As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 3, 2004
Registration No. 333-_______
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under the
Securities Act of 1933
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Altair Nanotechnologies Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada 33-1084375
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) identification number)
----------------------
Rudi E. Moerck Copies to:
President
Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. Bryan T. Allen, Esq.
204 Edison Way Brian G. Lloyd, Esq.
Reno, Nevada 89502 Stoel Rives LLP
(775) 858-3750 201 South Main Street, Suite 1100
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 328-3131
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
84111 including area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement as
determined by market conditions.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box: [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering: [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering: [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box: [ ]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
========================================== ================= ================== ================ ===================
Proposed
maximum
Proposed maximum aggregate
Title of each class Amount to be offering price offering Amount of
of securities to be registered registered per share(1) price(1) registration fee
------------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------------
Common shares, no par value 3,600,000(2) $2.44 $8,784,000 $1,113
========================================== ================= ================== ================ ===================
(1) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457 solely for the purpose of calculating
the registration fee, based upon the average of the high and low sales
prices for the common shares as reported on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market
on June 28, 2004.
(2) In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement covers a presently indeterminate number of
common shares issuable upon the occurrence of a stock split, stock
dividend, or other similar transaction.
----------------------
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the SEC, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
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ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.
3,600,000 Common Shares
------------------
This prospectus relates to the offering and sale of 3,600,000 common
shares of Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., without par value. All of the offered
shares are to be sold by persons who are existing security holders and
identified in the section of this prospectus entitled "Selling Shareholders." Of
the common shares offered hereby, 1,850,000 are currently owned by the selling
shareholders and the remaining 1,750,000 are issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding warrants to purchase our common shares. In addition, pursuant to
Rule 416 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this prospectus, and the
registration statements of which it is a part, cover a presently indeterminate
number of common shares issuable upon the occurrence of a stock split, stock
dividend, or other similar transaction.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares
offered hereunder. In the United States, our common shares are listed for
trading under the symbol ALTI on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. On June 28, 2004,
the closing sale price of a common share, as reported by the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market, was $2.35 per share. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all monetary
amounts set forth in this prospectus are expressed in United States Dollars.
Our principal office is located at 204 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada 89502,
and our telephone number is (775) 858-3750.
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This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an
offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any state in
which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to or absent
qualification under the securities laws of such state.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the
adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
Dated July 2, 2004
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
RISK FACTORS..................................................................2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS....................................................9
USE OF PROCEEDS...............................................................9
DILUTION.....................................................................10
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS.........................................................10
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.........................................................12
DESCRIPTION OF OFFERED SECURITIES............................................15
LEGAL MATTERS................................................................15
EXPERTS......................................................................15
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..............................15
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..........................................16
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RISK FACTORS
Before you invest in the offered securities described in this
prospectus, you should be aware that such investment involves the assumption of
various risks. You should consider carefully the risk factors described below
together with all of the other information included and incorporated by
reference in this prospectus before you decide to purchase the offered
securities.
We have not generated any substantial operating revenues and may not ever
generate substantial revenues.
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To date, we have not generated substantial revenues from operations. As
of March 31, 2004, we have generated $480,641 of revenues from our titanium and
nanoparticle processing technology and $28,270 from the use of our centrifugal
jig in consulting contracts. We have not generated any revenue from our
Tennessee mineral property. We believe that our titanium and nanoparticle
processing technology is the only of our lines of business that may generate
significant revenues in the foreseeable future. We have no sales or other
commitments with respect to substantial revenues from our titanium and
nanoparticle processing technology and can provide no assurance that we will
generate substantial revenues.
We may continue to experience significant losses from operations.
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We have experienced a loss from operations in every fiscal year since
our inception. Our losses from operations in 2003 were $5,785,210, and our
losses from operations in the quarter ended March 31, 2004 were $1,710,757. We
will continue to experience a net operating loss until, and if, one of the
applications of our titanium and nanoparticle processing technology begins
generating significant revenues. Even if any or all applications of the titanium
and nanoparticle processing technology begin generating significant revenues,
the revenues may not exceed our costs of production and operating expenses. We
may not ever realize a profit from operations.
Our patents and other protective measures may not adequately protect our
proprietary intellectual property, and we may be infringing on the rights of
others.
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We regard our intellectual property, particularly our proprietary
rights in our titanium and nanoparticle processing technology, as critical to
our success. We have received various patents, and filed other patent
applications, for various applications and aspects of our titanium and
nanoparticle processing technology and other intellectual property. In addition,
we generally enter into confidentiality and invention agreements with our
employees and consultants. Such patents and agreements and various other
measures we take to protect our intellectual property from use by others may not
be effective for various reasons, including the following:
o Our pending patent applications may not be granted for various
reasons, including the existence of similar patents or defects in
the applications;
o The patents we have been granted may be challenged, invalidated or
circumvented because of the pre-existence of similar patented or
unpatented intellectual property rights or for other reasons;
o Parties to the confidentiality and invention agreements may have
such agreements declared unenforceable or, even if the agreements
are enforceable, may breach such agreements;
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o The costs associated with enforcing patents, confidentiality and
invention agreements or other intellectual property rights may
make aggressive enforcement cost prohibitive;
o Even if we enforce our rights aggressively, injunctions, fines and
other penalties may be insufficient to deter violations of our
intellectual property rights; and
o Other persons may independently develop proprietary information
and techniques that, although functionally equivalent or superior
to our intellectual proprietary information and techniques, do not
breach our patented or unpatented proprietary rights.
Because the value of our company and common shares is rooted primarily in our
proprietary intellectual property rights, our inability to protect our
proprietary intellectual property rights or gain a competitive advantage from
such rights could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, we may inadvertently be infringing on the proprietary
rights of other persons and may be required to obtain licenses to certain
intellectual property or other proprietary rights from third parties. Such
licenses or proprietary rights may not be made available under acceptable terms,
if at all. If we do not obtain required licenses or proprietary rights, we could
encounter delays in product development or find that the development or sale of
products requiring such licenses is foreclosed.
We have a substantial number of warrants and options outstanding and may issue a
significant number of additional shares upon exercise thereof.
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As of June 25, 2004, there were outstanding warrants to purchase up to
5,261,453 common shares and options to purchase up to 3,198,000 common shares.
The existence of such warrants and options, and any additional warrants and
options we issue in the future, may hinder future equity offerings, and the
exercise of such warrants and options may further dilute the interests of all
shareholders. The common shares issuable upon the exercise of substantially all
of our outstanding warrants are subject to resale registration statements, and
all of our options are subject to a registration statement on Form S-8.
Accordingly, future resale of the common shares issuable on the exercise of such
warrants and options may generally occur immediately after exercise and may have
an adverse effect on the prevailing market price of the common shares.
We may not be able to raise sufficient capital to meet future obligations.
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As of March 31, 2004, we had $11,490,218 in cash and have received
additional capital since that date upon the exercise of outstanding warrants and
options to purchase our common shares. We expect this capital, together with
revenue we are entitled to receive under existing contracts, will be sufficient
to fund our ongoing operations until at least December 31, 2005 but are
uncertain about our capital needs after that date. In addition, we may use our
existing capital sooner than projected in connection with an unanticipated
transaction, litigation or another unplanned event. We may also use more capital
than projected as we expand our research, development and marketing efforts.
Unless we experience a significant increase in revenue, we will need to raise
significant amounts of additional capital in the future in order to sustain our
ongoing operations, continue unfinished testing and additional development work
and, if certain of our products have been commercialized, produce and market
such products.
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We may not be able to obtain the amount of additional capital needed or
may be forced to pay an extremely high price for capital. Factors affecting the
availability and price of capital may include the following:
o market factors affecting the availability and cost of capital
generally;
o the price, volatility and trading volume of our common shares.
o our financial results, particularly the amount of revenue we are
generating from operations;
o the amount of our capital needs;
o the market's perception of nanotechnology and/or chemicals stocks;
o the economics of projects being pursued; and
o the market's perception of our ability to generate revenue through
the licensing or use of our nanoparticle technology for
pharmaceutical, pigment production, nanoparticle production and
other uses.
If we are unable to obtain sufficient capital or are forced to pay a high price
for capital, we may be unable to meet future obligations or adequately exploit
existing or future opportunities, and may be forced to discontinue operations.
Our competitors have more resources than we do, which may give them a
competitive advantage.
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We have limited financial, managerial and other resources and, because
of our early stage of development, have limited access to capital. We compete or
may compete against entities that are much larger than we are, have more
extensive resources than we do and have an established reputation and operating
history. Because of their size, resources, reputation, history and other
factors, certain of our competitors may be able to exploit acquisition,
development and joint venture opportunities more rapidly, easily or thoroughly
than we can. In addition, potential customers may chose to do business with our
more established competitors, without regard to the comparative quality of our
products, because of their perception that our competitors are more stable, are
more likely to complete various projects, are more likely to continue as a going
concern and lend greater credibility to any joint venture.
We may be unable to exploit any potential pharmaceutical application of our
titanium and nanoparticle processing technology.
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We do not presently have the technical or financial resources to
conduct clinical tests on, and take to market, any pharmaceutical application of
our titanium and nanoparticle processing technology. In order for us to get any
significant, long-term benefit from any potential pharmaceutical application of
our technology, the following must occur:
o we must enter into an evaluation license or similar agreement with
a pharmaceutical company under which such company would pay a
fixed or contingent fee for the right to evaluate a pharmaceutical
use of our technology for a specific period of time and for an
option to purchase or receive a license for such use of our
technology;
o clinical tests conducted by such pharmaceutical company would have
to indicate that the pharmaceutical use of our technology is safe,
technically viable and financially viable;
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o such pharmaceutical company would have to apply for and obtain FDA
approval of the pharmaceutical use of our technology, or any
related products, which would involve extensive additional
testing; and
o such pharmaceutical company would have to successfully market the
product incorporating our technology.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not entered into an evaluation
license or similar agreement with a pharmaceutical company. We may never enter
into any such license or agreement. If we do enter into such a license or
similar agreement, we may receive some payments in various stages of the testing
and evaluation of the pharmaceutical application of our technology. We do not,
however, expect to receive significant ongoing revenue unless and until an end
product incorporating the technology goes to market.
We may not benefit from licenses to use our technology for titanium dioxide
pigment production.
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Because of our relatively small size and limited resources, we do not
plan to use our titanium processing technology for large-scale production of
titanium dioxide pigments. We have entered into discussions with various
minerals and materials companies about licensing our technology to such entities
for large-scale production of titanium dioxide pigments. To date, we have
entered into a license agreement with only one such entity, Western Oil Sands,
Inc. Under our license agreement with Western Oil Sands, we expect to receive a
limited amount of revenue during the early testing and development phase of the
agreement but will receive significant royalties only if Western Oil Sands and
licensees of Western Oil Sands determine in their discretion, after testing at a
demonstration plant, to construct or license the construction of a full-scale
titanium pigment production facility. If we enter into other license agreements,
we expect that, as with the Western Oil Sands agreement, we would not receive
significant revenues from such licenses unless and until feasibility testing
yielded positive results and the licensee determined, in its discretion, to
construct and operate a titanium pigment production facility.
We may not be able to sell nanoparticles produced using the titanium and
nanoparticle processing technology.
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We plan to use the titanium and nanoparticle processing technology to
produce titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and other
products we intend to initially produce with the titanium and nanoparticle
processing technology generally must be customized for a specific application
working in cooperation with the end user. We are still testing and customizing
our titanium dioxide nanoparticle products for various applications and have no
long-term agreements with end users to purchase any of our titanium dioxide
nanoparticle products. We may be unable to recoup our investment in the titanium
and nanoparticle processing technology and titanium and nanoparticle processing
equipment for various reasons, including the following:
o products being developed by our potential customers that could use
our nanoparticle products, most of which are in the research or
development stage, may not be completed or, if completed, may not
be readily accepted by expected end users;
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o even if our potential customers complete development of and find a
market for their products, such potential customers may determine
to use nanoparticle products of our competitors for various
reasons, including:
o we may be unable to customize our titanium dioxide nanoparticle
products to meet the distinct needs of potential customers;
o potential customers may purchase from competitors because of
perceived or actual quality or compatibility differences; and
o our marketing and branding efforts may be insufficient to attract
a sufficient number of customers; and
o because of our limited funding, we may be unable to continue our
development efforts until a strong market for nanoparticles
develops.
Our costs of production may be too high to permit profitability.
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We have not produced any pigments, nanoparticles or other products
using our titanium and nanoparticle processing technology and equipment on a
commercial basis. Our actual costs of production, or those of our licensees, may
exceed those of competitors and, even if our costs of production are lower,
competitors may be able to sell titanium dioxide and other products at a lower
price than is economical for us or our licensees.
In addition, even if initial costs are as anticipated, the titanium and
nanoparticle processing equipment may break down, prove unreliable or prove
inefficient in a commercial setting. If so, related costs, delays and related
problems may cause production of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and related
products to be unprofitable.
We may be unable to use, sell, license or otherwise dispose of our centrifugal
jig or our Tennessee mineral property in a manner that enhances the value of our
common shares.
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We have determined to limit our expenditures on our centrifugal jig and
Tennessee mineral property to the minimum necessary to preserve their core value
for the short term. We are reviewing the viability and desirability of various
strategic alternatives for our centrifugal jig and our Tennessee mineral
property, including their possible sale, use in a joint venture, spin-off to
shareholders or abandonment. We can not provide any assurance that we will be
successful in using or disposing of such assets in a manner that provides value
to shareholders. In fact, costs associated with a disposition or other
transaction may exceed any value achieved from such transaction.
We have issued a $3,000,000 note to secure the purchase of the land and the
building where our titanium and nanoparticle processing assets are located.
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In August 2002, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement with BHP
Minerals International Inc. to purchase the land, building and fixtures in Reno,
Nevada where our titanium and nanoparticle processing assets are located. In
connection with this transaction, we issued to BHP a note in the amount of
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$3,000,000, at an interest rate of 7%, secured by the property we acquired. The
first payment of $600,000 of principal plus accrued interest is due February 8,
2006. Additional payments of $600,000 plus accrued interest are due annually on
February 8, 2007 through 2010. If we fail to make the required payments on the
note, BHP has the right to foreclose and take the property. If this should
occur, we would be required to relocate our primary operating assets and
offices, causing a significant disruption in our business.
Operations using the titanium and nanoparticle processing technology, our
centrifugal jig or our Tennessee mineral property may lead to substantial
environmental liability.
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Virtually any prior or future use of the titanium and nanoparticle
processing technology, our centrifugal jig or our Tennessee mineral property is
be subject to federal, state and local environmental laws. Under such laws, we
may be jointly and severally liable with prior property owners for the
treatment, cleanup, remediation and/or removal of any hazardous substances
discovered at any property we use. In addition, courts or government agencies
may impose liability for, among other things, the improper release, discharge,
storage, use, disposal or transportation of hazardous substances.
Certain of our experts and directors reside in Canada and may be able to avoid
civil liability.
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We are a Canadian corporation, and three of our directors and our
Canadian legal counsel are residents of Canada. As a result, investors may be
unable to effect service of process upon such persons within the United States
and may be unable to enforce court judgments against such persons predicated
upon civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. It is uncertain
whether Canadian courts would (i) enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained
against us or such directors, officers or experts predicated upon the civil
liability provisions of U.S. securities laws or (ii) impose liability in
original actions against us or our directors, officers or experts predicated
upon U.S. securities laws.
We are dependent on key personnel.
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Our continued success will depend to a significant extent on the
services of Dr. Rudi Moerck, our President, Doug Ellsworth, our Senior Vice
President and the senior vice president of our new life sciences division that
we intend to recruit. Our failure to recruit a competent life sciences Vice
President, or the loss or unavailability of Dr. Moerck or Mr. Ellsworth could
have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our
common shares. We do not carry key man insurance on the lives of any of our
personnel and do not have agreements requiring any of them to remain with our
company.
We may issue substantial amounts of additional shares without stockholder
approval.
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Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of an unlimited
number of common shares that may be issued without any action or approval by our
stockholders. In addition, we have two stock option plans and a stock purchase
plan that have potential for diluting the ownership interests of our
stockholders. The issuance of any additional common shares would further dilute
the percentage ownership of Altair held by existing stockholders.
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The market price of our common shares may increase or decrease dramatically at
any time for any or no apparent reason.
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The market price of our common shares may be highly volatile. Our stock
price may change dramatically as the result of announcements of our quarterly
results, new products or innovations by us or our competitors, uncertainty
regarding the viability of the titanium and nanoparticle processing technology,
significant customer contracts, significant litigation or other factors or
events that would be expected to affect our business, financial condition,
results of operations and future prospects. In addition, the market price for
our common shares may be affected by various factors not directly related to our
business, including the following:
o Intentional manipulation of our stock price by existing or future
shareholders;
o A single acquisition or disposition, or several related
acquisitions or dispositions, of a large number of our shares;
o The interest of the market in our business sector, without regard
to our financial condition, results of operations or business
prospects;
o Positive or negative statements or projections about our company,
or our industry, by analysts, stock gurus and other persons;
o The adoption of governmental regulations or government grant
programs and similar developments in the United States or abroad
that may enhance or detract from our ability to offer our products
and services or affect our cost structure;
o Economic and other external market factors, such as a general
decline in market prices due to poor economic indicators or
investor distrust; and
o Speculation by short sellers of our common shares or other persons
who stand to profit from a rapid increase or decrease in the price
of our common shares.
We may be delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market.
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Our listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market is conditioned upon our
compliance with the NASD's continued listing requirements for such market,
including the $1.00 per share minimum bid requirement. During the first nine
months of 2003, the market price for our common shares fluctuated in a price
range that frequently dipped below $1.00, and the market price for our common
shares remained below $1.00 during much of 2002. If the market price for our
common shares falls and remains below $1.00 per share for an extended period of
time, we may be delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. Delisting from the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market would likely have a significant negative impact on the
trading price, volume and marketability of our common shares.
We have never declared a cash dividend and do not intend to declare a cash
dividend in the foreseeable future.
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We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common shares. We
currently intend to retain any future earnings, if any, for use in our business
and, therefore, do not anticipate paying dividends on our common shares in the
foreseeable future.
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Actions by our shareholders may harm our business or the market price of our
common shares.
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In the past some shareholders have threatened proxy contests, made
shareholder proposals, made demands of management, threatened litigation and
filed press releases relating to Altair and its management. To the extent
actions by shareholders merit a response, we may be required to use scarce human
and capital resources responding to shareholder actions rather than pursuing our
business goals. The diversion of resources would likely be substantial in the
case of litigation or a proxy contest. In addition, the market price for our
common shares and our ability to enter into significant business transactions
may be adversely affected by the existence and content of shareholder action. We
can provide no assurance that our shareholders will not take actions and make
claims or representations, whether or not true, that will adversely affect our
ability to conduct our business and the market price of our common shares.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains various forward-looking statements. Such
statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words
"anticipate," "estimate," "project," "likely," "believe," "intend," "expect," or
similar words. These statements discuss future expectations, contain projections
regarding future developments, operations, or financial conditions, or state
other forward-looking information. When considering such forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors noted in the previous
section and other cautionary statements throughout this prospectus and our
periodic filings with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference. You
should also keep in mind that all forward-looking statements are based on
management's existing beliefs about present and future events outside of
management's control and on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. If one
or more risks identified in this prospectus or any applicable filings
materializes, or any other underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual
results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected, or
intended.
Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating
results are risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors," including
those attributable to the absence of operating revenues or profits,
uncertainties regarding the development and commercialization of the titanium
and nanoparticle processing technology and uncertainties regarding our ability
to protect and exploit our intellectual property.
USE OF PROCEEDS
All proceeds from any sale of offered shares, less commissions and
other customary fees and expenses, will be paid directly to the selling
shareholders selling the offered shares. We will not receive any proceeds from
the sale of any of the offered shares.
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DILUTION
Our unaudited net tangible book value at March 31, 2004 was
$14,849,571, or approximately $0.31 per each of the 48,672,640 common shares
then outstanding. Because all proceeds of this offering will be paid directly to
the selling shareholders, our net tangible book value per share immediately
after the offering will be the same as it was immediately before the offering.
Accordingly, new investors who purchase shares may suffer an immediate dilution
of the difference between the purchase price per share and approximately $0.31
per share.
As of June 25, 2004, there were outstanding warrants and options to
purchase up to 8,459,453 common shares. The existence of these options and
warrants may hinder future equity offerings by us, and the exercise of those
warrants and options may have an adverse effect on the prevailing market price
of the common shares. Furthermore, the holders of the options and warrants
rights may exercise them at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain
additional equity capital on terms more favorable to us.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
All of the offered shares are to be sold by persons who are existing
security holders of Altair. The selling shareholders acquired their shares and
warrants (i) in a private placement of 1,750,000 common shares and 1,750,000
warrants to purchase common shares that we completed on March 31, 2003; and (ii)
in a private placement of 100,000 common shares that we completed as of June 4,
2004. For purposes of this prospectus, we have assumed that the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of each of the warrants is the number stated on the face
thereof. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants, and
available for resale hereunder, is subject to adjustment and could materially
differ from the estimated amount depending on the occurrence of a stock split,
stock dividend, or similar transaction resulting in an adjustment in the number
of shares subject to the warrants.
Beneficial Ownership of Selling Shareholders
The table that follows sets forth, as of June 25, 2004:
o the name of each selling shareholder;
o certain beneficial ownership information with respect to the
selling shareholders;
o the number of shares that may be sold from time to time by each
selling shareholder pursuant to this prospectus; and
o the amount (and, if one percent or more, the percentage) of common
shares to be owned by each selling shareholder if all offered
shares are sold.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules and generally
includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Common shares
that are issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants or other
purchase rights, to the extent exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2004, are
treated as outstanding for purposes of computing each selling shareholder's
percentage ownership of outstanding common shares.
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Shares Beneficially Owned
Beneficial Ownership upon Completion of the
Prior to Offering Offering(1)
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Number of
Number of Shares Being Number of
Beneficial Owner Shares Percent(2) Offered Shares Percent(2)
------------------------------ ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
Toyota on Western, Inc. 5,012,419(3) 9.7% 3,247,058(3) 1,765,361 (3) 3.5%
Louis Schnur**
[to be identified] # #(3) # 294,118 #(3) #(3)
[to be identified]# #(4) # 58,824 #(4) #(4)
All Selling Shareholders as [___] [___]% 3,600,000 [___] [___]%
a group
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* Represents less than one percent of the outstanding common shares.
** The individual has authority to make voting and investment decisions
with respect to the securities of Altair held by the entity listed
above the individual's name.
# Note: Name and Beneficial Ownership information to be added in pre-effective
amendment following receipt of certification of relevant information
(1) Assuming the sale by each selling shareholder of all of the shares
offered hereunder by the selling shareholder. There can be no assurance
that any of the shares offered hereby will be sold.
(2) The percentages set forth above have been computed assuming the number
of common shares outstanding equals the sum of (a) 48,757,974, which is
the number of common shares actually outstanding on June 25, 2004, and
(b) common shares subject to exercisable warrants with respect to which
the percentage is calculated.
(3) The shares beneficially owned by the selling shareholder prior to the
offering include 3,035,493 common shares issuable by us upon the
exercise of warrants held by the selling shareholder, 1,750,000 of
which may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.
(4) The shares beneficially owned by the selling shareholder prior to the
offering include [_____] common shares issuable by us upon the exercise
of warrants held by the selling shareholder, [___]of which may be
offered pursuant to this prospectus.
(5) The shares beneficially owned by the selling shareholder prior to the
offering include [_____] common shares issuable by us upon the exercise
of warrants held by the selling shareholder, [___]of which may be
offered pursuant to this prospectus.
We believe that voting and investment power with respect to shares shown as
beneficially owned by selling shareholders that are entities resides with the
individuals identified in the preceding table. There can be no assurance that
any of the shares offered hereby will be sold.
14
March 31, 2003 Private Placement of Shares and Warrants
-------------------------------------------------------
Toyota on Western, Inc. acquired 1,750,000 common shares and 1,750,000
Series 2003B warrants in a private placement that closed on March 31, 2003. The
Series 2003 warrants were subsequently amended in order to clarify the
expiration date. Each Series 2003B Warrant permits the holder to acquire one
common share at an exercise price of $1.00 per share at any time prior to the
earlier to occur of (a) the fifth anniversary of the issue date, and (b)
subsequent to the registration of the re-sale of the common shares issuable upon
the exercise thereof, the 180th day following the date on which the closing
price of the common shares on our principal trading market has equaled or
exceeded U.S. $4.00 for 10 days, whether or not consecutive. The Series 2003B
Warrants include standard anti-dilution provisions pursuant to which the
exercise price and number of shares issuable thereunder are adjusted
proportionately in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization
or similar transaction. The Series 2003B Warrants also include a provision
prohibiting their exercise to the extent that, giving effect to the exercise,
the number of common shares then beneficially owned by the holder would exceed
9.999% of the then total number of issued and outstanding common shares.
Toyota on Western subsequently transferred its interest in 147,059 of
the common shares and 147,059 of the Series 2003B warrants purchased on March
31, 2003 to [_________] and an additional 29,412 of the common shares and 29,412
of the Series 2003B warrants purchased on March 31, 2003 to [_______]. The
shares that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus include such common
shares and the common shares issuable upon the exercise of such Series 2003B
Warrants. In connection with a settlement of various claims by the Toyota on
Western, we agreed to register the resale of the common shares described in this
paragraph under the Securities Act.
June 2004 Settlement
--------------------
Toyota on Western acquired 100,000 common shares in a private placement
on June 5, 2004 as part of a settlement of various issues and claims made on
Altair, by Toyota on Western and Louis Schnur, the sole owner of Toyota on
Western. The shares that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus include such
common shares. As part of the settlement agreement, we agreed to register the
resale of the 100,000 common shares described in this paragraph under the
Securities Act.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Methods of Distribution
The shares offered by this prospectus may be sold from time to time by
the selling shareholders, who consist of the persons and entities named as
"selling shareholders" above and those persons' pledgees, donees, transferees or
other successors in interest. The selling shareholders may sell the offered
shares on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, or otherwise, at market prices or at
negotiated prices. They may sell shares by one or a combination of the
following:
o a block trade in which a broker or dealer so engaged will attempt
to sell the offered shares as agent, but may position and resell a
portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
15
o purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by the
broker or dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus;
o ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker
solicits purchasers;
o an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of such
exchange;
o privately negotiated transactions;
o if such a sale qualifies, in accordance with Rule 144 promulgated
under the Securities Act rather than pursuant to this prospectus;
or
o any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
The selling shareholders may also sell shares by means of short sales.
Short sales involve the sale by a selling shareholder, usually with a future
delivery date, of common shares that the seller does not own. Covered short
sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the number of shares subject
to the short seller's warrant, exchange right or other right to acquire common
shares. A selling shareholder may close out any covered short position by either
exercising its warrants or exchange rights to acquire common shares or
purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to
close out the covered short position, a selling shareholder will likely
consider, among other things, the price of common shares available for purchase
in the open market as compared to the price at which it may purchase common
shares pursuant to its warrants or exchange rights.
Naked short sales are any sales in excess of the number of shares
subject to the short seller's warrant, exchange right or other right to acquire
common shares. A selling shareholder must close out any naked position by
purchasing shares. A naked short position is more likely to be created if a
selling shareholder is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the
price of the common shares in the open market.
The existence of a significant number of short sales generally causes
the price of the common shares to decline, in part because it indicates that a
number of market participants are taking a position that will be profitable only
if the price of the common shares declines. Purchases to cover short sales may,
however, increase the demand for the common shares and have the effect of
raising or maintaining the price of the common shares.
In making sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the selling
shareholders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. Brokers or
dealers will receive commissions or discounts from such selling shareholders in
amounts to be negotiated prior to the sale. Such selling shareholders and any
broker-dealers that participate in the distribution may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of
1933, and any proceeds or commissions received by them, and any profits on the
resale of shares sold by broker-dealers, may be deemed to be underwriting
discounts and commissions. If a selling shareholder notifies us that a material
arrangement has been entered into with a broker-dealer for the sale of shares
through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or secondary
distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, we will file a prospectus
supplement, if required pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, setting forth:
o the name of each of the participating broker-dealers,
o the number of shares involved,
16
o the price at which the offered shares were sold,
o the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to the
broker-dealers, where applicable;
o a statement to the effect that the broker-dealers did not conduct
any investigation to verify the information set out or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and
o any other facts material to the transaction.
Determination of Offering Price
The offering price of the common shares offered by this prospectus is
being determined by each of the selling shareholders on a
transaction-by-transaction basis based upon factors that the selling shareholder
considers appropriate. The offering prices determined by the selling
shareholders may, or may not, relate to a current market price but should not,
in any case, be considered an indication of the actual value of the common
shares. We do not have any influence over the price at which any selling
shareholders offer or sell the common shares offered by this prospectus.
Passive Market Making
We have advised the selling shareholders that while they are engaged
in a distribution of the shares offered pursuant to this prospectus, they are
required to comply with Regulation M promulgated under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. With certain exceptions, Regulation M precludes the
selling shareholders, any affiliate purchasers and any broker-dealer or other
person who participate in the distribution from bidding for or purchasing, or
attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase, any security that is
subject to the distribution until the entire distribution is complete.
Regulation M also restricts bids or purchases made in order to stabilize the
price of a security in connection with the distribution of that security. We do
not intend to engage in any passive market making or stabilization transactions
during the course of the distribution described in this prospectus. All of the
foregoing may affect the marketability of the shares offered pursuant to this
prospectus.
General
We are paying the expenses incurred in connection with preparing and
filing this prospectus and the registration statement to which it relates, other
than selling commissions. In addition, in the event a selling shareholder
effects a short sale of common shares, this prospectus may be delivered in
connection with such short sale and the shares offered by this prospectus may be
used to cover such short sale. To the extent, if any, that a selling shareholder
may be considered an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, the
sale of the shares by it shall be covered by this prospectus.
We have not retained any underwriter, broker or dealer to facilitate
the offer or sale of the offered shares offered hereby. We will pay no
underwriting commissions or discounts in connection therewith, and we will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of the offered shares.
17
We have advised the selling shareholders that, to the extent necessary
to comply with governing state securities laws, the offered securities should be
offered and sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed
brokers or dealers. In addition, we have advised the selling shareholders that
the offered securities may not be offered or sold in any state unless they have
been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption
from the registration or qualification requirement is available with respect to
such offers or sales.
DESCRIPTION OF OFFERED SECURITIES
For a description of the common shares offered hereunder, please refer
to the description of our common shares provided in the Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2002. For a description of the warrants
pursuant to which certain of the common shares may be acquired by the selling
shareholders, see the section entitled "Selling Shareholders" above.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares being offered hereby is being passed upon
for us by Goodman and Carr LLP, Ontario, Canada.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus
by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon
the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the
information that prospective investors can find in the Registration Statement or
the exhibits to the Registration Statement. The SEC permits us to incorporate by
reference into this prospectus information filed separately with the SEC. The
information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus,
except as superseded or modified by information contained directly in this
prospectus or in a subsequently filed document that also is (or is deemed to be)
incorporated herein by reference.
This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below
that we (File No. 1-12497) have previously filed with the SEC pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These documents contain important
information about the Company and its financial condition.
(a) Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2003, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2004.
(b) Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2004 filed with the SEC on May 14, 2004.
18
(c) Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2004.
(d) The description of the common shares contained in our Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2002.
We hereby incorporate by reference all reports and other documents
filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements,
or other information that we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC
also maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that makes available to the
public reports, proxy statements, and other information regarding issuers, such
as us, that file electronically with the SEC.
In addition, we will provide, without charge, to each person to whom
this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of any such person, a
copy of any or all of the foregoing documents (other than exhibits to such
documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference in such
documents). Please direct written requests for such copies to Altair
Nanotechnologies Inc. at 204 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada 89502, U.S.A., Attention:
Ed Dickinson, Chief Financial Officer. Telephone requests may be directed to the
office of the Chief Financial Officer at (775) 858-3750.
Our common shares are quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. Reports,
proxy statements and other information concerning the Company can be inspected
and copied at the Public Reference Room of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
19
====================================================== ====================================================
We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or
other person to give any information or represent
anything not contained in this prospectus. This
prospectus does not offer to sell or buy any 3,600,000 Common Shares
securities in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful.
The information in this prospectus is current as of
July 2, 2004.
----------------------- ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.
3,600,000 COMMON SHARES
---------------
Prospectus
---------------
July 2, 2004
====================================================== ====================================================
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
----------------------------------------------------
The following table sets forth the various expenses of the offering, sale and
distribution of the offered securities being registered pursuant to this
registration statement (the "Registration Statement"). All of the expenses
listed below will be borne by the Company. All of the amounts shown are
estimates except the SEC registration fees.
Item Amount
---- ------
SEC Commission registration fees $1,113
NASD registration fees $1,000
Accounting fees and expenses $5,000
Legal fees and expenses $20,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses $3,000
Printing Expenses $1,000
Miscellaneous Expenses $18,887
Total: $50,000
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
--------------------------------------------------
Our Bylaws
The Registrant's Bylaws provide that, to the maximum extent permitted
by law, the Registrant shall indemnify a director or officer of the Registrant,
a former director or officer of the Registrant, or another individual who acts
or acted at the Registrant's request as a director or officer, or an individual
acting in a similar capacity, of another entity, against all costs, charges and
expenses, including any amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment,
reasonably incurred by the individual in respect of any civil, criminal,
administrative, investigative or other proceeding in which the individual is
involved because of that association with the Registrant or other entity. In
addition, the Registrants Bylaws require the Registrant to advance monies to an
indemnifiable officer, director or similar person in connection with threatened
or pending litigation.
The Canada Business Corporations Act
Section 124 of the Canada Business Corporations Act provides as follows
with respect to the indemnification of directors and officers:
(1) A corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the
corporation, a former director or officer of the corporation or another
individual who acts or acted at the corporation's request as a director or
officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of another entity,
against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an
action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by the individual in respect
of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other proceeding in
which the individual is involved because of that association with the
corporation or other entity.
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(2) A corporation may advance moneys to a director, officer or other
individual for the costs, charges and expenses of a proceeding referred to in
subsection (1). The individual shall repay the moneys if the individual does not
fulfill the conditions of subsection (3).
(3) A corporation may not indemnify an individual under subsection (1)
unless the individual
(a) acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best
interests of the corporation, or, as the case may be, to the best
interests of the other entity for which the individual acted as
director or officer or in a similar capacity at the corporation's
request; and
(b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or
proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, the individual had
reasonable grounds for believing that the individual's conduct was
lawful.
(4) A corporation may with the approval of a court, indemnify an
individual referred to in subsection (1), or advance moneys under subsection
(2), in respect of an action by or on behalf of the corporation or other entity
to procure a judgment in its favor, to which the individual is made a party
because of the individual's association with the corporation or other entity as
described in subsection (1) against all costs, charges and expenses reasonably
incurred by the individual in connection with such action, if the individual
fulfills the conditions set out in subsection (3).
(5) Despite subsection (1), an individual referred to in that
subsection is entitled to indemnity from the corporation in respect of all
costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by the individual in connection
with the defense of any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other
proceeding to which the individual is subject because of the individual's
association with the corporation or other entity as described in subsection (1),
if the individual seeking indemnity
(a) was not judged by the court or other competent authority
to have committed any fault or omitted to do anything that the
individual ought to have done; and
(b) fulfills the conditions set out in subsection (3).
(6) A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit
of an individual referred to in subsection (1) against any liability incurred by
the individual
(a) in the individual's capacity as a director or officer of
the corporation; or
(b) in the individual's capacity as a director or officer, or
similar capacity, of another entity, if the individual acts or acted in
that capacity at the corporation's request.
(7) A corporation, an individual or an entity referred to in subsection
(1) may apply to a court for an order approving an indemnity under this section
and the court may so order and make any further order that it sees fit.
(8) An applicant under subsection (7) shall give the Director notice of
the application and the Director is entitled to appear and be heard in person or
by counsel.
(9) On an application under subsection (7) the court may order notice
to be given to any interested person and the person is entitled to appear and be
heard in person or by counsel.
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Other Indemnification Information
Indemnification may be granted pursuant to any other agreement, bylaw,
or vote of shareholders or directors. In addition to the foregoing, the
Registrant maintains insurance through a commercial carrier against certain
liabilities which may be incurred by its directors and officers. The foregoing
description is necessarily general and does not describe all details regarding
the indemnification of officers, directors or controlling persons of the
Registrant.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has
been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
The rights of indemnification described above are not exclusive of any
other rights of indemnification to which the persons indemnified may be entitled
under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or directors or otherwise.
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Item 16. Exhibits.
The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
promulgated under the Securities Act have been included herewith or have been
filed previously with the SEC as indicated below.
Exhibit No. Description Incorporated by Reference/
Filed Herewith (and Sequential Page #)
---------------- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
4.1 Articles of Continuance Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2002.
4.2 Bylaw No. 1 Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2002.
4.3 Form of Common Share Certificate Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement
on Form 10-SB filed with the Commission on November
25, 1996, File No. 1-12497.
4.3 Form of Series 2003B Warrant, as Filed herewith
amended
4.5 Amended and Restated Shareholder Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
Rights Plan dated October 15, 1999, Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
between the Company and Equity November 19, 1999, File No. 1-12497.
Transfer Services, Inc.
5 Opinion of Goodman and Carr LLP as to [to be filed by amendment]
legality of securities offered
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP Filed herewith
23.2 Consent of Goodman and Carr LLP Included in Exhibit No. 5.
24 Powers of Attorney Included on the signature page hereof.
-----------------------
Item 17. Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act
of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement;
notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities
offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
table in the effective registration statement;
II-4
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any
material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
Registration Statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Reno, State of Nevada, on July 2, 2004.
ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC
By /s/ Rudi E. Moerck
-------------------------------------------
Rudi E. Moerck
President
ADDITIONAL SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person whose signature to this
registration statement appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Rudi E.
Moerck and Edward H. Dickinson, and each of them, as his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution, to sign on his
behalf individually and in the capacity stated below and to perform any acts
necessary to be done in order to file all amendments and post-effective
amendments to this Registration Statement, and any and all instruments or
documents filed as part of or in connection with this Registration Statement or
the amendments thereto and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify and
confirm all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitutes, shall do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Rudi E. Moerck President and Director July 2, 2004
---------------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Office and authorized
Rudi E. Moerck representative of the Registrant in the
United States)
/s/ Edward Dickinson Chief Financial Officer and Secretary July 2, 2004
----------------------------------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting
Edward Dickinson Officer
/s/ Jon Bengtson
----------------------------------------------- Chairman of the Board July 2, 2004
Jon Bengtson
/s/ Michel Bazinet Director July 2, 2004
-----------------------------------------------
Michel Bazinet
/s/ James Golla Director July 2, 2004
-----------------------------------------------
James Golla
II-6
Director
-----------------------------------------------
George Hartman
/s/ Christopher Jones Director July 2, 2004
-----------------------------------------------
Christopher Jones
/s/ David King Director July 2, 2004
-----------------------------------------------
David King
II-7
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K promulgated under
the Securities Act have been included herewith or have been filed previously
with the SEC as indicated below.
Exhibit No. Description Incorporated by Reference/
Filed Herewith (and Sequential Page #)
---------------- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
4.1 Articles of Continuance Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2002.
4.2 Bylaw No. 1 Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 18, 2002.
4.3 Form of Common Share Certificate Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement
on Form 10-SB filed with the Commission on November
25, 1996, File No. 1-12497.
4.3 Form of Series 2003B Warrant, as Filed herewith
amended
4.5 Amended and Restated Shareholder Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
Rights Plan dated October 15, 1999, Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
between the Company and Equity November 19, 1999, File No. 1-12497.
Transfer Services, Inc.
5 Opinion of Goodman and Carr LLP as to [to be filed by amendment]
legality of securities offered
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP Filed herewith
23.2 Consent of Goodman and Carr LLP Included in Exhibit No. 5.
24 Powers of Attorney Included on the signature page hereof.
-----------------------
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