SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D/A
Under the Securities Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 1)*
AMAYA INC.
(Name of Issuer)
Common Shares, no par value
(Title of Class of Securities)
02314M108
(CUSIP Number)
David Baazov
c/o
Ahaka Inc.
2000 Avenue McGill College, Suite 600
Montréal, QC, H3A 3H3
Telephone: (514) -992-9294
(Name, address and telephone number of person authorized to receive notices and communications)
November 14, 2016
(Date of event which requires filing of this statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), Rule 13d-1(f) or Rule 13d-1(g), check the following box ☐.
NOTE: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the Schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7(b) for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.
| * | The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. |
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes)
| CUSIP No. 02314M108 |
| 1 | NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
David Baazov | |||||
| 2 | CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) ☐ (b) ☐
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| 3 | SEC USE ONLY
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| 4 | SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)
PF, OO | |||||
| 5 | CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e) ☐
| |||||
| 6 | CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Canada | |||||
| NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
|
7 | SOLE VOTING POWER
24,951,547 (1) | ||||
| 8 | SHARED VOTING POWER
| |||||
| 9 | SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
24,951,547 (1) | |||||
| 10 | SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
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| 11 |
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
24,951,547 (1) | |||||
| 12 | CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) ☐
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| 13 | PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
17.2% (2) | |||||
| 14 | TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions)
IN | |||||
| (1) | Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 387,500 common shares. |
| (2) | Based on 144,875,427 common shares issued and outstanding, as reported by Amaya Inc. in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as furnished to the SEC on August 12, 2016 as Exhibit 99.3 to its Form 6-K. |
| ITEM 1. | Security and Issuer |
This Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D (this “Amendment”) amends certain Items of the Schedule 13D (the “Original 13D”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 1, 2016. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Original 13D. Except as set forth below, all Items contained in the Original 13D are unchanged.
This Amendment is filed with respect to the common shares, no par value (“Common Shares”), of Amaya Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Quebec, Canada (the “Issuer” or “Amaya”). The principal executive offices of the Issuer are located at 7600 TransCanada Highway, Pointe-Claire, Québec H9R 1C8, Canada and the Corporation’s telephone number is +1 (514) 744-3122.
| ITEM 2. | Identity and Background |
(b) The Reporting Persons’ residence address is c/o Ahaka Inc., 2000 Avenue McGill College, Suite 600.
(c) The Reporting Person’s principal occupation is as a private investor.
| ITEM 3. | Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration |
In connection with the Proposal (as defined in Item 4 to this Amendment), the Reporting Person has entered into binding equity commitment letters (the “Equity Commitment Letters”) with each of Head and Shoulders Global Investment Fund SPC – HS Special Event Segregated Portfolio, Goldenway Capital SPC- Special Event SP, Ferdyne Advisory Inc. and KBC Aldini Capital Limited (collectively, the “Equity Financing Sources”). Pursuant to the Equity Commitment Letters, comprising aggregate commitments equal to $3.65 billion, each of the Equity Financing Sources has committed to contribute capital to a to-be-formed special-purpose vehicle led by the Reporting Person (“BidCo”) for the purpose of acquiring Amaya.
| ITEM 4. | Purpose of Transaction. |
On November 14, 2016, the Reporting Person delivered to Amaya’s Chairman of the Board of Directors a proposal on behalf of BidCo, not subject to any due diligence or financing conditions (the “Proposal”), to acquire 100% of the common shares of Amaya for CAD$24 per share on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Proposal (the “Proposed Transaction”). Additionally, as set forth in the Proposal, BidCo is prepared to provide a US$200.0 million deposit (the “Deposit”) into escrow upon execution of a definitive agreement in respect of the Proposed Transaction; and, in the event Amaya’s US$400.0 million deferred payment (the “Deferred Payment”) obligation to the previous owners of Oldford Group Limited becomes due (the “Deferred Payment Date”) prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, BidCo will cause the Deposit to be released from escrow five days prior to the Deferred Payment Date and converted into a one-year structurally subordinated debt obligation to fund the Deferred Payment, such amount to be convertible into equity following the closing of the Proposed Transaction.
The foregoing description of the Proposal is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Proposal, which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Amendment and incorporated by reference in this Item 4.
| ITEM 5. | Interest in Securities of the Issuer. |
| Name and Title of Beneficial Owner |
Number of Outstanding Common Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percentage of Outstanding Common Shares(1) |
||||||
| David Baazov |
24,951,547 | (2) | 17.2 | % | ||||
| (1) | Based on 144,875,427 Common Shares issued and outstanding, as reported by Amaya in its Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, as furnished to the SEC on August 12, 2016 as Exhibit 99.3 to Amaya’s Form 6-K. |
| (2) | Includes options to acquire an aggregate of 387,500 Common Shares. |
The Reporting Person’s responses to cover page Items 7 through 10 of this Amendment, including the footnotes thereto, are incorporated by reference in this Item 5.
| ITEM 6. | Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer |
The information contained in Item 3 of this Amendment is incorporated by reference in this Item 6.
| ITEM 7. | Material to be Filed as Exhibits |
| Exhibit |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Proposal, dated November 14, 2016 | |
SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
| Dated: November 14, 2016 | /s/ David Baazov | |||||
| David Baazov |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Proposal, dated November 14, 2016 | |
Exhibit 99.1
STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
Amaya Inc.
7600 TransCanada Hwy
Pointe-Claire, Quebec
H9R 1C8
November 14, 2016
Attention: Divyesh Gadhia, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Re: Offer to Acquire Amaya Inc.
Dear Sirs:
I am pleased to submit this offer (the “Offer”) on behalf of an entity to be formed (“Bidco”) to acquire 100% of the common shares outstanding of Amaya Inc. (“Amaya” or the “Company”) for CAD$24 per share on the terms set forth herein (the “Transaction”). This Offer sets forth the principal terms upon which Bidco is prepared to proceed promptly and in good faith to negotiate and execute an Arrangement Agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) with respect to the Transaction.
The Offer is not, and the Definitive Agreement will not be subject to any due diligence or financing conditions and we expect that the Definitive Agreement will contain limited representations and warranties given Bidco’s familiarity with the Amaya business. As further described in this letter, Bidco has financing commitments in place representing 100% of the funds required to complete the Transaction and is prepared to provide a US$200.0 million deposit into escrow upon execution of the Definitive Agreement, which amount could be used by Amaya to fund certain deferred payment obligations described below.
Background and Rationale for Transaction
| • | Minimizing Market Challenges. As the online gaming industry continues to mature, I believe that it is in the best interests of Amaya to be positioned as a private company. The burden of reporting company disclosure obligations, combined with the short term and volatile nature of the capital markets, impedes Amaya’s ability to pursue its growth strategy. While Amaya incurs the substantial costs and scrutiny associated with being a reporting company, it obtains no benefit from being public. Given the current challenges facing the online gaming industry, the changing regulatory landscape and the risks associated therewith, and the specific regulatory and litigation uncertainties facing Amaya, the “public markets variable” should be removed – and quickly – in the least disruptive manner possible, if the Company is going to have the flexibility necessary to execute its strategy. I believe that this letter sets forth the only framework to accomplish this in a manner that is fair to all shareholders and that rewards them with immediate, compelling value for their shares on an expedited timeline. |
| • | Shareholder Support / Significant Position. As you know, I am the Company’s largest shareholder, holding approximately 17% of the Company’s outstanding common shares (“Common Shares”). I intend to roll a significant portion of my Common Shares into Bidco as part of the Transaction. |
| • | Compelling Value. The Transaction delivers immediate compelling value to shareholders of CAD$24 per Common Share, which represents a premium of 30.9% to the closing share price as of November 11, 2016 of CAD$18.34 and a premium of 60.1% to the closing price of January 29, 2016, the trading price immediately prior to Amaya confirming its receipt of my non-binding indication to purchase 100% of the Common Shares for CAD$21.00 per Common Share. The value of the Transaction should be particularly compelling to Amaya’s shareholders given that no other viable alternatives were identified during the nine-month strategic review process that was recently completed by Amaya and its advisors. |
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| • | Fully-Financed. The Offer is not subject to any financing condition. I have delivered financing commitment letters from Bidco equity investors (the “Sponsors”) in the aggregate amount of USD $3.65 billion. |
| • | No Change of Control Under the Credit Facilities. Bidco’s structure will not result in any person or group, which in either case is not a permitted holder under Amaya’s first and second lien credit facilities, acquiring beneficial ownership of more than the greater of (i) 35% of Amaya’s voting stock entitled to vote in the election of directors and (ii) the percentage of ordinary voting power for the election of Amaya’s board of directors beneficially owned by David Baazov together with other permitted holders under Amaya’s first and second lien credit facilities. Bidco’s legal counsel, has reviewed Bidco’s structure and believes there will be no Event of Default upon the completion of the Transaction as it relates to the first and second lien credit facilities of Amaya. |
| • | Expediency. Because of my familiarity with Amaya, I am in a position to negotiate a Definitive Agreement that need only contain limited representations and warranties, on an expedited basis, thereby reducing any distraction to management. I expect to be able to settle the terms of the Definitive Agreement quickly. |
Consideration
Amaya common shareholders will receive CAD$24 in cash per Common Share. Holders of Amaya convertible preferred shares (“Preferred Shares”) will receive cash consideration per Preferred Share equal to the amount they would be entitled to upon (a) conversion of a Preferred Share into Common Shares following a “fundamental change” (as described in the Preferred Share terms), and (b) a subsequent sale of such Common Shares for CAD$24 per Common Share. Holders of options and warrants will be entitled to receive the “in-the-money” amount, if any, for such securities.
Transaction Financing
The foregoing translates into a total transaction value (including transaction costs) of US$6.7 billion (the “Purchase Price”) as set forth in Appendix “A” to this letter. Bidco’s equity requirement for the Purchase Price totals US$4.1 billion, which will be funded through the Sponsors for a total of US$3.65 billion and David Baazov’s roll of common shares worth US$437 million. Furthermore, Bidco is prepared to provide a US$200.0 million deposit (the “Deposit”) into escrow upon execution of the Definitive Agreement.
In the event Amaya’s US$400.0 million deferred payment (the “Deferred Payment”) obligation to the previous owners of Oldford Group Limited becomes due (the “Deferred Payment Date”) prior to the closing of the Transaction, Bidco will cause the Deposit to be released from escrow five days prior to the Deferred Payment Date and converted into a one-year 8% interest bearing subordinated debt obligation to fund the Deferred Payment, such amount to be convertible into equity following the closing of the Transaction in accordance with the terms set forth in Appendix “B” to this letter.
Process, Due Diligence and Timing
Bidco will require only the approval of David Baazov to enter into a Definitive Agreement. We have completed all necessary due diligence and would like to engage to negotiate the Definitive Agreement as soon as possible. We anticipate being able to negotiate the Definitive Agreement and publicly announce the Transaction within five business days.
Definitive Agreement
Key Conditions:
| • | the approval of Amaya’s common shareholders in accordance with applicable corporate laws and securities laws; |
| • | the approval of the court (which will consider, among other things, the fairness and reasonableness of the Transaction to Amaya’s stakeholders); |
| • | the receipt of certain key limited regulatory approvals; |
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| • | there being no change to Amaya’s credit facilities; |
| • | there being no adverse litigation or other legal restraints which would prevent the consummation of the Transaction; |
| • | no material adverse change having occurred; and |
| • | dissent rights in favour of Amaya’s shareholders and the right to be paid fair value (as determined by a court) for their respective Amaya shares. |
Fiduciary Out and Deal Protection.
| • | Fiduciary Out and Right to Match. As is customary for Canadian M&A transactions, the Definitive Agreement will include provisions prohibiting the Board or Amaya from soliciting alternative transaction proposals. However, if a third party makes a transaction proposal to Amaya’s Board on an unsolicited basis, Amaya’s Board will have the right to determine whether such proposal is a superior proposal, in which case Bidco will have a right to match such proposal, failing which Amaya will be entitled to withdraw from the Transaction upon the return of the Deposit and the payment of a break fee equal to US$100 million. |
| • | Reverse Break Fee. In the unlikely event that Bidco fails to close the transaction when all other conditions precedent have been satisfied (including if a breach of Bidco’s representation, warranties and covenants are the cause of such failure to close), then Bidco will pay Amaya a reverse termination fee of US$100 million (which can be paid from the Deposit ). |
| • | Expense Reimbursement Fee. Consistent with market practice, in the event Amaya breaches its representations, warranties and covenants under the Definitive Agreement, Bidco will be entitled to withdraw from the Transaction and have its reasonable fees and expenses reimbursed. |
Good Faith Representation
This offer sets forth the basic terms and conditions of the Transaction, but does not contain all matters upon which agreement must be reached in order for the parties to enter into a Definitive Agreement and consummate the Transaction. The parties will negotiate and finalize the Definitive Agreement and any other documentation necessary in connection with the Transaction promptly. To the extent that any material issue is not addressed herein, the parties intend to promptly and in good faith resolve the same. By signing this offer, each party acknowledges and agrees that no party shall be bound by, or have any liability with respect to, any Definitive Agreement or any term of this offer until a Definitive Agreement has been approved and executed by each of the parties thereto.
Advisors
Any questions regarding the Offer should be directed to only to Daniel Daviau, Michael Kogan or Stewart Busbridge of Canacord Genuity Group Inc. or to Jon Feldman of Goodmans LLP or such other person as Canacord Genuity Group Inc. or Goodmans LLP may designate in writing to Amaya.
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I look forward to working with you, the Board and your advisors to come to a successful consummation of this Transaction.
Very truly yours,
“David Baazov”
David Baazov
Acknowledged, Agreed to and Accepted this day of November, 2016:
| AMAYA INC. | ||
| Per: |
| |
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| 4 | Page |
APPENDIX “A”
SOURCES & USES
| Sources and Uses - USD Millions1 | ||||
| Uses |
||||
| Purchase of Common Shares and Derivatives2 |
2,644 | |||
| Purchase of Convertible Preferreds3 |
1,149 | |||
| Assumption of 1st and 2nd Lien Credit Facilities |
2,550 | |||
| Working Capital and Transaction Costs |
393 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
6,736 | |||
| Sources |
||||
| Equity Sponsors |
3,650 | |||
| Assumed 1st and 2nd Lien Credit Facilities |
2,550 | |||
| Common Shares Rolled Over by David Baazov |
437 | |||
| Cash-on-Hand4 |
99 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
6,736 | |||
| 1. | Based on a USD:CAD FX rate of 1.35 |
| 2. | Includes funding for cashless exercise of derivatives |
| 3. | Includes Fundamental Change Shares |
| 4. | Consists of cash-on-hand as at September 30, 2016 |
| 5 | Page |
APPENDIX “B”
Subordinated Unsecured Debt Facility
November 14, 2016
Bidco is pleased to confirm that it is prepared to offer a loan facility in the amount of US$200,000,000 to Amaya Inc. on the terms and conditions summarized below:
| Borrower: | Amaya Inc. (the “Borrower”) | |
| Lender: | Bidco (the “Lender”) | |
| Facility: | Loan facility to be made available to the Borrower in a maximum amount equal to US$200,000,000 (the “Facility”). | |
| Use of Proceeds | Facility will be used to fund payment of the Borrower’s US$400,000,000 deferred payment obligation (the “Deferred Payment”) to the previous owners of Oldford Group Limited if it becomes due prior to closing of the Transaction. | |
| Maturity Date: | One year from the date of funding the Facility (the “Maturity Date”). | |
| Funding | Facility will be funded in escrow within ten days of signing of the definitive agreement to purchase the common shares outstanding of the Borrower (the “Definitive Agreement”) and held as a deposit until five days before the Deferred Payment is due. | |
| Repayment: | Facility will be converted into equity on closing of the Definitive Agreement at the same price as the price paid for the acquisition of the shares of Amaya Inc. | |
| Interest: | Interest will be payable at a rate equal to the 8% per annum. | |
| Security and Ranking: | The Facility will be structurally subordinated in ranking to existing Indebtedness. The Facility will be unsecured. | |
| Governing Law: | The Laws of the Province of Ontario | |
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If the above terms and conditions meet with your approval, please indicate your acceptance by signing in the space indicated below and return this signed proposal letter the Lender at the above address on or before , 2016 Upon receipt of same the Lender will forward drafts of the applicable agreements to the Borrower for review. For greater certainty, this term sheet is non-binding.
Sincerely,
Bidco
Per:
AGREED & ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF , 2016
Per:
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