Company: CRCL
Filing Date: 2025-04-18
Form Type: S-1/A
Source: 0001193125-25-084832
Chunk: 78

Company: Circle Internet Group, Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-04-18
Form: S-1/A
Chunk 78
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 regarding two engagement letters between the parties originally entered into in 2020, which, among other things, provided FT Partners a fee of 7% of the gross proceeds from certain capital raises. In 2022, our board of directors adopted resolutions terminating both engagement letters. On May 28, 2024, FT Partners filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, in which it asserted, among other things, that the terminations of both engagement letters are ineffective and demanded, among other relief, fees and interest for our May 2022 capital raise, our October 2022 sale of certain assets of SeedInvest, and our August 2023 Centre Acquisition (as defined below) and related transactions. We believe that the relevant transactions, in which we received aggregate cash and in-kind proceeds of approximately $476 million, were consummated after we properly and effectively terminated our engagements with FT Partners, and strenuously dispute FT Partners’ demand for any fees allegedly arising under the engagement letters. On June 20, 2024, we removed the lawsuit to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On July 31, 2024, FT Partners filed an amended complaint, after which it filed a motion to remand the lawsuit back to state court. On November 18, 2024, FT Partners’ motion to remand was denied. On January 28, 2025, we filed a motion to dismiss the declaratory judgment, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment claims in the lawsuit. On March 24, 2025, the court granted in full our motion to dismiss. The remaining two breach of contract claims, which were not included in our motion to dismiss and assert that Circle improperly terminated both engagement letters, are still pending. Our answer to the amended complaint is due on April 28, 2025. While we intend to defend ourselves vigorously, there can be no assurance as to the outcome at this stage. If this dispute is ultimately resolved by the court in a manner adverse to our position, or if we ultimately settle this dispute by mutual agreement, we may be required to make payments to FT Partners in cash or equity or a combination thereof, which amounts may be substantial. Depending on the resolution of this matter, we may also remain obligated to pay significant fees to FT Partners for future capital raises or company sale transactions, including this offering. In addition, our prior business lines may continue to expose us to claims,