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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12
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NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Table of Contents
October 3, 2019
To
the Shareholders of Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
I
am pleased to invite you to attend the Annual General Meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of shareholders of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (the "Company" or "Novelion") to be held on
November 5, 2019 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM (Pacific Time) at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
The
board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has called the Annual Meeting in order to seek your approval of, among other things, (i) the voluntary liquidation and dissolution of the
Company pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") at a time to be determined by the Board, (ii) the Company's
plan of liquidation and distribution substantially in the form attached to the accompanying Proxy Statement as Schedule A (the "Liquidation Plan") and (iii) one or more distributions to
shareholders of any remaining property of the Company under the voluntary liquidation and dissolution each as more particularly described in the accompanying Proxy Statement (together, the
"Liquidation Matters").
At
the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to:
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-
Consider and vote upon a proposal to approve as a special resolution the Liquidation Matters (the "Liquidation Resolution").
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-
Consider and vote upon a proposal to approve as an ordinary resolution: (i) the appointment of Alvarez & Marsal
Canada Inc. as the liquidator of the Company pursuant to Section 319(2)(a) of the BCBCA (the "Liquidator"); and (ii) the authorization of the Board to set the remuneration of the
Liquidator (the "Liquidator Resolution").
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Consider and vote upon a proposal to elect three directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders of Novelion and
until their successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to their earlier resignation or removal, or earlier in accordance with the Liquidation Plan.
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Consider and conduct an advisory (non-binding) vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers.
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-
Consider and vote upon a proposal to appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of
Novelion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.
-
-
Transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The Board has unanimously approved each of these proposals and recommends that you vote "FOR" each of the proposals described in the Notice of Annual Meeting and the Proxy
Statement.
Background
On
May 20, 2019, the Company, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Aegerion"), a subsidiary of the Company, Dublin-based Amryt Pharma Plc ("Amryt") and certain other parties entered
into a restructuring support agreement, and Aegerion and Amryt entered into a plan funding agreement, which, among other things, set forth the terms and conditions of Amryt's acquisition of 100% of
the outstanding equity interests of reorganized Aegerion, pursuant to which, upon closing thereof on September 24, 2019, Aegerion became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amryt (the "Aegerion
Recapitalization"). To facilitate the Aegerion Recapitalization, Aegerion and its U.S. subsidiary Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of
Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Chapter 11 Proceedings") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court"). Under the
chapter 11 plan, which was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on September 10, 2019, the Company's approximately $36.0 million intercompany secured
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loan
to Aegerion was allowed in full as a claim in the Chapter 11 Proceedings. In satisfaction of this claim, the Company received a distribution of American depository receipts representing
approximately 14.0 million ordinary shares of Amryt (the "Amryt Equity") immediately following the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization on September 24, 2019, representing
approximately 8.9% of Amryt's outstanding equity on a fully-diluted basis (including outstanding warrants and options, but not including the dilutive effect of the
ordinary shares underlying new convertible notes issued by Amryt as part of the Aegerion Recapitalization). See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and
Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution General" and "Proposal
No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Background of the
Transactions and Discussions Preceding the Proposed Liquidation" each beginning on page 30 of the accompanying Proxy Statement for more information regarding the
Aegerion Recapitalization.
In
furtherance of the Company's duty to maximize value for the Company's shareholders and stakeholders, after reviewing the limited strategic alternatives reasonably available to the Company and
considering that the Company has no ongoing business operations or sources of revenue at this time and does not expect to have any business operations or sources of revenue in the future, the Board
has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to liquidate, wind-up and dissolve the Company pursuant to the Liquidation Plan. The Board has unanimously approved
the Liquidation Matters, pending shareholder approval. Accordingly, the Board unanimously recommends that the Company's shareholders vote "FOR" the
approval of the Liquidation Matters.
The
Company currently expects that the liquidation distributions will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of
sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the Liquidation Matters. Based on the closing price on
October 2, 2019 of approximately $1.54 per Amryt share on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange on which the Amryt shares currently trade, the value
of the Amryt Equity was approximately $21.7 million on such date. This date and related closing price were selected for purposes of illustration and estimate only and the Company cannot predict
with certainty the value of the Amryt Equity on the date that any of such shares are sold or on the date of any liquidation distributions to its shareholders. The value of the Amryt Equity may be
materially lower or higher than our current estimate. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator
Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of the accompanying Proxy Statement for more information regarding
certain current estimated assets and liabilities of the Company.
Many
of the factors influencing the value of any distributions made as part of the liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company, cannot currently be quantified with certainty and are subject
to change, including the amount of cash the Company will need to fund the liquidation of the Company, the amount of Amryt Equity that will need to be sold by the Company in connection with such
funding and the proceeds received therefrom, and the value of the Amryt Equity, which is dependent upon the business operations and financial success of Amryt and is subject to market fluctuations and
volatility among other risks over which we have no control, the Company's inability to predict the amount of its remaining liabilities or the amount that the Company will incur during the course of
the Liquidation, the net value, if any, of its remaining non-cash assets and the fact that, if the Liquidation and Liquidation Plan are approved, the Liquidator will have the power and authority to
approve the number, amount and timing of any liquidation distributions. The Company cannot determine at this time when, or potentially whether, it will be able to make any liquidation distributions to
the Company's shareholders or the value of any such distributions. Shareholders may receive substantially less than the value that they expect to receive. Accordingly, you will
not know the amount of any liquidation distributions you may receive as a result of the Liquidation Plan when you vote on the Liquidation Resolution. See
"Risk Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation
Plan The Company cannot assure shareholders of the timing or amount of any liquidation distributions" and
"Risk Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation
Plan The value of the Amryt Equity and/or the amount of proceeds that might be realized from the sale of any of the Amryt Equity
(if any), which is expected to be the Company's primary asset, is subject to fluctuation in the market prices of such Amryt Equity and the Company's
ability to monetize such Amryt Equity on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all" beginning on pages 26 and 28 of the accompanying Proxy Statement, respectively.
Your vote is very important to us. Approval of the Liquidation Resolution requires the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of
two-thirds of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. Approval of the Liquidator Resolution requires the
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affirmative
vote, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. We cannot
complete the liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to the Liquidation Plan unless the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution are approved by our shareholders. Whether or
not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please communicate your vote in accordance with the instructions in the Proxy Statement and the enclosed Instrument of Proxy (or voting information form).
Novelion does not have sufficient resources, operations or assets to continue as a stand-alone operating company. If the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution
are not approved, the future of Novelion will be uncertain, and any realization of value for your Novelion shares will likely be significantly delayed or you may not realize any value for your
Novelion shares. If the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution are not approved, the Company may apply to court for an order that a liquidator be appointed and that the Company be
liquidated, wound up and dissolved.
You
are encouraged to review carefully the accompanying Proxy Statement, as it explains the reasons for the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting and contains other important information,
including a copy of the Liquidation Plan, which is attached as Schedule A to the accompanying Proxy Statement. In particular, please review the matters referred to under
"Risk Factors" beginning on page 26 of the accompanying Proxy Statement for a discussion of the risks related to the Liquidation Resolution.
The
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the Instrument of Proxy (or voting information form) are first being mailed or made available to shareholders on or about October 4, 2019.
Thank
you for your continued support of Novelion.
Sincerely,
Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
Ben
Harshbarger
Interim Chief Executive Officer & General Counsel
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Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
c/o Norton Rose Fulbright
1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0M3 Canada
Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on November 5, 2019
NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of shareholders of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (the "Company" or "Novelion") will be held at the offices of Goodwin
Procter LLP, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, on November 5, 2019 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM (Pacific Time) for the following purposes, each of which is
described in more detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement"):
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1.
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To
approve as a special resolution: (i) the voluntary liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to the Business Corporations
Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") at a time to be determined by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"); (ii) the plan of liquidation and distribution
substantially in the form attached to the accompanying Proxy Statement as Schedule A (the "Liquidation Plan"); and (iii) one or more distributions to shareholders of any remaining
property of the Company under the voluntary liquidation and dissolution each as more particularly described in the accompanying Proxy Statement (together, the "Liquidation Resolution").
-
2.
-
To
approve as an ordinary resolution: (i) the appointment of Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. as the liquidator of the Company pursuant to
Section 319(2)(a) of the BCBCA (the "Liquidator"); and (ii) the authorization of the Board to set the remuneration of the Liquidator (the "Liquidator Resolution").
-
3.
-
To
elect three directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders of Novelion and until their successors are duly elected and qualified,
subject to their earlier resignation or removal, or earlier in accordance with the Liquidation Plan (the "Election of Directors Proposal").
-
4.
-
To
approve on a non-binding, advisory basis the compensation of our named executive officers (the "Advisory Compensation Proposal").
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5.
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To
appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Novelion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019
and authorizing the Board to fix their remuneration (the "Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal").
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6.
-
To
transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
-
7.
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To
receive the Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Novelion for the year ended December 31, 2018, together
with the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on those Financial Statements.
The
Board has unanimously approved each of the proposals and recommends that you vote "FOR" the Liquidation Resolution,
"FOR" the Liquidator Resolution, "FOR" the Election of Directors Proposal,
"FOR" the Advisory Compensation Proposal and "FOR" the Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal.
Information about each of the proposals is included in the accompanying Proxy Statement. We urge you to read this material carefully. A copy of the
Liquidation Plan is attached as Schedule A to the accompanying Proxy Statement.
Approval
of the Liquidation Resolution requires the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of two-thirds of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person
or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. Approval of the Liquidator Resolution, the Advisory Compensation Proposal and the Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal each requires the affirmative vote, in
person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
For
the Election of Directors Proposal, under the BCBCA and the Articles of Novelion, directors are entitled to be elected by a plurality of the common shares voted at the Annual Meeting. This means
that the three nominees with the most votes for election will be elected, subject to the requirements of Novelion's majority voting policy, which applies for elections of directors at uncontested
shareholders' meetings. Pursuant to this policy, any nominee for director for which there are a greater number of votes
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"WITHHELD" than votes "FOR" his or her election will be required to tender his or her resignation as a
director of Novelion.
You
are entitled to receive notice of and attend the Annual Meeting, and may vote at the Annual Meeting, if you are a shareholder of Novelion at the close of business on September 13, 2019,
which we refer to as the "record date." Whether you own a few shares or many shares and whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person or not, it is important that your shares be voted on
matters that come before the Annual Meeting. If you are a registered shareholder on the record date and you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person, you may vote by proxy on the matters to
be considered at the Annual Meeting. Please read the notes accompanying the Instrument of Proxy enclosed with these materials and then follow the instructions for voting by proxy contained in the
accompanying Proxy Statement. If on September 13, 2019, your shares in Novelion were held of record in your brokerage firm, securities dealer, trust company, bank or another similar
organization, you may vote at the Annual Meeting if you complete a voting information form
obtained from that organization issued in your name and carefully follow any instructions that are provided to you in connection with that voting information form, or if you follow the instructions
contained in the accompanying Proxy Statement for submitting another form of written documentation to appoint yourself, or your nominee, as a proxyholder.
If you have any questions about these directions, please call our proxy solicitor, Okapi Partners LLC,
at (877) 629-6355.
In
order for it to be voted at the Annual Meeting, a proxy must be received (whether delivered by mail, telephone or Internet) by no later than 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM
(Pacific Time) on November 1, 2019 by our registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., Attn: Proxy Department, 100 University Avenue,
9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1, telephone number: 1-866-732-VOTE (8683), website: www.investorvote.com. The Chair of the Annual
Meeting may waive or extend the proxy cut-off without notice. In addition, the Chair of the Annual Meeting may determine, in his or her sole discretion, to accept or reject an Instrument of Proxy that
is delivered in person to the Chair at the Annual Meeting as to any matter in respect of which a vote has not already been cast.
The enclosed Instrument of Proxy is solicited by the Board and management, but you may amend it if you wish by striking out the names listed in the Instrument of Proxy
and inserting in the space provided the name of the person you wish to represent you at the Annual Meeting.
We encourage you to read the Proxy Statement in its entirety.
Your vote is very important.
DATED
at Vancouver, British Columbia, this 3rd day of October 2019.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ben
Harshbarger
Interim Chief Executive Officer & General Counsel
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please communicate your vote in accordance with the instructions in the Proxy Statement and the enclosed Instrument
of Proxy (or voting information form) as soon as possible. If you are able to attend the Annual Meeting and wish to vote your shares in person, you may do so at any time before the proxy is
exercised.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
This Proxy Statement and our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are available at http://ir.novelion.com/financial-information/annual-reports.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
c/o Norton Rose Fulbright
1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0M3 Canada
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON November 5, 2019
We are providing you this Notice of Annual General Meeting and Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement"), together with the enclosed Instrument of
Proxy, because we are soliciting your proxy to vote at our Annual General Meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of shareholders to be held on November 5,
2019 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM (Pacific Time) at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. This Proxy Statement contains information about
the matters being voted on at the Annual Meeting and important information about Novelion. Unless otherwise stated, information in this Proxy Statement is given as of September 13, 2019. As
many of our shareholders are expected to be unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person, proxies are solicited, to give each shareholder an opportunity to vote on all matters that will properly come
before the Annual Meeting. Novelion intends to mail this Proxy Statement and accompanying Instrument of Proxy or voting information form ("VIF"), as applicable, on or about October 4, 2019 to
all shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 13, 2019, which we refer to as the "record date."
We
use a number of abbreviations in this Proxy Statement. We refer to Novelion Therapeutics Inc. as "Novelion" or "the Company," "we," "us" or "our" and to our board of directors
as the "Board" or the "Board of Directors." The term "proxy solicitation materials" includes this Proxy Statement and the enclosed Instrument of Proxy or VIF, as applicable. Our Annual General Meeting
of shareholders to be held on November 5, 2019 is referred to as the "Annual Meeting" or the "Meeting." References in this Proxy Statement to the Annual Meeting include any adjournment or
postponement of the Annual Meeting.
On
May 20, 2019, the Company, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Aegerion"), a subsidiary of the Company, Dublin-based Amryt Pharma Plc ("Amryt") and certain other
parties entered into a restructuring support agreement, and Aegerion and Amryt entered into a plan funding agreement, which, among other things, set forth the terms and conditions of Amryt's
acquisition of 100% of the outstanding equity interests of reorganized Aegerion, pursuant to which, upon closing thereof on September 24, 2019, Aegerion became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Amryt (the "Aegerion Recapitalization"). To facilitate the Aegerion Recapitalization, Aegerion and its U.S. subsidiary Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. filed voluntary petitions under
Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Chapter 11 Proceedings") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court").
Under the chapter 11 plan, which was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on September 10, 2019, the Company's approximately $36.0 million intercompany secured loan to Aegerion was
allowed in full as a claim in the Chapter 11 Proceedings. In satisfaction of this claim, the Company received a distribution of American depository receipts representing approximately
14.0 million ordinary shares of Amryt (the "Amryt Equity") immediately following the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, representing approximately 8.9% of Amryt's outstanding equity
on a fully-diluted basis (including outstanding warrants and options, but not including the dilutive effect of the ordinary shares underlying new convertible notes issued by Amryt as part of the
Aegerion Recapitalization). See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator
Resolution General" and "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution
and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Background of the Transactions and Discussions Preceding the Proposed
Liquidation" each beginning on page 30 of this Proxy Statement for more information regarding the Aegerion Recapitalization. We expect that the Amryt Equity or net
proceeds therefrom will be the only remaining material asset of Novelion at the time any liquidation distributions are made and, accordingly, any distributions made to shareholders in connection with
the matters described in this Proxy Statement will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt
Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company. See
"Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation
Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of this Proxy Statement.
1
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT
AND OUR ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting
What is the date, time and place of the Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting will be held at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, on
November 5, 2019 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM (Pacific Time).
Why did I receive this Proxy Statement?
You are receiving these proxy solicitation materials from us because you owned common shares of Novelion at the close of business on the record
date. When you vote using the Instrument of Proxy, you appoint Benjamin Harshbarger or, failing him, Michael Price, as your representative at the Annual Meeting. Benjamin Harshbarger or Michael Price
(or their appointees) will vote your shares at the Annual Meeting as you have instructed them on the Instrument of Proxy. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Annual
Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you vote by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting in case your plans change. You have the right to
appoint another person or company to attend and act on your behalf at the Annual Meeting other than the persons named in the enclosed Instrument of Proxy. To exercise this right, you should strike
out the names of the persons named in the Instrument of Proxy and insert the name of your nominee in the blank space provided. A person appointed as a proxy holder need not be a shareholder of
Novelion.
Can I access the proxy materials on the Internet?
Yes. This Proxy Statement and our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are available at http://ir.novelion.com/financial-information/annual-reports. This Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2018 (as amended) are also available on Novelion's profile on the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR website
(www.sec.gov).
What am I voting on at the Annual Meeting?
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:
-
1.
-
the
approval as a special resolution of: (i) the voluntary liquidation and dissolution of the Company (the "Liquidation") pursuant to the Business Corporations
Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") at a time to be determined by the Board (the "Effective Date"); (ii) the plan of liquidation and distribution substantially in the form attached to this
Proxy Statement as Schedule A (the "Liquidation Plan"); and (iii) one or more distributions to shareholders of any remaining property of the Company under the voluntary liquidation and
dissolution each as more particularly described in this Proxy Statement (together, the "Liquidation Resolution");
-
2.
-
the
approval as an ordinary resolution of: (i) the appointment of Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. as the liquidator of the Company pursuant to
Section 319(2)(a) of the BCBCA (the "Liquidator"); and (ii) the authorization of the Board to set the remuneration of the Liquidator (the "Liquidator Resolution");
-
3.
-
the
election of three directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders of Novelion and until their successors are duly elected and
qualified, subject to their earlier resignation or removal, or earlier in accordance with the Liquidation Plan (the "Election of Directors Proposal");
-
4.
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the
approval on a non-binding, advisory basis of the compensation of our named executive officers ("NEOs" or "Named Executive Officers") (the "Advisory Compensation
Proposal");
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5.
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the
approval of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Novelion for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2019 (the "Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal").
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The
Instrument of Proxy confers upon the proxy holder discretionary authority to vote all shares represented by the proxy with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified
in the Notice of Meeting and any other matter that properly comes before the Annual Meeting. We know of no such amendment, variation or other matter that is to be presented for action at the Annual
Meeting. However, if any other matters which are not now known to us should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted, or not voted, by the proxy holder in his or her
discretion, whether or not the amendment, variation or other matter that comes before the Annual Meeting is contested.
Who may attend the Annual Meeting?
Novelion shareholders are invited to attend the Annual Meeting, including shareholders whose shares are held by their brokerage firm or another
similar organization, or who otherwise do not hold their common shares in their own name (referred to herein as "Beneficial Shareholders"). Beneficial Shareholders fall into two
categories those who object to their identity being known to the issuers of securities which they own ("OBOs") and those who do not object to their identity being made known to
the issuers of the securities which they own ("NOBOs"). Beneficial Shareholders should note that only proxies deposited by shareholders who appear on the records maintained by Novelion's registrar and
transfer agent as registered holders of common shares will be recognized for the purposes of attending and voting at the Annual Meeting. If common shares are listed in an account statement provided to
a Beneficial Shareholder by a broker, then those common shares will, in all likelihood, not be registered in the shareholder's name. Such common shares will more likely be registered under the name of
the shareholder's broker or an agent of that broker. Without specific instructions, brokers and their agents and nominees are prohibited from voting shares for the broker's clients on non-routine
matters. Therefore, each Beneficial Shareholder should ensure that voting instructions are communicated to the appropriate person well in advance of the Annual Meeting.
Although
a Beneficial Shareholder may not be recognized directly at the Annual Meeting for the purposes of voting common shares registered in the name of such shareholders' broker, a
Beneficial Shareholder may attend the Annual Meeting as proxy holder for the registered shareholder and vote the common shares in that capacity. A Beneficial Shareholder who wishes to attend the
Annual Meeting and to vote their common shares as proxy holder for the registered shareholder, should enter their own name in the blank space on the VIF and return the same to their broker (or the
broker's agent) in accordance with the instructions provided by such broker. Alternatively, National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial
Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101") allows a Beneficial Shareholder to submit to the applicable intermediary any document in writing that requests
that the Beneficial Shareholder, or a nominee of the Beneficial Shareholder, be appointed as proxyholder. If such a request is received, the applicable intermediary must arrange, without expense to
the Beneficial Shareholder, to appoint such Beneficial Shareholder or its nominee as a proxy holder and to deposit that proxy within the time specified in this Proxy Statement, provided that the
intermediary receives such written instructions from the Beneficial Shareholder at least one business day prior to the time by which proxies are to be submitted at the Annual Meeting, with the result
that such a written request must be received by 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM (Pacific Time) on the day which is at least two business days prior to the Annual Meeting.
Liquidation Resolution and Liquidation Plan
What does the Liquidation Plan entail?
The Liquidation Plan provides for the voluntary liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company. Pursuant to the Liquidation Plan, the
Liquidator will be appointed as the liquidator of the estate and effects of the Company for the purpose of the liquidation of the Company's business and affairs and distributing its assets to
shareholders, after satisfying all valid creditors' claims, including any obligations owed to employees, all in accordance with the Liquidation Plan and any order of the British Columbia Supreme Court
(the "BC Supreme Court").
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Why is the Board recommending approval of the Liquidation Resolution and approval of the Liquidator Resolution?
Upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company retained its existing cash balances and net operating loss ("NOL")
carryforwards (subject to applicable tax laws). The value, if any, of such NOL carryforwards is expected to be minimal. Any remaining cash balances of the Company will continue to decrease throughout
the course of the liquidation and dissolution of the Company as administrative expenses will continue to be incurred and as currently existing obligations and liabilities are satisfied, including the
payment of employee severance obligations. Accordingly, the Company will need to monetize at least a portion of the Amryt Equity in order to help fund this process. We expect that the Amryt Equity or
net proceeds therefrom will be the only remaining material asset of Novelion at the time any liquidation distributions are made and, accordingly, any distributions made to shareholders in connection
with the Liquidation will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are
necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the Liquidation. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation
Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of
this Proxy Statement.
As
part of Novelion's review of strategic alternatives and evaluation process, and in connection with and leading up to the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Board considered the risks and
viability of each alternative potentially available to Novelion, as well as management's financial and cash projections, and consulted with management and Novelion's legal and financial advisors. In
arriving at its determination that the Liquidation Plan is advisable and in Novelion's best interests and the best interests of Novelion's shareholders, and is the preferred and only viable strategic
option for Novelion after the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Board carefully considered the terms of the Liquidation Plan and the liquidation and dissolution process under the
BCBCA, as well as other potentially available strategic alternatives. In approving the Liquidation Plan, the Board considered such terms and alternatives, as well as the following
factors:
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the fact that, in connection with and leading up to the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion conducted a broad and public review of strategic
alternatives involving Novelion as a whole, including a merger, asset sale, comprehensive restructuring or other business combination transaction, and despite outreach by Novelion's financial advisors
to more than 50 parties, no viable potential buyer or partner emerged or was identified that was interested in such a transaction involving Novelion as a whole;
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the fact that the go-shop provided for as part of the Aegerion Recapitalization did not yield any alternative proposals (see page 35 for
a description of the go-shop);
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the unlikelihood that shareholders would have realized more value per share upon a sale or other transaction involving Novelion than they will
receive in connection with the Liquidation Plan;
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the fact that, after the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion remains a publicly-traded company, complete with the
substantial accounting, legal and other expenses typical for a public company but with limited assets and resources, and no remaining source of revenue;
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the unlikelihood that the price of Novelion's common shares would increase in the future to a price greater than the current price or the value
of the assets distributed in the Liquidation (see page 41 for information regarding certain current estimated assets and liabilities of the Company), given Novelion's limited assets and
resources and that it has no source of revenue;
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the terms and conditions of the Liquidation Plan; and
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the fact that the BCBCA requires that the liquidation of a corporation under section 319 of the BCBCA be approved by the affirmative
vote of holders of two-thirds of Novelion's common shares, represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, which ensures that, if the Board decides to proceed with the Liquidation, the Board
will be taking actions of which a significant majority of Novelion's voting shareholders approve.
The
Board also considered the other factors described in the sections entitled "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal
No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Reasons for the Proposed
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Dissolution and Liquidation" and "Risk Factors" beginning on pages 35 and 26 of this Proxy Statement, respectively, and
in those risk factors identified in Novelion's filings with the SEC.
In
furtherance of the Company's duty to maximize value for the Company's shareholders and stakeholders, after reviewing the limited strategic alternatives reasonably available to the
Company and considering that the Company has no ongoing business operations or sources of revenue at this time and does not expect to have any business operations or sources of revenue in the future,
the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to liquidate, wind-up and dissolve the Company pursuant to the Liquidation Plan.
What is the total amount of payments, if any, that shareholders will receive and when will such payments be received?
The amount and timing of any distribution to registered shareholders as of the Effective Date will only be determined
during the liquidation process by the Liquidator under supervision of the BC Supreme Court. The Board believes that it is not appropriate to distribute any property to
shareholders until a court-supervised process is conducted in order to solicit outstanding claims and liabilities of the Company. The solicitation and resolution of claims will be implemented as part
of the dissolution and liquidation process of the Company. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator
Resolution Distribution of Assets" beginning on page 40 of this Proxy Statement. It is intended that
the Company, subject to shareholder approval, be dissolved and liquidated and that it complete the Liquidation Plan attached as "Schedule
A Plan of Liquidation and Distribution" hereto. The Company currently believes that the Liquidator will
complete distributions in the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to the resolution of outstanding claims. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and
Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts"
beginning on page 41 of this Proxy Statement.
The
Company currently expects that the liquidation distributions will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds
therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the Liquidation. Based on the closing price
on October 2, 2019 of approximately $1.54 per Amryt share on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange on which the Amryt shares currently trade, the
value of the Amryt Equity was approximately $21.7 million on such date. This date and related closing price were selected for purposes of illustration and estimate only and the Company cannot
predict with certainty the value of the Amryt Equity on the date that any of such shares are sold or on the date of any liquidation distributions to its shareholders. The value of the Amryt Equity may
be materially lower or higher than our current estimate. We also currently estimate that we will need to sell approximately $1.0 million to $2.0 million worth of the Amryt Equity before
the end of 2019 in order to meet our anticipated ongoing, albeit reduced, operating expenses and to satisfy currently anticipated
claims and obligations of the Company through the conclusion of the Liquidation, based on the following facts, estimates, assumptions and considerations:
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Novelion's cash balance as of October 2, 2019 was approximately $5.0 million.
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An estimated value of Novelion's other assets at October 2, 2019 (excluding the Amryt Equity and prepaid expenses, such as insurance
premiums, etc.), and future anticipated and estimated sources of cash, including from the liquidation or monetization of certain other assets, of between approximately $1.4 million and
$1.6 million, including expected tax refunds and expected reimbursements from Amryt pursuant to cost sharing arrangements.
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A current estimate of Novelion's liabilities and expected operating expenses (cash basis, i.e., excluding amortization of prepaid expenses,
such as insurance premiums) through the conclusion of the Liquidation of between approximately $7.6 million and $8.4 million, including contractual severance obligations of up to
$2.9 million (which severance obligations were incurred at the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization).
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The expenditures incurred during the Liquidation and the timing of any distributions will be determined by the Liquidator in accordance with
the Liquidation Plan.
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The
common shares of Novelion expected to be outstanding at the date of the Liquidation are estimated to be approximately 19.7 million common shares. These
estimates do not include provisions for unknown contingencies, such as unanticipated claims, liabilities, litigation or taxes that are currently unknown to management at the time of this Proxy
Statement. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator
Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of this Proxy Statement.
Many
of the factors influencing the value of any distributions made as part of the Liquidation, cannot currently be quantified with certainty and are subject to change, including the
amount of cash the Company
will need to fund the Liquidation, the amount of Amryt Equity that will need to be sold by the Company in connection with such funding and the proceeds received therefrom, and the value of the Amryt
Equity, which is dependent upon the business operations and financial success of Amryt and is subject to market fluctuations and volatility among other risks over which we have no control, the
Company's inability to predict the amount of its remaining liabilities or the amount that the Company will incur during the course of the Liquidation, the net value, if any, of its remaining non-cash
assets and the fact that, if the Liquidation and Liquidation Plan are approved, the Liquidator will have the power and authority to approve the number, amount and timing of any liquidation
distributions. The Company cannot determine at this time when, or potentially whether, it will be able to make any liquidation distributions to the Company's shareholders or the value of any such
distributions. Shareholders may receive substantially less than the value that they expect to receive. Accordingly, you will not know the amount of any liquidation
distributions you may receive as a result of the Liquidation Plan when you vote on the Liquidation Resolution. See "Risk
Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The Company cannot assure shareholders of the
timing or amount of any liquidation distributions" and "Risk
Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The value of the Amryt Equity and/or the
amount of proceeds that might be realized from the sale of the Amryt Equity (if any), which is expected to be the Company's primary
asset, is subject to fluctuation in the market prices of such Amryt Equity and the Company's ability to monetize such Amryt Equity on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at
all. "beginning on pages 26 and 28 of this Proxy Statement, respectively.
What will happen if the Liquidation Resolution is approved?
Termination of Certain Employment Relationships and Business Operations
In connection with the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, we decreased the number of full-time employees to three, and our
administrative (i.e., IT support, office space, expense reporting, payroll) expenses will decrease substantially. In addition, Amryt has agreed to reimburse us for certain compensation and
benefits that we will be paying to two of the three remaining employees starting at the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization until the earlier of each employee's last date of employment with the
Company and December 31, 2019, in exchange for such employee's providing executive and transitional services to Amryt during such period. Under this agreement, Amryt will also provide us with
accounting and SEC reporting support, if requested, for an agreed monthly fee, and administrative support at no cost. We further expect that as of the Effective Date or soon thereafter, the Company
will not have any full-time employees. Regardless of whether the Liquidation Resolution is approved, however, the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization qualifies as a "Sale Event" or "Change
in Control", as applicable, under our executive officers' employment agreements and, accordingly, upon the date of each executive officer's termination without cause or resignation for good reason, if
applicable, such officer will (subject to the execution of a release of claims) be entitled to a lump-sum cash payment of his or her salary continuation and bonus severance benefits to be paid by
Novelion. Further, the vesting of all outstanding awards under the Amended and Restated Novelion 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010 Stock Option and
Incentive Plan accelerated immediately prior to the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization. See "Executive Compensation Narrative Disclosure to Summary
Compensation Employment Agreements with our current NEOs Termination Arrangements with Messrs. Harshbarger and
Louis" and "Executive
Compensation Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Employment Agreements with our current NEOs Termination Arrangements with
Mr. Price" for a more detailed description of the termination arrangements for our NEOs.
Additionally,
as set forth under "Proposal No. 3: Election of Directors", in connection with the Annual Meeting, the Board will be
streamlined to consist of three directors, two of whom will be independent, reducing
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the
amount of director compensation for which the Company will be responsible. Further, upon the Effective Date, the Board will be deemed to have resigned and all powers of the Board will cease. The
Liquidator will thereafter supervise the liquidation of the business and affairs of Novelion and the distribution of assets to shareholders after the satisfaction of all claims and obligations.
Lastly,
following the completion of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company will terminate all contracts and relationships with vendors that are not related to the liquidation,
winding up and dissolution of the Company or continued compliance with applicable law throughout the implementation of the Liquidation Plan. Thus, other than executive and employee salaries and
severance, and related costs, we expect that, after the Aegerion Recapitalization, our primary ongoing expenses will consist of legal expenses, auditor expenses and other administrative costs.
Liquidation Process
The Company's assets currently consist principally of the Amryt Equity and cash on hand. The Company anticipates that, assuming receipt of the
requisite shareholder approval, it will then adopt the Liquidation Plan and commence the liquidation process as soon as practicable. See
"Schedule A Plan of Liquidation and Distribution". If the requisite
shareholder approval is not received at the Annual Meeting, the Company may adjourn or postpone the meeting and solicit additional votes of the Company's shareholders or it may apply to the BC Supreme
Court for an order that a liquidator be appointed and that the Company be liquidated, wound up and dissolved.
Following
the completion of a Claims Process (defined herein) and payment of remaining liabilities, including tax obligations, if any, arising from the disposition or distribution in
kind of the Amryt Equity, the Company's liabilities are expected to be limited to those relating to the completion of the liquidation process and ongoing reporting to shareholders. Please refer to the
disclosure under the heading "Proposal No. 1:
Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Claims
Process" beginning on page 39 of this Proxy Statement for additional information.
What is the reporting and listing status of the Company?
Status as a Nasdaq-Listed Company
As discussed under "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of
Liquidator Resolution Trading of Common Shares" beginning on page 38 of this Proxy Statement, the
Company's hearing with the Nasdaq Hearing Panel regarding the continued listing of its common shares was held as scheduled on October 3, 2019; the Nasdaq Hearing Panel has not yet issued a
decision with regard to the delisting of the Company's common shares, and the extended stay of delisting continues pending the Nasdaq Hearing Panel's final determination. Although Novelion appealed to
the Nasdaq Hearing Panel to permit the common shares of Novelion to continue to trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") at least through the date of the Annual Meeting, or through a
subsequent date following the Annual Meeting, Novelion can make no assurance as to when the common shares of Novelion will be delisted from Nasdaq (or what trading halts may be imposed). Following any
such delisting, the common shares of Novelion will no longer be listed for trading on Nasdaq or on any stock exchange and may only trade in the U.S. on the over-the-counter market, which is a less
liquid market, if at all.
Regardless
of the foregoing, we anticipate that any and all trading of our common shares on Nasdaq or the over-the-counter market, as the case may be, will be suspended as of the
Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, and that we will close our stock transfer books and discontinue recording transfers at that time. Accordingly, it is expected that
trading in our common shares will cease after the Effective Date, at the latest. The Liquidation Plan provides that any liquidation distributions to shareholders of Novelion will be made only to those
shareholders who are registered shareholders as of the Effective Date, though distributions may take place long after the Effective Date has passed.
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Status as a Reporting Issuer
The Company expects that, as part of the application to be made to the BC Supreme Court in connection with the liquidation, winding up and
dissolution of the Company, a determination will be made to establish the timing for the application to have the Company cease to be a reporting issuer pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.
The Company anticipates that, subject to the BC Supreme Court's discretion, such application will be made as soon as possible after the commencement of the Liquidation, but there can be no assurance
regarding how long the Company may continue as a reporting issuer.
Additionally,
whether or not the Liquidation Plan is approved, the Company has an obligation to continue to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). If the Liquidation Plan is approved, in order to curtail expenses, the Company will seek relief from the SEC or otherwise initiate the steps to
exit from certain reporting requirements under the Exchange Act. However, such process may be protracted or the SEC may not grant any such relief, or, if relief is granted, the Company may be required
to continue to file Current Reports on Form 8-K to disclose material events, including those related to the Liquidation. See "Risk
Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The Company will continue to incur expenses
that will reduce the amount available for distribution, including expenses of complying with public company reporting requirements
and paying its service providers, among others".
Accordingly,
the Company will continue to incur the costs associated with being a reporting issuer and public company until such time as it ceases to be subject to reporting obligations
under applicable U.S. and Canadian law. The costs of compliance with such ongoing reporting requirements would reduce the amount which otherwise could be distributed to shareholders in connection with
the Liquidation Plan.
When do you expect the Liquidation to be completed?
Assuming the Liquidation pursuant to the Liquidation Plan is approved by the Company's shareholders, the Company will, as soon as practicable,
sign the Liquidation Plan and will file a statement of intent to liquidate with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies. The Board intends to set the Effective Date as promptly as
practicable in the statement of intent to liquidate to be filed by the Company under the BCBCA. The completion of the Liquidation is currently expected to occur within three (3) months after
the Company makes the liquidation distributions to its shareholders, with the completion of the dissolution expected to occur as specified in sections 341 to 343 of the BCBCA. See
"Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Overview of Steps to Complete the Liquidation and
Dissolution" beginning on page 43 of this Proxy Statement.
Under
the BCBCA, despite the Liquidation, each shareholder of the Company to whom any of its property has been distributed is potentially liable, for a period of two years, to any person
claiming under section 346
of BCBCA to the extent of the amount received by that shareholder upon the distribution, and an action to enforce such liability may be brought. Although the Company will be seeking a Claims Bar Order
with the intention that no claims should be pursued following the Liquidation, there is no absolute certainty that the risk of claims arising after the Liquidation will be eliminated completely. See
"Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Claims Process" and
"Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator
Resolution Potential Liability of Shareholders" beginning on pages 39 and 43, respectively, of this
Proxy Statement.
Are there any appraisal or dissenters' rights?
Pursuant to the BCBCA and the Company's organizational documents, you are not entitled to appraisal or dissenters' rights in connection with the
Liquidation.
What are the material tax consequences of the Liquidation?
All shareholders of the Company should review "Certain Material Canadian Federal Income Tax
Considerations" and "Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" beginning on pages 45 and 48, respectively,
of this Proxy Statement for a general summary of certain material tax consequences of the
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Liquidation. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the Liquidation in light of each shareholder's particular
circumstances.
What are the risks and uncertainties associated with the Liquidation?
The Liquidation involves a number of risks, including, among others, that:
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the Company cannot assure its shareholders of the timing or amount of any liquidation distributions;
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the Company will continue to incur expenses that will reduce the value of any liquidation distributions and require it to sell a portion of the
Amryt Equity in order to fund such expenses, including expenses of complying with public company reporting requirements (until such time as it can cease its reporting obligations), paying salary and
benefits for certain remaining employees, paying severance obligations of executives upon their separation from employment, paying legal, auditing and liquidation costs, and paying certain other
service providers (notably, the Company will continue to incur many expenses even if the Liquidation is not approved);
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the Company will have to defend or resolve any unforeseen claims asserted against it or establish a reasonable reserve before making
liquidation distributions to its shareholders in connection therewith, and, therefore, such claims will reduce the value of any liquidation distributions;
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if the Company fails to retain sufficient funds to pay the expenses and liabilities actually owed to the Company's creditors, including its
employees, each shareholder receiving liquidation distributions could be held liable for payment to the Company's creditors, including its employees, of his, her or its pro rata share of any
shortfall, up to the amount actually distributed to each shareholder in connection with the Liquidation (notably, such liability remains a risk even if the Liquidation is not approved);
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the common shares of the Company will be delisted from Nasdaq (notably, the common shares of the Company are equally likely to be delisted from
Nasdaq if the Liquidation is not approved);
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the tax treatment of liquidation distributions may vary from shareholder to shareholder, and shareholders should consult their own tax
advisors; and
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the common shares of the Company may, in certain circumstances, cease to be "qualified investments" for "registered plans" for the purposes of
the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")
You
should read carefully the section of this Proxy Statement entitled "Risk Factors". In addition, if insufficient votes are received to
approve the Liquidation Resolution and/or the Liquidator Resolution, the Company may adjourn or postpone the meeting and solicit additional votes of Company shareholders, or it may apply to the BC
Supreme Court for an order that a liquidator be appointed and that the Company be liquidated and dissolved or may pursue other alternatives, but the Board does not believe these alternatives would
result in greater shareholder value than the proposed Liquidation pursuant to the Liquidation Plan, and any alternative we select may entail additional risks.
Do directors and executive officers have interests in the Liquidation?
In considering the Board's recommendation to approve the Liquidation Resolution, you should be aware that some of our directors and executive
officers may have interests in the Liquidation that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of our shareholders generally, namely, the Company's continuing indemnification obligations to
its directors and officers. The Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the Liquidation pursuant to the Liquidation Plan and the transactions
contemplated thereby. For additional information regarding the interests of the Company's directors and executive officers in the Liquidation, see "Proposal No. 1:
Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Interests of the Company's
Directors and Executive Officers in the Liquidation" beginning on page of 44 of this Proxy Statement.
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What will happen if the Liquidation Resolution is not approved?
If the Company's shareholders do not approve the Liquidation pursuant to the Liquidation Plan, the Company will continue its corporate
existence. Given the lack of operations and that it has no source of revenues, the Board will have to explore other alternatives for returning capital to shareholders in a manner intended to maximize
value and may apply to the BC Supreme Court for an order
that a liquidator be appointed and that the Company be liquidated and dissolved without shareholder approval.
As
noted above under " Liquidation Resolution and Liquidation Plan What will
happen if the Liquidation Resolution is approved? Termination of Certain Employment Relationships and Business
Operations", the Company currently expects that, in connection with the Aegerion Recapitalization, its full-time employees will gradually be reduced to none and that Board
membership will continue to be streamlined. Given these cost-reduction initiatives, there is no assurance that Board and committee compositions will be fully compliant with applicable requirements or
that anything more than essential management will remain in place for any length of time subsequent to the Aegerion Recapitalization.
Investors should be aware that Novelion does not have sufficient resources, operations or assets to continue as a stand-alone operating company. If the
Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution are not approved, the future of Novelion will be uncertain, and any realization of value will likely be significantly delayed or you may not
realize any value for your Novelion shares.
Voting at the Annual Meeting
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date may vote at the Annual Meeting. On a show of hands every shareholder
present in person has one vote, and on a poll, every shareholder present in person or by proxy has one vote, for each Novelion common share registered in the shareholder's name. There are no other
classes of voting securities other than the common shares. Cumulative voting is not permitted.
How do I vote?
Carefully read and consider the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. You should also determine whether
you hold your shares directly in your name as a registered shareholder or through a broker or other nominee, because this will determine the procedure that
you must follow in order to vote. If you are a registered shareholder of Novelion (that is, if your shares are registered in your name, as opposed to being held through a broker or other
intermediary), you may vote in any of the following ways:
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using the Internet go to www.investorvote.com and follow the instructions
on the screen (you will need the control number located on the enclosed Instrument of Proxy). You do not need to return your Instrument of Proxy form if you vote using the Internet;
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by telephone call 1-866-732-VOTE (8683) toll free from your touch-tone phone and follow the instructions (you will need
the control number located on the enclosed Instrument of Proxy). You do not need to return your Instrument of Proxy form if you vote by telephone;
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by mail complete, sign and date the enclosed Instrument of Proxy and return it as soon as possible to our registrar and
transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare"), Attn: Proxy Department, 100 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1; or
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in person at the Annual Meeting.
All
votes made by proxy must be received (whether delivered by mail, telephone or Internet) no later than November 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00
AM (Pacific Time). The Chair of the Annual Meeting may waive or extend the proxy cut-off time without notice.
If
you are a Beneficial Shareholder, then you have received this material from your broker or the intermediary seeking your instructions as to how you wish your shares to be voted. In
that case, follow the instructions given to you by your broker or other intermediary. Existing Canadian regulations require brokers
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and
other intermediaries to seek voting instructions from Beneficial Shareholders in advance of shareholder meetings. The various brokers and other intermediaries have their own mailing procedures and
provide their own return instructions to clients, which should be carefully followed by Beneficial Shareholders in order to ensure that their common shares are voted at the Annual Meeting. The form of
proxy supplied to a Beneficial Shareholder by its broker (or the agent of the broker) is substantially similar to the Instrument of Proxy provided directly to registered shareholders by Novelion.
However, its purpose is limited to instructing the registered shareholder (i.e., the broker or agent of the broker) how to vote on behalf of the Beneficial Shareholder. A Beneficial Shareholder
who receives a VIF from its broker or other intermediary cannot use that form to vote common shares directly at the Annual Meeting. The VIFs must be returned to your broker or other intermediary (or
instructions respecting the voting of common shares must otherwise be communicated to your broker or other intermediary) well in advance of the Annual Meeting in order to have your common shares
voted. If you have any questions with respect to the voting of common shares held through a broker or other intermediary, please contact that broker or other intermediary for assistance.
The
Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement, Instrument of Proxy and VIF, as applicable, and the 2018 Annual Report are being provided to both registered shareholders and Beneficial
Shareholders. Subject to the provisions of NI 54-101, issuers may request and obtain a list of their NOBOs from intermediaries directly or via their transfer agent and may obtain and use the
NOBO list for the distribution of proxy-related materials directly to such NOBOs.
Novelion
will distribute copies of the Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement, VIF and 2018 Annual Report to intermediaries for distribution to NOBOs. Unless you have waived your right to
receive the Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement and VIF, intermediaries are required to deliver them to you as a NOBO of Novelion and to seek your instructions on how to vote your common shares.
Novelion's
OBOs can expect to be contacted by their brokers or their broker's agents. Novelion will assume the costs associated with the delivery of the Notice of Meeting, Proxy
Statement, VIF and 2018 Annual Report as set out above, to OBOs by intermediaries.
The
Chair of the Annual Meeting may determine, in his or her sole discretion, to accept or reject an Instrument of Proxy that is delivered in person to the Chair at the Annual Meeting as
to any matter in respect of which a vote has not already been cast. If you are a shareholder of record, you have the right to appoint another person or company to attend and
act on your behalf at the Annual Meeting other than the persons named in the enclosed Instrument of Proxy. To exercise this right, you should strike out the names of the persons named in the
Instrument of Proxy and insert the name of your nominee in the blank space provided. A person appointed as a proxy holder need not be a shareholder of Novelion. If you are a
Beneficial Shareholder, you should follow the instructions set out above in the section entitled " Who may attend the Annual Meeting?" in
connection with appointing another person to attend and act for you at the Annual Meeting.
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board believes that each of the resolutions being put to the shareholders at the Annual Meeting is in the best interests of Novelion and its
shareholders and, accordingly, recommends that each shareholder vote such shareholder's common shares:
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1.
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"FOR"
the Liquidation Resolution;
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2.
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"FOR"
the Liquidator Resolution;
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3.
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"FOR"
the Election of Directors Proposal;
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4.
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"FOR"
the Advisory Compensation Proposal; and
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5.
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"FOR"
the Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal.
What vote is required to approve each proposal?
Broker Non-Votes and Abstentions. A "broker non-vote" occurs when a bank, broker or other holder of record holding shares for a
beneficial owner does
not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does
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not
have authority to vote on that particular proposal without receiving voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Broker non-votes will be treated as present for purposes of determining whether
a quorum is present. Common shares held by holders who abstain from voting (or vote "withhold") will also be included for quorum purposes. Broker non-votes and abstentions are not counted as votes
cast and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of any of the proposals being considered. However, a broker will have the discretion to vote on Proposal No. 5 (the Appointment of
Independent Auditors Proposal) without any instructions from the beneficial owner. Brokers may not vote on any of the other proposals contained in this Proxy Statement, which are considered
"non-routine" proposals, unless they have received voting instructions from the beneficial owner, and to the extent that they have not received voting instructions, brokers report such number of
shares as "non-votes." We encourage all shareholders who hold shares through a bank, broker or other holder of record to provide voting instructions to such parties well in
advance of the Annual Meeting to ensure that their shares are voted at the Annual Meeting.
Liquidation Resolution. For Proposal No. 1, the Liquidation Resolution, under the BCBCA, the affirmative vote, in person or by
proxy, of
two-thirds of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval.
Liquidator Resolution. For Proposal No. 2, Liquidator Resolution, the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the
votes cast
by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval.
Election of Directors Proposal. For Proposal No. 3, the Election of Directors Proposal, under the BCBCA and the Articles of
Novelion,
directors are entitled to be elected by a plurality of the common shares voted at the Annual Meeting. This means that the three nominees with the most votes for election will be elected, subject to
the requirements of the Company's majority voting policy (the "Majority Voting Policy"), which applies for elections of directors at uncontested shareholders' meetings. Pursuant to this policy, any
nominee for director for which there are a greater number of votes "withheld" than votes "for" his or her election will be required to tender his or her resignation as a director of the Company. For
more details with respect to the Majority Voting Policy, see "Proposal No. 3: Election of Directors Majority Voting Policy." You may
choose to vote, or withhold your vote, separately for each nominee director.
Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of NEOs. For Proposal No. 4, the Advisory Compensation Proposal, the affirmative vote, in
person or
by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval, on an advisory
basis. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board or Novelion.
Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal. For Proposal No. 5, the Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal, the
affirmative vote, in
person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval.
What is the quorum for the Annual Meeting?
As of September 13, 2019, the authorized share structure of Novelion was comprised of 100,000,000 common shares and 5,000,000 non-voting
First Preference shares, of which there were 19,618,946 common shares of Novelion issued and outstanding. All common shares in the capital of the Company carry the right to one vote. At least
(i) two shareholders, (ii) two proxy holders representing two shareholders, or (iii) one shareholder and a proxy holder representing another shareholder entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting, present in person at the beginning of the Annual Meeting and collectively holding or representing by proxy in the aggregate not less than 331/3% of the issued and
outstanding Novelion common shares as of the record date, will constitute a quorum for the Annual Meeting. To the knowledge of our directors and executive officers, as of September 13, 2019,
the record date for the Annual Meeting, only the following persons or companies beneficially own, control or direct, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of our common shares: EdgePoint Investment
Group Inc., which, as evidenced by public filings, beneficially owns 2,368,819 common shares, representing approximately 12.1% of our issued and outstanding common shares and Broadfin
Capital, LLC,
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which,
as evidenced by public filings, beneficially owns 2,138,597 common shares, representing approximately 10.9% of our issued and outstanding common shares. See the
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" section of this Proxy Statement for additional details. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will be counted as present for the purpose of establishing a quorum; however, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast.
How will proxies be exercised?
The proxy holder will vote or withhold from voting according to instructions in the Instrument of Proxy on any ballot that may be called for and
for which a choice has been specified. If you
properly return your Instrument of Proxy, but do not include instructions on how to vote, your shares will be voted:
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1.
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"FOR"
the Liquidation Resolution;
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2.
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"FOR"
the Liquidator Resolution;
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3.
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"FOR"
the Election of Directors Proposal;
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4.
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"FOR"
the Advisory Compensation Proposal; and
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5.
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"FOR"
the Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal.
The Instrument of Proxy confers upon the proxy holder discretionary authority to vote all shares represented by the proxy with respect to amendments or variations
to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and any other matter that properly comes before the Annual Meeting. We know of no such amendment, variation or other matter that is to be presented for
action at the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters which are not now known to us should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted, or not voted, by the proxy holder
in his or her discretion, whether or not the amendment, variation or other matter that comes before the Annual Meeting is contested.
What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
You may receive more than one set of proxy materials because you own Novelion common shares that are registered under different names. For
example, you may own some shares directly as a shareholder of record and other shares through a broker, or you may own shares through more than one broker. In these situations, you will receive
multiple sets of proxy materials. It is necessary for you to vote all of the Instruments of Proxy according to the instructions contained in this Proxy Statement and to follow the instructions for any
alternative voting procedures you receive in order to vote all of the shares you own. Each Instrument of Proxy you receive will come with its own prepaid return envelope. If you vote by mail, please
make sure you return each Instrument of Proxy in the return envelope that accompanies that Instrument of Proxy.
Can I change my vote after I have voted?
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting. A proxy may be revoked by voting in person
at the Annual Meeting,
by an instrument in writing stating that the proxy is revoked and signed and delivered as follows, or in any other manner provided by law. In order to revoke your proxy:
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the instrument revoking the proxy must be signed by you or by the person to whom you have granted a power of attorney in writing. If the
shareholder is a corporation, the instrument of revocation must be signed under that corporate shareholder's corporate seal or by a duly authorized officer or attorney of the corporation; and
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the instrument revoking the proxy must be (i) delivered to Novelion's registered and records office c/o Norton Rose Fulbright,
1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 0M3, on or before November 4, 2019 at 2:00 PM (Eastern Time)/11:00 AM (Pacific Time) or
the last business day preceding the date of any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting at which the proxy is to be voted, or (ii) deposited with the Chair of the Annual Meeting on
the date of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of it before the taking of any vote in respect of which the proxy is to be used.
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If your shares are held in the name of an intermediary such as a brokerage firm, securities dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee
institution, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your intermediary, as applicable. You will need to contact your brokerage firm, securities dealer, trust company, bank or
other nominee institution to learn how to make that change.
Who will tabulate the votes?
Our transfer agent, Computershare, will tabulate votes cast by proxy by an automated system. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual
Meeting will be counted by the person appointed by us to act as scrutineer for the Annual Meeting.
Who pays the cost of the proxy solicitation?
This solicitation is made on behalf of Novelion. We will pay the cost of soliciting these proxies, including the printing, handling and mailing
of the proxy materials. Copies of these materials will be given to brokerage firms, securities dealers, trust companies, banks and other institutions that hold our shares that are beneficially owned
by others. We will reimburse these brokerage firms, securities dealers, trust companies, banks and other institutions for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding proxy materials to
beneficial owners of our shares. Proxies may be solicited by certain directors, officers and employees of Novelion personally or by telephone, mail, facsimile or e-mail. No additional compensation
will be paid to directors, officers or other Novelion employees for soliciting proxies. We have retained Okapi Partners LLC to assist in soliciting proxies by personal interview, telephone,
mail, facsimile or e-mail for a fee of approximately $15,000, plus expenses.
How can shareholders submit proposals for Novelion's next Annual General Meeting?
Because Novelion is expecting to wind-up operations and liquidate, it is unlikely that it will hold another annual general meeting of
shareholders. However, if there is to be another annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company, under U.S. securities laws, the deadline for submitting shareholder proposals for inclusion in
the Company's proxy statement and form of proxy for such annual meeting is June 3, 2020. Proposals must be sent to our registered office at c/o Norton Rose Fulbright,
1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 0M3.
Further,
under the BCBCA, a proposal for a matter for consideration at the next annual general meeting of shareholders, if any, must be received at our registered office at the address
above on or before August 5, 2020. For a proposal under the BCBCA to be valid, it must be in writing, accompanied by the requisite declarations and signed by the submitter and qualified
shareholders who at the time of signing are the registered or beneficial owners of shares that, in the aggregate, (i) constitute at least 1% of the issued shares
of Novelion that have the right to vote at general meetings, or (ii) have a fair market value in excess of $2,000. For the submitter or a qualified shareholder to be eligible to sign the
proposal, that shareholder must have been the registered or beneficial owner of Novelion shares that carry the right to vote at general meetings for an uninterrupted period of at least two years
before the date the proposal is signed, among other requirements.
Shareholders
are permitted to nominate individuals for election as directors under and if they comply with the provisions of our Advance Notice Policy, which is available on our website
by following the link to such policy at: http://ir.novelion.com/corporate-governance.cfm. To be timely submitted for consideration for election at an
annual general meeting of shareholders, nominations must be received at our registered office at the address above not less than 30 nor more than 65 days prior to the date of the annual meeting
of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of shareholders is to be held on a date that is less than 50 days after the date on which the first public
announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, the nomination may be delivered not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the notice date.
Who can help answer my questions?
If you have questions about voting procedures, please call our proxy solicitor, Okapi Partners LLC, at
(877) 629-6355.
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SUMMARY
This summary section highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement and does not contain
all of the information that is important to you. To understand fully the legal requirements for the voluntary liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company under the BCBCA and for a more
complete description of the terms of the Liquidation Plan, you should carefully read this entire Proxy Statement and the documents delivered with this Proxy Statement.
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The Company
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Prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion, through Aegerion, had operated a biopharmaceutical business dedicated to developing and commercializing new treatments for individuals living with rare diseases, including the two commercialized
drugs in Aegerion's portfolio: (a) lomitapide (marketed in Canada, the United States and other markets as JUXTAPID® and as LOJUXTA® in the EU); and (b) metreleptin (marketed in the United States as MYALEPT® and in the EU as
MYALEPTA®). Following the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, whereby Novelion was divested of Aegerion and its operating business on September 24, 2019, the Company's activities are limited to efforts for liquidation and winding up,
and ultimately dissolving, the Company. The Company currently has no sources of revenue and limited resources.
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The mailing address and phone number of our principal executive office is c/o Norton Rose Fulbright, 1800-510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0M3 Canada and (877) 764-3131.
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The Aegerion Recapitalization
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On May 20, 2019, the Company, Aegerion, Amryt and certain other parties entered into a restructuring support agreement, and Aegerion and Amryt entered into a plan funding agreement, which, among other things, set forth the terms and conditions
of the Aegerion Recapitalization. To facilitate the Aegerion Recapitalization, Aegerion and its U.S. subsidiary Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. filed the Chapter 11 Proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court. Under the chapter 11 plan,
which was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on September 10, 2019, the Company's approximately $36.0 million intercompany secured loan to Aegerion was allowed in full as a claim in the Chapter 11 Proceedings. In satisfaction of this
claim, the Company received a distribution of American depository receipts representing approximately 14.0 million ordinary shares of Amryt (the "Amryt Equity") immediately following the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization,
representing approximately 8.9% of Amryt's outstanding equity on a fully-diluted basis (including outstanding warrants and options, but not including the dilutive effect of the ordinary shares underlying new convertible notes issued by Amryt as part
of the Aegerion Recapitalization). See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution General" and "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Background of the Transactions and Discussions Preceding the Proposed Liquidation" each beginning on page 30 of this Proxy Statement for more information regarding the Aegerion Recapitalization. We expect that the
Amryt Equity or net proceeds therefrom will be the only remaining material asset of Novelion at the time any liquidation distributions are made and, accordingly, any distributions made to shareholders in connection with the Liquidation will consist
almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses
related to the Liquidation. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of this Proxy Statement.
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The Liquidation Plan
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General (see page 30)
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At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders of the Company will be asked to approve, as a special resolution, the Liquidation Resolution and, as an ordinary resolution, the Liquidator Resolution, which were unanimously approved by the Board on
September 18, 2019, subject to shareholder approval. The Board recommends that the Company's shareholders vote "FOR" the approval of the Liquidation Resolution and "FOR" the approval of the Liquidator Resolution.
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The Board proposes the Liquidation of the Company pursuant to section 319(1) of the BCBCA, which Liquidation will become effective and commence at the Effective Date, in accordance with the Liquidation Plan. The Board intends to set the
Effective Date as soon as practicable in the statement of intent to liquidate to be filed by the Company under the BCBCA. For a brief summary of the steps required to complete the Liquidation and the anticipated timing of each step, see "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Overview of Steps to Complete the Liquidation and
Dissolution" beginning on page 43 of this Proxy Statement.
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Reasons for the Proposed Dissolution and Liquidation (see page 35)
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The Board believes that the Liquidation is in the Company's best interests and the best interests of the Company's shareholders. The Board reviewed at length, with the assistance of legal, financial and other advisors, potential strategic
alternatives. In arriving at its determination, the Board carefully considered, in addition to other pertinent factors:
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the fact that, in
connection with and leading up to the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion conducted a broad and public review of strategic alternatives involving Novelion as a whole, including a merger, asset sale, comprehensive restructuring or other business
combination transaction, and despite outreach by Novelion's financial advisors to more than 50 parties, no viable potential buyer or partner emerged or was identified that was interested in such a transaction involving Novelion as a
whole;
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the fact that the
go-shop provided for as part of the Aegerion Recapitalization did not yield any alternative proposals (see page 35 for a description of the go-shop);
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the unlikelihood that
shareholders would have realized more value per share upon a sale or other transaction involving Novelion than they will receive in connection with the Liquidation Plan;
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the fact that, after
the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion remains a public company, complete with the substantial accounting, legal and other expenses typical for a public company but with limited assets and resources, and no remaining source of
revenue;
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the unlikelihood that
the price of Novelion's common stock would increase in the future to a price greater than the current price or the value of the assets distributed in the Liquidation (see page 41 for information regarding certain current estimated assets and
liabilities of the Company), given Novelion's limited assets and resources and that it has no source of revenue;
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the terms and
conditions of the Liquidation Plan; and
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the fact that the
BCBCA requires that the liquidation of a corporation under section 319 of the BCBCA be approved by the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of Novelion common shares, represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, which ensures
that, if the Board decides to proceed with the Liquidation, the Board will be taking actions of which a significant majority of Novelion's voting shareholders approve.
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The Board also considered the other factors described in the sections entitled "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Reasons for the Proposed Dissolution and Liquidation" and "Risk Factors" beginning on pages 35 and 26, respectively, of this Proxy
Statement and in those risk factors identified in Novelion's filings with the SEC.
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In furtherance of the Company's duty to maximize value for the Company's shareholders and stakeholders, after reviewing the limited strategic alternatives reasonably available to the Company and considering that the Company has no ongoing business
operations or sources of revenue at this time and does not expect to have any business operations or sources of revenue in the future, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to liquidate, wind-up
and dissolve the Company pursuant to the Liquidation Plan.
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Overview of the Liquidation (see pages 36 and 43)
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If the Liquidation Plan and the appointment of the Liquidator are approved at the Annual Meeting, the steps set forth below, among others, will be completed following the Effective Date at such times as the Board, the Liquidator or the BC Supreme
Court, as applicable, deems necessary, appropriate or advisable, all in accordance with the Liquidation Plan and the BCBCA:
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the filing of any
statement of intent to liquidate and the publishing of a notice to creditors as required under sections 321 and 331 of the BCBCA, respectively;
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the application to the
BC Supreme Court under section 325(1) of the BCBCA for such other directions and orders as may be deemed necessary or appropriate in connection with the liquidation of the Company, including without limitation an order establishing the Claims
Process described herein;
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the sale of any of the
Company's non-cash property and assets, (See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Distribution of Assets Liquidation Distribution(s)");
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the establishment of
the Claims Process to be approved by the BC Supreme Court for the identification, resolution and barring of claims by creditors, including employees of the Company, against the Company ("Liquidation Claims"), including the provision of written notice
of the commencement of the Liquidation to all known creditors and claimants of the Company, including employees;
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the delisting of the
common shares of the Company from Nasdaq, as described under the heading "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution
Trading of Common Shares", unless sooner delisted in connection with the hearing with the Nasdaq Hearing Panel which occurred on October 3, 2019;
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the application to
cease being a reporting issuer in Canada, as described under the heading "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution
Status as a Reporting Issuer";
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request relief from
the SEC or otherwise initiate steps to exit from the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act, as described under the heading "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of
Liquidator Resolution Status as a Reporting Issuer";
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the payment of or the
making of reasonable provision for the payment of all Proven Claims and obligations known to the Company, and the making of reserves as will be reasonably sufficient to provide compensation for any contingent Liquidation Claim, including, without
limitation, the establishment and setting aside of a reasonable amount of cash and/or property to satisfy such contingent Liquidation Claims against, and obligations of, the Company;
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the application to the
Canada Revenue Agency (the "CRA") and other applicable governmental authorities for tax and other clearance certificates;
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in accordance with the
BCBCA and any order of the BC Supreme Court, the pro rata distribution to registered shareholders of the remaining assets of the Company after taking into account the payment or provision for payment of Proven Claims and contingent Liquidation Claims
against and obligations of the Company; and
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the winding up and
dissolution of the Company.
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Claims Process (see page 39)
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A BC Supreme Court approved Claims Process will be established if the Company is successful in its application to the BC Supreme Court under section 325(1) of the BCBCA, for the identification, resolution and barring of Liquidation Claims. The
Company anticipates seeking BC Supreme Court approval of a Claims Process as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date.
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Liquidation Distributions and Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts (see pages 40 and 41)
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The Company currently expects that the liquidation distributions will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to
fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the Liquidation. The Company currently believes that the Liquidator will complete distributions by the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to the resolution of
claims.
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Based on the closing price on October 2, 2019 of approximately $1.54 per Amryt share on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange on which the Amryt shares currently trade, the value of the Amryt Equity
was approximately $21.7 million on such date. This date and related closing price were selected for purposes of illustration and estimate only and the Company cannot predict with certainty the value of the Amryt Equity on the date that any of
such shares are sold or on the date of any liquidation distributions to its shareholders. The value of the Amryt Equity may be materially lower or higher than our current estimate. We also currently estimate that we will need to sell approximately
$1.0 million to $2.0 million worth of the Amryt Equity before the end of 2019 in order to meet our anticipated ongoing, albeit reduced, operating expenses and to satisfy currently anticipated claims and obligations of the Company through
the conclusion of the Liquidation, based on the following facts, estimates, assumptions and considerations:
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Novelion's cash
balance as of October 2, 2019 was approximately $5.0 million.
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An estimated value of
Novelion's other assets at October 2, 2019 (excluding the Amryt Equity and prepaid expenses, such as insurance premiums, etc.), and future anticipated and estimated sources of cash, including from the liquidation or monetization of certain other
assets, of between approximately $1.4 million and $1.6 million, including expected tax refunds and expected reimbursements from Amryt pursuant to cost sharing arrangements.
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A current estimate of
Novelion's liabilities and expected operating expenses (cash basis, i.e., excluding amortization of prepaid expenses, such as insurance premiums) through the conclusion of the Liquidation of between approximately $7.6 million and
$8.4 million, including contractual severance obligations of up to $2.9 million (which severance obligations were incurred at the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization).
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The expenditures
incurred during the Liquidation and the timing of any distributions will be determined by the Liquidator in accordance with the Liquidation Plan.
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The common shares of Novelion expected to be outstanding at the date of the Liquidation are estimated to be approximately 19.7 million common shares. These estimates do not include provisions for unknown contingencies,
such as unanticipated claims, liabilities, litigation or taxes that are currently unknown to management at the time of this Proxy Statement. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution
and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of this Proxy Statement.
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Many of the factors influencing the value of any distributions made as part of the Liquidation, cannot currently be quantified with certainty and are subject to change, including the amount of cash the Company will need to fund the Liquidation, the
amount of Amryt Equity that will need to be sold by the Company in connection with such funding and the proceeds received therefrom, and the value of the Amryt Equity, which is dependent upon the business operations and financial success of Amryt and
is subject to market fluctuations and volatility among other risks over which we have no control, the Company's inability to predict the amount of its remaining liabilities or the amount that the Company will incur during the course of the
Liquidation, the net value, if any, of its remaining non-cash assets and the fact that, if the Liquidation and Liquidation Plan are approved, the Liquidator will have the power and authority to approve the number, amount and timing of any liquidation
distributions.
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The Company cannot determine at this time when, or potentially whether, it will be able to make any liquidation distributions to the Company's shareholders or the value of any such distributions. Shareholders may receive substantially less than the
value that they expect to receive. Accordingly, you will not know the amount of any liquidation distributions you may receive as a result of the Liquidation Plan when you vote on the Liquidation Resolution. See "Risk Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The
Company cannot assure shareholders of the timing or amount of any liquidation distributions" and "Risk Factors Risks Related to the Approval or
the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The value of the Amryt Equity and/or the amount of proceeds that might be realized from the sale of any of the Amryt Equity (if any), which is
expected to be the Company's primary asset, is subject to fluctuation in the market prices of such Amryt Equity and the Company's ability to monetize such Amryt Equity on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all."
beginning on pages 26 and 28 of this Proxy Statement, respectively.
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Trading of Common Shares (see page 38)
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As discussed under "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Trading of Common
Shares" beginning on page 38 of this Proxy Statement, the Company's hearing with the Nasdaq Hearing Panel regarding the continued listing of its common shares was held as scheduled on October 3, 2019; the Nasdaq Hearing
Panel has not yet issued a decision with regard to the delisting of the Company's common shares, and the extended stay of delisting continues pending the Nasdaq Hearing Panel's final determination. Although Novelion appealed to the Nasdaq Hearing
Panel to permit the shares of Novelion to continue to trade on Nasdaq at least through the date of the Annual Meeting, or through a subsequent date following the Annual Meeting, Novelion can make no assurance as to when the common shares of Novelion
will be delisted from Nasdaq (or what trading halts may be imposed). Following any such delisting, the common shares of Novelion will no longer be listed for trading on Nasdaq or on any stock exchange and may only trade in the U.S. on the
over-the-counter market, which is a less liquid market, if at all.
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Regardless of the foregoing, we anticipate that any and all trading of our common shares on Nasdaq or the over-the-counter market, as the case may be, will be suspended as of the Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, and
that we will close our stock transfer books and discontinue recording transfers at that time. Accordingly, it is expected that trading in our shares of common stock will cease after the Effective Date, at the latest. The Liquidation Plan provides
that any liquidation distributions to shareholders of Novelion will be made only to those shareholders who are registered shareholders as of the Effective Date, though distributions may take place long after the Effective Date has passed.
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Reporting Requirements
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The Company expects that, as part of the application to be made to the BC Supreme Court in connection with the Liquidation, a determination will be made to establish the timing for the application to have the Company cease to be a reporting issuer
pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company anticipates that, subject to the BC Supreme Court's discretion, such application will be made as soon as possible after the commencement of the Liquidation, but there can be no assurances
regarding how long the Company may continue as a reporting issuer.
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Additionally, whether or not the Liquidation Plan is approved, the Company has an obligation to continue to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. If the Liquidation Plan is approved, in order to curtail expenses, the
Company will seek relief from the SEC or otherwise initiate the steps to exit from certain reporting requirements under the Exchange Act. However, such process may be protracted or the SEC may not grant any such relief, or, if relief is granted, the
Company may be required to continue to file Current Reports on Form 8-K to disclose material events, including those related to the Liquidation. See "Risk Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The Company will continue to incur expenses that will reduce the amount available for distribution,
including expenses of complying with public company reporting requirements and paying its service providers, among others".
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Potential Liability of Shareholders (see page 43)
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|
Under the BCBCA, despite the Liquidation, each shareholder of the Company to whom any of its property has been distributed is potentially liable, for a period of two years, to any person claiming under section 346 of the BCBCA to the extent of
the amount received by that shareholder upon the distribution, and an action to enforce such liability may be brought. The Claims Process described under the heading "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and
Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Claims Process", including the Claims Bar Order, is intended to mitigate the risk that any claims may arise following the Liquidation of the Company, but there
is no absolute certainty that this risk will be eliminated completely.
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Interests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the Liquidation (see page 44)
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Some of our directors and executive officers may have interests in the Liquidation that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of our shareholders generally, namely, the Company's continuing indemnification obligations to its directors
and officers. The Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the Liquidation pursuant to the Liquidation Plan and the transactions contemplated thereby.
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Certain Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations (see page 45)
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All shareholders of the Company should review "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Certain Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations" for a general summary of certain material Canadian federal tax consequences of the Liquidation. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as
to the specific tax consequences to them of the Liquidation in light of each shareholder's particular circumstances.
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Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations (see page 48)
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All shareholders of the Company should review "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" for a general summary of certain material U.S. federal tax consequences of the Liquidation. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the
specific tax consequences to them of the Liquidation in light of each shareholder's particular circumstances.
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Annual Meeting
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The Annual Meeting will be held at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, on November 5, 2019 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time)/7:00 AM (Pacific Time) for the following purposes, each of which is
described in more detail in this Proxy Statement:
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To approve as a
special resolution the Liquidation Resolution.
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To approve as an
ordinary resolution the Liquidator Resolution.
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To approve the
Election of Directors Proposal.
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To approve the
Advisory Compensation Proposal, on a non-binding, advisory basis.
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To approve the
Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal.
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To transact such other
business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
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Required Vote
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Liquidation Resolution. For Proposal No. 1, the Liquidation Resolution, under the BCBCA, the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of two-thirds of the votes cast by, or on behalf of,
shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval.
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Liquidator Resolution. For Proposal No. 2, Liquidator Resolution, the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company
entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval.
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Election of Directors Proposal. For Proposal No. 3, under the BCBCA and the Articles of Novelion, directors are entitled to be elected by a plurality of the common shares voted at the Annual
Meeting. This means that the three nominees with the most votes for election will be elected, subject to the requirements of the Company's majority voting policy (the "Majority Voting Policy"), which applies for elections of directors at uncontested
shareholders' meetings. Pursuant to this policy, any nominee for director for which there are a greater number of votes "withheld" than votes "for" his or her election will be required to tender his or her resignation as a director of the Company.
For more details with respect to the Majority Voting Policy, see "Proposal No. 3: Election of Directors Majority Voting Policy." You may
choose to vote, or withhold your vote, separately for each nominee director.
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Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of NEOs. For Proposal No. 4, the Advisory Compensation Proposal, the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by, or on
behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval, on an advisory basis. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board, the Compensation Committee of
the Board or Novelion.
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Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal. For Proposal No. 5, the Appointment of Independent Auditors Proposal, the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes cast by,
or on behalf of, shareholders of the Company entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required for approval.
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Recommendation of Our Board of Directors
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The Board believes that each of the resolutions being put to the shareholders at the Annual Meeting is in the best interests of Novelion and its shareholders and, accordingly, recommends that each shareholder vote such shareholder's
shares:
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"FOR" the Liquidation
Resolution;
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"FOR" the Liquidator
Resolution;
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"FOR" the Election of
Directors Proposal;
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"FOR" the Advisory
Compensation Proposal; and
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"FOR" the Appointment
of Independent Auditors Proposal.
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Risk Factors
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In evaluating the Liquidation Plan, you should carefully read this Proxy Statement and especially consider the factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 26 of this Proxy
Statement.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements in this Proxy Statement may constitute "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United
States securities laws. Without limiting the foregoing, words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "pro forma," "believe,"
"intend" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, although believed to be reasonable based on information
currently available to management, are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could result in material changes to the plans or results expressed or described in the statements.
Additionally, such information relating to certain current estimates of the assets and liabilities of the Company represent management's best estimates as of the date of this Proxy Statement and is
provided
for indicative purposes only as it relates to the factors that may influence the ultimate quantum of any distributions to shareholders to be made as part of the Liquidation and may not be appropriate
if used for any other purposes. Such risks and uncertainties relate to, among other things: the availability, timing and amount of liquidation distributions; the amounts that will need to be set aside
by the Company; the adequacy of such reserves to satisfy the Company's obligations; the ability of the Company to favorably resolve any potential tax claims, litigation matters and other unresolved
contingent liabilities of the Company; the amount of proceeds that might be realized from any sale or other disposition of the Amryt Equity; the potential volatility in the market price of such Amryt
Equity; the application of, and any changes in, applicable tax laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles and interpretations; and the incurrence by the Company of expenses relating to
the Liquidation. Further information regarding the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from the results of these forward-looking statements are discussed
under the section "Risk Factors" in this Proxy Statement and in our periodic and current reports and documents filed with the SEC. You should not place
undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this Proxy Statement, whether as a result
of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
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RISK FACTORS
There are many factors the Company's shareholders should consider when deciding whether to vote in favor of the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator
Resolution, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (as amended), in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and in our subsequent Current Reports on Form 8-K. In light of developments subsequent to December 31, 2018, including completion of the Aegerion Recapitalization, many
of the risk factors contained in such reports may no longer be applicable. Thus, you should also carefully consider the additional risks described below, together with all other information included
in this Proxy Statement before making a decision about voting on the proposals. Notably, the Company cautions that trading in the Company's securities is highly speculative and poses substantial
risks. Trading prices for the Company's securities may bear little or no relationship to the actual value realized, if any, by holders of the Company's securities. Accordingly, the Company urges
extreme caution with respect to existing and future investments in its securities.
Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan
The Company cannot assure shareholders of the timing or amount of any liquidation distributions.
The Company currently expects that the liquidation distributions will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and
subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the
Liquidation. See "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator Resolution Uncertainty of
Liquidation Distribution Amounts" beginning on page 41 of this Proxy Statement. The Company cannot predict with certainty the value of any liquidation distributions to
its shareholders and many of the factors influencing the value of any distributions made as part of the Liquidation cannot currently be quantified with certainty and are subject to change, including
the amount of cash the Company will need to fund the Liquidation, the amount of Amryt Equity that will need to be sold by the Company in connection with such funding and the proceeds received
therefrom, the value of the Amryt Equity, which is dependent upon the business operations and financial success of Amryt and is subject to market fluctuations and volatility, among other risks over
which we have no control, the Company's inability to predict the amount of its remaining liabilities or the amount that the Company will incur during the course of the Liquidation, the net value, if
any, of its remaining non-cash assets and the fact that, if the Liquidation and Liquidation Plan are approved, the Liquidator will have the power and authority to approve the number, amount and timing
of any liquidation distributions. In addition, the timing and amount of any liquidation distributions may be impacted by (i) the Company's and/or the Liquidator's discussions with the CRA and
other applicable taxation authorities in finalizing the Company's and its subsidiaries final tax returns and the amounts of their corresponding tax liabilities and (ii) the number and
complexity of claims resulting from the Claims Process and whether any disputed claims can be reserved for or processed in an expedited manner.
The
value of the Amryt Equity may fluctuate materially. Therefore, the value distributed under the Liquidation Plan may vary materially. The value of the Amryt Equity may fluctuate with
the performance of Amryt, specific industry conditions, including the success or failure of other companies in the industry, the investment attitude with respect to the industry and changes to its
regulatory environment, and general economic conditions, including the level of interest rates, corporate earnings, economic activity, the value of currencies and other factors, including the fact
that there may be a limited or no market for the Amryt Equity.
The
Company cannot determine at this time when, or potentially whether, it will be able to make any liquidation distributions to the Company's shareholders or the value of any such
distributions. You may receive substantially less than the value that you expect to receive. Accordingly, you will not know the amount of any liquidation distributions you may
receive as a result of the Liquidation Plan when you vote on the Liquidation Resolution. These risks will be amplified if the Liquidation Plan is not approved, in which
case the Company can make no assurances that any liquidation distributions will be made to the Company's shareholders.
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The Company will continue to incur expenses that will reduce the amount available for distribution, including
expenses associated with complying with public company reporting requirements and paying its service providers, among others.
As the Company winds up, it will continue to incur expenses from operations, including compensation to the limited number of employees
implementing the Liquidation Plan, if any, compensation to the Company's remaining independent directors (if any), directors' and officers' insurance and other insurance premiums, income, payroll and
other taxes (including any taxes that may be imposed on any sale, distribution or other disposition of the Company's remaining non-cash assets), legal, accounting, financial, advisory and consulting
fees and general and administrative expenses. Additionally, regardless of whether the Liquidation Resolution is approved, the Company will (subject to a release of claims) be required to pay each of
our executive officers a lump-sum cash payment of his or her salary continuation and bonus severance benefits because the Aegerion Recapitalization constitutes a "Sale Event" or "Change in Control",
as applicable, under each executive officer's employment agreement and upon any corresponding termination without cause or resignation for good reason in connection therewith. See
"Executive Compensation Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Employment Agreements with our current NEOs
Termination Arrangements with Messrs. Harshbarger and Louis" and "Executive Compensation Narrative Disclosure to Summary
Compensation Employment Agreements with our current NEOs Termination Arrangements with Mr. Price" for a more detailed
description of the relevant termination arrangements with such officers.
The
actual amount of such expenses could be much higher than currently anticipated and will reduce the amount of assets available for ultimate distribution to our shareholders. If the
Liquidation Plan is not approved, the Company expects to continue to incur expenses from operations, including to officers, directors and advisors of the Company, including as the Company contemplates
its other alternatives, and will be responsible for such termination arrangements noted above upon any corresponding termination without cause or resignation for good reason that occurs in connection
with the Aegerion Recapitalization. Such expenses would likely be in excess of those expected to be incurred in connection with implementing the Liquidation Plan.
The
Company will have an obligation to continue to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and applicable Canadian securities law, even if compliance with
these reporting requirements is economically burdensome. In order to curtail expenses, the Company will request relief from the SEC or otherwise initiate the steps to exit from certain reporting
requirements under the Exchange Act. Concurrently therewith, we also expect, as part of the application to be made to the BC Supreme Court in connection with the Liquidation, an application will be
made to establish the timing for the Company to
cease to be a reporting issuer in Canada. With regard to SEC reporting requirements, such process may be protracted or the SEC may not grant any such relief, or, if relief is granted, the Company may
be required to continue to file Current Reports on Form 8-K to disclose material events, including those related to the Liquidation. Accordingly, the Company will continue to incur the costs
associated with being a reporting issuer and public company until such time as it ceases to be subject to reporting obligations under applicable U.S. and Canadian law. The costs of compliance with
such reporting requirements would reduce the amount which otherwise could be distributed to shareholders.
If the Company fails to retain sufficient funds to pay the liabilities actually owed to the Company's
creditors, including employees of the Company, each shareholder receiving liquidation distributions could be liable for payment to the Company's creditors, including employees, of his, her or its pro
rata share of any shortfall, up to the amount actually distributed to each shareholder in connection with the Liquidation.
The Company will only be able to confirm the amount of its liabilities following completion of the Claims Process contemplated by the
Liquidation Plan. However, as discussed under the heading "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval of Liquidator
Resolution Claims Process" in this Proxy Statement, although the Company will be seeking a Claims Bar Order
which would provide that no claims may be pursued following the Liquidation, there is no absolute certainty that the risk of claims arising after the Liquidation of the Company will be eliminated
completely. In the event that the Company fails to retain sufficient funds to pay the expenses and liabilities actually owed to the Company's creditors, including employees of the Company, each
shareholder could be held liable for the repayment to those creditors, including employees, whose claims are not barred by the Claims Bar Order or otherwise, out of amounts
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previously
received by such shareholder from the Company (up to the full amount actually received by such shareholder).
Moreover,
the amount of taxes payable estimated by the Company is subject to assessment by taxation authorities. The process available for distribution to shareholders will be negatively
impacted by claims exceeding estimated liabilities or taxes exceeding accrued amounts thereof.
The value of the Amryt Equity and/or the amount of proceeds that might be realized from any sales of the
Amryt Equity (if any), which is expected to be the Company's primary asset, is subject to fluctuation in the market prices of such Amryt Equity and the Company's ability to monetize such Amryt Equity
on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.
As of October 2, 2019, the Amryt Equity represented more than 75% of the Company's total remaining assets (excluding prepaid expenses,
such as insurance premiums, etc.). The trading price of the Amryt Equity may be volatile or there may be no trading market for such equity on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) (The London Stock
Exchange's international market for smaller growing companies on which Amryt is currently trading), which could result in substantial losses to the Company and affect the Company's ability to monetize
the Amryt Equity on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all. It is currently expected that Amryt will apply to list its ordinary shares, or American depositary shares representing the Amryt
Equity, on Nasdaq within 90 days of the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, however, there is no assurance that such an application will be successful or, if it is, that a market
will develop for the Amryt Equity in the United States. Moreover, the value and market price of the Amryt Equity is affected by Amryt's business, management, results of operations and financial
condition and may be affected by open market sales of such equity by the Company or others. Accordingly, the market for the Amryt Equity may be limited and the value of the Amryt Equity may
significantly decline from the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization based on the trading volume of such equity and the performance of Amryt generally.
Shareholders should review information made available by Amryt at its website at www.amrytpharma.com because the Company's ability to monetize the Amryt Equity on
favorable terms or at all, will depend heavily upon and be influenced by the value of the Amryt Equity. Information relating to Amryt in this Proxy Statement is derived from public information
available on Amryt's website. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and the Company makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of
such information.
The Company has no active business and does not expect to have any active business in the future.
Following the completion of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company no longer carries on any active business and has no sources of revenue
and does not expect to have any business operations or sources of revenue in the future. Notably, Novelion does not have sufficient resources, operations or assets to continue
as a stand-alone operating company. If the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution are not approved, the future of Novelion will be uncertain, and any realization of value for your
Novelion shares will likely be significantly delayed or you may not realize any value for your Novelion shares. If the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution are not approved, the
Company may apply to court for an order that a liquidator be appointed and that the Company be liquidated, wound up and dissolved.
The Company will be unable to continue as a going concern if the Liquidation Resolution is not approved and
may have to seek court assistance to liquidate.
If the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution are not approved by shareholders at the Annual Meeting, and consequently, if the
Liquidation Plan is not implemented with the support of shareholders, the Company will be unable to generate cash flow to meet its financial obligations given that the Company has no operating
business and no sources of revenue at this time and does not expect to have any business operations or sources of revenue in the future. As such, the Company will be unable to continue as a going
concern and will likely be required to: (i) apply to the BC Supreme Court for an order that a liquidator be appointed and that the Company be liquidated, wound up and dissolved; or (ii) in the event
that the Company's remaining assets are depleted through continuing administrative and/or other unforeseen expenditures, seek protection under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws.
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The common shares of the Company will be delisted from Nasdaq.
As discussed below under "Proposal No. 1: Approval of Liquidation Resolution and Proposal No. 2: Approval
of Liquidator Resolution Trading of Common Shares" beginning on page 38, the Company's hearing with the
Nasdaq Hearing Panel regarding the continued listing of its common shares was held as scheduled on October 3, 2019; the Nasdaq Hearing Panel has not yet issued a decision with regard to the
delisting of the Company's common shares, and the extended stay of delisting continues pending the Nasdaq Hearing Panel's final determination. Although Novelion appealed to the Nasdaq Hearing Panel to
permit the shares of Novelion to continue to trade on Nasdaq at least through the date of the Annual Meeting, or, through a subsequent date following the Annual Meeting, Novelion can make no assurance
as to when the common shares of Novelion will be delisted from Nasdaq (or what trading halts may be imposed). Following any such delisting, the common shares of Novelion will no longer be listed for
trading on Nasdaq or any stock exchange and may only trade in the U.S. on the over-the-counter market, which is a less liquid market, if at all.
Regardless
of the foregoing, we anticipate that any and all trading of our common shares on Nasdaq or the over-the-counter market, as the case may be, will be suspended as of the
Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, and that we will close our stock transfer books and discontinue recording transfers at that time. Accordingly, it is expected that
trading in our shares of common stock will cease after the Effective Date, at the latest. The Liquidation Plan provides that any liquidation distributions to shareholders of Novelion will be made only
to those shareholders who are registered holders as of the Effective Date, though distributions may take place long after the Effective Date has passed.
When
the common shares of Novelion cease to be listed for trading on Nasdaq or on any other designated stock exchange in Canada (as defined for purposes of the Tax Act), the common
shares will continue to be a "qualified investment" (as defined under the Tax Act) for a "registered plan" unless certain conditions are satisfied simultaneously. For this purpose, a registered plan
is a trust governed by a registered retirement savings plan, registered retirement income fund, registered disability savings plan, deferred profit sharing plan, tax-free savings account and a
registered education savings plan. The relevant conditions are that: (i) the CRA notifies the Company that is has been designated not to be a public corporation in accordance with
subparagraph (c)(ii) of the definition of "public corporation" under the Tax Act, and (ii) the Company ceases to meet specified requirements regarding the ownership of its common shares.
There can be no assurances given that the common shares of Novelion would continue to satisfy the requirements to remain as a qualified investment for an investment by a registered plan. Shareholders
who hold common shares in a registered plan should seek their own tax advice regarding the implications to them if the common shares cease to be classified as a qualified investment.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1: APPROVAL OF LIQUIDATION RESOLUTION
AND
PROPOSAL NO. 2: APPROVAL OF LIQUIDATOR RESOLUTION
General
We are seeking shareholder approval of the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution at the Annual Meeting. The Liquidation Plan was
unanimously approved by the Board on September 18, 2019, subject to shareholder approval. The Board recommends that you vote "FOR" the approval
of the Liquidation Resolution and "FOR" the approval of the Liquidator Resolution.
On
May 20, 2019, the Company, Aegerion, Amryt and certain other parties entered into a restructuring support agreement, and Aegerion and Amryt entered into a plan funding
agreement, which, among other things, set forth the terms and conditions of the Aegerion Recapitalization. To facilitate the Aegerion Recapitalization, Aegerion and its U.S. subsidiary Aegerion
Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Chapter 11 Proceedings") in the United States Bankruptcy
Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court"). Under the chapter 11 plan, which was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on September 10, 2019, the Company's
approximately $36.0 million intercompany secured loan to Aegerion was allowed in full as a claim in the Chapter 11 Proceedings. In satisfaction of this claim, the Company received a
distribution of American depository receipts representing approximately 14.0 million ordinary shares of Amryt (the "Amryt Equity") immediately following the consummation of the Aegerion
Recapitalization, representing approximately 8.9% of Amryt's outstanding equity on a fully-diluted basis (including outstanding warrants and options, but not including the dilutive effect of the
ordinary shares underlying new convertible notes issued by Amryt as part of the Aegerion Recapitalization).
Following
the conclusion of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company retained its existing cash balances and net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards (subject to
applicable tax laws). The value, if any, of such NOL carryforwards is expected to be minimal. Any cash balances of the Company will continue to decrease throughout the course of the liquidation and
dissolution of the Company as administrative expenses will continue to be incurred and as currently existing obligations and liabilities are satisfied, including the payment of employee severance
obligations. Accordingly, the Company will need to monetize at least a portion of the Amryt Equity in order to help fund this process. We expect that the Amryt Equity or net proceeds therefrom will be
the only remaining material asset of Novelion at the time any liquidation distributions are made and, accordingly, any distributions made to shareholders in connection with the Liquidation will
consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's
liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the Liquidation. See " Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution
Amounts" below.
Background of the Transactions and Discussions Preceding the Proposed Liquidation
Prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion, through Aegerion, had operated a biopharmaceutical business dedicated to developing and
commercializing new treatments for individuals
living with rare diseases, including the two commercialized drugs in Aegerion's portfolio: (a) lomitapide (marketed in Canada, the United States and other markets as JUXTAPID® and
as LOJUXTA® in the EU); and (b) metreleptin (marketed in the United States as MYALEPT® and in the EU as MYALEPTA®).
As
a result of a merger transaction involving, inter alia, Novelion's predecessor, QLT Inc. and Aegerion, Aegerion became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Novelion on November 29, 2016 (the "2016 Merger"). Aegerion had a portfolio of therapies at the time of the 2016 Merger, but also had over $300 million in
outstanding debt in the form of convertible notes. To address Aegerion's immediate financial needs, Novelion agreed to advance Aegerion a secured loan of up to $15 million (the "Intercompany
Loan") at the time the merger agreement was signed in June 2016, in order to fund Aegerion through to the November 2016 closing of the 2016 Merger. The 2016 Merger was subject to shareholder approval
by Novelion's shareholders under the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq listing requirements because of the significant share issuance that took place in conjunction with the transaction. Approximately
98% of Novelion's shareholders voted in favor of the 2016 Merger.
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In
October 2017 and again in February 2018, Novelion extended additional funds under the Intercompany Loan to address Aegerion's ongoing operating needs. However, these advances were
insufficient to address Aegerion's continuing financial challenges and, therefore, Aegerion needed additional cash injections, which it sought from other lenders.
In
response to Aegerion's continued financial difficulties, in late 2017 Novelion and Aegerion began to explore options to restructure Aegerion's debt (which, to be feasible,
would require negotiating with and seeking support from a majority of the holders of the outstanding convertible notes) and in August 2018, Novelion and Aegerion jointly retained Moelis &
Company LLC ("Moelis"), a global investment banking advisory firm who had industry knowledge and knowledge of the companies, to explore strategic options and financing alternatives for the
companies.
In
March 2018, Aegerion entered into a $20.0 million loan and security agreement with Broadfin Capital, LLC ("Broadfin") and Sarissa Capital Management LP
("Sarissa") (the "2018 Term Loan"), which was subordinated in security and priority to the Intercompany Loan. Broadfin and Sarissa were both shareholders of Novelion and whose affiliates were members
of the Board at the time.
Concurrent
with the 2018 Term Loan, the agreement governing the Intercompany Loan was amended and restated. At the time of the restatement, the outstanding balance on the Intercompany
Loan had grown to approximately $38.0 million.
Under
the terms of the 2018 Term Loan and the amended and restated Intercompany Loan, Aegerion could not issue any additional senior debt with priority to those loans without the consent
of Broadfin, Sarissa and Novelion.
In
August 2018, Aegerion initiated a cost reduction plan that included, among other things, reductions to its U.S. commercial operations, the suspension of key clinical development
activities and the elimination of 36% of its workforce.
Later
that month, Aegerion retained AlixPartners, a management consulting firm that specializes in complex financial restructurings, and expanded Moelis' mandate to include the
restructuring of Aegerion's debt as well as the provision of investment banking services for Aegerion.
Moelis
thereafter commenced actively identifying potential merger partners, strategic buyers and private equity firms that may have an interest in the business of Novelion and Aegerion.
This process included a broad marketing effort through which Moelis reached out to more than 50 potential merger partners, strategic buyers and private equity firms, including Amryt.
Around
the same time, Aegerion also expanded the size of its board of directors (the "Aegerion Board") and brought on two new independent directors. The Aegerion Board had no overlapping
directors with our Board. The post-expansion Aegerion Board was comprised of Michael Price, Barbara Chan, Mathew Cantor and Colin Adams.
The
Aegerion Board or its two independent directors, Messrs. Cantor and Adams, who served on a special transaction committee (the "Aegerion Special Transaction Committee"), met
and deliberated separately from our Board throughout the fall of 2018 and continuing through 2019. Much of the Aegerion Board's deliberations (including the deliberation of any issues related to
Novelion) were conducted by the Aegerion Special Transaction Committee. Novelion did not maintain or exercise any control over the Aegerion Board or the Aegerion Special Transaction Committee.
At
a meeting on September 4, 2018, our Board, after discussion and in light of Novelion's liquidity profile, determined to form its own special committee of independent directors
(the "Novelion Special Committee") to explore, negotiate and recommend to our Board (if advisable and applicable) financing alternatives and transactions. Our Board appointed Dr. Bruhn,
Dr. Sabba and Mr. Thomas to the Novelion Special Committee.
Due
to the inherent conflict between Aegerion and Novelion's interests as a result of Aegerion's substantial indebtedness to Novelion, at a meeting on September 24, 2018, our
Board, based on the recommendation of the Novelion Special Committee, determined it would be prudent to engage an independent financial advisor to protect Novelion's interests and explore alternatives
for Novelion as Aegerion explored its own strategic
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alternatives.
On September 25, 2018, after interviewing several qualified parties for this role, Novelion, at the recommendation of the Novelion Special Committee and the direction of our Board
engaged Evercore Inc. ("Evercore"), a global independent investment banking and financial advisory firm, in light of Evercore's expertise in the industry in which Novelion was operating and
with companies facing similar financial and operational crises.
From
September 2018 through December 2018, our Board and the Novelion Special Committee met in person or by telephone regularly to discuss Novelion's and Aegerion's financial
circumstances and Novelion's strategic options. Our Board and the Novelion Special Committee reviewed presentations and materials provided by Novelion's management and Evercore regarding, among other
things, market conditions, financial and cash projections, potential strategic alternatives and risks and opportunities associated therewith, and the long-term sustainability of Novelion, particularly
given Aegerion's financial condition and the cost and regulatory burden associated with Novelion being a public company, noting that, other than the Intercompany Loan, substantially all of Novelion's
assets and liabilities were residing at the Aegerion level. Our Board was also regularly advised on its fiduciary duties by Canadian and U.S. counsel. At the direction of our Board and the Novelion
Special Committee, Novelion's management and Evercore continued to explore various strategic alternatives, including financing alternatives, although at such time it was still uncertain which
strategic alternatives, if any, Novelion could ultimately pursue, especially given that such a transaction would likely need to include a restructuring of Aegerion's convertible notes, which would
require, to be feasible, negotiating with and seeking support from a majority of the holders of the outstanding convertible notes.
After
discussions and negotiations among Novelion, Aegerion and certain of Aegerion's lenders over the course of several weeks, on November 8, 2018, Aegerion and an ad hoc group
of holders of over 67% of Aegerion's outstanding convertible notes (the "Bridge Loan Lenders" or the "ad hoc group") entered into a bridge credit agreement (the "Bridge Loan Agreement"), whereby
Aegerion borrowed: (a) $50 million (the "New Money Loans"), which was to be used to (i) provide Aegerion with bridge funding to allow it to continue to operate, (ii) repay
the 2018 Term Loan in an aggregate principal of approximately $21.2 million and (iii) repay a portion of the principal of the Intercompany Loan in an amount of $3.5 million; and
(b) $22.5 million to repurchase and retire an equal amount of the convertible notes held at par by certain funds managed by the Bridge Loan Lenders (the "Roll Up Loans", and, together
with the New Money Loans, the "Bridge Loan").
The
Bridge Loan contemplated that the New Money Loans would have priority over the Intercompany Loan, while the Roll Up Loans would be secured but subordinated to the Intercompany Loan.
The
Bridge Loan was intended to provide Aegerion with financing to support its operations while Aegerion continued to explore strategic alternatives. The Bridge Loan was not intended to
be a stand-alone solution to Aegerion's financial challenges.
With
the benefit of advice from its financial and legal advisors, our Board, upon the recommendation of the Novelion Special Committee, determined that the New Money Loans being offered
under the Bridge Loan
offered the best path to preserve the value of the Intercompany Loan by providing Aegerion with funding to pursue strategic alternatives.
The
Novelion Special Committee and our Board believed that if the Bridge Loan could not be secured, it was likely that Aegerion would have to file for what is known as a "free fall
bankruptcy" in which it would have to seek bankruptcy protection without any plan to emerge from that process. If that were to occur, the Novelion Special Committee and our Board believed there would
almost certainly be significant value erosion with the risk that creditors of Aegerion, including Novelion, would receive little or no recovery.
Accordingly,
Novelion provided consent to the Bridge Loan and agreed to subordinate the Intercompany Loan to the New Money Loans pursuant to a subordination agreement entered into on
November 8, 2018 (the "Subordination Agreement").
On
the same day that Novelion entered into the Subordination Agreement, Novelion issued a press release that Aegerion had entered into the Bridge Loan Agreement and that Novelion and
Aegerion were working through strategic alternatives. In particular, Novelion disclosed that Aegerion had engaged Moelis and AlixPartners, both of whom advised on the Bridge Loan, to continue the
comprehensive review of Aegerion's capital structure, and that Novelion and Aegerion had also engaged Evercore and Moelis, respectively, to
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explore
and advise the companies on all available financial and strategic options, such as a restructuring of Aegerion's outstanding convertible notes (including a restructuring that would likely
involve a debt for equity swap), a possible sale or merger of Novelion or Aegerion, or the sale or other disposition of certain businesses or assets, including territorial licensing deals.
At
this time, Aegerion was facing imminent debt maturities. Aegerion's upcoming obligations totaled approximately $413.0 million:
(a) the
Bridge Loan, in the total amount of approximately $74.0 million, was at that time due on February 15, 2019. In early February 2019, this date was
extended to June 30, 2019;
(b) the
Intercompany Loan, in the total amount of approximately $36.0 million, was due July 1, 2019; and
(c) the
convertible notes issued by Aegerion on August 15, 2014 prior to the 2016 Merger, in the amount of approximately $303.0 million, were due
August 15, 2019.
Aegerion
did not have the ability to repay these obligations, nor did it have the ability to fund its ongoing operations. Consequently, Aegerion and Novelion continued to work with
Moelis to pursue strategic alternatives and actively marketed the business for investment or sale as a means of addressing its financial concerns.
On
November 20, 2018, Novelion, at the direction of our Board, issued a press release announcing that a strategic transaction may require Novelion and/or Aegerion to seek
protection under U.S. or Canadian bankruptcy laws, in particular reiterating that Aegerion had engaged Moelis and AlixPartners, both of whom advised on the recently announced Bridge Loan, to continue
the comprehensive review of Aegerion's capital structure, and that Novelion and Aegerion had also engaged Evercore and Moelis, respectively, to explore and advise the companies on all available
financial and strategic options, such as a restructuring of Aegerion's outstanding convertible notes (including a restructuring that would likely involve a debt for equity swap), a possible sale or
merger of Novelion or Aegerion, or the sale or other disposition of certain businesses or assets, including territorial licensing deals. Such disclosure cautioned investors that "effecting such a
refinancing, restructuring, or other wholesale recapitalization or other strategic alternative (and some of these alternatives could potentially lead Novelion and/or Aegerion to seek certain
protections afforded under law, including the bankruptcy laws of the United States and Canada) will be critical for us to continue to execute on our commercial strategy and pursue our goals and
objectives, and we may not be successful in doing so."
At
a meeting held on December 17, 2018, our Board discussed, with its financial and legal advisors, that of the more than 50 parties contacted in connection with Novelion's and
Aegerion's review of strategic alternatives, only Amryt and one other strategic party ("Party A") had emerged as a potential viable acquiror or merger partner, though Party A had only recently
expressed an interest and had not yet submitted a proposal. Our Board also discussed Aegerion's potential restructuring alternatives and the potential impact to Novelion, including a sale of Novelion
and/or Aegerion, pursuit of a standalone plan, and a free-fall bankruptcy event, and the status of ongoing discussions with the ad hoc group. Our Board authorized management and its advisors to
continue to engage in discussions with Amryt and Party A regarding a business combination.
Over
the next several weeks, Novelion, Aegerion, Amryt, Party A and the ad hoc group continued discussions and negotiations and our Board continued to hold meetings to discuss Novelion's
and Aegerion's review of strategic alternatives and the liquidity needs of Novelion and Aegerion, including Aegerion's upcoming debt maturities, as well as certain cost-sharing provisions between
Novelion and Aegerion to memorialize the allocation of certain operational services and the costs associated therewith as between the two companies. Although during this time Party A submitted a
proposal for a merger transaction, such proposal considerably undervalued the Company and, after further negotiations and due diligence, Party A was unable to make a proposal that was amenable to
Novelion, Aegerion or the ad hoc group and discussions with Party A ceased.
On
February 17, 2019, the ad hoc group informed Novelion that it was supportive of pursuing a business combination with Amryt in lieu of an alternative involving the standalone
plan and submitted two proposals in connection with a business combination involving Amryt, which were reviewed by our Board at a meeting held on February 21, 2019, one for a business
combination between Amryt and Aegerion, and the other focused on the treatment of Novelion's claims and pro forma arrangement between the ad hoc group and Novelion. At this
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meeting,
our Board noted that the proposals ascribed no value to Novelion's Nasdaq listing, which was inconsistent with prior discussions among the ad hoc group, Aegerion, Novelion and Amryt. Our
Board discussed the importance of securing favorable treatment for the Intercompany Loan and instructed its advisors and management to (x) negotiate with the ad hoc group on the proposal for
the treatment of the Intercompany Loan and the proposed equity split of the company that would be surviving the business combination and (y) continue discussions and negotiations with the ad
hoc group, Aegerion and Amryt regarding a business combination with Amryt, and on a fair cost-sharing arrangement between Novelion and Aegerion.
The
parties continued discussions and negotiations and in early March 2019, Aegerion, Amryt and the ad hoc group held an in-person meeting and thereafter informed Novelion that the ad
hoc group, Aegerion and Amryt were going to pursue a business combination that did not involve Novelion, whereby a transaction would be effected through a chapter 11 plan of reorganization by
Aegerion, which transaction would include the business combination of Amryt and Aegerion without the need for a Novelion shareholder vote. At a meeting held on March 8, 2019, our Board
discussed this new proposal and the importance of negotiating the best terms available for the treatment of the Intercompany Loan and finalizing negotiations of cost-sharing arrangements between
Novelion and Aegerion.
From
March 2019 through May 2019, the ad hoc group, Aegerion and Amryt negotiated the business combination and Novelion negotiated with the ad hoc group, Aegerion and Amryt as to the
treatment of the Intercompany Loan and the equity split of the post-transaction Amryt, and to reach the final structure of the proposed restructuring plan that would be implemented through a
chapter 11 bankruptcy process, referred to herein as the Aegerion Recapitalization.
Our
Board remained actively engaged throughout this period. Between January and May 2019, our Board and its legal and financial advisors met 14 times, in person or by telephone, to
review and critically examine Aegerion's financial circumstances and the options available to Novelion, including the Aegerion Recapitalization and Novelion's advisors negotiated the most favorable
terms available for the Intercompany Loan, including the post-closing Amryt equity split, and for the cost-sharing arrangement between Novelion and Aegerion.
On
May 20, 2019, our Board held a meeting to consider the terms of the Aegerion Recapitalization and determined to support the Aegerion Recapitalization and enter into the
restructuring support agreement in connection therewith. Our Board determined to support the Aegerion Recapitalization because it would address Novelion's financial interests in the following ways:
(a) Novelion's
shareholding interest in Aegerion would be terminated and Novelion would no longer have any claims in respect of that interest. The fact that Novelion's
equity would receive no value for its shares in Aegerion is consistent with the fact that Aegerion was insolvent;
(b) the
Intercompany Loan would be recognized in full as secured debt owed by Aegerion and would be converted into equity with Novelion receiving over 8.0% of Amryt's
outstanding equity on a fully-diluted basis, based on estimates as of the date of such Board meeting (including outstanding warrants and options, but not including the dilutive effect of the ordinary
shares underlying new convertible notes issued by Amryt as part of the Aegerion Recapitalization), i.e. Novelion would receive shares in Amryt
worth approximately $30.2 million, representing a recovery of approximately 84% of the $36.0 million outstanding under the Intercompany Loan, based on estimates as of the date of such
Board meeting; and
(c) Novelion
would receive a total of approximately $5 million for unsecured claims resulting from the Shared Services Agreements for past and future services
provided by Novelion to Aegerion, with $3 million paid in May 2019 and approximately $2 million to be paid during the course of the Chapter 11 Proceedings.
In
determining to support the Aegerion Recapitalization and enter into the corresponding restructuring support agreement, our Board also noted that the Aegerion Recapitalization would
provide four key benefits to Novelion:
(a) it
would provide for an 84% recovery on the Intercompany Loan, based on estimates as of the date of such Board meeting and remove the risk that the Bankruptcy Court
would "recharacterize" the Intercompany Loan as equity over the objection of Novelion;
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(b) it
would remove the risk that the Bankruptcy Court would subordinate the Intercompany Loan on equitable grounds;
(c) it
would remove the risk that the Bankruptcy Court would approve an alternative restructuring plan with less favorable treatment to Novelion over Novelion's objections;
and
(d) it
would provide for a substantial and immediate cash recovery for certain unsecured claims.
Our
Board also noted that Aegerion's agreement with Amryt included a "go shop" provision that allowed Aegerion, with the assistance of its financial advisor Moelis, to shop for a more
favorable deal prior to the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, which could benefit Novelion if another viable suitor were to emerge who was interested in a business combination involving
Novelion or otherwise assigned value to Novelion beyond the Intercompany Loan, noting, though, that it appeared unlikely that any prospective buyer of Novelion would be identified given the broad and
public process Novelion had undertaken without identifying any interested buyer or merger partner for Novelion previously. At this meeting, our Board also
discussed that following the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, at which point Novelion would be an Amryt shareholder, the combined Aegerion/Amryt businesses will have a larger suite of drug
products, a substantially reduced debt load, fresh liquidity to operate and no imminent debt repayments.
On
May 20, 2019, the parties entered into the Aegerion Recapitalization. In its press release on May 21, 2019 announcing the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion stated that
in furtherance of its duty to maximize value for its shareholders, our Board, together with its management team and legal and financial advisors, would be evaluating post-closing plans with respect to
Novelion, including a potential wind-up of Novelion and a distribution of assets to shareholders.
Between
May 2019 and September 2019, our Board met several times, including with its legal and financial advisors, to discuss the potential strategic alternatives available to Novelion
after the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization and of the costs and benefits of continuing its operations, including the substantial accounting, legal and other expenses associated with being
a small publicly-traded company with limited assets and no source of revenue, and of additional factors more fully described in " Reasons for the Proposed
Dissolution and Liquidation." During this period, Evercore, at the direction of our Board explored the possibility of a reverse merger or similar transaction involving Novelion
or its assets; however, no merger partner or other buyers were identified. At a meeting held on September 18, 2019, our Board determined that the Liquidation is advisable and in the best
interests of Novelion and its shareholders. In furtherance of these efforts, our Board is presenting the Liquidation Plan for approval by Novelion's shareholders.
Reasons for the Proposed Dissolution and Liquidation
As part of Novelion's review of strategic alternatives and evaluation process, and in connection with and leading up to the Aegerion
Recapitalization, our Board considered the risks and viability of each alternative potentially available to Novelion, as well as management's financial and cash projections, and consulted with
management and Novelion's legal and financial advisors. In arriving at its determination that the Liquidation Plan is advisable and in Novelion's best interests and the best interests of Novelion's
shareholders, and is the preferred and only viable strategic option for Novelion after the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, our Board considered the foregoing, as well as the following
factors:
-
-
the fact that, in connection with and leading up to the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion conducted a broad and public review of strategic
alternatives involving Novelion as a whole, including a merger, asset sale, comprehensive restructuring or other business combination transaction, and despite outreach by Novelion's financial advisors
to more than 50 parties, no viable potential buyer or partner emerged or was identified that was interested in such a transaction involving Novelion as a whole;
-
-
the fact that the go-shop provided for as part of the Aegerion Recapitalization did not yield any alternative proposals;
-
-
the unlikelihood that shareholders would have realized more value per share upon a sale or other transaction involving Novelion than they will
receive in connection with the Liquidation Plan;
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-
-
the fact that, after the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, Novelion remains a public company, complete with the substantial
accounting, legal and other expenses typical for a public company but with limited assets and resources, and no remaining source of revenue;
-
-
the unlikelihood that the price of Novelion's common stock would increase in the future to a price greater than the current price or the value
of the assets distributed in liquidation (see page 41 for information regarding certain current estimated assets and liabilities of the Company), given Novelion's limited assets and resources
and that it has no source of revenue;
-
-
the terms and conditions of the Liquidation Plan; and
-
-
the fact that the BCBCA requires that the liquidation of a corporation under section 319 of the BCBCA be approved by the affirmative
vote of holders of two-thirds of Novelion common shares, represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, which ensures that, if the Board decides to proceed with the Liquidation, the Board
will be taking actions of which a significant majority of Novelion's voting shareholders approve.
Our
Board also considered the following risks in arriving at its conclusion that liquidating, winding up and dissolving Novelion is in Novelion's best interests and the best interests of
Novelion's shareholders:
-
-
the uncertainty of the timing, nature and amount of any liquidation distributions to shareholders;
-
-
the risk that Novelion's shareholders may be required to return to creditors, including employees of the Company, some or all of the
liquidation distributions; and
-
-
the fact that, if the Liquidation Plan is approved by Novelion's shareholders, Novelion anticipates that shareholders would generally not be
permitted to transfer shares of Novelion's common stock after the Effective Date.
Our
Board also considered the other factors described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in this Proxy Statement and in those risk
factors identified in Novelion's filings with the SEC.
In
view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Liquidation Plan, our Board did not find it practical, and did not quantify or otherwise attempt, to
assign relative weight to the specific factors considered in reaching its conclusions. In addition, our Board did not undertake to make any specific determination as to whether any particular factor,
or any aspect of any particular factor, was favorable or unfavorable to its ultimate determination, but rather conducted an overall analysis of the factors described above. In considering the factors
described above, individual members of our Board may have given different weight to different factors.
Novelion
cannot offer any assurance that the value of any liquidation distributions will equal or exceed the price or prices at which shares of the Company's common stock have recently
traded at or could trade at in the future. However, our Board believes that it is in Novelion's best interests and the best interests of Novelion's shareholders to distribute to the shareholders of
Novelion net assets pursuant to the Liquidation Plan. If Novelion's shareholders do not approve the Liquidation Plan, our Board will explore what, if any, alternatives are available in light of
Novelion's limited business activities, limited resources and operations, limited assets and that Novelion has no source of revenue.
Possible
remaining strategic alternatives would include seeking voluntary dissolution with the BC Supreme Court approval at a later time and with diminished assets. At this time, our
Board has considered all strategic options and has determined that it is in Novelion's best interests and in the best interests of Novelion's shareholders to dissolve Novelion and distribute any
remaining assets or cash to Novelion's shareholders. Our Board, however, retains the right to consider other alternatives and abandon the Liquidation Plan prior to the Effective Date should a more
beneficial alternative arise before the Effective Date.
Overview of Liquidation
The Board proposes that shareholders approve the Liquidation pursuant to section 319(1) of the BCBCA, which Liquidation will become
effective and commence at a time to be determined by the Board (the "Effective Date"), in accordance with the Liquidation Plan. The Board intends to set the Effective Date in the statement of
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intent
to liquidate to be filed by the Company under the BCBCA. For a brief summary of the steps required to complete the Liquidation and the anticipated timing of each step, see
" Overview of Steps to Complete the Liquidation and Dissolution" beginning on page 43 of this Proxy Statement.
A
portion of the distributions to be made to registered shareholders of the Company may be by way of a reduction of capital, to the extent the solvency requirements of the BCBCA and the Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Act (Canada) are satisfied at the time of distribution. See "Liquidation
Distribution(s)" beginning on page 40 of this Proxy Statement. The Liquidation and the Liquidation Plan require shareholder approval by a special resolution of the
Company's shareholders. In addition, the Company will need to obtain shareholder approval by an ordinary resolution in order to appoint the Liquidator and authorize the Board to set such Liquidator's
remuneration. The Board has determined that the liquidation and dissolution pursuant to the Liquidation Plan, described in this Proxy Statement, is advisable and in the best interests of the Company,
its shareholders and its stakeholders, and have approved the Liquidation and the Liquidation Plan, which is to become effective and commence at a time to be determined by the Board, subject to
shareholder approval. The Board recommends that shareholders of the Company vote in favor of (i) the Liquidation Resolution, the full text of which begins on page 51 of this Proxy
Statement and (ii) the Liquidator Resolution, the full text of which is set forth on page 52 of this Proxy Statement. Capitalized terms used below and not otherwise defined have the
meaning given to them in the Liquidation Plan.
Liquidation and Dissolution Procedure
If the Liquidation and the Liquidation Plan are approved at the Annual Meeting, the Company will, as soon as practicable, sign the Liquidation
Plan and will file a statement of intent to liquidate with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies. The Liquidation Plan provides that it will become effective as of
the Effective Date (which is a date to be determined by a resolution of the Board, in its discretion, which date shall be the date established as the date for commencement of the liquidation and
winding up in the statement of intent to liquidate that is filed by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the BCBCA.
The
full text of the Liquidation Plan is attached hereto as "Schedule A Plan of Liquidation and Distribution"
and shareholders are urged to read the Liquidation Plan in its entirety. The description of the Liquidation Plan below is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information
contained in Schedule A. The entering into of the Liquidation Plan will have a number of consequences effective as of the Effective Date, including but not limited to the
following:
-
i.
-
Alvarez &
Marsal Canada Inc. (the "Liquidator") will be appointed the liquidator of the estate and effects of the Company for the purpose of the
Liquidation of the Company's business and affairs and distributing its Assets, after satisfying all Proven Claims, all in accordance with the Liquidation Plan and any order of the BC Supreme Court.
Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. is a person qualified to act as a receiver and a receiver manager under Section 64 of the Personal Property Security
Act (British Columbia);
-
ii.
-
all
of the powers of the Board will cease and the Board will be deemed to have resigned; and
-
iii.
-
the
Company will cease to carry on its undertaking, except insofar as contemplated under the Liquidation Plan and as may be required or beneficial for the
Liquidation in the discretion of the Liquidator.
The
Liquidation Plan may be amended in accordance with its terms, which provide:
-
i.
-
The
Liquidator may amend, modify and/or supplement the Liquidation Plan without the approval of the shareholders, (i) in order to correct any clerical or
typographical error, (ii) as required to maintain the validity or effectiveness of the Liquidation Plan as a result of any change in any legal requirement, or (iii) in order to make any
change that in the opinion of the Liquidator is administrative in nature and does not materially change the terms of the Liquidation Plan.
-
ii.
-
The
Liquidator also reserves the right to amend, modify and/or supplement the Liquidation Plan, provided that any such amendment, modification or supplement shall
not be effective until approved by either: (i) a special resolution of the shareholders at a meeting of shareholders called for the
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Following
the Effective Date, the Liquidator will oversee the Liquidation. The Liquidator's powers and authorities are derived from the BCBCA, the Liquidation Plan and the terms of any
BC Supreme Court orders pertaining to the Liquidation. See "Schedule A Plan of Liquidation and Distribution".
If
the Liquidation Plan and the appointment of the Liquidator are approved at the Annual Meeting, the steps set forth below will be completed following the Effective Date at such times
as the Liquidator or the BC Supreme Court, as applicable, deems necessary, appropriate or advisable, all in accordance with the Liquidation Plan and the
BCBCA:
-
-
the filing of any statement of intent to liquidate and the publishing of a notice to creditors as required under Sections 321 and 331 of
the BCBCA, respectively;
-
-
the application to the BC Supreme Court under section 325(1) of the BCBCA for such other directions and orders as may be deemed
necessary in connection with the liquidation of the Company, including without limitation an order establishing the Claims Process described herein;
-
-
the sale of any of the Company's non-cash property and assets, (See " Distribution of
Assets Liquidation Distribution(s)");
-
-
the establishment of the Claims Process to be approved by the BC Supreme Court for the identification, resolution and barring of claims by
creditors, including employees of the Company, against the Company ("Liquidation Claims"), including the provision of written notice of the commencement of the Liquidation to all known creditors and
claimants of the Company;
-
-
the delisting of the common shares of the Company from Nasdaq, as described under the heading "Trading of Common
Shares", unless sooner delisted in connection with the hearing with the Nasdaq Hearing Panel which occurred on October 3, 2019;
-
-
the application to cease being a reporting issuer in Canada, as described under the heading
" Status as a Reporting Issuer";
-
-
request relief from the SEC or otherwise initiate steps to exit from the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act;
-
-
the payment of or the making of reasonable provision for the payment of all Proven Claims and obligations known to the Company, and the making
of reserves as will be reasonably sufficient to provide compensation for any contingent Liquidation Claim, including, without limitation, the establishment and setting aside of a reasonable amount of
cash and/or property to satisfy such contingent Liquidation Claims against, and obligations of, the Company;
-
-
the application to CRA and other applicable governmental authorities for tax and other clearance certificates;
-
-
in accordance with the BCBCA and any order of the BC Supreme Court, the pro rata distribution to registered shareholders of the remaining
assets of the Company after taking into account the payment or provision for payment of Proven Claims and contingent Liquidation Claims against and obligations of the Company; and
-
-
the winding up and dissolution of the Company.
See
" Overview of Steps to Complete the Liquidation and Dissolution" for a brief summary of the steps required to complete the
Liquidation and the anticipated timing of each step.
Trading of Common Shares
On August 21, 2019, the Company received a letter (the "Nasdaq Letter") from the Listing Qualifications Staff ("Staff") of The Nasdaq
Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq"), notifying the Company that Nasdaq has determined to delist the Company's common stock from Nasdaq pursuant to the Staff's discretionary authority
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under
Listing Rule 5101. The Nasdaq Letter stated that the Staff's determination was based on its belief that the Company has no current operating business and has not publicly disclosed its
future business operations following the completion of the Aegerion Recapitalization.
The
Nasdaq Letter also stated that the Company's delay in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 serves as an additional basis for
delisting the Company's securities from Nasdaq. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) requires companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the SEC. Previously, and as
required, on August 12, 2019, the Company filed a Form 12b-25 with the SEC which reported that it would not be in a position to timely file the Form 10-Q because of the
significant work required to effect the deconsolidation and the other demands associated with the Chapter 11 Proceedings.
The
Nasdaq Letter further stated that the Company may appeal the Staff's determination to a Hearings Panel (the "Panel"), pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules
and that if the Company requested a hearing, it may also request an extended stay of the suspension of the trading of the Company's common stock, pending the hearing.
The
Company submitted an appeal of the Staff's decision prior to the deadline to appeal on August 28, 2019 pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules, and to
request an extended stay of the suspension of the trading of the Company's common stock in connection therewith. The Panel granted a stay of the delisting of the Company's common stock from The Nasdaq
Stock Market in response to the Company's request for a hearing and scheduled a hearing for October 3, 2019. Further, on September 9, 2019, the Panel granted the Company's request to
extend the 15-calendar day stay of the suspension from Nasdaq, pending the hearing which occurred October 3, 2019 and a final determination regarding the Company's listing status.
In
addition to the Nasdaq Letter, the Company received delisting notifications from Nasdaq on July 3, 2019, indicating that the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq's minimum
public market value or minimum bid price requirements, and on September 25 and 26, 2019, indicating that the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq's audit committee composition requirements
and that, in light of the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company is considered a public shell.
The
Company's hearing with the Panel regarding the continued listing of its common shares was held as scheduled on October 3, 2019; the Panel has not yet issued a decision with
regard to the delisting of the Company's common shares, and the extended stay of delisting continues pending the Panel's final determination. Although Novelion appealed to the Panel to permit the
common shares of Novelion to continue to trade on Nasdaq at least through the date of the Annual Meeting, or through a subsequent date following the Annual Meeting, Novelion can make no assurance as
to when the Novelion shares will be delisted from Nasdaq (or what trading halts may be imposed). Following any such delisting, the common shares of Novelion will no longer be listed for trading on
Nasdaq or on any stock exchange and may only trade in the U.S. on the over-the-counter market, which is a less liquid market, if at all.
Regardless
of the foregoing, we anticipate that any and all trading of our common shares on Nasdaq or the over-the-counter market, as the case may be, will be suspended as of the
Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, and that we will close our stock transfer books and discontinue recording transfers at that time. Accordingly, it is expected that
trading in our shares of common stock will cease after the Effective Date. The Liquidation Plan provides that any liquidation distributions made to shareholders of Novelion will be made only to those
shareholders who are registered shareholders as of the Effective Date, though liquidation distributions may take place long after the Effective Date has passed.
Claims Process
A BC Supreme Court approved Claims Process will be established following the successful application to the BC Supreme Court under
section 325(1) of the BCBCA for the identification,
resolution and barring of Liquidation Claims (the "Claims Process"). The Company anticipates seeking BC Supreme Court approval of a Claims Process as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective
Date. The Claims Process will include the provision of written notice of the commencement of the Liquidation to all known creditors of the Company, including its employees, and its present or former
officers and directors. Such notice will be published in major newspapers in Canada and the U.S. and will be sent by the Liquidator to known and potential creditors based on
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the
Company's books and records, informing them of the Liquidation and stating that any Liquidation Claims must be filed with the Liquidator so that they are received by the deadline stated within the
letter, which the Company anticipates will be 120 days after the initial BC Supreme Court approval of the Claims Process is obtained, which is consistent with the time periods required pursuant
to section 331 of the BCBCA. Shareholders of the Company are hereby notified of the Claims Process and should review the Company's future press releases and/or the Liquidator's website for
further details at: www.alvarezandmarsal.com/novelion.
The
Claims Process will request expedited hearings of any disputed Liquidation Claims by the BC Supreme Court, but there are no assurances as to the number of Liquidation Claims that may
be filed, the monetary amount of such Liquidation Claims and the amount of time such Liquidation Claims will require for resolution.
The
Claims Process described above is intended to fully and finally determine all claims against the Company. A court order will be sought that any claims not submitted pursuant to the
Claims Process will be fully and finally barred (the "Claims Bar Order") with the intention that no claims should be pursued following the Liquidation of the Company. However, there is no absolute
certainty that the risk of claims arising after the Liquidation of the Company will be eliminated completely. See " Distribution of
Assets Potential Liability of Shareholders" below.
Distribution of Assets
Liquidation Distribution(s)
The following discussion assumes that the Liquidation Plan will be approved by the shareholders of the Company. If the Liquidation Plan is not
approved by the shareholders of the Company or otherwise approved by the BC Supreme Court, no Liquidation distributions will be made pursuant to the Liquidation Plan.
Pursuant
to the Liquidation Plan, the Liquidator is authorized and empowered, but not obligated, to cause the Company to sell any of its assets, including the Amryt Equity and, after
paying or making reasonable provision for the payment of Liquidation Claims against and obligations of the Company as required by law and once it has obtained all required tax clearance certificates,
distribute any remaining assets or cash to Shareholders as a reduction of capital and/or as a dividend. Amounts distributed by way of a reduction of capital may, in certain circumstances, be received
tax free by the shareholders of the Company. See " Certain Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations".
The
Company will continue to defend any proceedings commenced against it, and incur claims, liabilities and expenses (such as salaries and benefits, directors' and officers' insurance,
payroll and taxes, legal, accounting and consulting fees and miscellaneous office expenses) following approval of the Liquidation Plan and during the period following the Effective Date until the
Liquidation of the Company is complete. Satisfaction of these claims, liabilities and expenses will reduce the amount of assets available for ultimate distribution to the registered shareholders of
the Company.
In
order to reduce its expenses, and in connection with the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company has decreased the number of full-time employees to three and its administrative
(i.e., IT support, office space, expense reporting, payroll) expenses have and will continue to decrease substantially. In addition, Amryt has agreed to reimburse us for certain compensation
and benefits that we will be paying to two of the three remaining employees starting at the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization until the earlier of each employee's last date of employment with
the Company and December 31, 2019, in exchange for such employee's providing executive and transitional services to Amryt during such period. Under this agreement, Amryt will also provide us
with accounting and SEC reporting support, if requested, for an agreed monthly fee, and administrative support at no cost. We further expect that as of the Effective Date or soon thereafter, the
Company will not have any full-time employees. Additionally, as set forth under "Proposal No. 3: Election of Directors", in connection with the
Annual Meeting, the Board will consist of three directors, two of whom will be independent, reducing the amount of director compensation for which the Company will be responsible. Upon the Effective
Date, the Board will be deemed to have resigned and all powers of the Board will cease. Lastly, given the completion of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Company is in the process of terminating all
contracts and relationships with vendors that are not related to the Liquidation and/or continued compliance with applicable law throughout the implementation of the Liquidation. Thus, other than
executive and employee salaries and severance, and related
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costs,
the Company expects that, after the Aegerion Recapitalization, its primary ongoing expenses will consist of legal expenses, auditor expenses and other administrative costs.
The
Company currently expects that the liquidation distributions will consist almost entirely of the Amryt Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds
therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses, including the expenses related to the Liquidation. See "Uncertainity of Liquidation
Distribution Amounts" below.
Many
of the factors influencing the value of any distributions made as part of the Liquidation, cannot currently be quantified with certainty and are subject to change, including the
amount of cash the Company will need to fund the liquidation, the amount of Amryt Equity that will need to be sold by the Company in connection with such funding and the proceeds received therefrom,
and the value of the Amryt Equity, which is dependent upon the business operations and financial success of Amryt and is subject to market fluctuations and volatility, among other risks over which we
have no control, the Company's inability to predict the amount of its remaining liabilities or the amount that the Company will incur during the course of the Liquidation, the net value, if any, of
its remaining non-cash assets and the fact that, if the Liquidation and Liquidation Plan are approved, the Liquidator will have the power and authority to approve the number, amount and timing of any
liquidation distributions. In addition, the timing and amount of any distributions may be impacted by (i) the Company's and/or the Liquidator's discussions with the CRA (as defined herein) and
other applicable taxation authorities in finalizing the Company's and its subsidiaries final tax returns and the amounts of their corresponding tax liabilities and (ii) the number and
complexity of claims resulting from the Claims Process and whether any disputed claims can be reserved for or processed in an expedited manner. There is no guarantee of the value of any distribution.
The Company cannot determine at this time when, or potentially whether, it will be able to make any liquidation distributions to the Company's shareholders or the value of any such distributions. You
may receive substantially less than the value that you expect to receive. Accordingly, you will not know the amount of any liquidation distributions you may receive as a result
of the Liquidation Plan when you vote on the Liquidation Resolution.
Based
upon the foregoing, liquidation distribution(s), if made, may be comprised of cash or may be distributions of assets, such as the Amryt Equity, in kind, payable as a return of
capital. Following the completion of the Claims Process, the Company expects to issue a press release as to the estimated amount, character and timing of any liquidation distributions. The Liquidator's website
(www.alvarezandmarsal.com/novelion) will also include periodic updates in respect of estimated amount,
character and timing of any Liquidation distributions
Uncertainty of Liquidation Distribution Amounts
The Company expects that the distribution to shareholders in connection with the Liquidation Plan will consist almost entirely of the Amryt
Equity (which is publicly traded and subject to volatility) or net proceeds therefrom, net of sales of the Amryt Equity that are necessary to fund the Company's liabilities and cover its expenses,
including the expenses related to the Liquidation.
Based
on a closing price on October 2, 2019 of approximately $1.54 per Amryt share on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange on which
the Amryt shares currently trade, the value of the Amryt Equity was approximately $21.7 million on such date. This date and related closing price were selected for
purposes of illustration and estimate only. Trading prices and the inherent value, if any, of the Amryt Equity is subject to market volatility. The ultimate market value of the Amryt Equity on the
date that any of such shares are sold or on the date of any distribution under the Liquidation Plan may be materially lower or higher than the values appearing here.
We
currently estimate that we will need to sell approximately $1.0 million to $2.0 million worth of the Amryt Equity before the end of 2019 in order to meet anticipated
ongoing, albeit reduced, operating expenses and to satisfy currently anticipated claims and obligations of the Company through the conclusion of the Liquidation, based on the following facts,
estimates, assumptions and considerations:
-
-
Novelion's cash balance as of October 2, 2019 was approximately $5.0 million.
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-
-
An estimated value of Novelion's other assets at October 2, 2019 (excluding the Amryt Equity and prepaid expenses, such as insurance
premiums, etc.), and future anticipated and estimated sources of cash, including from the Liquidation or monetization of certain other assets, of between approximately $1.4 million and
$1.6 million, including expected tax refunds and expected reimbursements from Amryt pursuant to cost sharing arrangements.
-
-
A current estimate of Novelion's liabilities and expected operating expenses (cash basis, i.e., excluding amoritization of prepaid expenses,
such as insurance premiums) through the conclusion of the Liquidation of between approximately $7.6 million and $8.4 million, including contractual severance obligations of up to
$2.9 million (which severance obligations were incurred at the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization).
-
-
The expenditures incurred during the Liquidation and the timing of any distributions will be determined by the Liquidator in accordance with
the Liquidation Plan.
Common
shares of the Company expected to be outstanding at the date of Liquidation are estimated to be approximately 19.7 million common shares.
The foregoing estimates, assumptions and considerations constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable
laws and regulations, including U.S. and Canadian securities laws, which involve a number of inherent risks and uncertainties as set out in detail in this Proxy Statement that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those set forth above. Such information represents management's best estimates as at the date of this Proxy Statement, and is provided for indicative purposes only as
it relates to the factors that may influence the ultimate quantum of any distributions to shareholders to be made as part of the Liquidation, and may not be appropriate if used for any other
purposes.
These estimates do not include provisions for unknown contingencies, such as unanticipated claims, liabilities, litigation or taxes that are currently unknown to
management at the time of this Proxy Statement. Consequently, the actual amount of Amryt Equity that is required to be sold could be different than estimated here and the difference could be
substantial, and we cannot predict the price per share at which such equity will be sold. Similarly, the value of Amryt Equity available to be distributed to shareholders in connection with the
Liquidation Plan cannot be determined or estimated at this time. The Company cannot determine at this time when, or potentially whether, it will be able to make any liquidation distributions to the
Company's shareholders or the value of such distributions. Shareholders may receive substantially less than the value they expect to receive. See "Risk
Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation Plan The Company cannot assure shareholders of the timing or amount of any
liquidation distributions" and "Risk Factors Risks Related to the Approval or the Failure to Approve the Liquidation
Plan The value of the Amryt equity and/or the amount of proceeds that might be realized from the sale of any Amryt Equity (if any), which is expected to be the Company's primary
asset, is subject to fluctuation in the market prices of such Amryt Equity and the Company's ability to monetize such Amryt Equity on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at
all" beginning on pages 26 and 28 of this Proxy Statement, respectively.
Further,
the Company may be subject to contingent claims including lawsuits. If such contingent claims are determined to be valid, the Company could be required to pay significant
amounts to these contingent claimants and, even if it is successful in defending such claims, the Company could incur significant legal
costs to do so, either of which could result in a significant reduction in the amount available to be distributed to its shareholders and/or a significant delay in the timing of any such distribution.
As
a result, the amount of cash and/or assets to be distributed to shareholders as liquidation distributions cannot currently be quantified with certainty and is subject to change. Accordingly, you will not know the amount of any
Liquidation distributions you may receive as a result of the Liquidation Plan when you vote on the proposal to approve the
Liquidation Plan. You may receive substantially less than your pro rata share of the net assets of the Company. In addition, as disclosed in the Company's press release of
August 12, 2019, due to the need to deconsolidate the Company's financial statements from those of Aegerion, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2019 may not be completed and published prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. The Company currently believes that the Liquidator will complete distributions by the fourth quarter of
2020, subject to the resolution of claims. The amount and timing of any distribution has not been determined.
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Potential Liability of Shareholders
Under the BCBCA, despite the Liquidation, each shareholder of the Company to whom any of its property has been distributed is potentially
liable, for a period of two years, to any person claiming under section 346 of the BCBCA to the extent of the amount received by that shareholder upon the distribution, and an action to enforce
such liability may be brought.
Section 346
of the BCBCA provides that, despite the dissolution of a company under the BCBCA:
-
-
a civil, criminal, quasi-criminal, administrative or regulatory action or proceeding (each, a "legal proceeding") that was commenced by or
against a company before its dissolution may be continued as if the company had not been dissolved; and
-
-
a legal proceeding may be brought against a company within two years after its dissolution, as if the company had not been dissolved.
A
shareholder will not be liable under Section 346 of the BCBCA unless (a) in the case of a legal proceeding that is ongoing, such shareholder is added as a party to the legal proceeding
within two years after the date on which the Company is dissolved, or (b) if a judgement is obtained in a legal proceeding described above, the judgment creditor brings a legal proceeding
against such shareholder within two years after the date on which the Company is dissolved.
Under
Section 101 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. B-3, as amended, if a distribution is made to
shareholders of the Company (i) at a time when the Company is insolvent; or (ii) that renders the Company insolvent, a court may, in certain circumstances, give judgment against a
shareholder who received such distribution in the amount of the distribution received and interest thereon.
The
Claims Process described under the heading " Claims Process", including the Claims Bar Order, is intended to
mitigate the risk that any claims may arise following the Liquidation of the Company, but there is no absolute certainty that this risk will be eliminated completely.
Overview of Steps to Complete the Liquidation and Dissolution
Assuming that the Liquidation is approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Annual Meeting, the following is a chronological list of the
principal steps required to complete the Liquidation and the expected timing. There can be no assurance that the steps listed below and discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this Proxy Statement
will occur within the timeframes noted below.
|
|
|
Step
|
|
Expected Timing
|
Effective Date for Liquidation
|
|
As soon as reasonably practicable after the Annual Meeting (and, in any event, within 90 days of the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization).
|
Application to the BC Supreme Court for an order approving the Claims Process and for such other orders and directions as may be deemed necessary.
|
|
As soon as reasonably practicable following approval of the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution.
|
Establishment of the Claims Process
|
|
As soon as reasonably practicable once the BC Supreme Court so orders.
|
Completion of Claims Process
|
|
The Claims Bar Date is estimated to be 120 days following the date of the BC Supreme Court order approving the Claims Process, which is consistent with the time periods required pursuant to section 331 of the BCBCA. The completion of the
Claims Process will depend on the number and complexity of the Liquidation Claims filed in the Claims Process and any appeals thereof.
|
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|
|
|
Step
|
|
Expected Timing
|
Trading of Common Shares on Nasdaq ceases
|
|
The delisting of the common shares of the Company from Nasdaq, as described under the heading " Trading of Common Shares", unless sooner delisted in connection with the hearing with the
Nasdaq Hearing Panel which occurred on October 3, 2019.
|
Application to cease being a reporting issuer
|
|
Timing to be determined by the BC Supreme Court or the Liquidator, as appropriate; however, the Company anticipates that, subject to the BC Supreme Court's discretion, such application would be made as soon as possible after the commencement of the
Liquidation, but there can be no assurances regarding how long the Company may continue to be a reporting issuer.
|
|
|
If the Liquidation Plan is approved, the Company will seek relief from the SEC or otherwise initiate steps to exit from certain reporting requirements under the Exchange Act. However, such process may be protracted or the SEC may not grant any such
relief, or, if relief is granted, the Company may be required to continue to file Current Reports on Form 8-K to disclose material events, including those related to the Liquidation.
|
Distributions
|
|
Expected during the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to resolution of outstanding claims.
|
Completion of Liquidation (including preparation of final accounts of the Liquidation and notice to shareholders), per Section 341 of the BCBCA
|
|
Within 3 months after making the final distribution to Shareholders (the "3 Month Period").
|
Application to the BC Supreme Court for an order approving the dissolution of the Company, per Section 342 of the BCBCA
|
|
Promptly after the expiry of the 3 Month Period.
|
Application for dissolution to BC Companies Registrar, per Section 343 of the BCBCA
|
|
Promptly after receipt of the BC Supreme Court order approving dissolution.
|
Completion of dissolution
|
|
As specified in Section 343 of the BCBCA.
|
Interests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the Liquidation
Some of our directors and executive officers may have interests in the Liquidation that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of
our shareholders generally, namely, the Company's continuing indemnification obligations to its directors and officers. The Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters,
in approving the Liquidation pursuant to the Liquidation Plan and the transactions contemplated thereby. While our executive officers may be entitled to certain single and double trigger change in
control payments or benefits in connection with the Aegerion Recapitalization, the Liquidation will not give rise to any incremental compensation, severance or change in control benefits for our
directors or officers.
Stock Ownership
Certain members of the Board and our executive officers own, as of September 13, 2019, an aggregate of 27,419 common shares of the
Company. In connection with any liquidation distributions, certain of our directors and our executive officers will be entitled to the same pro rata cash distributions as our shareholders based on
their ownership of common shares of the Company. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
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Management" beginning on page 68 of this Proxy Statement for a table setting forth the number of common shares of the Company beneficially owned by each of our directors
and executive officers as of September 13, 2019.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The Company will continue, until the completion of the Liquidation, to indemnify and provide for advancement of expenses to its officers,
directors, employees, agents and representatives in accordance with the Company's organizational documents, any contractual arrangements and applicable law, for acts or omissions of such persons in
connection with the implementation of the Liquidation Plan and the winding up of the affairs of the Company. The Company's obligation to indemnify (or advance expenses to) such persons may also be
satisfied out of insurance proceeds.
The
Board or any trustee(s) or agent(s) as may be appointed by the Board under the Liquidation Plan, as applicable, is authorized to obtain and maintain insurance as may be necessary,
appropriate or desirable to cover the Company's obligations under the Liquidation Plan, including its existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy or any replacement policy.
Certain Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable under the Tax Act to shareholders of
the Liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company (the "Dissolution") and the distribution of any amounts in the course of the winding up in accordance with the Liquidation Plan.
This
summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act and the regulations thereunder, and an understanding of the current administrative practices of the CRA published in
writing and all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act publicly announced on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof ("Tax Proposals"). There can be no assurance that the
Tax Proposals will be implemented in their current form or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in income tax law or administrative practice, whether by
judicial, governmental or legislative decision or action, nor does it take into account provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations, which may differ significantly from those discussed
herein. This summary is not exhaustive of all Canadian federal income tax considerations.
This
summary is not applicable to a person (i) that is a "financial institution" for purposes of the mark-to-market rules in the Tax Act, (ii) an interest in which is a
"tax shelter investment", (iii) that reports its "Canadian tax results" in a currency other than Canadian currency, or (iv) that has entered into or will enter into a "derivative forward
agreement" in respect of the common shares of the Company, each as defined in the Tax Act. Such persons should consult their own tax advisors having regard to their particular circumstances. In
addition, this summary assumes that any distributions made pursuant to the Liquidation Plan are considered to occur on the Liquidation or discontinuance of the Company's business for the purposes of
the Tax Act. This summary does not address the Canadian federal income tax considerations
applicable to the holdings by a shareholder of the Amryt Equity, which may be distributed in kind. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
This
summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered to be, legal or tax advice to any particular shareholder and no representation is made
with respect to the income tax consequences to any particular shareholder. Accordingly, shareholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application and effect of the income and other
taxes of Canada and of any other relevant country, province, territory, state or local tax authority, having regard to their particular circumstances.
Residents of Canada
The following portion of the summary is applicable to shareholders who, at all relevant times and for the purposes of the Tax Act, are resident
or deemed to be resident in Canada, hold their common shares as "capital property" and deal at arm's length with and are not "affiliated" with the Company ("Resident Shareholders").
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Generally,
common shares of the Company will be considered to be capital property to a Resident Shareholder provided that the Resident Shareholder does not hold the common shares in the
course of carrying on a business or has not acquired them in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade. Certain Resident Shareholders whose common shares
might not otherwise qualify as capital property may, in certain circumstances, make an irrevocable election in accordance with subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act to have the common shares, and
every "Canadian security" as defined in the Tax Act owned by such Resident Shareholder in the taxation year of the election and in all subsequent taxation years, deemed to be capital property.
Distributions to Resident Shareholders
Where a distribution under the Liquidation Plan and in the course of the Dissolution is effected through a reduction of the capital in respect
of the common shares of the Company, a Resident Shareholder will be considered to have received a dividend only to the extent (if any) that the aggregate of any amounts received on such distribution
exceeds the "paid-up capital" (as defined in the Tax Act) at that time of the Resident Shareholder's common shares. The Company reasonably expects that its paid-up capital will be greater than the
anticipated aggregate amount of the distributions, with the result that no portion of the distributions expected to be paid to the Resident Shareholders on the reduction of capital and in the
course of the liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company should be classified as a taxable dividend. Provided that this expectation is correct, no deemed taxable dividend should arise as a
consequence of any distribution. However, the CRA could take a different view as to the calculation of the paid-up capital of the common shares, which could result in materially different tax
consequences to the Resident Shareholders. Any portion of a distribution that is paid by the Company as a dividend would be taxable to a Resident Shareholder, as generally described below under the
heading " Taxation of Dividends".
Any
portion of a distribution received on a reduction of the paid-up capital in respect of the Resident Shareholder's common shares will be deducted from the Resident Shareholder's
adjusted cost base of its common shares. To the extent that the amount received on such reduction of paid-up capital exceeds the adjusted cost base to the Resident Shareholder of the common shares,
the adjusted cost base of the common shares to the Resident Shareholder will be reduced to nil and the excess of such paid-up capital reduction over the resulting reduction in adjusted cost base will
be deemed to be a capital gain of the Resident Shareholder for the year from the disposition of the common shares. The tax consequences to a Resident Shareholder of any such capital gain are generally
as described below under the heading " Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses" beginning on page 47 of this Proxy Statement.
Cancellation of the Common Shares
For purposes of the Tax Act a Resident Shareholder will generally be considered to have disposed of the common shares when all of the legal
requirements for dissolution have been satisfied and the final distribution of the Company's assets has been made.
A
Resident Shareholder may realize a capital loss on cancellation of the Resident Shareholder's common shares on the final dissolution of the Company equal to the positive amount, if
any, of the adjusted cost base of the Resident Shareholder's common shares determined immediately before that time. The tax consequences to a Resident Shareholder of such capital losses are generally
as described below under the heading " Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses" beginning on page 47 of this Proxy Statement.
Taxation of Dividends
A Resident Shareholder will be required to include in computing income for a taxation year any dividends received or deemed to be received on
the common shares.
Any
dividend that is, or is deemed to be, received by a Resident Shareholder who is an individual will be subject to the gross up and dividend tax credit rules normally applicable to
taxable dividends received by Canadian resident individuals from a taxable Canadian corporation, including the enhanced gross up and
dividend tax credit if the dividend recipient receives notice from the Company designating the dividend as an "eligible dividend".
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Any
dividend that is, or is deemed to be, received by a Resident Shareholder that is a corporation will be included in computing the Resident Shareholder's income as a dividend, and will
ordinarily be deductible in computing its taxable income. In certain circumstances, subsection 55(2) of the Tax Act will treat a taxable dividend received by a Resident Shareholder that is a
corporation to be proceeds of disposition or a capital gain. Shareholders that are corporations should consult their own tax advisors having regard to their own circumstances.
A
Resident Shareholder that is a "private corporation", as defined in the Tax Act, or any other corporation resident in Canada controlled, whether because of a beneficial interest in one
or more trusts or otherwise, by or for the benefit of an individual (other than a trust) or a related group of individuals (other than trusts), will generally be liable to pay tax under Part IV
of the Tax Act (which may be refundable in certain circumstances) on dividends received or deemed to be received on the Common Shares to the extent such dividends are deductible in computing the
Resident Shareholder's taxable income for the taxation year.
Taxation of Capital Gains and Losses
Generally, on a disposition or deemed disposition of a common share, a Resident Shareholder will realize a capital gain (or capital loss) equal
to the amount, if any, by which the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed (or are less than) the adjusted cost base to the Resident Shareholder of the common
share immediately before the disposition or deemed disposition.
Generally,
a Resident Shareholder will be required to include in computing its income for a taxation year one half of any capital gain (a "taxable capital gain") realized by it in that
year. A Resident Shareholder will generally be entitled to deduct one half of the amount of any capital loss (an "allowable capital loss") realized in a taxation year from taxable capital gains
realized by the Resident Shareholder in that year, and any excess may be carried back to any of the three preceding taxation years or carried forward to any subsequent taxation year and deducted
against net taxable capital gains realized in such years, to the extent and under the circumstances specified in the Tax Act.
The
amount of a capital loss realized on the disposition of a common share by a Resident Shareholder that is a corporation may, to the extent and under the circumstances specified in the
Tax Act, be reduced by the amount of dividends on the common shares received or deemed to be received by the Resident Shareholder, to the extent and in the circumstances set out in the Tax Act.
Similar rules may apply where common shares
are owned by a partnership or trust of which a corporation, trust or partnership is a member or beneficiary. Resident Shareholders to whom these rules may be relevant should consult their own tax
advisors in this regard.
A
Resident Shareholder that is a "Canadian controlled private company" (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional refundable tax on its "aggregate investment income"
for the year, which is defined to include an amount in respect of taxable capital gains.
Alternative Minimum Tax
A capital gain realized, or a dividend received (or deemed to be received) by a Resident Shareholder that is an individual, including a trust
(other than certain specified trusts), may give rise to a liability for alternative minimum tax as calculated under the detailed rules set out in the Tax Act. Such Resident Shareholders should consult
their own tax advisors with respect to the alternative minimum tax rules set out in the Tax Act.
Non-Residents of Canada
The following portion of the summary is applicable to shareholders of the Company who, at all relevant times and for purposes of the Tax Act,
are not resident or deemed to be resident in Canada and do not use or hold, and are not deemed to use or hold, their common shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada ("Non-Resident
Shareholders"). Special rules not discussed in this summary may apply to an insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada, and any such insurers should consult their own tax advisors.
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Distributions
The consequences to Non-Resident Shareholders of any distribution under the Tax Act will be as described above under the heading
" Residents of Canada Distributions to Resident Shareholders" beginning on page 46 of this Proxy
Statement.
A
distribution under the Liquidation Plan that is effected as a return of capital on the common shares held by a Non-Resident Shareholder will not be subject to Canadian withholding tax,
unless the amount received on such distributions exceeds the "paid-up capital" (as defined in the Tax Act) at that time in respect of the Non-Resident Shareholder's common shares. In such case, any
such excess amount will be deemed to be a dividend and would be subject to taxation as described below under the heading " Taxation of
Dividends".
The
Company reasonably anticipates that its paid-up capital will be greater than the anticipated aggregate amount of the distributions with the result that no amount of the distributions
to be paid to the Non-Resident Shareholders on the reduction of capital and in the course of the liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company should be classified as a taxable dividend.
However, the CRA could take a different view as to the calculation of the paid-up capital of the common shares, which could result in materially different tax consequences to the Non-Resident
Shareholders.
Taxation of Dividends
Any dividend that is, or is deemed to be, paid or credited by the Company to a Non-Resident Shareholder will be subject to Canadian withholding
tax at a rate of 25% or such lower rate as may be provided under the terms of an applicable Canadian income tax treaty. Under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention the rate of withholding tax
on dividends paid or credited to a Non-Resident Shareholder that is fully entitled to the benefits of such treaty is generally reduced to 15% of the gross amount of the dividends.
Taxation of Capital Gains
A Non-Resident Shareholder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act in respect of a capital gain realized on the disposition or deemed
disposition of the common shares provided the common shares do not constitute "taxable Canadian property" for the purposes of the Tax Act. The common shares of the Company will not generally
constitute taxable Canadian property to a Non-Resident Shareholder at the time of disposition or deemed disposition provided that at no time during the 60 month period prior to the disposition
more than 50% of the fair market value of such common shares was derived directly or indirectly from real or immovable property situated in Canada or "Canadian resource properties", "timber resources
property" (such as defined in the Tax Act), and options in respect of, or interests in or civil law rights in such properties. The Company does not believe that, at any time in the 60 month
period ending on the date hereof, more than 50% of the fair market value of the common shares was derived directly or indirectly from real or immovable property situated in Canada, "Canadian resource
properties", "timber resources property" and options in respect of, or interests in or civil law rights in such properties.
The
common shares of the Company may also be deemed to constitute taxable Canadian property to a particular Non-Resident Shareholder in certain circumstances under the Tax Act. In the
event that the common shares of the Company constitute taxable Canadian property to a particular Non-Resident Shareholder, any resulting capital gain may be exempt from tax under the Tax Act in
accordance with any applicable income tax treaty. If the capital gains (or capital losses) are derived from the disposition or deemed disposition of "taxable Canadian property" by a Non-Resident
Shareholder, the Non-Resident Shareholder may in certain circumstances be required to file a Canadian tax return reporting the disposition or deemed disposition. A
Non-Resident Shareholder who believes that its common shares may constitute taxable Canadian property should consult with its own tax advisor as to the particular Canadian tax implications that may be
applicable.
Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Liquidation Plan that are
applicable to our shareholders that are U.S. holders (as defined below). This discussion is included for general information purposes only and does not constitute, and is not, a tax opinion or
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tax
advice to any particular U.S. holder. This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder,
judicial decisions, administrative rulings and other legal authorities, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") and no opinion of counsel will be requested concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Liquidation Plan. The tax consequences set forth in the following
discussion are not binding on the IRS or the courts, and no assurance can be given that contrary positions will not be successfully asserted by the IRS or adopted by a court.
Each shareholder should consult his, her or its tax advisors to determine the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such shareholder as a result of the
Liquidation Plan, and any U.S. federal non-income, state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences relevant to such shareholder as a result of the Liquidation Plan.
The
following discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to our shareholders, including Company shareholders who, in light of their
particular circumstances, may be subject to special rules, including, without limitation, shareholders that are not U.S. holders, mutual funds, retirement plans, financial institutions, tax-exempt
organizations, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, brokers or dealers in securities, traders who mark to market, shareholders who hold their shares as
part of a straddle, hedge or conversion transaction, shareholders whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar and shareholders that hold shares through a
partnership or any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, this discussion does not apply to shareholders of options or warrants or shareholders who acquired
their shares by exercising options or warrants, nor does it apply to shareholders who received their shares in connection with the performance of services. This discussion assumes that shareholders
hold their stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. In addition, the discussion does not address the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax or any aspect of
U.S. federal non-income, state, local or non-U.S. taxation that may be applicable to a particular shareholder.
For
purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
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a corporation (or other entity that is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia;
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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
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a trust (i) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or
more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S.
person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Federal Income Taxation of Liquidation Distributions Received by U.S. Holders
Subject to the discussion below under " Passive Foreign Investment Company
Considerations," amounts received by U.S. holders pursuant to a distribution in complete liquidation will be treated as full payment in exchange for their shares of common
stock. As a result of our Liquidation Plan, a U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the
amount of cash and the fair market value (at the time of distribution) of any other property distributed, less any liabilities assumed by the shareholder or to which the distributed property is
subject, if applicable, and (ii) such U.S. holder's tax basis in his, her or its shares of our common stock.
Amounts
received by U.S. holders pursuant to the Liquidation Plan will first be applied against and reduce a U.S. holder's tax basis in his, her or its shares of common stock. Gain will
be recognized as a result of a liquidation distribution to the extent that the aggregate value of the distribution and any prior liquidation distributions received by a U.S. holder with respect to a
share exceeds his, her or its tax basis for that share. If we make more than one liquidation distribution, each liquidation distribution will be allocated proportionately to
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each
share of common stock owned by a U.S. holder. Any loss will generally be recognized only when the final distribution from us has been received and then only if the aggregate value of all
liquidation distributions with respect to a share is less than the U.S. holder's tax basis for that share. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder will be capital gain or loss provided the shares are
held as capital assets, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the common stock has been held for more than one year.
In
the event of a distribution of property, the U.S. holder's tax basis in such property immediately after the distribution will generally be the fair market value of such property at
the time of distribution and the holding period in such property will begin on the day following such distribution.
If
a U.S. holder is required to satisfy any liability of ours not fully covered by our reserves, payments by U.S. holders in satisfaction of such liabilities would generally produce a
capital loss in the year paid, which, in the hands of individual U.S. holders, could not be carried back to prior years to offset capital gains realized from liquidation distributions in those years.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
The treatment of a U.S. holders holding our common stock could be materially different from that described above if we are or were treated as a
"passive foreign investment company" within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a "PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A
non-U.S. corporation, such as our Company, will be a PFIC, if, in the case of any particular taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of
certain types of "passive" income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly fair market value of its assets during such year produce or are held
for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is categorized as a passive asset and the company's unbooked intangibles associated with active business activities may generally be
classified as active assets. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as
owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the stock.
Based
on the price of our common stock and composition of our assets, we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxable years ending December 31, 2008 through December 31,
2015 and that we were not a PFIC for our taxable years ending December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2018. Additionally, the determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually and
depends on the particular facts and circumstances (such as the valuation of our assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets) and also may be affected by the application of the PFIC rules,
which are subject to differing interpretations. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that we will not be a PFIC for the taxable year ending with the liquidation (or if earlier, the taxable year
ending December 31, 2019).
If
we have been a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder held our common stock, unless the U.S. holder had made a timely qualified electing fund election or mark-to-market
election with respect to the shares, the U.S. holder will generally be subject to special tax rules in connection with the Liquidation distribution. In general, under the PFIC rules, in connection
with the Liquidation distribution:
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any excess distribution and/or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder's holding period for the common stock;
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. holder's holding period prior to the first taxable year in
which we are a PFIC, each a pre-PFIC year, will be taxable as ordinary income;
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the amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect
applicable to the U.S. holder for that year; and
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an interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the tax attributable to each prior taxable year, other than
a pre-PFIC year.
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We cannot provide any assurances regarding our PFIC status for the current or prior taxable years. Regardless of whether you made a qualified electing fund election or
mark-to-market election with respect to the shares, we strongly urge you to consult your tax advisor regarding the impact of our PFIC status on your investment in the common stock as well as the
application of the PFIC rules to your investment in the common stock.
Backup Withholding
In order to avoid "backup withholding" of U.S. federal income tax on the Liquidation distribution, each U.S. holder, unless an exception
applies, may be required to provide such U.S. holder 's correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN") on IRS Form W-9 (or, if appropriate, another withholding form) and certify under penalties
of perjury that such number is correct and that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding. If a Company shareholder fails to provide the correct TIN or certification, payments received may
be subject to backup withholding at the then prevailing rate (currently at 24%). Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be
reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may generally be obtained from the IRS, provided that the required information is properly furnished
in a timely manner to the IRS.
The tax consequences of the Liquidation Plan may vary depending upon the particular circumstances of the shareholder. We recommend that each shareholder consult
his, her or its tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Liquidation Plan as well as the state, local and foreign tax consequences.
This Proxy Statement does not address any tax considerations other than certain Canadian federal income tax considerations and certain material U.S. federal
income tax considerations. Shareholders who are resident in jurisdictions other than Canada or the U.S. should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax implications in such jurisdictions
of the Liquidation and any distributions that may be made in connection therewith. All Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding provincial, territorial or other tax considerations
of the Liquidation and any distributions that may be made in connection therewith.
Consequences if the Liquidation Plan is not Approved
NOVELION DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES, OPERATIONS OR ASSETS TO CONTINUE AS A STAND-ALONE OPERATING COMPANY. IF THE
LIQUIDATION RESOLUTION AND THE LIQUIDATOR RESOLUTION ARE NOT APPROVED, THE FUTURE OF NOVELION WILL BE UNCERTAIN, AND ANY REALIZATION OF VALUE FOR YOUR NOVELION SHARES WILL LIKELY BE SIGNIFICANTLY
DELAYED OR YOU MAY NOT REALIZE ANY VALUE FOR YOUR NOVELION SHARES. IF THE LIQUIDATION RESOLUTION AND THE LIQUIDATOR RESOLUTION ARE NOT APPROVED, THE COMPANY MAY APPLY TO COURT FOR AN ORDER THAT A
LIQUIDATOR BE APPOINTED AND THAT THE COMPANY BE LIQUIDATED, WOUND UP AND DISSOLVED.
Vote Required and Board of Director's Recommendation
Approval of the Liquidation Resolution and the Liquidator Resolution would give the Board authority to complete, among other things, the
Liquidation Plan as described herein.
Proposal No. 1 Approval of the Liquidation Resolution
This proposal requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Company entitled to
vote present in person or by proxy voting at the Annual Meeting. Unless the shareholder directs that the shareholder's common shares are to be voted against the Liquidation
Resolution, the persons named in the enclosed Form of Proxy intend to vote FOR the Liquidation Resolution.
The
following special resolution will be submitted for a shareholder vote at the Annual Meeting:
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The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that our shareholders vote "FOR" the Liquidation Resolution.
Proposal No. 2 Approval of the Liquidator Resolution
This proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Company entitled to
vote present in person or by proxy voting at the Annual Meeting. Unless the shareholder directs that the shareholder's common shares are to be voted against the Liquidator
Resolution, the persons named in the enclosed Form of Proxy intend to vote FOR the Liquidator Resolution.
The
following ordinary resolution will be submitted for a shareholder vote at the Annual Meeting:
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that our shareholders vote "FOR" the Liquidator Resolution.
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PROPOSAL NO. 3: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Currently, our Board is comprised of Dr. Bruhn, Mr. Price and Dr. Sabba. Based on the recommendation of the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board has nominated Dr. Suzanne Bruhn, Dr. Stephen Sabba and Michael Price, our current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to
serve as directors of the Company. Mr. Price was appointed to our Board following the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization. If you are voting by proxy, the persons named as proxies in
the enclosed proxy card will vote to elect as directors the three nominees named below, all of whom are currently directors of the Company, unless you withhold authority to vote for the election of
any or all of the directors by delivering a proxy to that effect. Upon the Effective Date of the Liquidation, the Board will be deemed to have resigned and all powers of the Board will cease. The
Liquidator will then supervise the
liquidation of the business and affairs of Novelion and the distribution of assets to shareholders after the satisfaction of all claims.
Information Regarding Director Nominees
The persons named below will be presented for election at the Annual Meeting and the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy intend to
vote for the election of these nominees. Each director elected at the Annual Meeting will hold office until the next annual general meeting of Novelion or until his or her successor is elected or
appointed, unless his or her office is earlier vacated in accordance with the articles of Novelion or with the provisions of the BCBCA.
The
names of the nominees and certain information about them are set forth below:
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Name of Nominee and
Residence
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Age
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Position(s) With the
Company
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Independent
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Director
Since
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Principal Occupation
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DR. SUZANNE BRUHN
Massachusetts, USA
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56
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Director
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Yes
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2017
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President and Chief Executive Officer
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MICHAEL D. PRICE
Florida, USA
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62
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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No
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2019
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company
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STEPHEN SABBA
New York, USA
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60
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Director
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Yes
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2012
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Partner and Portfolio Manager
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There
is no family relationship between any of our directors, director nominees or executive officers. The number of common shares owned by each of the nominees for election as a
director is set forth under "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in this Proxy Statement.
Directors
Suzanne Bruhn, Ph.D., age 56, has served as a director of Novelion since October 2017.
Dr. Bruhn currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tiaki Therapeutics, Inc., a private biotechnology company. Prior to that she served as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Proclara Biosciences, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, or Proclara, from April 2017 to September 2018.
Prior to joining Proclara, from May 2012 to November 2015, Dr. Bruhn served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Promedior, Inc. She also served as a member of the board of
directors of Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp., a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company, from 2011 until it was acquired by Horizon Pharma plc in 2016. Previously, Dr. Bruhn served in a
number of roles of increasing responsibility at Shire, a biopharmaceutical company, from 1998 until 2012, most recently as Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Program Management.
Dr. Bruhn currently also serves on the board of directors of Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc., a publicly-traded biotechnology company focused on the treatment of rare genetic diseases and
cancer, and Pliant Therapeutics, a private biotechnology company. Dr. Bruhn received her B.S. degree in Chemistry from Iowa State University and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Massachusetts
Institute of Technology.
The
Board has concluded that Dr. Bruhn is well-qualified to serve on the Board and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives derived from her extensive experience
in the biopharmaceutical industry, including her expertise in the development and commercialization of treatments for rare diseases.
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Michael D. Price, age 62, was appointed as a director of the Company following the Aegerion Recapitalization and has served as our EVP and
Chief Financial Officer since July 16, 2018 and, prior to that, as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since December 4, 2017. Prior to joining Novelion in November
2017 as Senior Vice President, Finance, Mr. Price served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Noven Pharmaceuticals from November 2007 to March 2016. Noven was publicly
traded until its acquisition by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Company in August 2009. Prior to joining Noven in 2007, Mr. Price was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary
for Bentley Pharmaceuticals, a publicly-traded pharmaceutical company, from March 1992 until September 2006. Mr. Price began his career with Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), where
his client base was concentrated in the life sciences/healthcare sector. Mr. Price is a certified public accountant. He holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from Auburn
University and a M.B.A. degree from Florida State University.
The
Board has determined to nominate Mr. Price to our Board, on the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, based on his extensive financial
experience and considerable institutional knowledge of the Company.
Stephen Sabba, M.D., age 60, has served as a director of Novelion since 2012. Currently, Dr. Sabba is also a Partner and Health
Care Portfolio Manager at Knott Partners, LP, an investment fund, and a director of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc., a public biotechnology company, positions he has held since 2006 and
2008, respectively. Previously, from 2001 to 2006, he was a Partner and Director of Research with Kilkenny Capital Management, a Chicago-based hedge fund. Dr. Sabba received his medical degree
from the New York University School of Medicine, and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in New York City. He
earned a B.S. degree with honors at Cornell University.
The
Board has concluded that Dr. Sabba is well-qualified to serve on the Board and has the requisite qualifications, skills and perspectives based on his capital markets and
financial expertise gained from his experience working in the hedge fund and investment fund industries.
Cease Trade Order
Each of Dr. Bruhn, Mr. Price and Dr. Sabba are subject to the general "failure to file" cease trade order issued on
August 20, 2019 by the British Columbia Securities Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission (on behalf of the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities) as a result of
Novelion being unable to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 by the applicable filing deadline. For more information on the cease trade order,
please refer to Novelion's press release dated August 21, 2019.
Majority Voting Policy
The Board has adopted a Majority Voting Policy which requires that any nominee for director for which there are a greater number of votes
"withheld" than votes "for" his or her election will be required to tender his or her resignation as a director of the Company. This policy applies only to uncontested elections, which are elections
in which the number of nominees for election as director is equal to the number of positions available on the Board. If a nominee for director is required under the Majority Voting Policy to tender
his or her resignation, the Board will refer the resignation to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (except in certain circumstances, in which case the entire Board will review the
resignation without reference to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee) which will consider the director's resignation and will recommend to the Board whether or not to accept it. The
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will generally be expected to recommend accepting the resignation, except in situations where extraordinary circumstances would warrant the applicable
director to continue to serve on the Board. The Board will act on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee's recommendation within 90 days following the certification by the scrutineer
of the voting results of the applicable annual meeting and will promptly disclose by press release its decision whether to accept the director's resignation, including the reasons for rejecting the
resignation, if applicable. A director who tenders his or her resignation pursuant to the Majority Voting Policy will not participate in any meeting of the Board or the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee at which the resignation is considered.
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Advance Notice Policy
The Board has adopted an Advance Notice Policy which was ratified and approved by shareholders at our 2014 annual general meeting. The intention
of the Advance Notice Policy is to facilitate an orderly and efficient annual general meeting or, where the need arises, special meeting, to ensure that all shareholders receive adequate notice of
director nominations and sufficient information with respect to all nominees, and allow shareholders to register an informed vote having been afforded reasonable time for appropriate deliberation.
Pursuant
to the Advance Notice Policy, any additional director nominations for an annual general meeting must be received by the Company not less than 30 nor more than 65 days
prior to the date of the meeting. If no nominations are received by October 6, 2019, being the date which is 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting date, management's nominees for election
as directors set forth below shall be the only nominees eligible to stand for election at the Meeting.
Vote Required and Board of Directors' Recommendation
Under the BCBCA and the Articles of Novelion, directors are elected by a plurality of the common shares voted at the Annual Meeting. This means
that the three nominees with the most votes for election would be elected, subject to the requirements of our Majority Voting Policy, as described above.
The Board unanimously recommends that our shareholders vote "FOR" the election each of the three nominees for director.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Investors are cautioned that the historical corporate governance discussion below is not necessarily indicative of the
Company's current or near-term corporate governance policies and procedures and website resources related thereto, given the Company's significantly scaled-down operations and related cost-reduction
initiatives, which have been and will continue to be implemented, in furtherance of the Company's expected winding up and dissolution.
It is expected that, in connection with the Company's winding up initiatives, in order to preserve resources and limit administrative costs, the Board selection
process, committee roles and membership, and overall corporate governance will be significantly streamlined and the policies and approaches required to be described herein will not be indicative of
Novelion's corporate governance on a go-forward basis.
Overview of Our Corporate Governance Principles
The Board has adopted corporate governance guidelines to assist and guide its members in the exercise of their responsibilities. We review our
corporate governance policies periodically, monitor emerging developments in corporate governance and update our policies and procedures when the Board determines that it would benefit Novelion and
its shareholders to do so. These guidelines should be interpreted in accordance with any requirements imposed by applicable federal or state law or regulation, exchange requirements, and our
organizational documents.
Our
corporate governance guidelines can be found at http://ir.novelion.com/corporate-governance.cfm. Although these corporate governance guidelines have been approved by the Board, it is
expected that these guidelines will evolve over time as customary practice and legal requirements change. In particular, those guidelines that encompass legal, regulatory or exchange requirements as
they currently exist will be deemed to be modified as and to the extent that such legal, regulatory or exchange requirements are modified. In addition, the guidelines may also be amended by the Board
at any time as it deems appropriate.
Currently,
our Global Code of Conduct (the "Code of Conduct") and committee charters can be found at Novelion's website at www.novelion.com under "Governance." These documents will also be provided without charge
to any shareholder who requests them.
Code of Conduct
Novelion has adopted the Code of Conduct which is applicable to all directors, officers and employees of Novelion and its affiliates. As further
described in the charter of the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing, at least on an annual basis and with management and its principal financial and accounting officer,
compliance with the Code of Conduct, the adequacy of and any requests for waivers under the Code of Conduct and to make recommendations to the Board with regard to any waiver sought with respect to
any executive officer or director. As further described in the charter of the Compliance Committee, the Compliance Committee is responsible for reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the Code of
Conduct periodically, but at least annually, and to recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
If
required, we intend to disclose on our website any amendment or waiver of a provision of the Code of Conduct that is required to be disclosed by applicable SEC rules and regulations.
Novelion
complies with the provisions of the BCBCA that deal with conflict of interest situations. Novelion, through directors' and officers' questionnaires and other systems, also
gathers and monitors relevant information in relation to potential conflicts of interest that a director or officer may have.
Gender Diversity
The Board has adopted a policy to reflect its commitment to diversity and inclusion in all levels in the workplace and on the Board (the
"Diversity Policy"). While the Diversity Policy does not specifically target the identification and nomination of women directors or nomination of directors of a particular race, ethnicity or culture,
it does require the Board and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to consider
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diversity
(including gender, as well as age, geography, members of minority groups and persons with disabilities) as an element in the overall selection criteria of new Board members and executive
officer appointments.
The
Company does not support the adoption of quotas as the Board believes that quotas do not necessarily result in the selection of the best candidates and, accordingly, no specific
targets have been set for female Board members or female executive officers.
Mandate of the Board and the Chair of the Board
The Board is responsible for the supervision of the management of the business and affairs of Novelion, the stewardship of Novelion and the
enhancement of shareholder value. The Board has adopted a written mandate, which is applicable to all directors, and which has formalized its position on corporate governance (the "Mandate of the
Board"). The Board has also developed a written mandate regarding the position of Chair of the Board, which is detailed in the Mandate of the Chair of the Board and described below under the heading
"Board Leadership Structure." The Mandate of the Board, which is incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement and which is available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com, and the Mandate of the Chair of the Board are each available on our website at www.novelion.com. Copies of each will be provided without
charge to any shareholder who requests them by writing to "Novelion Investor Relations," c/o Norton Rose Fulbright, 1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
V6B 0M3 Canada. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board is charged with reviewing and ensuring that good corporate governance practices and the Mandate of the Board are
followed. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is also responsible for reviewing and, if determined appropriate, updating the Mandate of the Board.
Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
The Board is actively involved in overseeing risk management for Novelion. In accordance with the Mandate of the Board, the Board, as a whole,
oversees the development and application of policies regarding corporate governance, and is responsible for adopting the corporate strategies and plans for Novelion's business, identifying the
principal risks of Novelion's business and ensuring the implementation of the appropriate systems to manage these risks, overseeing compliance with applicable laws and regulations, overseeing the
integrity of Novelion's internal controls, disclosure procedures and management information systems, and maintaining a continuing dialogue with senior management in order to ensure Novelion's ability
to respond to changes, both internal and external, which may affect its business operations from time to time. This oversight is also conducted through standing committees of the Board. The Board
receives full reports from each committee Chair regarding the committee's consideration and actions. The oversight responsibility of the Board and its committees is enabled by management reporting
processes that are designed to provide visibility to the Board about the identification, assessment and management of critical risks. These areas of focus include; financial reporting, compliance,
compensation and operations, as summarized below.
The
Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management significant financial risks and the actions management has taken to monitor and mitigate potential exposures. The Audit
Committee also assesses
other areas of enterprise risk exposure, such as the disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls over financial reporting, whistleblower procedures and information technology systems.
The
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees risk management as it relates to, among other things, the development and assessment of our corporate governance framework and
CEO, Board and Chair succession, including board and committee nominations, membership and standards, and potential conflicts of interest.
Board Leadership Structure
We had been operating under a corporate governance structure where the Chair of the Board and the CEO were separate positions held by different
individuals. Due to the demands of each position, we believe separating these roles enhances the ability of each to discharge his duties and fosters more accountability. Our leadership structure will
continue to be streamlined as we proceed towards a winding up and dissolution; however, the Board is expected to determine and implement the most appropriate mechanism to fulfill its oversight
responsibilities. Our Board Chair resigned upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization. Given the changes
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to
the Board, the position of Chair of the Board has not been determined, but it is expected to be held by one of the independent directors, as determined by the Board after the Annual Meeting.
Board Attendance
It is a policy of the Board to encourage directors to attend regular Board meetings, Board committee meetings on which they serve and each
annual general meeting of the shareholders. Each of the incumbent directors of the Board attended at least 75% of all meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of the Board upon which they
served (during the periods that they served) during 2018. All of the directors who served on the Board as of the time of our 2018 annual general meeting on August 9, 2018 (the "2018 Annual
Meeting") attended the meeting, except for Mr. Aryeh whose term expired at the 2018 Annual Meeting.
The
Board held 29 meetings (in person or by teleconference) in 2018. During the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, attendance by the directors at meetings of
the Board was as follows:
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
Board Meetings
|
|
Jason Aryeh*
|
|
9 of 16
|
|
Dr. Suzanne Bruhn
|
|
29 of 29
|
|
Mark Corrigan, M.D.**
|
|
28 of 29
|
|
Mark DiPaolo*
|
|
18 of 19
|
|
Kevin Kotler*
|
|
18 of 19
|
|
John Orloff**
|
|
28 of 29
|
|
Dr. Stephen Sabba
|
|
29 of 29
|
|
Donald K. Stern**
|
|
28 of 29
|
|
John C. Thomas, Jr.**
|
|
26 of 29
|
|
-
*
-
Mr. DiPaolo
resigned from the Board on September 13, 2018 and Mr. Kotler resigned from the Board on September 24, 2018. Mr. Aryeh's
term expired at our 2018 Annual Meeting on August 9, 2018.
-
**
-
Dr. Corrigan,
Dr. Orloff, Mr. Stern and Mr. Thomas resigned upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization on September 24,
2019.
Director Nomination Process
To assist with director nominations, the Board has delegated the director selection and nomination process to the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee. In evaluating prospective nominees, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee looks for the following minimum qualifications: experience at a strategic or policy-making
level in a business, government, non-profit or academic organization of high standing; accomplishments in his or her respective field with superior credentials and recognition; high standards of
integrity, ethics, commitment and independence of thought and judgment; significant business or professional experience or a demonstrated exceptional understanding of the pharmaceutical industry or
other disciplines relevant to the business of the Company; sufficient time and availability to devote to the affairs of the Company, particularly in light of the number of boards on which the nominee
may serve; and, to the extent a nominee serves or has previously served on other boards, a demonstrated history of active contribution to board meetings. In evaluating prospective nominees (which
process involves interviews and background checks), the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also takes into account shareholder support of prospective nominees in previous director elections
of the Company, any direct experience in the pharmaceutical industry or markets in which the Company operates and any experience as a board member of other public companies. All nominees are selected
with a view to the best interests of Novelion as a whole.
To
foster and maintain a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds and experience on the Board, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates the mix of skills and experience of
the directors and assesses nominees and potential candidates in the context of the current composition of the Board and Novelion's
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objectives.
In searching for a new director, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee identifies particular areas of specialization that it considers beneficial, in addition to the general
qualifications, having regard to the skill sets of the other members of the Board. Further, in accordance with the Diversity Policy, while the Company does not support the adoption of quotas,
management and the Board will consider diversity as an element of the overall selection criteria of candidates. All nominations proposed by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are
subject to the approval of the Board. Potential nominees are interviewed in person before any nomination is recommended to the Board.
The
Board will also consider any director nominees proposed by shareholders. Shareholders may submit nominations to the Board by addressing a communication to the Chair of the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee and providing sufficient information to the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee to permit it to conduct an assessment of the qualifications of the proposed nominee, including biographical information about the candidate and his or her professional experience,
confirmation of the candidate's willingness to serve as a director, and complete contact information for the candidate and the nominating shareholder. The method by which a shareholder may communicate
with the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are set out in the Security Holder Communications Policy which can be found on Novelion's website at www.novelion.com. As a matter of policy, the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is committed to giving due and fair consideration to proposed
nominations submitted by shareholders using the same criteria and processes as other nominations that come before it.
The
Board has also adopted an amended and restated advance notice policy (the "Advance Notice Policy") for the receipt of nominations to the board in advance of annual general or special
meetings of shareholders, as applicable. For more details with respect to the Advance Notice Policy, see "Proposal No. 3: Election of Directors
Advance Notice Policy."
Independence of Directors
To ensure that we maintain good and objective governance, the Board strives to maintain strong independence from management. In determining
whether directors are independent, each year the Board considers and discusses the nature and materiality of all direct or indirect relationships between each director, or nominee, and Novelion,
including any family or business relationships, for the purposes of determining whether a material relationship exists that might signal a potential conflict of interest or otherwise interfere with
such director's ability to satisfy his or her responsibilities as an independent director. Under the applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws, a relationship is considered material where that
relationship could, in the view of the Board, reasonably interfere with the exercise of the director's independent judgment. A director who also serves as CEO, or, depending on duration of term,
interim CEO, of a company would be considered a non-independent director of that company under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. As a result, and in connection with its 2018
annual review of the nature and materiality of all direct or indirect relationships between each director and Novelion and its subsidiaries, the Board has determined that none of its directors, other
than Dr. Orloff (a former Executive Vice President of Novelion), has any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a
director and is "independent" within the meaning of our director independence standards and the independence standards of Nasdaq and the SEC rules and regulations, as applicable. In addition, the
Board has determined that each director who served as a member on each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee during 2018 was
"independent" within the meaning of our director independence standards and the independence standards of Nasdaq and the SEC, as applicable, including Rule 10a-3(b)(1) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees.
Orientation and Continuing Education Programs
As and when a new Board nominee is appointed, the Board will ensure that a program of orientation and education is provided for the nominee,
including, but not limited to, information on our corporate history, copies of past minutes of meetings of the Board and the Mandate of the Board, and information regarding our business and
operations. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing the current orientation and education program and recommending and initiating improvements to this program
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as
warranted. As part of the ongoing commitment of the Board to effective governance and director continuing education, our directors are encouraged to periodically attend accredited courses on
current trends in corporate governance and other relevant areas.
Assessments
The Board has an annual formal assessment process with respect to performance of the Board and its committees. The Board as a whole considers
the contributions and performance of the Board and each of its committees by conducting a performance review questionnaire. The Board uses this assessment to determine whether additional expertise is
required to ensure that the Board is able to discharge its responsibilities and individuals with specific skill sets are identified.
Term and Age Limits
The Board has not adopted policies imposing any term or retirement age limit in connection with individuals nominated for election as directors
because the Board considers the assessments of the contributions of individual directors and its annual review process to be more effective than term limits or other mechanisms of Board renewal, such
as setting a mandatory retirement age.
Executive Session of Independent Directors
The independent members of the Board meet without management and non-independent directors present during sessions following periodic Board
meetings (unless the independent directors determine such a session is not required).
Communicating with the Board of Directors
The Board has approved a Security Holder Communications Policy that can be found on our website at www.novelion.com. Pursuant to this
policy, shareholders who wish to address questions regarding our business directly with the Board as a whole, or with
any individual director, should direct his or her questions in writing to the attention of the Secretary of Novelion at:
Novelion
Therapeutics Inc.
c/o Norton Rose Fulbright
1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0M3 Canada
Communications
will be distributed to the Board, or to any individual director or directors, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communications.
Shareholders
and other interested persons may submit concerns regarding accounting matters by following the instructions for making a report published in the Corporate Governance
subsection of the Investors section of our website.
Board of Directors and Board Committees
The Board has maintained a standing Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee. From time to
time, the Board has and may establish special committees to assist the Board with respect to certain matters.
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Investors are cautioned that the functions and composition of the Board and its committees have changed, and will continue to change, considerably as Novelion
undertakes further streamlining of its operations and corporate governance following the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Committee
|
|
Members
|
|
Number
of
Meetings
|
|
Key Functions
|
|
Audit
|
|
Prior to the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the members of the audit committee were: John C. Thomas, Jr.*;
Mark Corrigan; and
Stephen Sabba.
Upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization on September 24, 2019, Messrs. Thomas and Corrigan resigned from the Board and all committees. Therefore, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, Dr. Sabba is the current member of the
audit committee.
The Board has determined that each member of the audit committee prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization was, and the current member is, "independent" for audit committee purposes as that term is defined under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, and
the applicable Nasdaq rules. Each member of the audit committee prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization met, and the current member meets the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Prior
to his resignation the Board had designated Mr. Thomas as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined under the applicable rules of the SEC. Currently, there is no "audit committee financial expert" on the audit committee.
|
|
9
|
|
Appoints, approves the
compensation, and assesses the independence of our independent auditors;
Pre-approves audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by our auditors and the terms of these services;
Reviews and recommends to the Board the approval of the audited
financial statements; reviews and approves the interim financial statements and earnings releases prior to filing;
Coordinates the oversight
and reviews the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures;
Oversees our accounting and financial reporting practices;
Reviews the management of corporate financial risks and related party
transactions in accordance with Novelion's Related Party Transaction Policy;
Establishes, oversees and
periodically assesses the procedures for the receipt and retention of complaints and concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing;
Reviews, at least annually with management, compliance with our Code of
Conduct;
Establishes
procedures regarding the receipt, retention and consideration of any report of evidence of a material violation of applicable U.S. or Canadian securities laws or a material breach of fiduciary duty by our directors, officers, employees or agents, and
initiates and oversees any investigations arising therefrom;
Reviews and assesses the
adequacy of the Audit Committee Charter annually and recommends to the Board any amendments or modifications that the Audit Committee deems appropriate; and
Reviews, discusses, and assesses the Audit Committee's performance as
well as its role and responsibilities at least annually, seeking input from senior management, the Board, and others as the Audit Committee deems appropriate.
|
|
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Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Committee
|
|
Members
|
|
Number
of
Meetings
|
|
Key Functions
|
|
Corporate Governance and Nominating
|
|
Prior to the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee were:
Suzanne Bruhn;
Mark Corrigan; and
Donald Stern.
Upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization on September 24, 2019, Messrs. Corrigan and Stern resigned from the Board and all committees. Therefore, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, Dr. Bruhn is the current member of the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
The Board has determined that each member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization was, and the current member is, "independent" as that term is defined in the applicable SEC and Nasdaq
rules.
|
|
3
|
|
Develops and recommends to
the Board criteria for identifying, selecting and evaluating nominees for appointment or election as members of the Board and committee members;
Identifies, considers and recommends to the Board qualified individuals
for nomination for election or to fill Board vacancies;
Considers director nominees
recommended by shareholders, and oversees the Company's policies and procedures with respect to these nominations;
Retains, oversees and terminates search firms used to identify director candidates, legal counsel or other advisers, including approval of their
fees and terms of retention;
When required, expeditiously considers any resignation tendered by a director pursuant to the Company's Majority Voting Policy in accordance with the provisions of such policy and recommends to the Board whether to accept, delay accepting or
reject such resignation;
Reviews annually the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee's Charter and each of the Mandate of the Board and the Mandate of the Chair of the Board, and recommends changes to the Board;
Develops, oversees and reviews Board governance principles and the
effectiveness of corporate governance for recommendation to the Board;
Evaluates the size, composition and structure of the Board and Board committees for recommendation to the Board;
Develops and oversees the
Board continuing education program and the orientation program;
Coordinates and oversees an annual process to assess the effectiveness of the Board and individual members of the Board;
Develops succession plans for the Chair of the Board and the CEO;
and
Reviews compliance
with share ownership guidelines by members of the Board and executive officers.
|
|
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Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Committee
|
|
Members
|
|
Number
of
Meetings
|
|
Key Functions
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization, the members of the Compensation Committee were:
Stephen Sabba*;
Suzanne Bruhn; and
John C. Thomas, Jr.
Upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization on September 24, 2019, Mr. Thomas resigned from the Board and all committees. Therefore, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, Dr. Bruhn and Dr. Sabba are the current members of
the Compensation Committee.
The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee prior to the Aegerion Recapitalization was, and each current member is, "independent" as that term is defined in the applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules.
|
|
6
|
|
Reviews and recommends to
the Board the corporate goals relevant to the compensation of the CEO, and evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the performance of the CEO against those goals;
Considers any risks associated with proposed CEO compensation
arrangements and potential ways to mitigate such risks;
Determines the compensation
and employment agreement terms for all executive officers of the Company;
Reviews and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the director compensation program;
Provides oversight of management's decisions regarding the compensation
of senior management;
Manages, administers, reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to short and long-term incentive-based compensation plans and equity-based plans;
Manages and administers all
equity-based plans, and reviews and makes recommendations with regard to policies and procedures for the grant of equity-based awards;
Reviews, discusses with management and recommends the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement
or Form 10-K;
Develops and proposes share ownership guidelines for members of the Board and executive officers;
Reviews and assesses the
adequacy of the Compensation Committee Charter annually and submits any proposed changes to the Board for approval;
Performs an annual performance evaluation of the Compensation Committee and reports to the Board on the results of such evaluation;
and
Exercises sole
authority to retain, terminate and approve any fees and other retention terms of any consulting firm, independent legal counsel or other outside adviser on compensation matters that is to be used by the Company or the Compensation Committee to assist
in the evaluation of director, CEO or executive officer compensation.
|
|
Committee Chairs
The Board has not developed written position descriptions for the Chair of each of the committees of the Board. The Chair of each committee, as
applicable, has accepted leadership responsibilities of the committee including setting the agenda for and chairing the meetings, liaising with management as appropriate, as well as for ensuring
fulfillment of the mandate set out in the charters of the committees.
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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Director Compensation
Our non-employee directors receive cash and equity-based compensation for their services on the Board as described below.
Cash Compensation
The cash compensation component of our non-employee director compensation program includes annual cash Board and committee member or Chair,
Executive Committee or Executive Chair retainers. Non-employee directors are also eligible for reimbursement of their expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings, in accordance
with our policies, and reimbursement for preparation of annual Canadian tax returns. Non-employee director retainers are paid to the Board quarterly in arrears.
Fees
payable to our non-employee directors for our standing committees in 2018 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Nature of Board Duty
|
|
Fee (US$)
|
|
Annual Board Retainer Fee:
|
|
|
|
|
for all directors
|
|
$
|
40,000
|
|
additional retainer for Chair of the Board
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
Additional Annual Retainer Fee for Chair of the:
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Committee
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Compensation Committee
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Compliance Committee
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Scientific & Innovation Committee
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Additional Annual Retainer Fee for Non-Chair Member of the:
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Committee
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Compensation Committee
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
Compliance Committee
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Scientific & Innovation Committee
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
Additional fee to perform Board or committee business (other than attendance at a Board or committee meeting) at the specific request of the Board or
relevant committee:
|
|
|
|
|
if no out-of-town travel is required
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
if out-of-town travel is required
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
Fee to Novelion Board member for attending operating subsidiary Board meeting as a member of the Board of the operating subsidiary (whether in person or
by telephone)
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
In
addition, non-employee directors are generally entitled to receive annual cash retainers and other fees for service on any ad hoc committees that the Board may establish from time to
time commensurate with the level of efforts expected to be undertaken by such committee (which may also include an increased retainer fee for the chair of any such committee).
Equity-Based Compensation
In addition to cash compensation, our non-employee directors also receive equity-based compensation to ensure that their interests are aligned
with those of our shareholders.
Non-employee
directors are eligible to receive grants of stock options and restricted stock units under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). We also maintain a
non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for our non-employee directors, in the form of deferred stock units ("DSUs"), which are converted to cash only when a director ceases to be a member of
the Board; DSUs have not been granted since our merger with Aegerion in November 2016.
In
August 2018, following our annual meeting of shareholders and upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board approved a grant of an option to purchase 10,000 of our
common shares
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to
each non-employee director and a grant of an option to purchase 50,000 of our common shares to our Executive Chair. The stock options were granted with an exercise price per share equal to the
closing price of our common shares on the grant date, and vest in 12 equal monthly installments commencing on the monthly anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued service on the Board
through each applicable vesting date.
The
following table provides information regarding the compensation earned by our non-employee directors in 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name(1)
|
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($) USD(2)
|
|
Option
Awards ($)(3)
|
|
Total
|
|
Suzanne Bruhn
|
|
$
|
53,664
|
|
$
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
$
|
68,851
|
|
Mark Corrigan
|
|
|
241,010
|
(5)(6)
|
|
75,935
|
(4)
|
|
316,945
|
|
John Orloff
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
|
65,187
|
|
Stephen Sabba
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
|
80,187
|
|
Donald K. Stern
|
|
|
62,842
|
|
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
|
78,029
|
|
John C. Thomas, Jr.
|
|
|
67,500
|
|
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
|
82,687
|
|
Jason Aryeh
|
|
|
163,428
|
(5)(7)
|
|
10,565
|
(8)
|
|
173,993
|
|
Mark DiPaolo(9)
|
|
|
37,038
|
|
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
|
52,225
|
|
Kevin Kotler(10)
|
|
|
42,298
|
|
|
15,187
|
(4)
|
|
57,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
782,780
|
|
$
|
192,809
|
|
$
|
975,589
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
Mr. Aryeh
did not stand for re-election at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders and his term as a director therefore ended on August 9, 2018.
Mr. DiPaolo resigned from the Board on September 13, 2018, and Mr. Kotler resigned from the Board on September 24, 2018.
-
(2)
-
Represents
the aggregate dollar amount of 2018 fees earned or paid in cash for services as a director, including annual retainer fees and committee fees.
-
(3)
-
Represents
the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options, as applicable, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Such aggregate grant date fair values do
not take into account any estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. The valuation assumptions used in determining such amounts are described in Note 12 to the audited
consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2019. The amounts reflect the accounting cost for the stock options, as applicable, and do not
correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by the non-employee directors upon exercise of the stock options or sale of any underlying common shares.
-
(4)
-
Represents
time-based stock options granted on August 9, 2018 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest in twelve equal monthly installments, beginning one
month after the grant date, subject to continued service through each applicable vesting date.
-
(5)
-
Includes
a special one-time payment of $70,000 to each of Dr. Corrigan and Mr. Aryeh for their service on the Executive Committee of the Board from
November 2017 through May 2018.
-
(6)
-
Includes
$21,000 in fees paid to Dr. Corrigan on a monthly basis in connection with his tenure as Executive Chair, effective July 2, 2018.
-
(7)
-
Includes
cash paid to Mr. Aryeh in connection with the settlement of his DSUs upon the termination as a non-employee director.
-
(8)
-
Represents
the incremental fair value, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718, of the modification of the vesting of Mr. Aryeh's stock option awards, in
connection with his termination as a non-employee director on August 9, 2018. The Board approved the full acceleration of vesting of Mr. Aryeh's unvested stock options and an extension
of the post-termination exercise period of his stock options from 90 days to one year from the termination date of August 9, 2018.
-
(9)
-
Fees
earned by Mr. DiPaolo were paid to Sarissa Capital Management LP.
-
(10)
-
Fees
earned by Mr. Kotler were paid to Broadfin Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd.
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Table of Contents
Director Awards Outstanding as of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Total Outstanding
Stock Options(1)
|
|
Total
Outstanding
DSUs(2)
|
|
Suzanne Bruhn
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Corrigan
|
|
|
59,600
|
|
|
|
|
John Orloff
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen Sabba
|
|
|
29,600
|
|
|
5,680
|
|
Donald K. Stern
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
|
|
John C. Thomas, Jr.
|
|
|
29,600
|
|
|
5,680
|
|
Jason Aryeh
|
|
|
29,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
207,200
|
|
|
11,360
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
Messrs. DiPaolo
and Kotler did not hold any stock options as of December 31, 2018. Due to their resignations as non-employee directors in 2018, all the
unvested stock options were cancelled upon their respective resignation date; the vested stock options expired 90 days after each resignation date on September 13, 2018 and
September 24, 2018, respectively.
-
(2)
-
DSUs
are settled in cash and can only be settled once a director ceases to be a member of the Board.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our current executive officers as of the date of the Proxy statement (other
than Michael D. Price, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, whose biography appears above under the caption "Proposal No. 3: Election of
Directors"):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position(s) with the Company
|
|
BEN HARSHBARGER
|
|
51
|
|
Interim Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and General Counsel
|
|
LINDA BUONO
|
|
53
|
|
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
|
|
Ben Harshbarger has served as our Interim CEO since November 2018 and as our General Counsel since November 2016. Mr. Harshbarger
was Acting General Counsel at Aegerion from September 2015 to August 2016 and General Counsel from August 2016 to November 2016. Prior to that, he served as Aegerion's VP, EMEA Legal Counsel from
January 2014 to September 2015 and as Aegerion's VP, Deputy General Counsel from April 2012 to January 2014. Before joining Aegerion, Mr. Harshbarger served as Senior Director, Corporate
Counsel at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from March 2008 to March 2012, and Senior Director, Deputy General Counsel at ViaCell, Inc. from March 2006 to March 2008. Mr. Harshbarger
served in several legal positions of increasing responsibility at Biogen Idec Corporation from November 2001 to March 2006 and served as an associate at the law firm of Mintz Levin from 1996 to 2001.
Mr. Harshbarger has a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.A. from the University of Richmond.
Linda Buono has served as our Senior Vice President, Human Resources since November 2016. Prior to this, Ms. Buono was Senior Vice
President, Human Resources at Aegerion from August 2016 to November 2016. From March 2016 to August 2016, she served as Aegerion's Vice President, Human Resources. Prior to that, Ms. Buono,
held a series of positions with ImmunoGen, most recently as Executive Director, Human Resources since July 2013 and Senior Director, Human Resources from July 2008 through June 2013.
67
Table of Contents
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares as of September 13, 2019 (unless otherwise noted) with respect
to:
-
-
each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common shares outstanding as of such
date ("5% Shareholders"), based on currently available Schedules 13G and 13D filed with the SEC, as may be updated by a Statement of Change of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on
Form 4 subsequently filed with the SEC;
-
-
each of our NEOs and directors; and
-
-
all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.
Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the applicable Canadian securities regulators. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of
securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities and include common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or other
securities that are immediately exercisable or exercisable within sixty days after September 13, 2019, although these shares are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing percentage
ownership of any other person. Inclusion of shares of common share in the following table does not constitute an admission that the named shareholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner for any
other purpose. Except as otherwise indicated, all of the shares reflected in the table are our common shares, and all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the
common shares beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Percentage of
ownership is based on 19,618,946 common shares outstanding as of September 13, 2019.
68
Table of Contents
Except
as otherwise indicated in the table below, addresses of named beneficial owners are c/o Novelion Therapeutics Inc., c/o Norton Rose Fulbright,
1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0M3 Canada.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Beneficial
Ownership
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares for Which
Beneficial Ownership
May Be Acquired Within
60 Days(2)
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner(1)
|
|
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
|
|
Number of
Shares(3)
|
|
Percent of
Class
|
|
Directors and Named Executive Officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suzanne Bruhn
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
Mark Corrigan
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,600
|
|
|
59,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
John Orloff
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
*
|
|
Stephen Sabba
|
|
|
7,400
|
|
|
29,600
|
|
|
37,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
Donald K. Stern
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
19,600
|
|
|
22,100
|
|
|
*
|
|
John C. Thomas, Jr.
|
|
|
7,400
|
|
|
29,600
|
|
|
37,000
|
|
|
*
|
|
Ben Harshbarger
|
|
|
3,683
|
|
|
217,400
|
|
|
221,083
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
Michael D. Price
|
|
|
4,704
|
|
|
113,333
|
|
|
118,037
|
|
|
*
|
|
Roger Louis
|
|
|
1,162
|
|
|
66,740
|
|
|
67,902
|
|
|
*
|
|
Jeffrey Hackman
|
|
|
77,018
|
|
|
|
|
|
77,018
|
|
|
*
|
|
Murray Stewart
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
All current directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)(4)
|
|
|
27,419
|
|
|
697,473
|
|
|
724,892
|
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
5% Shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edgepoint Investment Group Inc.(5)
|
|
|
2,368,819
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,368,819
|
|
|
12.1
|
%
|
Broadfin Capital, LLC(6)
|
|
|
1,229,301
|
|
|
909,296
|
|
|
2,138,597
|
|
|
10.9
|
%
|
NB Public Equity K/S(7)
|
|
|
1,890,525
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,890,525
|
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Whitefort Capital Master Fund, LP(8)
|
|
|
1,886,230
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,866,230
|
|
|
9.5
|
%
|
Healthcare Value Capital, LLC(9)
|
|
|
1,400,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,400,000
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
Stonepine Capital Management, LLC(10)
|
|
|
1,155,085
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,155,085
|
|
|
5.9
|
%
|
JFL Capital Management LLC(11)
|
|
|
1,144,554
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,144,554
|
|
|
5.8
|
%
|
-
*
-
Represents
less than 1%.
-
(1)
-
The
information in the table regarding the beneficial ownership of 5% Shareholders is derived from the System for Electronic Disclosures by Insiders ("SEDI") and the
Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system ("EDGAR"). Includes all current directors and executive officers of the Company.
-
(2)
-
Indicates
common shares that may be acquired upon exercise of outstanding stock options that are presently exercisable or will be exercisable by the persons named in
the table above and by all current directors and executive officers as a group within 60 days of September 13, 2019, as well as common shares that may be acquired on vesting of
restricted stock units within 60 days of such date. Amounts take into account the accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards that were triggered upon the closing of the Aegerion
Recapitalization.
-
(3)
-
Excludes
DSUs, which are issued to directors and are payable only in cash when a director ceases to be a member of the Board. As of September 13, 2019,
Dr. Sabba and Mr. Thomas each holds 5,680 vested DSUs.
-
(4)
-
Includes,
in addition to the holdings of our directors and those named executive officers who are current officers of the Company, 570 shares of common shares
beneficially owned and 73,266 shares of common shares that may be acquired upon exercise of outstanding stock options that are presently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of
September 13, 2019, held by Linda Buono, our Senior Vice President, Human Resources.
-
(5)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2019 by EdgePoint Investment
Group Inc. and EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio (collectively, "EdgePoint"). Excludes 260,999 and 19,926 shares of common shares issuable upon conversion of the Company's 2.00% Convertible Senior
Notes due 2019 (the "Convertible Notes") directly owned by EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. and EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio, respectively. Of the 2,368,819 common shares beneficially owned,
EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. reports shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 2,368,819 shares and EdgePoint Canadian Portfolio reports shared voting power and shared
dispositive power as to 1,350,323 shares. The address for EdgePoint is 150 Bloor Street West, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2X9, Canada. The percentage of beneficial ownership has been
adjusted to reflect our actual shares of common shares outstanding as of the close of business on September 13, 2019.
69
Table of Contents
-
(6)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Form 13F filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019 by Broadfin Capital, LLC and from
a Form 4 filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018 by Broadfin Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd. Of the 1,229,301common shares beneficially owned, Broadfin Capital, LLC, Broadfin
Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd. and Mr. Kevin Kotler each have shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 1,229,301 shares. Includes 909,296 warrants issued to Broadfin
Healthcare Master Fund Ltd., a private investment fund managed by Broadfin Capital, LLC, of which Mr. Kotler is the managing member (Mr. Kotler disclaims beneficial
ownership of the warrants except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein). The percentage of beneficial ownership has been adjusted to reflect our actual shares of common shares outstanding as
of the close of business on September 13, 2019.
-
(7)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on December 17, 2018 by NB Public Equity K/S, NB Public
Equity Komplementar ApS, Cora Madsen and Florian Schonharting. Of the 1,890,525 common shares beneficially owned, NB Public Equity K/S, NB Public Equity Komplementar ApS, Cora Madsen and Florian
Schonharting each report shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 1,890,525 shares. The address for NB Public Equity K/S is Ostergade 24A, 1, 1100 Copenhagen K, Denmark. The
percentage of beneficial ownership has been adjusted to reflect our actual shares of common shares outstanding as of the close of business on September 13, 2019.
-
(8)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on June 20, 2019 by Whitefort Capital Master
Fund, LP, Whitefort Capital Management, LP, David Salanic and Joseph Kaplan (together, "Whitefort"). Of the 1,866,230 common shares beneficially owned, Whitefort Capital Master
Fund, LP, Whitefort Capital Management, LP, David Salanic and Joseph Kaplan each report shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 1,866,230 shares. The address for Whitefort
Capital Master Fund, LP is 780 Third Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, New York 10017. The percentage of beneficial ownership has been adjusted to reflect our actual shares of common shares
outstanding as of the close of business on September 13, 2019. On September 27, 2019, Whitefort filed a Schedule 13D/A with the SEC reporting that the number of shares beneficially owned by
Whitefort had been reduced to 286,230 shares as of September 23, 2019, or 1.5% of the total number of Novelion common shares outstanding as of the close of business on September 13,
2019.
-
(9)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on September 20, 2019 by Healthcare Value
Capital, LLC, Healthcare Value Capital General Partner, LLC, Healthcare Value Partners, L.P. and Joseph P. Riccardo. Of the 1,800,000 common shares beneficially owned, Healthcare
Value Capital, LLC, Healthcare Value Capital General Partner, LLC, Healthcare Value Partners, L.P. and Joseph P. Riccardo each report shared voting power and shared dispositive
power as to 1,800,000 shares. The address for Healthcare Value Capital, LLC is 50 Tice Blvd, Suite 140, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677. The percentage of beneficial ownership has been
adjusted to reflect our actual shares of common shares outstanding as of the close of business on September 13, 2019.
-
(10)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on August 23, 2019 by Stonepine Capital
Management, LLC, Stonepine Capital, L.P., Jon M. Plexico and Timothy P. Lynch (together, "Stonepine"). Of the 1,155,085 common shares beneficially owned, Stonepine Capital
Management, LLC, Stonepine Capital, L.P., Jon M. Plexico and Timothy P. Lynch have reported shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 1,155,085 shares. The address for
Stonepine Capital Management, LLC is 919 NW Bond Street, Suite 204, Bend, Oregon 97703-2767. The percentage of beneficial ownership has been adjusted to reflect our actual shares of
common shares outstanding as of the close of business on September 13, 2019. On October 2, 2019, Stonepine filed a 13G/A with the SEC reporting that the number of shares beneficially
owned by Stonepine had increased to 3,703,420 shares, as of September 23, 2019, or 18.9% of the total number of Novelion common shares outstanding as of the close of business on
September 13, 2019.
-
(11)
-
The
information in the table and this note is derived from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on May 31, 2019 by JFL Capital Management LLC. Of
the 1,144,554 common shares beneficially owned, JFL Capital management LLC reported shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 1,144,554 shares. The address for JFL Capital
Management LLC is 2110 Ranch Road 620 S, #341732, Lakeway, Texas 78734. The percentage of beneficial ownership has been adjusted to reflect our actual shares of common shares outstanding as of
the close of business on September 13, 2019.
70
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
2018 Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes total compensation, for services rendered in all capacities, paid or earned by our named executive officers, as
set forth in the table below ("NEOs"), during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. This executive compensation section covers compensation and benefits for 2018 for Mr. Roger
Louis, who served as our Global Chief Compliance Officer and Interim Head of R&D. Upon and in connection with the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, on
September 24, 2019, Mr. Louis was terminated without cause. See " Termination Arrangements with Messrs. Harshbarger and Louis" for a
description regarding Mr. Louis's severance benefits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)
|
|
Bonus
($)
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
|
|
Option
Awards
($)(2)
|
|
Non-
Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
Ben Harshbarger,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
$
|
444,000
|
(4)
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
85,901
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
8,970
|
(5)
|
$
|
538,871
|
|
Interim CEO and General Counsel
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
374,673
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
215,355
|
|
|
141,750
|
|
|
8,100
|
|
|
739,878
|
|
Michael D. Price,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
416,923
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175,630
|
(7)
|
|
592,553
|
|
EVP and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
39,904
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,400
|
|
|
165,580
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
287,347
|
|
Roger Louis,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
360,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,723
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,243
|
(5)
|
|
417,466
|
|
Global Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
352,313
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,000
|
|
|
8,100
|
|
|
465,413
|
|
and Interim Head of R&D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Hackman,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
456,683
|
(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,850
|
(5)
|
|
465,533
|
|
former Interim CEO(8)
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
79,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
671,175
|
|
|
262,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
554
|
|
|
1,013,406
|
|
Murray Stewart,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
448,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,901
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,455
|
(7)
|
|
557,356
|
|
former EVP, R&D(10)
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
53,846
|
|
|
|
|
|
198,500
|
|
|
331,160
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,293
|
|
|
590,799
|
|
-
(1)
-
This
column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the restricted stock units, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation Stock Compensation ("ASC Topic 718"). Such
aggregate grant date fair values do not take into account any estimated
forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. The valuation assumptions used in determining such amounts are described in Note 12 to the audited consolidated financial statements in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The amounts reflect the accounting cost for the restricted stock units and do not correspond to the actual economic
value that may be received by the NEOs upon vesting or settlement of the restricted stock units.
-
(2)
-
This
column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. Such aggregate grant date fair date
values do not take into account any estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. The valuation assumptions used in determining such amounts are described in Note 12 to the
audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The amounts reflect the accounting cost for the stock options and do not
correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by the NEOs upon exercise of the stock options or the sale of any underlying common shares.
-
(3)
-
For
2017, this column represents the cash bonuses earned by the NEOs for the year under our annual cash award plan, based on our achievement of corporate performance
goals. For 2018, given the resignations of Mr. Hackman and Dr. Stewart during the fourth quarter of the year, the only NEOs who would have been eligible for annual cash awards
attributable to 2018 performance were Mr. Harshbarger, Mr. Price and Mr. Louis. None of these eligible NEOs received 2018 performance-based cash awards as a result of the
replacement of the 2018 annual performance-based cash award plan by the Key Executive Incentive Plan in November 2018, discussed below.
-
(4)
-
Mr. Harshbarger's
base salary was increased to $480,000 from $441,000, effective December 1, 2018.
-
(5)
-
For
Mr. Harshbarger and Mr. Hackman, the "All Other Compensation" column for 2018 represents 401(k) plan contributions from the Company and parking
allowance. For Mr. Louis, the "All Other Compensation" column for 2018 represents 401(k) plan contributions from the Company, parking allowance and reimbursement for gym membership.
-
(6)
-
Mr. Price's
base salary was increased to $440,000 from $415,000, effective December 1, 2018.
71
Table of Contents
-
(7)
-
For
Mr. Price and Dr. Stewart, the "All Other Compensation" column for 2018 represents the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Year
|
|
Reimbursement for
Housing and
Commuting
Allowance(a)
|
|
401(k) Plan
Contributions
|
|
Tax Gross-
Ups for
Benefits
Provided to
NEOs
|
|
Other
|
|
Total
|
|
Michael D. Price,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
$
|
95,207
|
|
$
|
8,250
|
|
$
|
72,173
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
175,630
|
|
EVP and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Murray Stewart,
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
5,911
|
|
|
8,250
|
|
|
8,734
|
|
|
560
|
|
|
23,455
|
|
former EVP, R&D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
(a)
-
Represents
the following: for Mr. Price, amounts paid to or on behalf of him in connection with temporary housing and commuting in his role as EVP and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company; for Dr. Stewart, amounts paid to or on behalf of him in connection with temporary housing and commuting in his former role as EVP, R&D of the Company.
-
(8)
-
Mr. Hackman
was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer on November 1, 2017 and was appointed as our Interim Chief Executive Officer on July 2,
2018. He served in that capacity until November 19, 2018, but remained as an employee of the Company until November 30, 2018. Mr. Hackman did not receive any severance in
connection with his resignation.
-
(9)
-
The
amount represents Mr. Hackman's base salary and the cash payment for his unused vacation upon his resignation.
-
(10)
-
Dr. Stewart
was appointed as our EVP, R&D on November 27, 2017. He served in that capacity until October 17, 2018 and did not receive any
severance in connection with his resignation.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation
Overview of Our Key 2018 Compensation Elements
The compensation that our NEOs were initially eligible for in 2018 primarily consisted of annual base salary, annual performance-based cash
awards and equity incentives, in the form of stock options. As noted below, for certain of our executive officers, the 2018 annual performance-based cash award plan was replaced by the Key Executive
Incentive Plan in November 2018, and therefore no annual performance-based cash awards were made to our current executive officers for 2018 performance. Below is a description of our key NEO
compensation elements for 2018.
Base Salary. During the first quarter of 2018, as part of our annual performance review cycle, the Compensation Committee approved
increases in the
base salaries of Mr. Harshbarger, from $420,000 to $441,000, effective January 1, 2018 and Mr. Louis, from $350,000 to $360,500, effective January 1, 2018. The Compensation
Committee did not increase the salaries of our other NEOs during this performance cycle given that each of them started employment with us in the fourth quarter of 2017. In addition, in November 2018,
the Board and the Compensation Committee approved an increase to Mr. Harshbarger's base salary from $441,000 to $480,000, effective December 1, 2018, in connection with
Mr. Harshbarger's promotion to Interim CEO, and an increase to Mr. Price's salary from $415,000 to $440,000, effective December 1, 2018.
Annual performance-based cash awards. The Compensation Committee has the authority to award annual performance-based cash awards to our
executive
officers, including our NEOs (other than our CEO), and to recommend such awards for the CEO to the Board for approval. These awards, if made, would be based upon the level of achievement against
pre-established corporate goals. Given the resignations of Mr. Hackman and Dr. Stewart during the fourth quarter of 2018, the only NEOs who would have been eligible for annual cash
awards, attributable to 2018 performance, were Mr. Harshbarger, Mr. Price and Mr. Louis. None of these eligible NEOs received 2018 performance-based cash awards as a result of the
replacement of the 2018 annual performance-based cash award plan by the Key Executive Incentive Plan in November 2018.
Key Executive Incentive Plan. In November 2018, the Board and the Compensation Committee approved a retention plan which was
subsequently amended and
restated (the "Key Executive Incentive Plan") for
certain executive officers, including Mr. Harshbarger, Mr. Price and Mr. Louis. Under the terms of the Key Executive Incentive Plan, participants are entitled to a bonus
opportunity, payable in four tranches, based on the levels of achievement by the Company of a cumulative net operating cash flow target (the "NOCF") over the course of three performance periods
(which, together, represent 75% of the aggregate payout (the "NOCF Portion")) and the completion of a transaction (the "Transaction Event" and the date on which the Transaction Event occurs,
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Table of Contents
the
"Transaction Date") in connection with the Company's review of strategic alternatives (representing 25% of the aggregate payout (the "Transaction Event Portion")) and, together with the NOCF
Portion, the ("Total Target Award"), as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche
|
|
Metric
|
|
Payout
|
|
Measurement Period
|
One
|
|
NOCF
|
|
25% of the NOCF Portion
|
|
November 4, 2018 through February 28, 2019
|
Two
|
|
NOCF
|
|
25% of the NOCF Portion*
|
|
November 4, 2018 through June 30, 2019
|
Three
|
|
NOCF
|
|
50% of the NOCF Portion***
|
|
November 4, 2018 through the Transaction Date**
|
Four
|
|
Transaction Event
|
|
100% of the Transaction Event Portion
|
|
Transaction Date
|
-
*
-
New
payout opportunity included as part of the March 2019 amendments.
-
**
-
If
the Transaction Date occurs prior to September 30, 2019, then achievement of the NOCF metric shall be determined as of the end of the last completed
calendar month preceding the Transaction Date. If the Transaction Date takes place after September 30, 2019, this NOCF period will be extended to the date upon which the Transaction Date occurs
and the achievement of the NOCF metric shall be determined as of the end of the last completed calendar month preceding the Transaction Date.
-
***
-
March
2019 amendments reduced this tranche to 50% from 75% in light of the new Tranche Two above.
The
NOCF Portion is subject to a minimum level of achievement, at which level the participant would be eligible to receive 50% of the target NOCF Portion, and is capped at a payout of
120% of the target NOCF Portion if the NOCF performance meets the maximum performance level (if the minimum level of achievement is not attained, no amount is payable under the NOCF Portion). If
performance is between the minimum and target performance levels or the target and maximum performance levels, then the amount of the NOCF Portion shall be determined by linear interpolation.
The
Transaction Event Portion is subject to increase based on an award modifier depending on the type of Transaction Event (if any), and based on the consummation date of such
Transaction Event, which modifier could increase the target Transaction Event Portion by a maximum of 25%.
A
participant's right to the Total Target Award will be forfeited upon an employee's voluntary termination prior to the date on which such award is paid. However, in the event of death
or disability, termination by the Company without cause or a resignation by the participant with good reason, in each case prior to the applicable payment date, the amounts payable under the Total
Target Award will be prorated for the number of completed months the participant was actively employed during the applicable performance period, and measured based upon actual performance at the end
of each Measurement Period. Further, if a participant resigns other than for good reason or is terminated for cause, in each case within 90 days following receipt of any portion of the Total
Target Award (the "Clawback Period"), the value of all payouts paid to such participant within the Clawback Period (on an after-tax basis) shall be repaid to the Company. For purposes of calculating
the prorated payment amount for the second and third NOCF tranches, the number of completed calendar months shall be based on commencement dates of March 1, 2019 and July 1, 2019,
respectively.
Pursuant
to the Key Executive Incentive Plan, Mr. Harshbarger is eligible for a Total Target Award of $840,000, Mr. Price is eligible for a Total Target Award of $440,000,
and Mr. Louis is eligible for a Total Target Award of $288,400. As part of the March 2019 amendments to the Key Executive Incentive Plan, each of Mr. Harshbarger, Mr. Price and
Mr. Louis received his respective first NOCF payment at the target level of payout despite having exceeded the maximum level of achievement as consideration for the additional, incremental
payout opportunity at the new June 2019 measurement period. Further, each of Mr. Harshbarger, Mr. Price and Mr. Louis received his respective second NOCF payment at 120% of the
target level of payout. Each of Mr. Harshbarger, Mr. Price and Mr. Louis received his respective third NOCF payment at 120% of the target level of payout and the Transaction Event
payment at 105% of the target level of payout upon the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization. The March 2019 amendments did not increase any award opportunities (at threshold, target or maximum
amounts) or reduce any performance metrics for any participants. Rather, the March 2019 amendments re-allocated the potential payments and adjusted the performance measurement periods in light of the
expected timing to complete our review of strategic alternatives. The consummation date of the Aegerion Recapitalization qualified as the Transaction Date under the Key Executive Incentive Plan, and
as of such date the payments discussed above were made to each of the applicable officers.
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Table of Contents
Long-Term Incentive Awards. We currently maintain one equity compensation plan, the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive
Plan"), under
which we have granted time-based stock options, time-based restricted stock units and/or performance-based restricted stock units, as applicable, to directors, officers, including our NEOs, employees
and key consultants of the Company and its affiliates.
In
February 2018, as part of annual performance review cycle, we made the following equity awards to our NEOs. Neither Mr. Price nor Mr. Hackman received an equity award as
part of the 2018 annual performance cycle given the timing, size and type of equity awards that they received when they joined the Company in November 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
NEOs
|
|
Shares Subject to
Time-Based
Stock Option
|
|
Ben Harshbarger
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
Roger Louis
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Murray Stewart
|
|
|
45,000
|
(1)
|
-
(1)
-
The
option granted to Dr. Stewart was cancelled in its entirety in connection with his resignation from the Company in October 2018.
Other Compensation
Broad-based benefit programs. We
currently maintain broad-based employee benefits that are provided to our NEOs, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, and dental and vision insurance.
401(k) Plan. Our U.S.-based employees, including our NEOs, were eligible to participate in Aegerion's tax-qualified 401(k) plan until
the
consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization, which provides participants with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. The 401(k) plan permits employees to make contributions
up to the statutory limit. We have the discretion to match up to 50% of the first 6% of gross wages that an employee contributes, resulting in a maximum match by us that totals up to 3% of an
employee's gross wages (as further limited by statutorily defined annual compensation limits). We matched 50% of the first 6% of employee contributions in 2018 (subject to statutory limits).
Perquisites; Other Benefits. We provide certain perquisites and personal benefits to our NEOs. See below, in the section entitled
"Employment Arrangements with our current NEOs," for a more detailed description of the perquisites and/or personal benefits that we provided in 2018 to
our NEOs. In general, we provide each of our NEOs with the Canadian tax support, in order to ensure that they are in a comparable tax position, both in terms of taxes paid and payments for tax
services, as they would have been had they not been required to work and pay taxes in Canada. We also provide certain housing and commuting benefits and certain moving expenses to certain of our NEOs
who reside outside of the Cambridge, Massachusetts area. In addition, we pay tax-gross ups for certain of these benefits.
Employment Agreements with our current NEOs
Compensation Arrangements for Ben Harshbarger, Interim CEO, General Counsel
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Harshbarger, dated November 28, 2016, as amended on August 28, 2017. The
employment agreement, as amended, provides for Mr. Harshbarger's initial annual base salary (subject to increase by the Board), initial annual target bonus and eligibility to participate in our
health insurance and other benefits, generally. Mr. Harshbarger's current annual base salary is $480,000 and his current annual target bonus is 45% of base salary. We also agreed to
reimburse Mr. Harshbarger for incurrence of reasonable expenses for independent tax consultation regarding Canadian tax obligations in connection with service in Canada up to $5,000 on an
annual basis, as well as tax equalization payments for Mr. Harshbarger's services in Canada and fees associated with the calculation of such payments. Mr. Harshbarger's employment
agreement also includes severance and other benefits that would be paid to Mr. Harshbarger in the event of certain types of termination of employment, as described below. Mr. Harshbarger
is subject to the restrictive covenants in the Company's standard Confidentiality, Assignment of Intellectual Property and Non-Competition agreement.
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Table of Contents
Compensation Arrangements for Michael D. Price, EVP, Chief Financial Officer
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Price on December 4, 2017, which was subsequently amended in April 2018 and July
2018. The employment agreement, as amended, provides for Mr. Price's annual base salary (subject to increase by the Board), annual target cash bonus based on achievement of certain performance
goals with a target of 50% of his base salary, and eligibility to participate in our health insurance and other benefits, generally. Mr. Price's current base salary is $440,000 and his current
annual target bonus is 50% of base salary. Under his original employment agreement, Mr. Price also received (a) a time-based option to purchase 100,000 of our common shares and
(b) time-based restricted stock units representing 20,000 of our common shares. Additionally, during the term of his employment, until April 20, 2018, we were obligated to
(a) provide Mr. Price with a temporary housing allowance of up to $5,500 per month; and (b) weekly commuting costs not to exceed $1,000, as well as a tax gross-up payment in the
amount necessary to offset the tax liability associated with such allowances. Effective April 20, 2018, we are obligated to provide Mr. Price with an aggregate temporary housing and
commuting allowance of up to $9,500 per month, as well as a tax gross-up payment in the amount necessary to offset the tax liability associated with such allowances. We also agreed to reimburse
Mr. Price for incurrence of reasonable expenses for independent tax consultation regarding Canadian tax obligations in connection with service in Canada up to $5,000 on an annual basis, as well
as tax equalization payments for Mr. Price's services in Canada and fees associated with the calculation of such payments. Mr. Price's employment agreement also includes severance and
other benefits that would be paid to Mr. Price in the event of certain types of termination of employment, as described below. Mr. Price is subject to the restrictive covenants in the
Company's standard Confidentiality, Assignment of Intellectual Property and Non-Competition agreement.
Compensation Arrangements for Roger Louis, Global Chief Compliance Officer and Interim Head of R&D
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Louis, dated November 28, 2016, as amended August 28, 2017. The employment
agreement, as amended, provides for Mr. Louis' initial annual base salary (subject to increase by the Board), initial annual target bonus and eligibility to participate in our
health insurance and other benefits, generally. Mr. Louis's annual base salary at the time of his termination was $360,500, and his annual target bonus was 40% of base salary. We also agreed to
reimburse Mr. Louis for incurrence of reasonable expenses for independent tax consultation regarding Canadian tax obligations in connection with service in Canada up to $5,000 on an annual
basis, as well as tax equalization payments for Mr. Louis's services in Canada and fees associated with the calculation of such payments. Mr. Louis's employment agreement also included
severance and other benefits that would be paid to Mr. Louis in the event of certain types of termination of employment, as described below, and that were paid upon his termination without
cause in connection with the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization. Mr. Louis was subject to the restrictive covenants in the Company's standard Confidentiality, Assignment of
Intellectual Property and Non-Competition agreement.
Termination Arrangements with Messrs. Harshbarger and Louis
Pursuant to their respective employment agreements, as amended, if the executive is or was, as applicable, terminated by us for any reason other
than "Cause" (as defined in the applicable agreement) death or disability, or the executive resigns or resigned, as applicable, for "Good Reason" (as defined in the applicable agreement) then he will
be entitled to the following, subject to his execution of a general release of claims in our favor and continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants: (i) continued base salary for
12 months; and (ii) if he was participating in our group health plan immediately prior to the date of termination and elects COBRA health continuation, we will pay him an amount equal to
our share of the premium for the executive's group health coverage, for up to 12 months.
In the event of a termination by us for any reason other than Cause, death or disability, or the executive's resignation for Good Reason, in
each case within 18 months following a "Sale Event" (as defined in the
75
Table of Contents
applicable
agreement), he will be entitled to the payments and benefits described above (however, the salary and bonus payments shall be payable in a one-time lump sum cash payment following the
termination event), as well as full accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards held by him as of the date of such termination, the target bonus for the year of termination and a portion of
his target bonus for the year of termination, pro-rated for his employment during such year, in each case subject to his execution of a general release of claims in our favor and continued compliance
with applicable restrictive covenants. Although the Liquidation will not give rise to any incremental compensation or benefits on the part of the Mr. Harshbarger and Mr. Louis, the
Aegerion Recapitalization qualifies as a Sale Event (or similar term) under applicable agreements, and gives rise to the executive's ability to resign for Good Reason.
The
payments and benefits provided under the employment agreement in connection with a Sale Event may not be eligible for federal income tax deduction for the Company pursuant to
Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code"). These payments and benefits may also be subject to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. If the payments or benefits payable
to the executive in connection with a Sale Event would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, then those payments or benefits may be reduced, at the discretion of
the executive, if such reduction would result in a higher net after-tax benefit to him.
For
purposes of the employment agreements:
"Cause"
generally means (i) his failure (except where due to a disability), neglect or refusal to perform in any material respect his duties and responsibilities; (ii) any
act by him that has, or could reasonably be expected to have, the effect of injuring our business in any material respect; (iii) his conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to
(A) a felony or (B) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of his duties or otherwise result in material injury
to our reputation or business; (iv) his commission of an act of fraud or embezzlement against us, or any other act that creates or reasonably could create negative or adverse publicity for us;
(v) any violation by him of our policies, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or business conduct, and those otherwise set forth in our manuals or statements of
policy; (vi) his violation of federal or state securities laws; or (vii) his breach of his employment agreement or breach of his confidentiality agreement.
"Good
Reason" generally means that he has complied with the proper notification process following the occurrence of any of the following events (i) a material diminution of his
responsibilities, authority or duties; (ii) a material diminution in his base salary except for across-the-board salary reductions applicable to all similarly situated executives;
(iii) the relocation of his principal place of employment more than 50 miles from its current location; or (iv) our material breach of his employment agreement.
"Sale
Event" generally means (i) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity; (ii) a merger, reorganization
or consolidation pursuant to which the holders of our outstanding voting power immediately prior to such transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding voting power of the resulting or successor
entity; (iii) the sale of all of our common shares to an unrelated person or entity; (iv) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or group of persons acting jointly or
in concert (other than us or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, us) of beneficial ownership of securities possessing more than 50% of the
total combined voting power of our outstanding securities pursuant to a tender offer (which includes a takeover bid) made directly to our stockholders.
As
confirmed in separate letter agreements with Mr. Harshbarger and Mr. Louis, the Aegerion Recapitalization qualified as a "Sale Event" under their respective employment
agreements. Therefore, following any termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, in either case, within eighteen (18) months following the closing of the Aegerion
Recapitalization, each of Mr. Harshbarger and Mr. Louis, as applicable, would be entitled (subject to the execution of a release of claims) to the salary continuation and bonus severance
benefits as described above under " Termination Arrangements with Messrs. Harshbarger and Louis Involuntary Termination
of Employment in Connection with a Change in Control", to be paid out in one lump-sum cash payment. Messrs. Harshbarger and Louis are otherwise entitled to all other
severance benefits as described in and pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements in connection with any termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, in either case.
Mr. Louis was terminated without cause in connection with the consummation of the Aegerion Recapitalization and, accordingly, subject to a release of claims, is entitled to the benefits
described in this section.
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Table of Contents
Termination Arrangements with Mr. Price
Pursuant to his employment agreement, if Mr. Price is terminated by us for any reason other than "Cause" (as defined in his agreement),
death or disability or Mr. Price resigns for "Good Reason" (as defined in his agreement), then he will be entitled to the following, subject to execution of a general release of claims in our
favor and continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants: (i) continued base salary for 12 months; (ii) if the Board determines that he is eligible for a target bonus
for the year during which his employment terminates, a portion of such target bonus, pro-rated for his employment during such year; and (iii) if Mr. Price was participating in our group
health plan immediately prior to the date of termination and elects COBRA health continuation, we will pay him an amount equal to our share of the premium for his group health coverage, for up to
12 months.
In the event of a termination by us for any reason other than Cause, death or disability or Mr. Price's resignation for Good Reason, in
each case within 18 months following a "Change in Control" (as defined in his agreement), Mr. Price will be entitled to the following (instead of the payments and benefits described
above), subject to his execution of a general release of claims in our favor and continued compliance with applicable restrictive covenants: (A) 12 months of base salary (at his
then-current rate or base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, if higher); (B) a portion of his target bonus for the year of termination, pro-rated for his employment
during such year; (C) full accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards held by him as of the date of such termination; and (D) if he was participating in our group health plan
immediately prior to the date of termination and elects COBRA health continuation, we will pay him an amount equal to its share of the premium for his group health coverage, for up to
12 months. The salary and bonus payments shall be payable in a one-time lump sum cash payment following the termination event. Although the Liquidation will not give rise to any incremental
compensation or benefits on the part of the Mr. Price, the Aegerion Recapitalization qualifies as a Change in Control (or similar term) under his applicable arrangement, and gives rise to the
Mr. Price's ability to resign for Good Reason.
The
payments and benefits provided under the employment agreement in connection with a Change in Control may not be eligible for federal income tax deduction for the Company pursuant to
Section 280G of the Code. These payments and benefits may also be subject to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. If the payments or benefits payable to Mr. Price in
connection with a Change in Control would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, then those payments or benefits may be reduced, at the discretion of
Mr. Price if such reduction would result in a higher net after-tax benefit to him.
For
purposes of Mr. Price's employment agreement:
"Cause"
generally means (i) his conduct constituting a material act of misconduct in connection with the performance of his duties; (ii) a material and willful
misrepresentation by him to our CEO or the Board
regarding a matter of material importance to us; (iii) his commission of any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud, or any conduct by him that would
reasonably be expected to result in material injury or reputational harm to us or any of our subsidiaries and affiliates if he were retained in his position; (iv) his continued non-performance
of his duties hereunder with a cure period and standard carve-outs; (v) his breach of any of the provisions contained in section 7 of his employment agreement; (vi) his material
violation of our written employment policies; (vii) his failure to cooperate with a bona fide internal investigation or an investigation by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, after
being instructed by us to cooperate, or the willful destruction or failure to preserve documents or other materials known to be relevant to such investigation or the inducement of others to fail to
cooperate or to produce documents or other materials in connection with such investigation.
"Change
in Control" generally means any of the following (i) any person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of our securities representation 50 percent or
more of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of the Board, as such terms are used in the Exchange Act, as amended; (ii) the date
a majority of the members of the board is replaced during any 12-month
77
Table of Contents
period
by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board before the date of the appointment or elects; or (iii) the consummation of
(A) any consolidation or merger of us where our shareholders, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate more than 50 percent of the voting shares of the company issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger, or
(B) any sale or other transfer of all or substantially all of our assets.
"Good
Reason" generally means that he has complied with the proper notification process following the occurrence of any of the following events (i) a material diminution of his
responsibilities, authority or duties; (ii) a material diminution in his base salary except for across-the-board salary reductions based on our financial performance similarly affecting all or
substantially all our senior management employees; (iii) a material change in the geographic location at which he provides services to us; or (iv) our material breach of his employment
agreement.
As
confirmed in a letter agreement with Mr. Price, the Aegerion Recapitalization qualified as a "Change in Control" under his employment agreement. Therefore, following any
termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, in either case, within eighteen (18) months following the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization, Mr. Price would be entitled
(subject to a release of claims) to the salary continuation and bonus severance benefits as described above under " Termination Arrangements with
Mr. Price Involuntary Termination of Employment in Connection with a Change in Control", to be paid out in one lump-sum cash payment.
Mr. Price is otherwise entitled to all other severance benefits as described in and pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement in connection with any termination without Cause or
resignation for Good Reason, in either case.
Vesting of Outstanding Equity Awards
All remaining vesting of any outstanding awards for all participants under the Amended and Restated Novelion 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan were accelerated immediately prior to the closing of the Aegerion Recapitalization.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2018 Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information regarding equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2018. Dr. Stewart is not
included in the following table because he did not hold any equity awards as of December 31, 2018, due to his resignation in 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Awards(1)
|
|
Stock Awards(1)
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
Number of
Shares or Units
of Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)
|
|
Market Value of
Shares or Units of
Stock That Have
Not Vested ($)(2)
|
|
Ben Harshbarger
|
|
|
64,933
|
(3)
|
|
32,467
|
(3)
|
$
|
8.65
|
|
|
12/22/2026
|
|
|
348
|
(4)
|
$
|
292
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
(5)
|
|
50,000
|
(5)
|
|
7.03
|
|
|
10/6/2027
|
|
|
374
|
(6)
|
|
314
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000
|
(7)
|
|
4.44
|
|
|
2/12/2028
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael D. Price
|
|
|
33,333
|
(8)
|
|
66,667
|
(8)
|
|
3.97
|
|
|
11/27/2027
|
|
|
13,333
|
(9)
|
|
11,200
|
|
Roger Louis
|
|
|
27,827
|
(3)
|
|
13,913
|
(3)
|
|
8.65
|
|
|
12/22/2026
|
|
|
546
|
(4)
|
|
459
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
(7)
|
|
4.44
|
|
|
2/12/2028
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Hackman
|
|
|
45,000
|
(10)
|
|
|
|
|
4.71
|
|
|
2/28/2019
|
(10)
|
|
|
(11)
|
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
Pursuant
to the NEOs' employment agreements, such equity awards are subject to certain acceleration of vesting provisions in the event of certain qualifying
terminations in connection with a change in control, as discussed further in "Employment Agreements with our current NEOs" above.
-
(2)
-
Based
on the closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2018 ($0.84), the last trading date of 2018.
-
(3)
-
Represents
time-based stock options granted on December 22, 2016 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest ratably on an annual basis over three years from
the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
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Table of Contents
-
(4)
-
Represents
time-based restricted stock units granted on May 9, 2016 under the Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
("Aegerion 2010 Plan"), which vest ratably on an annual basis over three years from the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
-
(5)
-
Represents
time-based stock options granted on October 6, 2017 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest ratably on an annual basis over three years from
the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
-
(6)
-
Represents
time-based restricted stock units granted on May 9, 2016 under the Aegerion 2010 Plan, 25% of which vest on the first anniversary of the grant
date, 50% of which vest on the second anniversary grant date, and 25% of which vest on the third anniversary grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
-
(7)
-
Represents
time-based stock options granted on February 12, 2018 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest ratably on an annual basis over three years from
the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
-
(8)
-
Represents
time-based stock options granted on November 27, 2017 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest ratably on an annual basis over three years from
the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
-
(9)
-
Represents
time-based restricted stock units granted on November 27, 2017 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest ratably on an annual basis over three
years from the grant date, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date.
-
(10)
-
Represents
time-based stock options granted on November 1, 2017 under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest ratably on an annual basis over three years from
the grant date. The remaining unvested time-based stock options were cancelled upon Mr. Hackman's resignation from the Company. All the vested stock options expired on February 28, 2019,
90 days after Mr. Hackman's termination date.
-
(11)
-
In
connection with Mr. Hackman's appointment as the former Chief Operating Officer of the Company, on November 1, 2017, he was granted
(1) 50,000 shares of time-based restricted stock units under the Equity Incentive Plan, of which, 16,667 shares were vested on November 1, 2018; and (2) 92,500 shares of
time-based restricted stock units under the Equity Incentive Plan, of which 100% was vested on November 1, 2018. The remaining unvested time-based restricted stock units were cancelled upon
Mr. Hackman's resignation from the Company.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
We currently maintain the Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which directors, officers, employees and consultants of Novelion and its affiliates
have been granted restricted stock units and stock options to acquire common shares, as well as a 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"), pursuant to which our eligible employees may use
payroll deductions to purchase our common shares at a discount. Our ESPP program is currently suspended and we do not expect to issue additional awards under our Equity Incentive Plan.
The
following table sets out information as of December 31, 2018 with respect to our common shares that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Category
|
|
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
|
|
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
2,239,485
|
(1)
|
$
|
5.63
|
(2)
|
|
2,250,137
|
(3)
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,239,485
|
|
$
|
5.63
|
|
|
2,250,137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
Reflects
securities (both shares underlying stock options and restricted stock units) from the Aegerion 2010 Plan (16,832 shares) and the Equity Incentive Plan
(2,222,653 shares).
-
(2)
-
Represents
the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options only, as there are no exercise prices associated with the restricted stock units.
-
(3)
-
Reflects
available securities for future issuance from the Equity Incentive Plan. The Company no longer issues any equity awards under the Aegerion 2010 Plan.
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PROPOSAL NO. 4: ADVISORY COMPENSATION PROPOSAL
Background
Section 14A of the Exchange Act requires that we provide our shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding,
advisory basis, not less frequently than once every three years, the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in our annual proxy statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the
SEC.
We
seek to align the interests of our NEOs with those of our shareholders. Our compensation philosophy is to provide a compensation package that attracts, retains and motivates
executives and rewards business successes that have the potential to increase shareholder value. More specifically, our executive compensation programs are designed
to:
-
-
attract, retain, and motivate executives with significant industry knowledge and the experience and leadership capability necessary for our
corporate success;
-
-
align incentives for our executive officers with our short-term and long-term corporate strategies and business objectives and goals; and
-
-
drive the achievement of key strategic performance measures aligned to the long-term interests of our shareholders.
The
vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation but rather the overall compensation of our NEOs described in this Proxy Statement. The vote is
advisory, which means that the vote is not binding on Novelion, our Board or the Compensation Committee. Although non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions that
shareholders express in their votes and will review the voting results and take them into consideration as they deem appropriate if and when making future decisions regarding our executive
compensation program.
Vote Required and Board of Directors' Recommendation
The advisory vote to approve the compensation of our NEOs, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of
the SEC, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Company entitled to vote present in person or by proxy voting at the Annual Meeting,
on an advisory basis.
The
following resolution will be submitted for a shareholder vote at the Annual Meeting:
"BE
IT RESOLVED that the shareholders of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Novelion's NEOs, as disclosed in Novelion Therapeutics Inc.'s proxy
statement for the 2019 annual general meeting of shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC."
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that our shareholders vote "FOR" the Advisory Compensation Proposal.
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INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
No current or former directors, executive officers or employees of Novelion or any subsidiaries thereof, or proposed nominees for election as a
director of Novelion, are currently indebted to Novelion or its subsidiaries.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The information contained in this Audit Committee report shall not be deemed to be (1) "soliciting material," (2) "filed" with the
SEC, (3) subject to Regulations 14A or 14C of the Exchange Act, or (4) subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. No portion of this Audit Committee
report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act, through any general statement
incorporating by reference in its entirety the proxy statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that Novelion specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference.
In addition, this report shall not be deemed filed under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
This
report is submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board. None of the members of the Audit Committee is an officer or employee of Novelion, and the Board has determined that each
member of the Audit Committee is "independent" for Audit Committee purposes as that term is defined under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and applicable Nasdaq rules. Each member of the Audit
Committee meets the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. The Board has designated Mr. Thomas as an "audit committee financial
expert," as defined under the applicable rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board.
The
Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 with the management of Novelion and
Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal year.
The
Audit Committee has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP the matters required to be discussed under applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Standards. In
addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board regarding their independence, and has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP their independence relative to us, including whether the provision of their services is
compatible with maintaining Deloitte & Touche LLP's independence.
Based
on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to Novelion's Board that the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2018 be included in Novelion's Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended) for 2018 filed with the SEC.
|
|
|
|
|
John C. Thomas, Jr., Chair
Mark Corrigan
Stephen Sabba
|
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PROPOSAL NO. 5: APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, served as our independent registered public accounting
firm for the year ended December 31, 2018. Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, served as our independent registered public accounting firm from 1981 through
fiscal year 2016. On April 11, 2017, in recognition of the fact that the financial operations and management team of Novelion had transitioned to be primarily located in the U.S. following the
merger of QLT (KNA Novelion) and Aegerion, Deloitte LLP resigned as our independent registered public accounting firm, and Deloitte & Touche LLP was appointed as the
successor independent registered public
accounting firm. The decision to change the certifying accountant was approved by the Audit Committee and ratified by our shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting.
As
a matter of good corporate governance, the Board determined to submit to stockholders for approval the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Our shareholders are being
asked to approve this proposal at the Annual Meeting. Novelion has been advised that a representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will attend the Annual Meeting and will have the
opportunity to make a statement if he or she decides to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
Fees Paid for Services
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte U.S."), and Deloitte LLP, the
other member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively, "Deloitte Canada") for the following services during 2018 and 2017. All fees incurred for fiscal year
2018 were billed by Deloitte U.S.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 (US$)
|
|
Description of Service
|
|
2018 (US$)
|
|
Deloitte U.S.
|
|
Deloitte
Canada
|
|
Total
|
|
Audit Fees(1)
|
|
$
|
1,301,950
|
|
$
|
1,281,350
|
|
$
|
8,560
|
|
$
|
1,289,910
|
|
Audit-Related Fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees (Tax compliance, tax advice and planning)
|
|
|
198,000
|
|
|
74,996
|
|
|
|
|
|
74,996
|
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
556,165
|
(2)
|
|
669,043
|
(2)
|
|
40,928
|
(3)
|
|
709,971
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees
|
|
$
|
2,056,115
|
|
$
|
2,025,389
|
|
$
|
49,488
|
|
$
|
2,074,877
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
(1)
-
For
2018, "Audit Fees" consist of fees for the audit of Novelion's annual financial statements and reviews of quarterly financial statements. For 2017, "Audit Fees"
consist of fees for the integrated audit of Novelion's annual financial statements, reviews of quarterly financial statements, audits of internal controls over financial reporting, and Deloitte
Canada's issuance of consent in connection with the 2017 audited consolidated financial statements.
-
(2)
-
For
2018 and 2017, "All Other Fees" billed by Deloitte U.S. consist of fees related to document production and related services in connection with the U.S.
Department of Justice and SEC investigations of Aegerion. Although Deloitte U.S. was engaged by our outside legal counsel for the document production and related services, fees are paid directly by
the Company to Deloitte U.S. The "All Other Fees" billed by Deloitte U.S. also include an annual subscription to Deloitte U.S.' technical accounting research tool.
-
(3)
-
For
2017, "All Other Fees" billed by Deloitte Canada consist of fees related to services in connection with the filing with the SEC of certain Registration
Statements on Form S-8.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The charter of the Audit Committee provides that the Audit Committee is responsible for the pre-approval of all audit and permitted non-audit
services to be performed for Novelion by the independent auditors. The fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm that are shown in the chart above for 2018 and 2017 were approved
by the Audit Committee in accordance with the procedures described below.
The
Audit Committee reviews and approves audit and non-audit services proposed to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has delegated to
its Chair, or an alternate member of the Audit Committee, the authority to grant pre-approvals if either deems it necessary or appropriate
82
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to
consider a pre-approval request without approval and/or meeting of the full Audit Committee. Pre-approvals by the Chair of the Audit Committee or an alternate member are reviewed with the Audit
Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
In
considering the pre-approval of proposed audit or non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm, management reviews with the Audit Committee or its delegate
a description of and the budget for the proposed service and the reasons that the independent registered public accounting firm are being requested to provide the services, including any possible
impact on the independence of the
independent registered public accounting firm. Additional Audit Committee approval is required if the pre-approved services exceed the pre-approved budgeted amount for the services.
Vote Required and Board of Directors' Recommendation
This proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by, or on behalf of, the shareholders of the Company entitled to
vote present in person or by proxy voting at the Annual Meeting. If the proposal is not approved, the BCBCA provides that the current auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, will continue to
act for Novelion until such time as the shareholders approve alternate auditors.
The
following resolution will be submitted for a shareholder vote at the Annual Meeting:
"BE
IT RESOLVED that Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, be appointed as independent auditors of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. for the ensuing
year, and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. be authorized to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditors."
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that our shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent
auditors for 2019 at a remuneration to be fixed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
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TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
Except as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, none of the directors, executive officers, persons who have been directors or executive officers at
any time since the beginning of Novelion's last completed fiscal year, or any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common shares of Novelion or any associate or affiliate of such
person, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or proceeding during the past fiscal year or in any proposed transaction or pending proceeding which has materially affected
or will materially affect Novelion or its subsidiaries or which would require
disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. In the event that a director is determined to have any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or proceeding or in any
proposed transaction or pending proceeding of Novelion, only those directors not having a material interest would be permitted to consider and evaluate any such transaction or any agreements relating
to that transaction, or any actions to be undertaken by Novelion relating to such proceeding.
On
March 15, 2018, Aegerion entered into a loan and security agreement with affiliates of Broadfin Capital, LLC ("Broadfin Capital") and Sarissa Capital
Management LP ("Sarissa Capital") (the "Shareholder Term Loan Agreement"), pursuant to which the lenders made a single-draw term loan to Aegerion in an aggregate amount of $20.0 million
(the "Shareholder Term Loans"). In connection with the Shareholder Term Loan Agreement, the lenders of the Shareholder Term Loans were issued warrants ("Shareholder Term Loan Warrants") to purchase
approximately 1.8 million Novelion common shares. The Shareholder Term Loan Warrants have an exercise price equal to $4.40 per share, representing the volume weighted average price of Novelion
common shares for the 20 trading days ended March 14, 2018. The terms of the Shareholder Term Loan Agreement, which were approved by our Audit Committee and by a special committee of
disinterested directors and our full Board (with conflicted members recused), can be found in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018.
At
the time of the Shareholder Term Loans and based on publicly available information, Broadfin Capital beneficially owned, or had control or direction over, directly or indirectly,
1,948,554 common shares of Novelion (excluding the Shareholder Term Loan Warrants), or approximately 10.45% of the outstanding common shares of Novelion at the time. Further, at the time of the
Shareholder Term Loans, Mr. Kevin Kotler was a non-employee director of Novelion, and is the founder and general partner of Broadfin Capital, the general partner of Broadfin Healthcare Master
Fund, Ltd. Mr. Kotler, Broadfin Capital and Broadfin Healthcare Master Fund, Ltd. were each deemed to be beneficial owners of the 1,948,554 shares. Mr. Kotler was
designated to the Board by Broadfin Capital.
At
the time of the Shareholder Term Loans and based on publicly available information, Sarissa Capital beneficially owned, or had control or direction over, directly or indirectly,
1,025,000 common shares of Novelion (excluding the Shareholder Term Loan Warrants), or approximately 5.55% of the outstanding common shares of Novelion at the time. Further, at the time of the
Shareholder Term Loans, Mr. Mark DiPaolo was a non-employee director of Novelion and is the general counsel of Sarissa Capital. Mr. DiPaolo was appointed to the Board by Sarissa Capital
in accordance with the requirements of our agreement with Sarissa Capital, as set forth in the merger agreement by which we acquired Aegerion, which provided Sarissa Capital with the right to appoint
an additional director by providing written notice to the Company within a defined period of time of the 2017 Annual Meeting.
The
Shareholder Term Loans were subsequently repaid in connection with Aegerion's entry into a bridge credit agreement on November 8, 2018 with certain funds managed by Highbridge
Capital Management, LLC and Athyrium Capital Management, LP, as lenders (the "Bridge Lenders"), under which Aegerion borrowed new secured first lien term loans in cash in an original
aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million ("New Money Loans") and $22.5 million of new secured term loans that were funded, on behalf of Aegerion, to repurchase and retire an equal
amount of Aegerion's outstanding Convertible Notes, at par, held by certain funds managed by the Bridge Lenders (the "Roll Up Loans"). On November 8, 2018, in addition to the repurchase and
cancellation of certain Aegerion's outstanding Convertible Notes with the proceeds of the Roll Up Loans, Aegerion used proceeds of the New Money Loans to repay, at par, (a) the amounts
outstanding under the Shareholder Term Loan Agreement, in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $21.2 million, and (b) principal under Aegerion's secured term loan owed to
Novelion in an amount of $3.5 million. The Shareholder Term Loan Warrants remain outstanding.
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Novelion
has entered into indemnity agreements with our directors and all officers of Novelion which provide, among other things, that, subject to any requirements that may exist under
the BCBCA or the Articles of Novelion, Novelion will indemnify such officer or director, under the circumstances and to the extent specified, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he
or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings to which he or she is or may be made a party by reason of his or her position as a director or officer of Novelion.
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AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Novelion for its most recently completed fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, together
with the Auditors' Report thereon, which are included in our Annual Report for Canadian regulatory purposes, will be presented at the Annual Meeting. Copies of the Audited Consolidated Financial
Statements, including Management's Discussion and Analysis, are available on our website at www.novelion.com or upon request directly to Novelion to the
attention of "Novelion Investor Relations," c/o Norton Rose Fulbright, 1800 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 0M3; e-mail: investors@novelion.com).
In
light of the developments with Novelion and Aegerion subsequent to December 31, 2018, including those matters described herein, investors are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on the Annual Report and are encouraged to read all of Novelion's subsequent reports and filings, including this Proxy Statement in its entirety.
Additional
information relating to Novelion has been filed and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and beneficial owners of
more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. Such executive officers,
directors and 10% beneficial owners are also required by SEC rules to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
We are required to disclose herein any late filings of such reports. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of reports filed by
the reporting persons furnished to us, or written representations from reporting persons, we believe that all reporting persons timely complied with all applicable filing requirements, except that
Forms 4 were not timely filed by Mr. Harshbarger in respect of shares that were withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon vesting of certain of his restricted stock units. The
withholdings occurred during May and September of 2018, but the Form 4 was not filed until November 5, 2018.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Instrument of Proxy confers upon the proxy holder discretionary authority to vote all shares represented by the proxy with respect to
amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and any other matter that properly comes before the Annual Meeting. We know of no such amendment, variation or other matter that
is to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters which are not now known to us should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted, or not
voted, by the proxy holder in his or her discretion, whether or not the amendment, variation or other matter that comes before the Annual Meeting is contested.
BY
ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
Ben
Harshbarger
Interim Chief Executive Officer & General Counsel
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Table of Contents
Schedule A
Dated October 3, 2019
NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
PLAN OF LIQUIDATION AND
DISTRIBUTION
87
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NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC.
PLAN OF LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION
WHEREAS the board of directors (the Board) of Novelion Therapeutics Inc.
(Novelion or the Company) has concluded that it is in the best interests of the Company to be liquidated
voluntarily and wound up and dissolved pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) in accordance with the terms of this Liquidation
Plan (as defined below);
AND
WHEREAS the Board has passed a resolution authorizing the Company to seek shareholder approval for the liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company and hold a special
meeting of shareholders to consider and vote to direct the Company to be liquidated voluntarily, wound up and dissolved and, in connection therewith, approve this Liquidation Plan and the appointment
of the Liquidator;
NOW
THEREFORE THIS Liquidation Plan is approved by the Board as of the last date set forth below, having the terms and conditions as set out herein.
Article 1
INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Liquidation Plan:
Aegerion Parties means Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.;
Assets means all of the property, assets, undertaking and the proceeds thereof of Novelion;
Board has the meaning given to it in the recitals of this Liquidation Plan;
Business Day means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks are generally open for business in Vancouver, British Columbia;
Calendar Day means any day, including a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday in Vancouver, British Columbia;
BCBCA means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia);
Claim means
-
(a)
-
any
right of any Person against Novelion in connection with any indebtedness, liability or obligation of any kind of Novelion and any interest accrued thereon or
costs payable in respect thereof, whether liquidated, unliquidated, reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, unsecured, present,
future, known or unknown, by guarantee, surety or otherwise, and whether or not such right is executory or anticipatory in nature, including any claim made or asserted against Novelion through any
affiliate, associate or any right or ability of any Person to advance a claim for contribution or indemnity or otherwise, in each case, with respect to any matter, action, cause or chose in action,
whether existing at present or commenced in the future; and
-
(b)
-
any
existing or future right of any Person against any one or more of the Directors or Officers which arose or arises as a result of such Director's or Officer's
position, supervision, management or involvement as a Director or Officer of Novelion whether such right, or the circumstances giving rise to it, arose before or after the Effective Date and whether
enforceable in any civil, administrative or criminal proceeding;
Claims Bar Date means the date on which a Claim must be filed pursuant to the Claims Process;
Claims Process means the process established by the Liquidator and approved by the Court for the identification, resolution and barring of
Claims;
Clearance Certificates means:
-
(a)
-
a
certificate issued pursuant to subsection 159(2) of the Income Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.1
(5th Supp.) as amended (the ITA), and any provincial equivalent thereof, certifying that all amounts for which
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Novelion
is, or can reasonably be expected to become, liable under the ITA and relevant provincial legislation, as applicable, up to and including the date of the first distribution to Shareholders,
have been paid, or that security for payment has been accepted;
-
(b)
-
a
certificate issued pursuant to subsection 23(5) of the Canada Pension Plan, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-8 (the CPP), or any equivalent thereof, certifying
that all amounts for which Novelion is liable under the CPP up to and including the date of the first
distribution to Shareholders, have been paid or that security for the payment thereof has been accepted;
-
(c)
-
a
certificate issued pursuant to subsection 86(3) of the Employment Insurance Act, S.C. 1996, c. 23
(the EIA), or any equivalent thereof, certifying the payment, or acceptance of security for payment, of all amounts for which Novelion is liable under
the EIA up to and including the date of the first distribution to Shareholders;
-
(d)
-
a
certificate issued pursuant to subsection 81(1) of the Excise Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E-15 (the ETA), or any equivalent thereof, certifying that,
as of the date of the first distribution to Shareholders, no tax, penalty, interest or other sum under
the ETA, chargeable against or payable by the Liquidator or chargeable against or payable in respect of the Assets or the Company, remains unpaid or that security for the payment thereof has, in
accordance with section 80.1 of the ETA, been accepted;
-
(e)
-
a
certificate issued pursuant to subsection 270(3) of the ETA, or any equivalent thereof, certifying that all amounts payable or remittable under
Part IX of the ETA by Novelion in respect of the reporting period during which the first distribution to Shareholders is made or any previous reporting period, and all amounts that are, or can
reasonably be expected to become, payable or remittable under Part IX of the ETA by the Liquidator or the Company in respect of the reporting period during which the distribution is made or any
previous reporting period, has been paid or that security for the payment thereof has been accepted; and
-
(f)
-
any
other similar certificate as may be required pursuant to any legal requirement.
Common Shares means the common shares in the capital of Novelion;
Company has the meaning given to it in the recitals of this Liquidation Plan;
Court means the Supreme Court of British Columbia;
Creditor means any Person with a Claim;
Directors means all individuals who were, on or at any time before the Effective Date, directors of Novelion, including de facto directors, and the term "Director" shall mean any one of them;
Dissolution Date means the date on which the winding up of the Company is completed upon its dissolution pursuant to the BCBCA;
Effective Date means the date to be established by a resolution of the Board upon which the implementation of the Liquidation Plan shall
commence, which date shall be the date established as the date for commencement of the liquidation and winding up in the statement of intent to liquidate that is filed by the Company pursuant to and
in accordance with the BCBCA.
Employees means the employees of Novelion;
Governmental Authority means any nation or government, any province, state or other political subdivision thereof, any entity exercising
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government or any Legal Requirement and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through
capital stock or otherwise by any of the foregoing;
Legal Requirement means any statute, law, treaty, rule, regulation, order, decree, writ, injunction or determination of any arbitrator,
court, Governmental Authority or securities exchange and, with respect to any Person, includes all such Legal Requirements applicable or binding upon such Person, its business or the ownership or use
of any of its assets;
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Liquidation Plan means this plan of liquidation and distribution as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified in
accordance with its terms;
Liquidator means the Person appointed from time to time pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.5, or 4.6 in its capacity as liquidator of
Novelion;
Minister means the Minister of National Revenue;
NASDAQ means the NASDAQ Global Select Market;
Novelion has the meaning given to it in the recitals of this Liquidation Plan;
Officers means all individuals who were, on or at any time before the Effective Date, officers of Novelion, including de facto officers, and the term "Officer" shall mean any one of them;
Person means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, trust, corporation, unincorporated organization, government,
agency, regulatory body or instrumentality thereof, legal personal representative or litigation guardian, or any other judicial entity howsoever designated or constituted domiciled;
Proven Claim means a Claim finally accepted in accordance with the provisions of the Claims Process;
Resolution means the special resolution of the Shareholders authorizing the voluntary liquidation, winding up and dissolution of Novelion
made in accordance with the BCBCA and approving this Liquidation Plan and the ordinary resolution of Shareholders authorizing the appointment of the Liquidator;
Shareholder Approval Date means the date on which the shareholders of the Company pass the Resolution;
Shareholders means all holders of Common Shares shown on the Effective Date in the registers maintained by or on behalf of Novelion by the
Transfer Agent in respect of the Common Shares;
Shared Services Agreements means the shared services agreements entered into among Novelion, Novelion Services USA, Inc. and
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. dated December 1, 2016, as amended May 20 2019;
Tax Return means any report, return or other information required to be supplied to a taxing authority in connection with (a) all
taxes, charges, fees, levies and other assessments (whether federal, provincial, local or foreign), including income, gross receipts, excise, property, sales, use, transfer, license, payroll,
franchise, withholding, social security and unemployment taxes, and (b) any interest, penalties and additions related to the foregoing; and
Transfer Agent means Computershare Investor Services Inc., as transfer agent for the Common Shares of the Company.
1.2 Certain Rules of Interpretation
In this Liquidation Plan and the Schedules hereto:
-
(a)
-
all
references to currency are to Canadian Dollars, except as otherwise expressly indicated;
-
(b)
-
the
division of this Liquidation Plan into articles, sections, subsections and clauses and the insertion of headings and a table of contents are for convenience of
reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Liquidation Plan. The terms "this Liquidation Plan", "hereof', "hereunder", "herein" and similar expressions refer to
this Liquidation Plan and not to any particular article, section, subsection or clause and include any plan supplemental hereto. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference in this Liquidation Plan to
an article, section, subsection, clause or schedule refers to the specified article, section, subsection, clause or schedule of or to this Liquidation Plan;
-
(c)
-
the
use of words in the singular or plural, or with a particular gender, shall not limit the scope or exclude the application of any provision of this Liquidation
Plan or a schedule hereto to such Person (or Persons) or circumstances as the context otherwise permits;
-
(d)
-
the
words "includes" and "including" and similar terms of inclusion shall not, unless expressly modified by the words "only" or "solely", be construed as terms of
limitation, but rather shall mean "includes
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Article 2
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Liquidation Plan is to provide for a plan of liquidation, winding up and distribution of the Assets, payment or settlement of all Claims and
dissolution of the Company.
2.2 Commencement of Liquidation, Winding Up and Dissolution
The voluntary liquidation, winding up and dissolution of the Company shall commence on and as of the Effective Date.
2.3 Affected Persons
This Liquidation Plan will be implemented under the BCBCA and, as of the Effective Date will be binding on the Company, the Directors, the Liquidator, the
Shareholders, beneficial holders of shares of the Company, and any other holder of a Claim in accordance with its terms. On the Shareholder Approval Date, each Shareholder and beneficial holder of
shares of the Company (whether or not such holder voted in respect of the Liquidation Plan), and each holder of a Claim shall be deemed to have consented and agreed to all of the provisions of this
Liquidation Plan in its and their entirety.
Article 3
EFFECT OF PLAN
3.1 Share Transfers
The Company will request, in accordance with any Court order directing same, that the Transfer Agent refrain from making any changes to the registers maintained
by the Transfer Agent in respect of the Common Shares, except with the explicit sanction of the Liquidator following the Effective Date.
3.2 Company to Cease Business
On and as of the Effective Date, the Company shall cease to carry on its enterprise and undertaking, except in so far as may be required or as beneficial for the
liquidation and dissolution thereof in the discretion of the Liquidator. The Company's corporate existence and all its corporate powers, notwithstanding the terms of the Company's articles or by-laws,
shall continue under the control of the Liquidator until it is dissolved.
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3.3 Resignation of Directors
On and as of the Effective Date, all the powers of the Directors and Officers shall cease and the Directors and Officers shall be deemed to have resigned.
Article 4
THE LIQUIDATOR
4.1 Appointment of Liquidator
On and as of the Effective Date, Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the estate and effects of the Company (the Liquidator) for the purpose of liquidation and dissolution of its business and affairs and distributing its Assets to the Shareholders, after satisfying
all prior ranking Claims, all in accordance with the terms of this Liquidation Plan, and who shall serve until removal and replacement in accordance with this Liquidation Plan. The Liquidator shall
have the authority to enter into agreements and execute documents for and on behalf of the Company pursuant to the powers and obligations of the Liquidator as contained in this Liquidation Plan or
otherwise under the BCBCA.
4.2 Mandatory Obligations of the Liquidator
The Liquidator is expressly directed, empowered and authorized to, and shall:
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(a)
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deposit
all money that the Liquidator has belonging to the Company in any bank in Canada listed in Schedule I or II to the Bank
Act (Canada) or in any trust corporation or loan corporation that is registered under the Financial Institutions Act
(BC), the Credit Union Incorporation Act (BC), or in any other depository approved by the Court, which
deposit shall not be made in the name of the Liquidator individually, but shall be a separate deposit account in the Liquidator's name as Liquidator of the Company, and such money shall be withdrawn
for payment of Claims or fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation of the Liquidation Plan and signed in accordance with such signing authorities as may be determined by the
Liquidator;
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(b)
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forthwith
after the Shareholder Approval Date, make an application to the Court under Section 325 of the BCBCA to have the liquidation of the Company
supervised by the Court, including the application for such specific orders as the Liquidator deems appropriate and as permitted by the BCBCA;
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(c)
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establish
and implement a court-supervised Claims Process;
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(d)
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pay
or otherwise satisfy all Proven Claims ranking ahead of the Shareholders from the Assets in accordance with the Claims Process;
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(e)
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after
satisfying all prior ranking Proven Claims and in accordance with the provisions of the BCBCA and any order of the Court, distribute the remaining Assets
rateably among the Shareholders according to their rights and interests in the Company;
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(f)
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cause
to be filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority all Tax Returns required to be filed by Novelion and any trusts for which Novelion continues to have
responsibility under applicable Legal Requirements;
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(g)
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pay
or remit all taxes or other amounts required to be paid or remitted by Novelion in accordance with all applicable statutes, all outstanding CPP contributions and
EIA premiums, including any associated interest and penalties and obtain the Clearance Certificates;
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(h)
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cause
to be filed with the appropriate Governmental Authority all statements and reports required to be filed by Novelion subject to amendments or exclusions which
may be obtained by Court Order during the liquidation proceedings;
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(i)
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maintain
the continuous disclosure requirements applicable to the Company under all applicable securities laws, subject to amendments, exclusions or relief which may
be obtained by Court Order or from applicable securities regulatory authorities during the liquidation proceedings;
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(j)
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prepare
such accounts, file such notices and comply with all other applicable requirements and duties as are stipulated by the BCBCA unless otherwise ordered by the
Court, including pursuant to Sections 330, 331, 333, 338, 341, 342 and 343 thereof;
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(k)
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at
any time after the affairs of the Company have been fully liquidated but in accordance with Division 7, Part 10 of the BCBCA, make an application to
the Court for an order approving the winding up and dissolution of the Company and, thereafter, apply for the dissolution of the Company in accordance with the BCBCA; and
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(l)
-
after
the Effective Date, in accordance with any order of the Court directing same, request that the Transfer Agent refrain from making any changes to the registers
maintained by the Transfer Agent in respect of the Common Shares, except with the explicit sanction of the Liquidator.
4.3 Discretionary Powers of the Liquidator
The Liquidator is expressly empowered and authorized, but not obligated, to do any of the following:
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(a)
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bring
or defend any action, suit or prosecution, or other legal proceedings, civil or criminal, in the name and on behalf of the Company;
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(b)
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carry
on the business of the Company so far as may be required or as beneficial for the liquidation and dissolution of the Company;
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(c)
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oversee
and address any of the Company's remaining rights and obligations under the Shared Services Agreements with any of the Aegerion Parties and other agreements,
if any, under which the Company has ongoing obligations;
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(d)
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engage
any former employee of the Company on a "term and task" basis to assist with the Liquidator's administration and implementation of the Liquidation Plan;
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(e)
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sell
any of the Assets by public auction or private sale or, where applicable, through a stock exchange, and receive payment of the purchase price either in cash or
otherwise;
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(f)
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do
all acts and execute, in the name and on behalf of the Company, all documents, and for that purpose use the seal of the Company, if any;
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(g)
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draw,
accept, make and endorse any bill of exchange or promissory note in the name and on behalf of the Company;
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(h)
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raise
upon the security of the Assets any requisite money;
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(i)
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call
meetings of the Shareholders for any purpose the Liquidator thinks fit;
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(j)
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in
accordance with the Claims Process or any further order of the Court, compromise all debts and liabilities capable of resulting in debts, and all Claims, whether
present or future, certain or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, subsisting or supposed to subsist between the Company and any contributory, alleged contributory or other debtor or person who may
be liable to the Company and all questions in any way relating to or affecting the Assets, or the liquidation and dissolution of the Company, upon the receipt of such sums payable at such times and
generally upon such terms as are agreed, and the Liquidator may take any security for the discharge of such debts or liabilities and give a complete discharge in respect thereof;
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(k)
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in
accordance with and subject to the provisions of the BCBCA and any order of the Court, make or cause to be made, from time to time, any interim distributions or
distributions in kind of portions of the Assets to the Shareholders rateably among the Shareholders according to their rights and interests in the Company, and while maintaining such reserves as are
reasonably necessary to provide for all Claims;
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(l)
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liquidate
or dissolve subsidiaries of the Company; and
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(m)
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do
and execute all such other things as are necessary for the liquidation and dissolution of the business and affairs of the Company and distributing the Assets.
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4.4 Reporting Obligations
The Liquidator shall, subject to the requirements of the BCBCA, report to the Shareholders at such times and intervals as the Liquidator may deem appropriate with
respect to matters relating to the Assets, Novelion and such other matters as may be relevant to this Liquidation Plan.
4.5 Removal of the Liquidator
The Liquidator may be removed by order of the Court pursuant to a motion brought following either:
-
(a)
-
a
determination by the Liquidator, in its discretion, to be discharged by the Court; or
-
(b)
-
special
resolution of the Shareholders at a meeting called for the purpose of removing the Liquidator, notice of which meeting has been sent to the Liquidator and to
each creditor which has an unpaid Claim that exceeds US$1,000,
but
only if such order of the Court appoints another liquidator in the Liquidator's stead which successor liquidator shall become the Liquidator under this Liquidation Plan.
4.6 Resignation of the Liquidator and Filling Vacancy
If the Liquidator resigns or is discharged by order of the Court, then a successor liquidator shall be appointed by ordinary resolution of the Shareholders at a
meeting called for the purpose of appointing a successor liquidator or by order of the Court, and such successor liquidator shall become the Liquidator under this Liquidation Plan.
4.7 Fees of the Liquidator and its counsel
The Liquidator shall be paid its reasonable fees and disbursements at its standard rates and charges, from the Assets as and when the Liquidator renders an
account to the Company. Pursuant to Section 325(3) of the BCBCA, the costs, charges and expenses of the liquidation and dissolution, including the remuneration of the Liquidator, are payable
out of the Assets in priority to all other Claims.
4.8 Indemnity
The Company hereby releases, holds harmless, and indemnifies the Liquidator from and against all liabilities, claims and costs of any nature arising from the
Liquidator's execution of this Liquidation Plan, save and except any such liabilities, claims or costs arising as a result of the Liquidator's fraud, gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
Article 5
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYEES
5.1 Termination of Employment
Those Employees who are requested by the Liquidator to remain in service and assist in the implementation of this Liquidation Plan and agree to do so shall remain
Employees of the Company. Any other Employees shall be terminated on the Effective Date.
5.2 Employment Agreements
In connection with the termination of any Employees, Novelion will comply with all existing agreements with such Employees, if any.
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Article 6
INSPECTORS
6.1 Appointment of Inspectors
The Company or the Liquidator, as applicable, may (but shall not be required to) apply to the Court for an Order appointing any inspectors having any
responsibilities as the Company or the Liquidator, as applicable, deem appropriate pursuant to Section 325(3) of the BCBCA.
Article 7
DISTRIBUTIONS
7.1 Delivery of Distribution to Shareholders
Unless otherwise directed, distributions to Shareholders shall be made by the Liquidator at the addresses set forth in the registers maintained by the Transfer
Agent in respect of the Common Shares as at the Effective Date. Beneficial holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to receive distributions only through the applicable Shareholder on the registers
maintained by the Transfer Agent in respect of the Common Shares as at the Effective Date.
7.2 Undeliverable Distributions to Shareholders
Where the Liquidator is unable to distribute rateably the Assets among the Shareholders because a Shareholder is unknown or a Shareholder's whereabouts is
unknown, the share of the Assets of such Shareholder shall be dealt with in accordance with Section 337 of the BCBCA, or as otherwise ordered by the Court.
7.3 Form of Distributions
Any distributions to Shareholders shall be made as a distribution of stated capital to the extent of the "paid-up" capital for purposes of the ITA of the Common
Shares and, thereafter, as a dividend, in each case subject to satisfying the applicable solvency tests in the BCBCA and the Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Act (Canada).
Article 8
COMPLETION OF THE LIQUIDATION PLAN
8.1 Discharge of Liquidator
At the Dissolution Date, the Liquidator shall be discharged and shall have no further obligations or responsibilities, except only with respect to any remaining
duties or power required to implement and give effect to the terms of this Liquidation Plan.
Article 9
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Liquidation Plan Amendment
-
(a)
-
The
Liquidator may, at any time prior to the Dissolution Date, amend, modify and/or supplement this Liquidation Plan without the approval of the Shareholders or the
Court, (i) in order to correct any clerical or typographical error, (ii) as required to maintain the validity or effectiveness of this Liquidation Plan as a result of any change in any
Legal Requirement, or (iii) in order to make any change that in the opinion of the Liquidator is administrative in nature and does not materially change the terms of this Liquidation Plan.
-
(b)
-
Subject
to the ability of the Liquidator to amend, modify and/or supplement or amend this Liquidation Plan without the approval of the Shareholders or the Court as
provided in Section (a), the Liquidator reserves the right, at any time prior to the Dissolution Date, to amend, modify and/or supplement this Liquidation Plan, provided that any such
amendment, modification or supplement shall not be
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9.2 Severability
In the event that any provision in this Liquidation Plan is held by the Court to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the Court shall have the power to alter and
interpret such term or provision to make it valid and enforceable to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the original purpose of the term or provision held to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, and such term or provision shall then be applicable as altered and interpreted. Notwithstanding any such holding, alteration or interpretation, the remainder of the terms and provisions
of this Liquidation Plan shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated by such holding, alteration or interpretation.
9.3 Paramountcy
From and after the Effective Date, any conflict between: (A) this Liquidation Plan; and (B) any information summary in respect of this Liquidation
Plan, or the covenants, warranties, representations, terms, conditions, provisions or obligations, express or implied, of any contract, document or agreement, written or oral, and any and all
amendments and supplements thereto existing between the Company and any of the Shareholders, Directors, Officers or the Liquidator, as at the Effective Date, will be deemed to be governed by the
terms, conditions and provisions of this Liquidation Plan, which shall take precedence and priority.
9.4 Responsibilities of the Liquidator
The Liquidator will have only those powers granted to it by this Liquidation Plan, by the BCBCA and by any order of the Court.
9.5 Notices
Any notice or communication to be delivered hereunder shall be in writing and shall reference this Liquidation Plan and may, subject as hereinafter provided, be
made or given by personal delivery, by fax, courier or e-mail addressed to the respective parties as follows:
at
the addresses set forth in the securities register kept at the Transfer Agent as at the Effective Date;
-
(ii)
-
if
to a Creditor:
at
the addresses set forth in the books and records of the Company or the proofs of claim filed by such Creditor in accordance with the Claims Process
-
(iii)
-
if
to the Company:
Novelion
Therapeutics Inc.
c/o
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
510 W Georgia St. Suite 1800
Vancouver, BC M5X 1B8
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Attention:
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Ben Harshbarger and Michael Price
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E-mail:
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investors@novelion.com
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with
a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Norton
Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
222 Bay Street, Suite 3000, P.O. Box 53
Toronto, Ontario M5K 1E7
|
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Attention:
|
|
Evan Cobb
|
E-mail:
|
|
evan.cobb@nortonrosefulbright.com/
|
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Attention:
|
|
Anthony Tillman
|
Email:
|
|
atillman@alvarezandmarsal.com
|
or
to such other address as any party may from time to time notify the others in accordance with this Section 9.5. All such notices and communications which are delivered shall be deemed to
have been received on the date of delivery. Any such notices and communications which are faxed shall be deemed to be received on the date faxed if sent before 5:00 p.m. in Vancouver, British
Columbia, on a Business Day and otherwise shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day next following the day upon which such fax was sent. Any notice or other communication sent by mail shall
be deemed to have been received on the fifth Business Day after the date of mailing. The unintentional failure by the Liquidator to give a notice contemplated hereunder shall not invalidate any action
taken by any Person pursuant to this Liquidation Plan.
9.6 Governing Law
This Liquidation Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable
therein without regard to conflict of laws. All questions as to the interpretation or application of this Liquidation Plan and all proceedings taken in connection with this Liquidation Plan and its
provisions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court.
The
foregoing Liquidation Plan being adopted by the Board as of this · day of
· , 2019.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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NOVELION THERAPEUTICS INC. 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 www.computershare.com 000001 Mr A Sample Designation (if any) Add1 Add2 add3 add4 add5 add6 Security Class COMMON Holder Account Number C1234567890 XXX Fold Form of Proxy - Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 This Form of Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of Management. Notes to proxy 1. Every holder has the right to appoint some other person or company of their choice, who need not be a holder, to attend and act on their behalf at the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. If you wish to appoint a person or company other than the persons whose names are printed herein, please insert the name of your chosen proxyholder in the space provided (see reverse). 2. If the securities are registered in the name of more than one owner (for example, joint ownership, trustees, executors, etc.), then all those registered should sign this proxy. If you are voting on behalf of a corporation or another individual you must sign this proxy with signing capacity stated, and you may be required to provide documentation evidencing your power to sign this proxy. 3. This proxy should be signed in the exact manner as the name(s) appear(s) on the proxy. 4. If this proxy is not dated, it will be deemed to bear the date on which it is mailed by Management to the holder. 5. The securities represented by this proxy will be voted as directed by the holder, however, if such a direction is not made in respect of any matter, this proxy will be voted as recommended by Management. 6. The securities represented by this proxy will be voted in favour or withheld from voting or voted against each of the matters described herein, as applicable, in accordance with the instructions of the holder, on any ballot that may be called for and, if the holder has specified a choice with respect to any matter to be acted on, the securities will be voted accordingly. 7. This proxy confers discretionary authority in respect of any amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting or other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, in each instance, to the extent permitted by law, whether or not the amendment, variation or other matter that comes before the meeting is routine and whether or not the amendment, variation or other matter that comes up before the meeting is contested. 8. This proxy should be read in conjunction with the accompanying documentation provided by Management. 9. The Chair of the meeting may waive or extend the proxy cut-off without notice. Fold Proxies submitted must be received by 10:00 am Eastern Time/7:00 am Pacific Time, on Friday, November 1, 2019 VOTE USING THE TELEPHONE OR INTERNET 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK! To Vote Using the Telephone To Vote Using the Internet Call the number listed BELOW from a touch tone telephone. 1-866-732-VOTE (8683) Toll Free Go to the following web site: www.investorvote.com Smartphone? Scan the QR code to vote now. If you vote by telephone or the Internet, DO NOT mail back this proxy. Voting by mail may be the only method for securities held in the name of a corporation or securities being voted on behalf of another individual. Voting by mail or by Internet are the only methods by which a holder may appoint a person as proxyholder other than the Management nominees named on the reverse of this proxy. Instead of mailing this proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods outlined above to vote this proxy. To vote by telephone or the Internet, you will need to provide your CONTROL NUMBER listed below. CONTROL NUMBER 123456789012345 CPUQC01.E.INT/000001/i1234 01JE2B
MR SAM SAMPLE C1234567890 XXX 123 Appointment of Proxyholder I/We being holder(s) of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. hereby appoint(s): Benjamin Harshbarger, or failing him, Michael Price Print the name of the person you are appointing if this person is someone other than the Management nominees listed herein. OR as my/our proxyholder with full power of substitution and to attend, act and to vote for and on behalf of the shareholder in accordance with the following direction (or if no directions have been given, as the proxyholder sees fit) and all other matters that may properly come before the Annual General Meeting of shareholders of Novelion Therapeutics Inc. to be held at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 10:00 am (Eastern Time) / 7:00 am (Pacific Time) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. VOTING RECOMMENDATIONS ARE INDICATED BY HIGHLIGHTED TEXT OVER THE BOXES. 1. Liquidation Resolution To approve as a special resolution: (i) the voluntary liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) at a time to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company; (ii) the plan of liquidation and distribution substantially in the form attached to our proxy statement as Schedule A; and (iii) one or more distributions to shareholders of any remaining property of the Company under the voluntary liquidation and dissolution, each as more particularly described in our proxy statement. Fold 2. Liquidator Resolution To approve as an ordinary resolution: (i) the appointment of Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. as the liquidator of the Company pursuant to Section 319(2) (a) of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the Liquidator); and (ii) the authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company to set the remuneration of the Liquidator, each as more particularly described in our proxy statement. 3. Election of Directors Withhold Withhold Withhold 01. Dr. Suzanne Bruhn 02. Michael D. Price 03. Dr. Stephen Sabba 4. Named Executive Officers Compensation To approve on a non-binding, advisory basis the compensation of our named executive officers, as more particularly described in our proxy statement. 5. Appointment of Auditors To appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Novelion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 and authorizing the Directors to fix their remuneration, as more particularly described in our proxy statement. Fold Signature(s) Date Authorized Signature(s) This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed. I/We authorize you to act in accordance with my/our instructions set out above. I/We hereby revoke any proxy previously given with respect to the Meeting. If no voting instructions are indicated above, this Proxy will be voted as recommended by Management. MM / DD / YY Q L T Q 01JE3D 286749 X X X X A R 0 999999999999 For Withhold For Against Abstain For For For For Against Abstain For Against Abstain
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