A registered direct offering (RDO) is a public offering of securities that is sold on a best efforts basis by a placement agent that is engaged by the issuer to introduce the issuer to potential purchasers. An RDO is generally targeted to a select number of accredited and institutional investors, although it may be sold

In connection with securities offerings, the underwriters or placement agents generally negotiate a lock-up agreement with the issuer, as well as with the issuer’s directors, officers, and, in the case of initial public offerings, control persons. The lock-up agreements provide the underwriters or placement agents with some assurance that new issuer securities will not be