying termination; (x) to institute and determine
the terms and conditions of an exchange program; provided, however, that the administrator shall not implement an exchange program without
the approval of the holders of a majority of the Neuphoria Shares that are present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at any annual
or special meeting of Neuphoria’s shareholders; (xi) to settle all controversies regarding the Neuphoria Stock Plan and Awards granted
under it; (xii) to submit any amendment to the Neuphoria Stock Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments
to the Neuphoria Stock Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code) regarding Incentive Stock Options; (xiii) to adopt such procedures and sub-plans
as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Neuphoria Stock Plan by employees, directors or consultants who are foreign
nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that committee approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to
the Neuphoria Stock Plan or any award agreement that are required for compliance with the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction);
and (xiv) make any other determination and take any other action that the committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration.
Awards may be granted to employees, directors and other
service providers of Neuphoria or any present or future subsidiary corporation or other affiliated entity of Neuphoria. Incentive stock
options may be granted only to employees who, as of the time of grant, are employees of Neuphoria or any subsidiary corporation.
A stock option may be granted as an incentive stock option
or a nonqualified stock option. The exercise price for an incentive stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the Neuphoria
Shares subject to the stock option on the date the stock option is granted (or less than 110% of the fair market value of the Neuphoria
Shares if the participant owns Neuphoria Shares possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of Neuphoria
Shares (a Ten Percent Stockholder). Stock options will not be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant
(or five years, in the case of an incentive stock option issued to a Ten Percent Stockholder). Each Award agreement will set forth the
number of Neuphoria Shares subject to each stock option, the vesting terms and the acceptable form of consideration for exercising the
stock option, including the method of payment. As the administrator determines, such consideration may consist entirely of cash, check,
promissory note, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, Neuphoria Shares, cashless exercise, net exercise, such other consideration
and method of payment to the extent permitted by applicable laws or any combination of the foregoing.
| (h) | Stock Appreciation Rights (‘SARs’) |
A stock appreciation right, or SAR, is a right that entitles
the participant, upon exercise of the SAR, to receive, in cash or Neuphoria Shares or a combination thereof, as determined by the administrator,
value equal to or otherwise based on the excess of (i) the fair market value of a specified number of Neuphoria Shares at the time of
exercise over (ii) the strike price of the SAR, as established by the administrator on the date of grant. SARs will not be exercisable
after the expiration of 10 years from the date of grant. Each Award agreement will set forth the number of Neuphoria Shares subject to
the SAR, the vesting schedule applicable to the SAR, including any performance conditions, and other terms and conditions of the SAR.
| (i) | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units |
Restricted stock awards are the grant of Neuphoria Shares
of which issuance, retention, vesting and/or transferability is subject during specified periods of time to such conditions (including
continued employment) and terms as the administrator deems appropriate. Restricted stock units, or RSUs, are an Award denominated in units
under which the issuance of Neuphoria Shares (or cash payment in lieu thereof) is subject to the satisfaction of such conditions (including
continued employment) and terms as the administrator deems appropriate. Each Award agreement evidencing a grant of restricted stock or
RSUs will set forth the terms and conditions of each Award, including vesting and forfeiture provisions, transferability and, if applicable,
right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. Generally, unless the administrator provides otherwise, holders of restricted stock
will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Neuphoria Shares, provided that if any such
dividends or distributions are paid in Neuphoria Shares, the Neuphoria Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability
and forfeitability as the restricted stock with respect to which they were paid.
Performance awards are the grant of Neuphoria Shares, the
issuance, retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject to the satisfaction of specific performance criteria set by the
administrator at the time of grant. Each Award agreement evidencing a grant of a performance award will set forth the terms and conditions
of each Award, including the performance criteria, forfeiture provisions, transferability and, if applicable, right to receive dividends
or dividend equivalents.
Stock bonuses are Awards payable in cash or Neuphoria Shares,
the grant, issuance, retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject during specified periods of time to such conditions
(including continued employment) and terms as the administrator deems appropriate. Each Award agreement evidencing a stock bonus will
set forth the terms and conditions of each Award, including vesting and forfeiture provisions, transferability and, if applicable, right
to receive dividends or dividend equivalents.
| (l) | Transferability of Awards |
Unless determined otherwise by the administrator, Awards
may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, or otherwise transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent
and distribution, and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the participant only by the participant.
Under the Neuphoria Stock Plan, a Change in Control is
defined to include a person acquiring more than 50% of the voting stock of Neuphoria, a sale of substantially all its assets and a merger
in which holders of Neuphoria Shares do not own more than 50% of the voting stock of the combined business.
Unless provided otherwise in an Award agreement or other
written agreement between a participant and Neuphoria or an affiliate or by the Neuphoria board of directors at the time of grant of an
Award, in the event of a Change in Control the administrator may, in its sole discretion: (i) cancel Awards for a cash payment or Share
issuance equal to their fair value (as determined in the sole discretion of the administrator), (ii) provide for the issuance of substitute
or replacement awards, (iii) terminate stock options without providing accelerated vesting, (iv) immediately vest the unvested portion
of any Award and provide a period for exercise, or (v) take any other action with respect to the Awards the administrator deems appropriate.
The treatment of Awards upon a Change in Control may vary among participants and types of Awards in the administrator’s sole discretion.
Awards subject to performance goals shall be settled upon a Change in Control based upon the extent to which the performance goals underlying
such Awards have been achieved as determined in the sole discretion of the administrator.
Prior to the delivery of any Neuphoria Shares or cash pursuant
to an Award, Neuphoria may deduct or withhold from any and all payments made under the Neuphoria Stock Plan, or to require the participant
to remit to Neuphoria an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the participant’s
US Federal Insurance Contributions Act obligations), if any, required by law to be withheld by Neuphoria with respect to an Award or the
Neuphoria Shares acquired pursuant thereto.
| (o) | Termination and Amendment, Term |
The Neuphoria board of directors may
at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Neuphoria Stock Plan, provided that shareholder approval will be obtained for any Neuphoria
Stock Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with applicable laws. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination
of the Neuphoria Stock Plan will impair the rights of any participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the participant and the
administrator. Termination of the Neuphoria Stock Plan will not affect the administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted
to it under the Neuphoria Stock Plan with respect to Awards granted under the Stock Plan prior to the date of such termination. The Neuphoria
Stock Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Neuphoria board of directors and, unless sooner terminated, will continue in
effect for a term of 10 years from the effective date of the Neuphoria Stock Plan.
| 8.13 | Interests in Bionomics Shares and Benefits |
Neuphoria holds no Bionomics Shares as at the date of this
Scheme Booklet.
| 8.14 | No other material information known to Neuphoria |
Except
as disclosed elsewhere in this Scheme Booklet, so far as Neuphoria is aware, as at the date of the Scheme Booklet, there is no other
information that is:
| ● | material
to the making of a decision by a Bionomics Shareholder whether or not to vote in favour of
the Scheme; and |
| ● | known
to Neuphoria, at the date of lodging this Scheme Booklet with ASIC for registration,
which has not previously been disclosed to Bionomics Shareholders. |
| 9. | Overview of the Combined Group |
| 9.1 | Responsibility for information |
The information set out in this section
was prepared by Bionomics and Bionomics is responsible for the information contained in this section.
| 9.2 | Overview of the Combined Group |
The Combined Group will represent a continuation of the assets,
operations, management and strategy of Bionomics. The disclosures elsewhere in this Scheme Booklet regarding those matters will be equally
applicable to the Combined Group, except to the extent a different position is described in this Section 9.
| 9.3 | Board and management of the Combined Group |
It is intended that if the Scheme is implemented,
the Neuphoria Board will be the same as the current members of the Bionomics Board of Directors.
A summary of the qualifications and experience
of each current and incoming director is set out in section 8.2.
The Combined Group will continue to be led
by Bionomics’ current senior executive team consisting of Spyridon Papapetropoulos, Tim Cunningham, and Liz Doolin.
| (a) | Pro forma capital structure table |
Post-implementation of the Scheme, the
percentage shareholdings in Neuphoria will be the same as the percentage beneficial shareholdings in Bionomics at the Record Date (other
than in relation to the Bionomics Shares to be sold through the Sale Facility). Neuphoria will be the sole shareholder
of Bionomics from the Implementation Date.
The pro forma capital structure of Neuphoria at
the Implementation Date is set out below.
Neuphoria
security |
Number
on issue |
Neuphoria Shares |
1,627,279 |
Shares of preferred stock |
nil |
Neuphoria Options |
45,103 options, exercisable into Neuphoria Shares |
Neuphoria Warrants |
1,054,381 warrants to purchase 1,054,381 Neuphoria Shares |
Notes:
| ● | Post-implementation
numbers are subject to rounding |
| ● | The
holder of the Neuphoria Warrants may not exercise the warrants if such exercise would take
the holder’s beneficial ownership of Bionomics Shares above 9.99%. |
| (b) | Substantial holders in Neuphoria |
The substantial shareholders of Neuphoria
on the Implementation Date will be the same as the substantial shareholders in Bionomics (assuming no changes to their shareholdings occur
prior to the Record Date), as set out in section 7.6(c).
The corporate governance policies
of Neuphoria must comply with Nasdaq listing rules and will be substantially the same as Bionomics’ corporate governance policies.
For information about Bionomics’ corporate governance policies, see Item 10 (Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance)
to its 2024 annual report on Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on 30 September 2024. It may be accessed on the SEC’s website
(www.sec.gov) and Bionomics’ website (https://ir.bionomics.com.au/financials-filings/sec-filings).
| 9.6 | Strategic rationale for the Scheme |
The acquisition
of Bionomics by Neuphoria is expected to enhance the Combined Group and provide a number of benefits. In particular, it is expected that
the Scheme will (if implemented) provide benefits including:
| ● | reducing
compliance costs by ceasing to have reporting obligations as an Australian public company; |
| ● | increasing
the Combined Group’s visibility and reputation in the pharmaceutical industry; |
| ● | increasing
attractiveness to potential investors; |
| ● | simplifying
the corporate structure and reducing compliance costs; |
| ● | increasing
the potential investor pool; and |
| ● | enhanced
regulatory pathways through direct access to FDA resources: |
| 9.7 | Neuphoria’s
intentions for the business, assets and employees of Bionomics |
This section sets out the current
intentions of Neuphoria in relation to the Combined Group if the Scheme is implemented. These intentions are based on facts and information
known to Neuphoria at the time of preparing this Scheme Booklet that concern Neuphoria and Bionomics as well as the general economic and
business environment and are statements of current intention only and, accordingly, may vary as new information becomes available or circumstances
change.
If the Scheme is implemented, Neuphoria intends
to continue the business of Bionomics in a similar manner as it is currently operating.
Bionomics’ assets are described in
detail in Section 7, and implementation of the Scheme will not change the composition of those assets or the strategy of the Combined
Group in relation to those assets.
Neuphoria’s current view is to retain
all employees of Bionomics on their current terms.
If any current Bionomics employees are made
redundant, where appropriate having regard to the positions held by any relevant employees, Neuphoria will attempt to identify opportunities
for alternative employment. If any employee is made redundant, they will receive all entitlements in compliance with applicable legislative
awards or contractual requirements and they will be paid any redundancy amounts in accordance with their legal entitlements.
Neuphoria has no immediate to medium-term
intention to raise further capital following the Scheme by issuing common stock.
Neuphoria has not issued any preferred stock
and has no immediate to medium-term intention to issue any preferred stock following the Scheme.
However, as a biopharmaceutical company,
Bionomics may need to raise additional funding from time to time as part of the normal course of its operations. If the Scheme is implemented,
Neuphoria and Bionomics may engage in capital raising activities for the Combined Group in the future, as they deem necessary. This may
include equity and/or debt funding.
If the Scheme is implemented, the payment of future dividends
to shareholders of the Combined Group will be at the discretion of the directors of Neuphoria and will be a function of a number of factors
including general business conditions, the operating results and financial condition of the Combined Group, its strategy, future funding
requirements including an assessment of the capital required for new investments, compliance with debt facilities, capital management
initiatives, taxation considerations, any contractual, legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Combined Group
and any other factors the directors of the Combined Group may consider relevant.
| 9.9 | Prospects of the Combined Group |
The prospects and strategy of Bionomics and its assets are
detailed in Section 7, and those aspects will continue to apply to the assets and business of the Combined Group.
This section describes certain key risks
associated with the Scheme. It outlines:
| (a) | risks relating to the Scheme; |
| (b) | specific risks relating to the Combined Group; and |
| (c) | risks to Bionomics Shareholders if the Scheme does not proceed. |
The outline of risks in this section is
a summary only and should not be considered exhaustive. This section does not attempt to set out every risk that may be associated with
an investment in Bionomics, Neuphoria or the Combined Group now or in the future. The occurrence or consequences of some of the risks
described in this section may be partially or completely outside the control of Bionomics, Neuphoria or the Combined Group.
| 10.2 | Risks relating to the Scheme |
| (a) | The exact value of the Scheme consideration is not certain |
Under the terms of the Scheme, subject to
exceptions in relation to Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing Small Parcel Holders, Bionomics Shareholders will receive
one Neuphoria Share for every 2,160 Bionomics Shares they hold. The exact value of the Scheme Consideration that would be realised by
individual Shareholders will be dependent on the price at which the Neuphoria Shares trade on Nasdaq after the Implementation Date.
| (b) | In addition, the Sale Agent will be issued Neuphoria Shares attributable to certain Ineligible Overseas Shareholders and Electing
Small Parcel Holders under the Scheme and will sell them on market as soon as reasonably practicable after the Implementation Date. It
is possible that such sales may exert downward pressure on the Combined Group’s share price during the applicable period. In any
event, there is no guarantee regarding the prices that will be realised by the Sale Agent or the future market price of the Neuphoria
Shares. Future market prices may be either above or below current or historical market prices. |
The Scheme or the issue of Neuphoria Shares
upon implementation of the Scheme may be deemed (under contracts to which Bionomics or its subsidiaries are a party) to result in a change
of share ownership event in respect of Bionomics that allows the counterparty to review or terminate the contract as a result of the change,
or the issue of shares by Neuphoria, upon implementation of the Scheme. If the counterparty to any such contract were to validly seek
to renegotiate or terminate the contract on that basis, this may have a material adverse effect on the financial performance of the Combined
Group, depending on the relevant contracts. Based on Bionomics’ due diligence and enquiries of current key contractual counterparties,
Bionomics does not expect that any of its material contracts will be terminated as a result of the Proposed Transaction.
| (d) | Scheme Implementation Agreement may be terminated |
Each of Bionomics and Neuphoria has the right
to terminate the Scheme Implementation Agreement in certain circumstances as set out in section 5.6 of this Scheme Booklet. Accordingly,
there is no certainty that the Scheme Implementation Agreement will not be terminated by either Bionomics or Neuphoria before the implementation
of the Scheme.
There is a risk that the Court may not approve the Scheme,
either at all or in the form proposed, or the Court’s approval of the Scheme may be delayed. In particular, if there is a material
change in circumstances between the Scheme Meeting and the Second Court Date, the Court will take the change into account in deciding
whether it should approve the Scheme. If there is a material change of sufficient importance so as to materially alter the Scheme, there
is a risk that the Court may not approve the Scheme on the Second Court Date.
| (f) | Transaction costs may vary |
Transaction costs and other costs incurred
(or which are expected to be incurred by Bionomics) in relation to the successful implementation of the Proposed Transaction are currently
estimated at approximately $900,000 (exclusive of GST). In addition, Citibank, N.A., as depositary for Bionomics’ American Depositary
Receipt program, has demanded a significant amount of fees be paid in connection with the re-domiciliation. Bionomics believes Citibank’s
initial demand was excessive and currently expects to pay fees of approximately US$100,000 to Citibank for its services as depositary
in connection with the re-domiciliation. There can be no assurance as to the final amount of fees and if not resolved commercially, then,
like any contract dispute, it could be resolved through litigation although this is not expected by Bionomics to be necessary.
| (g) | Tax consequences for Bionomics Shareholders |
If the Scheme proceeds, there may be tax
consequences for Scheme Participants. Similar to an investment in Bionomics ADSs, an investment in Neuphoria Shares involves US income
tax considerations. Following implementation of the Scheme, US and non-US holders of Neuphoria Shares may be subject to US tax and reporting
requirements like an investment in shares of other US companies.
General information on the Australian and
US tax consequences of the Scheme is set out in section 11 of this Scheme Booklet.
Additional risks and uncertainties not currently
known to Bionomics or Neuphoria may also have a material adverse effect on the business of Bionomics, Neuphoria or the Combined Group
and the information set out above does not purport to be, nor should it be construed as representing, an exhaustive list of the risks
of Bionomics, Neuphoria or the Combined Group.
| 10.3 | Risks relating to the operations of the Combined Group |
For information about risk factors
relating to the operations of Bionomics’ and the Combined Group, see Item 1A (Risk Factors) to Bionomics’ 2024 annual report
on Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on 30 September 2024. It may be accessed on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) and Bionomics’
website (https://ir.bionomics.com.au/financials-filings/sec-filings).
| 10.4 | Risks if the Scheme does not proceed |
If the Scheme does not proceed, Bionomics
will continue on a standalone basis and Bionomics Shareholders will retain their Bionomics Shares and will not receive any Scheme Consideration.
In these circumstances, there is a risk that Bionomics ADSs may trade below their current market price.
In addition, if Scheme does not proceed, then Bionomics will continue to be subject to duplicative costs and requirements under U.S. and
Australian law. For instance, effective July 2024, Bionomics must prepare financial statements in compliance with both GAAP and Australian
Accounting Standards (which are consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards) and the two sets of financial statements
will be audited by two different auditors under two different auditing standards.
If the Scheme is not implemented,
Bionomics expects to pay an aggregate of approximately $900,000 (excluding GST) in transaction costs in connection with the Scheme. These
transaction costs are primarily payable to Bionomics financial, legal, tax and accounting advisors, the Independent Expert, the Share
Registry, and ASIC and Court filing fees.
| 11.1 | United States federal taxation implications |
The following is a summary of certain material US federal income tax
consequences of the (i) Scheme and (ii) post Scheme ownership and disposition of Neuphoria Shares. This summary is based upon the Code,
final, temporary and proposed US Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published guidance and court decisions, each as in effect
on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, or changes in interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, this
discussion is based in part upon the provisions in the Deposit Agreement entered into with the ADS Depositary and the assumption that
each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreements will be performed according to its terms.
The following summary assumes the Scheme will be consummated as described
in this Scheme Booklet and applies only to Bionomics Shareholders and ADS Holders that hold their Bionomics Shares, or Bionomics ADSs,
and that will hold their Neuphoria Shares received respectively pursuant to the Scheme, as “capital assets” within the meaning
of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address all aspects of US federal income
taxation that may be relevant to a Bionomics Shareholder or ADS Holder in light
of such Bionomics Shareholder’s or ADS Holder’s particular circumstances, including any tax consequences arising under the
Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, the alternative minimum tax, or to any Bionomics Shareholder or ADS Holder subject
to special treatment under the Code, including, but not limited to:
| ● | a
person who directly, indirectly or constructively owns 10 percent or more of the Bionomics
Shares and/or Bionomics ADSs; |
| ● | financial
institutions or broker-dealers; |
| ● | tax-exempt
organisations (including private foundations); |
| ● | dealers
in securities or foreign currencies; |
| ● | traders
in securities who elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting; |
| ● | controlled
foreign corporations and their shareholders, or any foreign corporation with respect to which
there are one or more “United States shareholders” within the meaning of Section
951(b) of the Code; |
| ● | passive
foreign investment companies and their shareholders; |
| ● | United
States expatriates and certain former United States citizens or long-term residents; |
| ● | “S”
corporations, partnerships and their partners, or other entities or arrangements classified
as partnerships for United States federal income tax purposes, grantor trusts, or other passthrough
entities (and investors therein); |
| ● | Bionomics
Shareholders who acquired their Bionomics Shares or ADS Holders who acquired their Bionomics
ADSs through the exercise of options or otherwise as compensation; |
| ● | Bionomics
Shareholders who hold their Bionomics Shares or ADS Holders who hold their Bionomics ADSs
(or Neuphoria Shares after the Scheme) as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion
transaction, or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes; |
| ● | a
person that is or may have been liable for alternative minimum tax; |
| ● | regulated
investment companies; |
| ● | real
estate investment trusts; |
| ● | investors
subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect
to the Bionomics ADSs or common stock being taken into account in an applicable financial
statement; or |
| ● | Bionomics
Shareholders or ADS Holders that have a functional currency other than the United States
dollar. |
In addition,
this summary does not address any aspect of foreign (except as otherwise provided herein) state, local, alternative minimum, estate,
gift or other tax law that may be applicable to a holder. This summary is intended to provide only a general summary of certain material
United States federal income tax consequences of the Scheme to holders of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs. The United States
federal income tax laws are complex and subject to varying interpretation. Accordingly, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
may not agree with the tax consequences described in this Scheme Booklet, and there is no assurance that the IRS’s position would
not be sustained in a court.
This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not tax
advice. Bionomics Shareholders and ADS Holders should consult their own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local,
non-US and other tax consequences to them of the receipt of Neuphoria Shares in exchange for the Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs pursuant
to the Scheme and the ownership and disposition thereof.
For purposes
of this summary, a “US Holder” includes a beneficial owner of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs that is, for United
States federal income tax purposes:
| ● | an
individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| ● | a
corporation, created in, or organised under the laws of, the United States or any state thereof
or the District of Columbia; |
| ● | an
estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income
tax purposes regardless of its source; or |
| ● | a
trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United
States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control
all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) that has made a valid election to be treated
as a United States person under the Code. |
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a “tax transparent”
entity for United States tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner in
the partnership (or interest holder in the “tax transparent” entity) will generally depend on the status of the partner (or
interest holder) and the activities of the partnership (or “tax transparent” entity). In general, for United States federal
income tax purposes, US Holders of Bionomics ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the underlying Bionomics Shares represented
by the Bionomics ADSs.
A Non-US Holder is a beneficial owner (other than a partnership) of
Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs that is not a US Holder (defined above). The following summary assumes that a Non-US Holder does not
have a trade or business (or permanent establishment) in the United States.
As holders of Bionomics ADSs are treated as the beneficial owners of
the underlying Bionomics Shares represented by the Bionomics ADSs, we refer to holders of both Bionomics Shares and Bionomics ADSs as
Shareholders for purposes of the discussion that follows.
| (a) | Material US Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Scheme |
The exchange of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs for Neuphoria Shares,
respectively, pursuant to the Scheme, is intended to be treated as a transfer to which Section 351 of the Code applies and/or as a reorganisation
described in Section 368(a) of the Code in which no gain or loss is recognised to Bionomics, Neuphoria, US Holders or Non-US Holders.
This summary assumes that the exchange of Bionomics Shares or ADSs for Bionomics Shares, respectively, pursuant to the Scheme will be
treated as a transfer to which Section 351 of the Code applies and/or a reorganisation described in Section 368(a) of the Code.
| (A) | Passive Foreign Investment Company |
The Code provides special, generally
adverse, rules regarding sales, exchanges and other dispositions of the stock of a passive foreign investment company (PFIC).
A foreign (non-US) corporation will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year if at least 75% of its gross income for the taxable
year is passive income or at least 50% of its gross assets during the taxable year, based on a quarterly average and generally by value,
produce or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes, among other things, dividends,
interest, rents, royalties, gains from commodities and securities transactions and gains from assets that produce passive income. In determining
whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, a pro-rata portion of the income and assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or
indirectly, at least a 25% interest (by value) is taken into account.
Depending upon the value and the nature
of Bionomics’ assets and income over time, Bionomics could be classified as a “passive foreign investment company”,
or “PFIC”, for United States federal income tax purposes. Based on Bionomics’ income and assets, Bionomics believes
that it was not a PFIC for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. In general, unless an exception applies, gain (but not loss) must be recognised
upon the disposition of PFIC stock by a US shareholder in connection with a nonrecognition transaction, notwithstanding that such transfer
may otherwise be eligible for nonrecognition treatment. Exceptions to such gain recognition on transfers of PFIC stock include (i) certain
transfers to US persons, (ii) certain transfers which result in the transferring US shareholder holding an indirect ownership interest
in the PFIC, and (iii) if the transferring US shareholder timely made a valid QEF or mark-to-market election with respect to the PFIC.
If a disposition of PFIC stock in a nonrecognition transaction to which such an exception would apply but for the fact that cash is received
in addition to stock, gain is generally recognised to the extent of the cash received. If an exception to gain recognition applies, a
US shareholder will generally be subject to additional information reporting requirements.
Upon the completion of the Scheme,
Bionomics expects that the PFIC regime and associated implications discussed above will no longer be relevant to the Neuphoria Holders.
This is because US Holders will then directly own Neuphoria Shares or in Neuphoria, which will be treated as a United States corporation
and therefore not subject to the PFIC rules. Furthermore, PFIC status of any of the Neuphoria non-US subsidiaries could only be attributed
to any of the US Holders if such shareholder owned 50 percent or more of the outstanding Neuphoria Shares, which is not expected to occur.
US Holders are urged to contact
their own tax advisor regarding Bionomics’ status as a PFIC, including the impact of such PFIC status on their taxation as a result
of participation in the Scheme, reporting requirements and the application of the PFIC rules in light of each US Holder’s particular
circumstances.
| (B) | Exchange of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs for or Neuphoria Shares and Receipt of Neuphoria Shares |
A US Holder will generally not recognise
any gain or loss on the exchange of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs for Neuphoria Shares
US Holders will have an aggregate
adjusted United States federal tax basis in the Neuphoria Shares or received pursuant to the Scheme equal to their aggregate adjusted
United States federal tax basis in the Bionomics ADSs or Bionomics Shares surrendered. Thus, to the extent a US Holder has a loss in its
Bionomics ADSs or Bionomics Shares, such loss generally will be preserved. The holding period for Neuphoria Shares or received pursuant
to the Scheme will generally include the holding period of Bionomics ADSs or Bionomics Shares surrendered pursuant to the Scheme.
| (A) | Exchange of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs for or Neuphoria Shares and Receipt of Neuphoria Shares |
Non-US Holders will generally not recognise any gain or
loss as a result of the Scheme, except that Non-US Holders that receive cash (upon the sale of their Neuphoria Shares because they are
Ineligible Overseas Shareholders or Electing Small Parcel Holders) may recognise a gain or loss, if any, if Neuphoria is considered
a “United States real property holding corporation” (USRPHC) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code, immediately
after the Scheme. Bionomics expects Neuphoria to be a USRPHC immediately after the Scheme. Subject to the considerations described in
“Non-US Holders – Sale or Other Disposition of Neuphoria Shares” below, any gain recognised by a Non-US Holder with
respect to the receipt of cash upon the sale of Neuphoria Shares will generally not be subject to United States federal income taxation.
Non-US Holders are urged to contact
their own tax advisor regarding the reporting requirements and information statements that could potentially be applicable with respect
to the Scheme and any consequences, including penalties, potentially applicable as a result of a failure to meet such requirements.
Non-US Holders will have an aggregate
adjusted United States federal tax basis in the Neuphoria Shares received pursuant to the Scheme equal to their aggregate adjusted United
States federal tax basis in the Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs surrendered. The holding period for Neuphoria Shares received pursuant
to the Scheme will generally include the holding period of Bionomics Shares or Bionomics ADSs surrendered pursuant to the Scheme.
| (b) | Material US Federal Income Tax Consequences of Holding and Disposing of Neuphoria Shares Post-Scheme |
| (A) | Sale or Other Disposition of Neuphoria Shares |
A US Holder will generally recognise
gain or loss on a sale or other disposition of Neuphoria Shares equal to the difference, if any, between the fair market value of the
Neuphoria Shares sold and such US Holder’s adjusted US federal tax basis in the Neuphoria Shares. Such gain or loss will generally
be capital gain or loss. If the US Holder has a holding period in the Neuphoria Shares sold of more than one year, such capital gain or
loss will be long-term capital gain or loss. Generally, for US Holders who are individuals (as well as certain trusts and estates), long-term
capital gains are subject to US federal income tax at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant
limitations.
| (B) | Distributions on Neuphoria Shares |
Distributions, if any, paid on Neuphoria
Shares will be treated as dividends to the extent of Neuphoria’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Amounts treated as
dividends will generally be includable in a US Holder’s gross income in the year actually or constructively received. Any amount
distributed in excess of Neuphoria’s current earnings and profits will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent
of a US Holder’s basis in the Neuphoria Shares with respect to which the distribution was received. Amounts in excess of a US Holder’s
basis in the Neuphoria Shares will be treated as capital gain subject to the treatment described above in “Sale or Other Disposition
of Neuphoria Shares.” Generally, for US Holders who are individuals (as well as certain trusts and estates), dividends paid by us
will be subject to US federal income tax at preferential rates.
| (C) | Information Reporting and Backup Withholding |
US backup withholding tax and information
reporting requirements will generally apply to payments to non-corporate holders of Neuphoria Shares. Information reporting will apply
to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the disposition of, Neuphoria Shares by a paying agent within the United States to a
US Holder, other than US Holders that are exempt from information reporting and properly certify their exemption. A paying agent within
the United States will be required to withhold at the applicable statutory rate, currently 24%, in respect of any payments of dividends
on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, Neuphoria Shares within the United States to US Holders (other than US Holders that are
exempt from backup withholding and properly certify their exemption) if the holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification
number or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding requirements. US Holders who are required to establish their exempt
status generally must provide a properly completed IRS Form W-9.
Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a US Holder’s US federal income tax liability. A US Holder generally
may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules in excess of such US Holder’s US federal income tax
liability by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required information.
| (A) | Sale or Other Disposition of Neuphoria Shares |
If Neuphoria is considered a “United
States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code) or has been a USRPHC
in the 5 year period ending on the date of sale or other disposition then, absent an exception, the gain of a Non-US Holder, if any, on
the sale of Neuphoria Shares will be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a US trade or business. We expect that Neuphoria
will be treated as a USRPHC immediately after the Scheme. Assuming so and except as described below for certain 5% or less shareholders,
Non-US Holders will be subject to US federal income taxation on any gain treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a US trade
or business at the rates generally applicable to US persons. Additionally, a purchaser of Neuphoria Shares from a Non-US Holder may withhold
15% of the purchase price.
Gain recognised by Non-US Holders
who have directly, indirectly, and constructively owned 5 percent or less of the outstanding Neuphoria Shares during the 5-year period
ending on the date of any sale or disposition will generally not be treated as effectively connected with a US trade or business and will
therefore not be subject to US taxation as described immediately above, provided that Neuphoria Shares are regularly traded on an established
securities market. Neuphoria Shares generally will be considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market if they are
regularly quoted by brokers or dealers making a market in such interests. If the Neuphoria Shares are not considered regularly traded,
then the exception for Non-US Holders who have owned 5 percent or less of the Neuphoria Shares described above will not be applicable.
| (B) | Distributions on Neuphoria Shares |
Distributions, if any, paid on Neuphoria
Shares will be treated as dividends to the extent of Neuphoria’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Any amount distributed
in excess of Neuphoria’s current earnings and profits will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a US
Holder’s basis in the Neuphoria Shares with respect to which the distribution was received. Amounts in excess of a US Holder’s
basis in the Neuphoria Shares will be treated as capital gain subject to the treatment described above in “Sale or Other Disposition
of Neuphoria Shares.”
Dividends paid to a Non-US Holder
will generally be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate unless the Non-US Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty
that provides for a reduced rate of withholding and such Non-US Holder establishes its eligibility for the reduced rate by providing a
valid Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation). If a Non-US Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of withholding,
such Non-US Holder may file a refund claim with the IRS for a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such reduced rate.
Although distributions that are treated
as a return of capital or as capital gain are generally not subject to withholding, distributions from USRPHCs are generally subject to
withholding. As noted above, it is anticipated that Neuphoria will be treated as a USRPHC immediately after the Scheme. Accordingly, it
is anticipated that Neuphoria will withhold 15% of any amount distributed that is not a dividend. Non-US Holders can file a US tax return
and claim a refund of any amount withheld with respect to a return of capital distribution or a capital gain distribution (to the extent
the amount withheld exceeds such Non-US Holder’s tax due). Certain Non-US Holders may be entitled to an Australian foreign income
tax offset (“FITO”) with respect to any amounts of tax withheld.
| (C) | Information Reporting and Backup Withholding |
Payments to Non-US Holders of dividends
on Neuphoria Shares will generally not be subject to backup withholding, and payments of proceeds made to Non-US Holders by brokers upon
a sale of Neuphoria Shares will generally not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding, in each case so long as the Non-US
Holder certifies its non-resident status (and Neuphoria or its paying agent do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the Non-US
Holder is a US person or that the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied) or otherwise establishes an exemption.
The certification procedures to claim a reduced rate of withholding under an income tax treaty described above in “Distributions
on Neuphoria Shares” will generally satisfy the certification requirements necessary to avoid backup withholding. Copies of information
returns with respect to dividends that are filed with the IRS may also be made available to tax authorities of the country in which the
Non-US Holder resides.
Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a Non-US Holder’s US federal income tax liability. A Non-US
Holder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules in excess of such Non-US Holder’s
US federal income tax liability by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required
information.
| (D) | Additional FATCA Withholding |
Withholding taxes may be imposed under
Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act or “FATCA”) on certain
types of payments made to non-US financial institutions and certain other non-US entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be
imposed on payments of dividends if paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity”
(each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the United States Department
of the Treasury to undertake certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does
not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each
substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption
from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution which entered into the agreement in (1) above, the diligence and reporting
requirements include, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons”
or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts,
and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. An intergovernmental
agreement governing FATCA between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph.
The FATCA withholding tax will apply
to all “withholdable payments” (as defined in the Code) without regard to whether the beneficial owner of the payment would
otherwise be entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty with the United States
or under other provisions of the Code. Non-US Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of
withholding under FATCA to their investment in Neuphoria Shares.
THE US FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR
GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. HOLDERS OF, OPTIONS, SHARES, AND AFTER THE SCHEME, NEUPHORIA SHARES, SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE
THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SUCH HOLDERS OF THE SCHEME, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-US TAX
LAWS.
| 11.2 | Australian taxation implications |
The following is a general description
of the Australian tax consequences of the Scheme (assuming it is implemented) for Bionomics Shareholders. It does not consider the tax
consequences that may arise on the exchange of Bionomics Options and Bionomics Warrants for equivalent options and performance rights
in Neuphoria.
The following description does not constitute
tax advice and should not be relied upon as such. It is based upon the Australian tax law and administrative practice in effect at the
date of this Scheme Booklet. It is general in nature and is not intended to be an authoritative or complete statement of the laws applicable
to the particular circumstances of a Bionomics Shareholder. Bionomics Shareholders are advised to seek their own independent professional
tax advice in relation to their own particular circumstances.
The comments
set out below are relevant only to those Bionomics Shareholders who hold their Bionomics Shares on capital account. The description does
not apply to Bionomics Shareholders who:
| ● | acquired
their Bionomics Shares pursuant to an employee share scheme arrangement; |
| ● | are
financial institutions, insurance companies, partnerships, tax exempt organisations, dealers
in securities, Bionomics Shareholders who change their tax residency while holding the shares
or are subject to special tax rules; |
| ● | hold
their Bionomics Shares for the purposes of speculation or a business of dealing in securities
(e.g. as trading stock); |
| ● | hold
their shares on revenue account or are subject to the taxation of financial arrangements
rules in Division 230 of the ITAA 1997 in relation to gains and losses on their Bionomics
Shares; |
| ● | are
non-residents of Australia who hold their Bionomics Shares in relation to carrying on a business
at or through a permanent establishment in Australia; or |
| ● | acquired
or are deemed to have acquired their Bionomics Shares before 20 September 1985. |
Bionomics
Shareholders who are tax residents of a country other than Australia (whether or not they are also residents, or are temporary
residents, of Australia for tax purposes) should take into account the tax consequences of the Scheme under the laws of their country
of residence, as well as under Australian law. These comments relate to Australian tax law only.
This tax summary is based on Australian
income tax, GST and duty law and relevant regulations, rulings or judicial or administrative interpretations of such tax laws as at the
date of this Scheme Booklet.
| (a) | Australian resident shareholders |
The disposal of Bionomics Shares held on capital account
to Neuphoria by an Australian resident Bionomics Shareholder will constitute a capital gains tax (CGT) event A1 and may result
in a capital gain or loss for income tax purposes (subject to any scrip for scrip roll-over relief that may be available).
The time of the CGT event will be when the Bionomics Shareholders
transfer their Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria under the Scheme (i.e. the Implementation Date)
Calculation of capital gain or capital
loss (apart from CGT roll-over relief)
Bionomics
Shareholders will make:
| ● | a
capital gain to the extent that their capital proceeds from the disposal of their Bionomics
Shares are greater than the cost base of those Bionomics Shares; or |
| ● | a capital loss to the extent that the capital proceeds are less than the reduced cost base of those Bionomics Shares. |
Subject to choosing to apply CGT roll-over
relief, a Bionomics Shareholder who makes a capital gain on the disposal of their Bionomics Shares will be required to include the net
capital gain (if any) for that income year in their assessable income. In this regard, capital gains and capital losses of a taxpayer
in a year of income from Bionomics Shares and any other relevant CGT events are aggregated to determine whether there is a net capital
gain or net capital loss.
Any net capital gain is to be included in
a Bionomics Shareholder’s assessable income, and is potentially subject to income tax. A net capital loss may not be deducted against
other income for income tax purposes, but may be carried forward to offset future capital gains. Where a Bionomics Shareholder is a company,
certain specific loss rules apply. These rules may limit the ability to offset capital losses in a current or later income year.
Cost base of Bionomics Shares
The cost base of the Bionomics Shares of
a Bionomics Shareholder will generally include the amount paid, and the market value of any property given, to acquire the Bionomics Shares,
plus any non-deductible incidental costs of acquisition and disposal (e.g. brokerage fees and legal costs).
The reduced cost base of the Bionomics Shares
of a Bionomics Shareholder will be determined in a similar manner to the cost base, although some differences in the calculation of reduced
cost base do exist depending on the relevant Bionomics Shareholder’s circumstances.
Capital
proceeds
The
capital proceeds for the disposal of the Bionomics Shares of a Bionomics Shareholder will be the Scheme Consideration, which should be
equal to the market value of the Neuphoria Shares received under the Scheme.
CGT
discount
Individuals,
complying superannuation entities or trustees that have held their Bionomics Shares for at least 12 months (excluding the date of acquisition
and disposal) may be entitled to benefit from the CGT discount to reduce the amount of any capital gain derived (after application of
capital losses) from the disposal of their Bionomics Shares by:
| ● | 50%
in the case of individuals and trusts (for trustees, the ultimate availability of the discount
for the beneficiaries of a trust will depend on the particular circumstances of the beneficiaries);
or |
| ● | 33⅓%
for complying superannuation entities. |
The
CGT discount will not be available to a Bionomics Shareholder that is a company or otherwise considered a corporate tax entity.
Bionomics Shareholders who are trustees should seek their own independent professional advice on how the CGT discount provisions will
apply to them and the trust’s beneficiaries.
Bionomics Shareholders who make a capital
gain on the disposal of their Bionomics Shares under the Scheme may choose to apply CGT roll-over relief to the extent they receive Neuphoria
Shares in respect of their Bionomics Shares.
If CGT roll-over relief is available and
chosen by a Bionomics Shareholder, the capital gain realised from the disposal of the particular Bionomics Shares will be disregarded.
Consequently, the disregarded capital gain is excluded from the calculation of the net capital gains or the carry-forward capital loss
balance of the Bionomics Shareholder.
Whether
a Bionomics Shareholder has made the choice to apply CGT roll-over is generally evidenced by the way in which that Bionomics Shareholder
prepares their income tax return. There is no need to lodge a separate notice with the ATO.
Where
a Bionomics Shareholder has chosen CGT roll-over relief, the following should apply:
| ● | The
first element of the cost base of the Neuphoria Shares received as Scheme Consideration should
be equal to the proportion of the cost base of their original Bionomics Shares that were
exchanged for Scheme Consideration. |
| ● | The
Neuphoria Shares will be taken to be acquired at the time their Bionomics Shares were originally
acquired (for the purpose of any subsequent disposal of the Neuphoria Shares and the application
of the CGT discount). |
The
benefit of choosing CGT roll-over relief will depend upon the individual circumstances of each Bionomics Shareholder.
| (iii) | Where
CGT roll-over relief is not chosen or available |
Where
CGT roll-over relief is not chosen or is not available in relation to a Bionomics Shareholder’s disposal of Bionomics Shares under
the Scheme, the following should apply:
| ● | The
capital gain or capital loss from the disposal of the Bionomics Shareholder’s Bionomics
Shares will be taken into account in calculating the Bionomics Shareholder’s net capital
gain for the income year in which the Implementation Date occurs. |
| ● | The
first element of the cost base of each Neuphoria Share (i.e. the Scheme Consideration) received
should be an amount equal to the market value of the Bionomics Shares given in respect of
acquiring the Neuphoria Share, as determined on the Implementation Date. |
| ● | The
acquisition date of the Neuphoria Shares will be the Implementation Date. This date will
be relevant for any future application of the CGT discount with respect to CGT events occurring
in relation to the Neuphoria Shares. |
| (iv) | Holding
and disposing of Neuphoria Shares |
Dividends
on Neuphoria Shares
An
Australian resident shareholder will generally have to include the gross amount of any dividend received from their Neuphoria
Shares in their assessable income for the relevant income year.
Where foreign withholding tax has been paid
on any dividend received from the Neuphoria Shares, the Australian resident shareholder may be able to claim a non-refundable foreign
income tax offset and use it to reduce their tax liabilities in the relevant year (subject to certain limits).
Future disposal of Neuphoria Shares
Where an Australian resident shareholder
subsequently disposes of their Neuphoria Shares, a CGT event will arise which may give rise to a capital gain or loss.
The cost base and acquisition date of the
Neuphoria Shares, and eligibility to claim the CGT discount, are described above.
| (b) | Non-resident shareholders |
For Bionomics Shareholders who are not Australian
tax residents (including Ineligible Overseas Shareholders), the disposal of their Bionomics Shares should have no CGT consequences if
the Bionomics Shares are not “taxable Australian property”.
The
Bionomics Shares held by a non-resident Bionomics Shareholder will be “taxable Australian property” where:
| ● | the
non-resident Bionomics Shareholder holds their Bionomics Shares in carrying on a business
at or through a permanent establishment in Australia; |
| ● | the
non-resident Bionomics Shareholder is an individual who has previously made an election to
disregard a capital gain or capital loss in respect of their Bionomics Shares when they ceased
to be an Australian tax resident; or |
| ● | the
Bionomics Shares held by the non-resident Bionomics Shareholder are “indirect Australian
real property interests”. |
As at the date of this Scheme Booklet, Bionomics
considers that Bionomics Shares should not constitute “indirect Australian real property interests” on the basis that the
value of Bionomics is not principally attributable to Australian real property interests.
On the basis that Bionomics does not consider
that the Bionomics Shares held by Bionomics Shareholders would constitute “indirect Australian real property interests”, Australia’s
foreign resident CGT withholding regime should not apply. Accordingly, no amount should be required to be withheld from the Scheme Consideration
and paid to the Commissioner pursuant to Subdivision 14-D of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 in respect of foreign resident
CGT withholding.
We note that as part of the 2024-25 Federal
Budget, the Federal Government indicated that it would introduce reforms to the non-resident CGT regime which will commence starting 1
July 2025. These reforms include measures that seek to expand the definition of “taxable Australian property”. Based on the
guidance available, it is not expected that these measures would result in Bionomics Shares constituting “indirect Australian real
property interests” although as at the date of this Scheme Booklet, draft legislation has not been introduced. However, in any event,
provided that the Implementation Date occurs before 1 July 2025 then the existing tax law outlined above should continue to apply.
| (ii) | Holding and disposing Neuphoria Shares |
Where a non-resident shareholder receives
a dividend in respect of their Neuphoria Shares, those shareholders will generally not have to include the amount within their Australian
assessable income for the relevant income year.
Where a non-resident shareholder disposes
of their Neuphoria Shares, this will generally not give rise to a capital gain or a capital loss, provided that the Neuphoria Shares are
not “taxable Australian property” at the time of disposal.
No Australian stamp duty should be payable by Bionomics Shareholders
in relation to:
| (i) | the disposal of their Bionomics Shares to Neuphoria under the Scheme; or |
| (ii) | on the issue of Neuphoria Shares to Bionomics Shareholders in exchange for their Bionomics Shares, provided that: |
| (1) | Neuphoria is not considered a ‘landholder’ for the purposes of the landholder duty provisions in any Australian jurisdiction;
and |
| (2) | no Bionomics Shareholder alone, or with associated or related persons or with any persons (whether they are associated or related
persons), commence to hold an interest of more than 50% in Neuphoria under the Scheme. |
| (d) | Goods and Services Tax |
No GST should be payable by the Bionomics
Shareholders in respect of their disposal of Bionomics Shares nor their acquisition of Neuphoria Shares under the Scheme.
Bionomics Shareholders who are registered
for GST may not be entitled to input tax credits (or only entitled to reduced input tax credits) for any GST incurred on costs associated
with their participation in the Scheme. Bionomics Shareholders should seek independent advice in relation to the impact of GST on their
individual circumstances.
| 12. | Additional information |
This section sets out additional information
required to be disclosed to Bionomics Shareholders pursuant to the Corporations Act and the Corporations Regulations, together with other
information that may be of interest to Bionomics Shareholders.
| 12.1 | Interests of Bionomics Directors |
The Bionomics Directors as at the date of
lodgement of this Scheme Booklet for registration by ASIC were:
Bionomics
Board |
David Ian Wilson |
Director |
Alan David Fisher |
Director |
Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Jane Ryan |
Director |
Peter Miles Winston Davies |
Director |
| (b) | Interests of Bionomics Directors in Bionomics securities |
The following table shows the marketable securities of Bionomics
owned by, or on behalf of, each Bionomics Director, or in which they have a Relevant Interest, as at the Last Practicable Date:
Bionomics
Director |
Bionomics
Shares |
Bionomics
options |
Alan David Fisher |
100,000 |
300,000 |
David Ian Wilson |
251,939 |
300,000 |
Jane Ryan |
0 |
500,000 |
Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
5,999,940 |
27,067,015 |
Peter Miles Winston Davies |
269,984 |
0 |
No Director of Bionomics holds Bionomics Shares in ADS form,
or any Bionomics Warrants.
The Directors of Bionomics who hold Bionomics Shares will be
Scheme Participants and receive Scheme Consideration in respect of the Bionomics Shares which they hold, as will be the case in respect
of all other Scheme Participants.
All Bionomics Board members who hold Bionomics Shares intend
to vote in favour of the Scheme in respect of all Bionomics Shares in which they have a Relevant Interest, subject to the Independent
Expert continuing to conclude that the Scheme is in the best interests of Bionomics Shareholders.
| (c) | Dealings of Bionomics Directors in Bionomics Shares |
No Bionomics Director has acquired or disposed of a Relevant
Interest in any Bionomics Shares in the four-month period ending on the date immediately prior to the date of this Scheme Booklet.
| (d) | Interests of Bionomics Directors in Neuphoria |
Spyridon Papapetropoulos is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Neuphoria.
No Bionomics Director has a Relevant Interest in Neuphoria
and no such persons are otherwise entitled to such securities as at the date of this Scheme Booklet.
| 12.2 | Interests of Bionomics in Neuphoria Shares |
Bionomics does not hold any Neuphoria
Shares as at the date of this Scheme Booklet.
| 12.3 | Interests of Neuphoria in Bionomics Shares |
| (a) | Interests of Neuphoria in marketable securities of Bionomics |
As at the date of this Scheme Booklet, Neuphoria does not hold
any ordinary shares in Bionomics.
| (b) | Dealings of Neuphoria Directors in Bionomics securities |
No Neuphoria Director acquired or disposed of a Relevant Interest
in any Bionomics Shares in the four-month period ending on the date immediately before the date of this Scheme Booklet.
| (c) | Interests of Neuphoria Directors in marketable securities of Bionomics |
Spyridon Papapetropoulos is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Bionomics. As at the date of this Scheme Booklet, Dr Papapetropoulos has a Relevant Interest in 5,999,940 Bionomics Shares,
being 0.67%. The nature of Dr Papapetropoulos’ Relevant Interest in Bionomics Shares is set out in the table below.
Registered holder |
Nature
of Relevant
Interest |
Number
of Bionomics
Shares |
Spyridon Papapetropoulos |
Direct holding |
5,999,940 |
No other Neuphoria Director has a Relevant Interest in any
Bionomics Shares and no such persons are otherwise entitled to such securities as at the date of this Scheme Booklet.
| 12.4 | Benefits and agreements |
| (a) | Payments in connection with retirement from office |
Other than as disclosed in this Scheme Booklet there is no
payment or other benefit that is proposed to be made or given to any Bionomics Director or secretary or executive officer of Bionomics
(or any of its Related Bodies Corporate) as compensation for the loss of, or as consideration for or in connection with their retirement
from, office in Bionomics or any of its Related Bodies Corporate in connection with, or that is materially affected by the implementation
of, the Scheme.
| (b) | No collateral benefits offered by Neuphoria in the last four months |
Other than as disclosed in this Scheme Booklet, during the
four-month period before the date of this Scheme Booklet, neither Neuphoria, an Neuphoria Director or any associate of Neuphoria gave,
or offered to give or agreed to give a benefit to another person which was likely to induce the other person or an associate of the other
person to: