Securities Blog

Regulation A+ Offers Reporting Companies an Attractive Way to Raise Capital By Christopher A. Wilson Until January 31, 2019, Regulation A+ (“Reg. A”) was not available to reporting companies under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1932. However, in 2018 Congress mandated that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) make reporting companies eligible to use…

If you are thinking of starting a business, you probably have some good ideas about how you can offer a better service or product than is currently available on the market. Those ideas are most likely centered around a more efficient way of doing things, or more user-friendly software that addresses a common need, or…

Will Your Company’s Initial Public Offering be Successful? When the time comes to take your private company, public, through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), what steps can you take to make it as successful as possible? Your company is your prized possession that you have built over a long period of time, and you don’t…

Initial Public Offerings are on the Rise On July 5, 2018, Marketwatch reported that the 2018 second quarter filings for Initial Public Offerings (IPO) was the busiest quarter since 2015, and the trend looks like it will continue. Ernst & Young also reported that the first quarter of 2018, globally, was at a high level,…

Expertise is critical in mergers & acquisitions transactions Forbes Magazine recently published an article about key considerations in completing a merger or acquisition. One of those key points is the absolute necessity of using an attorney that specializes in mergers and acquisitions. That part of the article is worth quoting here. “It is critically important…

When will a general solicitation ruin your ability to rely on Rule 506(b)? Section 4(a)(2) of Rule 506(b) provides a “safe harbor” for companies that comply with certain requirements. In addition to a prohibition from using general solicitation to market securities, the requirements of the exemption include: Rule 506 does not limit how many people…

SEC Enforcement is on the rise in 2018 The Securities and Exchange Commission recently released its annual report for the year 2018, which focuses on its enforcement-related accomplishments. The Directors said they believe the effectiveness of the program should be measured by assessing the nature, quality, and effects of the Commission’s enforcement actions. They believe…

According to Forbes, “The term sheet is one of the most critical documents an entrepreneur can ever design or sign.” A term sheet is a document that results from initial negotiations between the business owner and potential investors prior to selling your stock to outside investors. It is a non-binding contract document, so it is…

SEC Enforcement During the Government Shutdown. Is the SEC enforcing its laws right now? On Thursday, December 27, 2018 the Securities and Exchange Commission began operation within its plan during a federal government shutdown. They say they have “staff available to respond to emergency situations involving market integrity and investor protection.” That means that out…

Can You Ruin Your Exemption through a General Solicitation of Securities? Section 4(a)(2) of Rule 506(b) provides a “safe harbor” for companies that comply with certain requirements. In addition to a prohibition from using general solicitation to market securities, the requirements of the exemption include: Rule 506 does not expressly limit how many people the…