As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on 20 May, 2024

Registration Statement No. 333-

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form S-8

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Stevanato Group S.p.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Republic of Italy   Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Via Molinella 17

35017 Piombino Dese – Padua

Italy

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Performance Shares Plan 2023-2027

Restricted Shares Plan 2023-2027

Other benefits as described herein

(Full Title of the Plans)

 

 

Ompi of America, Inc.

41 University Drive No. 400

Newton, PA – 18940

+1 (267) 757-8747

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

 

 

Copies to:

Lorenzo Corte, Esq.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP

22 Bishopsgate

London, EC2N 4BQ

United Kingdom

+44 20 7519-7000

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

Stevanato Group S.p.A., an Italian joint stock company (società per azioni) (the “Company”) is filing this registration statement on Form S-8 (this “Registration Statement”) to register (i) up to 335,082 ordinary shares, without par value (“Ordinary Shares”) issuable under the Company’s Performance Shares Plan 2023-2027; (ii) up to 335,082 Ordinary Shares issuable under the Company’s Restricted Shares Plan 2023-2027; (iii) up to 47,018 Ordinary Shares issuable pursuant to certain employment agreements between Ompi of America, Inc., and each of Riccardo Butta, Douglas Bruno and Prajesh Patel and between the Company and Diego Benatti; (iv) up to 44,996 Ordinary Shares issuable to the benefit of the Company’s directors as part of their remuneration for their office as members of the Board of Directors pursuant to the relevant shareholders resolutions passed at the shareholders’ meetings held on June 1, 2022 and on May 24, 2023; and (v) up to 34,008 Ordinary Shares which may be issuable to the benefit of the Company’s directors as part of their remuneration for their office as members of the Board of Directors pursuant to the shareholders resolutions which may be passed at the shareholders’ meeting to be held on May 22, 2024 based on the relevant proposal approved by the Board of Directors and included in the Explanatory report on the items on the agenda dated April 10, 2024.

PART I.

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS

The information required by Item 1 and Item 2 of Part I of Form S-8 is omitted from this filing in accordance with Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the introductory note to Part I of Form S-8. The document(s) containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to the participants as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act. Such documents are not required to be, and are not, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), either as part of this Registration Statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act. These documents, and the documents incorporated by reference herein pursuant to Item 3 of Part II hereof, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.

PART II.

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference

The following documents, previously filed by the Company with the SEC, are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement:

(a)  The Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-40618) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2024; and

(b) The description of the Ordinary Shares contained in the Company’s registration statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-40618) filed with the SEC on July 15, 2021, pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including the description of the Ordinary Shares included as Exhibit  2.1 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-40618) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with SEC on March 7, 2024, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

All reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on or after the date of this Registration Statement, but prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement that indicates that all Ordinary Shares offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all Ordinary Shares then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents; provided, however, that documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with the rules of the SEC shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement.

 

2


Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.

Item 4. Description of Securities

Not applicable.

Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Italian law does not limit the extent to which a company may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent indemnification is provided against damages costs and expenses for which officers and directors are held liable towards the company or, in any case, as a consequence of the wrongful, intentional or grossly negligent acts or omissions, or such indemnification is held to be contrary to public policy, such as in case of criminal or administrative financial penalties.

Pursuant to the indemnification agreements, the form of which are incorporated by reference as Exhibit 4.6 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F, with our directors and executive officers, we have agreed to indemnify such directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being such a director or officer.

In particular, if officers or directors are made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding other than by or in the right of the Company, whether civil or criminal, we provide for indemnification of officers and directors for damages, costs, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses incurred in their capacities as such only if they acted in good faith, and for a purpose that they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company and, in criminal actions or proceedings, in addition, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Moreover, if officers or directors are made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action by or in the right of the Company, we provide for indemnification of officers and directors for damages, costs, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses incurred in their capacities as such only if they acted in good faith, for a purpose which they reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of a threatened action or pending action that is settled or otherwise disposed of, or any claim, issue or matter as to which such officers or directors shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 7. Exemption from registration claimed

Not applicable.

Item 8. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Numbers

  

Description

4.1*    Amended Articles of Association of Stevanato Group S.p.A.
4.2     Certificate of Incorporation of Stevanato Group S.p.A. (incorporated by reference to Stevanato Group S.p.A.’s Form F-1 filed June 21, 2021).

 

3


4.3     Performance Shares Plan 2023-2027 (incorporated by reference to Stevanato Group S.p.A.’s Form 20-F filed March 2, 2023).
4.4     Restricted Shares Plan 2023-2027 (incorporated by reference to Stevanato Group S.p.A.’s Form 20-F filed March 2, 2023).
5.1*    Opinion of Chiomenti.
23.1*    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A., independent registered public accounting firm of Stevanato Group S.p.A. for the year ended December 31, 2023.
23.2*    Consent of EY S.p.A., independent registered public accounting firm of Stevanato Group S.p.A. for the two years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
23.3*    Consent of Chiomenti (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1*    Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
107*    Filing Fee Table.

 

*

Filed herewith

Item 9. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

  (1)

to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

 

  (i)

to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

 

  (ii)

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

 

  (iii)

to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement.

provided, however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement; and

 

  (2)

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

 

  (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.

The registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities 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.

 

4


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

 

5


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing the Registration Statement on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Piombino Dese, Italy, on May 20, 2024.

 

STEVANATO GROUP S.P.A.

By:  

/s/ Franco Moro

  Name: Franco Moro
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

6


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below severally constitutes and appoints Franco Moro his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and any and all related registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Sergio Stevanato

   Director—Emeritus Chairman   May 20, 2024
Sergio Stevanato     

/s/ Franco Stevanato

   Director—Executive Chairman   May 20, 2024
Franco Stevanato     

/s/ Marco Stevanato

   Director—Vice-Chairman   May 20, 2024
Marco Stevanato     

/s/ Fabiano Nicoletti

   Director   May 20, 2024
Fabiano Nicoletti     

/s/ Alvise Spinazzi

   Director   May 20, 2024
Alvise Spinazzi     

/s/ Fabrizio Bonanni

   Director   May 20, 2024
Fabrizio Bonanni     

/s/ Fabio Buttignon

   Director   May 20, 2024
Fabio Buttignon     

/s/ Madhavan Balachandran

   Director   May 20, 2024
Madhavan Balachandran     

/s/ Donald Eugene Morel Jr.

   Director   May 20, 2024
Donald Eugene Morel Jr.     

 

7


Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ William Federici

   Director   May 20, 2024
William Federici     

/s/ Paola Vezzaro

   Director   May 20, 2024
Paola Vezzaro     

/s/ Franco Moro

   Director, Chief Executive Officer   May 20, 2024
Franco Moro     

/s/ Marco Dal Lago

   Chief Financial Officer   May 20, 2024
Marco Dal Lago     

 

8


SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Stevanato Group S.p.A. has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in Philadelphia, United States on May 20, 2024.

 

Authorized U.S. Representative
By:  

/s/ Douglas Bruno

Name: Douglas Bruno
Title: Senior VP, General Counsel and Secretary

 

9

Exhibit 4.1

UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

This document is an English translation of a document in Italian language

BY-LAWS

TITLE I

DENOMINATION - REGISTERED OFFICE – CORPORATE PURPOSE – DURATION

Article 1

Denomination

 

1.1

The Company is denominated “Stevanato Group Società per Azioni”, abbreviated to “Stevanato Group S.p.A.”.

Article 2

Registered office

 

2.1

The Company has its registered office in the Municipality of Piombino Dese (Pd).

Article 3

Applicable Provisions

 

3.1

The Company is subject to the provisions of the Italian Civil Code relating to joint stock companies and all other laws and regulations applicable to joint stock companies.

 

3.2

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the provisions of the Italian Civil Code applicable to listed companies will also be applicable, pursuant to article 2325-bis of the Italian Civil Code.

 

3.3

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on a European regulated market, the provisions of legislative decree 58/1998 and the other laws relating to the same matter shall apply to the Company, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Articles.

Article 4

Corporate purpose

 

4.1

The corporate purpose of the Company is as follows and comprises:

 

  i)

the undertaking, holding and management of shareholdings and interests of any kind, both directly and indirectly, in other companies and entities, including consortia, both under Italian and foreign law, whatever their purpose and object; in particular, the Company takes on, holds and manages shareholdings in companies operating in the fields of design, production and commerce of containers, packaging systems, drug delivery systems, automatic assembly systems and other goods and services predominantly (but not exclusively) for the pharmaceutical industry and other connected or related sectors;

 

  ii)

the provision of administrative, financial, commercial and management services in general aimed at the management and strategic, technical and/or financial coordination

 

1


  or, in any event, provided in the interest of the subsidiaries companies and entities, including but not limited to: the coordination of the operational strategies, investment programs and development plans; the coordination of financial policy, centralized treasury operations and the granting of financing; the exercise of promotion and research activities; the use of technological assets, name and intellectual property rights; the administration and management of personnel, both for operational and disciplinary effects;

 

  iii)

the study, creation, undertaking, licensing, registration, filing, management, purchase, and transfer of all types of rights relating to intangible assets of any kind, patents for industrial inventions, and for ornamental or utility models, trademarks and know-how;

 

  iv)

the purchase, sale, possession and enjoyment of shares and bonds as well as other financial instruments, real rights and/or options in general on the same, whether issued and/or circulating in Italy or abroad;

 

  v)

the purchase, construction, sale, exchange, personal management of civil and industrial, rustic and urban real estate.

The activities in paragraphs (i) and (ii) will not be exercised vis-à-vis the public, but will be aimed at a stable investment purpose. In particular, any activity of a fiduciary nature, collection of savings, credit exercise, placement on the market of financial instruments is excluded; all other activities reserved by law are also excluded.

Consequently, in a non-predominant and instrumental manner for the achievement of the Company’s corporate purpose, the Company may carry out all commercial, financial, industrial, securities and real estate operations; it may also grant sureties, endorsements, deposits and guarantees in general, including in favor of third parties.

 

4.2

The Company exercises and organizes its own activity with the objective of pursuing success and sustainable growth through the creation of long-term value for the benefit of shareholders, taking into account the interests of other stakeholders relevant to the Company.

Article 5

Duration

 

5.1

The duration of the Company is set until 31 (thirty-one) December 2100 (two thousand one-hundred).

TITLE II

SHARE CAPITAL – SHARES

Article 6

Share capital

 

6.1

The share capital of the Company is of Euro 22,231,562.00 and is divided into 302,842,536 shares, of which 49,475,467 ordinary shares and 253,367,069 special class “A” shares (the “Shares A” and, together with the ordinary shares, the “Shares”) all without par value.

 

6.2

The share capital can also be increased through contributions in kind or receivables and by issuing shares of different classes from the Shares, in compliance with the provisions of the law in force and of these Articles.

 

6.3

Pursuant to article 2443 of the Italian Civil Code, the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting can grant the Board of Directors the power to increase the share capital, in one or more occasions, up to a determined amount and for a maximum period of five years from the date of the resolution, as well as the power to issue bonds, including bonds convertible in shares, up to a determined amount and for a maximum period of five years from the date of the resolution.

 

2


6.4

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the pre-emption rights of the shareholders on the newly issued ordinary shares can be excluded, pursuant to article 2441, paragraph 4, second sentence, of the Italian Civil Code, on a number of share of up to 10 (ten) percent of the existing share capital, provided that the issuing price matches the market value of the ordinary shares and this is confirmed in a report issued by a legal auditing company or an auditor.

 

6.5

The Company may also issue bonds and participatory and non-participatory financial instruments, convertible or non-convertible into shares, warrants and other financial instruments pursuant to the law and as provided in these Articles.

 

6.6

The Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on October 4, 2023 resolved to delegate to the Board of Directors, pursuant to Article 2443 of the Italian Civil Code, the authority to increase the share capital in cash, on one or more occasions, also on a divisible basis pursuant to Article 2439 of the Italian Civil Code, within the term of October 4, 2028, for a maximum amount of Euro 350,000,000.00 (three hundred fifty million/00), including any share premium, by issuing ordinary shares, with no par value, carrying full dividend rights, in one or more tranches, to be offered by excluding the existing shareholders’ pre-emptive right pursuant to Article 2441, Paragraph 4, second sentence, of the Italian Civil Code (and, therefore, within the limit of 10% (ten per cent) of the overall number of Company’s shares currently outstanding). The newly issued shares resulting from share capital increases resolved upon by the Board of Directors shall be offered to persons falling into one of the following categories:

 

   

financial investors such as, for example, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment funds of any kind, and other financial intermediaries and companies; and

   

industrial investors and/or strategic partners and/or other potential investors that exercise activities analogous and/or complementary and/or similar to the Company, who can contribute to the realization of the Company’s industrial plans and projects.

Article 7

Shares – Shareholders’ register - Entitlement to exercise corporate rights

 

7.1

The Shares are not represented by share certificates, pursuant to article 2346, paragraph 1, of the Italian Civil Code, and are not subject to the dematerialization regime pursuant to article 83-bis and following of the Italian Financial Act (Testo Unico della Finanza). Therefore, the entitlement to exercise corporate rights is subject to the provisions of article 2355, paragraph 1, of the Italian Civil Code, save as provided in these Articles.

 

7.2

The Company keeps, in compliance with applicable laws, the shareholders register, in paper form or in electronic form, in compliance with the provisions of article 2215-bis of the Italian Civil Code and the applicable laws and regulations (the “Shareholders’ Register”).

 

7.3

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the ordinary shares are transferred on the basis of the documentation and/or the computer techniques commonly used in such market, provided that such documentation and techniques shall comply with the applicable provisions of Unites States law and the regulations of the NYSE.

 

7.4

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the Board of Directors has the power to institute and hold a paper and/or electronic register, which methods and functions shall be compliant with United States law (the “US Register”), where to register the direct holders of the shares and the related share transfers, subsequently making a corresponding annotation in the Shareholders’ Register, also through a third-party provider authorized to provide transfer agency services in relation to financial instruments traded on the NYSE and supervised by the competent United States authorities (the “Transfer Agent & Registrar”). When and if the US register is instituted, as a result of trading of ordinary shares on the NYSE, recording the transfers of such shares in the US Register is a condition for the regularity and validity of the subsequent and corresponding registrations in the Shareholders’ Register, without prejudice to the legal nature and relevance of the latter pursuant to the Italian legislation.

 

3


7.5

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the Board of Directors may also set up procedures for the identification of those who - as a result of the registration in the US Register of a single depositary of the ordinary shares designated by the company entrusted with the centralized management of the US Register in accordance with applicable laws (the “Holder of Record”) - indirectly hold the ordinary shares (the “Beneficial Owners”) and the right to indirectly exercise corporate rights pursuant to article 7.6(b) below. These procedures can be implemented also through third-party providers.

 

7.6

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the entitlement to exercise corporate rights is governed as follows:

 

  a)

all the entities registered as direct holders of the ordinary shares, and therefore registered in the US Register and in the Shareholders’ Register are entitled on their own by virtue of the aforementioned registration and can therefore exercise all corporate rights in the forms provided for by law and by these Articles of Association;

 

  b)

all the Beneficial Owners who are not registered as direct owners of the shares in the US Register or in the Shareholders’ Register, not being entitled to the exercise the corporate rights in their own name, can exercise all corporate rights, including participation and voting in the shareholders’ meeting, (i) collectively, through the Holder of Record registered both in the US Register and in the Shareholders’ Register or a person specifically appointed by the Holder of Record, or (ii) individually, through the same Holder of Record or a person who was specifically appointed by, or received specific authorization and/or delegation from, the Holder of Record, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

No obligation to update the US Register and the Shareholders’ Register results from the exercise of corporate rights by the Beneficial Owners, in the name of the Holder of Record, either collectively or individually.

 

7.7

The ordinary shares are registered, indivisible, freely transferrable and grant the holders equal rights. In particular, each ordinary share grants the right to one vote in the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of the Company and the other financial and administrative rights pertaining to shareholders pursuant to the law and these Articles.

 

7.8

The Class A Shares have the same characteristics and grant the same rights as the ordinary shares, save for the following:

 

  a)

every Class A Share grants the right to 3 (three) votes pursuant to article 2351, paragraph 4, of the Italian Civil Code in the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of the Company;

 

  b)

the Class A Shares convert automatically (without any resolutions of the extraordinary meeting of the holders of Class A Shares or the shareholders’ meeting) in ordinary shares, with the ratio of one ordinary share for each Class A Share, in the event of a transfer of such Class A Shares to anyone other than Sergio Stevanato (born in Venice on March 20, 1943), his descendants (collectively the “Stevanato Family”), any company or other entity controlled, even jointly, directly or indirectly, by one or more members of the Stevanato Family, or a trust (or, alternatively, by the related trustees) instituted by members of the Stevanato Family, provided that the beneficiaries are (or may be) one or more members of the Stevanato Family. “Control” has the meaning specified by article 2359, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Italian Civil Code;

 

  c)

the Class A Shares are convertible into ordinary shares at the ratio of one ordinary share for each Class A Share, in whole or in part and also in several instalments, upon request of the holder via notice to be sent to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, copying the Chairman of the Audit Committee, by registered mail, e-mail or any other means suitable to provide proof of receipt.

 

7.9

The Board of Directors acknowledges the occurrence of an event resulting in a conversion of Class A Shares in ordinary shares pursuant to article 7.8 letters (b) and (c) above (each, a

 

4


  Conversion Event”) with a resolution passed in the first meeting following the occurrence of such Conversion Event or when known by at least one directors and, in any event, within 15 (fifteen) days of the occurrence of such Conversion Event or from when known by at least one director, with the majorities referred to in article 21.3 below. Failing the acknowledgment of the Board of Directors, the occurrence of a Conversion Event is acknowledged by the Audit Committee with a resolution passed with the majorities referred to in article 25.3 below within the following 15 (fifteen) days. Following the acknowledgment of the Conversion Event, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company or, failing that, the Chairman of the Audit Committee shall without delay: (i) register the conversion of the shares in the Shareholders’ Register, with prior notice to the Transfer Agent & Registrar to allow the registration of the ordinary shares on the US Register referred to in article 7.4 above if necessary; (ii) make the necessary amendments to the Articles of Association, adjusting its content as a consequence of the different distribution of the share capital in the different classes of shares; (iii) deposit, in accordance with article 2436, paragraph 6 of the Italian Civil Code, the updated text of the Articles of Association in the companies’ register, completing any other formalities required by applicable law.

 

7.10

In no case can ordinary shares be converted in Shares A.

 

7.11

The Company can issue Class A Shares in connection with (a) a capital increase through new contributions in cash without exclusion or limitation of the pre-emption rights, (b) a capital increase without new contributions pursuant to article 2442 of the Italian Civil Code, and (c) a merger or demerger, in any event in combination with ordinary shares.

 

7.12

In connection with a rights offering carried out through the issue of ordinary shares only, the right to subscribe the newly issued ordinary shares will be recognized to all shareholders in proportion to the Shares – be they ordinary shares or Class A Shares – held by each of them at the time of the rights offering.

 

7.13

In connection with a capital increase to be carried out through the issue of ordinary shares and Shares A: (i) the percentage of new ordinary shares and new Class A Shares will have to be proportional to the percentage of existing ordinary shares and Class A Shares as of the date of the resolution approving the capital increase; and (ii) the newly issued ordinary shares and Class A Shares must be offered for subscription to individual shareholders in proportion to the ordinary shares and Class A Shares held by them at the time of execution of the capital increase. If any newly issued Class A Shares are not subscribed by holders of Class A Shares by the end of the offering period, pursuant to article 2441, paragraph 2, of the Italian Civil Code, and be purchased by someone other than a holder of Class A Shares such shares will assume the nature of ordinary shares from the outset.

 

7.14

In connection with a merger or demerger in which the Company is a party, the holders of Class A Shares will have the right to receive, in exchange for or in addition to the Class A Shares held by them, shares having the same characteristics as the Shares A, within the limits of law and compatibility, unless otherwise resolved by the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of the holders of the Shares A.

Article 8

Withdrawal rights

 

8.1

Shareholders have the right of withdrawal in the cases provided by mandatory provisions of law.

 

8.2

Shareholders who have not taken part in the approval of resolutions concerning the extension of the duration of the Company or the introduction or removal of restrictions on the circulation of Shares are not entitled to withdraw.

 

8.3

The right of withdrawal is exercised in accordance with article 2437-bis of the Italian Civil Code. In any event, in the cases referred to in article 2437, paragraph 1, of the Italian Civil Code, the withdrawal rights are validly exercise only if the Beneficial Owners that exercised such rights directly or through the Holder of the Record, according to article 7.6 above, prove that they did not contribute to the adoption of the resolutions giving rise to the right of withdrawal.

 

5


8.4

The liquidation value of the Shares is determined pursuant to article 2437-ter of the Italian Civil Code. If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the liquidation value of the ordinary shares is determined by reference to the arithmetic average of the closing prices in the six months that precede the publication of the notice of call of the shareholders’ meeting which resolutions triggered the withdrawal right.

TITLE III

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

Article 9

Shareholders’ meeting

 

9.1

The shareholders’ meeting represents all the members and its resolutions, taken in compliance with the law and with the present Articles, are binding for all the members, even if dissenting or not attending.

 

9.2

The shareholders’ meeting is ordinary or extraordinary in accordance with the law.

 

9.3

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, any shareholders’ agreements have to be communicated to the Company and declared at the beginning of each shareholders’ meeting pursuant and for the purposes of article 2341-ter of the Italian Civil Code.

Article 10

Notice

 

10.1

The shareholders’ meeting is convened by the Board of Directors, also in a location other than the registered office, in Italy, in other countries of the European Union, in the United Kingdom or in the United States of America.

 

10.2

The Board of Directors shall convene the shareholders’ meeting without delay when so requested by a number of shareholders representing at least one tenth of the share capital or, if the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, one twentieth of the share capital pursuant to article 2367 of the Italian Civil Code.

 

10.3

The shareholders’ meeting, both ordinary and extraordinary, shall be held on first call and, if necessary, on second call, as well as possibly in calls subsequent to the second, even if the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, unless the Board of Directors establishes, with the notice of call, that the shareholders’ meeting is held in a single call.

 

10.4

The convocation of the shareholders’ meeting, both ordinary and extraordinary, is effected by means of a notice communicated to all the shareholders by means that guarantee proof of receipt at least 8 (eight) days before the date of the meeting.

 

10.5

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the notice of the shareholders’ meeting, both ordinary and extraordinary, is carried out by notice to be published, in the manner specified below, at least 40 (forty) days prior to the date of the shareholders’ meeting. The notice of call is published:

 

  a)

in English and Italian, on the website of the Company;

 

  b)

in Italian, on the newspaper “Sole 24 Ore” or, in the event it is no longer published or there is an objective impediment, in the newspaper “Corriere della Sera”, or, finally, in the event it is no longer published or there is an objective impediment, on the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic.

 

6


10.6

The notice of call must contain:

 

  a)

an indication of the place where the shareholders’ meeting is to be held, as well as any places connected to it by telematic means;

 

  b)

indication of the date and time of the shareholders’ meeting convocation;

 

  c)

the list of the items on the agenda;

 

  d)

any other information required by law.

as well as, if the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE,

 

  e)

indication that the documentation required by applicable laws and regulations have been published on the Company’s website;

 

  f)

the address of the website of the Company;

 

  g)

indication of the date referred to in article 11.2 below, specifying that those who will become holders of Company’s Shares after that date will not have the right to attend and vote in the shareholders’ meeting.

Article 11

Entitlement to attend and vote at the shareholders’ meeting - Voting proxies

 

11.1

Entitlement to attend the shareholders’ meeting and exercise of voting rights is governed by article 7 above.

 

11.2

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the entitlement to attend the shareholders’ meeting and exercise the right to vote in relation to the ordinary shares are vested in the entities that are registered both in the US Register and in the Shareholders’ Register as holders of these shares at the end of the accounting day (according to New York time zone) of the 25th (twenty-fifth) day prior to the date in which the shareholders’ meeting is called or, in the event that that day is not a trading day (according to the NYSE trading calendar), on the immediately preceding trading day (the “Record Date”). In this case, the entity entitled to attend and vote does not loose such entitlement if it has disposed of the shares after the Record Date. On the other hand, entities who are registered both in the US Register and in the Shareholders’ Register after the Record Date, but before the opening of the shareholders’ meeting, are considered, respectively, as absent from the shareholders’ meeting and not having participated to the adoption of the relevant resolutions for the purpose of challenging the shareholders’ meeting resolutions and the exercise of the right of withdrawal pursuant to articles 2377 and 2437 of the Italian Civil Code. However, the Beneficial Owners who were such at the Record Date and who are registered in both the US Register and in the Shareholders’ Register between the Record Date and the opening date of the shareholders’ meeting will be able to challenge the resolution and exercise the right of withdrawal pursuant to articles 2377 and 2437 of the Italian Civil Code only by demonstrating that they did not participate to the adoption of the relevant resolutions.

 

11.3

Participation in the shareholders’ meeting may also take place by means of telecommunications, if provided for in the notice of call, in accordance with the procedures set out in the notice itself. It is understood that the notice of call may provide that the meeting is held exclusively by means of telecommunications, omitting any reference to the physical location where the meeting shall be held.

 

11.4

If the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE, the right to vote may be exercised by correspondence or in electronic form, if provided by the notice of call, in accordance with the limits and the formalities established by the notice itself.

 

11.5

Those entitled to vote may be represented by proxy pursuant to article 2372 of the Italian Civil Code. Without prejudice to what is provided by article 7.6(b) above, if the ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NYSE.

 

7


Article 12

Chairman – Conduct of the shareholders’ meeting

 

12.1

The shareholders’ meeting is chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in case of absence or impediment, in order by a Vice-Chairman, by a Managing Director, if appointed, or, in case of absence or impediment of the latter, by another person designated by the shareholders’ meeting by majority vote of those present.

 

12.2

The Chairman of the shareholders’ meeting is assisted by a secretary, who may or may not be a shareholder, appointed by the shareholders’ meeting itself on proposal of the Chairman, with the vote of the majority of those present. In extraordinary shareholders’ meetings and, in any case, when the Chairman deems it appropriate, the functions of secretary are performed by a notary public.

 

12.3

The Chairman of the shareholders’ meeting ascertains the identity and the entitlement to attend and vote of those present, verifies that the shareholders’ meeting has been duly convened, regulates its proceedings, establishes the voting procedures in compliance with the law and ascertains the results of voting.

 

12.4

The conduct of the shareholders’ meeting may be governed by specific regulations, approved by resolution of the ordinary shareholders’ meeting.

 

12.5

Minutes of the shareholders’ meetings must be drawn up in accordance with the law. The minutes thus drawn up, signed by the Chairman of the meeting and by the secretary or notary public, must be transcribed in the book of meetings and resolutions of the shareholders’ meeting.

Article 13

Powers, constitution and resolutions of the ordinary shareholders’ meeting

 

13.1

The ordinary shareholders’ meeting is competent to resolve on all matters reserved to it by the law and by these Articles.

 

13.2

The ordinary shareholders’ meeting is validly constituted and resolves in first, second and subsequent calls or, if so established by the notice of call, in a sole call, with the majorities required by law. For the purposes of calculating the majorities, reference is made to the number of votes pertaining to the Shares and not to the number of Shares.

Article 14

Powers, constitution and resolutions of the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting

 

14.1

The extraordinary shareholders’ meeting is competent to pass resolutions on amendments to these Articles, on the appointment, substitution and powers of liquidators and on other matters reserved to it by law.

 

14.2

The extraordinary shareholders’ meeting is validly constituted and resolves in first, second and subsequent calls or, if so provided in the notice of call, in a sole call, with the majorities required by law. For the purposes of calculating the majorities, reference is made to the number of votes pertaining to the Shares and not to the number of Shares.

TITLE IV

ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT SYSTEM

Pursuant to article 2409-sexiesdecies and following of the Italian Civil Code, the Company adopts the one-tier system corporate governance, in which the functions of administration and audit are exercised respectively by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee set up within the administrative body.

 

8


Article 15

Composition of the Board of Directors

 

15.1

The Board of Directors is composed by a number of members ranging from a minimum of 9 (nine) and a maximum of 15 (fifteen).

 

15.2

The directors remain in office for a period not exceeding three financial years and their term of office expires on the date of the shareholders’ meeting convened to approve the financial statements for the last financial year of their office, without prejudice to the causes of termination and expiry provided for by law and by these Articles, and can be re-elected.

 

15.3

The directors must meet eligibility and integrity requirements pursuant to article 2382 of the Italian Civil Code and have the professionalism and skills to perform the tasks entrusted to them.

 

15.4

Without prejudice to the additional requirements envisaged for the directors who make up the Audit Committee by article 23 below, one third of the members of the Board of Directors, rounded up in the case of a fractional number, must possess the independence requirements set forth in article 2399 of the Italian Civil Code.

Article 16

Appointment of the Board of Directors

 

16.1

The directors are elected by the ordinary shareholders’ meeting, which also determines their number and term of office.

 

16.2

If the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, the directors will be elected on the basis of lists submitted by shareholders, in accordance with the following procedure.

 

16.3

The right to submit a list for the appointment of the Board of Directors is reserved to shareholders who hold, individually or jointly with other submitting shareholders, Shares representing at least 5 (five) percent of the total voting rights attached to the Shares issued by the Company. Each shareholder may only submit one list. The ownership of the number of Shares necessary for the presentation of the list is determined having regard to the entries on the Shareholders’ Register and the US Register on the date on which the lists are filed at the registered office, without prejudice to the provisions of article 7.6 above.

 

16.4

The lists are filed at the Company’s registered office, in accordance with the procedures indicated in the notice of call, at least 3 (three) days before the Record Date and are published by the Company in compliance with any applicable legal and regulatory provisions.

 

16.5

The lists indicate a number of director candidates ranging from 9 (nine) and 15 (fifteen). Director candidates must meet the eligibility and integrity requirements set out in article 15.3 above. Each list must also include: (a) at least one third of the director candidates, rounded up to the higher unit in case of a fractional number, who meet the independence requirements provided for in article 15.4 above; (b) at least 3 (three) director candidates who meet the independence and competence requirements provided for in articles 23.3 and 23.5 below; and (c) at least 1 (one) director candidate who meets the additional professionalism requirement provided for in paragraph 23.4 below. Each candidate may only stand for election in one list, under penalty of ineligibility.

 

16.6

The following must be attached to each list, under penalty of inadmissibility: (i) the curriculum vitae of each of the director candidates; (ii) the declarations with which each of the director candidates accepts his/her candidacy and certifies, under his/her own responsibility, that he/she possesses the eligibility and integrity requirements provided for in article 15.3 above,

 

9


  the independence requirements provided for in article 15.4 above, as well as the independence, professionalism and competence requirements provided for by articles 23.3, 23.4 and 23.5 below; (iii) an indication of the identity of the shareholders or Beneficial Owners who have submitted the lists and the percentage of the voting rights pertaining to the Shares held by them; (iv) any other or different statement, information and/or document required by the provisions of any applicable legislation.

 

16.7

Each shareholder may vote for only one list of candidates. The vote of each shareholder relates to the list and, therefore, to all the candidates indicated therein, without the possibility of variations, additions or exclusions.

 

16.8

The number of members of the Board of Directors is determined by the number of candidates indicated in the list that obtained the highest number of votes.

 

16.9

Upon completion of the voting process, the candidates on the list that obtained the highest number of votes will be elected. If more than one list has obtained the same number of votes, a new vote will be held during the same shareholders’ meeting; only the lists that reported the same number of votes shall take part in the vote.

 

16.10

If, at the end of the vote, one or more director candidates are elected directors who do not meet the eligibility and integrity requirements set out in article 15.3 above, such candidates will be excluded and, where necessary to ensure the correct composition of the Board of Directors pursuant to article 15 above, replaced pursuant to article 16.12 below.

 

16.11

If, at the end of the vote, no directors are elected who meet the independence requirements set out in article 15.4 above and/or the independence, professionalism and competence requirements set out in articles 23.3, 23.4 and 23.5 below at least in the minimum number indicated in the same articles, the candidates who do not comply with said requirements, who are indicated as last in the list from which they are taken, will be excluded and, where necessary to ensure the correct composition of the Board of Directors pursuant to the article 15 above and the Audit Committee pursuant to article 23 below, replaced pursuant to article 16.12 below.

 

16.12

In cases in which (a) no lists are submitted by the shareholders, (b) only one list is submitted and the same does not obtain the relative majority of votes, (c) the number of directors elected on the basis of the lists presented by the shareholders, also due to the exclusions determined pursuant to articles 16.10 and 16.11 above, is less than 9 (nine), (d) the entire Board of Directors does not have to be renewed or (e) it is not possible, for any reason, to appoint the Board of Directors according to the procedures provided for in article 16.2 and following, the directors will be appointed by the shareholders’ meeting without applying the list voting mechanism, without prejudice to the obligation to ensure the correct composition of the Board of Directors pursuant to the article 15 below and the Audit Committee pursuant to article 23 below.

 

16.13

Directors cease to hold office in the cases provided for by law and by these Articles.

 

16.14

If, during in the term of office, one or more directors cease to hold office, the Board of Directors shall replace them with directors who meet the eligibility and integrity requirements referred to in article 15.3 above and where necessary to ensure the correct composition of the Board of Directors pursuant to article 15 and of the Audit Committee pursuant to article 23 below, the independence requirements referred to in article 15.4 above and/or the independence, professionalism and skills requirements provided for in articles 23.3, 23.4, and 23.5 below. To that end, the provisions of article 2386, paragraph 1 of the Italian Civil Code shall apply, without prejudice to article 2386, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Italian Civil Code in the event of termination of the majority of directors appointed by the shareholders’ meeting and the provisions of article 2409-octiesdecies, paragraph 4, of the Italian Civil Code and article 23.7 in relation to the substitution of the members of the Audit Committee.

 

16.15

If, following the loss by a director of the independence requirements referred to in article 15.4 above and/or the independence, professionalism and skills requirements set out in articles 23.3, 23.4 and 23.5 below, the Board of Directors and/or the Audit Committee are no longer correctly constituted pursuant to the previous article 15 and article 23 below, the director for whom the aforementioned requirements have ceased to apply shall cease to be a director and will be replaced pursuant to the article 16.14 above.

 

10


Article 17

Powers of the Board of Directors - Chairman - Honorary Chairman - Delegated bodies

 

17.1

The Board of Directors is vested with all the powers for the ordinary and extraordinary management of the Company, with the power to carry out all acts deemed appropriate to achieve the corporate purpose, excluding only those that the law and these Articles reserve to the shareholders’ meeting.

 

17.2

The Board of Directors is also responsible, pursuant to articles 2365, paragraph 2, and 2446, paragraph 3 of the Italian Civil Code, without prejudice to the competing powers of the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting resolutions concerning: (a) the merger and demerger of the Company in the cases provided for by articles 2505 and 2505-bis of the Italian Civil Code, (b) the transfer of the registered office within the Italian territory, (c) the establishment or closing of secondary offices, (d) the indication of the directors who are entitled to legally represent the Company, (e) the reduction of the share capital in the event of withdrawal of a shareholder, (f) the reduction of the share capital following losses of over one third of the capital, and (g) the adjustment of the Articles to regulatory provisions or as a result of a Conversion Event pursuant to paragraph 7.9 above. In such cases, article 2436 of the Italian Civil Code shall apply.

 

17.3

The Board of Directors elects the Chairman from among its members, unless the shareholders’ meeting does so, and may also appoint one or more Vice-Chairmen.

 

17.4

The Board of Directors may also assign the title of “Honorary Chairman” to a person of recognized prestige who has contributed to the affirmation and development of the Company. The office can also be assigned to subjects who are not members of the Board of Directors, has indefinite duration and can only be revoked for cause. If he/she is not also a director, the Honorary Chairman can attend meetings of the Board of Directors and the shareholders’ meetings to express non-binding opinions and opinions on the matters dealt with and may represent the Company on the basis of special powers of attorney. The Board of Directors determines any remuneration any other emolument and/or reimbursement of expenses due to the Honorary Chairman.

 

17.5

The Board of Directors may delegate part of its powers to an executive committee composed by some of its members or to one or more directors, determining their powers in compliance with the limitations of the law. To this end, the provisions of article 2381, paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, of the Italian Civil Code shall apply.

 

17.6

The Board of Directors and, if appointed, the executive committee and the Managing Directors, within the limits of their powers, may appoint, among the employees of the Company, general managers or proxies, as well as, also among third parties, special proxies or special attorneys, determining their duties and powers in compliance with the limitations of the law.

Article 18

Company representation

 

18.1

The legal representation of the Company is due to the Chairman of the Board, without limitations.

 

18.2

The representation of the Company is also the responsibility of the Managing Directors, if appointed, within the limits of the powers granted to them.

 

18.3

The representation of the Company is also vested in the General Manager, the proxies and the attorneys within the limits of the powers conferred on them by the deed of appointment.

 

11


Article 19

Remuneration of the directors

 

19.1

The shareholders’ meeting shall establish the remuneration due to the directors for their office as member of the Board of Directors, also in the form of insurance policies. Directors are also entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred in the exercise of their duties.

 

19.2

The ordinary shareholders’ meeting may also determine an overall amount for the remuneration of all directors, including those holding particular offices, to be divided by the Board of Directors.

 

19.3

The Board of Directors may establish an additional remuneration for the directors vested with particular offices, which may consist of a fixed and a variable part, related to the achievement of certain objectives, or consist of the right to subscribe ordinary shares or other financial instruments of the Company at a predetermined price, including those to be issued in the future.

 

19.4

The shareholders’ meeting establishes the fixed remuneration of the Chairman and the members of the Audit Committee for the entire term of office. If the shareholders’ meeting fails to do so, the remuneration of the Chairman and the members of the Audit Committee is established by the Board of Directors.

Article 20

Convening the Board of Directors

 

20.1

The Board of Directors is convened and meets, even outside the registered office, in Italy or abroad, every time the Chairman deems it appropriate, or when requested by a Managing Director (if appointed) or by at least one third of its members.

 

20.2

The Board of Directors shall be convened by the Chairman or, if he/she is prevented from so doing, by a Vice Chairman or a Managing Director, if appointed, with a notice containing indication of the day, time and place of the meeting and the related agenda, as well as, in the cases set out in article 21.2 below, the arrangements for participation by audio or video conference. The notice of call is sent to each director by registered letter, e-mail or any other means capable of providing proof of receipt, at least three days in advance or, in urgent cases, the day before the date set for the meeting.

 

20.3

Even in the absence of formal convocation, the Board of Directors is deemed to be duly constituted if all the directors in office are present.

Article 21

Meetings and resolutions of the Board of Directors

 

21.1

The meetings of the Board of Directors are chaired by the Chairman, or, in the event of his absence or impediment, in order, by a Vice Chairman, if appointed, by a Managing Director, if appointed, or, in the event of the absence or impediment of the latter, by the person designated by the attending directors.

 

21.2

Pursuant to Article 2388, paragraph 1, of the Civil Code, participation to the meetings of the Board of Directors may also occur through means of distance communication, according to the provisions set out in the relevant convening notice, if any, and to the modalities agreed by the chairman of the meeting. In the convening notice, it may be provided that the relevant meeting of the Board of Directors is exclusively held by means of distance communication, without specifying a physical location for the meeting.

 

12


21.3

The presence of the majority of the Board of Directors and the favorable vote of the absolute majority of the directors present is required for the validity of the resolutions of the Board of Directors. In the event of a tie, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.

 

21.4

The Board of Directors may adopt a regulation containing the rules and procedures for its operation, also in order to ensure effective management of Board information.

 

21.5

Minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors must be drawn up in accordance with the law. The minutes thus drawn up, signed by the Chairman of the meeting and by the secretary or notary public, must be transcribed in the book of meetings and resolutions of the Board of Directors.

 

21.6

The Managing Directors report to the Board of Directors, pursuant to article 2381, paragraph 5, of the Italian Civil Code, on the general performance of operations and on the outlook, as well as on the most significant transactions carried out by the Company and its subsidiaries at least every six months.

 

21.7

In relation to resolutions concerning transactions in which one or more directors have, on their own or on behalf of third parties, an interest, article 2391 of the Italian Civil Code applies.

Article 22

Internal committees

 

22.1

The Board of Directors may set up committees from among its members with investigative, consultative or propositional functions, establishing their purpose, composition and operating procedures.

Article 23

Composition of the Audit Committee - Appointment, termination and replacement of members

 

23.1

The Audit Committee is composed by 3 (three) members, appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

23.2

The members of the Audit Committee shall remain in office for three financial years and may be re-elected.

 

23.3

The members of the Audit Committee must meet the independence requirements set forth in article 15.3 above and, if the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, the additional requirements of independence required by United States law and regulation of the NYSE applicable to the Company from time to time. In any case, members of the executive committee, where appointed, and the directors who have been granted delegated powers or special offices and who in any event perform, even de facto, functions relating to the management of the Company, of companies that control it or are controlled by it, cannot be members of the Audit Committee.

 

23.4

At least one member of the Audit Committee must be chosen from among those enrolled in the register of legal auditors.

 

23.5

If the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, the members of the Audit Committee must also possess the financial expertise provided for by United States regulations applicable from time to time.

 

23.6

The Audit Committee elects a Chairman from among its members.

 

23.7

In the event of death, resignation, revocation or lapse of a member of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors shall promptly replace him/her by selecting him/her from among the other directors who meet the independence, professionalism and skills requirements set forth in the articles 23.3, 23.4 and 23.5 above. If it is not possible to replace a member of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall promptly take action in accordance with article 16.14 above.

 

13


23.8

If one or more members of the Audit Committee lose the requisites of independence, professionalism and skills referred to in articles 23.3, 23.4 and 23.5 above, they shall be removed from office. In this case, where possible, the Board of Directors will replace the removed members by selecting replacement candidates among the other directors possessing the aforementioned independence, professionalism and skills requirements. Otherwise, article 16.14 above will apply.

Article 24

Functions and powers of the Audit Committee

 

24.1

The Audit Committee (a) supervises the adequacy of the Company’s organizational structure, the internal control system and the administrative and accounting system, as well as its suitability to correctly represent management events, and (b) carries out the further tasks entrusted to it by the Board of Directors, with particular regard to maintaining relations with the person appointed to carry out the statutory audit of the accounts.

 

24.2

If the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, the Audit Committee also exercises the functions pertaining to the “Audit committee” pursuant to United States law applicable to the Company from time to time.

 

24.3

Articles 2404, paragraph 1, 3 and 4, 2405, paragraph 1, and 2408 of the Italian Civil Code shall apply to the Audit Committee, mutatis mutandis.

Article 25

Meetings of the Audit Committee

 

25.1

The Audit Committee meets at least every 90 (ninety) days.

 

25.2

The meetings of the Audit Committee may also be held by means of distance communication, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 21.2 above.

 

25.3

The Audit Committee is duly constituted with the presence of the majority of its members and resolves by an absolute majority of those present. Any member who intends to disagree with the adoption of a resolution has the right to have the reasons for their dissent recorded in the minutes.

 

25.4

Minutes of the meetings of the Audit Committee must be taken. The minutes thus drawn up, signed by those present, must be transcribed in the book of meetings of the Audit Committee.

Article 26

Legal audit of the accounts

 

26.1

The legal auditing of the accounts shall be carried out by persons who meet the requirements provided by the laws and regulations in force.

 

26.2

The appointment of a legal auditor shall be made, on the basis of a reasoned proposal of the Audit Committee, by the ordinary shareholders’ meeting, which will also determine the fee for the entire duration of the appointment and any criteria for adjusting the fee during the term of office.

 

14


26.3

The term of office of the legal auditor has the duration of 3 (three) financial years, expiring on the date of the shareholders’ meeting called to approve the financial statements for the third year of the term of office.

TITLE V

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – PROFITS AND DIVIDENDS

Article 27

Financial statements

 

27.1

The financial year ends on 31 December of each year.

 

27.2

If the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, the Board of Directors prepares the additional periodic financial reports envisaged by United States law and makes them available to the public in the forms and within the times indicated by such legislation.

 

27.3

The financial statements must be submitted to the ordinary shareholders’ meeting for approval of the shareholders within 180 (one-hundred and eighty) days from the end of each financial year pursuant to article 2364, paragraph 2, of the Italian Civil Code, as long as the Company is required to draw up the consolidated financial statements or, in any case, when special requirements relating to the structure and purpose of the Company so require.

Article 28

Profits, dividends and other distributions

 

28.1

The net profit reported in the duly approved financial statements, after deducing 5 (five) percent for the legal reserve, until this has reached one fifth of the share capital, shall be allocated to the shareholders by way of dividends or set aside as reserves, as resolved by the ordinary shareholders’ meeting.

 

28.2

If the legal requirements are met, the Board of Directors may, during the course of the financial year, approve the distribution of interim dividends to shareholders on the conditions and within the limits of article 2433-bis of the Italian Civil Code.

 

28.3

The ordinary or extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, depending on the competence, may at any time resolve to distribute to the shareholders the reserves resulting from the financial statements or formed by means of contributions by the shareholders, insofar as they are available according to applicable legislation, in cash or in kind, provided that the principle of equal treatment is ensured in every such case, as well as the assignment to the shareholders of shares, financial instruments or other rights vis-à-vis the Company.

 

28.4

The payment of dividends or interim dividends and the further distributions or allocations to shareholders is effected in accordance with the terms and procedures determined by the shareholders’ meeting or the Board of Directors according to competence.

 

28.5

If the ordinary shares are traded on the NYSE, the Board of Directors may set the date for the determination of the Beneficial Owners entitled to receive dividend payments, the other distributions or allotments due to the ordinary shares held by the Holder of Record. This date may be set at the same time as, before, or after, the date on which the resolution relating to the payment of dividends, to the distribution or assignment will be adopted by the shareholders’ meeting or by the Board of Directors.

 

15


TITLE VI

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION - DISPUTES - FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 29

Dissolution and Liquidation

 

29.1

The Company is dissolved in the cases provided for by law.

 

29.2

In any case of dissolution of the Company, the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting determines the liquidation procedure and appoints one or more liquidators, establishing their powers and remuneration, in accordance with article 2487 of the Italian Civil Code.

Article 30

Disputes

 

30.1

Any disputes that may arise between the shareholders, between the shareholders and the Company, the directors and/or the liquidators, between the Company and the directors and /or the liquidators, or between the directors and/or the liquidators, arising out of or in connection with these Articles and, in general, any other relationship relating to the life of the Company and which are not, by mandatory rules, referred to another judge, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the commercial section of the Court in whose district the Company has its registered office.

 

30.2

Without prejudice to the provisions of article 30.1 above, the disputes to which the Company, the directors and/or liquidators, the shareholders or other entities who have acted in the interest and on behalf of the Company are part of and which derive from, or are inherent to the provisions of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and/or of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended over time, and the related implementing provisions, are subject, as permitted by applicable law, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Article 31

Final Provisions

 

31.1

Unless otherwise specified, any reference to applicable law contained in these Articles of Association must be considered as a reference to Italian law and, where applicable, to United States law and market regulation applicable to the Company due to the listing of its ordinary shares on the NYSE.

 

16

Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO

Stevanato Group S.p.A.

Via Molinella 17

35017 Piombino Dese – Padua

Italy

Milan, 20 May, 2024

Dear Sirs,

Re: Stevanato Group S.p.A.

We have acted as Italian legal counsel to Stevanato Group S.p.A. (the “Company”), an Italian joint stock company (“società per azioni”) organized under the laws of Italy, with registered office in Piombino Dese (Padua), Via Molinella 17, in connection with the adoption of the Company’s by-laws (“statuto”) currently in force (the “By-laws”) and with the annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders held on May 24, 2023, which authorized the Company’s board of directors to dispose of maximum 1,000,000 class A and/or ordinary shares held in treasury (prior, where appropriate, conversion of the class A shares into ordinary shares), up to the date of approval of the Company’s financial statements for the financial year ending on December 31, 2023, inter alia, for the purpose of granting ordinary shares to directors or employees of the Company or of its subsidiaries as compensation in kind or as benefit, bonus or other premium or incentive, without limitations (also in execution of the “Restricted Stock Grant Plan Stevanato Group S.p.A. 2023-2027” and of the “Performance Shares Plan Stevanato Group S.p.A. 2023-2027”).

We have examined and relied on such corporate records, certificates and other documents in relation to the Company made available to us as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion, including:

 

(i)

the By-laws;

 

(ii)

the minutes of the Company’s extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on July 1, 2021;

 

(iii)

the minutes of the Company’s ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on June 1, 2022;

 

(iv)

the minutes of the Company’s ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on May 24, 2023;

 

(v)

the Explanatory report on the items on the agenda of the Company’s ordinary shareholders’ meeting to be held on May 22, 2024, issued by the Company’s Board of Directors on April 10, 2024;

 

(vi)

the draft registration statement on Form S-8 for the registration of up to no. 796,186 Company’s ordinary shares (the “Registered Shares”) to be filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Registration Statement”);

 

(vii)

the Restricted Stock Grant Plan Stevanato Group S.p.A. 2023-2027, as reinstated and approved by the Board of Directors on December 15, 2022;

 

(viii)

the Performance Shares Plan Stevanato Group S.p.A. 2023-2027, as reinstated and approved by the Board of Directors on December 15, 2022;

 

LOGO

   1


LOGO

 

(ix)

the employment agreement entered into between Ompi of America, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“Ompi”), and Mr. Riccardo Butta on February 2, 2022, and its subsequent amendment dated May 27, 2022;

 

(x)

the employment agreement entered into between Ompi and Mr. Douglas Bruno on July 1, 2022;

 

(xi)

the employment agreement entered into between Ompi and Mr. Prajesh Patel on July 29, 2022;

 

(xii)

the employment agreement entered into between the Company and Mr. Diego Benatti on June 7, 2023, and its subsequent amendment dated October 1, 2023; and

 

(xiii)

the certificate of registration of the Company filed with the Chamber of Commerce of Padua dated May 20, 2024.

Assumptions

We have assumed:

 

(a)

the genuineness of all signatures, stamps and seals, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity, the exhaustiveness and completeness of all documents submitted to us as originals, the exhaustiveness, completeness and conformity to the original documents of all specimen and/or all documents submitted to us as certified or photocopies or transmitted to us by fax or e-mail, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents;

 

(b)

that where a document has been examined by us in draft or specimen form, it will be or has been executed in the form of that draft or specimen;

 

(c)

the truthfulness, accuracy, completeness and reliability of any statements, of any directors, officers, employees and/or representatives of the Company, certifying or disclosing or otherwise dealing with any matter or fact which is material to the opinion expressed herein;

 

(d)

that there are no facts, documents, circumstances or matters which may be material to the opinion set out herein and which have not been disclosed to us;

 

(e)

that the copies of the organizational documents (i.e., “atto costitutivo” and “statuto”) of the Company and other documents provided to us, that we have examined for the purposes of this opinion, (i) are true and complete as of the date of this opinion and (ii) are in full force and effect as of the date of this opinion; and

 

(f)

that no law (including, without limitation, any public policy) of any jurisdiction outside the Republic of Italy is relevant to or affects the opinions herein or the conclusions stated in this opinion.

Opinion

The opinion expressed below is being furnished in connection with the Registration Statement.

This opinion is limited to the laws of the Republic of Italy as enforced and interpreted at the date hereof and is given on the basis that it will be governed by and construed in accordance with, and any liability which may arise in respect of it is governed by, the laws of the Republic of Italy.


LOGO

 

We have made no investigation as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the Republic of Italy and we do not express or imply any opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the Republic of Italy. Specifically, with your approval, we express no opinion with respect to any matter as to the Federal laws of the United States of America and to the laws of any State of the United States of America.

As to the facts material to the opinion expressed herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of the officers and other representatives of the Company.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the assumptions and qualifications contained herein, we are of the opinion that the Registered Shares have been duly authorized, are fully paid-up and, following conversion from Class A shares into ordinary shares pursuant to the By-laws, will be validly issued as ordinary shares.

Qualifications

The opinion expressed above is subject to the following qualifications:

 

(a)

the opinion expressed herein is based on our best interpretation and analysis of the relevant legal or contractual provision and of the rules of interpretation applicable to contracts and legal matters normally applicable in the Republic of Italy;

 

(b)

Italian courts may refuse to apply the law of another jurisdiction if it is deemed to be contrary to public policy (ordine pubblico) or if submission to a foreign law is deemed to have been made with the purpose of avoiding provisions of Italian law of mandatory application (norme imperative);

 

(c)

by issuing this opinion we do not assume any obligations to notify or inform you of any facts or circumstances, or changes in applicable law, occurring, or of which we learn, subsequent to its date that may render its content untrue or inaccurate in whole or in part.

This opinion speaks as of its day and is addressed solely to you for the matters stated in it. We accept no responsibility nor legal liability to any persons in relation to the contents of this opinion.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the use of our firm’s name in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Chiomenti

CHIOMENTI

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Stevanato Group SpA of our report dated March 7, 2024 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Stevanato Group SpA’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers SpA

Treviso, Italy

May 20, 2024

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Performance Shares Plan 2023-2027, the Restricted Shares Plan 2023-2027 and other benefits as described therein, of our report dated March 2, 2023, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Stevanato Group S.p.A. for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, included in its Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ EY S.p.A.

Treviso, Italy

May 20, 2024

Exhibit 107

Calculation of Filing Fee Table

FORM S-8

(Form Type)

Stevanato Group S.p.A.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Table 1: Newly Registered Securities

 

               
Security Type   Security
Class Title
  Fee Calculation
Rule
  Amount
Registered
  Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Unit
  Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
  Fee Rate   Amount of
Registration Fee
               
Equity   Ordinary shares without par value   Other   335,082(1)   $20.64(2)   $6,916,092.48   $147.60 per $1,000,000   $1,020.82
               
Equity   Ordinary shares without par value   Other   335,082(3)   $20.64(4)   $6,916,092.48   $147.60 per $1,000,000   $1,020.82
               
Equity   Ordinary shares without par value   Other   47,018(5)   $20.64(6)   $970,451.52   $147.60 per $1,000,000   $143.24
               
Equity   Ordinary shares without par value   Other   79,004(7)   $20.64(8)   $1,630,642.56   $147.60 per $1,000,000   $240.68
         
Total Offering Amounts     $16,433,279.04     $2,425.55
         
Total Fee Offsets         $0
         
Net Fee Due               $2,425.55

 

(1)

Represents 335,082 ordinary shares issuable pursuant to Stevanato Group S.p.A. Restricted Shares Plan 2023-2027.

(2)

Estimated solely for the purposes of determining the amount of the registration fee, pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (h) of Rule 457 under the Securities Act, on the basis of the average of the high and low sale prices of Stevanato Group S.p.A. on the New York Stock Exchange on May 16, 2024, which is a date within five business days prior to filing.

(3)

Represents 335,082 ordinary shares issuable pursuant to Stevanato Group S.p.A. Performance Shares Plan 2023-2027.

(4)

Estimated solely for the purposes of determining the amount of the registration fee, pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (h) of Rule 457 under the Securities Act, on the basis of the average of the high and low sale prices of Stevanato Group S.p.A. on the New York Stock Exchange on May 16, 2024, which is a date within five business days prior to filing.

(5)

Represents 47,018 ordinary shares issuable pursuant to certain employment agreements between Ompi of America, Inc. and Stevanato Group S.p.A. and certain employees.

(6)

Estimated solely for the purposes of determining the amount of the registration fee, pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (h) of Rule 457 under the Securities Act, on the basis of the average of the high and low sale prices of Stevanato Group S.p.A. on the New York Stock Exchange on May 16, 2024, which is a date within five business days prior to filing.

(7)

Represents 79,004 ordinary shares issuable pursuant to the shareholders resolutions passed at the shareholders’ meetings held on June 1, 2022, May 24, 2023 and which may be issuable pursuant to the shareholders resolutions to be passed at the shareholders’ meeting to be held on May 22, 2024.

(8)

Estimated solely for the purposes of determining the amount of the registration fee, pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (h) of Rule 457 under the Securities Act, on the basis of the average of the high and low sale prices of Stevanato Group S.p.A. on the New York Stock Exchange on May 16, 2024, which is a date within five business days prior to filing.


Stevanato (NYSE:STVN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2024 to Dec 2024 Click Here for more Stevanato Charts.
Stevanato (NYSE:STVN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2023 to Dec 2024 Click Here for more Stevanato Charts.