81_FR_70646 81 FR 70449 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change Amending Section 146 of the NYSE MKT Company Guide To Adjust the Entitlement to Services of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

81 FR 70449 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change Amending Section 146 of the NYSE MKT Company Guide To Adjust the Entitlement to Services of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 197 (October 12, 2016)

Page Range70449-70452
FR Document2016-24608

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 197 (Wednesday, October 12, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 12, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70449-70452]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24608]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-79056; File No. SR-NYSEMKT-2016-62]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE MKT LLC; Order Granting 
Approval of Proposed Rule Change Amending Section 146 of the NYSE MKT 
Company Guide To Adjust the Entitlement to Services of Special Purpose 
Acquisition Companies

October 6, 2016.

I. Introduction

    On August 2, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC (``NYSE MKT'' or ``Exchange'') 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities

[[Page 70450]]

Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ a 
proposed rule change to amend Section 146 of the NYSE MKT Company Guide 
(``Company Guide'') to adjust the entitlement to services of special 
purpose acquisition companies. The proposed rule change was published 
in the Federal Register on August 22, 2016.\3\ The Commission received 
no comments on the proposal. This order grants approval of the proposed 
rule change.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78586 (August 16, 
2016), 81 FR 56720 (``Notice'').
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II. Description of the Proposal

    The Exchange proposed to amend Section 146 of the Company Guide to 
adjust the service entitlements of special purpose acquisition 
companies (``SPACs'') under that rule. In its filing, the Exchange 
stated that a SPAC is a special purpose company formed for the purpose 
of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock 
purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or 
more operating businesses or assets.\4\ The Exchange further stated 
that to qualify for initial listing, a SPAC must meet one of the 
quantitative standards in Section 101 or 102 of the Company Guide and 
must also meet the SPAC-specific requirements of Section 119 of the 
Company Guide.\5\ Pursuant to Section 119(b) of the Company Guide, 
within 36 months of the effectiveness of a SPAC's initial public 
offering registration statement, or such shorter period that the 
company specifies in its registration statement, the company must 
complete one or more business combinations having an aggregate fair 
market value of at least 80% of the value of the deposit account 
(excluding any deferred underwriter's fees and taxes payable on the 
income earned on the deposit account) at the time of the agreement to 
enter into the initial combination (the condition set forth in Section 
119(b) is referred to as the ``Business Combination Condition''). Under 
Section 119 of the Company Guide, among other things, a SPAC must also 
meet the requirements for initial listing after it meets the Business 
Combination Condition.
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    \4\ Id. at 56721.
    \5\ Id. Section 119(a) of the Company Guide requires that at 
least 90% of the gross proceeds from the SPAC's initial public 
offering and any concurrent sale by the SPAC of equity securities 
must be deposited in a trust account maintained by an independent 
trustee, an escrow account maintained by an ``insured depository 
institution,'' as that term is defined in Section 3(c)(2) of the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or in a separate bank account 
established by a registered broker or dealer (collectively, a 
``deposit account''). For the full set of requirements to list a 
SPAC, see Section 119 of the Company Guide.
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    As set forth in Section 146 of the Company Guide, the Exchange 
offers complimentary products and services for a period of 24 calendar 
months from the date of initial listing to a category of listed 
companies defined as ``Eligible New Listings.'' Under the current rule, 
Eligible New Listings include: (i) Any U.S. company that lists common 
stock on the Exchange for the first time and any non-U.S. company that 
lists an equity security on the Exchange under Section 101 or 110 of 
the Company Guide for the first time, regardless of whether such U.S. 
or non-U.S. company conducts an offering; (ii) any U.S. or non-U.S. 
company that transfers its listing of common stock or equity 
securities, respectively, to the Exchange from another national 
securities exchange; or (iii) any U.S. or non-U.S. company emerging 
from a bankruptcy, spinoff (where a company lists new shares in the 
absence of a public offering), and carve-out (where a company carves 
out a business line or division, which then conducts a separate initial 
public offering).
    Currently, pursuant to Section 146 of the Company Guide, Eligible 
New Listings are entitled to receive Web-hosting products and services 
(with a commercial value of approximately $16,000 annually), web-
casting services (with a commercial value of approximately $6,500 
annually), whistleblower hotline services (with a commercial value of 
approximately $4,000 annually), news distribution products and services 
(with a commercial value of approximately $20,000 annually) and 
corporate governance tools (with a commercial value of approximately 
$15,000 annually) for a period of 24 calendar months from the date of 
initial listing on the Exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
however, if an Eligible New Listing begins to use a particular product 
or service provided for under Section 146 within 30 days of its initial 
listing date, the complimentary period begins on the date of first use.
    The Exchange has now proposed to amend Section 146 of the Company 
Guide to provide that a SPAC will no longer be deemed to be an Eligible 
New Listing at the time of its initial listing, and instead will be 
deemed to be an Eligible New Listing at such time as it has completed 
the Business Combination Condition, if it remains listed thereafter on 
the Exchange. Thus, under the proposal, a SPAC will no longer be 
eligible to receive complimentary products and services under Section 
146 at the time of its initial listing, but will instead be entitled to 
receive such products and services if and when it meets the Business 
Combination Condition. A SPAC that remains listed on the Exchange after 
meeting the Business Combination Condition will be entitled to the 
complimentary products and services under Section 146 for a period of 
24 months from the date on which it meets the Business Combination 
Condition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, if such a company 
begins to use a particular product or service provided for under 
Section 146 within 30 days of meeting the Business Combination 
Condition, the complimentary period for that product or service will 
begin on the date of first use.

III. Discussion and Commission's Findings

    The Commission has carefully reviewed the proposed rule change and 
finds that it is consistent with the requirements of Section 6 of the 
Act.\6\ Specifically, the Commission believes it is consistent with the 
provisions of Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,\7\ in particular, in 
that it is designed to provide for the equitable allocation of 
reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among Exchange members, 
issuers, and other persons using the Exchange's facilities, and is not 
designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, 
brokers, or dealers. Moreover, the Commission believes that the 
proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act \8\ 
in that it does not impose any burden on competition not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
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    \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f. In approving this proposed rule change, the 
Commission has considered the proposed rule's impact on efficiency, 
competition, and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that it is consistent with the Act for the 
Exchange to adjust the timing of when SPACs are eligible to receive 
complimentary products and services under Section 146 of the Company 
Guide from the time of initial listing to the period immediately after 
meeting the Business Combination Condition. The Exchange represented 
that SPACs are unlikely to utilize these complimentary products and 
services at the time of initial listing, but would likely find these 
products and services useful if they remain listed after they meet the 
Business Combination Condition.\9\ The Exchange explained that at the 
time of initial listing, SPACs

[[Page 70451]]

are typically not focused on their stock price and investor relations 
to the same degree as operating companies.\10\ The Exchange stated that 
the complimentary products and services provided under Section 146 are 
targeted in large part toward the market-driven concerns of newly-
listed operating companies, and are therefore less useful to SPACs that 
have not met the Business Combination Condition.\11\ The Exchange 
stated that a SPAC that has met the Business Combination Condition, on 
the other hand, is similarly situated to a newly-formed publicly-traded 
operating company.\12\ Therefore, the Exchange said that it believes 
that the complimentary products and services provided under Section 146 
will be as relevant and attractive to a SPAC that has met the Business 
Combination Condition as to the newly-listed operating companies that 
are generally eligible for those services.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See Notice, supra note 3, 81 FR at 56721.
    \10\ Id. The Exchange stated in its filing that SPACs raise 
money on a one-time basis and typically trade at a price that is 
very close to their liquidation value. Id.
    \11\ Id.
    \12\ Id.
    \13\ Id.
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    In addition, the Exchange stated that in many cases SPACs will 
consider transferring to a new listing venue at the time they meet the 
Business Combination Condition, and that the proposed rule change will 
enable the Exchange to compete for the retention of these companies by 
offering them a package of complimentary products and services that 
assist their transition to becoming a publicly listed operating company 
for the first time.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Id. at 56722.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also stated that it recognizes that not all SPACs will 
meet the Business Combination Condition and that some listed SPACs will 
therefore never become eligible for the complimentary products and 
services under Section 146 that would be provided to an otherwise 
similarly qualified operating company.\15\ However, the Exchange 
reiterated that, given the specific characteristics of the SPAC 
structure, the complimentary products and services provided under 
Section 146 are generally not of any particular value to a SPAC prior 
to meeting the Business Combination Condition, and the Exchange 
therefore believes that those SPACs that never meet the Business 
Combination Condition and therefore never qualify for the products and 
services under Section 146 will not suffer any meaningful detriment as 
a consequence.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Id.
    \16\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted in the previous order approving Section 146 of the Company 
Guide, Section 6(b)(5) of the Act does not require that all issuers be 
treated the same; rather, the Act requires that the rules of an 
Exchange not unfairly discriminate between issuers.\17\ In its 
proposal, the Exchange has made representations that reasonably justify 
treating a SPAC that decides to continue to list on the Exchange after 
meeting the Business Combination Condition similar to a newly-listed 
operating company. In addition, when listed as a SPAC, the SPAC will 
also be eligible to receive complementary products through the 
Exchange's Market Access Center similar to all listed companies.\18\ 
The Commission further notes that a SPAC that completes the Business 
Combination Condition will be receiving the same package of services as 
an Eligible New Listing \19\ and that it will not be receiving any 
additional benefits or services by virtue of the proposed rule change. 
The Commission has previously found that the package of complimentary 
products and services offered to Eligible New Listings is equitably 
allocated among issuers consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act and 
that describing the values of the products and services will add 
greater transparency to the Exchange's rules and to the fees applicable 
to such companies.\20\ The Commission also previously noted that 
describing in the Company Guide the products and services available to 
listed companies and their associated values will ensure that 
individual listed companies are not given specially negotiated packages 
of products or services to list or remain listed that would raise 
unfair discrimination issues under the Act.\21\ Based on the foregoing, 
the Commission believes that the Exchange has provided a sufficient 
basis for adjusting the timing of when SPACs are eligible to receive 
the additional complimentary products and services, set forth under 
Section 146, from the time of a SPAC's initial listing to the period 
immediately after a SPAC meets the Business Combination Condition, and 
that this change does not unfairly discriminate among issuers and is 
therefore consistent with the Act. For similar reasons, and as the 
value of the services offered are not changing, only the timing of when 
such services are provided to a SPAC, we find that the proposal is 
consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5); see also Securities Exchange Act 
Release No. 77401 (March 17, 2016), 81 FR 15585 (March 23, 2016) 
(approving NYSEMKT-2016-12) (``Previous Order'').
    \18\ See Section 146 of the Company Guide; see also Previous 
Order, supra note 17, footnotes 11-12 and accompanying text.
    \19\ See Section 119 of the Company Guide, requiring, among 
other things, that a SPAC meet the requirements for initial listing 
after it meets the Business Combination Condition just as is 
required for other Eligible New Listings.
    \20\ See Previous Order, supra note 17, at 15586.
    \21\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission also believes that it is consistent with the Act for 
the Exchange to allow the complimentary period for a particular service 
to begin on the date of first use if a SPAC that has met the Business 
Combination Condition begins to use the service within 30 days after 
the date of meeting the Business Combination Condition. The Exchange 
stated in its filing that, in its experience, it will often take 
companies a period of time to review and complete necessary contracts 
and training for the complimentary products and services under Section 
146 following their becoming eligible for those services and that 
allowing this modest 30 day period, if the company needs it, will help 
to ensure that the company will have the benefit of the full period 
permitted under the rule to actually use the services, thereby enabling 
companies to receive the full intended benefit.\22\ The Commission 
notes that Section 146 currently allows an Eligible New Listing to 
begin using services within 30 days of its initial listing date.\23\ As 
noted in the Previous Order, the Commission believes that this would 
provide only a short window of additional time to allow companies to 
finalize their contracts for the complimentary products and services. 
The Commission notes that under the proposed rule this additional 30 
day window would only be available to SPACs that have determined to 
remain listed on the Exchange after meeting the Business Combination 
Condition and thereby treats such SPACs, at the time they qualify for 
listing as an operating company, the same as other newly-listed 
companies that qualify as Eligible New Listings under Section 146.\24\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See Notice, supra note 3, 81 FR at 56722.
    \23\ See Previous Order, supra note 17.
    \24\ The Commission expects the Exchange to track the start (and 
end) date of each free service.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission believes that the Exchange is responding to 
competitive pressures in the market for listings in making this 
proposal. Specifically, the Exchange has represented that in many 
cases, SPACs will consider transferring to a new listing venue at the 
time they meet the Business Combination Condition, and that the 
proposed rule

[[Page 70452]]

change would enable it to compete for the retention of these companies 
by offering them a package of complimentary products and services that 
assist their transition to being a publicly listed operating company 
for the first time.\25\ Further, the Commission notes that other 
exchanges have recently filed similar rule changes with respect to the 
timing of complementary services offered to SPACs under their 
rules.\26\ The Commission also notes that nothing in the Exchange's 
rules requires a SPAC to remain listed on the Exchange after it meets 
the Business Combination Condition and that such company is free to 
list on other markets. Accordingly, the Commission believes that the 
proposed rule reflects the current competitive environment for exchange 
listings among national securities exchanges, and is appropriate and 
consistent with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act.\27\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See Notice, supra note 3, 81 FR at 56722.
    \26\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78782 (September 7, 
2016), 81 FR 62937 (September 13, 2016) (SR-NYSE-2016-58) and 
Securities Exchange Act Release No. 79025 (October 3, 2016) (SR-
NASDAQ-2016-106).
    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. Conclusion

    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the 
Act,\28\ that the proposed rule change (SR-NYSEMKT-2016-62) be, and it 
hereby is, approved.
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    \28\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
    \29\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\29\
Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-24608 Filed 10-11-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P



                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 12, 2016 / Notices                                                70449

                                                  including whether the proposed rule                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                  Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 5 provides
                                                  change is consistent with the Act.                        COMMISSION                                            that, within 45 days of the publication
                                                  Comments may be submitted by any of                                                                             of notice of the filing of a proposed rule
                                                                                                            [Release No. 34–79051; File No. SR–NYSE–
                                                  the following methods:                                    2016–55]
                                                                                                                                                                  change, or within such longer period up
                                                                                                                                                                  to 90 days as the Commission may
                                                  Electronic Comments
                                                                                                            Self-Regulatory Organizations; New                    designate if it finds such longer period
                                                    • Use the Commission’s Internet                         York Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of                    to be appropriate and publishes its
                                                  comment form (http://www.sec.gov/                         Designation of a Longer Period for                    reasons for so finding or as to which the
                                                  rules/sro.shtml); or                                      Commission Action on Proposed Rule                    self-regulatory organization consents,
                                                                                                            Change Adopting Maximum Fees                          the Commission shall either approve the
                                                    • Send an email to rule-comments@                                                                             proposed rule change, disapprove the
                                                  sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–                   Member Organizations May Charge in
                                                                                                            Connection With the Distribution of                   proposed rule change, or institute
                                                  Phlx–2016–96 on the subject line.                                                                               proceedings to determine whether the
                                                                                                            Investment Company Shareholder
                                                  Paper Comments                                            Reports Pursuant to Any Electronic                    proposed rule change should be
                                                                                                            Delivery Rules Adopted by the                         disapproved. The 45th day for this filing
                                                    • Send paper comments in triplicate                     Securities and Exchange Commission                    is October 6, 2016.
                                                  to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities                                                                          The Commission is extending the 45-
                                                  and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street                     October 5, 2016.
                                                                                                               On August 15, 2016, New York Stock                 day time period for Commission action
                                                  NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090.                                                                                 on the proposed rule change. The
                                                                                                            Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’) filed with the
                                                  All submissions should refer to File                      Securities and Exchange Commission                    Commission finds that it is appropriate
                                                  Number SR–Phlx–2016–96. This file                         (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section                 to designate a longer period within
                                                  number should be included on the                          19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act               which to take action on the proposed
                                                  subject line if email is used. To help the                of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4                    rule change so that it has sufficient time
                                                  Commission process and review your                        thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to                to consider the Exchange’s proposal, as
                                                  comments more efficiently, please use                     adopt maximum fees NYSE member                        described above. Accordingly, pursuant
                                                  only one method. The Commission will                      organizations may charge in connection                to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,6 and for
                                                  post all comments on the Commission’s                     with the distribution of investment                   the reason noted above, the Commission
                                                  Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/                    company shareholder reports pursuant                  designates November 20, 2016, as the
                                                  rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the                           to any notice and access delivery rules               date by which the Commission shall
                                                  submission, all subsequent                                adopted by the Commission. The                        either approve or disapprove or institute
                                                  amendments, all written statements                        proposed rule change was published for                proceedings to determine whether to
                                                  with respect to the proposed rule                         comment in the Federal Register on                    disapprove the proposed rule change
                                                  change that are filed with the                            August 22, 2016.3 The Commission                      (File No. SR–NYSE–2016–55).
                                                  Commission, and all written                               received fourteen comment letters on                    For the Commission, by the Division of
                                                  communications relating to the                            the proposal.4                                        Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                  proposed rule change between the                                                                                authority.7
                                                  Commission and any person, other than                       1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                              Brent J. Fields,
                                                  those that may be withheld from the                         2 17 CFR 240.19b–4.                                 Secretary.
                                                  public in accordance with the                               3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78589
                                                                                                                                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–24576 Filed 10–11–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be                       (August 16, 2016), 81 FR 56717.
                                                                                                              4 See letters to Brent J. Fields, Secretary,        BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  available for Web site viewing and                        Commission from: James R. Rooney, Chief Financial
                                                  printing in the Commission’s Public                       Officer and Treasurer, Aril Investment Trust, dated
                                                  Reference Room, 100 F Street NE.,                         September 8, 2016; Mortimer J. Buckley, Chief         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                  Washington, DC 20549, on official                         Investment Officer, Vanguard, dated September 12,
                                                                                                            2016; Barbara Novick, Vice Chairman, and
                                                                                                                                                                  COMMISSION
                                                  business days between the hours of                        Benjamin Archibald, Managing Director, BlackRock,
                                                  10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the                    Inc., dated September 12, 2016; Charles V. Callan,    [Release No. 34–79056; File No. SR–
                                                  filing also will be available for                         SVP Regulatory Affairs, Broadridge Financial          NYSEMKT–2016–62]
                                                  inspection and copying at the principal                   Solutions, Inc., dated September 12, 2016; John
                                                                                                            Zerr, Managing Director and General Counsel,
                                                  office of the Exchange. All comments                      Invesco Advisers, Inc., dated September 12, 2016;     Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE
                                                  received will be posted without change;                   Amy B.R. Lancellotta, Managing Director,              MKT LLC; Order Granting Approval of
                                                  the Commission does not edit personal                     Independent Directors Council, dated September        Proposed Rule Change Amending
                                                  identifying information from                              12, 2016; David G. Booth, President and Co-Chief      Section 146 of the NYSE MKT
                                                                                                            Executive Officer, Dimensional Fund Advisers LP,
                                                  submissions. You should submit only                       dated September 12, 2016; David W. Blass, General     Company Guide To Adjust the
                                                  information that you wish to make                         Counsel, Investment Company Institute, dated          Entitlement to Services of Special
                                                  available publicly. All submissions                       September 12, 2016; Darrell N. Braman, Vice           Purpose Acquisition Companies
                                                  should refer to File Number SR–Phlx–                      President & Managing Counsel, T. Rowe Price
                                                                                                            Associates, Inc., dated September 12, 2016; Mark N.   October 6, 2016.
                                                  2016–96 and should be submitted on or                     Polebaum, Executive Vice President and General
                                                  before November 2, 2016.                                  Counsel, MFS Investment Management, dated             I. Introduction
                                                    For the Commission, by the Division of                  September 12, 2016; Thomas E. Faust Jr., Chairman
                                                  Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated
                                                                                                            and Chief Executive Officer, Eaton Vance Corp.,          On August 2, 2016, NYSE MKT LLC
                                                                                                            dated September 12, 2016; Ellen Greene, Managing
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  authority.11                                                                                                    (‘‘NYSE MKT’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed
                                                                                                            Director, Securities Industry and Financial Markets
                                                  Brent J. Fields,                                          Association, dated September 15, 2016; Christopher    with the Securities and Exchange
                                                                                                            O. Petersen, President, Columbia Mutual Funds,        Commission (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant
                                                  Secretary.                                                Columbia Threadneedle Investments, dated              to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–24572 Filed 10–11–16; 8:45 am]              September 15, 2016 (‘‘Columbia Letter’’); and
                                                  BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                            Rodney D. Johnson, Chairman, The Independent
                                                                                                                                                                    5 15    U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
                                                                                                            Directors of the Blackrock Equity-Liquidity Funds,
                                                                                                                                                                    6 Id.
                                                                                                            dated September 27, 2016 (‘‘Blackrock Directors
                                                    11 17   CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                            Letter’’).                                              7 17    CFR 200.30–3(a)(31).



                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014     20:13 Oct 11, 2016   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00064   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\12OCN1.SGM     12OCN1


                                                  70450                      Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 12, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule                 after it meets the Business Combination              initial listing, but will instead be
                                                  19b–4 thereunder,2 a proposed rule                        Condition.                                           entitled to receive such products and
                                                  change to amend Section 146 of the                           As set forth in Section 146 of the                services if and when it meets the
                                                  NYSE MKT Company Guide (‘‘Company                         Company Guide, the Exchange offers                   Business Combination Condition. A
                                                  Guide’’) to adjust the entitlement to                     complimentary products and services                  SPAC that remains listed on the
                                                  services of special purpose acquisition                   for a period of 24 calendar months from              Exchange after meeting the Business
                                                  companies. The proposed rule change                       the date of initial listing to a category of         Combination Condition will be entitled
                                                  was published in the Federal Register                     listed companies defined as ‘‘Eligible               to the complimentary products and
                                                  on August 22, 2016.3 The Commission                       New Listings.’’ Under the current rule,              services under Section 146 for a period
                                                  received no comments on the proposal.                     Eligible New Listings include: (i) Any               of 24 months from the date on which it
                                                  This order grants approval of the                         U.S. company that lists common stock                 meets the Business Combination
                                                  proposed rule change.                                     on the Exchange for the first time and               Condition. Notwithstanding the
                                                                                                            any non-U.S. company that lists an                   foregoing, however, if such a company
                                                  II. Description of the Proposal                           equity security on the Exchange under                begins to use a particular product or
                                                     The Exchange proposed to amend                         Section 101 or 110 of the Company                    service provided for under Section 146
                                                  Section 146 of the Company Guide to                       Guide for the first time, regardless of              within 30 days of meeting the Business
                                                  adjust the service entitlements of special                whether such U.S. or non-U.S. company                Combination Condition, the
                                                  purpose acquisition companies                             conducts an offering; (ii) any U.S. or               complimentary period for that product
                                                  (‘‘SPACs’’) under that rule. In its filing,               non-U.S. company that transfers its                  or service will begin on the date of first
                                                  the Exchange stated that a SPAC is a                      listing of common stock or equity                    use.
                                                  special purpose company formed for the                    securities, respectively, to the Exchange
                                                  purpose of effecting a merger, capital                    from another national securities                     III. Discussion and Commission’s
                                                  stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock                  exchange; or (iii) any U.S. or non-U.S.              Findings
                                                  purchase, reorganization or similar                       company emerging from a bankruptcy,                     The Commission has carefully
                                                  business combination with one or more                     spinoff (where a company lists new                   reviewed the proposed rule change and
                                                  operating businesses or assets.4 The                      shares in the absence of a public                    finds that it is consistent with the
                                                  Exchange further stated that to qualify                   offering), and carve-out (where a                    requirements of Section 6 of the Act.6
                                                  for initial listing, a SPAC must meet one                 company carves out a business line or                Specifically, the Commission believes it
                                                  of the quantitative standards in Section                  division, which then conducts a                      is consistent with the provisions of
                                                  101 or 102 of the Company Guide and                       separate initial public offering).                   Sections 6(b)(4) and (5) of the Act,7 in
                                                  must also meet the SPAC-specific                             Currently, pursuant to Section 146 of             particular, in that it is designed to
                                                  requirements of Section 119 of the                        the Company Guide, Eligible New                      provide for the equitable allocation of
                                                  Company Guide.5 Pursuant to Section                       Listings are entitled to receive Web-                reasonable dues, fees, and other charges
                                                  119(b) of the Company Guide, within 36                    hosting products and services (with a                among Exchange members, issuers, and
                                                  months of the effectiveness of a SPAC’s                   commercial value of approximately                    other persons using the Exchange’s
                                                  initial public offering registration                      $16,000 annually), web-casting services              facilities, and is not designed to permit
                                                  statement, or such shorter period that                    (with a commercial value of                          unfair discrimination between
                                                  the company specifies in its registration                 approximately $6,500 annually),                      customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers.
                                                  statement, the company must complete                      whistleblower hotline services (with a               Moreover, the Commission believes that
                                                  one or more business combinations                         commercial value of approximately                    the proposed rule change is consistent
                                                  having an aggregate fair market value of                  $4,000 annually), news distribution                  with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act 8 in that
                                                  at least 80% of the value of the deposit                  products and services (with a                        it does not impose any burden on
                                                  account (excluding any deferred                           commercial value of approximately                    competition not necessary or
                                                  underwriter’s fees and taxes payable on                   $20,000 annually) and corporate                      appropriate in furtherance of the
                                                  the income earned on the deposit                          governance tools (with a commercial                  purposes of the Act.
                                                  account) at the time of the agreement to                  value of approximately $15,000                          The Commission believes that it is
                                                  enter into the initial combination (the                   annually) for a period of 24 calendar                consistent with the Act for the Exchange
                                                  condition set forth in Section 119(b) is                  months from the date of initial listing on           to adjust the timing of when SPACs are
                                                  referred to as the ‘‘Business                             the Exchange. Notwithstanding the                    eligible to receive complimentary
                                                  Combination Condition’’). Under                           foregoing, however, if an Eligible New               products and services under Section 146
                                                  Section 119 of the Company Guide,                         Listing begins to use a particular                   of the Company Guide from the time of
                                                  among other things, a SPAC must also                      product or service provided for under                initial listing to the period immediately
                                                  meet the requirements for initial listing                 Section 146 within 30 days of its initial            after meeting the Business Combination
                                                                                                            listing date, the complimentary period               Condition. The Exchange represented
                                                    1 15  U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).                                 begins on the date of first use.                     that SPACs are unlikely to utilize these
                                                    2 17  CFR 240.19b–4.                                       The Exchange has now proposed to                  complimentary products and services at
                                                    3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78586
                                                                                                            amend Section 146 of the Company                     the time of initial listing, but would
                                                  (August 16, 2016), 81 FR 56720 (‘‘Notice’’).
                                                    4 Id. at 56721.
                                                                                                            Guide to provide that a SPAC will no                 likely find these products and services
                                                    5 Id. Section 119(a) of the Company Guide               longer be deemed to be an Eligible New               useful if they remain listed after they
                                                  requires that at least 90% of the gross proceeds from     Listing at the time of its initial listing,          meet the Business Combination
                                                  the SPAC’s initial public offering and any                and instead will be deemed to be an                  Condition.9 The Exchange explained
                                                  concurrent sale by the SPAC of equity securities          Eligible New Listing at such time as it              that at the time of initial listing, SPACs
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                                                  must be deposited in a trust account maintained by
                                                  an independent trustee, an escrow account
                                                                                                            has completed the Business
                                                  maintained by an ‘‘insured depository institution,’’      Combination Condition, if it remains                   6 15 U.S.C. 78f. In approving this proposed rule

                                                  as that term is defined in Section 3(c)(2) of the         listed thereafter on the Exchange. Thus,             change, the Commission has considered the
                                                  Federal Deposit Insurance Act, or in a separate bank                                                           proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition,
                                                                                                            under the proposal, a SPAC will no                   and capital formation. See 15 U.S.C. 78c(f).
                                                  account established by a registered broker or dealer
                                                  (collectively, a ‘‘deposit account’’). For the full set
                                                                                                            longer be eligible to receive                          7 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4) and (5).

                                                  of requirements to list a SPAC, see Section 119 of        complimentary products and services                    8 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).

                                                  the Company Guide.                                        under Section 146 at the time of its                   9 See Notice, supra note 3, 81 FR at 56721.




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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 12, 2016 / Notices                                                 70451

                                                  are typically not focused on their stock                 meaningful detriment as a                             after a SPAC meets the Business
                                                  price and investor relations to the same                 consequence.16                                        Combination Condition, and that this
                                                  degree as operating companies.10 The                        As noted in the previous order                     change does not unfairly discriminate
                                                  Exchange stated that the complimentary                   approving Section 146 of the Company                  among issuers and is therefore
                                                  products and services provided under                     Guide, Section 6(b)(5) of the Act does                consistent with the Act. For similar
                                                  Section 146 are targeted in large part                   not require that all issuers be treated the           reasons, and as the value of the services
                                                  toward the market-driven concerns of                     same; rather, the Act requires that the               offered are not changing, only the
                                                  newly-listed operating companies, and                    rules of an Exchange not unfairly                     timing of when such services are
                                                  are therefore less useful to SPACs that                  discriminate between issuers.17 In its                provided to a SPAC, we find that the
                                                  have not met the Business Combination                    proposal, the Exchange has made                       proposal is consistent with Section
                                                  Condition.11 The Exchange stated that a                  representations that reasonably justify               6(b)(4) of the Act.
                                                  SPAC that has met the Business                           treating a SPAC that decides to continue                 The Commission also believes that it
                                                  Combination Condition, on the other                      to list on the Exchange after meeting the             is consistent with the Act for the
                                                  hand, is similarly situated to a newly-                  Business Combination Condition similar                Exchange to allow the complimentary
                                                  formed publicly-traded operating                         to a newly-listed operating company. In               period for a particular service to begin
                                                  company.12 Therefore, the Exchange                       addition, when listed as a SPAC, the                  on the date of first use if a SPAC that
                                                  said that it believes that the                           SPAC will also be eligible to receive                 has met the Business Combination
                                                  complimentary products and services                      complementary products through the                    Condition begins to use the service
                                                  provided under Section 146 will be as                    Exchange’s Market Access Center                       within 30 days after the date of meeting
                                                                                                           similar to all listed companies.18 The                the Business Combination Condition.
                                                  relevant and attractive to a SPAC that
                                                                                                           Commission further notes that a SPAC                  The Exchange stated in its filing that, in
                                                  has met the Business Combination
                                                                                                           that completes the Business                           its experience, it will often take
                                                  Condition as to the newly-listed
                                                                                                           Combination Condition will be                         companies a period of time to review
                                                  operating companies that are generally
                                                                                                           receiving the same package of services                and complete necessary contracts and
                                                  eligible for those services.13
                                                                                                           as an Eligible New Listing 19 and that it             training for the complimentary products
                                                     In addition, the Exchange stated that                 will not be receiving any additional                  and services under Section 146
                                                  in many cases SPACs will consider                        benefits or services by virtue of the                 following their becoming eligible for
                                                  transferring to a new listing venue at the               proposed rule change. The Commission                  those services and that allowing this
                                                  time they meet the Business                              has previously found that the package of              modest 30 day period, if the company
                                                  Combination Condition, and that the                      complimentary products and services                   needs it, will help to ensure that the
                                                  proposed rule change will enable the                     offered to Eligible New Listings is                   company will have the benefit of the
                                                  Exchange to compete for the retention of                 equitably allocated among issuers                     full period permitted under the rule to
                                                  these companies by offering them a                       consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the                actually use the services, thereby
                                                  package of complimentary products and                    Act and that describing the values of the             enabling companies to receive the full
                                                  services that assist their transition to                 products and services will add greater                intended benefit.22 The Commission
                                                  becoming a publicly listed operating                     transparency to the Exchange’s rules                  notes that Section 146 currently allows
                                                  company for the first time.14                            and to the fees applicable to such                    an Eligible New Listing to begin using
                                                     The Exchange also stated that it                      companies.20 The Commission also                      services within 30 days of its initial
                                                                                                           previously noted that describing in the               listing date.23 As noted in the Previous
                                                  recognizes that not all SPACs will meet
                                                                                                           Company Guide the products and                        Order, the Commission believes that
                                                  the Business Combination Condition
                                                                                                           services available to listed companies                this would provide only a short window
                                                  and that some listed SPACs will
                                                                                                           and their associated values will ensure               of additional time to allow companies to
                                                  therefore never become eligible for the
                                                                                                           that individual listed companies are not              finalize their contracts for the
                                                  complimentary products and services
                                                                                                           given specially negotiated packages of                complimentary products and services.
                                                  under Section 146 that would be
                                                                                                           products or services to list or remain                The Commission notes that under the
                                                  provided to an otherwise similarly
                                                                                                           listed that would raise unfair                        proposed rule this additional 30 day
                                                  qualified operating company.15
                                                                                                           discrimination issues under the Act.21                window would only be available to
                                                  However, the Exchange reiterated that,
                                                                                                           Based on the foregoing, the Commission                SPACs that have determined to remain
                                                  given the specific characteristics of the
                                                                                                           believes that the Exchange has provided               listed on the Exchange after meeting the
                                                  SPAC structure, the complimentary
                                                                                                           a sufficient basis for adjusting the                  Business Combination Condition and
                                                  products and services provided under                     timing of when SPACs are eligible to
                                                  Section 146 are generally not of any                                                                           thereby treats such SPACs, at the time
                                                                                                           receive the additional complimentary                  they qualify for listing as an operating
                                                  particular value to a SPAC prior to                      products and services, set forth under
                                                  meeting the Business Combination                                                                               company, the same as other newly-
                                                                                                           Section 146, from the time of a SPAC’s                listed companies that qualify as Eligible
                                                  Condition, and the Exchange therefore                    initial listing to the period immediately
                                                  believes that those SPACs that never                                                                           New Listings under Section 146.24
                                                                                                                                                                    The Commission believes that the
                                                  meet the Business Combination                              16 Id.
                                                                                                                                                                 Exchange is responding to competitive
                                                  Condition and therefore never qualify                      17 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5); see also Securities
                                                                                                                                                                 pressures in the market for listings in
                                                  for the products and services under                      Exchange Act Release No. 77401 (March 17, 2016),
                                                                                                           81 FR 15585 (March 23, 2016) (approving               making this proposal. Specifically, the
                                                  Section 146 will not suffer any
                                                                                                           NYSEMKT–2016–12) (‘‘Previous Order’’).                Exchange has represented that in many
                                                                                                             18 See Section 146 of the Company Guide; see        cases, SPACs will consider transferring
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                                                     10 Id. The Exchange stated in its filing that SPACs
                                                                                                           also Previous Order, supra note 17, footnotes 11–     to a new listing venue at the time they
                                                  raise money on a one-time basis and typically trade      12 and accompanying text.
                                                  at a price that is very close to their liquidation         19 See Section 119 of the Company Guide,
                                                                                                                                                                 meet the Business Combination
                                                  value. Id.                                               requiring, among other things, that a SPAC meet the   Condition, and that the proposed rule
                                                     11 Id.
                                                                                                           requirements for initial listing after it meets the
                                                     12 Id.
                                                                                                           Business Combination Condition just as is required      22 See  Notice, supra note 3, 81 FR at 56722.
                                                     13 Id.                                                for other Eligible New Listings.                        23 See  Previous Order, supra note 17.
                                                     14 Id. at 56722.                                        20 See Previous Order, supra note 17, at 15586.       24 The Commission expects the Exchange to track
                                                     15 Id.                                                  21 Id.                                              the start (and end) date of each free service.



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                                                  70452                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 12, 2016 / Notices

                                                  change would enable it to compete for                   of 1934 (‘‘Act’’) 1 and Rule 19b–4                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                                                  the retention of these companies by                     thereunder,2 a proposed rule change to                  COMMISSION
                                                  offering them a package of                              adopt the Third Party Connectivity
                                                  complimentary products and services                     Service under Rules 7034(b) and 7051.                   Sunshine Act Meeting
                                                  that assist their transition to being a                    The proposed rule change was
                                                  publicly listed operating company for                   published for comment in the Federal                       Notice is hereby given, pursuant to
                                                  the first time.25 Further, the                          Register on September 2, 2016.3 The                     the provisions of the Government in the
                                                  Commission notes that other exchanges                   Commission received one comment in                      Sunshine Act, Public Law 94–409, that
                                                  have recently filed similar rule changes                response to the proposal.4 The Exchange                 the Securities and Exchange
                                                  with respect to the timing of                           responded to the comment on October                     Commission will hold a closed meeting
                                                  complementary services offered to                       4, 2016.5                                               on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 2 p.m.
                                                  SPACs under their rules.26 The
                                                  Commission also notes that nothing in                      Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 6 provides                  Commissioners, Counsel to the
                                                  the Exchange’s rules requires a SPAC to                 that within 45 days of the publication of               Commissioners, the Secretary to the
                                                  remain listed on the Exchange after it                  notice of the filing of a proposed rule                 Commission, and recording secretaries
                                                  meets the Business Combination                          change, or within such longer period up                 will attend the closed meeting. Certain
                                                  Condition and that such company is free                 to 90 days as the Commission may                        staff members who have an interest in
                                                  to list on other markets. Accordingly,                  designate if it finds such longer period                the matters also may be present.
                                                  the Commission believes that the                        to be appropriate and publishes its
                                                                                                                                                                     The General Counsel of the
                                                  proposed rule reflects the current                      reasons for so finding, or as to which the
                                                                                                          self-regulatory organization consents,                  Commission, or her designee, has
                                                  competitive environment for exchange                                                                            certified that, in her opinion, one or
                                                  listings among national securities                      the Commission shall either approve the
                                                                                                          proposed rule change, disapprove the                    more of the exemptions set forth in 5
                                                  exchanges, and is appropriate and                                                                               U.S.C. 552b(c)(3), (5), (7), 9(B) and (10)
                                                  consistent with Section 6(b)(8) of the                  proposed rule change, or institute
                                                                                                          proceedings to determine whether the                    and 17 CFR 200.402(a)(3), (a)(5), (a)(7),
                                                  Act.27                                                                                                          (a)(9)(ii) and (a)(10), permit
                                                                                                          proposed rule change should be
                                                  V. Conclusion                                           disapproved. The 45th day after                         consideration of the scheduled matter at
                                                    It is therefore ordered, pursuant to                  publication of the notice for this                      the closed meeting.
                                                  Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,28 that the                 proposed rule change is October 17,                        Commissioner Piwowar, as duty
                                                  proposed rule change (SR–NYSEMKT–                       2016. The Commission is extending this                  officer, voted to consider the items
                                                  2016–62) be, and it hereby is, approved.                45-day time period.                                     listed for the closed meeting in closed
                                                    For the Commission, by the Division of                   The Commission finds it appropriate                  session.
                                                  Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated              to designate a longer period within                        The subject matter of the closed
                                                  authority.29                                            which to take action on the proposed                    meeting will be:
                                                  Brent J. Fields,                                        rule change so as to allow sufficient
                                                                                                          time to consider the issues raised in the                  Institution and settlement of
                                                  Secretary.
                                                                                                          Bats Letter and NASDAQ Response.                        injunctive actions;
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–24608 Filed 10–11–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                          Accordingly, the Commission, pursuant                      Institution and settlement of
                                                                                                          to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,7                        administrative proceedings;
                                                                                                          designates December 1, 2016, as the date                   Adjudicatory matters; and
                                                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE                                 by which the Commission shall either
                                                                                                          approve or disapprove, or institute                        Other matters relating to enforcement
                                                  COMMISSION
                                                                                                          proceedings to determine whether to                     proceedings.
                                                  [Release No. 34–79049; File No. SR–                     disapprove, the proposed rule change                       At times, changes in Commission
                                                  Nasdaq–2016–120]                                        (File No. SR–Nasdaq–2016–120).                          priorities require alterations in the
                                                                                                            For the Commission, by the Division of                scheduling of meeting items.
                                                  Self-Regulatory Organizations; The
                                                  Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; Notice of                      Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated                 For further information and to
                                                                                                          authority.8                                             ascertain what, if any, matters have been
                                                  Designation of a Longer Period for
                                                  Commission Action on Proposed Rule                      Brent J. Fields,                                        added, deleted or postponed; please
                                                  Change To Adopt the Third Party                         Secretary.                                              contact Brent J. Fields from the Office of
                                                  Connectivity Service Under Rules                        [FR Doc. 2016–24574 Filed 10–11–16; 8:45 am]            the Secretary at (202) 551–5400.
                                                  7034(b) and 7051                                        BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                                                                                                                                    Dated: October 6, 2016.
                                                  October 5, 2016.                                          1 15
                                                                                                                                                                  Brent J. Fields,
                                                                                                                   U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
                                                     On August 16, 2016, the Nasdaq Stock                   2 17   CFR 240.19b–4.                                 Secretary.
                                                  Market LLC (‘‘Exchange’’) filed with the                   3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78713      [FR Doc. 2016–24732 Filed 10–7–16; 11:15 am]
                                                  Securities and Exchange Commission                      (August 29, 2016), 81 FR 60768.                         BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
                                                  (‘‘Commission’’), pursuant to Section                      4 See letter from Eric Swanson, Esq., General

                                                  19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act                 Counsel, Bats Global Markets, Inc., to Brent J.
                                                                                                          Fields, Secretary, Securities and Exchange
                                                                                                          Commission, dated September 12, 2016 (‘‘Bats
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                                                    25 See Notice, supra note 3, 81 FR at 56722.          Letter’’).
                                                    26 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 78782         5 See letter from Jeffrey S. Davis, Vice President

                                                  (September 7, 2016), 81 FR 62937 (September 13,         and General Counsel, NASDAQ Stock Market LLC,
                                                  2016) (SR–NYSE–2016–58) and Securities Exchange         to Brent J. Fields, Secretary, Securities and
                                                  Act Release No. 79025 (October 3, 2016) (SR–            Exchange Commission, dated October 4, 2016
                                                  NASDAQ–2016–106).                                       (‘‘NASDAQ Response’’).
                                                    27 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).                                  6 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).
                                                    28 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2).                                  7 Id.
                                                    29 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12).                               8 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(31).




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Document Created: 2016-10-12 00:55:31
Document Modified: 2016-10-12 00:55:31
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
FR Citation81 FR 70449 

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