Answer:
Under FINRA rules, this is:
A conflict of interest.
Explanation:
The underwriter has advised on the potential acquisition and is now offering the shares to the officers of the manufacturing company that hired the underwriting firm. Â The underwriter should have allowed the officers of the manufacturing company to purchase the shares on their own since it is a public offering and not a private placement. Â The information is already in the public domain. Â By offering the shares directly to the officers, it looks as if the underwriter is trying to compensate them for the contract it received earlier.