UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Schedule 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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| Filed by a party other than the Registrant |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12 |
Aclarion,
Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its
Charter)
_____________________________________________________________
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement,
if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a- 6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
Aclarion, Inc.
8181 Arista Place, Suite 100
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on September [***], 2024
Dear Stockholder:
We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meeting
of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Aclarion, Inc. (the “Company”), which will be held on September [***],
2024 at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time. The Special Meeting will be held at the offices of Aclarion, Inc., 8181 Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield,
Colorado 80021.
Further details regarding the Special Meeting are included
in the accompanying proxy statement. At the Special Meeting, the holders of our outstanding common stock and Series A preferred stock
will act on the following matter:
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To grant discretionary authority to our board of directors to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and (ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders. |
Stockholders also will transact any other business that
may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting.
Our board of directors has fixed August [***], 2024
as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
You can find more information on each of the matters
to be voted on at the Special Meeting in the accompanying proxy statement. The board of directors recommends a vote “FOR”
the reverse stock split proposal.
This Proxy Statement is available at www.aclarion.com.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you are
able to attend the Special Meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented. To ensure that your vote is recorded promptly,
please vote as soon as possible, even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, by submitting your proxy via the Internet at
the address listed on the proxy card.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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| August [***], 2024 |
/s/ Brent Ness |
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Brent Ness |
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Chief Executive Officer |
Aclarion,
Inc.
8181 Arista Place, Suite 100
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on September [***], 2024
The board of directors of Aclarion, Inc. (“Aclarion”
or the “Company”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”)
to be held on September [***], 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time. The Special Meeting will be held at the offices of Aclarion, Inc., 8181
Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield, Colorado 80021.
This proxy statement contains information relating
to the Special Meeting.
You may only attend the Special Meeting at the Company’s
offices in person.
The Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement are being
mailed to our stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Special Meeting on or about August [***], 2024.
Only stockholders who owned our common stock on August
[***], 2024 are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
ACLARION, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND VOTING
What is a proxy?
A proxy is the legal designation of another person
to vote the stock you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document
is also called a proxy or a proxy card. By completing, signing and returning the accompanying proxy card, you are designating Brent Ness,
Chief Executive Officer, and Jeffrey Thramann, M.D., Executive Chairman, as your proxies for the Special Meeting and you are authorizing
Mr. Ness and Dr. Thramann to vote your shares at the Special Meeting as you have instructed on the proxy card. This way, your shares will
be voted whether or not you attend the Special Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote in one of
the ways described below so that your vote will be counted even if you are unable or decide not to attend the Special Meeting.
What is a proxy statement?
A proxy statement is a document that we are required
by regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy card
designating Mr. Ness and Dr. Thramann as proxies to vote on your behalf.
Why did you send me this proxy statement?
We sent you this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy
card because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournment and postponement thereof.
This proxy statement summarizes information related to your vote at the Special Meeting. All stockholders who find it convenient to do
so are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting at the Company’s offices in person. However, you do not need to attend the
meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the proxy card or vote over the Internet, by phone, or
by fax.
On or about August [***], 2024, we intend to begin
mailing to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the Special Meeting the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement. Only stockholders
who owned our common stock on August [***], 2024 are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
If you receive more than one set of proxy materials,
your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please complete, sign, and return each proxy card to ensure
that all of your shares are voted.
How do I attend the Special Meeting?
The Special Meeting will be held on September [***],
2024, at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time. The Special Meeting will be held at the offices of Aclarion, Inc., 8181 Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield,
Colorado 80021. You may only attend the Special Meeting in person. Information on how to vote your shares in connection with the Special
Meeting is discussed below.
Who is entitled to vote?
The board of directors has fixed the close of business
on August [***], 2024 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. On the Record Date, there were [********] shares of common
stock outstanding.
Each share of common stock represents one vote that
may be voted on each proposal that may come before the Special Meeting.
What is the difference between holding shares as a record holder and
as a beneficial owner (holding shares in street name)?
If your shares are registered in your name with our
transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, you are the “record holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy
materials have been provided directly to you by the Company.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account,
a bank or other holder of record, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in “street name.”
If your shares are held in street name, these proxy materials have been forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding
your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Special Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you
have the right to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares. See “How will my shares be voted if I give no specific
instruction?” below for information on how shares held in street name will be voted without instructions provided.
Who may attend the Special Meeting?
Only record holders and beneficial owners of our common
stock, or their duly authorized proxies, may attend the Special Meeting. You may only attend the Special Meeting in person. If your shares
of common stock are held in street name, you will need to provide a copy of a brokerage statement or other documentation reflecting your
stock ownership as of the Record Date.
What am I voting on?
There is one matter scheduled for a vote:
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“For” the grant of discretionary authority to our board of directors to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and (ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders. |
What if another matter is properly brought before the Special Meeting?
The board of directors knows of no other matters that
will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Special Meeting, it is
the intention of the person named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.
How do I vote?
If you are a stockholder of record, there are several
ways for you to vote your shares.
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By Internet (before the Special Meeting). You may vote at www.vstocktransfer.com/proxy, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by following the instructions at that site for submitting your proxy electronically. You will be required to enter the 16-digit control number provided in the Notice of Availability or the proxy card. Votes submitted through the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September [***], 2024. |
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By Mail. If you requested and received a printed copy of the proxy materials, you may vote by mail by completing, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it in the enclosed prepaid envelope. Votes submitted through the mail must be received prior to September [***], 2024. |
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During the Special Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record as of the record date, you may vote in person by attending the Special Meeting in person. Submitting a proxy prior to the Special Meeting will not prevent stockholders from attending the Special Meeting, revoking their earlier-submitted proxy, and voting in person at the Special Meeting. |
If the Special Meeting is adjourned or postponed, the
deadlines above may be extended.
Stockholders of record
If you are a registered stockholder, you may vote by
mail, Internet, phone, or online at the Special Meeting by following the instructions in these proxy materials. You also may submit your
proxy by mail by following the instructions included with your proxy card. The deadline for submitting your proxy by Internet is 11:59
p.m. Mountain Time on September [***], 2024. Our Board’s designated proxies, Mr. Ness and Dr. Thramann, will vote your shares according
to your instructions.
Beneficial owners of shares held in street name
If you are a street name holder, your broker or nominee
firm is the legal, registered owner of the shares, and it may provide you with these proxy materials. These materials include a voting
instruction card so that you can instruct your broker or nominee how to vote your shares. Please check the proxy materials and voting
instruction card or contact your broker or other nominee to determine whether you will be able to deliver your voting instructions by
Internet in advance of the meeting.
All shares entitled to vote and represented by a properly
completed and executed proxy received before the Special Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Special Meeting as instructed in
a proxy delivered before the Special Meeting. We provide Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures
designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs
associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.
How many votes do I have?
Holders of record of shares of the Company’s
common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by them on the Record Date and have the right to vote on
all matters brought before the Special Meeting.
Is my vote confidential?
Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspector
of elections, individuals who help with processing and counting your votes and persons who need access for legal reasons will have access
to your vote. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by law.
What constitutes a quorum?
To carry on business at the Special Meeting, we must
have a quorum. A quorum is present when one-third of the voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting,
as of the Record Date, are represented in person or by proxy.
Your shares of common stock will be counted towards
the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote
in person at the Special Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. Shares owned by the
Company are not considered outstanding or considered to be present at the Special Meeting. If there is not a quorum at the Special Meeting,
either the chairperson of the Special Meeting or our stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting may adjourn the Special Meeting.
How will my shares be voted if I give no specific instruction?
We must vote your shares as you have instructed. If
there is a matter on which a stockholder of record has given no specific instruction but has authorized us generally to vote the shares,
they will be voted as follows:
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“For” the grant of discretionary authority to our board of directors to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and (ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders. |
This authorization would exist, for example, if a stockholder
of record merely signs, dates and returns the proxy card but does not indicate how its shares are to be voted on one or more proposals.
If other matters properly come before the Special Meeting and you do not provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted
at the discretion of Mr. Ness and Dr. Thramann, the board of directors’ designated proxies.
If your shares are held in street name, see “What
is a broker non-vote?” below regarding the ability of banks, brokers and other such holders of record to vote the uninstructed shares
of their customers or other beneficial owners in their discretion.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election
appointed for the Special Meeting, who will separately count, with respect to the Proposal 1, votes “For” and “Against,”
abstentions and broker non-votes. Broker non-votes will not be included in the tabulation of the voting results of any of the proposals.
Under Delaware law, Proposal 1 will only be approved
if the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the matter vote in favor of such action.
Because of this voting standard applicable to Proposal 1, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the approval or disapproval
of Proposal 1.
What is a broker non-vote?
A “broker non-vote” occurs when shares
held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a proposal because (1) the broker has
not received voting instructions from the stockholder who beneficially owns the shares and (2) the broker lacks the authority to vote
the shares at their discretion.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
However, under current New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and interpretations that govern broker non-votes, Proposal 1
for the approval of the reverse stock split is considered a “routine” or “discretionary” matter. A broker, therefore,
will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on Proposal 1. Because NYSE rules apply to all brokers that are
members of the NYSE, these NYSE rules on broker voting apply to the Special Meeting even though our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq
Capital Market.
Under Delaware law, Proposal 1 will only be approved
if the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the matter vote in favor of such action.
Because of this voting standard applicable to Proposal 1, broker non-votes will have no effect on the approval or disapproval of Proposal
1.
What is an Abstention?
An abstention is a stockholder’s affirmative
choice to decline to vote on a proposal. Under Delaware law, abstentions are counted as shares present and entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting.
Under Delaware law, Proposal 1 will only be approved
if the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the matter vote in favor of such action.
Because of this voting standard applicable to Proposal 1, abstentions will have no effect on the approval or disapproval of Proposal 1.
How many votes are required to approve each proposal?
The table below summarizes the proposals that will
be voted on, the vote required to approve each item and how votes are counted:
| Proposal |
Vote
Required |
Voting
Options |
Impact
of “Abstain” Votes |
Impact
of Broker Non-Votes |
Broker
Discretionary Voting Allowed |
| Proposal
1 --Authorization of the Reverse Stock Split. |
The
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the matter. |
“For”
“Against”
“Abstain” |
Abstentions
will have no effect on the approval or disapproval of Proposal 1. |
Broker
non-votes will have no effect on the approval or disapproval of Proposal 1. |
Yes. |
What are the voting procedures?
In voting by proxy with regard to the proposals, you
may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may abstain from voting on the proposal. You should specify your respective choices
on the accompanying proxy card or your vote instruction form.
Is my proxy revocable?
You may revoke your proxy and reclaim your right to
vote at any time before your proxy is voted by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company by delivering a properly completed,
later-dated proxy card or vote instruction form or by voting in person at the Special Meeting. All written notices of revocation and other
communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed to: Aclarion, Inc., 8181 Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield,
Colorado 80021, Attention: Secretary. Your most current proxy card or Internet proxy is the one that will be counted.
Who is paying for the expenses involved in preparing and mailing this
proxy statement?
All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling
and mailing these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid by us. In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies
may be solicited by our officers and other employees by telephone or in person. Such persons will receive no compensation for their services
other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and we may reimburse such persons
for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding solicitation materials.
Do I have dissenters’ rights of appraisal?
Stockholders do not have appraisal rights under Delaware
law or under the Company’s governing documents with respect to the matters to be voted upon at the Special Meeting.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the special meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the
Special Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC
within four business days after the Special Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K with the
SEC within four business days after the Special Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four
business days after the final results are known to us, file an amended Form 8-K to publish the final results.
PROPOSAL 1:
THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
Our board of directors has approved an amendment to
our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to combine the outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding
shares (a “Reverse Stock Split”). If approved by the stockholders as proposed, the board of directors would have the sole
discretion to effect the Reverse Stock Split, if at all, within one (1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders and
to fix the specific ratio for the combination within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum of a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split.
The board of directors has the discretion to abandon the amendment and not implement the Reverse Stock Split.
If approved by our stockholders, this proposal would
permit (but not require) the board of directors to effect a Reverse Stock Split of the outstanding shares of our common stock within one
(1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders, at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-five (1-for-5) to a maximum
of a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) split, with the specific ratio to be fixed within this range by the board of directors in its sole discretion
without further stockholder approval. We believe that enabling the board of directors to fix the specific ratio of the Reverse Stock Split
within the stated range will provide us with the flexibility to implement it in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits
for our stockholders.
In fixing the ratio, the board of directors may consider,
among other things, factors such as: the initial and continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market; the number of shares
of our common stock outstanding; potential financing opportunities; and prevailing general market and economic conditions.
The Reverse Stock Split, if approved by our stockholders,
would become effective upon the filing of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, or at the later time set forth in the amendment. The exact timing of the amendment will be determined by the board of directors
based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to our Company and our stockholders. In addition, the board
of directors reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by the stockholders, to abandon the amendment
and the Reverse Stock Split if, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware, the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests
of our stockholders to proceed.
The proposed form of amendment to our certificate of
incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. Any amendment to our certificate of
incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split will include the Reverse Stock Split ratio fixed by the board of directors, within the
range approved by our stockholders.
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
The Company’s primary reason for approving and
recommending the Reverse Stock Split is to make our common stock more attractive to certain institutional investors, which would provide
for a stronger investor base, and to increase the per share price and bid price of our common stock to regain compliance with the continued
listing requirements of Nasdaq.
On April 8, 2024, we received a written notice from
the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum
bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule
5810(c)(3)(A), we have 180 days to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If at any time during this 180 calendar day
period the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business
days, the Nasdaq staff will provide the Company with a written confirmation of compliance and the matter will be closed.
Alternatively, if the Company fails to regain compliance
with Rule 5550(a)(2) prior to the expiration of the initial 180 calendar day period, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180
calendar day compliance period, provided (i) it meets the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all
other applicable requirements for initial listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market (except for the bid price requirement) and (ii) it provides
written notice to Nasdaq of its intention to cure this deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split,
if necessary.
In the event the Company does not regain compliance
with Rule 5550(a)(2) prior to the expiration of the initial 180 calendar day period, and if it appears to the Nasdaq staff that the Company
will not be able to cure the deficiency, or if the Company is not otherwise eligible, the Nasdaq staff will provide the Company with written
notification that its securities are subject to delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market. At that time, the Company may appeal the delisting
determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel.
We will monitor the closing bid price of our common
stock and will consider all of our options to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares of common
stock should, absent other factors, generally increase the per share market price of the common stock. Although the intent of the Reverse
Stock Split is to increase the price of the common stock, there can be no assurance, however, that even if the Reverse Stock Split is
implemented, that the Company’s bid price of the Company’s common stock will be sufficient, over time, for the Company to
regain or maintain compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement.
In addition, the Company believes the Reverse Stock
Split will make its common stock more attractive to a broader range of investors, as it believes that the current market price of the
common stock may prevent certain institutional investors, professional investors and other members of the investing public from purchasing
stock. Many brokerage houses and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing
in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers. Furthermore, some
of those policies and practices may function to make the processing of trades in low-priced stocks economically unattractive to brokers.
Moreover, because brokers’ commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions
on higher-priced stocks, the current average price per share of common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction
costs representing a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were higher. The Company believes
that the Reverse Stock Split will make our common stock a more attractive and cost effective investment for many investors, which in turn
would enhance the liquidity of the holders of our common stock.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common
stock through the Reverse Stock Split is intended, absent other factors, to increase the per share market price of our common stock. However,
other factors, such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business may adversely affect the market
price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split, if implemented, will result in the intended
benefits described above, that the market price of our common stock will increase following the Reverse Stock Split, that as a result
of the Reverse Stock Split we will be able to meet or maintain a bid price over the minimum bid price requirement of Nasdaq or that the
market price of our common stock will not decrease in the future. Additionally, we cannot assure you that the market price per share of
our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock
outstanding before the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split
may be lower than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split.
In evaluating whether to seek stockholder approval
for the Reverse Stock Split, our Board took into consideration negative factors associated with reverse stock splits. These factors include:
the negative perception of reverse stock splits that investors, analysts and other stock market participants may hold; the fact that the
stock prices of some companies that have effected reverse stock splits have subsequently declined, sometimes significantly, following
their reverse stock splits; the possible adverse effect on liquidity that a reduced number of outstanding shares could cause; and the
costs associated with implementing a reverse stock split.
Even if our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock
Split, our Board reserves the right not to effect the Reverse Stock Split if in our Board’s opinion it would not be in the best
interests of the Company or our stockholders to effect such Reverse Stock Split.
Potential Effects of the Proposed Amendment
If our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split
and the board of directors effects it, the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding will be reduced, depending upon the
ratio determined by the board of directors. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and will not
affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company, except that as described below in “Fractional Shares,”
record holders of common stock otherwise entitled to a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split because they hold a number
of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a
share of common stock to round up to the next whole share. In addition, the Reverse Stock Split will not affect any stockholder’s
proportionate voting power (subject to the treatment of fractional shares).
The Reverse Stock Split will not change the terms of
the common stock. After the Reverse Stock Split, the shares of common stock will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends and
distributions and will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now authorized. The common stock will remain fully paid
and non-assessable.
Under our charter, the Company currently is authorized
to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock. The Company currently has approximately [***] million common shares outstanding. The Reverse
Stock Split will have no effect on the number of common shares that we are authorized to issue under our charter. By reducing the number
of common shares outstanding without reducing the number of available but unissued common stock, the Reverse Stock Split will increase
the number of authorized but unissued shares. The amount of this increase will vary depending on which final Reverse Stock Split ratio
is selected by the Board immediately prior the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split.
The Board believes the increase is appropriate for
use to fund the future operations of the Company. Although the Reverse Stock Split would not have any dilutive effect on our stockholders,
the Reverse Stock Split without a reduction in the number of shares authorized for issuance would reduce the proportion of shares owned
by our stockholders relative to the number of shares authorized for issuance, giving the Board an effective increase in the authorized
shares available for issuance, in its discretion.
After the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split,
we will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act.
Registered “Book-Entry” Holders of Common Stock
Our registered holders of common stock hold some or
all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer agent. These stockholders do not have stock certificates evidencing
their ownership of the common stock. They are, however, provided with statements reflecting the number of shares registered in their accounts.
Stockholders who hold shares electronically in book-entry
form with the transfer agent will not need to take action to receive evidence of their shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock.
Holders of Certificated Shares of Common Stock
Stockholders holding shares of our common stock in
certificated form will be sent a transmittal letter by the transfer agent after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split. The letter
of transmittal will contain instructions on how a stockholder should surrender his, her or its certificate(s) representing shares of our
common stock (the “Old Certificates”) to the transfer agent. Unless a stockholder specifically requests a new paper
certificate or holds restricted shares, upon the stockholder’s surrender of all of the stockholder’s Old Certificates to the
transfer agent, together with a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, the transfer agent will register the appropriate
number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock electronically in book-entry form and provide the stockholder with a statement
reflecting the number of shares registered in the stockholder’s account. No stockholder will be required to pay a transfer or other
fee to exchange his, her or its Old Certificates. Until surrendered, we will deem outstanding Old Certificates held by stockholders to
be cancelled and only to represent the number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock to which these stockholders are entitled.
Any Old Certificates submitted for exchange, whether because of a sale, transfer or other disposition of stock, will automatically be
exchanged for appropriate number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock. If an Old Certificate has a restrictive legend on
its reverse side, a new certificate will be issued with the same restrictive legend on its reverse side.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD
NOT SUBMIT ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.
Fractional Shares
We will not issue fractional shares in connection with
the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number
of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a
share of common stock to round up to the next whole share. In any event, cash will not be paid for fractional shares.
Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Outstanding Stock Options and Warrants
Based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio, proportionate
adjustments are generally required to be made to the per share exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of all
outstanding options and warrants. This would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such options
or warrants upon exercise, and approximately the same value of shares of common stock being delivered upon such exercise immediately following
the Reverse Stock Split as was the case immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant
to these securities will be reduced proportionately based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio.
Accounting Matters
The proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation
will not affect the par value of our common stock. As a result, at the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, the stated capital on
our balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced in the same proportion as the Reverse Stock Split ratio, and the additional
paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net income or loss will
be restated for prior periods to conform to the post-Reverse Stock Split presentation.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The following summary describes, as of the date of
this proxy statement, certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to holders of our common stock. This summary
addresses the tax consequences only to a U.S. holder, which is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is either:
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an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
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a trust, if: (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S. persons has the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (ii) it was in existence before August 20, 1996 and a valid election is in place under applicable Treasury regulations to treat such trust as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes |
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authority, all
as in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. Subsequent developments in U.S. federal income tax law, including changes in law
or differing interpretations, which may be applied retroactively, could have a material effect on the U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the Reverse Stock Split.
This summary does not address all of the tax consequences
that may be relevant to any particular investor, including tax considerations that arise from rules of general application to all taxpayers
or to certain classes of taxpayers or that are generally assumed to be known by investors. This summary also does not address the tax
consequences to (i) persons that may be subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as banks, insurance companies,
thrift institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, U.S. expatriates, persons
subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, partnerships or other pass-through entities,
traders in securities that elect to mark to market and dealers in securities or currencies, (ii) persons that hold our common stock as
part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging transaction,” “conversion transaction”
or other integrated investment transaction for federal income tax purposes or (iii) persons that do not hold our common stock as “capital
assets” (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address backup withholding and information reporting. This
summary does not address U.S. holders who beneficially own common stock through a “foreign financial institution” (as defined
in Code Section 1471(d)(4)) or certain other non-U.S. entities specified in Code Section 1472. This summary does not address tax considerations
arising under any state, local or foreign laws, or under federal estate or gift tax laws.
If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership
for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner
in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships that hold our
common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences
of the Reverse Stock Split.
Each holder should consult his, her or its own tax
advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split, as well as the consequences arising under
the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, including any foreign, state, or local income tax consequences.
General Tax Treatment of the Reverse Stock Split
The Reverse Stock Split is intended to qualify as a
“reorganization” under Section 368 of the Code that should constitute a “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. Assuming the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a reorganization, a U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss
upon the exchange of our ordinary shares for a lesser number of ordinary shares, based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio. A U.S. holder’s
aggregate tax basis in the lesser number of ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will be the same such U.S. holder’s
aggregate tax basis in the shares of our common stock that such U.S. holder owned immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split. The holding
period for the ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will include the period during which a U.S. holder held the shares
of our common stock that were surrendered in the Reverse Stock Split. The United States Treasury regulations provide detailed rules for
allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of our common stock surrendered to the shares of our common stock received pursuant
to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. holders of shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult
their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.
THE FOREGOING IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A TAX OPINION. EACH HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD
CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO THEM AND FOR REFERENCE TO APPLICABLE PROVISIONS
OF THE CODE.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Our officers and directors do not have any substantial
interest, direct or indirect, in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
Under Delaware law, Proposal 1 will only be approved
if the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the matter vote in favor of such action.
Proxies solicited by our Board of Directors will be
voted for approval of this Proposal 1 unless otherwise specified.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote
“FOR” Proposal 1.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth
information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of June 4, 2024 by (i) each person who beneficially owned more than
5% of our outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each Named Executive Officer and (iv) all of our directors and
executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each executive officer and director is c/o listed below is c/o
Aclarion, Inc., 8181 Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield, Colorado 80021.
The number of shares of common
stock “beneficially owned” by each stockholder is determined under rules issued by the SEC regarding the beneficial ownership
of securities. This information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under these rules, beneficial
ownership of shares of our common stock includes (1) any shares as to which the person or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment
power, and (2) any shares as to which the person or entity has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days after August 11,
2024.
The calculations set forth below
are based upon 8,210,671 shares of common stock outstanding at August 11, 2024. Unless otherwise indicated below, and subject to community
property laws where applicable, to our knowledge, all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to
their shares of common stock.
| Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned (10) |
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Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
| 5% Stockholders: |
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| None |
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| Executive Officers and Directors: |
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| Jeff Thramann (1) |
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86,882 |
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1.0% |
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| Brent Ness (2) |
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21,432 |
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* |
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| John Lorbiecki (3) |
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5,310 |
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* |
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| Ryan Bond (4) |
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4,284 |
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* |
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| David Neal (5) |
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18,201 |
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* |
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| William Wesemann (6) |
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7,783 |
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* |
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| Amanda Williams (7) |
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3,172 |
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* |
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| Stephen Deitsch (7) |
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3,172 |
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* |
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| Scott Breidbart (7) |
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3,172 |
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* |
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| All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons) |
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153,408 |
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1.8% |
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__________________________
| * |
Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
| (1) |
Represents outstanding stock options held by Dr. Thramann. |
| (2) |
Mr. Ness’ beneficial ownership includes 1,281 common shares, 20,087 vested options, and 63 IPO Warrants, and excludes 5,972 unvested
options. |
| (3) |
Mr. Lorbiecki’s beneficial ownership includes 1,400 common shares and 3,909 vested options, and excludes 1,303 unvested options. |
| (4) |
Mr. Bond’s beneficial ownership includes 1,250 common shares, 1,721 vested options, and 1,313 IPO Warrants. |
| (5) |
Mr, Neal’s beneficial ownership includes 11,658 common shares, 2,150 IPO Warrants, and 4,393 vested options. |
| (6) |
Mr. Wesemann’s beneficial ownership includes 3,296 common shares, 3,799 vested stock options, and 688 IPO Warrants, and excludes
766 unvested stock options. |
| (7) |
Includes 3,172 vested stock options and excludes 766 unvested stock options. |
OTHER MATTERS
The board of directors knows of no other business,
which will be presented to the Special Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Special Meeting, proxies will be
voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the proxies. The proxies also have discretionary authority to vote to adjourn
the Special Meeting, including for the purpose of soliciting votes in accordance with our board of director’s recommendations.
We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies in the
accompanying form. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may also be solicited by our directors, officers or other employees, personally
or by telephone, facsimile or email, none of whom will be compensated separately for these solicitation activities.
If you do not plan to attend the Special Meeting, in
order that your shares may be represented and in order to assure the required quorum, please sign, date and return your proxy promptly.
In the event you are able to attend the Special Meeting in person, at your request, we will cancel your previously submitted proxy.
HOUSEHOLDING
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and
intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and other Special Meeting materials with respect
to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a proxy statement or other Special Meeting materials addressed to those
stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and
cost savings for companies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy
cards.
If you share an address with another stockholder and
have received multiple copies of our proxy materials, you may write or call us at the address and phone number below to request delivery
of a single copy of the notice and, if applicable, other proxy materials in the future. We undertake to deliver promptly upon written
or oral request a separate copy of the proxy materials, as requested, to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the
proxy materials was delivered. If you hold stock as a record stockholder and prefer to receive separate copies of our proxy materials
either now or in the future, please contact us at 8181 Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, Attn: Secretary. If your stock
is held through a brokerage firm or bank and you prefer to receive separate copies of our proxy materials either now or in the future,
please contact your brokerage firm or bank.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2023 may be obtained without charge by writing to the Company’s Secretary, Aclarion, Inc., 8181 Arista Place,
Suite 100, Broomfield, Colorado 80021. The Notice, our Annual Report on Form 10-K and this proxy statement are also available online at:
www.aclarion.com.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF |
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DIRECTORS |
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/s/ Brent Ness |
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Brent Ness |
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Chief Executive Officer |
APPENDIX A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
to the
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
of
ACLARION, INC.
ACLARION, INC., a corporation
organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify
as follows:
FIRST: The name of the Corporation
is Aclarion, Inc. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
(the “Secretary of State”) on April 21, 2022, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
SECOND: ARTICLE IV of the Corporation’s
Certificate of Incorporation shall be amended by inserting Subsection “(F)” at the end of such section which shall read as
follows:
F. Reverse Stock Split.
Upon the filing (the “Effective Time”) of this Certificate of Amendment pursuant to the Section 242 of the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware, each (__) shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time (the “Prior Common Stock”) shall automatically without further action on the part of the Corporation or any
holder of Prior Common Stock, be reclassified, combined, converted and changed into (__) fully paid and nonassessable shares of common
stock, par value of $0.00001 per share (the “New Common Stock”), subject to the treatment of fractional share interests as
described below (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The conversion of the Prior Common Stock into New Common Stock will be deemed
to occur at the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, certificates representing the Prior Common Stock shall represent the
number of shares of New Common Stock into which such Prior Common Stock shall have been converted pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment.
Holders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional share interests of New Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the Reverse
Stock Split shall be entitled to receive a whole share of New Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share created as a result of such
Reverse Stock Split.
THIRD: The stockholders of the
Corporation have duly approved the foregoing amendment in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation
has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be duly adopted and executed in its corporate name and on its behalf by its duly authorized
officer as of the _________ day of _________, 20__.
ACLARION, INC.
By:________________
Name:
Title:
PROXY CARD
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VOTE ON INTERNET |
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Go to http://www.vstocktransfer.com/proxy |
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Click on Proxy Voter Login and log-on using |
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the below control number. Voting will be open |
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until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on September [***], 2024. |
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CONTROL # |
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VOTE IN PERSON |
| * SPECIMEN * |
|
| 1 MAIN STREET |
If you would like to vote in person, please attend the |
| ANYWHERE PA 99999-9999 |
Special Meeting on September [***], 2024, at 9:30 a.m. |
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Mountain Time at the offices of Aclarion, Inc., 8181 |
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Arista Place, Suite 100, Broomfield, Colorado 80021. |
Special Meeting of Stockholders
Proxy Card - Aclarion, Inc.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE LISTED PROPOSAL.
| 1. |
Proposal to amend the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect the reverse stock split. |
| ☐ FOR |
☐ AGAINST |
☐ ABSTAIN |
| Date |
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Signature |
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Signature, if held jointly |
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Note: This
proxy must be signed exactly as the name appears hereon. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor,
administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate
name by a duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized
person.
To change the address on your account, please
check the box at right and indicate your new address.
| * SPECIMEN * |
AC:ACCT9999 |
90.00 |
ACLARION, INC.
Special Meeting of Stockholders
September [***], 2024
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints, Brent Ness and Jeffrey Thramann,
as proxies with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote all the shares of common stock of Aclarion, Inc. (the “Company”),
which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September [***],
2024 and at any adjournments thereof, subject to the directions indicated on this Proxy Card.
In their discretion, the proxy is authorized to vote upon any other matter
that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE,
BUT IF NO CHOICES ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE PROXY HOLDERS FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES AND FOR THE PROPOSALS
LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND IN THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE PROPERLY PRESENTED AT THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS
OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN REVERSE SIDE OR PROXY WILL
NOT BE VALID
TEST ISSUE REF 1999
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