Form S-3
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

The Securities Act of 1933

 


 

INTERNATIONAL ASSETS HOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   59-2921318

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

220 E. Central Parkway

Suite 2060

Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701

(407) 741-5300

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


 

Sean O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer

International Assets Holding Corporation

220 E. Central Parkway

Suite 2060

Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701

(407) 741-5300

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


 

Copies to:

 

Alfred G. Smith, Esq.

Shutts & Bowen LLP

201 S. Biscayne Boulevard

1500 Miami Center

Miami, Florida 33131

(305) 358-6300

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. ¨

 


 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 


Title of each class of

Securities to be Registered

   Amount
to be
Registered(1)
   Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share(2)
   Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
   Amount of
Registration
Fee

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

   4,518,578    $8.54    $38,588,656    $4,889

 

(1) This registration statement covers the resale of 2,086,961 shares issuable pursuant to the conversion of certain convertible notes, the resale of 200,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of certain warrants, and the sale of 2,231,617 shares held by current shareholders. This registration statement shall cover any additional shares of our common stock which become issuable by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration that results in an increase in the number of shares of our outstanding common stock.

 

(2) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457 (c) and is based on the average of the high and low prices of the Company’s common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market on July 16, 2004.

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.



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The information contained in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY     , 2004

 

INTERNATIONAL ASSETS HOLDING CORPORATION

 

4,518,578 Shares

Common Stock

 


 

This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling stockholders of up to an aggregate of 2,086,961 shares of common stock that are issuable upon the conversion of our 7% convertible notes due 2007, 200,000 shares that are issuable upon the conversion of certain outstanding warrants, and 2,231,617 shares currently held by existing stockholders. We filed this registration statement, which includes this prospectus, pursuant to certain registration rights agreements between us and certain of the selling stockholders. The common stock may be sold by or on behalf of such selling stockholders named in this prospectus or in supplements to this prospectus.

 

Our common stock is listed in the Nasdaq Small Cap market under the symbol “IAAC.” On July 16, 2004, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Small Cap market was $8.08 per share.

 

The selling stockholders may offer and sell common stock from time to time in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or negotiated prices. The selling stockholders may sell all or a portion of the common stock in market transactions on the Nasdaq Small Cap market; in privately negotiated transactions; through the writing of options; in a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell a block of securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; through broker-dealers, which may act as agents or principals; directly to one or more purchasers; through agents; or in any combination of the above or by any other legally available means. The selling stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the common stock. We will not receive any proceeds from any such sales.

 


 

The securities offered hereby involve a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.

 

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

This prospectus is dated                     , 2004.

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

THE OFFERING

   3

THE COMPANY

   4

RISK FACTORS

   6

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   17

USE OF PROCEEDS

   18

PRICE RANGE AND DIVIDEND HISTORY OF OUR COMMON STOCK

   18

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

   19

SELLING STOCK HOLDERS

   23

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

   27

LEGAL MATTERS

   29

EXPERTS

   29

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

   29

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

   29

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this document or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document may only be used when it is legal to sell these securities. You shall not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Maximum Number of Shares of our Common Stock to be Sold by Selling Stockholders    4,518,578 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
Use of Proceeds    We will not receive any proceeds from this offering.
Nasdaq Symbol for our Common Stock    Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap market under the symbol “IAAC.”

 

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THE COMPANY

 

We are a financial services group focused on select international markets. We commit our own capital and expertise to facilitate wholesale cross-border financial flows through market making and trading of international financial instruments and commodities. Our activities are currently divided into the following three functional areas:

 

International Equities Market-Making. We are a leading US market maker in select foreign securities, including unlisted ADRs and foreign ordinary shares. We provide execution and liquidity to national broker-dealers, regional broker-dealers and institutional investors.

 

International Debt Capital Markets. We actively trade in a wide variety of international debt instruments including both investment grade and higher yielding emerging market bonds. Through our client relationships, we periodically identify opportunities to arrange, purchase or sell debt transactions that fall outside the parameters of established financial markets.

 

Commodities and Foreign Exchange Trading. We provide a full range of over-the-counter precious metals trading and hedging capabilities to select producers, consumers, recyclers and investors. We engage in trading of foreign exchange in select illiquid currencies of developing countries for financial institutions, multi-national corporations, governmental and charitable organizations.

 

Recent Developments

 

In May 2004, we and an unrelated third party formed INTL Consilium, LLC to provide investment management services to private investment funds and other institutional investors. The firm will focus on emerging market securities. We received a 50.1% interest in this entity in exchange for a $500,000 capital contribution.

 

On July 9, 2004, we completed the acquisition of the foreign exchange business of Global Currencies Limited. The acquisition was structured as follows:

 

  On June 23, 2004, Global contributed certain assets related to its foreign exchange business to a new organized subsidiary of Global.

 

  On June 23, 2004, Global distributed all of the shares of the new subsidiary to its existing shareholders.

 

  On July 9, 2004, we purchased all of the shares of new company from Global’s shareholders.

 

 

At the closing, we paid the sellers $1.0 million in cash and issued them 150,000 shares of our common stock. These shares had a value of approximately $1,472,000 (based on our closing share price of $9.81 per share on July 9, 2004). At the closing, we also paid the sellers approximately $3.5 million, which amount

 

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represented the net amount of cash and liquid assets held by the new company as of July 8, 2004.

 

  We are obligated to make certain earn-out payments to the sellers. In particular, we are obligated to pay the sellers an amount equal to 20% of the gross foreign exchange trading profits generated by us during the 30 months ending on December 31, 2006 (up to a maximum of $4.0 million). Additionally, we are obligated to pay the sellers 10% of the gross foreign exchange trading profits in excess of $10.0 million per year for the 12 months ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2006, and 10% of such profits in excess of $5.0 million for the 6 months ended December 31, 2006.

 

Corporation Information

 

The address of our principal executive offices is 220 East Central Parkway, Suite 2060, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701 and our telephone number is (407) 741-5300. Our internet address is www.intlassets.com.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully each of the following risks and all other information included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus before deciding to purchase shares of our common stock. If any of the events described below actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline, perhaps significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

We do not have a consistent history of profitability and our ability to achieve consistent profitability in the future is subject to significant uncertainty.

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, we had net income of $1,264,000, compared with losses of $271,000 and $3,305,000 in the 2002 and 2001 fiscal years. For the six months ended March 31, 2004, we had income of $1,655,000, compared to net income of $127,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2003.

 

The improvement of our operating results in the 2003 fiscal year and the first six months of 2004 fiscal year is due to a substantial increase in our revenues. This increase was in turn due to improved market conditions, better marketing of our services and the establishment of new areas of business. Our management is seeking to grow our revenues in the future by utilizing our capital resources to support the expansion of our market-making and trading activities.

 

Although we believe that we will be able to increase revenues in the future, our ability to achieve this goal as well as consistent profitability is subject to uncertainty due to the nature of our business and the markets in which we operate. In particular, our revenues and operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future because of the following factors:

 

  Volatility in the securities and commodities markets in which we operate.

 

  Changes in the volume of our market making and trading activities.

 

  Changes in the value of our securities positions and our ability to manage related risks.

 

  Our ability to manage personnel, overhead and other expenses.

 

  Changes in execution and clearing fees.

 

  The addition or loss of sales or trading professionals.

 

  Regulatory changes in compliance issues and general economic conditions.

 

  General economic conditions.

 

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Although we are is seeking to diversify the sources of revenues, it is likely that our revenues and operating results will continue to fluctuate substantially in the future and such fluctuations could result in losses. These losses could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial conditions.

 

As of March 31, 2004, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $36 million. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to you including:

 

  increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

  requiring that a portion of our cash flow from operations be used for the payment of interest on our debt, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund working capital, capital, expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate requirements;

 

  limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate requirements;

 

  limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the securities industry;

 

  restricting our ability or the ability to pay dividends or make other payments; and

 

  placing us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that have less indebtedness.

 

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future, including secured indebtedness. If new indebtedness is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current indebtedness levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify.

 

We primarily depend on our equity market-making activities.

 

We derive most of our revenues from equity market-making activities, and we expect our equity market-making activities to continue to account for a majority of our revenues for the foreseeable future. Any factor adversely affecting market-making in general, or our market-making activities in particular, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our future success will depend on:

 

  continued growth in demand for our market-making services;

 

  our ability to respond to regulatory and technological changes; and

 

  our ability to respond to customer demands.

 

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If demand for our market-making services fails to grow, grows more slowly than we currently anticipate, or declines, our business, financial condition and operating results would be materially adversely affected.

 

We face risks associated with our market making and trading activities.

 

We conduct our market-making and trading activities predominantly as a principal, which subjects our capital to significant risks. These activities involve the purchase, sale or short sale for customers and for our own account of financial instruments, including equity and debt securities, commodities and foreign exchange. These activities are subject to a number of risks, including risks of price fluctuations and rapid changes in the liquidity of markets.

 

These risks may limit our ability to either resell financial instruments we purchased or to repurchase securities we sold in these transactions. In addition, we may experience difficulty borrowing financial instruments to make delivery to purchasers to whom we sold short, or lenders from whom we have borrowed. From time to time, we have large position concentrations in securities of a single issuer or issuers in specific countries and markets. This concentration could result in higher trading losses than would occur if our positions and activities were less concentrated.

 

The success of our market-making activities depends on:

 

  the price volatility of specific securities;

 

  our ability to attract order flow;

 

  the skill of our personnel;

 

  the availability of capital; and

 

  general market conditions.

 

To attract market-trading and trading business, we must be competitive in:

 

  providing enhanced liquidity to our customers;

 

  the efficiency of our order execution;

 

  the sophistication of our trading technology; and

 

  the quality of our customer service.

 

In our role as a market maker and trader, we attempt to derive a profit from the difference between the prices at which we buy and sell financial instruments. However, competitive forces often require us to:

 

  match the quotes other market makers display; and

 

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  hold varying amounts of securities in inventory.

 

By having to maintain inventory positions, we are subject to a high degree of risk. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our inventory risk successfully or that we will not experience significant losses, either of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Our future success depends on our ability to grow our newly established areas of business.

 

During the 2003 fiscal year, we established two new areas of business – international debt capital markets and commodities/foreign exchange trading. We believe that these areas of business will contribute significantly to the growth of our revenues in the future. However, our ability to grow these areas of business will depend on a variety of factors outside of our control. These factors including the following:

 

  our ability to attract customers and clients for our new areas of business.

 

  our ability to attract and retain experienced personnel to manage these areas of business.

 

  the overall level of demand for the new services we offer.

 

In the event that we are unsuccessful in growing these businesses, our revenues and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

We may have difficulty managing our growth.

 

During 2003, we experienced significant growth in our business, with revenues growing from $5,167,000 in the 2002 fiscal year to $10,755,000 in 2003. We experienced similar growth in the first six months of the 2004 fiscal year, with revenues growing from $3,644,000 in the first six months of 2003 to $11,698,000 in the first six months of 2004. To support this growth, we added 14 new employees during the 2003 fiscal year and an additional 3 employees in the first six months of 2004.

 

This growth has required and will continue to require us to increase our investment in management personnel, financial and management systems and controls, and facilities. In the absence of continued revenue growth, the costs associated with our expected growth would cause our operating margins to decline from current levels. In addition, as is common in the securities industry, we are and will continue to be highly dependent on the effective and reliable operation of our communications and information systems.

 

The scope of procedures for assuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations has changed as the size and complexity of our business has increased. In response, we have implemented and continue to revise formal compliance procedures.

 

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We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our growth successfully. Our inability to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Counterparties may fail to pay us.

 

As a market maker of over-the-counter and listed securities, the majority of our securities transactions are conducted as principal with broker-dealer counterparties located in the United States. We clear our securities transactions through an unaffiliated clearing broker. Our clearing broker has the right to charge us for losses that result from a counterparty’s failure to fulfill its contractual obligations. Our policy is to monitor the credit standing of the counterparties with which we conduct business. However, we cannot assure you any of these counterparties will not default on their obligations. If any do, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

Our revenues may decrease due to declines in market volume, prices or liquidity.

 

Our revenues may decrease due to a decline in market volume, prices or liquidity. Declines in the volume of securities and commodities transactions and in market liquidity generally result in lower revenues from market-making activities. Lower price levels of securities and commodities also may result in reduced trading activity and reduce our revenues from market-making transactions. Lower price levels also can result in losses from declines in the market value of securities and commodities held in inventory. Sudden sharp declines in market values of securities and commodities can result in:

 

  illiquid markets;

 

  declines in the market values of securities and commodities held in inventory;

 

  the failure of buyers and sellers of securities and commodities to fulfill their settlement obligations; and

 

  increases in claims and litigation.

 

Any decline in market volume, price or liquidity or any other of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

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Our revenues may be impacted by diminished market activity due to adverse economic, political and market conditions.

 

The securities business generally is, by its nature, volatile. It is directly affected by numerous national and international factors that are beyond our control, including:

 

  economic, political and market conditions;

 

  the availability of short-term and long-term funding and capital;

 

  the level and volatility of interest rates;

 

  legislative and regulatory changes; and

 

  currency values and inflation.

 

Any one or more of these factors may contribute to reduced levels of activity in the securities markets generally, which could result in lower revenues from our market-making and trading activities. Any reduction in revenues or any loss resulting from these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We depend significantly on a limited group of customers.

 

Historically, a small number of customers have accounted for a significant portion of our revenues. We expect a significant portion of the future demand for our market-making services to remain concentrated within a limited number of customers. None of these customers are obligated contractually to use our market-making or trading services. Accordingly, these customers may direct their trading activities to other market-makers or trading at any time. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain these or other major customers or they will maintain or increase their demand for our market-making or trading services. The loss of, or a significant reduction of demand for our services from, any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We depend on our ability to attract and retain key personnel.

 

Competition for key personnel and other highly qualified management, sales, trading, compliance and technical personnel is significant. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our key personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract, assimilate or retain other highly qualified personnel in the future. The loss of the services of any of our key personnel or the inability to identify, hire, train and retain other qualified personnel in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In this connection, in the 2001 fiscal year, our entire foreign trading staff was recruited by another broker-dealer. The loss of these employees had material impact on our revenues and operating results during the 2001 fiscal year.

 

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From time to time, other companies in the securities industry have experienced losses of sales and trading professionals. The level of competition to attract these professionals is intense. We cannot assure you that we will not lose professionals due to increased competition or other factors in the future. The loss of a sales and trading professional, particularly a senior professional with broad industry expertise, could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We depend significantly on our computer and communications systems.

 

Our market-making and trading activities depend on the integrity and performance of the computer and communications systems supporting them. Extraordinary trading volumes or other events could cause our computer systems to operate at an unacceptably low speed or even fail. Any significant degradation or failure of our computer systems or any other systems in the trading process could cause customers to suffer delays in trading. These delays could cause substantial losses for customers and could subject us to claims from customers for losses. We cannot assure you that our network protections will work. Our systems may also fail as a result of:

 

  a tornado, fire or other natural disasters;

 

  power or telecommunications failure;

 

  acts of God; or

 

  war.

 

Any computer or communications system failure or decrease in computer systems performance that causes interruptions in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We are subject to extensive government regulation.

 

The securities industry is subject to extensive regulation under both federal and state laws. In addition, the SEC, the NASD, other self-regulatory organizations, commonly referred to as SROs, and state securities commissions require strict compliance with their respective rules and regulations. These regulatory bodies are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the securities markets and protecting the interests of participants in those markets. As a securities broker/dealer, we are subject to regulation concerning certain aspects of our business, including:

 

  trade practices;

 

  capital structure;

 

  record retention; and

 

  the conduct of our directors, officers and employees.

 

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Failure to comply with any of these laws, rules or regulations could result in adverse consequences. We and certain of our officers and employees, have, in the past, been subject to claims arising from acts in contravention of these laws, rules and regulations. These claims have resulted in the payment of fines and settlements. We cannot assure you that we and our officers and other employees will not, in the future, be subject to similar claims. An adverse ruling against us or our officers and other employees could result in our or our officers and other employees being required to pay a substantial fine or settlement and could result in suspension or expulsion. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

The regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change. New or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other United States or foreign governmental regulatory authorities, SROs or the NASD could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities, SROs and the NASD could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Additional regulation, changes in existing laws and rules, or changes in interpretations or enforcement of existing laws and rules often directly affect securities firms. We cannot predict what effect any such changes might have. Our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially affected by both regulations that are directly applicable to us and regulations of general application. Our level of trading and market-making activities can be affected not only by such legislation or regulations of general applicability, but also by industry-specific legislation or regulations.

 

We are subject to net capital requirements.

 

The SEC, the NASD and various other regulatory agencies have stringent rules with respect to the maintenance of specific levels of net capital by securities brokers. These rules include the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rules. The net capital rules govern the net capital requirements of our broker-dealer subsidiary. Failure to maintain the required net capital may subject this subsidiary to suspension or revocation of registration by the SEC and suspension or expulsion by the NASD and other regulatory bodies. In addition, a change in the net capital rules, the imposition of new rules or any unusually large charge against net capital could limit our operations that require the intensive use of capital. They could also restrict our ability to withdraw capital from its brokerage subsidiary. Any limitation on our ability to withdraw capital could limit our ability to pay cash dividends, repay debt and repurchase shares of our outstanding stock. A significant operating loss or any unusually large charge against net capital could adversely affect our ability to expand or even maintain our present levels of business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We are subject to risks relating to litigation and potential securities laws liability.

 

Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. A market maker is exposed to substantial liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state

 

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laws and court decisions, as well as rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and the NASD. We are also subject to the risks of litigation and claims that may be without merit. As we intend to defend actively any such litigation, significant legal expenses could be incurred. An adverse resolution of any future lawsuits or claims against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We are subject to intense competition.

 

We derive substantially all of our revenues from market-making and trading activities. The market for these services, particularly market-making services through electronic communications gateways, is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive. We expect competition to continue and intensify in the future. We compete primarily with wholesale, national, and regional broker-dealers, as well as electronic communications networks. We compete primarily on the basis of our expertise and quality of service.

 

A number of our competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we have. Some of them may:

 

  offer alternative forms of financial intermediation as a result of superior technology and greater availability of information;

 

  offer a wider range of services and products than we offer;

 

  have greater name recognition; and

 

  have more extensive customer bases.

 

These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or evolving opportunities and customer requirements. They may also be able to undertake more extensive promotional activities and offer more attractive terms to customers. Recent advancements in computing and communications technology are substantially changing the means by which market-making services are delivered, including more direct access on-line to a wide variety of services and information. This has created demand for more sophisticated levels of customer service. Providing these services may entail considerable cost without an offsetting increase in revenues. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships or may consolidate to enhance their services and products. New competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and they may acquire significant market share.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete effectively with current or future competitors or that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our charter may make a takeover of us more difficult.

 

We are organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Certain provisions of Delaware law may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control. In addition,

 

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certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation may have anti-takeover effects and may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the board to determine the terms of our unissued series of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares of any series of preferred stock without any vote or action by our stockholders. As a result, the board can authorize and issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of our common stock. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, because the rights given to the holders of a series of preferred stock may prohibit a merger, reorganization, sale, liquidation or other extraordinary corporate transaction.

 

Our stock price is subject to volatility.

 

The market price of our common stock has been and can be expected to be subject to fluctuation as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

 

  Actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations;

 

  Announcements of new products by us or our competitors;

 

  Technological innovations by us or our competitors;

 

  Changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by financial analysts;

 

  The operating and stock price performance of other companies;

 

  General market conditions or conditions specific in specific markets;

 

  Conditions or trends affecting our industry or the economy generally;

 

  Announcements relating to strategic relationships or acquisitions; and

 

  Risk factors and uncertainties set forth elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Because of this volatility, we may fail to meet the expectations of our stockholders or of securities analysts, and the trading prices of our common stock could decline as a result. In addition, any negative change in the public’s perception of the securities industry could depress our stock price regardless of our operating results.

 

Future sales by existing shareholders could depress the market price of our common stock.

 

If our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could fall. Such sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. As of

 

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June 30, 2004, we had 4,807,637 outstanding shares of common stock. These shares are eligible for sale in the public market as follows:

 

  approximately 1,878,832 shares are held by non-affiliates and may be freely sold into the public market;

 

  approximately 44,117 shares are restricted securities held by non-affiliates and may be sold into the public market subject to the requirements of Rule 144; and

 

  approximately 2,884,688 shares are held by affiliates and may be sold into the public market subject to the requirements under Rule 144. We have agreed to register certain of these shares under certain conditions.

 

Four of our directors have agreed to restrict the sale of the shares of our common stock owned by them. These directors are Diego Veitia, Sean O’Connor, Scott Branch and John Radziwill. They beneficially own 3,262,727 outstanding shares, or 64.7% of the total outstanding as of June 30, 2004. These restrictions will expire on the earlier of:

 

  December 31, 2005;

 

  the date on which the Company’s 7% convertible subordinated notes due 2007 first become convertible at the option of the Company; or

 

  the date on which all of the Company’s outstanding 7% convertible subordinated notes due 2007 have been converted, except for the restrictions applicable to Gold Crown Asset Management Ltd., an affiliate of Mr. Radziwill.

 

The restrictions applicable to Gold Crown Asset Management will expire on the earlier of:

 

  December 31, 2004;

 

  the date on which the Company’s 7% convertible subordinated notes first became convertible at the option of the Company; or

 

  the date on which all of the notes have been converted.

 

Each agreement contains an exception which permits the director to sell up to 25,000 shares in each calendar quarter after June 30, 2004.

 

The Company’s 7% convertible subordinated notes are expected to become convertible at the option of the Company upon the effectiveness of this prospectus. Accordingly, the restrictions applicable to the shares beneficially owned by Messrs. Veitia, O’Connor, Branch and Radziwill are expected to terminate upon the effective date of this prospectus.

 

On August 28, 2003, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register 1,446,396 shares of common stock issuable under the Company’s stock option plans. The registration statement became effective immediately on filing. Shares covered by that registration statement are eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to certain lock-up agreements and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.

 

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including adverse changes in economic, political and market conditions, losses from our market-making and trading activities arising from counter-party failures and changes in market conditions, the possible loss of key personnel, the impact of increasing competition, the impact of changes in government regulation, the possibility of liabilities arising from violations of federal and state securities laws and the impact of changes in technology in the securities and commodities brokerage industries. Although we believe that our forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding our business, future market conditions, there can be no assurances that our actual results will not differ materially from any results expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The selling stockholders will receive all of the net proceeds from the sale of common stock pursuant to this prospectus. We will receive no such proceeds.

 

PRICE RANGE AND DIVIDEND HISTORY OF OUR COMMON STOCK

 

Our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq national market under the symbol “IAAC”.

 

The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share as reported on the Nasdaq Small Cap market for our common stock.

 

     High

   Low

2001

             

Third Quarter

   $ 3.00    $ 2.24

Fourth Quarter

     2.97      0.90

2002

             

First Quarter

   $ 1.20    $ 0.55

Second Quarter

     1.98      0.45

Third Quarter

     1.70      0.65

Fourth Quarter

     1.00      0.47

2003

             

First Quarter

   $ 2.54    $ 0.53

Second Quarter

     3.00      1.79

Third Quarter

     2.36      1.90

Fourth Quarter

     3.86      2.00

2004

             

First Quarter

   $ 6.88    $ 2.59

Second Quarter

     12.20      5.02

Third Quarter (through June 30, 2004)

     10.00      5.95

 

As of June 30, 2004, we had 4,807,637 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

We currently intend to retain future earnings for use in the expansion and operation of our business. The payment of any future cash dividends will be determined by our board of directors in light of conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business opportunities and conditions, and other factors.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK

 

Authorized Capital and Outstanding Shares

 

The Company is authorized to issue 12,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had 4,807,637 shares of common stock are outstanding. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

Common Stock

 

The holders of the Company’s common stock have equal ratable rights to dividends from funds legally available therefore, when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors. Holders of common stock are also entitled to share ratably in all of the Company’s assets available for distribution to holders of common stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs.

 

All shares of common stock now outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The holders of shares of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares, voting for the election of directors, can elect all of the directors to be elected, if they so choose and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any of the Company’s directors. The holders of 50% percent of the outstanding common stock constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, and the vote by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares are required to effect certain fundamental corporate changes, such as liquidation, merger or amendment of the Company’s articles of incorporation.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. Accordingly, the Company’s board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the Company’s common stock. In the event of issuance, the preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. There are no shares of preferred stock currently issued or outstanding.

 

Dividends

 

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock. The payment of cash dividends in the future, if any, will be contingent upon the Company’s revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. The payment of any dividends will be within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. It is the present intention of the board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in the Company’s business

 

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operations and, accordingly, the board does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

General. The Delaware General Corporation Law contains provisions designed to enhance the ability of the Company’s board of directors to respond to attempts to acquire control of the Company. These provisions may discourage takeover attempts which have not been approved by the board of directors. This could include takeover attempts that some of the Company’s shareholders deem to be in their best interest. These provisions may adversely affect the price that a potential purchaser would be willing to pay for the Company’s common stock. These provisions may deprive shareholders of the opportunity to obtain a takeover premium for their shares. These provisions could make the removal of incumbent management more difficult. These provisions may enable a minority of the Company’s directors and the holders of a minority of its outstanding voting stock to prevent, discourage or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, even though the transactions may be favorable to the interests of shareholders. These provisions could also potentially adversely affect the market price of the common stock.

 

Authorized but Unissued Stock. The authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without shareholder approval. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock may enable the Company’s board of directors to issue shares of stock to persons friendly to existing management. This may have the effect of discouraging attempts to obtain control of the Company.

 

Delaware Takeover Statute. The Company is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

  (1) prior to such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

  (2) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned:

 

  (a) by persons who are directors and also officers, and

 

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  (b) by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan may be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

  (3) on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include:

 

  (1) any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

 

  (2) any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

 

  (3) subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

 

  (4) any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or

 

  (5) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with, or controlling or controlled by, such entity or person.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent for the Company’s common stock is Mellon Investor Services, Inc.

 

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of our directors for monetary damages for certain breaches of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, and we must advance expenses to our directors and officers in connection with a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, subject to certain exceptions. We also carry directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

 

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The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breaches of their fiduciary duty. They may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though an action of this kind, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholders’ investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. However, we believe these indemnification provisions are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.

 

Listing

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap market under the trading symbol “IAAC.”

 

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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each selling stockholder as of June 30, 2004, the number of shares of common stock covered by this prospectus and the percentage of total shares of common stock that each selling stockholder will beneficially own upon completion of this offering. This table assumes that all of the selling stockholders will offer for sale all of the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus, however we cannot be certain that they will do so.

 

The common stock offered by this prospectus may be offered from time to time by the selling stockholders named below, or by any of their respective pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest. The selling stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under this prospectus. The amounts and information set forth below are based upon information provided to us by each selling stockholder or its representative, or on our records, as of June 30, 2004, and are accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is possible, however, that the selling stockholders may acquire or dispose of additional shares of common stock from time to time after the date of this prospectus.

 

Information about the selling stockholders may change from time to time. Any changed information will be set forth in prospectus supplements or post-effective amendments, if required by applicable law.

 

The selling stockholders listed in the table do not necessarily intend to sell any of their shares. Selling stockholders may decide to sell only a portion of the common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus or may decide not to sell any common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus. We filed this registration statement, which includes this prospectus, because of registration rights granted to the selling stockholders, not because any of the stockholders had expressed an intent to immediately sell their shares.

 

For information on the procedure for sales by selling stockholders, read the disclosure under the heading “Plan of Distribution” below.

 

Name of Selling Shareholder


   Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to
Offering


   Numbers of
Shares
Being
Offered


   Shares Beneficially
Owned
After Offering


         Number

   Percentage

Jeffrey M. Barber

   4,348    4,348    0    0

Scott J. Branch and Barbara Branch (1)

   826,914    735,294    91,620    *

Robert and Mary Briante

   4,348    4,348    0    0

Peter and Maguy Bronson

   8,696    8,696    0    0

Steven and Kimberly Bronson(2)

   52,174    52,174    0    0

Rosemary A. Burns

   8,696    8,696    0    0

Caribou Investments, Inc.

   17,391    17,391    0    0

Catalyst Financial, LLC(3)

   200,000    200,000    0    0

 

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Name of Selling Shareholder


   Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to
Offering


   Numbers of
Shares
Being
Offered


   Shares Beneficially
Owned
After Offering


 
         Number

   Percentage

 

Catalyst Financial Profit Sharing Plan(4)

   17,391    17,391    0    0  

F. Chandler Coddington, Jr.

   17,391    17,391    0    0  

Jack Cohen

   43,478    43,478    0    0  

Michael Dewhurst

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

Dickinson Living Trust

   8,696    8,696    0    0  

Doric Associates, Inc.

   78,900    78,900    0    0  

Vincent Galasso SEP IRA

   8,084    4,384    0    0  

John Radziwill(5)

   793,766    743,766    50,000    *  

Douglas Green and Bonnie Hilton-Green

   8,696    8,696    0    0  

Bobby and Betty Haas(6)

   11,680    4,348    7,332    *  

Leonard Hagan

   69,842    26,087    43,755    0  

Hagan & Burns CPA’s PC Money Purchase Plan DTD 1/1/94 FBO Leonard Hagan

   17,391    17,391    0    0  

Hallamshire Holdings LLC

   34,783    34,783    0    0  

Matthew M. Hayden

   13,043    13,043    0    0  

Jane Herbosch

   8,696    8,696    0    0  

IAHC Investments, LLC

   260,870    260,870    0    0  

Investments & Technical Management

Limited

   52,174    52,174    0    0  

Sanford Kaston

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

Donald Kelly

   8,696    8,696    0    0  

Roberto Krell(7)

   16,087    16,087    0    0  

Sunyong Lee and Joseph A. Rosamilia

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

Leucadia National Corporation(8)

   1,046,665    869,565    177,100    2.5 %

Joel E. Marcus

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

John J. McIntyre IRA

   8,696    8,696    0    0  

Louis J. Meade

   17,391    17,391    0    0  

David Menn(9)

   15,363    8,696    6,667    *  

David R. Menn

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

Robert A. and Janice E. Miller(10)

   64,829    8,696    56,133    *  

Fabio Nadel(11)

   8,696    8,696    0    0  

Edward R. Cofrancesco(12)

   83,180    10,000    73,180    *  

Carmen V. Neckles(13)

   5,048    4,348    700    *  

Michael Weissman(14)

   6,448    4,348    2,100    *  

Albert A. Nolletti

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

Conrad J. Nowicki

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

Diane Nowicki

   4,348    4,348    0    0  

 

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Table of Contents

Name of Selling Shareholder


   Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to
Offering


   Numbers of
Shares
Being
Offered


   Shares Beneficially
Owned
After Offering


         Number

   Percentage

Sean M. O’Connor(15)

   1,004,408    912,788    91,620    *

Ivano Panetti

   17,391    17,391    0    0

Kim and David Prado

   8,696    8,696    0    0

James A. Prestiano

   4,348    4,348    0    0

Michael and Carole Psoinos

   86,957    86,957    0    0

Joseph A. Rosamilia IRA

   17,391    17,391    0    0

Jeffrey Rush(16)

   88,870    43,478    45,392    *

Joseph R. and Barbara A. Schenk

   13,043    13,043    0    0

Douglas and Catherine Schmidt

   17,391    17,391    0    0

Gary Schwartz and Sunhi Lee

   4,348    4,348    0    0

Michael I. Weintraub

   4,348    4,348    0    0

Michael H. Weiss

   17,391    17,391    0    0

 

* less than one percent.

 

(1) Mr. Branch is our president and one of our directors. The “Number Of Shares Being Offered” in the table for Scott Branch includes 367,647 shares owned by Mr. Branch and 367,647 shares owned by Barbara Branch, Mr. Branch’s spouse.

 

(2) Steven Bronson is the president of Catalyst Financial LLC, which acted as placement agent in connection with the sale of our 7% convertible subordinated notes due 2014.

 

(3) Catalyst Financial LLC acted as placement agent in connection with the sale of our 7% convertible subordinated notes due 2014. These shares represent shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants issued to Catalyst in connection with the placement of these notes.

 

(4) Catalyst Financial Profit Sharing Plan is an affiliate of Catalyst Financial LLC.

 

(5) John Radziwill is one of our directors. The “Number Of Shares Being Offered” in the table for John Radziwill consists of 569,853 shares owned by Goldcrown Asset Management Ltd. and 173, 913 shares issuable to Humble Trading Limited upon the conversion of outstanding convertible notes. Mr. Radziwill is a director and a beneficial owner of more than 10% of Goldcrown Asset Management Ltd. Mr. Radziwill is a shareholder of Humble Trading Limited. Mr. Radziwill disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of our company owned by Goldcrown Asset Management Ltd. and Humble Trading Limited.

 

(6) Betty Haas is one of our employees.

 

(7) Roberto Krell has provided technology consulting services to the Company.

 

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(8) Leucadia National Corporation has made an investment of $50 million in an investment fund managed by our investment management subsidiary.

 

(9) David Menn is one of our employees.

 

(10) Robert Miller is one of our directors.

 

(11) Fabia Nadel is one of our employees.

 

(12) Edward R. Cofrancesco is our executive vice president and one of our directors.

 

(13) Carmen V. Neckles is one of our employees.

 

(14) Michael Weissman is one of our employees.

 

(15) Sean M. O’Connor is our chief executive officer and one of our directors. The “Number Of Shares Being Offered” in the table for Sean M. O’Connor includes 780,435 shares held by the St. James Trust. Mr. O’Connor is an advisor to the St. James Trust and members of his family are among the beneficiaries of the Trust. Mr. O’Connor disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by the St. James Trust.

 

(16) Mr. Rush served as one of our directors prior to December 2002. The “Number of Shares Being Offered” in the table includes 43,478 shares held by the Rush Family Trust.

 

To the extent that any of the selling stockholders identified above are broker-dealers, they may be deemed to be, under interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

With respect to selling stockholders that are affiliates of broker-dealers, we believe that such entities acquired their common stock in the ordinary course of business and, at the time of the purchase of the common stock, such selling stockholders had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock. To the extent that we become aware that such entities did not acquire their common stock in the ordinary course of business or did have such an agreement or understanding, we will file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part to designate such affiliate as an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

Only selling stockholders identified above who beneficially own the common stock set forth opposite each such selling stockholder’s name in the foregoing table on the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part may sell such securities pursuant to the registration statement. Prior to any use of this prospectus in connection with an offering of common stock by any holder not identified above, this prospectus will be supplemented to set forth the name and aggregate amount of common stock beneficially owned by the selling stockholder intending to sell such common stock and the aggregate number of shares of the common stock to be offered. The prospectus as so supplemented will also disclose whether any selling stockholder selling in connection with such prospectus has held any position or office with, has been employed by or otherwise has had a material relationship with us during the three years prior to the date of the prospectus if such information has not been disclosed herein.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale of the common stock offered by this prospectus. The common stock may be sold from time to time to purchasers:

 

  directly by the selling stockholders;

 

  through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents who may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling securityholders or the purchasers of the notes and the underlying common stock.

 

The selling stockholders and any such broker-dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of the common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act. As a result, any profits on the sale of the common stock by selling stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such broker-dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. If the selling stockholders are deemed to be underwriters, the selling stockholders may be subject to certain statutory liabilities of, including, but not limited to, Sections 11, 12 and 17 of the Securities Act and Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act.

 

If the common stock is sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the selling stockholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions.

 

The common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at:

 

  fixed prices;

 

  prevailing market prices at the time of sale;

 

  varying prices determined at the time of sale; or

 

  negotiated prices.

 

These sales may be effected in transactions:

 

  on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of the sale, including the Nasdaq Small Cap Market in the mase of the common stock;

 

  in the over-the-counter market;

 

  in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market; or

 

  through the writing of options.

 

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These transactions may include block transactions or crosses. Crosses are transactions in which the same broker acts as an agent on both sides of the trade.

 

In connection with sales of the common stock or otherwise, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers. These broker-dealers may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging their positions. The selling stockholders may also sell the common stock short and deliver common stock to close out short positions, or loan or pledge common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell the common stock.

 

To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangement or understandings between any selling stockholders and any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the common stock by the selling stockholders. Selling stockholders may sell any or all of the common stock offered by them pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, we cannot assure you that any such selling stockholders will not transfer, devise or gift the common stock by other means not described in this prospectus.

 

There can be no assurance that any selling stockholders will sell any or all of the common stock pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, any common stock covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A of the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 or Rule 144A rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

 

The selling stockholders and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject to the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act rules include, without limitation, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the common stock by the selling stockholders and any other such person. In addition, Regulation M of the Exchange Act may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular common stock being distributed for a period of up to five business days prior to the commencement of such distribution. This may affect the marketability of the common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the common stock.

 

Any selling stockholders who is a “broker-dealer” may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. To our knowledge, Catalyst Financial LLC is the only selling stockholder which is a registered broker-dealers and, as such, it may be an underwriter of the common stock within the meaning of the Securities Act. Other than the performance of investment banking, advisory and other commercial services for us in the ordinary course of business, we do not have a material relationship with Catalyst and Catalyst has no right to designate or nominate a member or members of or board directors. To our knowledge, none of the selling stockholders who are affiliates of broker-dealers purchased the notes outside of the ordinary course of business or, at the time of the purchase of the notes, had any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities.

 

Pursuant to the registration rights agreements between us and certain of the selling stockholders, we and the selling stockholders will be indemnified by the other against certain

 

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liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act or will be entitled to contribution in connection with these liabilities.

 

We have agreed to pay substantially all of the expenses incidental to the registration, offering and sale of the common stock to the public other than commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Shutts & Bowen, LLP, Miami, Florida.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of International Assets Holding Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2003 and 2002, and for the years then ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG, LLP, independent accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under which we file periodic reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the SEC. Copies of the reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be examined without charge at the Public Reference Section of the SEC. Copies of all or a portion of such materials can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding companies, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC. You can also inspect our reports, proxy and information statements and other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York, 10005.

 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

We have “incorporated by reference” into this prospectus certain information that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important business, financial and other information in this prospectus by referring you to the documents containing this information. All information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, unless and until that information is updated and superseded by the information contained in this prospectus or any information filed with the SEC and incorporated later. Any information that we subsequently file with the SEC that is incorporated by reference as described below will automatically update and supersede any previous information that is part of this prospectus.

 

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We incorporate by reference into this prospectus our documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until this offering is completed (other than any information furnished under or in connection with either Item 9 or Item 12 of any Current Report on Form 8-K):

 

International Assets Holding Corporation

SEC Filings

 

(File No. 000-23554)

   Period or Date
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB (including the information incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2004 annual meeting of shareholders)    Fiscal year ended September 30, 2003
Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB    Quarterly period ended December 31, 2003
Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB    Quarterly period ended March 31, 2004
Current Report on Form 8-K    Filed on January 5, 2004
Current Report on Form 8-K    Filed on March 4, 2004
Current Report on Form 8-K    Filed on March 15, 2004
Current Report on Form 8-K    Filed on May 13, 2004
Current Report on Form 8-K    Filed on May 17, 2004
Current Report on Form 8-K    Filed on July 1, 2004
Description of our common stock as set forth in our registration statement on Form SB-2 and all amendments thereto   

Filed on February 2, 1994, and all amendments thereto

amendments thereto

 

We will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, including any beneficial owner, upon the written request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference (other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the information that this prospectus incorporates). Requests should be directed to:

 

International Assets Holding Corporation

220 E. Central Parkway, Suite 2060

Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701

Tel: (407) 741-5300

Attention: Nancey McMurtry

 

Our website is at http://www.intassets.com. Information on our website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

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PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate expenses paid or to be paid by the registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered. All amounts indicated are estimates, other than the registration fee.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

   $ 4,889.00

Accounting fees and expenses

     5,000.00

Printing and engraving

     5,000.00

Legal fees and expenses

     15,000.00

Miscellaneous

     2,000.00
    

Total

   $ 31,889.00

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Articles of Incorporation

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we are required to indemnify any present or former officer or director against expenses reasonably incurred by the officer or director in connection with legal proceedings in which the officer or director becomes involved by reason of being an officer or director if the officer or director is successful in the defense of such proceedings. Section 145 also provides that we may indemnify an officer or director in connection with a proceeding against which he or she is not successful in defending if it is determined that the officer or director acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests, and in the case of a criminal action, if it is determined that the officer or director had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Liabilities for which an officer or director may be indemnified include amounts paid in satisfaction of settlements, judgments, fines and other expenses incurred in connection with such proceedings. In a stockholder derivative action, no indemnification may be paid in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which the officer or director has been adjudged to be liable to us (except for expenses allowed by a court).

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Article VII of our bylaws, we are required to indemnify our officers or directors to a greater extent than under the current provisions of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Except with respect to stockholder derivative actions, our bylaws generally state that an officer or director will be indemnified against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the officer

 

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or director in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, provided that (i) such officer or director acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests; and (ii) with respect to criminal actions or proceedings, such officer or director had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. With respect to stockholder derivative actions, our bylaws generally state that an officer or director will be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the officer or director in connection with the defense or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed action or suit provided that such officer or director acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to our best interests, except that no indemnification (except for indemnification allowed by a court) will be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such officer or director has been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of the officers or director’s duty to us. Our bylaws also provide that under certain circumstances, we will advance expenses for the defense of any action for which indemnification may be available.

 

Additionally, pursuant our certificate of incorporation, a director is not personally liable to us or any of our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of his or her fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability resulting from (i) any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or to our stockholders; (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law; (iii) violation of Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally holds directors liable for unlawful dividends, stock purchases or stock redemptions in the event of our dissolution or insolvency; or (iv) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

The indemnification provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation, and our bylaws is not exclusive of any other rights to which our directors or officers may be entitled. We also carry directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

 

Item 16. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein:

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


3.1    Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB as filed with the SEC on May 17, 2004).
3.2    By Laws (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 as filed with the SEC on February 2, 1994).
5.1    Opinion of Shutts & Bowen LLP.

 

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23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.2    Consent of Shutts & Bowen, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1    Power of Attorney of certain directors and officers of International Assets Holding Corporation. (See Page II – 5 of this Registration Statement.)

 

Item 17. Undertakings

 

1. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(a) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act,

 

(b) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

(c) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

provided, however, that paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

2. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

3. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities, (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Orlando, Florida, on July 19, 2004.

 

INTERNATIONAL ASSETS HOLDING CORPORATION
By:   /s/    SEAN M O’CONNOR        
    Sean M. O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Sean M. O’Connor and Scott J. Branch, and each of them severally, the undersigned’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/    DIEGO J. VEITA        


Diego J. Veita

  

Director and Executive Chairman of the Board

  July 19, 2004

/s/    SEAN M. O’CONNOR        


Sean M. O’Connor

  

Director and

Chief Executive Officer

  July 19, 2004

/s/    SCOTT J. BRANCH        


Scott J. Branch

  

Director and President

  July 19, 2004

/s/    EDWARD R. COFRANCESCO        


Edward R. Cofrancesco

  

Director and

Chief Operating Officer

  July 19, 2004

/s/    ROBERT A. MILLER        


Robert A. Miller

  

Director

  July 19, 2004

/s/    JOHN RADZIWILL        


John Radziwill

  

Director

  July 19, 2004

/s/    JONATHAN C. HINZ        


Jonathan C. Hinz

  

Chief Financial

Officer and Treasurer

  July 19, 2004

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number


  

Description


  5.1    Opinion of Shutts & Bowen LLP
23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP

 

Opinion of Shutts & Bowen, LLP

EXHIBIT 5.1

 

SHUTTS & BOWEN LLP

201 SOUTH BISCAYNE BLVD.

1500 MIAMI CENTER

MIAMI, FLORIDA 33131

 

July 19, 2004

 

International Assets Holding Corporation

220 E. Central Parkway, Suite 2060

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

 

  Re: Registration Statement of Form S-3

 

Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to International Assets Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”), pursuant to which the Company is registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), 4,518,578 shares (the “Shares”) of its common stock, $0.01 par value (the “Common Stock”), to be sold by certain persons named as selling stockholders in the Registration Statement (the “Selling Stockholders”). The Shares consist of 2,086,961 shares issuable upon the conversion of the Company’s 7% convertible notes due 2014 (the “Notes”), 200,000 issuable upon the exercise of certain warrants dated as of March 12, 2004 (the “Warrants”), and 2,231,617 shares currently held by Selling Stockholders. This opinion is being rendered in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement. All capitalized terms used in this letter and not otherwise defined in this letter shall have the respective meanings given to them in the Registration Statement.

 

In connection with the Registration Statement, we have examined and relied upon copies of the following documents: (i) the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws; (ii) resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors authorizing the issuance of the Notes, the Warrants and Shares; (iii) the Registration Statement and exhibits thereto; and (iv) such other documents and instruments that we have deemed necessary for the expression of the opinion contained in this letter. In connection with the foregoing, we have assumed without investigation, the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies, and the veracity of such documents. As to questions of fact material to the opinion expressed below, we have relied, to the extent we deemed reasonably appropriate, upon the representations or certificates of officers and/or directors of the Company and upon other documents, records and instruments furnished to us by the Company, without independently verifying the accuracy of such certificates, documents, records or instruments.

 

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Based upon the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion that, upon the conversion of the Notes and exercise of the Warrants in accordance with their terms, all of the Shares will be duly and validly authorized, legally issued, full paid and non-assessable.

 

This opinion is limited to the laws in effect as of the date hereof and is intended solely for your benefit, and can be relied upon solely by you. We hereby consent to be named in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus as the attorneys to the extent of the opinion provided in this letter. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consents is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder, or Item 509 of Regulation S-K. Unless the prior written consent of our firm is obtained, this opinion is not to be quoted or otherwise referred to in any written report, proxy statement or other registration statement, nor is it to be filed with or furnished to any other governmental agency or other person, except as otherwise required by law.

 

Sincerely,

 

SHUTTS & BOWEN LLP

 

2

Consent of KPMG LLP

Exhibit 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors

International Assets Holding Corporation:

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-3 of International Assets Holding Corporation of our report dated November 5, 2003, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of International Assets Holding Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, which report appears in the September 30, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of International Assets Holding Corporation and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Tampa, Florida

July 16, 2004

 

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