Unsure what's driving this: Potential buyers playing hardball?, or, a perk for an early investor?
+++++++++++++++
Cardiome Announces Preferred Share Financing
14:10 EDT Wednesday, July 23, 2008
NASDAQ: CRME
TSX: COM
VANCOUVER, July 23 /CNW/ - Cardiome Pharma Corp. (NASDAQ: CRME/TSX: COM) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with CR Intrinsic Investments, LLC, an investment fund managed by CR Intrinsic Investors, LLC, an affiliate of S.A.C. Capital Advisors, LLC to purchase Series A convertible preferred shares for gross proceeds of US$25 million. Proceeds of the financing will be used for general corporate purposes, costs associated with the ongoing strategic process and continued development of Cardiome's clinical programs.
"We view this transaction as an important bridge which provides us with additional near-term financial flexibility and a strengthened balance sheet as we enter an important phase of our current strategic discussions," said Doug Janzen, President and Chief Business Officer of Cardiome. "We are pleased that our largest shareholder is willing to support Cardiome with a transaction which will assist us in maximizing the value of our vernakalant franchise following our recent positive oral data."
Under the non-brokered private placement, Cardiome has entered into an agreement to sell 2,272,727 Series A convertible preferred shares at a price of US$11.00 per share for gross proceeds of US$25 million to CR Intrinsic Investments, LLC. Subject to certain timing restrictions, the preferred shares will be convertible into common shares of Cardiome on a 1-to-1 basis. In the event of a change of control of the Company, each preferred share will automatically convert immediately prior to the closing of the change of control event. No coupon or interest is payable on this series of preferred shares. Closing of the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of customary and usual closing conditions.
|
