BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT by and among Hainan Manaslu Acquisition Corp., as Purchaser, ABLE VIEW INC., as the Company, ABLE VIEW GLOBAL INC., as Pubco, ABLE VIEW CORPORATION INC., as Merger Sub, and THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY NAMED HEREIN,...
Exhibit 2.1
BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
by and among
Hainan Manaslu Acquisition Corp.,
as Purchaser,
ABLE VIEW INC.,
as the Company,
ABLE VIEW GLOBAL INC.,
as Pubco,
ABLE VIEW CORPORATION INC.,
as Merger Sub,
and
THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY NAMED HEREIN,
as the Sellers
Dated as of November 21, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
I. MERGER | 2 | |
1.1. | Merger | 2 |
1.2. | Effective Time | 2 |
1.3. | Effect of the Merger | 2 |
1.4. | Organizational Documents of Surviving Entity | 2 |
1.5. | Directors and Officers of the Surviving Entity | 3 |
1.6. | Effect of Merger on Issued Securities of Purchaser | 3 |
1.7. | Tax Consequences | 5 |
1.8. | Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action | 5 |
Article II. SHARE EXCHANGE | 5 | |
2.1. | Exchange of Company Shares | 5 |
2.2. | Exchange Consideration | 5 |
2.3. | Surrender of Company Securities and Payment of Exchange Consideration | 5 |
2.4. | Earnout | 6 |
2.5. | Seller Consent | 7 |
2.6. | Termination of Certain Agreements | 7 |
III. CLOSING | 8 | |
3.1. | Closing | 8 |
IV. representations and warranties of purchaser | 8 | |
4.1. | Organization and Standing | 8 |
4.2. | Authorization; Binding Agreement | 8 |
4.3. | Governmental Approvals | 9 |
4.4. | Non-Contravention | 9 |
4.5. | Capitalization | 9 |
4.6. | SEC Filings and Purchaser Financials | 10 |
4.7. | Absence of Certain Changes | 11 |
4.8. | Compliance with Laws | 11 |
4.9. | Actions; Orders; Permits | 11 |
4.10. | Taxes and Returns | 12 |
4.11. | Employees and Employee Benefit Plans | 12 |
4.12. | Properties | 12 |
4.13. | Material Contracts | 12 |
4.14. | Transactions with Affiliates | 13 |
4.15. | Investment Company Act | 13 |
4.16. | Finders and Brokers | 13 |
4.17. | Certain Business Practices | 13 |
4.18. | Insurance | 14 |
4.19. | Information Supplied | 14 |
4.20. | Trust Account | 14 |
4.21. | Independent Investigation | 15 |
Article V. representations and warranties of pubco | 15 | |
5.1. | Organization and Standing | 15 |
5.2. | Authorization; Binding Agreement | 16 |
5.3. | Governmental Approvals | 16 |
5.4. | Non-Contravention | 16 |
5.5. | Capitalization | 16 |
5.6. | Ownership of Consideration Shares | 17 |
5.7. | Pubco and Merger Sub Activities | 17 |
5.8. | Finder and Brokers | 17 |
5.9. | Investment Company Act | 17 |
5.10. | Information Supplied | 17 |
5.11. | Independent Investigation | 17 |
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Article VI. representations and warranties of THE COMPANY | 18 | |
6.1. | Organization and Standing | 18 |
6.2. | Authorization; Binding Agreement | 18 |
6.3. | Capitalization | 19 |
6.4. | Subsidiaries | 20 |
6.5. | Governmental Approvals | 20 |
6.6. | Non-Contravention | 20 |
6.7. | Financial Statements | 21 |
6.8. | Absence of Certain Changes | 22 |
6.9. | Compliance with Laws | 22 |
6.10. | Company Permits | 22 |
6.11. | Litigation | 23 |
6.12. | Material Contracts | 23 |
6.13. | Intellectual Property | 25 |
6.14. | Taxes and Returns | 27 |
6.15. | Real Property | 28 |
6.16. | Personal Property | 28 |
6.17. | Title to and Sufficiency of Assets | 29 |
6.18. | Employee Matters | 29 |
6.19. | Benefit Plans | 30 |
6.20. | Environmental Matters | 31 |
6.21. | Transactions with Related Persons | 32 |
6.22. | Business Insurance | 32 |
6.23. | Top Customers and Suppliers | 33 |
6.24 | Certain Business Practices | 33 |
6.25 | Investment Company Act | 33 |
6.26. | Finders and Brokers | 34 |
6.27. | Information Supplied | 34 |
6.28. | Independent Investigation | 34 |
6.29. | No Other Representations | 34 |
vII. representations and warranties of THE SELLERS | 35 | |
7.1. | Organization and Standing | 35 |
7.2. | Authorization; Binding Agreement | 35 |
7.3. | Ownership | 35 |
7.4. | Governmental Approvals | 35 |
7.5. | Non-Contravention | 36 |
7.6. | No Litigation | 36 |
7.7. | Investment Representations | 36 |
7.8. | Finders and Brokers | 37 |
7.9. | Information Supplied | 37 |
7.10. | Independent Investigation | 37 |
7.11. | No Other Representations | 37 |
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VIII. COVENANTS | 38 | |
8.1. | Access and Information | 38 |
8.2. | Conduct of Business of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers | 38 |
8.3. | Conduct of Business of Purchaser | 41 |
8.4. | Financial Statements | 43 |
8.5. | Purchaser Public Filings | 43 |
8.6. | No Solicitation | 43 |
8.7. | No Trading | 44 |
8.8. | Notification of Certain Matters | 44 |
8.9. | Efforts | 45 |
8.10. | Further Assurances | 46 |
8.11. | The Registration Statement | 46 |
8.12. | Public Announcements | 47 |
8.13. | Confidential Information | 48 |
8.14. | Post-Closing Board of Directors and Executive Officers | 49 |
8.15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Tail Insurance | 49 |
8.16. | Trust Account Proceeds | 49 |
8.17. | Transaction Financing | 50 |
8.18. | Employment Agreements | 50 |
8.19. | Pubco Equity Incentive Plan | 50 |
8.20. | Certain Target Company Indebtedness | 50 |
Article IX. Closing conditions | 51 | |
9.1. | Conditions of Each Party’s Obligations | 51 |
9.2. | Conditions to Obligations of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers | 52 |
9.3. | Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser | 53 |
9.4. | Frustration of Conditions | 54 |
Article X. TERMINATION AND EXPENSES | 55 | |
10.1. | Termination | 55 |
10.2. | Effect of Termination | 56 |
10.3. | Fees and Expenses | 56 |
XI. WAIVERs And releases | 57 | |
11.1. | Waiver of Claims Against Trust | 57 |
11.2. | Release and Covenant Not to Sue | 58 |
xII. MISCELLANEOUS | 58 | |
12.1. | Survival | 58 |
12.2. | Non-Recourse | 58 |
12.3. | Notices | 59 |
12.4. | Binding Effect; Assignment | 60 |
12.5. | Third Parties | 60 |
12.6. | Arbitration | 60 |
12.7. | Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 61 |
12.8. | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 61 |
12.9. | Specific Performance | 61 |
12.10. | Severability | 61 |
12.11. | Amendment | 61 |
12.12. | Waiver | 61 |
12.13. | Entire Agreement | 62 |
12.14. | Interpretation | 62 |
12.15. | Counterparts | 62 |
12.16. | Legal Representation | 62 |
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XIII DEFINITIONS | 63 | |
13.1. | Certain Definitions | 63 |
13.2. | Section References | 72 |
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit | Description | |
Exhibit A | Form of Lock-Up Agreement | |
Exhibit B | Form of Non-Competition Agreement | |
Exhibit C | Form of Registration Rights Agreement | |
Exhibit D | Form of Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment |
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BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT
This Business Combination Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of November 21, 2022, by and among (i) Hainan Manaslu Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (together with its successors, “Purchaser”), (ii) Able View Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”), (iii) Able View Global Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Pubco”), (iv) Able View Corporation Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco (“Merger Sub”), and (v) each of the holders of the Company’s outstanding shares named on Annex I hereto (collectively, the “Sellers”). Purchaser, the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Company, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, engages in the business of marketing, reselling, and brand management of global cosmetic products in China;
WHEREAS, Pubco is a newly incorporated Cayman Islands exempted company that is owned entirely by the Company, and Merger Sub is a newly incorporated Cayman Islands exempted company that is owned entirely by Pubco;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire and intend to effect a business combination transaction whereby (a) Purchaser shall merge with and into Merger Sub, with Purchaser continuing as the surviving entity (the “Merger”), as a result of which, (i) Purchaser shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of Pubco and (ii) each issued and outstanding security of Purchaser immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined below) shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled, in exchange for the right of the holder thereof to receive a substantially equivalent security of Pubco, and (b) Pubco shall acquire all of the issued and outstanding Company Shares (as defined below) from the Sellers in exchange for ordinary shares of Pubco (the “Share Exchange” and, collectively with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents (as defined below), the “Transactions”), all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act and other applicable law;
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (a) certain of the Sellers have entered into lock-up agreements with Purchaser and Pubco, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Lock-Up Agreements”), which Lock-Up Agreements shall become effective as of the Closing; (b) certain Sellers that are part of the Company’s management have entered into non-competition and non-solicitation agreements in favor of Pubco, Purchaser and the Company, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Non-Competition Agreements”), which Non-Competition Agreements shall become effective as of the Closing; and (c) Pubco, Purchaser, and each of the Sellers have entered into a registration rights agreement, a copy of which is attached as hereto Exhibit C hereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), which shall become effective as of the Closing;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Pubco and Bright Winlong LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), have entered into an amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2022 (the “Founder Registration Rights Agreement”), by and between Purchaser, the Sponsor and the other parties thereto, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment”), pursuant to which Pubco shall assume the obligations of Purchaser under the Founder Registration Rights Agreement, which shall become effective as of the Closing;
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WHEREAS, the boards of directors of Purchaser, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Company each (a) have determined that the Transactions are fair, advisable and in the best interests of their respective companies and security holders, and (b) have approved this Agreement and the Transactions, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, certain capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein are defined in Article XIII hereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
Article
I
MERGER
1.1 Merger. At the Effective Time, and subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act, Purchaser and Merger Sub shall consummate the Merger, pursuant to which Purchaser shall be merged with Merger Sub, with Purchaser being the surviving entity, following which the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and Purchaser shall continue as the surviving entity in the Merger. Purchaser, as the surviving entity following the Merger, is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Surviving Entity” (provided, that references to Purchaser for periods after the Effective Time shall include the Surviving Entity).
1.2 Effective Time. Simultaneous with or immediately following the completion of the Share Exchange, Purchaser and Merger Sub shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a Plan of Merger for the Merger of Purchaser with Merger Sub, with Purchaser being the surviving entity in the Merger (the “Plan of Merger”), with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act (the time of such filing, or such later time as may be specified in the Plan of Merger, being referred to herein as the “Effective Time”).
1.3 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the applicable provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, debts, Liabilities, duties and obligations of Merger Sub and Purchaser shall become the property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, debts, Liabilities, duties and obligations of the Surviving Entity (including all rights and obligations with respect to the Trust Account), which shall include the assumption by the Surviving Entity of any and all agreements, covenants, duties and obligations of Merger Sub and Purchaser set forth in this Agreement to be performed after the Effective Time, and the Surviving Entity shall continue its existence as a wholly owned Subsidiary of Pubco.
1.4 Organizational Documents of Surviving Entity. At the Effective Time, Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be further amended and restated to read in their entirety in the form of the memorandum and articles of association of Merger Sub, in each case, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, respectively (except that the name of the corporation shall be changed to a name to be mutually agreed by Purchaser and the Company prior to the Closing) and, as so amended and restated, shall be the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Entity until the same may be thereafter further amended and/or restated in accordance with their terms and the Cayman Islands Companies Act.
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1.5 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Entity. At the Effective Time, the board of directors and executive officers of Xxxxxxxxx shall resign and the board of directors and the executive officers of the Surviving Entity shall as mutually agreed by Pubco, Purchaser and the Company prior to the Closing, each to hold office in accordance with the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of the Surviving Entity until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
1.6 Effect of Merger on Issued Securities of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any Party or the holders of securities of Purchaser, the Company, Pubco or Merger Sub:
(a) Purchaser Units. Each Purchaser Unit outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be automatically detached and the holder thereof shall be deemed to hold one Purchaser Ordinary Share, one Purchaser Right and one Purchaser Warrant in accordance with the terms of the applicable Purchaser Unit, which underlying Purchaser Securities shall be converted in accordance with the applicable terms of this Section 1.6 below.
(b) Purchaser Ordinary Shares. Each Purchaser Ordinary Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than those described in Section 1.6(d) below) shall automatically be converted into the right to receive one Pubco Ordinary Share, following which all such Purchaser Ordinary Shares shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist.
(c) Purchaser Preference Shares. Each Purchaser Preference Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than those described in Section 1.6(d) below), if any, shall be automatically converted into the right to receive one Pubco Preference Share, following which all such Purchaser Preference Shares shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist.
(d) Cancellation of Shares Owned by Purchaser. If there are any shares in the authorized capital of Purchaser that are owned by Purchaser as treasury shares immediately prior to the Effective Time, such shares shall be canceled and extinguished without any conversion thereof or payment therefor.
(e) Purchaser Rights. At the Effective Time, all issued and outstanding Purchaser Rights shall be automatically converted into the number of Pubco Ordinary Shares that would have been received by the holders thereof if the Purchaser Rights had been converted upon the consummation of a Business Combination in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the IPO Prospectus and the Rights Agreement into Purchaser Ordinary Shares, but for such purposes treating it as if such Business Combination had occurred immediately prior to the Effective Time and the Purchaser Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of the Purchaser Rights had then automatically been converted into Pubco Ordinary Shares in accordance with Section 1.6(b) above. At the Effective Time, the Purchaser Rights shall cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist. The holders of any certificates previously evidencing Purchaser Rights outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Purchaser Rights, except as provided herein or by Law. Any certificate formerly representing Purchaser Rights shall thereafter represent only the right to receive Pubco Ordinary Shares as set forth herein.
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(f) Purchaser Warrants. Each outstanding (i) Purchaser Public Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive one Pubco Public Warrant and (ii) each Purchaser Private Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive one Pubco Private Warrant, and all Purchaser Warrants shall thereupon cease to be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist. Each of the Pubco Public Warrants shall have, and be subject to, substantially the same terms and conditions set forth in the Purchaser Public Warrants, and each of the Pubco Private Warrants shall have, and be subject to, substantially the same terms and conditions set forth in the Purchaser Private Warrants, except that in each case they shall represent the right to acquire Pubco Ordinary Shares in lieu of Purchaser Ordinary Shares. At or prior to the Effective Time, Pubco shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for future issuance, and shall maintain such reservation for so long as any of the Pubco Warrants remain outstanding, a sufficient number of Pubco Ordinary Shares for delivery upon the exercise of such Pubco Warrants.
(g) Surrender of Shares of Pubco. The sole holder of shares of Pubco issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall surrender all such shares to Pubco, which shares shall thereupon be canceled.
(h) Cancellation of Shares of Merger Sub. All of the Merger Sub Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into an equal number of ordinary shares of the Surviving Entity, with the same rights, powers and privileges as the shares so converted, and shall constitute the only outstanding shares in the capital of the Surviving Entity.
(i) Transfers of Ownership. If any certificate representing shares of Purchaser is to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it will be a condition of the issuance thereof that the certificate so surrendered will be properly endorsed (or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer) and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such exchange will have paid to Purchaser or any agent designated by it any transfer or other Taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate for securities of Purchaser in any name other than that of the registered holder of the certificate surrendered, or established to the satisfaction of Pubco or any agent designated by it that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(j) No Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.7, none of the Surviving Entity, Pubco or any Party hereto shall be liable to any Person for any amount properly paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(k) Surrender of Purchaser Certificates. Securities issued upon the surrender of Purchaser Securities in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such securities, provided that any restrictions on the sale and transfer of Purchaser Securities shall also apply to the Pubco Securities so issued in exchange.
(l) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Purchaser Certificates. In the event any certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, Pubco shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates or securities, as the case may be, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, such securities, as may be required pursuant to Section 1.6; provided, however, that Pubco may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates to agree to indemnify Pubco and the Surviving Entity, or deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Surviving Entity or Pubco with respect to the certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
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1.7 Tax Consequences. The Parties hereby agree and acknowledge that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Merger and the Share Exchange are intended to constitute a single exchange transaction under Section 351 of the Code. The Parties hereby agree to file all Tax and other informational returns on a basis consistent with such characterization. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that no party is making any representation or warranty as to the qualification of the Transactions under Section 351 of the Code or as to the effect, if any, that any transaction consummated on, after or prior to the Closing Date has or may have on any such transaction. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that each (i) has had the opportunity to obtain independent legal and tax advice with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) is responsible for paying its own Taxes, including any Taxes that may arise if the Merger and the Share Exchange, taken together, do not qualify as exchanges described in Section 351 of the Code.
1.8 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Entity with full right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Purchaser and Merger Sub, the officers and directors of Purchaser and Merger Sub are fully authorized in the name of their respective entities to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary action, so long as such action is not inconsistent with this Agreement.
Article
II
SHARE EXCHANGE
2.1 Exchange of Company Shares. At the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, simultaneously with or immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, the Sellers shall sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver to Pubco, and Pubco shall purchase, acquire and accept from the Sellers, all of the Company Shares held by the Sellers (collectively, the “Purchased Shares”), which comprise all of the Company Shares issued and outstanding as of the Closing Date, free and clear of all Liens (other than potential restrictions on resale under applicable securities Laws). At or prior to the Closing, the Company shall terminate any issued and outstanding Company Convertible Securities (if any), without any consideration, payment or Liability therefor.
2.2 Exchange Consideration. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in full payment for the Purchased Shares, the Company Security Holders collectively shall be entitled to receive from Pubco, in the aggregate, a number of Purchaser Securities with an aggregate value equal to Four Hundred Million U.S. Dollars ($400,000,000) (the “Exchange Consideration”), with each Seller receiving for each Company Ordinary Share held a number of Pubco Ordinary Shares (such shares in the aggregate for all Sellers, the “Exchange Shares”) equal to (i) the Per Share Price divided by (ii) the Redemption Price (the “Conversion Ratio”). In addition, the Sellers shall have the contingent right after the Closing to receive the Earnout Shares if issued in accordance with Section 2.4.
2.3 Surrender of Company Securities and Disbursement of Exchange Consideration.
(a) At the Closing, Pubco shall cause the Exchange Shares to be issued to the Sellers in exchange for their Company Ordinary Shares based on the Conversion Ratio.
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(b) At the Closing, each Seller will deliver to Pubco their Company Ordinary Shares, including any certificates representing Company Ordinary Shares (“Company Certificates”), along with applicable share power or transfer forms reasonably acceptable to Pubco. In the event that any Company Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, in lieu of delivery of a Company Certificate to Pubco, the Seller may instead deliver to Pubco an affidavit of lost certificate and indemnity of loss, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Pubco (a “Lost Certificate Affidavit”), which at the reasonable discretion of Pubco may include a requirement that the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Company Certificate deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against Pubco or the Company with respect to the Company Shares represented by the Company Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no fraction of a Pubco Ordinary Share shall be issued by Pubco by virtue of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and each Person who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Pubco Ordinary Share (after aggregating all fractional Pubco Ordinary Shares that would otherwise be received by such Person) instead shall have the number of Pubco Ordinary Shares issued to such Person rounded down in the aggregate to the nearest whole Pubco Ordinary Share.
2.4 Earnout.
(a) After the Closing, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Sellers shall have the contingent right to receive in the aggregate up to an additional Three Million Two Hundred Thousand (3,200,000) Pubco Ordinary Shares (subject to equitable adjustment for share splits, share dividends, combinations, recapitalizations and the like after the Closing, including to account for any equity securities into which such shares are exchanged or converted) (the “Earnout Shares” and, together with the Exchange Shares, the “Consideration Shares”) as additional consideration based on Pubco achieving certain Net Revenue milestones for each of the fiscal years 2023 and 2024 (each, a “Net Revenue Earnout Year”; such period, the “Earnout Period”). The Sellers’ right to receive the Earnout Shares shall vest and become due and issuable as follows:
(i) In the event that the Net Revenue of Pubco as reported in the audited financial statements set forth in the annual report of Pubco for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC is equal to or exceeds One Hundred Seventy Million Dollars ($170,000,000) (the “2023 Net Revenue Earnout Milestone”), then, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Sellers shall be entitled to receive One Million Six Hundred Thousand (1,600,000) of the Earnout Shares (the “First Tranche”), with each Seller receiving its Pro Rata Share thereof.
(ii) In the event that the Net Revenue of Pubco as reported in the audited financial statements set forth in the annual report of Pubco for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC is equal to or exceeds Two Hundred Million Dollars ($200,000,000) (the “2024 Net Revenue Earnout Milestone” and, together with the 2023 Net Revenue Earnout Milestone, the “Net Revenue Earnout Milestones”), then, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Sellers shall be entitled to receive One Million Six Hundred Thousand (1,600,000) of the Earnout Shares (the “Second Tranche”), with each Seller receiving its Pro Rata Share thereof.
In the event that the applicable Earnout Milestones are not met during the applicable periods, the Sellers shall not be entitled to receive the applicable portion of the Earnout Shares.
(b) Any Earnout Shares issued hereunder to Sellers shall be subject to the same restrictions and lock-up period(s) applicable to the Exchange Shares.
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(c) As soon as practicable (but in any event within twenty (20) Business Days) after the completion of the audited consolidated financial statements for Pubco and its Subsidiaries for each Net Revenue Earnout Year, Pubco’s Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) will prepare and deliver to the deliver to the Post-Closing Pubco Board for approval by a Disinterested Independent Director Majority a written statement (each, an “Earnout Statement”) that sets forth the CFO’s determination in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.4 of the Net Revenue for such Net Revenue Earnout Year and whether the applicable Net Revenue Earnout Milestone has been satisfied for such Net Revenue Earnout Year. If a Disinterested Independent Director Majority determines in good faith that the Sellers are entitled to receive Earnout Consideration for having achieved a Net Revenue Earnout Milestone pursuant to an Earnout Statement, the applicable portion of the Earnout Consideration will be due upon such final determination and Pubco shall deliver such Earnout Shares within ten (10) Business Days thereafter.
(d) Following the Closing (including during the Earnout Period), Pubco and its Subsidiaries, including the Target Companies, shall be entitled to operate their respective businesses based upon the business requirements of Pubco and its Subsidiaries, consistent with past practice. Each of Pubco and its Subsidiaries, including the Target Companies, shall be permitted, following the Closing (including during the Earnout Period), to make changes at its sole discretion to its operations, organization, personnel, accounting practices and other aspects of its business, including actions that may have an impact on the ability of the Sellers to earn the Earnout Shares, and the Sellers shall not have any right to claim the loss of all or any portion of any Earnout Shares or other damages as a result of such decisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Pubco shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries, including the Target Companies, not to, take or omit to take any action that is in bad faith and has the primary purpose of avoiding, reducing or preventing the achievement or attainment of the Net Revenue Earnout Milestones.
2.5 Seller Consent. Each Seller, as a shareholder or other security holder of the Company, hereby approves, authorizes and consents to the Company’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Each Seller acknowledges and agrees that the consents set forth herein are intended and shall constitute such consent of the Sellers as may be required (and shall, if applicable, operate as a written shareholder resolution of the Company) pursuant to the Company Organizational Documents, any other agreement in respect of the Company to which any Seller is a party or bound and all applicable Laws.
2.6 Termination of Certain Agreements. Without limiting the provisions of Section 11.2, the Company and the Sellers hereby agree that, effective at the Closing, (a) any shareholders’, voting or similar agreement among the Company and any of the Sellers or among the Sellers with respect to the Company’s capital shares, and (b) any registration rights agreement between the Company and its shareholders, in each case of clauses (a) and (b), shall automatically, and without any further action by any of the Parties, terminate in full and become null and void and of no further force and effect. Further, each Seller and the Company hereby waive any obligations of the parties under the Company’s Organizational Documents or any agreement described in clause (a) above with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, and any failure of the Parties to comply with the terms thereof in connection with the Transactions.
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Article
III
CLOSING
3.1 Closing. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall take place at the offices of Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Schole LLP (“EGS”), 0000 Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, remotely via the electronic exchange of signatures, on the second (2nd) Business Day after all of the Closing conditions set forth in this Agreement have been satisfied or waived, at 10:00 a.m. local time, or at such other date, time or place as Purchaser and the Company may agree (the date and time at which the Closing is actually held being the “Closing Date”). Closing signatures may be transmitted by e-mailed PDF or other electronic files or by facsimile.
Article
IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Except as set forth in (i) the disclosure schedules delivered by Purchaser to the Company, Pubco and the Sellers on the date hereof (the “Purchaser Disclosure Schedules”), the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer, or (ii) the SEC Reports that are available on the SEC’s website through XXXXX, Purchaser represents and warrants to the Company and Pubco, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
4.1 Organization and Standing. Purchaser is duly incorporated as an exempted company, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Purchaser has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Purchaser is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary. Purchaser has heretofore made available to the Company accurate and complete copies of its Organizational Documents, as currently in effect. Purchaser is not in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents in any material respect.
4.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. Purchaser has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject to obtaining the Required Shareholder Approval. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the board of directors of Purchaser and (b) other than the Required Shareholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings, other than as set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, on the part of Purchaser are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which Purchaser is a party shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and such Ancillary Documents by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the valid and binding obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and moratorium laws and other laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by any applicable statute of limitation or by any valid defense of set-off or counterclaim, and the fact that equitable remedies or relief (including the remedy of specific performance) are subject to the discretion of the court from which such relief may be sought (collectively, the “Enforceability Exceptions”).
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4.3 Governmental Approvals. Except as otherwise described on Schedule 4.3, no Consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of Purchaser is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Purchaser of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, other than (a) pursuant to Antitrust Laws, (b) such filings as are contemplated by this Agreement, (c) any filings required with Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to the Transactions, (d) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/or any state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (e) where the failure to obtain or make such Consents or to make such filings or notifications would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser.
4.4 Non-Contravention. Except as otherwise described on Schedule 4.4, the execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and the compliance by Purchaser with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 4.3 hereof, and any waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to Purchaser or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by Purchaser under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Purchaser under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person under or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Purchaser Material Contract, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser.
4.5 Capitalization.
(a) Purchaser’s authorized share capital is 55,500,000 shares, of which 55,000,000 shares are Purchaser Ordinary Shares and 500,000 shares are Purchaser Preference Shares. The issued and outstanding Purchaser Securities as of the date of this Agreement are set forth on Schedule 4.5(a). As of the date of this Agreement, there are no issued or outstanding Purchaser Preference Shares. All outstanding Purchaser Ordinary Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the Cayman Islands Companies Act, Purchaser’s Organizational Documents or any Contract to which Purchaser is a party. None of the outstanding Purchaser Securities have been issued in violation of any applicable securities Laws. Prior to giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Purchaser does not have any Subsidiaries or own any equity interests in any other Person.
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(b) The Company has not awarded or granted any share options or similar securities and does not have or maintain any plan or program with respect thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5(a) or Schedule 4.5(b), there are no (i) outstanding options, warrants, puts, calls, convertible securities, preemptive or similar rights, (ii) bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness having general voting rights or that are convertible or exchangeable into securities having such rights or (iii) subscriptions or other rights, agreements, arrangements, Contracts or commitments of any character (other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents), (A) relating to the issued or unissued securities of Purchaser or (B) obligating Purchaser to issue, transfer, deliver or sell or cause to be issued, transferred, delivered, sold or repurchased any options or shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such securities, or (C) obligating Purchaser to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, subscription or other right, agreement, arrangement or commitment for such capital shares. Other than the Redemption or as expressly set forth in this Agreement, there are no outstanding obligations of Purchaser to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares in the capital of Purchaser or to provide funds to make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Person. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5(b), there are no shareholders’ agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Purchaser is a party with respect to the voting of any shares of Purchaser.
(c) All Indebtedness of Purchaser as of the date of this Agreement is disclosed on Schedule 4.5(c). No Indebtedness of Purchaser contains any restriction upon: (i) the prepayment of any such Indebtedness, (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness by Purchaser, (iii) the ability of Purchaser to grant any Lien on its properties or assets, or (iv) the consummation of the Transactions (other than becoming due and payable upon the Closing).
(d) Since the date of formation of Purchaser, and except as contemplated by this Agreement, Purchaser has not declared or paid any distribution or dividend in respect of its shares and has not repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any of its shares, and Purchaser’s board of directors has not authorized any of the foregoing.
4.6 SEC Filings and Purchaser Financials.
(a) Purchaser, since the IPO, has filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents required to be filed or furnished by the Purchaser with the SEC under the Securities Act and/or the Exchange Act, together with any amendments, restatements or supplements thereto, and will file all such forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement. Except to the extent available on the SEC’s web site through XXXXX, Purchaser has delivered to the Company copies in the form filed with the SEC of all of the following, as applicable: (i) Purchaser’s annual reports on Form 10-K for each fiscal year of Purchaser beginning with the first year Purchaser was required to file such a form, (ii) Purchaser’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for each fiscal quarter that Purchaser filed such reports to disclose its quarterly financial results in each of the fiscal years of Purchaser referred to in clause (i) above, (iii) all other forms, reports, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents (other than preliminary materials) filed by Purchaser with the SEC since the beginning of the first fiscal year referred to in clause (i) above (the forms, reports, registration statements, prospectuses and other documents referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, whether or not available through XXXXX, are referred to herein collectively as the “SEC Reports”) and (iv) all certifications and statements required by (A) Rules 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Exchange Act, and (B) 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 906 of SOX) with respect to any report referred to in clause (i) above (collectively, the “Public Certifications”). Except for any changes (including any required revisions to or restatements of the Purchaser Financials (defined below) or the SEC Reports) to (A) the Purchaser’s historical accounting of the Purchaser Warrants as equity rather than as liabilities that was or may be required as a result of the Staff Statement on Accounting and Reporting Considerations for Warrants Issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”) that was issued by the SEC on April 12, 2021, and related guidance by the SEC, (B) the Purchaser’s accounting or classification of Purchaser’s outstanding redeemable shares as temporary, as opposed to permanent, equity that was or may be required as a result of related statements by the SEC staff or recommendations or requirements of Purchaser’s auditors, or (C) the Purchaser’s historical or future accounting relating to any other guidance from the SEC staff after the date hereof relating to non-cash accounting matters (clauses (A) through (C), collectively, “SEC SPAC Accounting Changes”), the SEC Reports (x) were prepared in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (y) did not, as of their respective effective dates (in the case of SEC Reports that are registration statements filed pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act) and at the time they were filed with the SEC (in the case of all other SEC Reports) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Public Certifications are each true as of their respective dates of filing. As used in this Section 4.6, the term “file” shall be broadly construed to include any manner permitted by SEC rules and regulations in which a document or information is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC. As of the date of this Agreement, (A) the Purchaser Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares, the Purchaser Public Rights, and the Purchaser Public Warrants are listed on Nasdaq, (B) Purchaser has not received any written deficiency notice from Nasdaq relating to the continued listing requirements of such Purchaser Securities, (C) there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, threatened, against Purchaser by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority with respect to any intention by such entity to suspend, prohibit or terminate the quoting of such Purchaser Securities on Nasdaq and (D) such Purchaser Securities are in compliance with all of the applicable corporate governance rules of Nasdaq.
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(b) Except for any SEC SPAC Accounting Changes, the financial statements and notes of Purchaser contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Reports (the “Purchaser Financials”), fairly present in all material respects the financial position and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Purchaser at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in such financial statements, all in accordance with (i) GAAP methodologies applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved and (ii) Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto and for the omission of notes and audit adjustments in the case of unaudited quarterly financial statements to the extent permitted by Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable).
(c) Except for any SEC SPAC Accounting Changes, and except as and to the extent reflected or reserved against in the Purchaser Financials, Purchaser has not incurred any Liabilities or obligations of the type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP that are not adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the Purchaser Financials, other than Liabilities of the type required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP that have been incurred since Purchaser’s last annual report on Form 10-K.
4.7 Absence of Certain Changes. As of the date of this Agreement, except as set forth on Schedule 4.7, Purchaser has (a) since its formation, conducted no business other than its formation, the public offering of its securities (and the related private offerings), public reporting and its search for an initial Business Combination as described in the IPO Prospectus (including the investigation of the Target Companies and the negotiation and execution of this Agreement) and related activities and (b) since the date of the IPO, not been subject to a Material Adverse Effect.
4.8 Compliance with Laws. Purchaser is, and has since its formation been, in compliance with all Laws applicable to it and the conduct of its business except for such noncompliance which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser, and Purchaser has not received written notice alleging any violation of applicable Law in any material respect by Purchaser.
4.9 Actions; Orders; Permits. There is no pending or, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, threatened Action to which Purchaser is subject which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser. There is no material Action that Purchaser has pending against any other Person. Purchaser is not subject to any material Orders of any Governmental Authority, nor are any such Orders pending. Purchaser holds all Permits necessary to lawfully conduct its business as presently conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and properties, all of which are in full force and effect, except where the failure to hold such Permit or for such Permit to be in full force and effect would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser.
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4.10 Taxes and Returns.
(a) Purchaser has or will have timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it, which such Tax Returns are true, accurate, correct and complete in all material respects, and has paid, collected or withheld, or caused to be paid, collected or withheld, all material Taxes required to be paid, collected or withheld, other than such Taxes for which adequate reserves in the Purchaser Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP. Schedule 4.10(a) sets forth each jurisdiction where Purchaser files or is required to file a Tax Return. There are no audits, examinations, investigations or other proceedings pending against Purchaser in respect of any Tax, and Purchaser has not been notified in writing of any proposed Tax claims or assessments against Purchaser (other than, in each case, claims or assessments for which adequate reserves in the Purchaser Financials have been established in accordance with GAAP or are immaterial in amount). There are no Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any of Purchaser’s assets, other than Permitted Liens. Purchaser has no outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any material amount of Taxes. There are no outstanding requests by Purchaser for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return.
(b) Since the date of its incorporation, Purchaser has not (i) changed any Tax accounting methods, policies or procedures except as required by a change in Law, (ii) made, revoked, or amended any material Tax election, (iii) filed any amended Tax Returns or claim for refund or (iv) entered into any closing agreement affecting or otherwise settled or compromised any material Tax Liability or refund.
4.11 Employees and Employee Benefit Plans. Purchaser does not (a) have any paid employees or (b) maintain, sponsor, contribute to or otherwise have any Liability under, any Benefit Plans.
4.12 Properties. Purchaser does not own, license or otherwise have any right, title or interest in any material Intellectual Property. Purchaser does not own or lease any material real property or Personal Property.
4.13 Material Contracts.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(a), other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, there are no Contracts to which Purchaser is a party or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound, subject or affected, which (i) creates or imposes a Liability greater than $100,000, (ii) may not be cancelled by Purchaser on less than sixty (60) days’ prior notice without payment of a material penalty or termination fee or (iii) prohibits, prevents, restricts or impairs in any material respect any business practice of Purchaser as its business is currently conducted, any acquisition of material property by Purchaser, or restricts in any material respect the ability of Purchaser to engage in business as currently conducted by it or to compete with any other Person or to consummate the Transactions (each, a “Purchaser Material Contract”). All Purchaser Material Contracts have been made available to the Company other than those that are exhibits to the SEC Reports.
(b) With respect to each Purchaser Material Contract: (i) the Purchaser Material Contract was entered into at arms’ length and in the ordinary course of business; (ii) the Purchaser Material Contract is legal, valid, binding and enforceable in all material respects against Purchaser and, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, the other parties thereto, and is in full force and effect (except, in each case, as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions); (iii) Purchaser is not in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a breach or default in any material respect by Purchaser, or permit termination or acceleration by the other party, under such Purchaser Material Contract; and (iv) to the Knowledge of Purchaser, no other party to any Purchaser Material Contract is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a breach or default by such other party, or permit termination or acceleration by Purchaser under any Purchaser Material Contract.
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4.14 Transactions with Affiliates. Schedule 4.14 sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the Contracts and arrangements that are in existence as of the date of this Agreement under which there are any existing or future Liabilities or obligations between Purchaser and any (a) present or former director, officer or employee or Affiliate of Purchaser, or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing, or (b) record or beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of Purchaser’s outstanding issued shares as of the date hereof.
4.15 Investment Company Act. As of the date of this Agreement, Purchaser is not an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company”, in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.
4.16 Finders and Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.16, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from Purchaser, Pubco, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Purchaser.
4.17 Certain Business Practices.
(a) Neither Purchaser, nor any of its Representatives acting on its behalf, has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees, to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other local or foreign anti-corruption or bribery Law, (iii) made any other unlawful payment or (iv) since the formation of Purchaser, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful gift or similar benefit in any material amount to any customer, supplier, governmental employee or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder Purchaser or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction.
(b) The operations of Purchaser are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with money laundering statutes in all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority, and no Action involving Purchaser with respect to any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, threatened.
(c) None of Purchaser or any of its directors or officers, or, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, any other Representative acting on behalf of Purchaser is currently identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), and Purchaser has not, directly or indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in any other country sanctioned by OFAC or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC in the last five (5) fiscal years.
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4.18 Insurance. Schedule 4.18 lists all insurance policies (by policy number, insurer, coverage period, coverage amount, annual premium and type of policy) held by Purchaser relating to Purchaser or its business, properties, assets, directors, officers and employees, copies of which have been provided to the Company. All premiums due and payable under all such insurance policies have been timely paid and Purchaser is otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such insurance policies. All such insurance policies are in full force and effect, and to the Knowledge of Purchaser, there is no threatened termination of, or material premium increase with respect to, any of such insurance policies. There have been no insurance claims made by Purchaser. Purchaser has each reported to its insurers all claims and pending circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim, except where such failure to report such a claim would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser.
4.19 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Purchaser expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any current report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority or stock exchange with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to the Purchaser’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Purchaser expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Press Release and the Closing Filing will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchaser makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of the Company, Pubco, the Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates.
4.20 Trust Account. As of the date hereof, there is at least $60 million held in the Trust Account. Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Account may be released except in accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the IPO Prospectus. Amounts in the Trust Account are invested in United States Government securities or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act. The Purchaser has performed all material obligations required to be performed by it to date under, and is not in material default, breach or delinquent in performance or any other respect (claimed or actual) in connection with, the Trust Agreement, and no event has occurred which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default or breach thereunder. The Trust Agreement is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser and, to the Knowledge of Purchaser, the Trustee, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. The Trust Agreement has not been terminated, repudiated, rescinded, amended or supplemented or modified, in any respect, and to the Knowledge of Purchaser, no such termination, repudiation, rescission, amendment, supplement or modification is contemplated. There are no separate Contracts, side letters or other arrangements (whether written or unwritten, express or implied) that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the SEC Reports filed or furnished by Purchaser to be inaccurate or that would entitle any Person (other than shareholders of Purchaser holding Purchaser Ordinary Shares who shall have elected to redeem their Purchaser Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the underwriters of the IPO with respect to deferred underwriting commissions) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Account prior to the closing of a Business Combination. As of the date hereof, Purchaser does not have any reason to believe that any of the conditions to the use of funds in the Trust Account will not be satisfied or funds available in the Trust Account will not be available to Purchaser (subject to the Redemption) on the Closing Date. There are no Actions pending with respect to the Trust Account. Purchaser has not released any money from the Trust Account other than as permitted by the Trust Agreement. As of the Effective Time, the obligations of Purchaser to dissolve or liquidate pursuant to Purchaser’s Organizational Documents shall terminate and Purchaser shall have no obligation whatsoever pursuant to Purchaser’s Organizational Documents to dissolve and liquidate the assets of Purchaser by reason of the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. Following the Closing, no shareholder of Purchaser is or shall be entitled to receive any amount from the Trust Account except to the extent such shareholder shall have elected to tender its Purchaser Ordinary Shares for redemption pursuant to the Redemption (or pursuant to any redemption required in accordance with the extension of Purchaser’s deadline to consummate its Business Combination) in compliance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents.
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4.21 Independent Investigation. Purchaser has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Target Companies, Pubco and Merger Sub and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Target Companies, Pubco and Merger Sub for such purpose. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Company, the Sellers, Pubco and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to Purchaser pursuant hereto, and the information provided by or on behalf of the Company, the Sellers, Pubco or Merger Sub for the Registration Statement; and (b) none of the Company, the Sellers, Pubco, Merger Sub or their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to the Target Companies, the Sellers, Pubco or Merger Sub or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to Purchaser pursuant hereto.
Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PUBCO
Pubco represents and warrants to the Purchaser, the Company and the Sellers, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
5.1 Organization and Standing. Pubco is duly incorporated as an exempted company, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Merger Sub is duly incorporated as an exempted company, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Each of Pubco and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of Pubco and Merger Sub is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary. Pubco has heretofore made available to Purchaser and the Company accurate and complete copies of the Organizational Documents of Pubco and Merger Sub, each as currently in effect. Neither Pubco nor Merger Sub is in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents.
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5.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. Subject to filing the Amended Pubco Charter, each of Pubco and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized by the board of directors and shareholders of Pubco and Merger Sub and no other corporate proceedings, other than as expressly set forth elsewhere in the Agreement (including the filing of the Amended Pubco Charter), on the part of Pubco or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which Pubco or Merger Sub is a party has been or shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by such Party and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and such Ancillary Documents by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the valid and binding obligation of such Party, enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.
5.3 Governmental Approvals. No Consent of or with any Governmental Authority, on the part of Pubco or Merger Sub is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by such Party of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or the consummation by such Party of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, other than (a) pursuant to Antitrust Laws, (b) such filings as contemplated by this Agreement, including the Amended Pubco Charter, (c) any filings required with Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (d) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/ or any state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (e) where the failure to obtain or make such Consents or to make such filings or notifications, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Pubco.
5.4 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery by Pubco and Merger Sub of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, the consummation by such Party of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and compliance by such Party with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not (a) subject to the filing of the Amended Pubco Charter, conflict with or violate any provision of such Party’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 5.3 hereof, and any waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to such Party or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by such Party under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of such Party under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any material Contract of such Party, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Pubco.
5.5 Capitalization. As of the date hereof, (i) Pubco is authorized to issue 500,000,000 Pubco Ordinary Shares, of which one (1) Pubco Ordinary Share is issued and outstanding, which is owned by the Company, and (ii) Merger Sub is authorized to issue 50,000 Merger Sub Ordinary Shares, of which one (1) share is issued and outstanding, which is owned by Pubco. Prior to giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than Merger Sub, Pubco does not have any Subsidiaries or own any equity interests in any other Person. Pubco qualifies as a foreign private issuer pursuant to Rule 3b-4 of the Exchange Act.
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5.6 Ownership of Consideration Shares. (i) All Consideration Shares to be issued and delivered in accordance with Article II to the Sellers shall be, upon issuance and delivery of such shares, duly authorized and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all Liens, and (ii) upon issuance and delivery of such Consideration Shares, each Seller shall have good and valid title to its portion of such shares, in each case of clauses (i) and (ii), other than restrictions arising from applicable securities Laws, the Lock-Up Agreements, the Registration Rights Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement and any Liens incurred by the Sellers, and (iii) the issuance and sale of such Consideration Shares pursuant hereto will not be subject to or give rise to any preemptive rights or rights of first refusal.
5.7 Pubco and Merger Sub Activities. Since their formation, Pubco and Merger Sub have not engaged in any business activities other than as contemplated by this Agreement, do not own directly or indirectly any ownership, equity, profits or voting interest in any Person (other than Pubco’s 100% ownership of Merger Sub) and have no assets or Liabilities except those incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which they are a party and the Transactions, and, other than this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which they are a party, Pubco and Merger Sub are not party to or bound by any Contract.
5.8 Finders and Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from Purchaser, Pubco, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Pubco or Merger Sub.
5.9 Investment Company Act. Pubco is not an “investment company” or, a Person directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of an “investment company”, in each case within the meanings of the Investment Company Act.
5.10 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Pubco or Merger Sub expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any Current Report on Form 8-K or 6-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to Purchaser’s or Pubco’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Pubco or Merger Sub expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing and the Closing Press Release will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Pubco nor Merger Sub makes any representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of Purchaser, the Target Companies, the Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates.
5.11 Independent Investigation. Each of Pubco and Merger Sub has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of the Target Companies and Purchaser and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of the Target Companies and Purchaser for such purpose. Each of Pubco and Merger Sub acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of the Company, the Sellers and Purchaser set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules and the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to Pubco or Merger Sub pursuant hereto, and the information provided by or on behalf of the Company, the Sellers or Purchaser for the Registration Statement; and (b) none of the Company, the Sellers, Purchaser or their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to the Target Companies, the Sellers, Purchaser or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Company Disclosure Schedules and the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to Pubco or Merger Sub pursuant hereto.
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Article VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the disclosure schedules delivered by the Company to Purchaser on the date hereof (the “Company Disclosure Schedules”), the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer, the Company hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser and Pubco, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
6.1 Organization and Standing. The Company is duly incorporated as an exempted company, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each other Target Company is a corporation or other entity duly formed, incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Target Company is duly qualified or licensed and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or registered and in each other jurisdiction where it does business or operates to the extent that the character of the property owned, or leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary. Schedule 6.1 lists all jurisdictions in which any Target Company is qualified to conduct business and all names other than its legal name under which any Target Company does business. The Company has provided to Purchaser accurate and complete copies of the Organizational Documents of each Target Company, each as amended to date and as currently in effect. No Target Company is in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents.
6.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is or is required to be a party, to perform the Company’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (a) have been duly and validly authorized by the board of directors and shareholders of the Company in accordance with the Company’s Organizational Documents, the Cayman Islands Companies Act, any other applicable Law and any Contract to which the Company or any of its shareholders are party or bound and (b) no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which the Company is or is required to be a party shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company Party and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and any such Ancillary Document by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.
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6.3 Capitalization.
(a) The Company is authorized to issue 499,984,250 Company Ordinary Shares and 15,750 Company Preference Shares. The issued and outstanding capital shares of the Company consists of 1,000,000 Company Ordinary Shares and 15,750 Company Preference Shares, and there are no other issued or outstanding equity interests of the Company. The Sellers are the legal (registered) and beneficial owners of all of the issued and outstanding Company Shares, with each Seller owning the Company Shares set forth on Schedule 6.3(a), all of which Company Shares are owned by the Sellers free and clear of any Liens other than those imposed under the Company Organizational Documents and applicable securities Laws. Schedule 6.3(a) also sets forth as of the date of this Agreement, the amount of any accrued dividends payable in accordance with the Company’s Organizational Documents to the holders of Company Preference Shares in preference to holders of Company Common Shares. After giving effect to the Securities Exchange, Pubco shall own all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Company free and clear of any Liens other than those imposed under the Company Organizational Documents and applicable securities Laws. All of the outstanding shares and other equity interests of the Company have been duly authorized, are fully paid and non-assessable and not in violation of any purchase option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the Cayman Islands Companies Act, any other applicable Law, the Company’s Organizational Documents or any Contract to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or its securities are bound. The Company does not, directly or indirectly, hold any of its shares or other equity interests in treasury.
(b) Schedule 6.3(b) sets forth the beneficial and record owners of all outstanding Company Convertible Securities (including in each case the grant date, number and type of shares issuable thereunder, the exercise price, the expiration date and any vesting schedule) prior to the Securities Exchange, and except as set forth on Schedule 6.3(b), there are no Company Convertible Securities or preemptive rights or rights of first refusal or first offer, nor are there any Contracts, commitments, arrangements or restrictions to which the Company or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of their respective shareholders are a party or bound relating to any equity securities of the Company, whether or not outstanding. There are no outstanding or authorized equity appreciation, phantom equity or similar rights with respect to the Company. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.3(b), there are no voting trusts, proxies, shareholders’ agreements or any other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of the Company’s equity interests. Except as set forth in the Company’s Organizational Documents, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its equity interests or securities, nor has the Company granted any registration rights to any Person with respect to its equity securities. All of the issued and outstanding securities of the Company have been granted, offered, sold and issued in compliance with all applicable securities Laws. As a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, no equity interests of the Company are issuable and no rights in connection with any interests, warrants, rights, options or other securities of the Company accelerate or otherwise become triggered (whether as to vesting, exercisability, convertibility or otherwise).
(c) Except as disclosed in the Company Financials or as set forth on Schedule 6.3(c), since January 1, 2022, the Company has not declared or paid any distribution or dividend in respect of its equity interests and has not repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any equity interests of the Company, and the board of directors of the Company has not authorized any of the foregoing.
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6.4 Subsidiaries. Schedule 6.4 sets forth the name of each Subsidiary of the Company, and with respect to each Subsidiary (a) its jurisdiction of organization, (b) its authorized shares or other equity interests (if applicable), and (c) the number of issued and outstanding shares or other equity interests and the record holders and beneficial owners thereof. All of the outstanding equity securities of each Subsidiary of the Company are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (if applicable), and were offered, sold and delivered in compliance with all applicable securities Laws, and owned by one or more of the Target Companies free and clear of all Liens (other than those, if any, imposed by such Subsidiary’s Organizational Documents). There are no Contracts to which the Company or any of its Affiliates is a party or bound with respect to the voting (including voting trusts or proxies) of the equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company other than the Organizational Documents of any such Subsidiary. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, rights, agreements, subscriptions, convertible securities or commitments to which any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or which are binding upon any Subsidiary of the Company providing for the issuance or redemption of any equity interests of any Subsidiary of the Company. There are no outstanding equity appreciation, phantom equity, profit participation or similar rights granted by any Subsidiary of the Company. No Subsidiary of the Company has any limitation, whether by Contract, Order or applicable Law, on its ability to make any distributions or dividends to its equity holders or repay any debt owed to another Target Company. Except for the equity interests of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 6.4, the Company does not own or have any rights to acquire, directly or indirectly, any equity interests of, or otherwise Control, any Person. No Target Company is a participant in any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of a Target Company to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any other Person.
6.5 Governmental Approvals. Except as otherwise described on Schedule 6.5, no Consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of any Target Company is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than (a) such filings as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (b) pursuant to Antitrust Laws and (c) those Consents, the failure of which to obtain prior to the Closing, would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to be material to the Target Companies or the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is or required to be a party or otherwise bound.
6.6 Non-Contravention. Except as otherwise described on Schedule 6.6, the execution and delivery by the Company (or any other Target Company, as applicable) of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which any Target Company is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound, and the consummation by any Target Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and compliance by any Target Company with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of any Target Company’s Organizational Documents, (b) subject to obtaining the Consents from Governmental Authorities referred to in Section 6.5 hereof, the waiting periods referred to therein having expired, and any condition precedent to such Consent or waiver having been satisfied, conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to any Target Company or any of its properties or assets, or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by any Target Company under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of any Target Company under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party Consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Company Material Contract, except in cases of clauses (b) and (c), as would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to be material to the Target Companies or the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is or required to be a party or otherwise bound.
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6.7 Financial Statements.
(a) As used herein, the term “Company Financials” means (i) the consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies (including, in each case, any related notes thereto), consisting of the consolidated balance sheets of the Target Companies as of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated audited income statements, changes in shareholder equity and statements of cash flows for the years then ended, each audited pursuant to private company standards, (ii) when delivered in accordance with Section 8.4(a), the Audited Financial Statements, (iii) the consolidated financial statements, consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies as of June 30, 2022 (the “Interim Balance Sheet Date”) and the related consolidated income statement, changes in shareholder equity and statement of cash flows for the six months then ended, and (iv) when delivered in accordance with Section 8.4(a), the Reviewed Interim Financial Statements. True and correct copies of the Company Financials have been provided to Purchaser. The Company Financials (w) accurately reflect the books and records of the Target Companies as of the times and for the periods referred to therein, (x) were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, consistently applied throughout and among the periods involved (except that the unaudited statements exclude the footnote disclosures and other presentation items required for U.S. GAAP and exclude year-end adjustments which will not be material in amount), (y) comply with all applicable accounting requirements under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and (z) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Target Companies as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of the operations and cash flows of the Target Companies for the periods indicated. No Target Company has ever been subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(b) Each Target Company maintains accurate books and records reflecting its assets and Liabilities and maintains proper and adequate internal accounting controls that provide reasonable assurance that (i) such Target Company does not maintain any off-the-book accounts and that such Target Company’s assets are used only in accordance with such Target Company’s management directives, (ii) transactions are executed with management’s authorization, (iii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements of such Target Company and to maintain accountability for such Target Company’s assets, (iv) access to such Target Company’s assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization, (v) the reporting of such Target Company’s assets is compared with existing assets at regular intervals and verified for actual amounts, and (vi) accounts, notes and other receivables and inventory are recorded accurately, and proper and adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection of accounts, notes and other receivables on a current and timely basis. All of the financial books and records of the Target Companies are complete and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Laws. No Target Company has been subject to or involved in any material fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of any Target Company. Since January 1, 2019, no Target Company or its Representatives has received any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of any Target Company or its internal accounting controls, including any material written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that any Target Company has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices.
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(c) The Target Companies do not have any Indebtedness other than the Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 6.7(c), and in such amounts (including principal and any accrued but unpaid interest or other obligations with respect to such Indebtedness), as set forth on Schedule 6.7(c). Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.7(c), no Indebtedness of any Target Company contains any restriction upon (i) the prepayment of any of such Indebtedness, (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness by any Target Company, or (iii) the ability of the Target Companies to grant any Lien on their respective properties or assets.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.7(d), no Target Company is subject to any Liabilities or obligations (whether or not required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP), including any off-balance sheet obligations or any “variable interest entities” (within the meaning Accounting Standards Codification 810), except for those that are either (i) adequately reflected or reserved on or provided for in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Interim Balance Sheet Date contained in the Company Financials or (ii) not material and that were incurred after the Interim Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (other than Liabilities for breach of any Contract or violation of any Law).
(e) All financial projections with respect to the Target Companies that were delivered by or on behalf of the Company to Purchaser or Pubco or their respective its Representatives were prepared in good faith using assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable.
(f) All accounts, notes and other receivables, whether or not accrued, and whether or not billed, of the Target Companies (the “Accounts Receivable”) arose from sales actually made or services actually performed in the ordinary course of business and represent valid obligations to a Target Company arising from its business. None of the Accounts Receivable are subject to any right of recourse, defense, deduction, return of goods, counterclaim, offset, or set off on the part of the obligor in excess of any amounts reserved therefore on the Company Financials. All of the Accounts Receivable are, to the Knowledge of the Company, fully collectible according to their terms in amounts not less than the aggregate amounts thereof carried on the books of the Target Companies (net of reserves) within ninety (90) days.
6.8 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.8 or for actions expressly contemplated by this Agreement, since January 1, 2022, each Target Company has (a) conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (b) not been subject to a Material Adverse Effect and (c) has not taken any action or committed or agreed to take any action that would be prohibited by Section 8.2 (without giving effect to Schedule 8.2) if such action were taken on or after the date hereof without the consent of Purchaser.
6.9 Compliance with Laws. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.9, no Target Company is or has been in material conflict or material non-compliance with, or in material default or violation of, nor has any Target Company received, in the past five (5) years, any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any material conflict or non-compliance with, or material default or violation of, any applicable Laws by which it or any of its properties, assets, employees, business or operations are or were bound or affected.
6.10 Company Permits. Each Target Company (and its employees who are legally required to be licensed by a Governmental Authority in order to perform his or her duties with respect to his or her employment with any Target Company), holds all Permits necessary to lawfully conduct in all material respects its business as presently conducted and as currently contemplated to be conducted, and to own, lease and operate its assets and properties (collectively, the “Company Permits”). The Company has made available to Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of all Company Permits, all of which Company Permits are listed on Schedule 6.10. All of the Company Permits are in full force and effect, and no suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened. No Target Company is in violation in any material respect of the terms of any Company Permit, and no Target Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any Actions relating to the revocation or modification of any Company Permit.
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6.11 Litigation. Except as described on Schedule 6.11, there is no (a) Action of any nature currently pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, nor is there any reasonable basis for any Action to be made (and no such Action has been brought or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened in the past five (5) years); or (b) Order now pending or outstanding or that was rendered by a Governmental Authority in the past five (5) years, in the case of either clause (a) or (b), by or against any Target Company, its current or former directors, officers or equity holders (provided, that any litigation involving the directors, officers or equity holders of a Target Company must be related to the Target Company’s business, equity securities or assets), its business, equity securities or assets. The items listed on Schedule 6.11, if finally determined adverse to the Target Companies, will not have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect upon any Target Company. In the past five (5) years, none of the current or former officers, senior management or directors of any Target Company have been charged with, indicted for, arrested for, or convicted of any felony or any crime involving fraud.
6.12 Material Contracts.
(a) Schedule 6.12(a) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of, and the Company has made available to Purchaser (including written summaries of oral Contracts), true, correct and complete copies of, each Contract to which any Target Company is a party or by which any Target Company, or any of its properties or assets are bound or affected (each Contract required to be set forth on Schedule 6.12(a), a “Company Material Contract”) that:
(i) contains covenants that limit the ability of any Target Company (A) to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area or to sell, or provide any service or product or solicit any Person, including any non-competition covenants, employee and customer non-solicit covenants, exclusivity restrictions, rights of first refusal or most-favored pricing clauses or (B) to purchase or acquire an interest in any other Person;
(ii) involves any joint venture, profit-sharing, partnership, limited liability company or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to the formation, creation, operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture;
(iii) involves any exchange-traded, over-the-counter or other swap, cap, floor, collar, futures contract, forward contract, option or other derivative financial instrument or Contract, based on any commodity, security, instrument, asset, rate or index of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether tangible or intangible, including currencies, interest rates, foreign currency and indices;
(iv) evidences Indebtedness (whether incurred, assumed, guaranteed or secured by any asset) of any Target Company having an outstanding principal amount in excess of $500,000;
(v) involves the acquisition or disposition, directly or indirectly (by merger or otherwise), of assets with an aggregate value in excess of $500,000 (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or shares or other equity interests of any Target Company or another Person;
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(vi) relates to any merger, consolidation or other business combination with any other Person or the acquisition or disposition of any other entity or its business or material assets or the sale of any Target Company, its business or material assets;
(vii) by its terms, individually or with all related Contracts, calls for aggregate payments or receipts by the Target Companies under such Contract or Contracts of at least $500,000 per year or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(viii) is with any Top Customer or Top Vendor;
(ix) obligates the Target Companies to provide continuing indemnification or a guarantee of obligations of a third party after the date hereof in excess of $500,000;
(x) is between any Target Company and any directors, officers or employees of a Target Company (other than at-will employment arrangements with employees entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), including all non-competition, severance and indemnification agreements, or any Related Person;
(xi) obligates the Target Companies to make any capital commitment or expenditure in excess of $500,000 (including pursuant to any joint venture);
(xii) relates to a material settlement entered into within three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement or under which any Target Company has outstanding obligations (other than customary confidentiality obligations);
(xiii) provides another Person (other than another Target Company or any manager, director or officer of any Target Company) with a power of attorney;
(xiv) that will be required to be filed with the Registration Statement under applicable SEC requirements or would otherwise be required to be filed by the Company as an exhibit for a Form S-1 pursuant to Items 601(b)(1), (2), (4), (9) or (10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act as if the Company was the registrant; or
(xv) is otherwise material to any Target Company and not described in clauses (i) through (xiv) above.
(b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.12(b), with respect to each Company Material Contract: (i) such Company Material Contract is valid and binding and enforceable in all respects against the Target Company party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect (except, in each case, as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions); (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Company Material Contract; (iii) no Target Company is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute a material breach or default by any Target Company, or permit termination or acceleration by the other party thereto, under such Company Material Contract; (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company, no other party to such Company Material Contract is in breach or default in any material respect, and no event has occurred that with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute such a material breach or default by such other party, or permit termination or acceleration by any Target Company, under such Company Material Contract; (v) no Target Company has received written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of an intention by any party to any such Company Material Contract to terminate such Company Material Contract or amend the terms thereof, other than modifications in the ordinary course of business that do not adversely affect any Target Company in any material respect; and (vi) no Target Company has waived any rights under any such Company Material Contract.
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6.13 Intellectual Property.
(a) Schedule 6.13(a)(i) sets forth: (i) all Patents and Patent applications, Trademarks and service mark registrations and applications, copyright registrations and applications and registered Internet Assets and applications owned or licensed by a Target Company or otherwise used or held for use by a Target Company in which a Target Company is the owner, applicant or assignee (“Company Registered IP”), specifying as to each item, as applicable: (A) the nature of the item, including the title, (B) the owner of the item, (C) the jurisdictions in which the item is issued or registered or in which an application for issuance or registration has been filed and (D) the issuance, registration or application numbers and dates; and (ii) all material unregistered Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by a Target Company. Schedule 6.13(a)(ii) sets forth all Intellectual Property licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions (“Company IP Licenses”) (other than “shrink wrap,” “click wrap,” and “off the shelf” software agreements and other agreements for Software commercially available on reasonable terms to the public generally with license, maintenance, support and other fees of less than $20,000 per year (collectively, “Off-the-Shelf Software”), which are not required to be listed, although such licenses are “Company IP Licenses” as that term is used herein), under which a Target Company is a licensee or otherwise is authorized to use or practice any Intellectual Property, and describes (A) the applicable Intellectual Property licensed, sublicensed or used and (B) any royalties, license fees or other compensation due from a Target Company, if any. Each Target Company owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), has valid and enforceable rights in, and has the unrestricted right to use, sell, license, transfer or assign, all Intellectual Property currently used, licensed or held for use by such Target Company, and previously used or licensed by such Target Company, except for the Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.13(a)(iii), all Company Registered IP is owned exclusively by the applicable Target Company without obligation to pay royalties, licensing fees or other fees, or otherwise account to any third party with respect to such Company Registered IP.
(b) Each Target Company has a valid and enforceable license to use all Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses applicable to such Target Company. The Company IP Licenses include all of the licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions necessary to operate the Target Companies as presently conducted. Each Target Company has performed all obligations imposed on it in the Company IP Licenses, has made all payments required to date, and such Target Company is not, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is any other party thereto, in breach or default thereunder, nor has any event occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default thereunder. The continued use by the Target Companies of the Intellectual Property that is the subject of the Company IP Licenses in the same manner that it is currently being used is not restricted by any applicable license of any Target Company. All registrations for Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks and Internet Assets that are owned by or exclusively licensed to any Target Company are valid and in force, and all applications to register any Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks are pending and in good standing, all without challenge of any kind. No Target Company is party to any Contract that requires a Target Company to assign to any Person all of its rights in any Intellectual Property developed by a Target Company under such Contract.
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(c) No Action is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against a Target Company that challenges the validity, enforceability, ownership, or right to use, sell, license or sublicense any Intellectual Property currently owned, licensed, used or held for use by the Target Companies. No Target Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice or claim asserting or suggesting that any infringement, misappropriation, violation, dilution or unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property of any other Person is or may be occurring or has or may have occurred, as a consequence of the business activities of any Target Company, nor to the Knowledge of the Company is there a reasonable basis therefor. There are no Orders to which any Target Company is a party or its otherwise bound that (i) restrict the rights of a Target Company to use, transfer, license or enforce any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company, (ii) restrict the conduct of the business of a Target Company in order to accommodate a third Person’s Intellectual Property, or (iii) grant any third Person any right with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. No Target Company is currently infringing, or has, in the past, infringed, misappropriated or violated any Intellectual Property of any other Person in any material respect in connection with the ownership, use or license of any Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by a Target Company or, to the Knowledge of the Company, otherwise in connection with the conduct of the respective businesses of the Target Companies. To the Company’s Knowledge, no third party is infringing upon, has misappropriated or is otherwise violating any Intellectual Property owned, licensed by, licensed to, or otherwise used or held for use by any Target Company (“Company IP”) in any material respect.
(d) All employees and independent contractors of a Target Company have assigned to the Target Companies all Intellectual Property arising from the services performed for a Target Company by such Persons. No current or former officers, employees or independent contractors of a Target Company have claimed any ownership interest in any Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. To the Knowledge of the Company, there has been no violation of a Target Company’s policies or practices related to protection of Company IP or any confidentiality or nondisclosure Contract relating to the Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company. The Company has made available to Purchaser true and complete copies of all written Contracts referenced in subsections under which employees and independent contractors assigned their Intellectual Property to a Target Company. To the Company’s Knowledge, none of the employees of any Target Company is obligated under any Contract, or subject to any Order, that would materially interfere with the use of such employee’s best efforts to promote the interests of the Target Companies, or that would materially conflict with the business of any Target Company as presently conducted or contemplated to be conducted. Each Target Company has taken reasonable security measures in order to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of the material Company IP.
(e) To the Knowledge of the Company, no Person has obtained unauthorized access to third party information and data in the possession of a Target Company, nor has there been any other material compromise of the security, confidentiality or integrity of such information or data. Each Target Company has complied with all applicable Laws relating to privacy, personal data protection, and the collection, processing and use of personal information and its own privacy policies and guidelines. The operation of the business of the Target Companies has not and does not violate any right to privacy or publicity of any third person, or constitute unfair competition or trade practices under applicable Law.
(f) The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in the material breach, material modification, cancellation, termination, suspension of, or acceleration of any payments with respect to, or release of source code because of (i) any Contract providing for the license or other use of Intellectual Property owned by a Target Company, or (ii) any Company IP License. Following the Closing, the Company shall be permitted to exercise, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, all of the Target Companies’ rights under such Contracts or Company IP Licenses to the same extent that the Target Companies would have been able to exercise had the transactions contemplated by this Agreement not occurred, without the payment of any additional amounts or consideration other than ongoing fees, royalties or payments which the Target Companies would otherwise be required to pay in the absence of such transactions.
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6.14 Taxes and Returns. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.14:
(a) Each Target Company has or will have timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it (taking into account all available extensions), which Tax Returns are true, accurate, correct and complete in all material respects, and has paid, collected or withheld, or caused to be paid, collected or withheld, all material Taxes required to be paid, collected or withheld, other than such Taxes for which adequate reserves in the Company Financials have been established. Each Target Company has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to Tax.
(b) There is no current pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened Action against a Target Company by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where the Target Company does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.
(c) No Target Company is being audited by any Tax authority or has been notified in writing or, to the Knowledge of the Company, orally by any Tax authority that any such audit is contemplated or pending. There are no claims, assessments, audits, examinations, investigations or other Actions pending against a Target Company in respect of any Tax, and no Target Company has been notified in writing of any proposed Tax claims or assessments against it (other than, in each case, claims or assessments for which adequate reserves in the Company Financials have been established).
(d) There are no Liens with respect to any Taxes upon any Target Company’s assets, other than Permitted Liens.
(e) Each Target Company has collected or withheld all Taxes currently required to be collected or withheld by it, and all such Taxes have been paid to the appropriate Governmental Authorities or set aside in appropriate accounts for future payment when due.
(f) No Target Company has any outstanding waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations to assess any material amount of Taxes. There are no outstanding requests by a Target Company for any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return or within which to pay any Taxes shown to be due on any Tax Return.
(g) No Target Company has made any change in accounting method (except as required by a change in Law) or received a ruling from, or signed an agreement with, any taxing authority that would reasonably be expected to have a material impact on its Taxes following the Closing.
(h) No Target Company has participated in, or sold, distributed or otherwise promoted, any “reportable transaction,” as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulation section 1.6011-4.
(i) No Target Company has any Liability for the Taxes of another Person (other than another Target Company) (i) under any applicable Tax Law, (ii) as a transferee or successor, or (iii) by contract, indemnity or otherwise (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which was not the sharing of Taxes). No Target Company is a party to or bound by any Tax indemnity agreement, Tax sharing agreement or Tax allocation agreement or similar agreement, arrangement or practice (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business the primary purpose of which was not the sharing of Taxes) with respect to Taxes (including advance pricing agreement, closing agreement or other agreement relating to Taxes with any Governmental Authority) that will be binding on such Target Company with respect to any period following the Closing Date.
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(j) No Target Company has requested, or is it the subject of or bound by any private letter ruling, technical advice memorandum, closing agreement or similar ruling, memorandum or agreement with any Governmental Authority with respect to any Taxes, nor is any such request outstanding.
(k) No Target Company: (i) has constituted either a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of securities (to any Person or entity that is not a member of the consolidated group of which the Company is the common parent corporation) qualifying for, or intended to qualify for, Tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (A) within the two-year period ending on the date hereof or (B) in a distribution which could otherwise constitute part of a “plan” or “series of related transactions” (within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) in conjunction with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (ii) is or has ever been (A) a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code, or (B) a member of any consolidated, combined, unitary or affiliated group of corporations for any Tax purposes other than a group of which the Company is or was the common parent corporation.
(l) No Target Company is treated as a domestic corporation (as such term is defined in Section 7701 of the Code) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
6.15 Real Property. Schedule 6.15 contains a complete and accurate list of all premises currently leased or subleased or otherwise used or occupied by a Target Company for the operation of the business of a Target Company, and of all current leases, lease guarantees, agreements and documents related thereto, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof or waivers thereto (collectively, the “Company Real Property Leases”), as well as the current annual rent and term under each Company Real Property Lease. The Company has provided to Purchaser a true and complete copy of each of the Company Real Property Leases, and in the case of any oral Company Real Property Lease, a written summary of the material terms of such Company Real Property Lease. The Company Real Property Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or both or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default on the part of a Target Company or any other party under any of the Company Real Property Leases, and no Target Company has received notice of any such condition. No Target Company owns or has ever owned any real property or any interest in real property (other than the leasehold interests in the Company Real Property Leases).
6.16 Personal Property. Each item of Personal Property which is currently owned, used or leased by a Target Company with a book value or fair market value of greater than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) is set forth on Schedule 6.16, along with, to the extent applicable, a list of lease agreements, lease guarantees, security agreements and other agreements related thereto, including all amendments, terminations and modifications thereof or waivers thereto (“Company Personal Property Leases”). Except as set forth on Schedule 6.16, all such items of Personal Property are in good operating condition and repair (reasonable wear and tear excepted consistent with the age of such items), and are suitable for their intended use in the business of the Target Companies. The operation of each Target Company’s business as it is now conducted or presently proposed to be conducted is not dependent upon the right to use the Personal Property of Persons other than a Target Company, except for such Personal Property that is owned, leased or licensed by, or otherwise contracted to, a Target Company The Company has provided to the Purchaser a true and complete copy of each of the Company Personal Property Leases, and in the case of any oral Company Personal Property Lease, a written summary of the material terms of such Company Personal Property Lease. The Company Personal Property Leases are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or both or the happening or occurrence of any other event) would constitute a default on the part of a Target Company or any other party under any of the Company Personal Property Leases, and no Target Company has received notice of any such condition.
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6.17 Title to and Sufficiency of Assets. Each Target Company has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use, all of its assets, free and clear of all Liens other than (a) Permitted Liens, (b) the rights of lessors under leasehold interests, (c) Liens specifically identified on the Interim Balance Sheet and (d) Liens set forth on Schedule 6.17. The assets (including Intellectual Property rights and contractual rights) of the Target Companies constitute all of the assets, rights and properties that are used in the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies as it is now conducted and presently proposed to be conducted or that are used or held by the Target Companies for use in the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies, and taken together, are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the businesses of the Target Companies as currently conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted.
6.18 Employee Matters.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18(a), no Target Company is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract covering any group of employees, labor organization or other representative of any of the employees of any Target Company and the Company has no Knowledge of any activities or proceedings of any labor union or other party to organize or represent such employees. There has not occurred or, to the Knowledge of the Company, been threatened any strike, slow-down, picketing, work-stoppage, or other similar labor activity with respect to any such employees. Schedule 6.18(a) sets forth all unresolved labor controversies (including unresolved grievances and age or other discrimination claims), if any, that are pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened between any Target Company and Persons employed by or providing services as independent contractors to a Target Company. No current officer or employee of a Target Company has provided any Target Company written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of his or her plan to terminate his or her employment with any Target Company.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18(b), each Target Company (i) is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, health and safety and wages and hours, and other Laws relating to discrimination, disability, labor relations, hours of work, payment of wages and overtime wages, pay equity, immigration, workers compensation, working conditions, employee scheduling, occupational safety and health, family and medical leave, and employee terminations, and has not received written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice that there is any pending Action involving unfair labor practices against a Target Company, (ii) is not liable for any material past due arrears of wages or any material penalty for failure to comply with any of the foregoing, and (iii) is not liable for any material payment to any Governmental Authority with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security or other benefits or obligations for employees, independent contractors or consultants (other than routine payments to be made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice). There are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against a Target Company brought by or on behalf of any applicant for employment, any current or former employee, any Person alleging to be a current or former employee, or any Governmental Authority, relating to any such Law or regulation, or alleging breach of any express or implied contract of employment, wrongful termination of employment, or alleging any other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection with the employment relationship.
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(c) Schedule 6.18(c) hereto sets forth a complete and accurate list as of the date hereof of all employees of the Target Companies showing for each as of such date (i) the employee’s name, job title or description, employer, location, salary level (including any bonus, commission, deferred compensation or other remuneration payable (other than any such arrangements under which payments are at the discretion of the Target Companies)), (ii) any bonus, commission or other remuneration other than salary paid during the calendar year ending December 31, 2021, and (iii) any wages, salary, bonus, commission or other compensation due and owing to each employee during or for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18(c), (A) no employee is a party to a written employment Contract with a Target Company and each is employed “at will”, and (B) the Target Companies have paid in full to all their employees all wages, salaries, commission, bonuses and other compensation due to their employees, including overtime compensation, and no Target Company has any obligation or Liability (whether or not contingent) with respect to severance payments to any such employees under the terms of any written or, to the Company’s Knowledge, oral agreement, or commitment or any applicable Law, custom, trade or practice. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18(c), each Target Company employee has entered into the Company’s standard form of employee non-disclosure, inventions and restrictive covenants agreement with a Target Company (whether pursuant to a separate agreement or incorporated as part of such employee’s overall employment agreement), a copy of which has been made available to Purchaser by the Company.
(d) Schedule 6.18(d) contains a list of all independent contractors (including consultants) currently engaged by any Target Company, along with the position, the entity engaging such Person, date of retention and rate of remuneration, most recent increase (or decrease) in remuneration and amount thereof, for each such Person. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18(d), all of such independent contractors are a party to a written Contract with a Target Company. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18(d), each such independent contractor has entered into customary covenants regarding confidentiality, non-competition and assignment of inventions and copyrights in such Person’s agreement with a Target Company, a copy of which has been provided to Purchaser by the Company. For the purposes of applicable Law, including the Code, all independent contractors who are currently, or within the last six (6) years have been, engaged by a Target Company are bona fide independent contractors and not employees of a Target Company. Each independent contractor is terminable on fewer than thirty (30) days’ notice, without any obligation of any Target Company to pay severance or a termination fee.
6.19 Benefit Plans.
(a) Set forth on Schedule 6.19(a) is a true and complete list of each Foreign Plan of a Target Company (each, a “Company Benefit Plan”). No Target Company has ever maintained or contributed to (or had an obligation to contribute to) any Benefit Plan, whether or not subject to ERISA, which is not a Foreign Plan.
(b) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan which covers any current or former officer, director, consultant or employee (or beneficiary thereof) of a Target Company, the Company has made available to Purchaser accurate and complete copies, if applicable, of: (i) all plan documents and related trust agreements or annuity Contracts (including any amendments, modifications or supplements thereto), and written descriptions of any Company Benefit Plans which are not in writing; (ii) the most recent annual and periodic accounting of plan assets; (iii) the most recent actuarial valuation; and (iv) all communications with any Governmental Authority concerning any matter that is still pending or for which a Target Company has any outstanding Liability or obligation.
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(c) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan: (i) such Company Benefit Plan has been administered and enforced in all material respects in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all applicable Laws, and has been maintained, where required, in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities and Governmental Authorities; (ii) no breach of fiduciary duty has occurred; (iii) no Action is pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened (other than routine claims for benefits arising in the ordinary course of administration); (iv) all contributions, premiums and other payments (including any special contribution, interest or penalty) required to be made with respect to a Company Benefit have been timely made; (v) all benefits accrued under any unfunded Company Benefit Plan has been paid, accrued, or otherwise adequately reserved in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are reflected on the Company Financials; and (vi) no Company Benefit Plan provides for retroactive increases in contributions, premiums or other payments in relation thereto. No Target Company has incurred any obligation in connection with the termination of, or withdrawal from, any Company Benefit Plan.
(d) To the extent applicable, the present value of the accrued benefit liabilities (whether or not vested) under each Company Benefit Plan, determined as of the end of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal year on the basis of reasonable actuarial assumptions, each of which is reasonable, did not exceed the current value of the assets of such Company Benefit Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities.
(e) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents will not: (i) entitle any individual to severance pay, unemployment compensation or other benefits or compensation under any Company Benefit Plan or under any applicable Law; or (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of any compensation due, or in respect of, any director, employee or independent contractor of a Target Company.
(f) Except to the extent required by applicable Law, no Target Company provides health or welfare benefits to any former or retired employee or is obligated to provide such benefits to any active employee following such employee’s retirement or other termination of employment or service.
(g) All Company Benefit Plans can be terminated at any time as of or after the Closing Date without resulting in any Liability to any Target Company, Pubco, Purchaser or their respective Affiliates for any additional contributions, penalties, premiums, fees, fines, excise taxes or any other charges or liabilities.
6.20 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.20:
(a) Each Target Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws, including obtaining, maintaining in good standing, and complying in all material respects with all Permits required for its business and operations by Environmental Laws (“Environmental Permits”), no Action is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to revoke, modify, or terminate any such Environmental Permit, and, to the Company’s Knowledge, no facts, circumstances, or conditions currently exist that could adversely affect such continued compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits or require capital expenditures to achieve or maintain such continued compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits.
(b) No Target Company is the subject of any outstanding Order or Contract with any Governmental Authority or other Person in respect of any (i) Environmental Laws, (ii) Remedial Action, or (iii) Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Material. No Target Company has assumed, contractually or by operation of Law, any Liabilities or obligations under any Environmental Laws.
(c) No Action has been made or is pending, or to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened against any Target Company or any assets of a Target Company alleging either or both that a Target Company may be in material violation of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit or may have any material Liability under any Environmental Law.
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(d) No Target Company has manufactured, treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, generated, handled or Released any Hazardous Material, or owned or operated any property or facility, in a manner that has given or would reasonably be expected to give rise to any material Liability or obligation under applicable Environmental Laws. No fact, circumstance, or condition exists in respect of any Target Company or any property currently or formerly owned, operated, or leased by any Target Company or any property to which a Target Company arranged for the disposal or treatment of Hazardous Materials that could reasonably be expected to result in a Target Company incurring any material Environmental Liabilities.
(e) There is no investigation of the business, operations, or currently owned, operated, or leased property of a Target Company or, to the Company’s Knowledge, previously owned, operated, or leased property of a Target Company pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened that could lead to the imposition of any Liens under any Environmental Law or material Environmental Liabilities.
(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, there is not located at any of the properties of a Target Company any (i) underground storage tanks, (ii) asbestos-containing material, or (iii) equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls.
(g) The Company has provided to Purchaser all environmentally related site assessments, audits, studies, reports, analysis and results of investigations that have been performed in respect of the currently or previously owned, leased, or operated properties of any Target Company.
6.21 Transactions with Related Persons. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.21, no Target Company nor any of its Affiliates, nor any officer, director, manager, employee, trustee or beneficiary of a Target Company or any of its Affiliates, nor any immediate family member of any of the foregoing (whether directly or indirectly through an Affiliate of such Person) (each of the foregoing, a “Related Person”) is presently, or in the past three (3) years, has been, a party to any transaction with a Target Company, including any Contract or other arrangement (a) providing for the furnishing of services by (other than as officers, directors or employees of the Target Company), (b) providing for the rental of real property or Personal Property from or (c) otherwise requiring payments to (other than for services or expenses as directors, officers or employees of the Target Company in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) any Related Person or any Person in which any Related Person has an interest as an owner, officer, manager, director, trustee or partner or in which any Related Person has any direct or indirect interest (other than the ownership of securities representing no more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding voting power or economic interest of a publicly traded company). Except as set forth on Schedule 6.21, no Target Company has outstanding any Contract or other arrangement or commitment with any Related Person, and no Related Person owns any real property or Personal Property, or right, tangible or intangible (including Intellectual Property) which is used in the business of any Target Company. The assets of the Target Companies do not include any receivable or other obligation from a Related Person, and the liabilities of the Target Companies do not include any payable or other obligation or commitment to any Related Person. Schedule 6.21 specifically identifies all Contracts, arrangements or commitments set forth on such Schedule 6.21 that cannot be terminated upon sixty (60) days’ notice by the Target Companies without cost or penalty.
6.22 Business Insurance.
(a) Schedule 6.22(a) lists all insurance policies (by policy number, insurer, coverage period, coverage amount, annual premium and type of policy) held by a Target Company relating to a Target Company or its business, properties, assets, directors, officers and employees, copies of which have been provided to the Purchaser. All premiums due and payable under all such insurance policies have been timely paid and the Target Companies are otherwise in material compliance with the terms of such insurance policies. Each such insurance policy (i) is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect and (ii) will continue to be legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect on identical terms following the Closing. No Target Company has any self-insurance or co-insurance programs. Since January 1, 2019, no Target Company has received any notice from, or on behalf of, any insurance carrier relating to or involving any adverse change or any change other than in the ordinary course of business, in the conditions of insurance, any refusal to issue an insurance policy or non-renewal of a policy.
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(b) Schedule 6.22(b) identifies each individual insurance claim in excess of $50,000 made by a Target Company since January 1, 2019. Each Target Company has reported to its insurers all claims and pending circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a claim, except where such failure to report such a claim would not be reasonably likely to be material to the Target Companies. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance exists, that would reasonably be expected to (with or without notice or lapse of time) give rise to or serve as a basis for the denial of any such insurance claim. No Target Company has made any claim against an insurance policy as to which the insurer is denying coverage.
6.23 Top Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 6.23 lists, by dollar volume received or paid, as applicable, for each of (a) the twelve (12) months ended December 31, 2021 and (b) the period from January 1, 2022 through the Interim Balance Sheet Date, the ten (10) largest customers of the Target Companies (the “Top Customers”) and the ten largest suppliers of goods or services to the Target Companies (the “Top Vendors”), along with the amounts of such dollar volumes. The relationships of each Target Company with such suppliers and customers are good commercial working relationships and (i) no Top Vendor or Top Customer within the last twelve (12) months has cancelled or otherwise terminated, or, to the Company’s Knowledge, intends to cancel or otherwise terminate, any material relationships of such Person with a Target Company, (ii) no Top Vendor or Top Customer has during the last twelve (12) months decreased materially or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened to stop, decrease or limit materially, or intends to modify materially its material relationships with a Target Company or intends to stop, decrease or limit materially its products or services to any Target Company or its usage or purchase of the products or services of any Target Company, (iii) to the Company’s Knowledge, no Top Vendor or Top Customer intends to refuse to pay any amount due to any Target Company or seek to exercise any remedy against any Target Company, (iv) no Target Company has within the past three (3) years been engaged in any material dispute with any Top Vendor or Top Customer, and (v) to the Company’s Knowledge, the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents will not adversely affect the relationship of any Target Company with any Top Vendor or Top Customer.
6.24 Certain Business Practices.
(a) No Target Company, nor any of their respective Representatives acting on their behalf has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees, to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or (iii) made any other unlawful payment. No Target Company, nor any of their respective Representatives acting on their behalf has directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any unlawful gift or similar benefit in any material amount to any customer, supplier, governmental employee or other Person who is or may be in a position to help or hinder any Target Company or assist any Target Company in connection with any actual or proposed transaction.
(b) The operations of each Target Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with money laundering statutes in all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority, and no Action involving a Target Company with respect to the any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(c) No Target Company or any of their respective directors or officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other Representative acting on behalf of a Target Company is currently identified on the specially designated nationals or other blocked person list or otherwise currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC, and no Target Company has, directly or indirectly, used any funds, or loaned, contributed or otherwise made available such funds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, in connection with any sales or operations in Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar or any other country sanctioned by OFAC or for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently subject to, or otherwise in violation of, any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC in the last five (5) fiscal years.
6.25 Investment Company Act. No Target Company is an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company”, in each case within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.
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6.26 Finders and Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.26, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from Purchaser, Pubco, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of any Target Company.
6.27 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any current report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to Purchaser’s or Pubco’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Press Release and the Closing Filing will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of Purchaser or its Affiliates.
6.28 Independent Investigation. The Company has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub for such purpose. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to the Company pursuant hereto, and the information provided by or on behalf of Purchaser, Pubco or Merger Sub for the Registration Statement; and (b) none of Purchaser, Pubco, Merger Sub or their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to Purchaser, Pubco or Merger Sub or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to Company pursuant hereto.
6.29 No Other Representations. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Company in this Article VI (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedules) or as expressly set forth in an Ancillary Document, neither the Company nor any other Person on its behalf makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Target Companies or their respective businesses, operations, assets or Liabilities, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Ancillary Documents, and the Company hereby expressly disclaims any other representations or warranties, whether implied or made by the Company or any of its Representatives. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Company in this Article VI (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedules) or in an Ancillary Document, the Company hereby expressly disclaims all liability and responsibility for any representation, warranty, projection, forecast, statement or information made, communicated or furnished (orally or in writing) to the Purchaser, Pubco, the Sellers or any of their respective Representatives (including any opinion, information, projection or advice that may have been or may be provided to the Purchaser, Pubco, Sellers or any of their respective Representatives by any Representative of the Company), including any representations or warranties regarding the probable success or profitability of the businesses of the Target Companies.
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Article
VII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS
Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedules, the Section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the Section numbers of this Agreement to which they refer, each Seller, severally and not jointly, hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser and Pubco, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:
7.1 Organization and Standing. Such Seller, if not an individual person, is an entity duly organized, formed, incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted.
7.2 Authorization; Binding Agreement. Such Seller has all requisite power, authority and legal right and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party, to perform such Seller’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each Ancillary Document to which such Seller is or is required to be a party has been or shall be when delivered, duly and validly executed and delivered by such Seller and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and any such Ancillary Document by the other parties hereto and thereto, constitutes, or when delivered shall constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.
7.3 Ownership. Such Seller owns good, valid and marketable title to the Purchased Shares set forth opposite such Seller’s name on Annex I hereto, free and clear of any and all Liens (other than those imposed by applicable securities Laws or the Company’s Organizational Documents). There are no proxies, voting rights, shareholders’ agreements or other agreements or understandings, to which such Seller is a party or by which such Seller is bound, with respect to the voting or transfer of any of such Seller’s Purchased Shares other than this Agreement. Upon delivery of such Seller’s Purchased Shares to Pubco on the Closing Date in accordance with this Agreement, the entire legal and beneficial interest in such Purchased Shares and good, valid and marketable title to such Purchased Shares, free and clear of all Liens (other than those imposed by applicable securities Laws or those incurred by Pubco), will pass to Pubco.
7.4 Governmental Approvals. No Consent of or with any Governmental Authority on the part of such Seller is required to be obtained or made in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by such Seller of this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents or the consummation by such Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than (a) such filings as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (b) pursuant to Antitrust Laws, (c) any filings required with Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to the Transactions, (d) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and/or any state “blue sky” securities Laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (e) where the failure to obtain or make such Consents or to make such filings or notifications, would not reasonably be expected to materially impair or delay the ability of such Seller to consummate the Transactions.
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7.5 Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery by such Seller of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or otherwise bound and the consummation by such Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and compliance by such Seller with any of the provisions hereof and thereof, will not, (a) if such Seller is an entity, conflict with or violate any provision of such Seller’s Organizational Documents, (b) conflict with or violate any Law, Order or Consent applicable to such Seller or any of its properties or assets or (c) (i) violate, conflict with or result in a breach of, (ii) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, (iii) result in the termination, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of, (iv) accelerate the performance required by such Seller under, (v) result in a right of termination or acceleration under, (vi) give rise to any obligation to make payments or provide compensation under, (vii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of such Seller under, (viii) give rise to any obligation to obtain any third party consent or provide any notice to any Person or (ix) give any Person the right to declare a default, exercise any remedy, claim a rebate, chargeback, penalty or change in delivery schedule, accelerate the maturity or performance, cancel, terminate or modify any right, benefit, obligation or other term under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, any Contract to which such Seller is a party or such Seller or its properties or assets are otherwise bound, except for any deviations from any of the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) that has not had and would not reasonably be expected to materially impair or delay the ability of such Seller to consummate the Transactions.
7.6 No Litigation. There is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of such Seller, threatened, nor any Order is outstanding, against or involving such Seller, whether at law or in equity, before or by any Governmental Authority, which would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the ability of such Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and discharge its obligations under, this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which such Seller is or is required to be a party.
7.7 Investment Representations. Such Seller: (a) is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act; (b) is acquiring its portion of the Consideration Shares for itself for investment purposes only, and not with a view towards any resale or distribution of such Consideration Shares; (c) has been advised and understands that the Consideration Shares (i) are being issued in reliance upon one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities Laws, (ii) have not been and shall not be registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities Laws and, therefore, must be held indefinitely and cannot be resold unless such Consideration Shares are registered under the Securities Act and all applicable state securities Laws, unless exemptions from registration are available and (iii) are subject to additional restrictions on transfer pursuant to such Seller’s Lock-Up Agreement (if applicable); (d) is aware that an investment in Pubco is a speculative investment and is subject to the risk of complete loss; and (e) acknowledges that except as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, Pubco is under no obligation hereunder to register the Consideration Shares under the Securities Act. Such Seller does not have any Contract with any Person to sell, transfer, or grant participations to such Person, or to any third Person, with respect to the Consideration Shares. By reason of such Seller’s business or financial experience, or by reason of the business or financial experience of such Seller’s “purchaser representatives” (as that term is defined in Rule 501(h) under the Securities Act), such Seller is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in Pubco and of protecting its interests in connection with this investment. Such Seller has carefully read and understands all materials provided by or on behalf of Pubco, Purchaser or their respective Representatives to such Seller or such Seller’s Representatives pertaining to an investment in Pubco and has consulted, as such Seller has deemed advisable, with its own attorneys, accountants or investment advisors with respect to the investment contemplated hereby and its suitability for such Seller. Such Seller acknowledges that the Consideration Shares are subject to dilution for events not under the control of such Seller. Such Seller has completed its independent inquiry and has relied fully upon the advice of its own legal counsel, accountant, financial and other Representatives in determining the legal, tax, financial and other consequences of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the suitability of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby for such Seller and its particular circumstances, and, except as set forth herein, has not relied upon any representations or advice by Pubco, Purchaser or their respective Representatives. Such Seller acknowledges and agrees that, except as set forth in Article IV (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and Article V, no representations or warranties have been made by Pubco, Merger Sub, Purchaser or any of their respective Representatives, and that such Seller has not been guaranteed or represented to by any Person, (i) any specific amount or the event of the distribution of any cash, property or other interest in Pubco or (ii) the profitability or value of the Consideration Shares in any manner whatsoever. Such Seller: (A) has been represented by independent counsel (or has had the opportunity to consult with independent counsel and has declined to do so); (B) has had the full right and opportunity to consult with such Seller’s attorneys and other advisors and has availed itself of this right and opportunity; (C) has carefully read and fully understands this Agreement in its entirety and has had it fully explained to it or him by such counsel; (D) is fully aware of the contents hereof and the meaning, intent and legal effect thereof; and (E) is competent to execute this Agreement and has executed this Agreement free from coercion, duress or undue influence.
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7.8 Finders and Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission from Purchaser, Pubco, the Target Companies or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of such Seller.
7.9 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by such Seller expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference: (a) in any Current Report on Form 8-K or 6-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form, registration or other filing made with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC) with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Documents; (b) in the Registration Statement; or (c) in the mailings or other distributions to Purchaser’s or Pubco’s shareholders and/or prospective investors with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any amendment to any of documents identified in (a) through (c), will, when filed, made available, mailed or distributed, as the case may be, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by such Seller expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing and the Closing Press Release will, when filed or distributed, as applicable, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Seller does not make any representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of Purchaser or its Affiliates.
7.10 Independent Investigation. Such Seller has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or assets of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub for such purpose. Such Seller acknowledges and agrees that: (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, it has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of Purchaser, Pubco and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) and in any certificate delivered to such Seller pursuant hereto, and the information provided by or on behalf of Purchaser, Pubco or Merger Sub for the Registration Statement; and (b) none of Purchaser, Pubco, Merger Sub or their respective Representatives have made any representation or warranty as to Purchaser, Pubco, Merger Sub or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement (including the related portions of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedules) or in any certificate delivered to such Seller pursuant hereto.
7.11 No Other Representations. Except for the representations and warranties expressly made by such Seller in this Article VII (as modified by the Company Disclosure Schedules) or as expressly set forth in an Ancillary Document, neither such Seller nor any other Person on its behalf makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to such Seller or its businesses, operations, assets or Liabilities, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Ancillary Documents, and such Seller hereby expressly disclaims any other representations or warranties, whether implied or made by such Seller or any of its Representatives.
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Article
VIII
COVENANTS
8.1 Access and Information.
(a) During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.1 or the Closing (the “Interim Period”), subject to Section 8.13, each of the Company, Pubco and Merger Sub shall give, and shall cause its Representatives to give, Purchaser and its Representatives, at reasonable times during normal business hours and upon reasonable intervals and notice, reasonable access to all offices and other facilities and to all employees, properties, Contracts, agreements, commitments, books and records, financial and operating data and other information (including Tax Returns, internal working papers, client files, client Contracts and director service agreements), of or pertaining to the Target Companies, Pubco or Merger Sub as Purchaser or its Representatives may reasonably request regarding the Target Companies, Pubco or Merger Sub and their respective businesses, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects, operations, management, employees and other aspects (including unaudited quarterly financial statements, including a consolidated quarterly balance sheet and income statement, a copy of each material report, schedule and other document filed with or received by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the requirements of applicable securities Laws, and independent public accountants’ work papers (subject to the consent or any other conditions required by such accountants, if any)) and cause each of the Representatives of the, Company, Pubco and Merger Sub to reasonably cooperate with Purchaser and its Representatives in their investigation; provided, however, that Purchaser and its Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Target Companies, Pubco or Merger Sub.
(b) During the Interim Period, subject to Section 8.13, Purchaser shall give, and shall cause its Representatives to give, the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and their respective Representatives, at reasonable times during normal business hours and upon reasonable intervals and notice, reasonable access to all offices and other facilities and to all employees, properties, Contracts, agreements, commitments, books and records, financial and operating data and other information (including Tax Returns, internal working papers, client files, client Contracts and director service agreements), of or pertaining to Purchaser or its Subsidiaries, as the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or their respective Representatives may reasonably request regarding Purchaser, its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects, operations, management, employees and other aspects (including unaudited quarterly financial statements, including a consolidated quarterly balance sheet and income statement, a copy of each material report, schedule and other document filed with or received by a Governmental Authority pursuant to the requirements of applicable securities Laws, and independent public accountants’ work papers (subject to the consent or any other conditions required by such accountants, if any)) and cause each of Purchaser’s Representatives to reasonably cooperate with the Company, Pubco and Merger Sub and their respective Representatives in their investigation; provided, however, that the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and their respective Representatives shall conduct any such activities in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of Purchaser or any of its Subsidiaries.
8.2 Conduct of Business of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers.
(a) Unless Purchaser shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), during the Interim Period, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 8.2, the Company, Pubco and Merger Sub shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) comply with all Laws applicable to the Target Companies, Pubco and Merger Sub and their respective businesses, assets and employees, and (iii) take all commercially reasonable measures necessary or appropriate to preserve intact, in all material respects, their respective business organizations, to keep available the services of their respective managers, directors, officers, employees and consultants, and to preserve the possession, control and condition of their respective material assets, all as consistent with past practice.
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(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 8.2(a) and except as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 8.2, during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of Purchaser (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company, Pubco or Merger Sub each shall not, and each shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:
(i) amend, waive or otherwise change, in any respect, its Organizational Documents, except as required by applicable Law;
(ii) authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other securities, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its shares or other equity securities or securities of any class and any other equity-based awards, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such securities;
(iii) split, combine, recapitalize or reclassify any of its shares or other equity interests or issue any other securities in respect thereof or pay or set aside any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its equity interests, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or offer to acquire any of its securities;
(iv) incur, create, assume, prepay or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness (directly, contingently or otherwise) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, make a loan or advance to or investment in any third party (other than advancement of expenses to employees in the ordinary course of business), or guarantee or endorse any Indebtedness, Liability or obligation of any Person in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(v) increase the wages, salaries or compensation of its employees other than in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and in any event not in the aggregate by more than five percent (5%), or make or commit to make any bonus payment (whether in cash, property or securities) to any employee, or materially increase other benefits of employees generally, or enter into, establish, materially amend or terminate any Company Benefit Plan with, for or in respect of any current consultant, officer, manager director or employee, in each case other than as required by applicable Law, pursuant to the terms of any Benefit Plans or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(vi) make or rescind any material election relating to Taxes, settle any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or claim for refund, or make any material change in its accounting or Tax policies or procedures, in each case except as required by applicable Law or in compliance with U.S. GAAP;
(vii) transfer or license to any Person or otherwise extend, materially amend or modify, permit to lapse or fail to preserve any Company Registered IP, Company Licensed IP or other Company IP, or disclose to any Person who has not entered into a confidentiality agreement any Trade Secrets;
(viii) terminate, or waive or assign any material right under any Company Material Contract or enter into any Contract that would be a Company Material Contract, in any case outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(ix) fail to maintain its books, accounts and records in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(x) establish any Subsidiary or enter into any new line of business;
(xi) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in force insurance policies or replacement or revised policies providing insurance coverage with respect to its assets, operations and activities in such amount and scope of coverage as are currently in effect;
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(xii) revalue any of its material assets or make any change in accounting methods, principles or practices, except to the extent required to comply with U.S. GAAP and after consulting with such Party’s outside auditors;
(xiii) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding (including any suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages (and not the imposition of equitable relief on, or the admission of wrongdoing by, such Party or its Affiliates) not in excess of $500,000 (individually or in the aggregate), or otherwise pay, discharge or satisfy any Actions, Liabilities or obligations, unless such amount has been reserved in the Company Financials or the consolidated financial statements of Pubco, as applicable;
(xiv) close or materially reduce its activities, or effect any layoff or other personnel reduction or change, at any of its facilities;
(xv) acquire, including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division thereof, or any material amount of assets outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xvi) make capital expenditures in excess of $500,000 (individually for any project (or set of related projects) or $1,000,000 in the aggregate);
(xvii) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;
(xviii) voluntarily incur any Liability or obligation (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate other than pursuant to the terms of a Company Material Contract or Company Benefit Plan;
(xix) sell, lease, license, transfer, exchange or swap, mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber (including securitizations), or otherwise dispose of any material portion of its properties, assets or rights;
(xx) enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to the voting of equity securities of the Company, Pubco or Merger Sub;
(xxi) take any action that would reasonably be expected to significantly delay or impair the obtaining of any Consents of any Governmental Authority to be obtained in connection with this Agreement;
(xxii) accelerate the collection of any trade receivables or delay the payment of trade payables or any other liabilities other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xxiii) enter into, amend, waive or terminate (other than terminations in accordance with their terms or as contemplated by this Agreement) any transaction with any Related Person (other than compensation and benefits and advancement of expenses, in each case, provided in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice); or
(xxiv) authorize or agree to do any of the foregoing actions.
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(c) Without limiting Sections 8.2(a) and 8.2(b), during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of Purchaser, (i) the Company shall not issue any Company Securities, and (ii) no Seller shall sell, transfer or dispose of any Company Securities owned by such Seller, in either case of clauses (i) and (ii), unless the recipient or transferee of such Company Securities (the “New Seller”) executes and delivers to Purchaser, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Company a joinder agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and Pubco (a “Joinder”), to become bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement as a Seller hereunder, as well as execute and deliver to Purchaser, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Company any Ancillary Documents which such New Seller would have been required to be a party or bound if such New Seller were a Seller on the date of this Agreement. The Parties shall make any appropriate adjustments to Annex I and each Seller’s Pro Rata Share to account for any such New Seller.
8.3 Conduct of Business of Purchaser.
(a) Unless the Company and Pubco shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), during the Interim Period, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 8.3, Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) comply with all Laws applicable to Purchaser and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets and employees, and (iii) take all commercially reasonable measures necessary or appropriate to preserve intact, in all material respects, their respective business organizations, to keep available the services of their respective managers, directors, officers, employees and consultants, and to preserve the possession, control and condition of their respective material assets, all as consistent with past practice. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.3, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict Purchaser from extending, in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and IPO Prospectus, the deadline by which it much complete its Business Combination (an “Extension”), and no consent of any other Party shall be required in connection therewith.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 8.3(a) and except as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement (including as contemplated by any Transaction Financing) or as set forth on Schedule 8.3, during the Interim Period, without the prior written consent of the Company and Pubco (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Purchaser shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:
(i) amend, waive or otherwise change, in any respect, its Organizational Documents;
(ii) authorize for issuance, issue, grant, sell, pledge, dispose of or propose to issue, grant, sell, pledge or dispose of any of its equity securities or any options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions or rights of any kind to acquire or sell any of its equity securities, or other securities, including any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of its equity securities or other security interests of any class and any other equity-based awards, or engage in any hedging transaction with a third Person with respect to such securities;
(iii) split, combine, recapitalize or reclassify any of its shares or other equity interests or issue any other securities in respect thereof or pay or set aside any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its shares or other equity interests, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire or offer to acquire any of its securities;
(iv) incur, create, assume, prepay or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness (directly, contingently or otherwise) in excess of $500,000 (individually or in the aggregate), make a loan or advance to or investment in any third party, or guarantee or endorse any Indebtedness, Liability or obligation of any Person (provided, that this Section 8.3(b)(iv) shall not prevent Purchaser from borrowing funds necessary to finance its ordinary course administrative costs and expenses and Expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, including any Transaction Financing, up to aggregate additional Indebtedness during the Interim Period of $1,500,000, and any costs and expenses necessary for an Extension (such expenses, “Extension Expenses”));
(v) make or rescind any material election relating to Taxes, settle any claim, action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to Taxes, file any amended Tax Return or claim for refund, or make any material change in its accounting or Tax policies or procedures, in each case except as required by applicable Law or in compliance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS, as applicable;
(vi) amend, waive or otherwise change the Trust Agreement in any manner adverse to Purchaser;
(vii) terminate, waive or assign any material right under any material agreement to which it is a party;
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(viii) fail to maintain its books, accounts and records in all material respects in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(ix) establish any Subsidiary or enter into any new line of business;
(x) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep in force insurance policies or replacement or revised policies providing insurance coverage with respect to its assets, operations and activities in such amount and scope of coverage as are currently in effect;
(xi) revalue any of its material assets or make any change in accounting methods, principles or practices, except to the extent required to comply with U.S. GAAP or IFRS, as applicable, and after consulting the Purchaser’s outside auditors;
(xii) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise any claim, action or proceeding (including any suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that involve only the payment of monetary damages (and not the imposition of equitable relief on, or the admission of wrongdoing by, Purchaser or its Subsidiary) not in excess of $500,000 (individually or in the aggregate), or otherwise pay, discharge or satisfy any Actions, Liabilities or obligations, unless such amount has been reserved in the Purchaser Financials;
(xiii) acquire, including by merger, consolidation, acquisition of equity interests or assets, or any other form of business combination, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, other business organization or any division thereof, or any material amount of assets outside the ordinary course of business;
(xiv) make capital expenditures in excess of $500,000 individually for any project (or set of related projects) or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, incurring any Expenses);
(xv) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization (other than with respect to the Merger);
(xvi) voluntarily incur any Liability or obligation (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (excluding the incurrence of any Expenses) other than pursuant to the terms of a Contract in existence as of the date of this Agreement or entered into in the ordinary course of business or in accordance with the terms of this Section 8.3 during the Interim Period;
(xvii) sell, lease, license, transfer, exchange or swap, mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber (including securitizations), or otherwise dispose of any material portion of its properties, assets or rights;
(xviii) enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to the voting of its equity securities;
(xix) take any action that would reasonably be expected to significantly delay or impair the obtaining of any Consents of any Governmental Authority to be obtained in connection with this Agreement; or
(xx) authorize or agree to do any of the foregoing actions.
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8.4 Financial Statements.
(a) The Company shall deliver to the Purchaser, (i) as promptly as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement but not later than December 31, 2022, (i) the consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies (including, in each case, any related notes thereto), consisting of the consolidated balance sheets of the Target Companies as of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated audited income statements, changes in shareholder equity and statements of cash flows for the years then ended, each audited in accordance with PCAOB auditing standards by a PCAOB qualified auditor (the “Audited Financial Statements”), and (ii) the PCAOB auditor reviewed consolidated financial statements, consisting of the consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies as of the Interim Balance Sheet Date and the related consolidated income statement, changes in shareholder equity and statement of cash flows for the six months then ended (the “Reviewed Interim Financial Statements”). The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts (x) to assist, upon advance written notice, during normal business hours and in a manner such as to not unreasonably interfere with the normal operation of the Target Companies, Purchaser in causing to be prepared in a timely manner any other financial information or statements (including customary pro forma financial statements) that are required to be included in the Registration Statement and/or the Proxy Statement and any other filings to be made by Purchaser or Pubco with the SEC in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Document and (y) to obtain the consents of its auditors with respect thereto as may be required by applicable Law or requested by the SEC.
(b) During the Interim Period, within sixty (60) calendar days following the end of each calendar month, each three-month quarterly period and each fiscal year, the Company shall deliver to Purchaser an unaudited consolidated income statement and an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Target Companies for the period from the Interim Balance Sheet Date through the end of such calendar month, quarterly period or fiscal year and the applicable comparative period in the preceding fiscal year, in each case accompanied by a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to the effect that all such financial statements fairly present the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Target Companies as of the date or for the periods indicated, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and excluding footnotes. From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Company will also promptly deliver to Purchaser copies of any audited consolidated financial statements of the Target Companies that the Target Companies’ certified public accountants may issue.
8.5 Purchaser Public Filings. During the Interim Period, Purchaser shall keep current and timely file all of its public filings with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with applicable securities Laws and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts prior to the Merger to maintain the listing of the Purchaser Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares and the Purchaser Public Warrants on Nasdaq; provided, that the Parties acknowledge and agree that from and after the Closing, the Parties intend to list on Nasdaq only the Pubco Ordinary Shares and the Pubco Public Warrants.
8.6 No Solicitation.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) an “Acquisition Proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer, or any indication of interest in making an offer or proposal, from any Person or group at any time relating to an Alternative Transaction, and (ii) an “Alternative Transaction” means (A) with respect to the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub, the Sellers and their respective Affiliates, a transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) concerning the sale of (x) all or any material part of the business or assets of the Target Companies (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (y) any of the shares or other equity interests or profits of the Target Companies, in any case, whether such transaction takes the form of a sale of shares or other equity interests, assets, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, issuance of debt securities, management Contract, joint venture or partnership, or otherwise, and (B) with respect to Purchaser and its Affiliates, a transaction (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) concerning a Business Combination involving Purchaser.
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(b) During the Interim Period, in order to induce the other Parties to continue to commit to expend management time and financial resources in furtherance of the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall not, and shall cause its Representatives to not, without the prior written consent of the Company and Purchaser, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, assist, initiate or facilitate the making, submission or announcement of, or intentionally encourage, any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) furnish any non-public information regarding such Party or its Affiliates (or with respect to any Seller, any Target Company) or their respective businesses, operations, assets, Liabilities, financial condition, prospects or employees to any Person or group (other than a Party to this Agreement or their respective Representatives) in connection with or in response to an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) engage or participate in discussions or negotiations with any Person or group with respect to, or that could be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (iv) approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly propose to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, (v) negotiate or enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal, or (vi) release any third Person from, or waive any provision of, any confidentiality agreement to which such Party is a party.
(c) Each Party shall notify the others as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) orally and in writing of the receipt by such Party or any of its Representatives (or with respect to the Company, any Seller) of (i) any bona fide inquiries, proposals or offers, requests for information or requests for discussions or negotiations regarding or constituting any Acquisition Proposal or any bona fide inquiries, proposals or offers, requests for information or requests for discussions or negotiations that could be expected to result in an Acquisition Proposal, and (ii) any request for non-public information relating to such Party or its Affiliates (or with respect to any Seller, any Target Company), specifying in each case, the material terms and conditions thereof (including a copy thereof if in writing or a written summary thereof if oral) and the identity of the party making such inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information. Each Party shall keep the others promptly informed of the status of any such inquiries, proposals, offers or requests for information. During the Interim Period, each Party shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to any Acquisition Proposal and shall, and shall direct its Representatives to, cease and terminate any such solicitations, discussions or negotiations.
8.7 No Trading. The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers each acknowledge and agree that it is aware, and that their respective Affiliates are aware (and each of their respective Representatives is aware or, upon receipt of any material nonpublic information of Purchaser, will be advised) of the restrictions imposed by U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq promulgated thereunder or otherwise (the “Federal Securities Laws”) and other applicable foreign and domestic Laws on a Person possessing material nonpublic information about a publicly traded company. The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers each hereby agree that, while it is in possession of such material nonpublic information, it shall not purchase or sell any securities of Purchaser, communicate such information to any third party, take any other action with respect to Purchaser in violation of such Laws, or cause or encourage any third party to do any of the foregoing.
8.8 Notification of Certain Matters. During the Interim Period, each Party shall give prompt notice to the other Parties if such Party or its Affiliates (or, with respect to the Company, any Seller): (a) fails to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it or its Affiliates (or, with respect to the Company, any Seller) hereunder in any material respect; (b) receives any notice or other communication in writing from any third party (including any Governmental Authority) alleging (i) that the Consent of such third party is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) any non-compliance with any Law by such Party or its Affiliates (or, with respect to the Company, any Seller); (c) receives any notice or other communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (d) discovers any fact or circumstance that, or becomes aware of the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the occurrence or non-occurrence of which, would reasonably be expected to cause or result in any of the conditions to set forth in Article IX not being satisfied or the satisfaction of those conditions being materially delayed; or (e) becomes aware of the commencement or threat, in writing, of any Action against such Party or any of its Affiliates (or, with respect to the Company, any Seller), or any of their respective properties or assets, or, to the Knowledge of such Party, any officer, director, partner, member or manager, in his, her or its capacity as such, of such Party or of its Affiliates (or, with respect to the Company, any Seller) with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No such notice shall constitute an acknowledgement or admission by the Party providing the notice regarding whether or not any of the conditions to the Closing have been satisfied or in determining whether or not any of the representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement have been breached.
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8.9 Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cooperate fully with the other Parties, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws and regulations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the receipt of all applicable Consents of Governmental Authorities) and to comply as promptly as practicable with all requirements of Governmental Authorities applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) In furtherance and not in limitation of Section 8.9(a), to the extent required under any Laws that are designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (“Antitrust Laws”), each Party hereto agrees to make any required filing or application under Antitrust Laws, as applicable, at such Party’s sole cost and expense, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable, to supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be reasonably requested pursuant to Antitrust Laws and to take all other actions reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under Antitrust Laws as soon as practicable, including by requesting early termination of the waiting period provided for under the Antitrust Laws. Each Party shall, in connection with its efforts to obtain all requisite approvals and authorizations for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any Antitrust Law, use its commercially reasonable efforts to: (i) cooperate in all respects with each other Party or its Affiliates in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a private Person; (ii) keep the other Parties reasonably informed of any communication received by such Party or its Representatives from, or given by such Party or its Representatives to, any Governmental Authority and of any communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private Person, in each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) permit a Representative of the other Parties and their respective outside counsel to review any communication given by it to, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, any Governmental Authority or, in connection with any proceeding by a private Person, with any other Person, and to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority or other Person, give a Representative or Representatives of the other Parties the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences; (iv) in the event a Party’s Representative is prohibited from participating in or attending any meetings or conferences, the other Parties shall keep such Party promptly and reasonably apprised with respect thereto; and (v) use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate in the filing of any memoranda, white papers, filings, correspondence or other written communications explaining or defending the transactions contemplated hereby, articulating any regulatory or competitive argument, and/or responding to requests or objections made by any Governmental Authority.
(c) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to use) their respective commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file with Governmental Authorities requests for approval of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to have such Governmental Authorities approve the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party shall give prompt written notice to the other Parties if such Party or any of its Representatives (or with respect to the Company, any Seller) receives any notice from such Governmental Authorities in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and shall promptly furnish the other Parties with a copy of such Governmental Authority notice. If any Governmental Authority requires that a hearing or meeting be held in connection with its approval of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether prior to the Closing or after the Closing, each Party shall arrange for Representatives of such Party to be present for such hearing or meeting. If any objections are asserted with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any applicable Law or if any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) by any applicable Governmental Authority or any private Person challenging any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Document as violative of any applicable Law or which would otherwise prevent, materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any such objections or Actions so as to timely permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, including in order to resolve such objections or Actions which, in any case if not resolved, could reasonably be expected to prevent, materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. In the event any Action is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) by a Governmental Authority or private Person challenging the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or any Ancillary Document, the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to contest and resist any such Action and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any Order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents.
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(d) Prior to the Closing, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any Consents of Governmental Authorities or other third Persons as may be necessary for the consummation by such Party or its Affiliates of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or required as a result of the execution or performance of, or consummation of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement by such Party or its Affiliates, and the other Parties shall provide reasonable cooperation in connection with such efforts. With respect to Pubco, during the Interim Period, the Company, Pubco and Merger Sub shall take all reasonable actions necessary to cause Pubco to qualify as “foreign private issuer” as such term is defined Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act and to maintain such status through the Closing.
8.10 Further Assurances. The Parties hereto shall further cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable on their part under this Agreement and applicable Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable, including preparing and filing as soon as practicable all documentation to effect all necessary notices, reports and other filings.
8.11 The Registration Statement.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, Purchaser and Pubco shall prepare with the assistance of the Company and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, and including the Proxy Statement contained therein, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Pubco Securities to be issued under this Agreement to the holders of Purchaser Securities prior to the Effective Time, which Registration Statement will also contain a proxy statement of Purchaser (as amended, the “Proxy Statement”) for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser shareholders for the matters to be acted upon at the Special Meeting and providing the Public Shareholders an opportunity in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and the IPO Prospectus to have their Purchaser Ordinary Shares redeemed (the “Redemption”) in conjunction with the shareholder vote on the Shareholder Approval Matters.
(b) The Proxy Statement shall include proxy materials for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Purchaser shareholders to vote, at an extraordinary general meeting of Purchaser to be called and held for such purpose (the “Special Meeting”), in favor of resolutions/proposals approving (A) the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the Transactions (including, to the extent required, the issuance of any shares in connection with any Transaction Financing, and the approval of the Sponsor Share Purchase Agreement), by the holders of Purchaser Ordinary Shares in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the Cayman Islands Companies Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq, (B) the adoption and approval of the Pubco Equity Incentive Plan, (C) the appointment, and designation of classes, of the members of the Post-Closing Pubco Board, in each case in accordance with Section 8.14 hereof, (D) such other matters as the Company, Pubco and Purchaser shall hereafter mutually determine to be necessary or appropriate in order to effect the Transactions (the approvals described in foregoing clauses (A) through (D), collectively, the “Shareholder Approval Matters”), and (F) the adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary or desirable in the reasonable determination of Purchaser.
(c) If, on the date for which the Special Meeting is scheduled, Purchaser has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares to obtain the Required Shareholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present, Purchaser may make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of the Special Meeting. In connection with the Registration Statement, Purchaser and Pubco shall file with the SEC financial and other information about the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law and applicable proxy solicitation and registration statement rules set forth in Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, the Cayman Islands Companies Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Purchaser and Pubco shall cooperate and provide the Company (and its counsel) with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto prior to filing the same with the SEC. The Company shall provide Purchaser with such information concerning the Target Companies and their equity holders, officers, directors, employees, assets, Liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), business and operations that may be required or appropriate for inclusion in the Registration Statement, or in any amendments or supplements thereto, which information provided by the Company shall be true and correct and not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading.
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(d) Purchaser and Pubco shall take any and all reasonable and necessary actions required to satisfy the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable Laws in connection with the Registration Statement, the Special Meeting and the Redemption. Each of Purchaser, Pubco and the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, make their respective directors, officers and employees, upon reasonable advance notice, available to the Company, Pubco, Purchaser and their respective Representatives in connection with the drafting of the public filings with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Registration Statement, and responding in a timely manner to comments from the SEC. Each Party shall promptly correct any information provided by it for use in the Registration Statement (and other related materials) if and to the extent that such information is determined to have become false or misleading in any material respect or as otherwise required by applicable Laws. Purchaser and Pubco shall amend or supplement the Registration Statement and cause the Registration Statement, as so amended or supplemented, to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to Purchaser’s shareholders and the holders of Purchaser Warrants, in each case as and to the extent required by applicable Laws and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and Purchaser’s Organizational Documents.
(e) Purchaser and Pubco, with the assistance of the other Parties, shall promptly respond to any SEC comments on the Registration Statement and shall otherwise use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to “clear” comments from the SEC and become effective. Purchaser and Pubco shall provide the Company with copies of any written comments, and shall inform the Company of any material oral comments, that Purchaser, Pubco or their respective Representatives receive from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement, the Special Meeting and the Redemption promptly after the receipt of such comments and shall give the Company a reasonable opportunity under the circumstances to review and comment on any proposed written or material oral responses to such comments.
(f) As soon as practicable following the Registration Statement “clearing” comments from the SEC and becoming effective, Purchaser and Pubco shall distribute the Registration Statement to Purchaser’s shareholders and, pursuant thereto, shall call the Special Meeting in accordance with the Cayman Islands Companies Act for a date no later than forty (40) days following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
(g) Purchaser and Pubco shall comply with all applicable Laws, any applicable rules and regulations of Nasdaq, Purchaser’s Organizational Documents and this Agreement in the preparation, filing and distribution of the Registration Statement, any solicitation of proxies thereunder, the calling and holding of the Special Meeting and the Redemption.
8.12 Public Announcements.
(a) The Parties agree that, during the Interim Period, no public release, filing or announcement concerning this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be issued by any Party or any of their Affiliates without the prior written consent (not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of Purchaser, Pubco and the Company, except as such release or announcement may be required by applicable Law or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange, in which case the applicable Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to allow the other Parties reasonable time to comment on, and arrange for any required filing with respect to, such release or announcement in advance of such issuance.
(b) The Parties shall mutually agree upon and, as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement (but in any event within four (4) Business Days thereafter), issue a press release announcing the execution of this Agreement (the “Signing Press Release”). Promptly after the issuance of the Signing Press Release, Purchaser shall file a current report on Form 8-K (the “Signing Filing”) with the Signing Press Release and a description of this Agreement as required by Federal Securities Laws, which the Company shall review, comment upon and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) prior to filing (with the Company reviewing, commenting upon and approving such Signing Filing in any event no later than the third (3rd) Business Day after the execution of this Agreement). The Parties shall mutually agree upon and, as promptly as practicable after the Closing (but in any event within four (4) Business Days thereafter), issue a press release announcing the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing Press Release”). Promptly after the issuance of the Closing Press Release, Pubco shall file a current report on Form 8-K (the “Closing Filing”) with the Closing Press Release and a description of the Closing as required by Federal Securities Laws which Purchaser shall review, comment upon and approve (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) prior to filing. In connection with the preparation of the Signing Press Release, the Signing Filing, the Closing Filing, the Closing Press Release, or any other report, statement, filing notice or application made by or on behalf of a Party to any Governmental Authority or other third party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party shall, upon request by any other Party, furnish the Parties with all information concerning themselves, their respective directors, officers and equity holders, and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or any other report, statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of a Party to any third party and/or any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
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8.13 Confidential Information.
(a) The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers agree that during the Interim Period and, in the event this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article X, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, they shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Purchaser Confidential Information, and will not use for any purpose (except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, performing their obligations hereunder or thereunder or enforcing their rights hereunder or thereunder), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any of the Purchaser Confidential Information without Purchaser’s prior written consent; and (ii) in the event that the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub, any Seller or any of their respective Representatives, during the Interim Period or, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article X, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, becomes legally compelled to disclose any Purchaser Confidential Information, (A) provide Purchaser to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that Purchaser or an Affiliate thereof may seek, at Purchaser’s cost, a protective Order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 8.13(a), and (B) in the event that such protective Order or other remedy is not obtained, or Purchaser waives compliance with this Section 8.13(a), furnish only that portion of such Purchaser Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided as advised by outside counsel and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Purchaser Confidential Information. In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to, promptly deliver to Purchaser or destroy (at Purchaser’s election) any and all copies (in whatever form or medium) of Purchaser Confidential Information and destroy all notes, memoranda, summaries, analyses, compilations and other writings related thereto or based thereon.
(b) Purchaser hereby agrees that during the Interim Period and, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article X, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, it shall, and shall cause its Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Company Confidential Information, and will not use for any purpose (except in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, performing its obligations hereunder or thereunder or enforcing its rights hereunder or thereunder), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any of the Company Confidential Information without the Company’s prior written consent; and (ii) in the event that Purchaser or any of its Representatives, during the Interim Period or, in the event that this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article X, for a period of two (2) years after such termination, becomes legally compelled to disclose any Company Confidential Information, (A) provide the Company to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the Company may seek, at the Company’s sole expense, a protective Order or other remedy or waive compliance with this Section 8.13(b) and (B) in the event that such protective Order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Company waives compliance with this Section 8.13(b), furnish only that portion of such Company Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided as advised by outside counsel and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Company Confidential Information. In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby are not consummated, Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, promptly deliver to the Company or destroy (at Purchaser’s election) any and all copies (in whatever form or medium) of Company Confidential Information and destroy all notes, memoranda, summaries, analyses, compilations and other writings related thereto or based thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser and its Representatives shall be permitted to disclose any and all Company Confidential Information to the extent required by the Federal Securities Laws.
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8.14 Post-Closing Board of Directors and Executive Officers.
(a) The Parties shall take all necessary action, including causing the directors of Pubco to resign, so that effective as of the Closing, Pubco’s board of directors (the “Post-Closing Pubco Board”) will consist of five individuals. Immediately after the Closing, the Parties shall take all necessary action to designate and appoint to the Post-Closing Pubco Board (i) one (1) individual that is designated by Purchaser prior to the Closing, in its sole discretion, and (ii) four (4) individuals that are designated by the Company prior to the Closing, at least three (3) of whom shall be required to qualify as an independent director under Nasdaq rules. At or prior to the Closing, Pubco will provide each director on the Post-Closing Pubco Board with a customary director indemnification agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such director.
(b) The Parties shall take all action necessary, including causing the executive officers of Xxxxx to resign, so that the individuals serving as the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively, of Pubco immediately after the Closing will be the same individuals (in the same office) as that of the Company immediately prior to the Closing (unless, with the consent of Purchaser, the Company desires to appoint another qualified person to either such role, in which case, such other person identified by the Company shall serve in such role).
8.15 Indemnification of Directors and Officers; Tail Insurance.
(a) The Parties agree that all rights to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses existing in favor of the current or former directors and officers of Purchaser and each Person who served as a director, officer, member, trustee or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, pension or other employee benefit plan or enterprise at the request of Purchaser (the “D&O Indemnified Persons”) as provided in Purchaser’s Organizational Documents or under any indemnification, employment or other similar agreements between any D&O Indemnified Person and Purchaser, in each case as in effect on the date of this Agreement, shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms to the extent permitted by applicable Law. For a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time, Pubco shall cause the Organizational Documents of Purchaser to contain provisions no less favorable with respect to exculpation and indemnification of and advancement of expenses to D&O Indemnified Persons than are set forth as of the date of this Agreement in the Organizational Documents of Purchaser to the extent permitted by applicable Law. The provisions of this Section 8.15 shall survive the Closing and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the D&O Indemnified Persons and their respective heirs and representatives.
(b) For the benefit of Purchaser’s directors and officers, Purchaser shall be permitted prior to the Effective Time to obtain and fully pay the premium for a “tail” insurance policy that provides coverage for up to a six-year period from and after the Effective Time for events occurring prior to the Effective Time (the “D&O Tail Insurance”) that is substantially equivalent to and in any event not less favorable in the aggregate than Purchaser’s existing policy or, if substantially equivalent insurance coverage is unavailable, the best available coverage. If obtained, Pubco and Purchaser shall maintain the D&O Tail Insurance in full force and effect, and continue to honor the obligations thereunder, and Pubco and Purchaser shall timely pay or cause to be paid all premiums with respect to the D&O Tail Insurance.
8.16 Trust Account Proceeds. The Parties agree that after the Closing, the funds in the Trust Account, after taking into account payments for the Redemption, and any proceeds received by Pubco or Purchaser from any Transaction Financing shall first be used to pay Purchaser’s accrued Expenses and Purchaser’s deferred expenses of the IPO and deferred advisor fees, and any loans owed by Purchaser to Sponsor for expenses (including deferred expenses), other administrative costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of Purchaser or Extension Expenses. Such amounts, as well as any expenses that are required or permitted to be paid by delivery of Pubco securities, shall be paid at the Closing. Any remaining cash shall be used by Pubco and the Target Companies for working capital and general corporate purposes.
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8.17 Transaction Financing. Purchaser and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to raise gross proceeds of at least $60 million in a PIPE financing in which equity securities of Purchaser or Pubco (or such other securities as may be agreed by Purchaser and the Company) are sold to investors. Without limiting anything to the contrary contained herein, contemporaneously with the entry into this Agreement or during the Interim Period, the Purchaser may, but shall not be required to, enter into financing agreements (any such agreements, the “Financing Agreements” and the financing contemplated by such Financing Agreements, the “Transaction Financing”) on such terms as the Purchaser and the Company shall agree (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and, if requested by the Purchaser, the Company shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with the Purchaser in connection with such Financing Agreements (including having the Company’s senior management participate in any investor meetings and roadshows as reasonably requested by Purchaser). Such Financing Agreements may include non-redemption agreements from existing Public Shareholders and backstop agreements and private placement subscription agreements (whether for equity or debt) with any investors. Except to the extent permitted pursuant to the terms of the Financing Agreements or otherwise approved in writing by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and except for any of the following actions that would not materially increase conditionality or impose any new material obligation on the Company, the Purchaser, during the Interim Period, the Purchaser shall not (i) reduce the committed investment amount to be received by Purchaser under any Financing Agreement or reduce or impair the rights of the Purchaser under any Financing Agreement in any material respect or (ii) permit any amendment or modification to be made to, any waiver (in whole or in part) of, or provide consent to modify (including consent to terminate), any provision or remedy under, or any replacements of, any of the Financing Agreements, in each case, (x) in any material respect and (y) excluding any assignment or transfer contemplated therein or expressly permitted thereby (without any further amendment, modification or waiver to such assignment or transfer provision). Purchaser and the Company shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the Transaction Financing in accordance with the Financing Agreements.
8.18 Employment Agreements. Prior to the Closing, Purchaser and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the individuals set forth on Schedule 8.18 (and any other individuals who may be mutually agreed by Purchaser and the Company prior to the Closing) to enter into employment agreements, in each case effective as of the Closing, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and the Company, between each such person and Pubco or a Subsidiary of Pubco, as applicable (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”).
8.19 Pubco Equity Incentive Plan. Prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the board of directors of Pubco shall approve and adopt a new equity incentive plan for Pubco, to be effective as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form mutually agreed by the Company and Purchaser (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by either the Company or the Purchaser, as applicable), and in accordance with, and in the manner prescribed under, applicable Laws (the “Pubco Equity Incentive Plan”), which Pubco Equity Incentive Plan shall provide that the total shares available for awards under such plan will be a number of Pubco Ordinary Shares equal to twenty percent (20%) of the aggregate number of Pubco Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately following the Closing.
8.20 Certain Target Company Indebtedness. During the Interim Period and prior to the current maturity thereof, the Company will use its best efforts to cause the maturity or repayment date of any Indebtedness owed by a Target Company to any Affiliates (including the Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 6.21) to be extended to a date not earlier than December 31, 2023 or to be otherwise amended, revised, refinanced or converted on terms and conditions acceptable to the Purchaser (the “Debt Modification”).
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Article
IX
CLOSING CONDITIONS
9.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The obligations of each Party to consummate the Transactions shall be subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (where permissible) by the Company and Purchaser of the following conditions:
(a) Required Shareholder Approval. The Shareholder Approval Matters that are submitted to the vote of the shareholders of Purchaser at the Special Meeting in accordance with the Proxy Statement shall have been approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders of Purchaser at the Special Meeting in accordance with Purchaser’s Organizational Documents, applicable Law and the Proxy Statement (the “Required Shareholder Approval”).
(b) Antitrust Laws. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the consummation of this Agreement under any Antitrust Laws shall have expired or been terminated.
(c) Requisite Regulatory Approvals. All Consents required to be obtained from or made with any Governmental Authority in order to consummate the Transactions that are set forth on Schedule 9.1(c) (collectively, the “Regulatory Approvals”) shall have been obtained.
(d) Requisite Consents. The Consents required to be obtained from or made with any third Person (other than a Governmental Authority) in order to consummate the Transactions that are set forth on Schedule 9.1(d) shall have each been obtained or made.
(e) No Law or Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) or Order that is then in effect and which has the effect of making the transactions or agreements contemplated by this Agreement illegal or which otherwise prevents or prohibits consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) Net Tangible Assets Test. Either (i) the Purchaser shall have immediately prior to the Closing, after giving effect to the Redemption and any Transaction Financing, or (ii) Pubco shall have upon the consummation of the Closing, after giving effect to the Transactions and the Redemption and any Transaction Financing, in either case, net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 on a consolidated basis (as calculated in accordance with Rule 3a51-1(g)(1) of the Exchange Act).
(g) Appointment to the Board. The members of the Post-Closing Pubco Board shall have been elected or appointed as of the Closing consistent with the requirements of Section 8.14.
(h) Pubco Charter Amendment. At or prior to the Closing, the shareholders of Pubco shall have amended and restated the memorandum and articles of association of Pubco, substantially in the form mutually agreed by the Company and Purchaser (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by either the Company or the Purchaser, as applicable), and in accordance with, and in the manner prescribed under, applicable Laws (the “Amended Pubco Charter”), which Amended Pubco Charter, among other matters, shall provide for the size and structure of the Post-Closing Pubco Board in accordance with Section 8.14(a).
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(i) Foreign Private Issuer Status. Each of the Company and Purchaser shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Party that Pubco qualifies as a foreign private issuer pursuant to Rule 3b-4 of the Exchange Act as of the Closing.
(j) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall remain effective as of the Closing.
(k) Nasdaq Listing. The Pubco Ordinary Shares to be issued in connection with the Transactions shall have been approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.
9.2 Conditions to Obligations of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers. In addition to the conditions specified in Section 9.1, the obligations of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers to consummate the Transactions are subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (by the Company and Pubco) of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered by or on behalf of Purchaser pursuant hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date, except for (i) those representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which representations and warranties shall have been accurate as of such date), and (ii) any failures to be true and correct that (without giving effect to any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect), individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on, or with respect to, Purchaser.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. Purchaser shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations and complied in all material respects with all of its agreements and covenants under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to Purchaser since the date of this Agreement which is continuing and uncured.
(d) Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement shall be in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof as of the Closing.
(e) Closing Deliveries.
(i) Officer Certificate. Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company and Pubco a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of Purchaser in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 9.2(a), 9.2(b) and 9.2(c) with respect to Purchaser.
(ii) Secretary Certificate. Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company and Pubco a certificate from its secretary or other executive officer certifying as to, and attaching, (A) copies of Purchaser’s Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date (immediately prior to the Effective Time), (B) the resolutions of Purchaser’s board of directors authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or by which it is bound, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (C) evidence that the Required Shareholder Approval has been obtained and (D) the incumbency of officers authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which Purchaser is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
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(iii) Good Standing. Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company and Pubco a good standing certificate (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for Purchaser certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of Purchaser’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which Purchaser is qualified to do business as a foreign entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.
(iv) Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment. The Company and Pubco shall have received a copy of the Amendment to the Founder Registration Rights Agreement to, among other matters, have Pubco assume the registration obligations of Purchaser under the Founder Registration Rights Agreement and have such rights apply to the Pubco Securities, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit D hereto, duly executed by Purchaser and the holders of a majority of the “Registrable Securities” thereunder.
9.3 Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser. In addition to the conditions specified in Section 9.1, the obligations of Purchaser to consummate the Transactions are subject to the satisfaction or written waiver (by Purchaser) of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers set forth in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or any Seller pursuant hereto shall be true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date, except for (i) those representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which representations and warranties shall have been accurate as of such date), and (ii) any failures to be true and correct that (without giving effect to any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect), individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on, or with respect to, any Target Company, Pubco or any Seller.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers shall have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations and complied in all material respects with all of their respective agreements and covenants under this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) No Material Adverse Effect. No Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Company or Pubco since the date of this Agreement which is continuing and uncured.
(d) Certain Ancillary Documents. Each of the Non-Competition Agreements, Lock-Up Agreements, Registration Rights Agreement and Employment Agreements shall be in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof as of the Closing.
(e) Closing Deliveries.
(i) Officer Certificates. Purchaser shall have received a certificate from the Company, dated as the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of the Company in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 9.3(a), 9.3(b) and 9.3(c). Pubco shall have delivered to Purchaser a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer of Pubco in such capacity, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 9.3(a), 9.3(b) and 9.3(c) with respect to Pubco and Merger Sub, as applicable.
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(ii) Seller Certificates. Purchaser shall have received a certificate from each Seller, dated as the Closing Date, signed by such Seller, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Sections 9.3(a) and 9.3(b) with respect to such Seller.
(iii) Secretary Certificates. The Company and Pubco shall each have delivered to Purchaser a certificate from its secretary or other executive officer certifying as to the validity and effectiveness of, and attaching, (A) copies of its Organizational Documents as in effect as of the Closing Date (immediately prior to the Effective Time), (B) the resolutions of its board of directors and shareholders authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document to which it is a party or bound, and the consummation of the Transactions, and (C) the incumbency of its officers authorized to execute this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to which it is or is required to be a party or otherwise bound.
(iv) Good Standing. The Company shall have delivered to Purchaser good standing certificates (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions, which may include, for example, appropriate corporate records issued by the China National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System and business license information issued by the applicable local counterpart of the State Administration for Market Regulation) for each Target Company certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of the Target Company’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which the Target Company is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or other entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions. Pubco shall have delivered to Purchaser good standing certificates (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for each of Pubco and Merger Sub certified as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of Pubco’s and Merger Sub’s jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which Pubco or Merger Sub is qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or other entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.
(v) Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment. Purchaser shall have received a copy of the Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment, duly executed by Pubco.
(vi) Termination of Company Convertible Securities. Purchaser shall have received evidence reasonably acceptable to Purchaser that any issued and outstanding Company Convertible Securities have been terminated, without any consideration, payment or Liability therefor.
(vii) Share Certificates and Transfer Instruments. Purchaser shall have received copies of each Seller Company Certificate and other instruments or documents representing the Purchased Shares (or Lost Certificate Affidavits), if applicable, together with executed instruments of transfer in respect of the Purchased Shares in favor of Pubco and in form reasonably acceptable for transfer on the books of the Company.
(viii) Debt Modification. Purchaser shall have received evidence reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser that the Debt Modification has occurred, in accordance with Section 8.20 hereof.
9.4 Frustration of Conditions. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no Party may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article IX to be satisfied if such failure was caused by the failure of such Party or its Affiliates (or with respect to the Company, any Target Company, any Seller, Pubco or Merger Sub) to comply with or perform any of its covenants or obligations set forth in this Agreement.
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Article
X
TERMINATION AND EXPENSES
10.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing as follows:
(a) by mutual written consent of Xxxxxxxxx and the Company;
(b) by written notice by Purchaser or the Company if any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Article IX have not been satisfied or waived by May 21, 2023 (the “Outside Date”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.1(b) shall not be available to a Party if the breach or violation by such Party or its Affiliates (or with respect to the Company, the Sellers, Pubco or Merger Sub) of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement was the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Outside Date;
(c) by written notice by either Purchaser or the Company if a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have issued an Order or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such Order or other action has become final and non-appealable; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.1(c) shall not be available to a Party if the failure by such Party or its Affiliates (or with respect to the Company, the Sellers, Pubco or Merger Sub) to comply with any provision of this Agreement has been a substantial cause of, or substantially resulted in, such action by such Governmental Authority;
(d) by written notice by the Company to Purchaser, if (i) there has been a material breach by Purchaser of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Purchaser shall have become materially untrue or materially inaccurate, in any case, which would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.2(a) or Section 9.2(b) to be satisfied (treating the Closing Date for such purposes as the date of this Agreement or, if later, the date of such breach), and (ii) the breach or inaccuracy is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days after written notice of such breach or inaccuracy is provided to Purchaser by the Company or (B) the Outside Date; provided, that the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.1(d) if at such time the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or any Seller is in material uncured breach of this Agreement;
(e) by written notice by Purchaser to the Company, if (i) there has been a breach by the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or any Seller of any of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of such Parties shall have become untrue or inaccurate, in any case, which would result in a failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.3(a) or Section 9.3(b) to be satisfied (treating the Closing Date for such purposes as the date of this Agreement or, if later, the date of such breach), and (ii) the breach or inaccuracy is incapable of being cured or is not cured within the earlier of (A) twenty (20) days after written notice of such breach or inaccuracy is provided to the Company by Purchaser or (B) the Outside Date; provided, that Purchaser shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.1(e) if at such time Purchaser is in material uncured breach of this Agreement;
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(f) by written notice by Purchaser to the Company, if there shall have been a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or Pubco following the date of this Agreement which is uncured and continuing; or
(g) by written notice by either Purchaser or the Company to the other if the Special Meeting is held (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) and has concluded, Purchaser’s shareholders have duly voted, and the Required Shareholder Approval was not obtained.
10.2 Effect of Termination. This Agreement may only be terminated in the circumstances described in Section 10.1 and pursuant to a written notice delivered by the applicable Party to the other applicable Parties, which sets forth the basis for such termination, including the provision of Section 10.1 under which such termination is made. In the event of the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no Liability on the part of any Party or any of their respective Representatives, and all rights and obligations of each Party shall cease, except: (i) Sections 8.12, 8.13, 10.3, 11.1, Article XII and this Section 10.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any Party from Liability for any willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation under this Agreement or any Fraud Claim against such Party, in either case, prior to termination of this Agreement (in each case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, subject to Section 11.1). Without limiting the foregoing, and except as provided in Sections 10.3 and this Section 10.2 (but subject to Section 11.1, and subject to the right to seek injunctions, specific performance or other equitable relief in accordance with Section 12.9), the Parties’ sole right prior to the Closing with respect to any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement by another Party or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be the right, if applicable, to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1.
10.3 Fees and Expenses. All Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid or reimbursed by the Company, regardless of whether or not the Closing occurs, provided, however, that the Company shall not be responsible for Purchaser’s Expenses in the event that the Closing does not occur as a result of the termination of this Agreement by the Company pursuant to Section 10(d) hereof. As used in this Agreement, “Expenses” shall include all out-of-pocket expenses (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, financial advisors, financing sources, experts and consultants to a Party hereto or any of its Affiliates) incurred by a Party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or any Ancillary Document related hereto and all other matters related to the consummation of this Agreement, and, solely with respect to Purchaser (so long as this Agreement remains in effect), any Extension Expenses.
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Article
XI
WAIVERS AND Releases
11.1 Waiver of Claims Against Trust. Reference is made to the IPO Prospectus. The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and each Seller hereby represents and warrants that it has read the IPO Prospectus and understands that Purchaser has established the Trust Account containing the proceeds of the IPO and the overallotment securities acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO (including interest accrued from time to time thereon) for the benefit of Purchaser’s public shareholders (including overallotment securities acquired by Purchaser’s underwriters) (the “Public Shareholders”) and that, except as otherwise described in the IPO Prospectus, Purchaser may disburse monies from the Trust Account only: (a) to the Public Shareholders in the event they elect to redeem their Purchaser Ordinary Shares (or Pubco Ordinary Shares upon the Merger) in connection with the consummation of its initial business combination (as such term is used in the IPO Prospectus) (“Business Combination”) or in connection with an amendment to Purchaser’s Organizational Documents to extend Purchaser’s deadline to consummate a Business Combination, (b) to the Public Shareholders if Purchaser fails to consummate a Business Combination within nine (9) months after the closing of the IPO (or up to eighteen (18) months from the closing of the IPO if Purchaser, in accordance with the requirements of its Organizational Documents, extends its deadline to consummate a Business Combination), (c) with respect to any interest earned on the amounts held in the Trust Account, amounts necessary to pay for any taxes and up to $60,000 in dissolution expenses, or (d) to Purchaser after or concurrently with the consummation of a Business Combination. For and in consideration of Purchaser entering into this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and each Seller hereby agrees on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or any Seller nor any of their respective Affiliates do now or shall at any time hereafter have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account or distributions therefrom, or make any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom), regardless of whether such claim arises as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to, this Agreement or any other matter, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (collectively, the “Released Claims”). Each of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and each Seller on behalf of itself and its Affiliates hereby irrevocably waives any Released Claims that any such Party or any of its Affiliates may have against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) now or in the future and will not seek recourse against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) for any reason whatsoever (including for an alleged breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with Purchaser or its Affiliates). The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and each Seller each agrees and acknowledges that such irrevocable waiver is material to this Agreement and specifically relied upon by Purchaser and its Affiliates to induce Purchaser to enter in this Agreement, and each of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and each Seller further intends and understands such waiver to be valid, binding and enforceable against such Party and each of its Affiliates under applicable Law. To the extent the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or any Seller or any of their respective Affiliates commences any action or proceeding based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to Purchaser or its Representatives, which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, monetary relief against Purchaser or its Representatives, each of the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and each Seller hereby acknowledges and agrees that its and its Affiliates’ sole remedy shall be against funds held outside of the Trust Account and that such claim shall not permit such Party or any of its Affiliates (or any Person claiming on any of their behalves or in lieu of them) to have any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) or any amounts contained therein. In the event that the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub or any Seller or any of their respective Affiliates commences Action based upon, in connection with, relating to or arising out of any matter relating to Purchaser or its Representatives which proceeding seeks, in whole or in part, relief against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom) or the Public Shareholders, whether in the form of money damages or injunctive relief, Purchaser and its Representatives, as applicable, shall be entitled to recover from the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers and their respective Affiliates, as applicable, the associated legal fees and costs in connection with any such Action, in the event Purchaser or its Representatives, as applicable, prevails in such Action. This Section 11.1 shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason and continue indefinitely.
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11.2 Release and Covenant Not to Xxx. Effective as of the Closing, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Seller, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that owns any share or other equity interest in or of such Seller (the “Releasing Persons”), hereby releases and discharges the Target Companies from and against any and all Actions, obligations, agreements, debts and Liabilities whatsoever, whether known or unknown, both at law and in equity, which such Releasing Person now has, has ever had or may hereafter have against the Target Companies arising on or prior to the Closing Date or on account of or arising out of any matter occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, including any rights to indemnification or reimbursement from a Target Company, whether pursuant to its Organizational Documents, Contract or otherwise, and whether or not relating to claims pending on, or asserted after, the Closing Date. From and after the Closing, each Releasing Person hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting any Action, or commencing or causing to be commenced, any Action of any kind against the Target Companies or their respective Affiliates, based upon any matter purported to be released hereby. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the releases and restrictions set forth herein shall not apply to any claims a Releasing Person may have against any party pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Document.
Article
XII
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Survival. The representations and warranties of the Parties contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Parties pursuant to this Agreement shall not survive the Closing, and from and after the Closing, the Parties and their respective Representatives shall not have any further obligations, nor shall any claim be asserted or action be brought against any of the Parties or their respective Representatives with respect thereto. The covenants and agreements made by the Parties in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such covenants or agreements, shall not survive the Closing, except for those covenants and agreements contained herein and therein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Closing (which such covenants shall survive the Closing and continue until fully performed in accordance with their terms).
12.2 Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may only be brought against, the entities that are expressly named as Parties and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such Party. Except to the extent a Party (and then only to the extent of the specific obligations undertaken by such Party in this Agreement), (a) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any Party and (b) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any of the foregoing shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise) for any one or more of the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations or liabilities of any one or more of the Purchaser, Merger Sub or the Company under this Agreement of or for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
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12.3 Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered (i) in person, (ii) by electronic means, with affirmative confirmation of receipt, (iii) one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service or (iv) three (3) Business Days after being mailed, if sent by registered or certified mail, pre-paid and return receipt requested, in each case to the applicable Party at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice):
If to Purchaser at or prior to the Closing, to: | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to: | ||
Hainan Manaslu Acquisition Corp. | Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Schole LLP | ||
B3406, 00X, Xxxx Xxxxx, Block B | 0000 Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx | ||
Guorui Building, 00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, X.X.X. | ||
Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China 570203 | Attn: | Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Esq. | |
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxx, CEO | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Esq. | ||
Telephone No.: x00-000-00000000 | Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000 | ||
E-mail: | xxxxx_xxxx00@xxxxxx.xxx | E-mail: | xxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx |
xxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx | |||
If to the Company at or prior to the Closing, to: | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to: | ||
Able View Inc. | Xxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP | ||
Harneys Fiduciary (Cayman) Limited | 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 | ||
4th Floor, Harbour Place | Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Esq. | ||
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000 | ||
P.O. Box 10240 | E-mail: | XXxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx | |
Grand Cayman KY1-1002 | |||
Cayman Islands | |||
Attn: | Xxxxxx Xxxx, Director | ||
Telephone No.: x00 00 0000 0000 | |||
E-mail: | xxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxx.xx | ||
If to Pubco or Merger Sub, to: | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to: | ||
c/o Able View Global Inc. | Xxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP | ||
Harneys Fiduciary (Cayman) Limited | 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 | ||
4th Floor, Harbour Place | Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Esq. | ||
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000 | ||
P.O. Box 10240 | E-mail: | XXxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx | |
Grand Cayman KY1-1002 | |||
Cayman Islands | |||
Attn: | Xxxxxx Xxxx, Director | ||
Telephone No.: x00 00 0000 0000 | |||
E-mail: | xxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxx.xx | ||
If to any Seller, to: | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to: | ||
the address of such Seller as set forth underneath such Seller’s | Xxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP | ||
signature on the signature page hereto | 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 | ||
Attn: | Xxxxxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Esq. | ||
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000 | |||
Email: | XXxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx | ||
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If to Pubco, Purchaser or the Company after the Closing, to: | with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to: | ||
c/o Able View Global Inc. | Xxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP | ||
Harneys Fiduciary (Cayman) Limited | 0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 | ||
4th Floor, Harbour Place | Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Esq. | ||
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000 | ||
P.O. Box 10240 | E-mail: | XXxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx | |
Grand Cayman KY1-1002 | and | ||
Cayman Islands | Ellenoff Xxxxxxxx & Schole LLP | ||
Attn: | Xxxxxx Xxxx, Director | 0000 Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Floor | |
Telephone No.: x00 00 0000 0000 | New York, New York 10105, USA | ||
E-mail: | xxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxx.xx | Attn: | Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Esq. |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Esq. | |||
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000 | |||
E-mail: | xxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx | ||
xxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx | |||
12.4 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of Law or otherwise without the prior written consent of Purchaser, Pubco and the Company (and after the Closing, a Disinterested Independent Director Majority), and any assignment without such consent shall be null and void; provided that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning Party of its obligations hereunder.
12.5 Third Parties. Except for the rights of the D&O Indemnified Persons set forth in Section 8.15 and of the Sponsor under Section 12.16, which the Parties acknowledge and agree are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement or in any instrument or document executed by any party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall create any rights in, or be deemed to have been executed for the benefit of, any Person that is not a Party hereto or thereto or a successor or permitted assign of such a Party.
12.6 Arbitration. Any and all disputes, controversies and claims (other than applications for a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction or other equitable relief or application for enforcement of a resolution under this Section 12.6) arising out of, related to, or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (a “Dispute”) shall be governed by this Section 12.6. A party must, in the first instance, provide written notice of any Disputes to the other parties subject to such Dispute, which notice must provide a reasonably detailed description of the matters subject to the Dispute. The parties involved in such Dispute shall seek to resolve the Dispute on an amicable basis within ten (10) Business Days of the notice of such Dispute being received by such other parties subject to such Dispute (the “Resolution Period”); provided, that if any Dispute would reasonably be expected to have become moot or otherwise irrelevant if not decided within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such Dispute, then there shall be no Resolution Period with respect to such Dispute. Any Dispute that is not resolved during the Resolution Period may immediately be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration pursuant to the then-existing Expedited Procedures (as defined in the AAA Procedures) of the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “AAA Procedures”) of the AAA. Any party involved in such Dispute may submit the Dispute to the AAA to commence the proceedings after the Resolution Period. To the extent that the AAA Procedures and this Agreement are in conflict, the terms of this Agreement shall control. The arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator nominated by the AAA promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after the submission of the Dispute to the AAA and reasonably acceptable to each party subject to the Dispute, which arbitrator shall be a commercial lawyer with substantial experience arbitrating disputes under acquisition agreements. The arbitrator shall accept his or her appointment and begin the arbitration process promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after his or her nomination and acceptance by the parties subject to the Dispute. The proceedings shall be streamlined and efficient. The arbitrator shall decide the Dispute in accordance with the substantive law of the state of New York. Time is of the essence. Each party subject to the Dispute shall submit a proposal for resolution of the Dispute to the arbitrator within twenty (20) days after confirmation of the appointment of the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall have the power to order any party to do, or to refrain from doing, anything consistent with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and applicable Law, including to perform its contractual obligation(s); provided, that the arbitrator shall be limited to ordering pursuant to the foregoing power (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall order) the relevant party (or parties, as applicable) to comply with only one or the other of the proposals. The arbitrator’s award shall be in writing and shall include a reasonable explanation of the arbitrator’s reason(s) for selecting one or the other proposal. The seat of arbitration shall be in New York County, State of New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English.
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12.7 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof. Subject to Section 12.6, all Actions arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any state or federal court located in New York, New York (or in any appellate court thereof) (the “Specified Courts”). Subject to Section 12.6, each Party hereto hereby (a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Specified Court for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any Party hereto and (b) irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert by way of motion, defense or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by any Specified Court. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any Action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Xxx. Each Party irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any other Action relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, on behalf of itself, or its property, by personal delivery of copies of such process to such Party at the applicable address set forth in Section 12.1. Nothing in this Section 12.7 shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law.
12.8 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THAT FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 12.8.
12.9 Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that the rights of each Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are unique, recognizes and affirms that in the event of a breach of this Agreement by any Party, money damages may be inadequate and the non-breaching Parties may have not adequate remedy at law, and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by an applicable Party in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to seek an injunction or restraining order to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to seek to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the requirement to post any bond or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate, this being in addition to any other right or remedy to which such Party may be entitled under this Agreement, at law or in equity.
12.10 Severability. In case any provision in this Agreement shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in a jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified or deleted, as to the jurisdiction involved, only to the extent necessary to render the same valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby nor shall the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision be affected thereby in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties will substitute for any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision a suitable and equitable provision that carries out, so far as may be valid, legal and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision.
12.11 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by execution of a written instrument signed by Purchaser, Pubco, the Company, and Sellers holding in the aggregate a Pro Rata Share in excess of fifty percent (50%); provided that (i) no amendment, supplementation or modification shall affect a Seller in a manner materially and adversely disproportionate to the other Sellers without the prior written consent of such Seller, and (ii) any amendment, supplement or modification of this Agreement after the Closing shall also require the prior written consent of a Disinterested Independent Director Majority.
12.12 Waiver. Each of Purchaser, Pubco and the Company on behalf of itself and its Affiliates, and each Seller on its behalf, may in its sole discretion (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of any other non-Affiliated Party hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties by such other non-Affiliated Party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance by such other non-Affiliated Party with any covenant or condition contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party or Parties to be bound thereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement after the Closing by Pubco or Purchaser shall also require the prior written consent of a Disinterested Independent Director Majority.
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12.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the documents or instruments referred to herein, including any exhibits, annexes and schedules attached hereto, which exhibits, annexes and schedules are incorporated herein by reference, together with the Ancillary Documents, embody the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein or the documents or instruments referred to herein, which collectively supersede all prior agreements and the understandings among the Parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein.
12.14 Interpretation. The table of contents and the Article and Section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the Parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and words in the singular, including any defined terms, include the plural and vice versa; (b) reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity; (c) any accounting term used and not otherwise defined in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document has the meaning assigned to such term in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS, as applicable, based on the accounting principles used by the applicable Person; (d) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding or succeeding such term and shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (e) the words “herein,” “hereto,” and “hereby” and other words of similar import in this Agreement shall be deemed in each case to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision of this Agreement; (f) the word “if” and other words of similar import when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the phrase “and only if”; (g) the term “or” means “and/or”; (h) any reference to the term “ordinary course” or “ordinary course of business” shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “consistent with past practice”; (i) any agreement, instrument, insurance policy, Law or Order defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument, insurance policy, Law or Order as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes, regulations, rules or orders) by succession of comparable successor statutes, regulations, rules or orders and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein; (j) except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to the words “Section,” “Article”, “Schedule”, “Annex” and “Exhibit” are intended to refer to Sections, Articles, Schedules, Annexes and Exhibits to this Agreement; and (k) the term “Dollars” or “$” means United States dollars. Any reference in this Agreement to a Person’s directors shall include any member of such Person’s governing body and any reference in this Agreement to a Person’s officers shall include any Person filling a substantially similar position for such Person. Any reference in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to a Person’s shareholders or stockholders shall include any applicable owners of the equity interests of such Person, in whatever form. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Consequently, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. To the extent that any Contract, document, certificate or instrument is represented and warranted to by the Company to be given, delivered, provided or made available by the Company, in order for such Contract, document, certificate or instrument to have been deemed to have been given, delivered, provided and made available to Purchaser or its Representatives, such Contract, document, certificate or instrument shall have been posted to the electronic data site maintained on behalf of the Company for the benefit of Purchaser and its Representatives and Purchaser and its Representatives have been given access to the electronic folders containing such information.
12.15 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or other electronic transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different Parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12.16 Legal Representation. The Parties agree that, notwithstanding the fact that EGS may have, prior to Closing, jointly represented Purchaser and the Sponsor in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the Transactions, and has also represented Purchaser, Sponsor and/or their respective Affiliates in connection with matters other than the transaction that is the subject of this Agreement, EGS will be permitted in the future, after Closing, to represent the Sponsor or its Affiliates in connection with matters in which such Persons are adverse to Pubco, Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates, including any disputes arising out of, or related to, this Agreement. The Company, Pubco, Merger Sub and the Sellers, who are or have the right to be represented by independent counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, hereby agree, in advance, to waive (and to cause their Affiliates to waive) any actual or potential conflict of interest that may hereafter arise in connection with EGS’s future representation of one or more of the Sponsor or its Affiliates in which the interests of such Person are adverse to the interests of Pubco, Merger Sub, Purchaser, the Company and/or the Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates, including any matters that arise out of this Agreement or that are substantially related to this Agreement or to any prior representation by EGS of the Sponsor, Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, for the purposes of the attorney-client privilege, the Sponsor shall be deemed the client of EGS with respect to the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents. All such communications shall remain privileged after the Closing and the privilege and the expectation of client confidence relating thereto shall belong solely to the Sponsor, shall be controlled by the Sponsor and shall not pass to or be claimed by Pubco or Purchaser; provided, further, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by Pubco, Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates of any applicable privileges or protections that can or may be asserted to prevent disclosure of any such communications to any third party.
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Article
XIII
DEFINITIONS
13.1 Certain Definitions. For purpose of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:
“AAA” means the American Arbitration Association or any successor entity conducting arbitrations.
“Accounting Principles” means in accordance with U.S. GAAP as in effect at the date of the financial statement to which it refers or if there is no such financial statement, then as of the Closing Date, using and applying the same accounting principles, practices, procedures, policies and methods (with consistent classifications, judgments, elections, inclusions, exclusions and valuation and estimation methodologies) used and applied by the Target Companies in the preparation of the latest audited Company Financials.
“Action” means any notice of noncompliance or violation, or any claim, demand, charge, action, suit, litigation, audit, settlement, complaint, stipulation, assessment or arbitration, or any request (including any request for information), inquiry, hearing, proceeding or investigation, by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by, or under common Control with such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, Sponsor shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Purchaser prior to the Closing.
“Ancillary Documents” means each agreement, instrument or document attached hereto as an Exhibit or otherwise required to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the Non-Competition Agreements, the Lock-Up Agreements, the Employment Agreements, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment and the other agreements, certificates and instruments to be executed or delivered by any of the Parties hereto in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement.
“Benefit Plans” of any Person means any and all deferred compensation, executive compensation, incentive compensation, equity purchase or other equity-based compensation plan, employment or consulting, severance or termination pay, holiday, vacation or other bonus plan or practice, hospitalization or other medical, life or other insurance, supplemental unemployment benefits, profit sharing, pension, or retirement plan, program, agreement, commitment or arrangement, and each other employee benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, including each “employee benefit plan” as such term is defined under Section 3(3) of ERISA, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by a Person for the benefit of any employee or terminated employee of such Person, or with respect to which such Person has any Liability, whether direct or indirect, actual or contingent, whether formal or informal, and whether legally binding or not.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized to close for business; provided that banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or obligated to be closed due to a “shelter in place” or similar closure of physical branch locations at the direction of any Governmental Authority if such banks’ electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) are open for use by customers on such day.
“Cayman Islands Companies Act” means the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor statute thereto, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code shall include such section and any valid treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
“Company Confidential Information” means all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning the Target Companies, Pubco, Merger Sub or the Sellers or any of their respective Representatives, furnished in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that Company Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) at the time of disclosure by Purchaser or its Representatives, is generally available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub, the Seller or their respective Representatives to Purchaser or its Representatives was previously known by such receiving party without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by the Person receiving such Company Confidential Information.
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“Company Convertible Securities” means, collectively, any options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase any capital shares of the Company or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or that otherwise confer on the holder any right to acquire any capital shares of the Company.
“Company Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Preference Shares” means the series A preferred shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Securities” means, collectively, the Company Shares and the Company Convertible Securities.
“Company Security Holders” means, collectively, the holders of Company Securities.
“Company Shares” means, collectively, the Company Ordinary Shares and the Company Preference Shares.
“Consent” means any consent, approval, waiver, authorization or Permit of, or notice to or declaration or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other Person.
“Contracts” means all contracts, agreements, binding arrangements, bonds, notes, indentures, mortgages, debt instruments, purchase order, licenses (and all other contracts, agreements or binding arrangements concerning Intellectual Property), franchises, leases and other instruments or obligations of any kind, written or oral (including any amendments and other modifications thereto).
“Control” of a Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise. “Controlled”, “Controlling” and “under common Control with” have correlative meanings. Without limiting the foregoing a Person (the “Controlled Person”) shall be deemed Controlled by (a) any other Person (i) owning beneficially, as meant in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, securities entitling such Person to cast ten percent (10%) or more of the votes for election of directors or equivalent governing authority of the Controlled Person or (ii) entitled to be allocated or receive ten percent (10%) or more of the profits, losses, or distributions of the Controlled Person; (b) an officer, director, general partner, partner (other than a limited partner), manager, or member (other than a member having no management authority that is not a Person described in clause (a) above) of the Controlled Person; or (c) a spouse, parent, lineal descendant, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, or brother-in-law of an Affiliate of the Controlled Person or a trust for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Controlled Person or of which an Affiliate of the Controlled Person is a trustee.
“Copyrights” means any works of authorship, mask works and all copyrights therein, including all renewals and extensions, copyright registrations and applications for registration and renewal, and non-registered copyrights.
“Disinterested Independent Director” means an independent director serving on Pubco’s board of directors at the applicable time of determination that is disinterested in this Agreement as a Company Security Holder (i.e., such independent director is not a Company Security Holder, an Affiliate of a Company Security Holder, or an officer, director, manager, employee, trustee or beneficiary of a Company Security Holder, nor an immediate family member of any of the foregoing).
“Disinterested Independent Director Majority” means the vote or consent of a majority of the Disinterested Interested Directors.
“Environmental Law” means any Law in any way relating to (a) the protection of human health and safety, (b) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment and natural resources (including air, water vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), or (c) the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of Hazardous Materials.
“Environmental Liabilities” means, in respect of any Person, all Liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Remedial Actions, Actions, Orders, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements, and expenses of counsel, experts, and consultants and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand by any other Person or in response to any violation of Environmental Law, whether known or unknown, accrued or contingent, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, to the extent based upon, related to, or arising under or pursuant to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Order, or Contract with any Governmental Authority or other Person, that relates to any environmental, health or safety condition, violation of Environmental Law, or a Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials.
“ERISA” means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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“Foreign Plan” means any plan, fund (including any superannuation fund) or other similar program or arrangement established or maintained outside the United States by the Company or any one or more of its Subsidiaries primarily for the benefit of employees of the Company or such Subsidiaries residing outside the United States, which plan, fund or other similar program or arrangement provides, or results in, retirement income, a deferral of income in contemplation of retirement or payments to be made upon termination of employment, and which plan is not subject to ERISA or the Code.
“Fraud Claim” means any claim based in whole or in part upon fraud, willful misconduct or intentional misrepresentation.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, foreign or other governmental, quasi-governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, department or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.
“Hazardous Material” means any waste, gas, liquid or other substance or material that is defined, listed or designated as a “hazardous substance”, “pollutant”, “contaminant”, “hazardous waste”, “regulated substance”, “hazardous chemical”, or “toxic chemical” (or by any similar term) under any Environmental Law, or any other material regulated, or that could result in the imposition of Liability or responsibility, under any Environmental Law, including petroleum and its by-products, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon, mold, and urea formaldehyde insulation.
“IFRS” means international financial reporting standards as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board.
“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money (including the outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest), (b) all obligations for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business), (c) any other indebtedness of such Person that is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture, credit agreement or similar instrument, (d) all obligations of such Person under leases that should be classified as capital leases in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS (a applicable to such Person), (e) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any line or letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, guarantee or similar credit transaction, in each case, that has been drawn or claimed against, (f) all obligations of such Person in respect of acceptances issued or created, (g) all interest rate and currency swaps, caps, collars and similar agreements or hedging devices under which payments are obligated to be made by such Person, whether periodically or upon the happening of a contingency, (h) all obligations secured by an Lien on any property of such Person, (i) any premiums, prepayment fees or other penalties, fees, costs or expenses associated with payment of any Indebtedness of such Person and (j) all obligation described in clauses (a) through (i) above of any other Person which is directly or indirectly guaranteed by such Person or which such Person has agreed (contingently or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or in respect of which it has otherwise assured a creditor against loss.
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“Intellectual Property” means all of the following as they exist in any jurisdiction throughout the world: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Internet Assets, Software and other intellectual property, and all licenses, sublicenses and other agreements or permissions related to the preceding property.
“Internet Assets” means any all domain name registrations, web sites and web addresses and related rights, items and documentation related thereto, and applications for registration therefor.
“Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
“IPO” means the initial public offering of Purchaser Units pursuant to the IPO Prospectus.
“IPO Prospectus” means the final prospectus of Purchaser, dated as of August 10, 2022, and filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022 (File No. 333-261340).
“Knowledge” means, with respect to (i) the Company, the actual knowledge of the executive officers or directors of any Target Company, after reasonable inquiry, or (ii) any other Party, (A) if an entity, the actual knowledge of its directors and executive officers, after reasonable inquiry, or (B) if a natural person, the actual knowledge of such Party after reasonable inquiry.
“Law” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, legislation, principle of common law, ordinance, code, edict, decree, proclamation, treaty, convention, rule, regulation, directive, requirement, writ, injunction, settlement, Order or Consent that is or has been issued, enacted, adopted, passed, approved, promulgated, made, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Liabilities” means any and all liabilities, Indebtedness, Actions or obligations of any nature (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether known or unknown, whether direct or indirect, whether matured or unmatured, whether due or to become due and whether or not required to be recorded or reflected on a balance sheet under GAAP, IFRS or other applicable accounting standards), including Tax liabilities due or to become due.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, attachment, right of first refusal, option, proxy, voting trust, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof), restriction (whether on voting, sale, transfer, disposition or otherwise), any subordination arrangement in favor of another Person, or any filing or agreement to file a financing statement as debtor under the Uniform Commercial Code or any similar Law.
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“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to any specified Person, any fact, event, occurrence, change or effect that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect upon (a) the business, assets, Liabilities, results of operations, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries on a timely basis to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party or bound or to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder; provided, however, that for purposes of clause (a) above, any changes or effects directly or indirectly attributable to, resulting from, relating to or arising out of the following (by themselves or when aggregated with any other, changes or effects) shall not be deemed to be, constitute, or be taken into account when determining whether there has or may, would or could have occurred a Material Adverse Effect: (i) general changes in the financial or securities markets or general economic or political conditions in the country or region in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries do business; (ii) changes, conditions or effects that generally affect the industries in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries principally operate; (iii) changes in IFRS, GAAP or other applicable accounting principles or mandatory changes in the regulatory accounting requirements applicable to any industry in which such Person and its Subsidiaries principally operate; (iv) conditions caused by acts of God, terrorism, war (whether or not declared), natural disaster or any outbreak or continuation of an epidemic or pandemic (including, without limitation, COVID-19), including the effects of any Governmental Authority or other third-party responses thereto; (v) any failure in and of itself by such Person and its Subsidiaries to meet any internal or published budgets, projections, forecasts or predictions of financial performance for any period (provided that the underlying cause of any such failure may be considered in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur to the extent not excluded by another exception herein) and (vi), with respect to Purchaser, the consummation and effects of the Redemption; provided further, however, that any event, occurrence, fact, condition, or change referred to in clauses (i) - (iv) immediately above shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur to the extent that such event, occurrence, fact, condition, or change has a disproportionate effect on such Person or any of its Subsidiaries compared to other participants in the industries in which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries primarily conducts its businesses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to Purchaser, the amount of the Redemption or the failure to obtain the Required Shareholder Approval shall not be deemed to be a Material Adverse Effect on or with respect to Purchaser.
“Merger Sub Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value US$1.00 per share, of the Company.
“Nasdaq” means the Nasdaq Capital Market.
“Net Revenue” means consolidated revenue (net of returns and allowance for doubtful accounts) of Pubco and its Subsidiaries, including the Target Companies, as determined in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (for the avoidance of doubt, including periods prior to the Closing, but excluding the revenues of Purchaser, if any, for periods prior to the Closing).
“Order” means any order, decree, ruling, judgment, injunction, writ, determination, binding decision, verdict, judicial award or other action that is or has been made, entered, rendered, or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority.
“Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person, its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, memorandum and articles of association or similar organizational documents, in each case, as amended.
“Patents” means any patents, patent applications and the inventions, designs and improvements described and claimed therein, patentable inventions, and other patent rights (including any divisionals, provisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, substitutions, or reissues thereof, whether or not patents are issued on any such applications and whether or not any such applications are amended, modified, withdrawn, or refiled).
“PCAOB” means the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (or any successor thereto).
“Permits” means all federal, state, local or foreign or other third-party permits, grants, easements, consents, approvals, authorizations, exemptions, licenses, franchises, concessions, ratifications, permissions, clearances, confirmations, endorsements, waivers, certifications, designations, ratings, registrations, qualifications or orders of any Governmental Authority or any other Person.
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“Permitted Liens” means (a) Liens for Taxes or assessments and similar governmental charges or levies, which either are (i) not delinquent or (ii) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and adequate reserves have been established with respect thereto, (b) other Liens imposed by operation of Law arising in the ordinary course of business for amounts which are not due and payable and as would not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of, or materially adversely interfere with the use of, the property subject thereto, (c) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with social security, (d) Liens on goods in transit incurred pursuant to documentary letters of credit, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business, or (e) Liens arising under this Agreement or any Ancillary Document.
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership (including a general partnership, limited partnership or limited liability partnership), limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a government, domestic or foreign, or political subdivision thereof, or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Personal Property” means any machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles, furniture, leasehold improvements, office equipment, plant, parts and other tangible personal property.
“Per Share Price” means an amount equal to (i) the Exchange Consideration, divided by (ii) the total number of issued and outstanding Company Ordinary Shares.
“Pro Rata Share” means with respect to each Seller, a fraction expressed as a percentage equal to (i) the number of Company Shares held by such Seller as of the Closing, divided by (ii) the total number of issued and outstanding Company Shares as of the Closing, in each case with any Company Preference Shares treated on an as-converted to Company Ordinary Share basis.
“Pubco Charter” means the memorandum and articles of association of Pubco, as amended and in effect under the Cayman Islands Companies Act.
“Pubco Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of Pubco, along with any equity securities paid as dividends or distributions after the Closing with respect to such shares or into which such shares are exchanged or converted after the Closing.
“Pubco Preference Shares” means the preference shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of Pubco.
“Pubco Private Warrant” means one whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Pubco Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Pubco Public Warrant” means one whole redeemable warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Pubco Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Pubco Securities” means the Pubco Ordinary Shares, the Pubco Preference Shares and the Pubco Warrants, collectively.
“Pubco Warrants” means Pubco Private Warrants and Pubco Public Warrants, collectively.
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“Purchaser Ordinary Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the authorized share capital of Purchaser.
“Purchaser Organizational Documents” means the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association dated and effective 10 August 2022, of Purchaser.
“Purchaser Preference Shares” means the preference shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the authorized share capital of Purchaser.
“Purchaser Confidential Information” means all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning Purchaser or any of its Representatives; provided, however, that Purchaser Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) at the time of disclosure by the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub, any Seller or any of their respective Representatives, is generally available publicly and was not disclosed in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by Purchaser or its Representatives to by the Company, Pubco, Merger Sub, any Seller or any of their respective Representatives, was previously known by such receiving party without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by the Person receiving such Purchaser Confidential Information. For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Closing, Purchaser Confidential Information will include the confidential or proprietary information of the Target Companies.
“Purchaser Private Rights” means the rights underlying the Purchaser Private Units, each entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth of one Purchaser Ordinary Share upon the consummation of a Business Combination.
“Purchaser Private Unit” means the units issued in a private placement to the Sponsor at the time of the consummation of the IPO consisting of one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share, one (1) Purchaser Private Right and one (1) Purchaser Private Warrant.
“Purchaser Private Warrants” means the warrants issued in a private placement to the Sponsor by Purchaser at the time of the consummation of the IPO, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share per warrant at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Purchaser Public Rights” means the rights that were included in as part of the Purchaser Public Units, each entitling the holder thereof to receive one-tenth (1/10th) of one Purchaser Ordinary Share upon the consummation of a Business Combination.
“Purchaser Public Unit” means the units issued in the IPO consisting of one (1) Purchaser Ordinary Share, one (1) Purchaser Public Right and one (1) Purchaser Public Warrant.
“Purchaser Public Warrants” means one redeemable warrant that was included as part of each Purchaser Public Unit, entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Purchaser Ordinary Share at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
“Purchaser Rights” means Purchaser Private Rights and the Purchaser Public Rights, collectively.
“Purchaser Securities” means the Purchaser Units, the Purchaser Ordinary Shares, the Purchaser Preferred Stock, the Purchaser Rights and the Purchaser Warrants, collectively.
“Purchaser Units” means Purchaser Private Units and Purchaser Public Units, collectively.
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“Purchaser Warrants” means Purchaser Private Warrants and Purchaser Public Warrants, collectively.
“Redemption Price” means an amount equal to the price at which each Purchaser Ordinary Share (or after the Merger, each Pubco Ordinary Share) is redeemed or converted pursuant to the Redemption.
“Reference Time” means the close of business of the Company on the Closing Date (but without giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any payments by Purchaser hereunder to occur at the Closing, but treating any obligations in respect of Indebtedness or other liabilities that are contingent upon the consummation of the Closing as currently due and owing without contingency as of the Reference Time).
“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, or leaching into the indoor or outdoor environment, or into or out of any property.
“Remedial Action” means all actions to (i) clean up, remove, treat, or in any other way address any Hazardous Material, (ii) prevent the Release of any Hazardous Material so it does not endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (iii) perform pre-remedial studies and investigations or post-remedial monitoring and care, or (iv) correct a condition of noncompliance with Environmental Laws.
“Representatives” means, as to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective managers, directors, officers, employees, independent contractors, consultants, advisors (including financial advisors, counsel and accountants), agents and other legal representatives of such Person or its Affiliates.
“Rights Agent” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, in its capacity as rights agent under the Rights Agreement.
“Rights Agreement” means the Rights Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2022, by and between Purchaser and the Rights Agent.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or any successor Governmental Authority).
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Software” means any computer software programs, including all source code, object code, and documentation related thereto and all software modules, tools and databases.
“SOX” means the U.S. Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, as amended.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of capital shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons will be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons will be allocated a majority of partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or will be or control the managing director, managing member, general partner or other managing Person of such partnership, association or other business entity. A Subsidiary of a Person will also include any variable interest entity which is consolidated with such Person under applicable accounting rules.
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“Target Company” means each of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, information return or other documents (including any related or supporting schedules, statements or information) filed or required to be filed in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Taxes or the administration of any Laws or administrative requirements relating to any Taxes.
“Taxes” means (a) all direct or indirect federal, state, local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, value-added, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, social security and related contributions due in relation to the payment of compensation to employees, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, alternative minimum, estimated, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto, (b) any Liability for payment of amounts described in clause (a) whether as a result of being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for any period or otherwise through operation of law and (c) any Liability for the payment of amounts described in clauses (a) or (b) as a result of any tax sharing, tax group, tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement with, or any other express or implied agreement to indemnify, any other Person.
“Trade Secrets” means any trade secrets, confidential business information, concepts, ideas, designs, research or development information, processes, procedures, techniques, technical information, specifications, operating and maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, methods, know-how, data, mask works, discoveries, inventions, modifications, extensions, improvements, and other proprietary rights (whether or not patentable or subject to copyright, trademark, or trade secret protection).
“Trademarks” means any trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, brand names, internet domain names, designs, logos, or corporate names (including, in each case, the goodwill associated therewith), whether registered or unregistered, and all registrations and applications for registration and renewal thereof.
“Trading Day” means any day on which Pubco Ordinary Shares are actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which Pubco Ordinary Shares are then traded.
“Trust Account” means the trust account established by Purchaser with the proceeds from the IPO pursuant to the Trust Agreement in accordance with the IPO Prospectus.
“Trust Agreement” means that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2022, as it may be amended (including to accommodate the Merger), by and between Purchaser and the Trustee.
“Trustee” means Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, in its capacity as trustee under the Trust Agreement.
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“U.S. GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States of America.
“VWAP” means, for any security as of any date(s), the dollar volume-weighted average price for such security on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which such security is then traded each day as reported by Bloomberg through its “HP” function (set to weighted average) or, if the foregoing does not apply, the dollar volume-weighted average price of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security during the day, or, if no dollar volume-weighted average price is reported for such security by Bloomberg for such day, then the closing price for such day. If the VWAP (or closing price) cannot be calculated for such security on such date(s) on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of such security on such date(s) shall be the fair market value as determined reasonably and in good faith by a majority of the Post-Closing Pubco Board. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.
13.2 Section References. The following capitalized terms, as used in this Agreement, have the respective meanings given to them in the Section as set forth below adjacent to such terms:
Term | Section |
AAA Procedures | 12.6 |
Accounts Receivable | 6.7(f) |
Acquisition Proposal | 8.6(a) |
Additional Financing Agreements | 8.17 |
Agreement | Preamble |
Alternative Transaction | 8.6(a) |
Amended Pubco Charter | 9.1(h) |
Antitrust Laws | 8.9(b) |
Audited Financial Statements | 8.4(a) |
Business Combination | 11.1 |
CFO | 2.4(c) |
Closing | 3.1 |
Closing Date | 3.1 |
Closing Filing | 8.12(b) |
Closing Press Release | 8.12(b) |
Company | Preamble |
Company Benefit Plan | 6.19(a) |
Company Certificates | 2.3(b) |
Company Disclosure Schedules | Article VI |
Company Financials | 6.7(a) |
Company IP | 6.13(c) |
Company IP Licenses | 6.13(a) |
Company Material Contract | 6.12(a) |
Company Permits | 6.10 |
Company Personal Property Leases | 6.16 |
Company Real Property Leases | 6.15 |
Company Registered IP | 6.13(a) |
Consideration Shares | 2.4(a) |
Conversion Ratio | 2.2 |
D&O Indemnified Person | 8.15(a) |
D&O Tail Insurance | 8.15(b) |
Debt Modification | 8.20 |
Dispute | 12.6 |
Earnout Period | 2.4(a) |
Earnout Shares | 2.4(a) |
Earnout Statement | 2.4(c) |
Effective Time | 1.2 |
EGS | 3.1 |
Employment Agreements | 8.18 |
Enforceability Exceptions | 4.2 |
Environmental Permit | 6.20(a) |
Exchange Consideration | 2.2 |
Exchange Shares | 2.2 |
Expenses | 10.3 |
Extension | 8.3(a) |
Extension Expenses | 8.3(b)(iv) |
Federal Securities Laws | 8.7 |
Financing Agreements | 8.17 |
Founder Registration Rights Agreement | Recitals |
Founder Registration Rights Agreement Amendment | Recitals |
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Term | Section |
Interim Balance Sheet Date | 6.7(a) |
Interim Period | 8.1(a) |
Joinder | 8.2(c) |
Lock-Up Agreements | Recitals |
Lost Certificate Affidavit | 2.3(b) |
Merger Sub | Preamble |
Merger | Recitals |
New Seller | 8.2(c) |
Non-Competition Agreements | Recitals |
OFAC | 4.18(c) |
Off-the-Shelf Software | 6.13(a) |
Outside Date | 10.1(b) |
Party(ies) | Preamble |
Plan of Merger | 1.2 |
Post-Closing Pubco Board | 8.14(a) |
Proxy Statement | 8.11(a) |
Pubco | Preamble |
Pubco Equity Incentive Plan | 8.19 |
Public Certifications | 4.6(a) |
Public Shareholders | 11.1 |
Purchased Shares | 2.1 |
Purchaser | Preamble |
Purchaser Disclosure Schedules | Article IV |
Purchaser Financials | 4.6(b) |
Purchaser Material Contract | 4.13(a) |
Redemption | 8.11(a) |
Registration Rights Agreement | Recitals |
Registration Statement | 8.11(a) |
Regulatory Approvals | 9.1(c) |
Related Person | 6.21 |
Released Claims | 11.1 |
Releasing Persons | 11.2 |
Required Shareholder Approval | 9.1(a) |
Resolution Period | 12.6 |
Reviewed Interim Financial Statements | 8.4(a) |
SEC Reports | 4.6(a) |
SEC SPAC Accounting Changes | 4.6(a) |
Sellers | Preamble |
Share Exchange | Recitals |
Signing Filing | 8.12(b) |
Signing Press Release | 8.12(b) |
Special Meeting | 8.11(b) |
Specified Courts | 12.7 |
Sponsor | Recitals |
Shareholder Approval Matters | 8.11(b) |
Subscription Agreement | Recitals |
Surviving Entity | 1.1 |
Top Customer | 6.23 |
Top Vendor | 6.23 |
Transactions | Recitals |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Party hereto has caused this Agreement to be signed and delivered by its respective duly authorized officer as of the date first written above.
Purchaser: | |||
HAINAN MANASLU ACQUISITION CORP. | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Pubco: | |||
ABLE VIEW GLOBAL INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: | Director | ||
Merger Sub: | |||
ABLE VIEW CORPORATION INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: | Director | ||
The Company: | |||
ABLE VIEW INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Fortune Mighty Investment Limited |
By: | /s/ Mu Wenming | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Gallery Marine Pte. Ltd. |
By: | /s/ Xx Xxxxxx | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Goodfortune Xxxxx Xxxx Limited |
By: | /s/ Mu Wenming | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Goodfortune Star Platinum Limited |
By: | /s/ Mu Wenming | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Healthy Great Investing Company Limited |
By: | /s/ Xxx Xxxx | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xxx Xxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Luckylily Ltd |
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xx | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xxxxx Xx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Perfectshine Xxxxx Xxxx Limited |
By: | /s/ Mu Wenming | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Perfectshine Holding Limited |
By: | /s/ Mu Wenming | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Perfectshine Star Platinum Limited |
By: | /s/ Mu Wenming | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xx Xxxxxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Scenery Investing Company Limited |
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xxxx Xxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
The Sellers: | ||
Print Name | ||
of Seller: | Smartest Star Investing Company Limited |
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | |
[Signature] |
If Entity, Print Name | ||
and Title of Signatory: | Xxxx Xxxx |
Address: | ||
Facsimile: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Email: |
[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]