AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of August 9, 2023 by and among 10X CAPITAL VENTURE ACQUISITION Corp. III, 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, and AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC.
Exhibit 2.1
dated as of
August 9, 2023
by and among
10X CAPITAL VENTURE ACQUISITION Corp. III,
10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC,
and
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
ARTICLE I | ||
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS | 4 | |
1.01 | Definitions | 4 |
1.02 | Construction | 22 |
ARTICLE II | ||
THE MERGER; CLOSING | 23 | |
2.01 | The Merger | 23 |
2.02 | Effects of the Merger | 23 |
2.03 | Closing | 23 |
2.04 | Organizational Documents of the Company and Acquiror. | 23 |
2.05 | Directors and Officers of the Companies | 23 |
ARTICLE III | ||
EFFECTS OF THE MERGER | 24 | |
3.01 | Effect on Capital Stock | 24 |
3.02 | Equitable Adjustments | 25 |
3.03 | Exchange of Company Certificates and Company Book-Entry Shares. | 25 |
3.04 | Treatment of Company Options, Warrants and RSUs | 26 |
3.05 | Withholding | 27 |
3.06 | No Fractional Shares | 28 |
3.07 | Payment of Expenses | 28 |
3.08 | Dissenting Shares | 28 |
3.09 | Earnout | 29 |
ARTICLE IV | ||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY | 31 | |
4.01 | Organization, Standing and Corporate Power | 31 |
4.02 | Corporate Authority; Approval; Non-Contravention. | 31 |
4.03 | Governmental Approvals | 31 |
4.04 | Capitalization | 32 |
4.05 | Subsidiaries | 33 |
4.06 | Financial Statements; Internal Controls. | 33 |
4.07 | Compliance with Laws | 34 |
4.08 | Absence of Certain Changes or Events | 34 |
4.09 | No Undisclosed Liabilities | 34 |
4.10 | Information Supplied | 35 |
4.11 | Litigation. | 35 |
4.12 | Contracts | 35 |
4.13 | Employment Matters | 37 |
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4.14 | Employee Benefits | 38 |
4.15 | Taxes | 39 |
4.16 | Intellectual Property | 41 |
4.17 | Data Protection | 42 |
4.18 | Information Technology | 43 |
4.19 | Real Property | 43 |
4.20 | Corrupt Practices; Sanctions | 45 |
4.21 | Competition and Trade Regulation | 45 |
4.22 | Environmental Matters | 45 |
4.23 | Brokers | 46 |
4.24 | Affiliate Agreements | 46 |
4.25 | Insurance | 46 |
4.26 | FDA and Health Care Regulatory Matters | 47 |
4.27 | COVID-19 | 48 |
4.28 | No Other Representations or Warranties | 48 |
ARTICLE V | ||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR AND MERGER SUB | 48 | |
5.01 | Organization, Standing and Corporate Power | 48 |
5.02 | Corporate Authority; Approval; Non-Contravention | 49 |
5.03 | Litigation | 49 |
5.04 | Compliance with Laws | 50 |
5.05 | Employee Benefit Plans | 50 |
5.06 | Financial Ability; Trust Account. | 50 |
5.07 | Taxes | 51 |
5.08 | Brokers | 51 |
5.09 | Acquiror SEC Reports; Financial Statements; Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act. | 52 |
5.10 | Business Activities; Absence of Changes | 52 |
5.11 | Registration Statement | 53 |
5.12 | No Outside Reliance | 54 |
5.13 | Capitalization. | 54 |
5.14 | NYSE Stock Market Quotation | 55 |
5.15 | Contracts; No Defaults. | 55 |
5.16 | Title to Property | 56 |
5.17 | Investment Company Act | 56 |
5.18 | Affiliate Agreements | 56 |
5.19 | Corrupt Practices | 56 |
5.20 | Takeover Statutes and Charter Provisions | 57 |
5.21 | No Other Representations or Warranties | 57 |
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ARTICLE VI | ||
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY | 57 | |
6.01 | Conduct of Business | 57 |
6.02 | Inspection | 60 |
6.03 | HSR Act and Regulatory Approvals | 61 |
6.04 | No Claim Against the Trust Account | 62 |
6.05 | Proxy Solicitation; Other Actions | 62 |
6.06 | Non-Solicitation; Acquisition Proposals | 64 |
6.07 | Company Lock-up | 65 |
6.08 | Litigation | 65 |
6.09 | Financial Statements | 65 |
ARTICLE VII | ||
COVENANTS OF ACQUIROR | 66 | |
7.01 | HSR Act and Regulatory Approvals | 66 |
7.02 | Indemnification and Insurance | 68 |
7.03 | Conduct of Acquiror During the Interim Period | 69 |
7.04 | Trust Account | 71 |
7.05 | Inspection | 71 |
7.06 | Acquiror National Exchange Listing | 72 |
7.07 | Acquiror Public Filings | 72 |
7.08 | Additional Insurance Matters | 72 |
7.09 | Section 16 Matters | 72 |
7.10 | Director and Officer Appointments | 73 |
7.11 | Exclusivity | 73 |
7.12 | Redomicile | 74 |
7.13 | Management Incentive Package | 74 |
7.14 | Stockholder Litigation | 74 |
7.15 | Extension of Time to Consummate a Business Combination | 75 |
ARTICLE VIII | ||
JOINT COVENANTS | 75 | |
8.01 | Support of Transaction | 75 |
8.02 | Preparation of Registration Statement; Extraordinary General Meeting; Solicitation of Company Stockholder Approvals | 76 |
8.03 | Tax Matters | 79 |
8.04 | Confidentiality; Publicity | 81 |
8.05 | Ratification of Covenants | 82 |
8.06 | Post-Closing Cooperation; Further Assurances | 82 |
8.07 | Financing Cooperation | 82 |
ARTICLE IX | ||
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS | 82 | |
9.01 | Conditions to Obligations of All Parties | 82 |
9.02 | Additional Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror | 83 |
9.03 | Additional Conditions to the Obligations of the Company | 84 |
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ARTICLE X | ||
TERMINATION/EFFECTIVENESS | 85 | |
10.01 | Termination | 87 |
10.02 | Effect of Termination | 87 |
ARTICLE XI | ||
MISCELLANEOUS | 87 | |
11.01 | Waiver | 87 |
11.02 | Notices | 87 |
11.03 | Assignment | 88 |
11.04 | Rights of Third Parties | 88 |
11.05 | Expenses | 89 |
11.06 | Governing Law | 89 |
11.07 | Captions; Counterparts | 89 |
11.08 | Schedules and Exhibits | 89 |
11.09 | Entire Agreement | 89 |
11.10 | Amendments | 90 |
11.11 | Severability | 90 |
11.12 | Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY | 90 |
11.13 | Enforcement | 91 |
11.14 | Non-Recourse | 91 |
11.15 | Non-survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants | 91 |
11.16 | Acknowledgements | 92 |
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Exhibits
Exhibit A – Separation Agreement
Exhibit B – Form of Company Support Agreement
Exhibit C – Form of Acquiror Support Agreement
Exhibit D – Form of Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit E – Form of Certificate of Incorporation of Acquiror
Exhibit F – Form of Bylaws of Acquiror
Exhibit G – Form of Company Lock-Up Agreement
Exhibit H – Form of FIRPTA Certificate
Exhibit I – Form of Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan
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This Agreement and Plan of Merger (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 9, 2023, is entered into by and among 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Acquiror”), 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub”), and American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Except as otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in Article I of this Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Acquiror is a blank check company incorporated for the purpose of acquiring one or more operating businesses through a Business Combination;
WHEREAS, the Merger Sub is a newly formed, wholly owned, direct Subsidiary of Acquiror classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes that was formed for the sole purpose of the Merger;
WHEREAS, the Company, directly and indirectly, is engaged in the SpinCo Business and the Company Retained Business;
WHEREAS, SpinCo is a newly formed, direct, wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company;
WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Time, the Company will complete the Internal Reorganization and the Distribution, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in that certain Separation Agreement by and between the Company and SpinCo, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (the “Separation Agreement”), and pursuant to the Distribution described therein, the Company will distribute, without consideration, all of the shares of SpinCo Common Stock outstanding at the time of such Distribution to the Company Stockholders by way of a dividend;
WHEREAS, following the consummation of the Internal Reorganization and Distribution, SpinCo will operate the SpinCo Business and will continue in existence under the name “AGT Holdings, Inc.”;
WHEREAS, following the Closing, the Company’s business operations shall consist solely of the Company Retained Business;
WHEREAS, pursuant to an intercompany license agreement executed by and between the Company and SpinCo in connection with the Internal Reorganization and Distribution, SpinCo will license certain Intellectual Property to the Company (the “License Agreement”);
WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, at the Effective Time, the Company (or, should the Company elect to undergo the F-Reorganization pursuant to Section 8.03(h) of this Agreement, NewCo) will merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Acquiror (Merger Sub, in its capacity as the surviving entity of the Merger, is referred to as the “Surviving Entity”);
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WHEREAS, the Company Board has (a) determined that the Transactions, including the Merger, are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (b) authorized and approved this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which the Company is a party, and (c) directed that the adoption and approval of this Agreement be submitted to the Company Stockholders for consideration and recommended that the Company Stockholders adopt and approve this Agreement;
WHEREAS, each of the Acquiror Board and the board of directors of Merger Sub has (a) determined that the Transactions, including the Merger, are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of each of Acquiror and Merger Sub and their respective stockholders, as applicable, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (b) authorized and approved this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which Acquiror and Merger Sub are a party, as applicable, (c) directed that the adoption and approval of this Agreement be submitted to the Acquiror Shareholders and the sole member of Merger Sub, as applicable, and (d) approved the recommendation to the Acquiror Shareholders and the sole member of Merger Sub, as applicable, that each approve this Agreement;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, in connection with the Transactions, certain Company Stockholders have entered into certain Support Agreements (the “Company Support Agreements”) with Acquiror and the Company, in the form set forth on Exhibit B, pursuant to which, among other things, such Company Stockholders have agreed to execute and deliver a consent constituting the Company Stockholder Approvals;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, in connection with the Transactions, the Sponsor, certain directors and officers of Acquiror, Acquiror and the Company have entered into a Support Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Acquiror Support Agreement” and together with the Company Support Agreements, the “Support Agreements”), with the Company, in the form set forth on Exhibit C, pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the Sponsor and such directors and officers have agreed to vote in favor of this Agreement and the Transactions, and (ii) the Sponsor and such directors and officers have agreed to certain transfer restrictions with respect to their Acquiror Common Stock;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the Closing, in connection with the Transactions, Acquiror, the Company, certain Acquiror Shareholders and certain Company Stockholders who will receive Acquiror Common Stock pursuant to Article III, will enter into that certain Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), in the form set forth on Exhibit D to be effective upon the Closing;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Acquiror Organizational Documents, Acquiror shall provide an opportunity to its shareholders to have their Acquiror Public Shares redeemed for the consideration, and on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations, set forth in this Agreement, the Acquiror Organizational Documents, the Trust Agreement, and the Proxy Statement in conjunction with, inter alia, obtaining approval from the shareholders of Acquiror for the Business Combination (the “Offer”);
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WHEREAS, at least one day prior to the consummation of the Merger, Acquiror shall, subject to obtaining the Acquiror Shareholder Approvals, domesticate and transfer by way of continuation as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the DGCL and Part XII of the CACI (the “Redomicile”), pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the Acquiror will adopt the certificate of incorporation in the form set forth on Exhibit E (the “Acquiror Charter”), which shall be the certificate of incorporation of Acquiror until thereafter supplemented or amended in accordance with its terms and the DGCL and (ii) each Acquiror Class B Ordinary Share and each Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share shall convert into a share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror (after its domestication as a corporation incorporated in the State of Delaware) (the “Acquiror Common Stock”);
WHEREAS, prior to the consummation of the Merger, and immediately following the Redomicile, Acquiror shall adopt the bylaws in the form set forth on Exhibit F, which shall be the bylaws of Acquiror, until thereafter supplemented or amended in accordance with its terms and the DGCL;
WHEREAS, one day prior to the consummation of the Transactions, Acquiror shall, subject to obtaining the Majority Acquiror Shareholder Approval, adopt the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan”), in the form set forth on Exhibit I;
WHEREAS, Acquiror shall be renamed “Addimmune Inc.” (the “Name Change”) and shall trade publicly on a National Exchange under a new ticker symbol selected by the Company;
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall cause each share of Company Preferred Stock to be converted into a number of shares of Company Common Stock at the then-effective conversion price (as calculated pursuant to the Company Charter) in accordance with the Company Charter (such conversions, the “Preferred Stock Conversion”); and
WHEREAS, the parties intend that, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) the Contribution and the Distribution, taken together, qualify as a “reorganization” pursuant to Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, (ii) the Redomicile qualifies as a “reorganization” pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, (iii) the Merger qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, (iv) the Merger (taking into account any Pre-Closing Financing) will not cause Section 355(e) of the Code to apply to the Distribution (the tax treatment contemplated under clauses (i) through (iv), the “Intended Tax Treatment”), and (v) this Agreement and the Separation Agreement are intended to be, and are adopted as, a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354, 355, 361 and 368 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g).
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Acquiror, Merger Sub and the Company agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
1.01 Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“2023 Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning specified in Section 6.09(a).
“Acquiror” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
“Acquiror Affiliate Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 5.18.
“Acquiror and Merger Sub Representations” means the representations and warranties of each of Acquiror and Merger Sub expressly and specifically set forth in Article V of this Agreement, as qualified by the Schedules. For the avoidance of doubt, the Acquiror and Merger Sub Representations are solely made by Acquiror and Xxxxxx Sub.
“Acquiror Board” means the board of directors of Acquiror.
“Acquiror Board Recommendation” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(d).
“Acquiror Change in Recommendation” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(d).
“Acquiror Charter” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share” means a Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror.
“Acquiror Class B Ordinary Share” means a Class B ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of Acquiror.
“Acquiror Common Stock” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Acquiror Cure Period” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01(c).
“Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Acquiror Equity Plan Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“Acquiror Material Contracts” has the meaning specified in Section 5.15(a).
“Acquiror Ordinary Shares” means prior to the Redomicile, collectively, the Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares and the Acquiror Class B Ordinary Shares.
“Acquiror Organizational Documents” means (a) prior to the Redomicile, the Articles of Association and Acquiror’s memorandum of association, in each case as may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms, and (b) after the Redomicile, the Acquiror Charter and the bylaws of Acquiror.
“Acquiror Pre-Closing Financing” means (a) the incurrence of any Indebtedness by the Acquiror, (b) the issuance by the Acquiror of any shares of capital stock or equity-linked securities or rights exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock or (c) equity financing facilities or non-redemption pools entered into by the Acquiror, in each case with respect to clauses (a)-(c), on or after April 28, 2023 and prior to or simultaneously with the Closing, the net proceeds of which will remain with the Acquiror following Closing.
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“Acquiror Public Shares” means the Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares initially included in the units sold by Acquiror in its initial public offering (or, after the Redomicile, the shares of Acquiror Common Stock into which such Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares shall have been converted).
“Acquiror Restricted Stock Award” has the meaning specified in Section 3.04(e).
“Acquiror SEC Reports” has the meaning specified in Section 5.09(a).
“Acquiror Share Redemption” means the election of an eligible (as determined in accordance with the Acquiror Organizational Documents) holder of Acquiror Public Shares to redeem all or a portion of the Acquiror Public Shares held by such holder at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to a pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit in the Trust Account (including any interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account) calculated as of two (2) Business Days prior to Closing (as determined in accordance with the Acquiror Organizational Documents) in connection with the Proposals.
“Acquiror Shareholder” means (a) prior to the Redomicile, a holder of Acquiror Ordinary Shares and (b) after the Redomicile, a holder of Acquiror Common Stock.
“Acquiror Shareholder Approvals” means the Majority Acquiror Shareholder Approval and the Supermajority Acquiror Shareholder Approval.
“Acquiror Support Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Acquiror Warrants” means (a) prior to the Redomicile, the Existing Acquiror Public Warrants and the Existing Acquiror Private Placement Warrants, and (b) from and after the Redomicile, the Domesticated Acquiror Public Warrants and the Domesticated Acquiror Private Placement Warrants.
“Acquisition Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 6.06(b)(i).
“Action” means any claim, action, suit, assessment, audit, investigation, examination, arbitration or proceeding, in each case that is by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Additional Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“Advisory Amendment Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person, through one or more intermediaries or otherwise.
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“Aggregate Fully Diluted Company Shares” means the sum, without duplication, of the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock that are (i) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (for avoidance of doubt, (x) after giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion and (y) including shares of Company Common Stock subject to Restricted Stock Awards) or (ii) issuable upon the exercise or settlement of Company Options or Company Warrants (whether or not then vested or exercisable) that are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
“Agreement” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
“Amendment Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“Ancillary Agreements” means the Support Agreements, the Separation Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Trust Agreement and any other agreement related to the Transactions.
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means any applicable Laws relating to anti-bribery or anti-corruption (governmental or commercial), including Laws that prohibit the corrupt payment, offer, promise, or authorization of the payment or transfer of anything of value (including gifts or entertainment), directly or indirectly, to any representative of a foreign Governmental Authority or commercial entity to obtain a business advantage, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and all national and international Laws enacted to implement the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Business Transactions.
“Antitrust Law” means the HSR Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Xxxxxxx Act, the Xxxxxxx Act, and any applicable foreign antitrust, competition or merger control Laws and all other applicable Laws that are designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or lessening of competition through merger or acquisition.
“Articles of Association” means the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Association of Acquiror, adopted by special resolution and effective on December 28, 2022, and as may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement and the CACI.
“Attributed Dividends” has the meaning specified in Section 3.09(c).
“Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning specified in Section 4.06(a).
“Available Closing Cash” means (i) all amounts in the Trust Account, plus (ii) the aggregate amount of cash funded to the Acquiror or the Company pursuant to any Pre-Closing Financing at or prior to the Closing, plus (iii) any other cash then held by Acquiror as of immediately prior to the Closing, minus (iv) the aggregate amount of payments required to be made by Acquiror in connection with the Acquiror Share Redemption, and minus (v) all reasonable cash fees, costs and expenses of Acquiror and the Company incurred prior to and through the Closing Date in connection with the Transactions, including deferred underwriting discounts or fees and the cash fees, costs, expenses and disbursements of counsel, accountants, advisors and consultants of Acquiror and the Company, which cash fees, costs and expenses Acquiror and the Company shall each use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize as may be required or appropriate to effect the closing of the Transactions.
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“Balance Sheet Date” means December 31, 2022.
“Benefit Plan” means any benefit or compensation plan, program, policy, practice, agreement, contract, arrangement or other obligation, whether or not in writing and whether or not funded, including, but not limited to, “employee benefit plans” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA), “voluntary employees’ beneficiary associations,” under Section 501(c)(9) of the Code, employment, individual consulting, retirement, severance, termination pay, change in control, transaction or retention arrangements, deferred compensation, equity or equity-based compensation, incentive compensation, bonus, supplemental retirement, profit sharing, insurance, medical, welfare, vacation, fringe or other benefits or remuneration plan, program, policy, agreement or arrangement of any kind.
“Business Combination” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Articles of Association.
“Business Data” means all data collected, generated or received in connection with the services rendered by the Company and its Subsidiaries and the marketing, delivery or use of any product, including any de-identified data, confidential data, tracking data and all credentials collected, held or otherwise managed by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York or Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands are authorized or required by Law to close.
“CACI” means the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands.
“Cancelled Shares” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(b).
“Capitalized Lease Obligations” means obligations pursuant to a lease that is, or is required in accordance with GAAP to be, classified as a finance lease (specifically excluding any obligations pursuant to operating leases that, prior to adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standard Codification Topic 842, would not have been required to be recognized on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP).
“CBA” has the meaning specified in Section 4.12(a)(xiii).
“Certificate of Merger” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
“Change of Control” means any transaction or series of transactions (a) following which a Person or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of Persons (other than Acquiror or any of their respective Subsidiaries), has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of securities (or rights convertible or exchangeable into securities) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of Acquiror or any of their respective Subsidiaries, (b) constituting a merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination, however effected, following which either (i) the members of the Acquiror Board immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination do not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the company surviving the combination or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof or (ii) the voting securities of Acquiror or any of their respective Subsidiaries immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination do not continue to represent or are not converted into more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such combination or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (c) the result of which is a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Acquiror to any person.
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“Closing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03.
“Closing Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Commercially Available Software” means non-customized or non-modified Software that is (a) licensed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any Person solely in executable or object code form pursuant to a non-exclusive Software license, and (b) made generally commercially available on and actually licensed under standard terms.
“Company” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
“Company Benefit Plan” means each Benefit Plan, sponsored, maintained or contributed to (or obligated to be contributed to) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in which any current or former employee or other service provider to the Company participates or has any rights or benefits, whether absolute or contingent, other than any plan sponsored or maintained by a Governmental Authority.
“Company Board” means the board of directors of the Company.
“Company Board Recommendation” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(f).
“Company Certificates” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(a).
“Company Change in Recommendation” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(f).
“Company Charter” means that certain Xxxxxxx and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 3, 2021, as in effect on the date hereof.
“Company Common Stock” means a share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Company Counsel” means DLA Piper LLP (US), RSM International or any other nationally recognized law firm or accounting firm retained by the Company.
“Company Cure Period” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01(b).
“Company Intellectual Property” means all Owned Intellectual Property and all Licensed Intellectual Property.
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“Company Lock-up Parties” means each director and executive officer of the Company and each Company Stockholder receiving more than 0.5% of the outstanding Acquiror Common Stock upon Closing.
“Company Option” has the meaning specified in Section 3.04(a).
“Company Organizational Documents” means the Company Charter and bylaws of the Company, in each case as may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Company Permits” has the meaning specified in Section 4.07(d).
“Company Pre-Closing Financing” means the issuance by the Company of any shares of capital stock or equity-linked securities or Indebtedness or other rights exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock, in each case, on or after April 28, 2023 and prior to or simultaneously with the Closing.
“Company Preferred Stock” means each of the Company’s Class A-1 Preferred Stock, Class B-1 Preferred Stock, Class C-1 Preferred Stock, Class D-1 Preferred Stock, Class E-1 Preferred Stock and Class F-1 Preferred Stock.
“Company Representations” means the representations and warranties of the Company expressly and specifically set forth in Article IV of this Agreement, as qualified by the Schedules. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company Representations are solely made by the Company.
“Company Retained Business” means the Company’s business involving researching, developing, manufacturing and commercializing pharmaceuticals and other products for the diagnosis, treatment, management or prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (commonly known as “HIV”).
“Company Restricted Stock Award” means the grant of an award in respect of a share of Company Common Stock subject to vesting, repurchase, forfeiture or other lapse restrictions granted under a Company equity incentive plan.
“Company Software” means all Software used in the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted.
“Company Stock” means the Company Common Stock, the Company Preferred Stock and any other equity securities issued by the Company.
“Company Stockholder” means the holder of a share of Company Stock.
“Company Stockholder Approvals” means the affirmative vote or consent of (i) with respect to the Transactions (other than the Preferred Stock Conversion), the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (for the avoidance of doubt, after giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion), and (ii) with respect to the Preferred Stock Conversion, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Preferred Stock, voting as a single class.
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“Company Support Agreements” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Company Warrants” shall mean each warrant to purchase Company Stock granted and that remains outstanding.
“Competing Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 7.11(c).
“Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement (as may be amended or supplement), dated as of February 12, 2023, between Acquiror and the Company.
“Contract” means any legally binding contract, agreement, subcontract, lease, and purchase order.
“Contribution” has the meaning specified in the Separation Agreement.
“COVID-19” means the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 or any mutation of the same, including any resulting epidemics, pandemics, disease outbreaks or public health emergencies.
“COVID-19 Measures” means any quarantine, isolation, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester or any other Law, decree, judgment, injunction or other order, directive, guidelines or recommendations by any Governmental Authority or industry group in connection with or in response to COVID-19, including, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
“DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
“Dissenting Shares” has the meaning specified in Section 3.08.
“Distribution” has the meaning specified in the Separation Agreement.
“Distribution Date” has the meaning specified in the Separation Agreement.
“Domesticated Acquiror Private Placement Warrants” means the Existing Acquiror Private Placement Warrants after giving effect to the Redomicile, as a result of which each shall automatically become a warrant to acquire one share of Acquiror Common Stock.
“Domesticated Acquiror Public Warrant” means the Existing Acquiror Public Warrants after giving effect to the Redomicile, as a result of which each shall automatically become a warrant to acquire one share of Acquiror Common Stock.
“Earnout Period” means the time period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the five-year anniversary of the Closing Date.
“Effective Time” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
“Employment Laws” has the meaning specified in Section 4.13(e).
“Enforceability Exceptions” has the meaning specified in Section 4.02(a).
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“Environmental Laws” means any and all applicable Laws relating to pollution or protection of the environment (including natural resources), public and worker health and safety (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials), or the investigation, cleanup, use, generation, storage, emission, treatment, transportation, disposal or Release of or exposure to Hazardous Materials.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any entity (whether or not incorporated) which is or was, together with the Company, treated as a single employer under Section 414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the Code.
“Ex-Im Laws” means (a) all applicable trade, export control, import, and antiboycott laws and regulations imposed, administered, or enforced by the U.S. government, including the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. § 1778), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 1701–1706), Section 999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the U.S. customs laws at Title 19 of the U.S. Code, the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. §§ 4801-4861), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 C.F.R. Parts 120–130), the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774), the U.S. customs regulations at 19 C.F.R. Chapter I, and the Foreign Trade Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 30); and (b) all applicable trade, export control, import, and antiboycott laws and regulations imposed, administered or enforced by any other country, except to the extent inconsistent with U.S. law.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange Ratio” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(c).
“Exchanged Company Option” has the meaning specified in Section 3.04(a).
“Existing Acquiror Private Placement Warrant” means a warrant to purchase one (1) Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share at an exercise price of eleven dollars fifty cents ($11.50), that was included in the Private Placement Units.
“Existing Acquiror Public Warrant” means a warrant to purchase one (1) Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share at an exercise price of eleven dollars fifty cents ($11.50), that was included in the units sold as part of Acquiror’s initial public offering.
“Extension” means an extension, in accordance with the Acquiror Organizational Documents and the Trust Agreement, of the deadline by which Acquiror must complete its Business Combination, as contemplated by any Extension Proposal.
“Extension Meeting” means a special meeting of Acquiror Shareholders to approve any Extension Proposal.
“Extension Proposal” means a proposal to amend the Acquiror Organizational Documents to extend the period of time Acquiror is afforded under the Acquiror Organizational Documents to consummate an initial Business Combination, or any Additional Proposal to further extend such period of time.
“Extension Proxy Statement” means any definitive proxy statement related to any Extension Proposal.
“Extraordinary General Meeting” means a meeting of the holders of Acquiror Ordinary Shares to be held for the purpose of approving the Proposals.
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“F-Reorganization” has the meaning specified in Section 8.03(h).
“FDA” means the United States Food and Drug Administration.
“Financial Derivative/Hedging Arrangement” means any transaction (including an agreement with respect thereto) which is a rate swap transaction, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option or any combination of these transactions.
“Fraud” means actual and intentional fraud under Delaware common law with a specific intent to deceive brought against a party hereto based on a representation or warranty of such party hereto contained in this Agreement; provided, that at the time such representation was made (i) such representation was inaccurate, (ii) such party hereto had actual Knowledge (and not imputed or constructive Knowledge) of the inaccuracy of such representation, (iii) such party hereto had the specific intent to deceive another party hereto, and (iv) the other party hereto acted in reliance on such inaccurate representation and suffered losses as a result of such inaccuracy. For the avoidance of doubt, “Fraud” does not include any claim for equitable fraud, promissory fraud, unfair dealings fraud, or any torts (including a claim for fraud) based on negligence or recklessness.
“Future Unaudited Financial Statements” has the meaning specified in Section 6.09(b).
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.
“Government Official” means any official or employee of any directly or indirectly government-owned or controlled entity, and any officer or employee of a public international organization, as well as any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any such entity or for or on behalf of any such public international organization.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency, governmental commission, department, legislature, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, arbitrator, court or tribunal.
“Governmental Order” means any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, stipulation, determination, agreement, or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority.
“Hazardous Material” means any material, substance or waste that is listed, regulated, or defined as “hazardous,” “toxic,” or “radioactive,” or as a “pollutant” or “contaminant” (or words of similar intent or meaning), or otherwise subject to liability or standards of care under applicable Environmental Laws, including but not limited to petroleum, petroleum by-products, asbestos or asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, flammable or explosive substances, toxic mold or pesticides.
“Health Care Laws” shall mean any health care Laws applicable to the ownership, testing, research, development, manufacture, quality, safety, accreditation, packaging, storage, use, distribution, labeling, promotion, sale, offer for sale, marketing, import, export or disposal of pharmaceutical products, including, without limitation, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. §§ 301 et seq.), the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 201 et seq.), the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b)), the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7h), the civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 et seq.), the criminal False Claims Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(a)), all criminal laws relating to health care fraud and abuse, including but not limited to 18 U.S.C. §§ 286, 287, 1035, 1347, 1349 and the health care fraud criminal provisions under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. §§ 1320d et seq.) (“HIPAA”), the exclusions law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7), the civil monetary penalties law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a), HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 17921 et seq.), Medicare (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act), and Medicaid (Title XIX of the Social Security Act), any other Law governing or pertaining to a government health care program, any comparable applicable Laws outside the U.S., each as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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“HSR Act” means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, any obligations (whether or not contingent) consisting of (a) the outstanding principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on, and other payment obligations for, borrowed money, or payment obligations issued or incurred in substitution or exchange for payment obligations for borrowed money, (b) amounts owing as deferred purchase price for property or services, including “earnout” payments, (c) payment obligations evidenced by any promissory note, bond, debenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or debt security, (d) contingent reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptance or similar facilities (in each case to the extent drawn), (e) payment obligations of a third party secured by (or for which the holder of such payment obligations has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien, other than a Permitted Lien, on assets or properties of such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed, (f) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (g) obligations under any Financial Derivative/Hedging Arrangement, (h) any other indebtedness or obligation reflected or required to be reflected as indebtedness in a consolidated balance sheet, in accordance with GAAP, (i) the aggregate amount of any underfunded or unfunded pension or retiree health or welfare liabilities (calculated on a termination basis, where applicable), (j) the amount of any accrued and unpaid base salary, annual or other bonuses (whether or not accrued), commissions or similar payments earned in respect of any period prior to the Closing, and any unpaid severance, termination pay or similar amounts payable or to become payable to any employee or other service provider whose employment or engagement terminated at or prior to the Closing, (k) the value of all earned or accrued but unused paid time off or vacation/sick benefits of the employee or other service provider, (l) all 401(k) plan employer matching, profit sharing, true-up or other contributions or allocations in respect of the period prior to the Closing (including any partial payroll period) (whether or not accrued) that have not been contributed or otherwise remain unpaid or unallocated, (m) payroll, social security, unemployment and similar Taxes payable by such Person in respect of any payments or benefits described in subsections (i) through (l) as if paid on the Closing Date, (n) any accrued and unpaid income Taxes of such Person with respect to any tax period (or a portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date, (o) guarantees, make-whole agreements, hold harmless agreements or other similar arrangements with respect to any amounts of a type described in clauses (a) through (n) above, and (p) with respect to each of the foregoing, any unpaid interest, breakage costs, prepayment or redemption penalties or premiums, or other unpaid fees or obligations (including unreimbursed expenses or indemnification obligations for which a claim has been made); provided, however, that Indebtedness shall not include accounts payable to trade creditors that are not past due and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
“Information or Document Request” means any request or demand for the production, delivery or disclosure of documents or other evidence, or any request or demand for the production of witnesses for interviews or depositions or other oral or written testimony, by any Governmental Authority relating to the transactions contemplated hereby or by any third party challenging the transactions contemplated hereby.
“Intellectual Property” means any and all intellectual property rights, whether registered or unregistered, as they exist anywhere in the world, including any and all states, United States, international and/or foreign or other territorial or regional rights in, arising out of or associated with any of the following: (i) United States, foreign, and international patents and patent applications (including any provisionals, non-provisionals, renewals, extensions, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, invention disclosures, reexaminations and interferences thereof, substitutions and foreign counterparts relating to any such patents and patent applications, and industrial property rights); (ii) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade and brand names and logos and social media designations, together with all goodwill associated therewith and symbolized thereby and any registrations and applications for registration therefor; (iii) works of authorship (whether copyrightable or not), including exclusive exploitation rights, copyrights, mask works and designs and related moral rights, and any registrations and applications for registration therefor, and all renewals, extensions, restorations or reversions of the foregoing, including all rights of authorship, use, publication, publicity, reproduction, distribution, income, performance and transformation; (iv) internet domain names, URLs, or other names and locators associated with the internet; (v) trade secrets, know-how, inventions, processes, procedures, recipes, specifications, improvements, formulae, manufacturing and other procedures, operating procedures, methods, techniques and all research and development information, and other confidential and proprietary information rights and all documentation related to the foregoing; (vi) databases and data collections (including knowledge databases, customer lists and customer databases); (vii) Software; and (viii) all past, present and future rights to sue or recover and retain damages and costs and attorneys’ fees, claims and causes of action arising out of or related to infringement, dilution, misappropriation, or other violation of any of the foregoing.
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“Intended Tax Treatment” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
“Interim Period” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
“Internal Reorganization” has the meaning specified in the Separation Agreement.
“Intervening Event” means an event, fact, development, circumstance or occurrence, that materially and negatively affects the business, assets, operations or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that was not known and was not reasonably foreseeable to the Acquiror or the Acquiror Board as of the date hereof (or the consequences of which were not reasonably foreseeable to the Acquiror Board as of the date hereof), and that becomes known to the Acquiror Board after the date of this Agreement (but specifically excluding (i) a Competing Proposal, and (ii) any event, fact, development, circumstance or occurrence described in clauses (b), (d), (f) and (g) of the definition of Material Adverse Effect). For the avoidance of doubt the Acquiror Share Redemption shall not be deemed to be an Intervening Event.
“Intervening Event Notice Period” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(d).
“IT Systems” means all computer hardware (including hardware, firmware, peripherals, communication equipment and links, storage media, networking equipment, power supplies and any other components used in conjunction with the foregoing), data Processing systems, Software, and all other information technology equipment owned or controlled by the Company and its Subsidiaries and used in the operation of the Company Retained Business.
“Knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge of (i) in the case of the Company, its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Science Officer and Chief Medical Officer, and (ii) in the case of Acquiror, its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
“Law” means any statute, law (including common law), constitution, act, treaty, convention, code, ordinance, rule, regulation or Governmental Order, in each case, of any Governmental Authority.
“Lease Documents” has the meaning specified in Section 4.19(d).
“Leased Company Properties” has the meaning specified in Section 4.19(c).
“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, easement, right of way, purchase option, right of first refusal, covenant, restriction, security interest, title defect, encroachment or other survey defect, or other lien or encumbrance of any kind, except for (a) any restrictions arising under any applicable Securities Laws, and (b) immaterial easements, rights of way, covenants, encumbrances or restrictions that do not materially detract from the value of the underlying asset or interfere with the use of, or in the case of real property, occupancy of, the asset.
“License Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Licensed Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property that is used in the Company Retained Business as currently conducted that is (a) owned by a third party and licensed or (b) owned by SpinCo and will be licensed under the License Agreement, in each case to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to a Contract to which they are a party.
“Listing Application” has the meaning specified in Section 7.06.
“Majority Acquiror Shareholder Approval” means, with respect to any Proposal other than the Redomicile Proposal, the Name Change Proposal and the Amendment Proposal, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by holders of Acquiror Ordinary Shares voting in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
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“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, change, circumstance or development that has a material adverse effect on (i) the assets, business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of the Company to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that in no event would any of the following (or any event, change, circumstance or development to the extent primarily arising out of any of the following), alone or in combination, be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a “Material Adverse Effect” pursuant to clause (i) above: (a) any actual or proposed change or development in applicable Laws (including COVID-19 Measures) or GAAP or any official interpretation thereof, (b) any change or development in interest rates, exchange rates, or economic, political, legislative, regulatory, business, financial, commodity, currency or market conditions generally affecting the economy or the industry in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operate, (c) the announcement or the execution of this Agreement, the pendency or consummation of the Merger or the performance of this Agreement, including the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, licensors, distributors, partners, providers, employees, or contractors, (d) any change generally affecting any of the industries or markets in which the Company or its Subsidiaries operate or the economy as a whole, (e) the compliance with the terms of this Agreement or the taking of any action, or failure to take action, required or contemplated by this Agreement or with the prior written consent of Acquiror (provided, that the exceptions in this clause (e) shall not be deemed to apply to references to “Material Adverse Effect” in the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.02(b) and, to the extent related thereto, the condition in Section 9.02(a)), (f) any earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, tornado, flood, mudslide, wild fire or other natural disaster, epidemic, disease outbreak, pandemic (including COVID-19 (or any mutation or variation thereof or related health condition)), weather condition, explosion fire, act of God or other force majeure event, (g) any (x) armed hostilities or the escalation thereof, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of any national emergency or war, or (y) military or terrorist attack, or escalation thereof, and (h) any failure of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole to meet any projections, forecasts or budgets; provided, that clause (h) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any change or effect underlying such failure to meet projections or forecasts has resulted in, or contributed to, or would reasonably be expected to result in or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect (to the extent such change or effect is not otherwise excluded from this definition of Material Adverse Effect), except in the case of clause (a), (b), (d), (f) and (g) to the extent that such change has a disproportionate impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other industry participants.
“Material Contracts” has the meaning specified in Section 4.12(a).
“Merger” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Merger Consideration” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(c).
“Merger Sub” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
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“Name Change Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“NASDAQ” means any tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
“National Exchange” means NYSE, NASDAQ, or NYSE American.
“National Exchange Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“NewCo” has the meaning specified in Section 8.03(h).
“NYSE” means any tier of The New York Stock Exchange.
“NYSE American” means the NYSE American.
“Offer” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Outstanding Acquiror Expenses” has the meaning specified in Section 3.07(b).
“Outstanding Company Expenses” has the meaning specified in Section 3.07(a).
“Owned Company Software” means all Software assigned to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries purport to own.
“Owned Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property used in the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted that is owned by or purported to be owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Payor” has the meaning specified in Section 3.05.
“Permits” means permits, approvals, orders, authorizations, consents, licenses, certificates, clearances, franchises, exemptions or waivers of, or filings, notices, or registrations with, or issued by, any Governmental Authority.
“Permitted Liens” means (i) statutory or common law Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, landlords, carriers, repairmen, construction contractors and other similar Liens (A) that arise in the ordinary course of business, (B) relate to amounts not yet delinquent or (C) that are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions and either are not material or appropriate reserves for the amount being contested have been established in accordance with GAAP on the Financial Statements, (ii) Liens arising under original purchase price conditional sales contracts and equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business, (iii) Liens for Taxes (A) not yet delinquent or (B) which are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions and for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (iv) non-monetary Liens, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including easements, covenants, rights of way and similar restrictions of record) that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the present uses or occupancy of such real property, or which do not materially detract from the value of the underlying asset, (v) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property, (vi) Liens that secure obligations that are reflected as liabilities on the balance sheet included in the Financial Statements (which such Liens are referenced or the existence of which such Liens is referred to in the notes to the balance sheet included in the Financial Statements), (vii) requirements and restrictions of zoning, building and other applicable Laws and municipal by-laws, and development, site plan, subdivision or other agreements with municipalities, which do not materially interfere with the current use or occupancy of any real property leased by the Company, or which do not materially detract from the value of the underlying asset, and (viii) Liens described on Schedule 101(a).
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“Person” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind.
“Personal Information” has the same meaning as the term “personal data,” “personal information,” “protected health information” or the equivalent under Privacy Laws.
“Phase 2 Clinical Trial” means any controlled human clinical trial, or a portion thereof, that generally meets the requirements of 21 C.F.R. 312.21(b), as amended (or its successor regulation), whose endpoints are primarily intended to establish efficacy of cellular therapy in the treatment of HIV. For the avoidance of doubt, a “Phase 2 Clinical Trial” shall include any study or hybrid clinical trial that combines more than one phase (e.g., phase 1(b)/2(a) trial, phase 2(b)/3 trial, or phase 2/3 trial) or represents a more advanced phase of drug development (e.g., phase 3 clinical trial, drug submission or drug approval).
“Pre-Closing Financing” means any Acquiror Pre-Closing Financing or Company Pre-Closing Financing, as applicable.
“Preferred Stock Conversion” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Privacy Commitments” has the meaning specified in Section 4.17(a).
“Privacy Laws” means any and all Laws and binding guidelines and industry standards, in each case, as applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, relating to the Processing of Personal Information, data privacy, data security, data breach notification, and the cross-border transfer of Personal information.
“Privacy Policies” means all published, posted, and internal agreements and policies relating to the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ Processing of Personal Information or other Business Data.
“Private Placement Units” means the private placement units sold to Sponsor and Cantor Xxxxxxxxxx & Co. simultaneously with the closing of Acquiror’s initial public offering, each consisting of one Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share and one-half of one Existing Acquiror Private Placement Warrant.
“Processing” means any operation or set of operations performed on data, including storing, use, disclosure, collection, disposal, transferring or otherwise accessing or interacting with such data.
“Proposals” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
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“Proxy Statement” means the proxy statement filed by Acquiror as part of the Registration Statement with respect to the Extraordinary General Meeting for the purpose of soliciting proxies from Acquiror Shareholders to approve the Proposals (which shall also provide the Acquiror Shareholders with the opportunity to redeem their Acquiror Public Shares in conjunction with a shareholder vote on the Business Combination).
“Redeeming Shareholder” means an Acquiror Shareholder who demands that Acquiror redeem its Acquiror Public Shares for cash in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise in accordance with the Acquiror Organizational Documents.
“Redomicile” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Redomicile Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“Registered IP” means all Owned Intellectual Property and all Licensed Intellectual Property that is licensed from SpinCo or exclusively licensed from a third party, in each case that is the subject of a registration or an application for registration with any Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction.
“Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Registration Statement” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(a).
“Related Party” means, with respect to any party hereto, any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof, or any business, entity or Person that any of the foregoing controls, is controlled by or is under common control with.
“Release” means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into or through the indoor or outdoor environment.
“Representative” means, as to any Person, any of the officers, directors, managers, employees, counsel, accountants, financial advisors, lenders, debt financing sources and consultants of such Person.
“Required Acquiror Shareholder Approvals” means approval by Acquiror Shareholders of the Transaction Proposal, Redomicile Proposal, Name Change Proposal, Amendment Proposal, National Exchange Proposal, and the Acquiror Equity Plan Proposal.
“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country or territory that is itself the target of comprehensive Sanctions (as of the date of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic).
“Sanctioned Person” means any Person that is the target of Sanctions, including (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions related list of designated Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any Member State of the European Union, or the United Kingdom; (b) any Person operating, organized, or resident in a Sanctioned Country; (c) the government of a Sanctioned Country or the Government of Venezuela; or (d) any Person 50% or more owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons or acting for or on behalf of such Person or Persons.
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“Sanctions” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or the United Kingdom.
“Schedules” means the disclosure schedules of the Company or Acquiror, as applicable.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Securities Laws” means the securities laws of any state, federal or foreign entity and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Security Incident” has the meaning specified in Section 4.18(c).
“Separation Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Software” means any and all (a) computer programs, including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form, (b) databases and compilations, including any and all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons and icons and (d) all documentation including user manuals and other training documentation relating to any of the foregoing.
“SpinCo” means a newly formed, wholly owned, direct Subsidiary of the Company, formed for the purpose of consummating the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, pursuant to the filing of a certificate of formation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which will continue in existence following the Closing as American Gene Technologies, Inc.
“SpinCo Business” means any businesses of the Company other than the Company Retained Business.
“SpinCo Common Stock” means the shares of common stock of SpinCo, par value $0.0001 per share.
“Sponsor” means 10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC.
“Steps Plan” has the meaning specified in the Separation Agreement.
“Subsequent Clinical Trial” means any controlled human clinical trial, or a portion thereof, that generally meets the requirements of 21 C.F.R. 312.21, as amended (or its successor regulation), whose endpoints include efficacy of cellular therapy in the treatment of HIV.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to a Person, any corporation or other organization (including a limited liability company or a partnership), whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which such Person directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization or any organization of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member.
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“Supermajority Acquiror Shareholder Approval” means, with respect to the Redomicile Proposal, the Name Change Proposal and the Amendment Proposal, the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes eligible to be cast by the holders of the outstanding Acquiror Ordinary Shares who, being present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting, actually vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting, with, in respect of the Redomicile Proposal only, each holder of Acquiror Class B Ordinary Shares having 10 votes for every Acquiror Class B Ordinary Share held and each holder of Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares having one vote for every Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share held.
“Support Agreements” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Surviving Entity” has the meaning specified in the Recitals hereto.
“Surviving Provisions” has the meaning specified in Section 10.02.
“Tax” means any federal, state, provincial, territorial, local, foreign and other net income, alternative or add-on minimum, franchise, gross income, adjusted gross income or gross receipts, employment, unemployment, compensation, utility, social security (or similar), withholding, payroll, ad valorem, transfer, windfall profits, franchise, license, branch, excise, severance, production, stamp, occupation, premium, personal property, real property, capital stock, profits, disability, registration, value added, capital gains, goods and services, estimated, sales, use, or other tax, escheat or unclaimed property obligation, governmental fee or other like assessment, together with any interest, penalty, fine, levy, impost, duty, charge, addition to tax or additional amount imposed with respect thereto by a Governmental Authority.
“Tax Authority” means any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction or authority to impose, administer, xxxx, assess or collect Tax.
“Tax Matters Agreement” means the Tax Matters Agreement entered into prior to the Distribution Date by and between the Company and SpinCo.
“Tax Return” means any return, report, statement, refund, claim, election, disclosure, declaration, information report or return, statement, estimate or other document filed or required to be filed with a Tax Authority with respect to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and including any amendments thereof.
“Terminating Acquiror Breach” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01(c).
“Terminating Company Breach” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01(b).
“Termination Date” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01(b).
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“Trading Day” means any day on which shares of Acquiror Common Stock is actually traded on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then traded.
“Transaction Proposal” has the meaning specified in Section 8.02(c).
“Transactions” means the Internal Reorganization, the F-Reorganization (if relevant), the Distribution, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to occur at or immediately prior to the Closing, including the Redomicile, the Merger and the Preferred Stock Conversion.
“Transfer Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 8.03(a).
“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated under the Code.
“Triggering Event” means any of Triggering Event I, Triggering Event II, Triggering Event III, Triggering Event IV, Triggering Event V or Triggering Event VI.
“Triggering Event I” means the date on which the volume-weighted average trading sale price of one share of Acquiror Common Stock quoted on a National Exchange (or such other exchange on which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $15.00 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period within the Earnout Period.
“Triggering Event II” means the date on which the volume-weighted average trading sale price of one share of Acquiror Common Stock quoted on a National Exchange (or such other exchange on which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $17.50 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period within the Earnout Period.
“Triggering Event III” means the date on which the volume-weighted average trading sale price of one share of Acquiror Common Stock quoted on a National Exchange (or such other exchange on which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $20.00 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period within the Earnout Period.
“Triggering Event IV” means the date within the Earnout Period on which the Company or any Subsidiary begins a Subsequent Clinical Trial (i.e., the first dosing or treatment of a patient in the Subsequent Clinical Trial).
“Triggering Event V” means the date within the Earnout Period on which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries issue a public announcement regarding the initial acquisition of data from at least one patient enrolled in a Subsequent Clinical Trial.
“Triggering Event VI” means the date within the Earnout Period on which the Company or any Subsidiary completes the acquisition of data from a Phase 2 Clinical Trial.
“Trust Account” has the meaning specified in Section 5.06(a).
“Trust Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 5.06(a).
“Trustee” has the meaning specified in Section 5.06(a).
“WARN Act” has the meaning specified in Section 4.13(f).
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“Warrant Agreement” means that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2022, between Acquiror and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, as warrant agent.
“Willful Breach” means, with respect to any agreement, a party’s knowing and intentional material breach of any of its representations or warranties as set forth in such agreement, or such party’s material breach of any of its covenants or other agreements set forth in such agreement, which material breach constitutes, or is a consequence of, a purposeful act or failure to act by such party with the knowledge that the taking of such act or failure to take such act would cause a material breach of such agreement.
“Withholding Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 3.09(c).
“Working Capital Loans” means any loan made to Acquiror by any of the Sponsor, an Affiliate of the Sponsor, or any of Acquiror’s officers or directors, and evidenced by a promissory note, for the purpose of financing costs incurred in connection with a Business Combination.
1.02 Construction.
(a) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender, (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereto” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (iv) the terms “Article”, “Section”, “Schedule”, “Exhibit” and “Annex” refer to the specified Article, Section, Schedule, Exhibit or Annex of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, (v) the word “including” shall mean “including without limitation”, (vi) the word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive and (vii) any reference to a Law shall mean such Law as amended.
(b) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, references to agreements and other documents shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto.
(c) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, references to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to statutes or regulations shall be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing the statute or regulation.
(d) The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.
(e) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. If any action is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action may be deferred until the next Business Day.
(f) All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.
(g) The phrases “delivered,” “provided to,” “furnished to,” “made available” and phrases of similar import when used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, means that a copy of the information or material referred to has been provided no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the date of this Agreement to the party to which such information or material is to be provided or furnished (i) in the virtual “data room” set up by the Company in connection with this Agreement or (ii) by delivery to such party or its legal counsel via electronic mail or hard copy form.
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ARTICLE II
THE MERGER; CLOSING
2.01 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, following the Redomicile, at the Effective Time, the Company (or, should the Company elect to undergo the F-Reorganization pursuant to Section 8.03(h), NewCo) shall be merged with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub being the Surviving Entity. Following the Merger, the separate corporate existence of the Company (or, should the Company elect to undergo the F-Reorganization pursuant to Section 8.03(h), NewCo) shall cease. The Merger shall be consummated in accordance with this Agreement and the DGCL and evidenced by a certificate of merger (the “Certificate of Merger”), such Merger to be consummated upon filing of the Certificate of Merger or at such later time as may be agreed by Acquiror and the Company in writing and specified in the Certificate of Merger (the “Effective Time”).
2.02 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement and the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject thereto, by virtue of the Merger and without further act or deed, at the Effective Time, all of the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Entity and all of the debts, liabilities and duties of the Company and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Entity.
2.03 Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place electronically through the exchange of documents via e-mail or facsimile on the date which is two (2) Business Days after the first date on which all conditions set forth in Article IX shall have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver thereof) or such other time and place as Acquiror and the Company may mutually agree in writing. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the “Closing Date.” Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set forth in Article IX of this Agreement, and provided this Agreement has not theretofore been terminated pursuant to its terms, on the Closing Date, (i) the Company shall cause the Certificate of Merger to be executed, acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as provided in Sections 251 and 103 of the DGCL, (ii) by virtue of the Merger, the Name Change will occur, and (iii) Acquiror shall have been approved to trade publicly on a National Exchange under a new ticker symbol selected by the Company.
2.04 Organizational Documents of the Company and Acquiror. At the Effective Time, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Entity, until thereafter supplemented or amended in accordance with its terms and the DGCL.
2.05 Directors and Officers of the Companies.
(a) Persons constituting the officers of the Company prior to the Effective Time shall be appointed as the officers of the Surviving Entity until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly appointed.
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(b) Except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and Acquiror prior to the Closing, and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing, subject to any limitation imposed under applicable Laws and applicable National Exchange listing requirements, Acquiror shall take all necessary action prior to the Effective Time such that (i) each director of Acquiror in office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to be a director immediately following the Effective Time (including by causing each such director to tender an irrevocable resignation as a director, effective as of the Effective Time), (ii) immediately after the Effective Time, the Acquiror Board shall consist of seven (7) members, of which (A) the Company shall have the right to appoint four (4) initial members, which shall include the current Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of the Company and will be in the second and third class of directors, (B) the Sponsor shall have the right to appoint two (2) initial members and (C) the Company and the Sponsor will jointly agree on the appointment of the seventh initial director, in each case, as set forth in the Acquiror Charter, and (iii) the initial members of the Acquiror Board shall be the individuals set forth by the designating parties at least sixty (60) days prior to Closing, each to serve in the applicable class of directors identified therein. If necessary to effect the foregoing, the Acquiror Board shall adopt resolutions prior to the Effective Time that expand or decrease the size of the Acquiror Board and appoint such persons to the vacancies resulting from the incumbent directors’ respective resignations or, if applicable, the newly created directorships upon any expansion of the size of the Acquiror Board. Each person appointed as a director of Acquiror pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) shall remain in office as a director of Acquiror until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. If any of the directors set forth by the designating parties shall be unable or unwilling to serve at the Closing, the party entitled to nominate such individual’s replacement shall promptly designate a replacement director and provide any relevant information about such appointee as the other party may reasonably request.
(c) Acquiror shall take all necessary action prior to the Effective Time such that (i) each officer of Acquiror in office immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to be an officer immediately following the Effective Time and (ii) the persons constituting the officers of the Company prior to the Effective Time shall, as of immediately following the Effective Time, be appointed the officers of Acquiror in identical positions until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly appointed.
ARTICLE III
EFFECTS OF THE MERGER
3.01 Effect on Capital Stock. By virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Company, Acquiror, Merger Sub or the holder of any Company Stock:
(a) Conversion of Merger Sub Common Stock. Each share of common stock of Merger Sub, par value $0.0001 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted at the Effective Time into one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the Surviving Entity, par value $0.0001 per share, and such shares will constitute the only outstanding equity interests of the Surviving Entity following the Merger.
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(b) Cancellation of Certain Company Stock. Each share of Company Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that is held by the Company in treasury or owned by Acquiror or by Merger Sub shall no longer be outstanding and shall be automatically cancelled and shall cease to exist (the “Cancelled Shares”), and no consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
(c) Conversion of All Other Company Stock. Each share of Company Common Stock (including shares of Company Preferred Stock converted to Company Common Stock in connection with the Preferred Stock Conversion) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than any shares of Company Common Stock subject to Restricted Stock Awards, Cancelled Shares and Dissenting Shares, shall be converted into the right to receive the number of shares of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Acquiror Common Stock (deemed to have a value of ten dollars and fifteen cents ($10.15) per share) (the “Merger Consideration”) equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the quotient obtained by dividing (i) $500,000,000 by (ii) ten dollars and fifteen cents ($10.15) by (y) the Aggregate Fully Diluted Company Shares (the “Exchange Ratio”).
3.02 Equitable Adjustments. If, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing, the outstanding shares of Company Stock or Acquiror Ordinary Shares shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a different class or series, by reason of any stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization, split, change, combination or exchange of shares, or any similar event shall have occurred (in each case, other than pursuant to the Preferred Stock Conversion), then any number, value (including dollar value) or amount contained herein which is based upon the number of shares of Company Stock or Acquiror Ordinary Shares will be appropriately adjusted to provide to the holders of Company Stock and the holders of Acquiror Ordinary Shares the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that this Section 3.02 shall not be construed to permit Acquiror, the Company or Merger Sub to take any action with respect to their respective securities that is prohibited by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
3.03 Exchange of Company Certificates and Company Book-Entry Shares.
(a) Exchange Procedures. At the Closing, the Company Stockholders holding Company Common Stock shall deliver the certificates or book entry statements evidencing their right to shares of Company Common Stock (which, if applicable, may be the certificates that formerly represented shares of Company Preferred Stock that converted into such shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to the Preferred Stock Conversion), to the extent such shares of Company Common Stock are certificated (collectively, the “Company Certificates”), other than Cancelled Shares and Dissenting Shares, to Acquiror for cancellation, or in the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed Company Certificate, will deliver to Acquiror an affidavit (and indemnity if required) in the manner provided in Section 3.03(e) below, and, in exchange therefor, Acquiror shall instruct its transfer agent to issue the Merger Consideration in book-entry form, and Company Certificates shall forthwith be cancelled. Until so surrendered, outstanding Company Certificates will be deemed, from and after the Effective Time, to evidence only the right to receive the Merger Consideration as prescribed by this Agreement. Earnout Shares shall be delivered to the Escrow Agent in accordance with Section 3.09.
(b) Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the date hereof with respect to Acquiror Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to the holders of any unsurrendered Company Certificates with respect to the Merger Consideration to be issued upon surrender thereof until the holders of record of such Company Certificates shall surrender such certificates. Subject to applicable Law, following surrender of any such Company Certificates, Acquiror shall promptly deliver to the record holders thereof, without interest, the Merger Consideration issued in exchange therefor in book-entry form and the amount of any such dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect thereto; provided, however, any dividends or other distributions with respect to Earnout Shares shall be subject to the provisions of Section 3.09.
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(c) Transfers of Ownership. If Merger Consideration is to be issued in book-entry form in a name other than that in which the Company Certificates surrendered in exchange therefor are registered, it will be a condition of the issuance thereof that the Company Certificates so surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the Persons requesting such exchange will have paid to Acquiror or any agent designated by it any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of the Merger Consideration in any name other than that of the registered holder of the Company Certificates surrendered, or established to the reasonable satisfaction of Acquiror or any agent designated by it that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(d) No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock. All shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the Company Common Stock and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the Surviving Entity of the shares of Company Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Company Certificates are presented to the Surviving Entity for any reason, they shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Section 3.03.
(e) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event that any Company Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, Acquiror shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Company Certificates, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, the aggregate Merger Consideration into which the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented by such Company Certificates was converted into and any dividends or distributions payable pursuant to Section 3.03(b); provided, however, that, as a condition precedent to the delivery of such Merger Consideration, the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Company Certificates shall indemnify Acquiror against any claim that may be made against Acquiror or the Surviving Entity with respect to the Company Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
3.04 Treatment of Company Options, Warrants and Restricted Stock Awards.
(a) Treatment of Company Options. At the Effective Time, each Company Option that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether vested or unvested, shall, automatically and without any required action on the part of the holder thereof, cease to represent an option to purchase Company Common Stock (a “Company Option”) and shall be converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock (such option, an “Exchanged Company Option”) equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (x) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to (A) the exercise price per share of Company Common Stock of such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio, if and as determined pursuant to Section 3.01(c); provided, however, that the exercise price and the number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock purchasable pursuant to the Exchanged Company Options shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; provided, further, that in the case of any Exchanged Company Option to which Section 422 of the Code applies, the exercise price and the number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock purchasable pursuant to such option shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing, subject to such adjustments as are necessary in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code. Except as specifically provided above, following the Effective Time, each Exchanged Company Option shall continue to be governed by the same terms and conditions (including vesting and exercisability terms) as were applicable to the corresponding former Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time.
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(b) Company Actions. At or prior to the Effective Time, the Company, the Company Board and the compensation committee of the Company Board, as applicable, shall (i) adopt any resolutions and take any actions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Company Options pursuant to Section 3.04(a) and (ii) take all actions necessary to ensure that from and after the Effective Time Acquiror will not be required to deliver shares of Company Stock or other shares of capital stock of the Company to any Person pursuant to or in settlement of Company Options.
(c) Acquiror Actions. Acquiror shall take all actions that are necessary for the assumption and conversion of the Company Options, Company Restricted Stock Awards and Company Warrants pursuant to this Section 3.04 including the reservation, issuance and listing of shares of Acquiror Common Stock as necessary to effect the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.04. If registration of the Exchanged Company Options or shares of Acquiror Common Stock is required under the Securities Act, Acquiror shall file with the SEC, as promptly as practicable after the date that is sixty (60) days after the Form 8-K announcing the Closing is filed (or any such earlier date permitted by applicable Law), a registration statement on Form S-8 with respect to such Exchanged Company Options or shares of Acquiror Common Stock, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for so long as the applicable Exchanged Company Options remain outstanding and such registration of the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable thereunder continues to be required.
(d) Treatment of Company Warrants. At the Effective Time, each Company Warrant that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Acquiror, the Company or the holder of any such Company Warrant, shall be converted into a warrant (an “Acquiror Warrant”) covering a number of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the product of (A) the total number of shares of Company Stock subject to such Company Warrant and (B) the Exchange Ratio, and rounding the resulting number up to the nearest whole share. Each such Acquiror Warrant, as so assumed and converted, shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as applied to the Company Warrant immediately prior to the Effective Time (including vesting conditions) except to the extent such terms or conditions are rendered inoperative by the Transactions.
(e) Treatment of Company Restricted Stock Awards. As of immediately prior to the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders thereof, each Company Restricted Stock Award that is then outstanding shall be assumed and converted into that number of whole shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the product of (A) the total number of shares of Company Stock subject to such Company Restricted Stock Award and (B) the Exchange Ratio, and rounding the resulting number up to the nearest whole share (an “Acquiror Restricted Stock Award”). Each such Acquiror Restricted Stock Award, as so assumed and converted, shall continue to have, and shall be subject to, the same terms and conditions as applied to the Company Restricted Stock Award immediately prior to the Effective Time (including vesting and forfeiture conditions) except to the extent such terms or conditions are rendered inoperative by the Transactions.
3.05 Withholding. Each of Acquiror, Merger Sub, the Company, the Surviving Entity and their respective Affiliates and agents (each, a “Payor”) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any consideration or amounts otherwise deliverable or payable under this Agreement such amounts that any such Persons are required to deduct and withhold with respect to any of the deliveries and payments contemplated by this Agreement under the Code or any other applicable Law; provided, however, that the relevant Payor will reasonably cooperate with the relevant payee prior to the making of such deductions and withholding payments (other than (i) payroll withholding because of the compensatory nature of the applicable payment, (ii) U.S. backup withholding or (iii) withholding required by Section 1445 of the Code as a result of a failure by the Company to deliver the certificate contemplated by Section 8.03(d)) to determine whether any such deductions or withholding payments are required under applicable Law and in obtaining any available exemption or reduction of, or otherwise minimizing to the extent permitted by applicable Law, such deduction and withholding. To the extent that a Payor withholds or deducts such amounts with respect to any Person, such withheld or deducted amounts shall be treated as having been paid to or on behalf of such Person in respect of which such withholding or deduction was made for all purposes.
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3.06 No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock shall be issued upon the conversion of Company Common Stock pursuant to Section 3.01, and such fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a holder of Acquiror Common Stock. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, Acquiror shall issue to each former Company Stockholder who otherwise would be entitled to receive such fractional share, after aggregating all fractional shares that otherwise would be paid to such Person, one (1) share of Acquiror Common Stock.
3.07 Payment of Expenses.
(a) On the Closing Date following the Closing, Acquiror shall pay or cause to be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket fees and disbursements of the Company for outside counsel incurred in connection with the Transactions and reasonable and documented fees and expenses of the Company for any other agents, advisors, consultants, experts and financial advisors employed by the Company incurred in connection with the Transactions (collectively, the “Outstanding Company Expenses”).
(b) On the Closing Date following the Closing, Acquiror shall pay or cause to be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket fees and disbursements of Acquiror and Merger Sub for outside counsel incurred in connection with the Transactions and reasonable and documented fees and expenses of Acquiror and Merger Sub for any other agents, advisors, consultants, experts and financial advisors employed by or on behalf of Acquiror or Merger Sub incurred in connection with the Transactions (collectively, the “Outstanding Acquiror Expenses”).
3.08 Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shares of Company Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a Company Stockholder entitled to vote in respect of such shares of Company Stock who has not voted in favor of the Merger or consented thereto in writing or by electronic transmissions and has properly demanded appraisal for such shares in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with, Section 262 of the DGCL (such shares, “Dissenting Shares”), shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration and shall instead represent the right to receive payment of the fair value of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with, and to the extent provided by, Section 262 of the DGCL. At the Effective Time, (i) all Dissenting Shares shall be cancelled, extinguished and cease to exist and (ii) the holders of Dissenting Shares shall be entitled to only such rights as may be granted to him, her or it under the DGCL. If any such Company Stockholder fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws or loses such Company Stockholder’s right to appraisal under Section 262 of the DGCL or a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine such holder is not entitled to the relief provided by Section 262 of the DGCL, then the right of such holder to be paid the fair value of such Dissenting Shares under Section 262 of the DGCL shall cease and such Dissenting Shares shall be deemed to have been converted, as of the Effective Time, into and shall only represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration upon the surrender of such shares in accordance with this Article III. The Company shall give Acquiror reasonably prompt notice of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of shares of Company Stock, attempted withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served pursuant to the DGCL and received by the Company relating to rights to be paid the fair value of Dissenting Shares, and Acquiror shall have the right to participate in and direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of Acquiror (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), make any payment with respect to, or settle or compromise or offer to settle or compromise, any such demands or waive any failure to timely deliver a written demand for appraisal or otherwise comply with the provisions under Section 262 of the DGCL, or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
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3.09 Earnout.
(a) At the Closing, and as additional consideration for the Merger and the other Transactions, Acquiror shall issue or cause to be issued in the name of each holder of Company Common Stock its, his or her pro rata share of a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) $300,000,000 by (ii) ten dollars and fifteen cents ($10.15) (the “Earnout Shares”) and, in accordance with actual or deemed written instructions from the Company, Acquiror shall deposit or cause to be deposited such shares at an account (the “Escrow Account”) with an escrow agent reasonably selected by Acquiror (the “Escrow Agent”) in accordance with an escrow agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Acquiror and the Company, to be entered into on the Closing Date by and among Acquiror, the Company and the Escrow Agent. The parties hereto agree that the Company Stockholders shall be treated as the owners of the Earnout Shares for so long as they are in the Escrow Account for income Tax purposes, and shall file all Tax Returns consistent with such treatment.
(b) Promptly upon the occurrence of any Triggering Event, Acquiror shall prepare and deliver, or cause to be prepared and delivered, a written notice to the Escrow Agent (a “Release Notice”), which Release Notice shall set forth the specific release instructions with respect thereto (including the number of Earnout Shares to be released to each Company Stockholder). No Company Stockholder shall, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or similarly dispose of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, any of the Earnout Shares until the date on which the relevant Triggering Event has occurred as described in Section 3.09(d) and such shares have been released to the Company Stockholders. Any Earnout Shares not eligible to be released from the Escrow Account in accordance with the terms of Section 3.09(d) on or before the last day of the Earnout Period shall immediately thereafter be forfeited to Acquiror and canceled and the Company Stockholders shall not have any rights with respect thereto. Effective as of the Closing, each Company Stockholder shall have the right to vote each of its Earnout Shares until such Earnout Shares are forfeited as if the Company Stockholder was the owner of record of such Earnout Shares.
(c) Until Earnout Shares have been released or forfeited hereunder, an amount equal to any dividends or distributions with respect to such Earnout Shares shall accrue and be payable to the Company Stockholders as if the Earnout Shares had been released prior to the record date for such dividends or distributions (the “Attributed Dividends”). The Attributed Dividends shall be released, pro rata amongst the Company Stockholders, upon the release of the corresponding Earnout Shares from the Escrow Account.
(d) The Earnout Shares shall be released and delivered from the Escrow Account and distributed to or on behalf of the Company Stockholders upon receipt of the applicable Release Notice by the Escrow Agent as follows:
(i) upon the occurrence of Triggering Event I, one-sixth (1/6) of the Earnout Shares shall be released;
(ii) upon the occurrence of Triggering Event II, one-sixth (1/6) of the Earnout Shares shall be released;
(iii) upon the occurrence of Triggering Event III, one-sixth (1/6) of the Earnout Shares shall be released;
(iv) upon the occurrence of Triggering Event IV, one-sixth (1/6) of the Earnout Shares shall be released;
(v) upon the occurrence of Triggering Event V, one-sixth (1/6) of the Earnout Shares shall be released; and
(vi) upon the occurrence of Triggering Event VI, one-sixth (1/6) of the Earnout Shares shall be released.
(e) The right of the Company Stockholders to receive the Earnout Shares is solely a contractual right, will not be evidenced by a certificate or other instrument and does not constitute a security.
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(f) Each Triggering Event shall only occur once, if at all; provided, that such Triggering Events may be achieved at the same time or on overlapping Trading Days.
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no fraction of a Earnout Share will be issued, and each Person who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Earnout Share (after aggregating all fractional Earnout Shares that otherwise would be received by such holder in connection with the occurrence of such Triggering Event) shall instead have the number of Earnout Shares issued to such Person rounded up to the nearest whole Earnout Share.
(h) If, during the Earnout Period, there is a Change of Control that will result in the holders of Acquiror Common Stock receiving a per share price (based on the value of the cash, securities or in-kind consideration being delivered in respect of such Acquiror Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Acquiror Board) equal to or in excess of the applicable share price required in connection with Triggering Events I, II or III, then immediately prior to the consummation of such Change of Control (a) any such Triggering Event that has not previously occurred shall be deemed to have occurred and (b) the Company Stockholders shall be eligible to participate in such Change of Control. If, during the Earnout Period, there is an Change of Control that will result in the holders of Acquiror Common Stock receiving a per share price (based on the value of the cash, securities or in-kind consideration being delivered in respect of such Acquiror Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Acquiror Board) that is less than the applicable share price required in connection with Triggering Events I, II or III and such Triggering Event has not previously occurred, then this Section 3.09 shall terminate and no Earnout Shares shall be issuable hereunder with respect to such Triggering Event(s) in connection with or following completion of the Change of Control.
(i) The issuance of Earnout Shares is intended to comply with, and shall be effected in accordance with, Rev. Proc. 84-42, 1984-1 C.B. 521, unless otherwise required by a Tax Authority as a result of a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar or corresponding provision of applicable Law).
(j) In the event the issuance of Earnout Shares is subject to the notification and waiting period requirements of the HSR Act or the receipt of consents or approvals under any other applicable Antitrust Laws (an “Antitrust Issuance”), Acquiror’s obligation to make such issuance shall be delayed until, and contingent upon the occurrence of, the time that all applicable Persons have filed all required notifications under the HSR Act and any other applicable Antitrust Laws and all applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act (including any extensions thereof) have expired or terminated and any required consents and approvals under other applicable Antitrust Laws have been obtained with respect to such Antitrust Issuance.
(k) The Earnout Shares and the underlying target price for Triggering Events I, II and III will be adjusted appropriately to reflect any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible in Acquiror Common Stock), reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to the Acquiror Common Stock, occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the time any such Earnout Shares are issued. It is the intent of the parties that such adjustments will be made in order to provide the Company Stockholders with the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement as if no change with respect to the Acquiror Common Stock had occurred.
(l) For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Earnout Shares to be released and delivered from the Escrow Account and distributed to or on behalf of the Company Stockholders shall be so released, delivered and distributed within five (5) years of the Closing Date.
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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the Schedules to this Agreement (each of which qualifies (a) the correspondingly numbered representation, warranty or covenant if specified therein and (b) such other representations, warranties or covenants where its relevance as an exception to (or disclosure for purposes of) such other representation, warranty or covenant is reasonably apparent on its face), the Company represents and warrants to Acquiror and Merger Sub as follows:
4.01 Organization, Standing and Corporate Power. The Company is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the DGCL, and has all requisite legal entity power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership, leasing or operation of its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of the Company to consummate the Transactions or have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company Organizational Documents that have been made available to Acquiror are true, correct and complete and are in effect as of the date of the Agreement and the Company is not in default under or in violation of any provision thereunder.
4.02 Corporate Authority; Approval; Non-Contravention.
(a) Except for the Company Stockholder Approvals, the Company has all requisite corporate or other legal entity power and authority, and has taken all corporate or other legal entity action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and, subject to satisfaction of the conditions to Closing contemplated hereby, to consummate the Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, and the consummation by it of the Transactions, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate consent and authorizations on the part of the Company, and no other corporate actions on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation by it of the Transactions, in each case, subject to receipt of the Company Stockholder Approvals. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties hereto, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, solvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and by general principles of equity (the “Enforceability Exceptions”)). The sole stockholder of SpinCo has approved and declared the advisability of the Separation Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.02(b), the execution, delivery and, subject to receipt of the Company Stockholder Approvals, performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which the Company is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, do not, and will not, constitute or result in (i) a breach or violation of, or a default under, the Company Organizational Documents or the organizational documents of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries and (ii) with or without notice, lapse of time or both, a breach or violation of, a termination (or right of termination) of or default or Change of Control under, the creation or acceleration of any obligations under or the creation of a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates pursuant to, any Material Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates is a party or, assuming (solely with respect to performance of this Agreement and consummation of the Transactions) compliance with the matters referred to in Section 4.02(a), under any Law to which the Company or any of its Affiliates is subject (except Laws that are applicable due to the Company Retained Business, or the Contracts or licenses of the Company), except (in the case of clause (ii) above) for such violations, breaches, defaults or Changes of Control which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.03 Governmental Approvals. No consent of, or registration, declaration, notice or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required by or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the consummation by the Company of the Transactions, except for (i) the applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (ii) such other consents, registrations, declarations, notices and filings which, if not obtained or made, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Xxxxxx with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
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4.04 Capitalization.
(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consisted of (i) 63,510,000 shares of Company Common Stock, of which 30,705,369 shares of Company Common Stock were outstanding, including 24,206,776 shares of Company Common Stock granted in respect of outstanding Company Restricted Stock Awards, (ii) 2,170,610 shares of Class A-1 Preferred Stock of the Company, of which 2,170,610 shares are outstanding, (iii) 4,166,666 shares of Class B-1 Preferred Stock of the Company, of which 3,705,917 shares are outstanding, (iv) 2,900,000 shares of Class C-1 Preferred Stock of the Company, of which 2,733,335 shares are outstanding, (v) 5,010,000 shares of Class D-1 Preferred Stock of the Company, of which 4,516,684 shares are outstanding, (vi) 6,500,000 shares of Class E-1 Preferred Stock of the Company, of which 5,181,423 shares are outstanding and (vii) 1,500,000 shares of Class F-1 Preferred Stock of the Company, of which 1,257,238 shares are outstanding. The outstanding shares of capital stock contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence constitute all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company. All of the issued Company Stock has been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(b) As of the date hereof, Company Warrants to purchase 1,381,292 shares of Company Stock are authorized, all of which are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof. All outstanding Company Warrants have been duly authorized and validly issued and constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. As of the date hereof, 1,886,591 shares of Company Common Stock are issuable pursuant to outstanding Company Options.
(c) Set forth on Schedule 4.04(c) is a true, correct and complete list of (i) each holder of issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity securities (including any securities convertible into equity securities) of the Company and the number of shares or other equity interests held by each such holder as of the date hereof and (ii) all of the holders of outstanding Company equity awards, including, on an award-by-award basis, the type of award, the name of the holder, the number of shares of Company Stock underlying the award, including the cumulative number of shares underlying vested awards, grant date, vesting schedule, exercise price (if applicable), expiration date (if applicable) and equity incentive plan under which the award was granted. Each of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (i) is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, (ii) was issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Laws, (iii) was not issued in breach or violation of any preemptive rights or Contract to which the Company is a party, and (iv) is owned free and clear of any Lien imposed by or resulting from any Contract to which the Company is party (other than the Company Organizational Documents and Contracts that have been provided to Acquiror that set forth the Company Stockholders’ obligations to the Company).
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.04(d), there are no other outstanding equity interest in the Company, including any warrants, options, calls, pre-emptive rights, subscriptions, “phantom” stock rights, restricted stock or other rights, agreements, arrangements, convertible or exchangeable securities or other commitments (other than this Agreement) pursuant to which the Company is obligated to issue, transfer, sell, purchase, return or redeem or cause to be issued, transferred, sold, purchased, returned or redeemed any equity securities of the Company
(e) Other than set forth on Schedule 4.04(e), the Company has no equity interest in, nor has it agreed to acquire, any share capital or other equity security of any other company (wherever incorporated).
(f) Following the Preferred Stock Conversion, all of the shares of Company Preferred Stock will no longer be outstanding and shall cease to exist, and each holder of Company Preferred Stock shall cease to have any rights with respect to such securities. Subject to and upon receipt of the Company Stockholder Approvals, the Preferred Stock Conversion will have been duly and validly authorized by all corporate action and all required approvals and consents will have been obtained by the Company.
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4.05 Subsidiaries. The Subsidiaries of the Company as of the date hereof are set forth on Schedule 4.05, including, as of such date, a description of the capitalization of each such Subsidiary and the names of the record owners of all securities and other equity interests in each of the Company’s Subsidiaries. Each of the Company’s Subsidiaries has been duly formed or organized and is validly existing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and has the organizational power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, in each case, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified has not had and would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company’s Subsidiaries is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation (or other entity, if applicable) in each jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing, as applicable, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified has not had and would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity interests of each of the Company’s Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and were issued in compliance with all applicable Laws. The Company or one or more of its wholly owned Subsidiaries own of record and beneficially all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity interests of such Subsidiaries free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions under applicable Laws and such Subsidiaries’ organizational documents.
4.06 Financial Statements; Internal Controls.(a) The audited statements of total assets, total liabilities and shareholders’ equity and total comprehensive income of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (collectively, the “Audited Financial Statements”), were prepared and audited in accordance with the standards, principles and practices specified therein and, subject thereto, in accordance with GAAP, the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and applicable Law as at the Balance Sheet Date, except as otherwise noted therein. Prior to the date hereof, true, complete and correct copies of the Audited Financial Statements and the accompanying independent auditors’ reports, as applicable, have been made available to Acquiror.
(b) Prior to the date hereof the Company has made available to Acquiror true, complete and correct copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related unaudited consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 (the “Unaudited Financial Statements” and, together with the Audited Financial Statements, the “Financial Statements”). Subject to notes and normal year-end audit adjustments that are not material in amount or effect, the Unaudited Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with the standards, principles and practices specified in the Audited Financial Statements and, subject thereto, in accordance with applicable Law and show a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the: (i) assets, liabilities, the financial position and state of affairs of the Company as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023 and (ii) the profits and losses and cash flow of the Company for the three-month period ended as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
(c) The Financial Statements were derived from the books and records of the Company and prepared in accordance with GAAP, except as may be indicated in the notes thereto and using in all material respects the same accounting principles, practices, procedures, policies and methods (with consistent classifications, judgments, inclusions, exclusions and valuation and estimation methodologies) used and applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in the last two (2) years. The Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the assets, liabilities, cash flow and financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the times and for the periods referred to therein. Since the Balance Sheet Date, the Company has not made any material change in the accounting practices or policies applied in the preparation of the Financial Statements, except as required by applicable Law or GAAP.
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(d) The Company maintains a system of accounting and internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of the financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements of the Company in accordance in all material respects with GAAP. Since its inception, the Company (including the Company’s personnel and independent accountants who participated in the preparation or review of financial statements or the internal accounting controls employed by the Company) have not identified nor been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by the Company, (ii) any Fraud, whether or not material, that involves management of the Company or any personnel involved in financial reporting or (iii) any written claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing. The Financial Statements, when delivered by the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement for filing with the SEC following the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.02, will comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Securities Act in effect as of such date.
4.07 Compliance with Laws.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are conducting and, over the past three (3) years have conducted, their respective businesses in material compliance with all Laws applicable to them and the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ business, properties or other assets.
(b) There is no, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, in the past three (3) years there has been no, Action by or against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pending or threatened in writing by any Governmental Authority, nor has any Governmental Authority indicated in writing to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries an intention to initiate or conduct the same other than office actions and prosecution in the ordinary course for the registration of Intellectual Property.
(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.07(c), over the past three (3) years, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice from any Governmental Authority (i) with respect to an alleged, actual or potential violation and/or failure to comply, in any material respect, with any such applicable Law or (ii) requiring the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to take or omit any action to ensure compliance with any such applicable Law.
(d) To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company and its Subsidiaries possess all material Permits necessary for the ownership and use of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the operation of the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted (the “Company Permits”). To the Knowledge of the Company, all such Company Permits are valid and in full force and effect, and there are no lawsuits or other proceedings pending or threatened before any Governmental Authority that seek the revocation, cancellation, suspension or adverse material modification thereof. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any material respect of, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no condition exists that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default, under the Company Permits.
4.08 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.08, (a) since the Balance Sheet Date and except as expressly required by this Agreement, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted the Company Retained Business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business and (ii) no action has been taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries that would require consent under Section 6.01 if such action were taken after signing of this Agreement and prior to Closing (other than for any such actions for which such consent has been received in accordance with Section 6.01) and (b) as of the date hereof, there has not been any change, effect, event, circumstance, occurrence or state of facts that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.09 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except (a) as disclosed, reflected or reserved against in the Financial Statements, (b) for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet Date, (c) as expressly permitted or contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise incurred in connection with the Transactions, (d) as disclosed on Schedule 4.09, (e) contingent liabilities under executory contracts and (f) for liabilities that have been discharged or paid in full in the ordinary course of business, as of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any liabilities of any nature, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, of the type required by GAAP to be disclosed or reserved for on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
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4.10 Information Supplied. The information supplied in writing by the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement will not (a) in the case of the Registration Statement, at the time the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act and (b) in the case of the Proxy Statement, as of the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Acquiror Shareholders and at the time of any meeting of the Acquiror Shareholders to be held in connection with the Transactions, 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 were made, not false or misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Company makes no representation or warranty or covenant with respect to: (x) statements made or incorporated by reference therein in any of the foregoing documents based on information supplied by Acquiror for inclusion therein or (y) any projections or forecasts or forward-looking statements included in the Registration Statement or Proxy Statement.
4.11 Litigation.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11(a), neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of their officers, directors, agents or employees, in their capacities as such, is the subject of or engaged in any material Action or other dispute resolution process before a third party, whether as claimant, defendant or otherwise, and no such Action or dispute resolution process is pending or threatened in writing to the Company on the date hereof. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of the Company is any of its officers, directors, agents or employees, in their capacities as such, is subject to any settlement agreements or arrangements, whether written or oral, or is in discussions for a settlement or arrangement, regarding any material Actions. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section does not apply to office actions and similar ex-parte proceedings in connection with prosecution in the ordinary course of applications for the registration or issuance of any Intellectual Property.
(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or subject to the provisions of any outstanding Governmental Order (except if generally applicable without the Company or any of its Subsidiaries being named therein).
4.12 Contracts.
(a) Schedule 4.12(a) sets forth a true and complete list as of the date hereof, of the following Contracts that are effective as of the date hereof and to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or is bound (all such Contracts set forth on Schedule 4.12(a), the “Material Contracts”):
(i) all such Contracts with a supplier of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with a total annual payment or financial commitment exceeding $1,000,000 on an annual basis;
(ii) all such Contracts with third party manufacturers and suppliers for the manufacture and supply of products providing for minimum order quantities, minimum purchase requirements or exclusive supply, manufacturing or purchase requirements with a total annual payment or financial commitment exceeding $2,500,000 on an annual basis;
(iii) all such Contracts with (or with obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to) a Related Party;
(iv) all such Contracts that contain any covenant materially limiting or prohibiting the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (A) to engage in any line of business or conduct business in any geographic area, (B) to distribute or offer any products or services, (C) to compete with any other person in any line of business or in any geographic area or levying a fine, charge or other payment for doing any of the foregoing or (D) to employ, hire or enter into a consultancy agreement with any person or entity, in each case other than provisions of non-solicitation in the ordinary course in agreements with suppliers and customers;
(v) all such Contracts in which the aggregate outstanding expenditure or payment obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exceeds $2,500,000, excluding obligations that are contingent liabilities in respect of a breach or indemnification obligation or similar contingent obligation as a result of a breach or default;
(vi) any Contract for the use by Company or its Subsidiaries of any tangible property where the annual lease payments are greater than $500,000 (other than any lease of vehicles, office equipment or operating equipment made in the ordinary course of business);
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(vii) any partnership, joint venture or other similar agreement or arrangement providing for the formation, creation, operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture with a third party to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, other than bona fide customer-supplier relationships or a trade association;
(viii) all such Contracts providing for the acquisition or disposition of any business, equity interests or material assets (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any ongoing obligation (including for deferred purchase price obligations, earn-out obligations, indemnification obligations and other contingent liabilities (including payment obligations in respect of the future utilization of any net operating losses));
(ix) all such Contracts that obligate the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any Person (other than advances to employees for business expenses in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice);
(x) any note, mortgage, indenture or other obligation or agreement or other instrument for or relating to indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $1,000,000, or any guarantee of third-party obligations in excess of $1,000,000, or any letters of credit, performance bonds or other credit support for the Company;
(xi) any Contract that creates guarantees or Liens of any nature on the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets not in the ordinary course of business and in an amount equal to or greater than $1,000,000;
(xii) any Contract that is related to the governance or operation of any material joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement;
(xiii) any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract (including side letters) with any labor or trade union, works council, employee associations or other labor organization (each a “CBA”);
(xiv) all such Contracts or agreements with any employee, officer, director or other individual service provider (including those providing services through their own entities) that (A) provide for annual compensation in excess of $250,000 (B) are not terminable by the Company or its Subsidiaries on no more than thirty (30) days’ notice and without liability or financial obligation to the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (C) any Contract providing for sale, change in control, severance, retention, transaction or similar bonuses, or any other compensation or benefits triggered or accelerated in connection with or otherwise related to the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby, whether alone or in connection with any other event, that are (or may become) payable to any current or former employee or other service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(xv) all such Contracts providing for the development of any material Owned Intellectual Property, independently or jointly, by or for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business between the Company or such Subsidiary and a contractor or an employee of the Company or such Subsidiary, as applicable, regarding the development of Intellectual Property by such contractor or employee; and
(xvi) all Contracts pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (A) grants or (B) is granted a license (whether or not such license is currently exercisable) to, or otherwise has received or acquired, by ownership or otherwise, any other rights in, to or under any Intellectual Property, excluding Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with reasonable business practices and the expiration, termination, violation or breach of which would not reasonably be expected to result in, or contribute to, a Material Adverse Effect, including Contracts for, any Commercially Available Software, Software that is open source, source available, or freeware, and any non-disclosure agreements and non-exclusive licenses granted by the Company in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the provision or sale of any Company product or service.
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(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) is, nor has it received written notice that any other party to any Material Contract is, in material violation or material breach of or material default (immediately or upon notice or lapse of time) under during the past three (3) years or (ii) has waived or failed to enforce any material rights or material benefits under any Material Contract to which it is a party or any of its properties or other assets is subject. No Material Contract is the subject of a notice to terminate, except for any expiration of the term of a Material Contract following the date of this Agreement in accordance with its terms. Each Material Contract is in full force and effect and, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, is legal, valid and binding on the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, except as would not be material and adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. There is no default under any such Material Contracts by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, and no event has occurred that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default thereunder by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, in each case, except as would be material and adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
4.13 Employment Matters.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(a), (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any CBA, or is negotiating or required to negotiate a CBA; (ii) no employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are represented by any labor or trade union, works council, or other labor organization with respect to their employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries; (iii) in the past three (3) years, no labor or trade union, works council, other labor organization, or group of employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has made a demand for recognition or certification, and there are no representation or certification proceedings presently pending, threatened in writing, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened orally to be brought or filed with the National Labor Relations Board or any other labor relations tribunal or authority; (iv) in the past three (3) years, there have been no actual or threatened union organizing activities with respect to any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as it relates to such employees’ employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and no such activities are currently pending or threatened in writing; (v) in the past three (3) years, there has been no actual or threatened strike, lockout, work stoppage, slowdown, picketing, hand billing, unfair labor practice charge, material labor grievance, material labor arbitration or other material labor dispute against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and no such dispute is currently pending, threatened in writing, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened orally; and (vi) with respect to the Transactions, the Company and its Subsidiaries have satisfied all applicable notice, bargaining, consent, consultation or other obligations to its employees and any unions, works councils or other Representatives of any employees, if any, under applicable Law and any CBA.
(b) Over the past three (3) years (i) no employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries has made allegations of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or other harassment against any officer, director or senior management level employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries pertaining to conduct that occurred while such officer, director, or employee was employed by or providing services to the Company or its Subsidiaries, and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have entered into any settlement agreement related to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or other harassment by or against any current or former employee, independent contractor, director or officer of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(c) The Company has provided Acquiror a complete and accurate list of each employee employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof, including each such employee’s (i) job title, (ii) date of hire, (iii) employing entity, (iv) primary work location (country, state (where applicable) and city), (v) full or part-time status, (vi) status as exempt or non-exempt under applicable wage and hour Laws, (vii) pay type (salary, hourly, or other), (viii) base salary, hourly rate, or other applicable base rate, (ix) eligibility for commissions, incentive pay, or other non-discretionary compensation, and (x) union affiliation (if any). The Company has also provided Acquiror a complete and accurate list of all individual independent contractors (including those providing services through their own entities) engaged by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof, including for each such contractor (i) a brief description of their services provided, (ii) the name of the Company entity that engages them, (iii) their first date of engagement, (iv) their compensation terms, (v) the approximate number of hours per week the contractor provides services for the Company and its Subsidiaries, if known, and (vi) whether the Company or its applicable Subsidiary has a written agreement with the contractor.
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(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(d), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or, within the three (3) year period preceding this Agreement, has received an active written threat or, to the Knowledge of the Company, an oral threat, of any Action involving any applicant for employment, any former or current employee, any former or current individual independent contractor (including those who provide services through their own entity), or otherwise concerning compliance with Employment Laws.
(e) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(e), the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and for the past three (3) years have been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to labor and/or employment, including any applicable Laws regarding fair employment practices, hiring, background checks, immigration status, terms and conditions of employment, authorization to work, employee health and safety, wages, hours, classification of exempt employees, classification of independent contractors, prohibited harassment, discrimination and retaliation, disability rights or benefits (including accommodations), plant closings and mass layoffs, workers’ compensation, benefits, labor relations, statutory leaves of absences, statutory time off, privacy, COVID-19, affirmative action, unemployment insurance, withholding and paying payroll Taxes, record retention, termination, or any other labor or employment related matters (collectively, the “Employment Laws”).
(f) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have, within the past three (3) years, engaged in, implemented or effectuated a “plant closing” or “mass layoff” as defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar applicable foreign, state or local Law (each a “WARN Act”), or engaged in, implemented or effectuated any other event that would require the Company or its Subsidiaries to provide notice under a WARN Act. As of the date hereof, no employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries is on an involuntary temporary layoff or furlough or involuntarily working reduced hours of work of more than fifty percent (50%).
4.14 Employee Benefits.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(a) or as required by applicable Law in any non-US jurisdictions where the Company or its Subsidiaries have operations or employees, there are no material Company Benefit Plans. The Company has provided to Acquiror with respect to each Company Benefit Plan: (i) true, correct and complete copies of such Company Benefit Plan, or with respect to any unwritten Company Benefit Plan, a written description of all material terms thereof, and any award documentation thereunder, (ii) the most recent determination, option or advisory letter received from the Internal Revenue Service, if any, (iii) the Form 5500 annual report and the financial statements and actuarial summary or other valuation reports prepared with respect thereto in the past three (3) years, (iv) each trust, insurance, annuity, stop-loss or other funding Contract or arrangement related thereto, (v) the most recent summary plan description and any summaries of material modification with respect thereto, (vi) discrimination or similar testing (and evidence of corrective action related thereto) for the past three (3) years, and (vii) all material non-routine correspondence or communications relating thereto with any Governmental Authority or participant within the past three (3) years.
(b) With respect to each Company Benefit Plan: (i) such Company Benefit Plan has been maintained, operated and administered in compliance in all material respects with its terms and with the requirements of applicable Law, including the Code and ERISA, (ii) all contributions, premiums or payments due to date have been made timely and in compliance with the terms of such Company Benefit Plan and applicable Law, or if not yet due, properly accrued, and (iii) there are no proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or involving such Company Benefit Plan brought by or on behalf of any current or former employee or other service provider of the Company (or dependent or beneficiary thereof) or Governmental Authority (other than routine claims for benefits made in the ordinary course of business), in each case, except as could not reasonably be expected to result in material liability to the Company. Each Company Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service or, with respect to a prototype or volume submitter plan, can rely on an opinion or advisory letter from the Internal Revenue Service to the prototype plan or volume submitter plan sponsor, as to its qualification and to the effect that the plan’s related trust is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(a) of the Code, and nothing has occurred that would reasonably be expected to result in the revocation of such favorable determination.
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(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(c), neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains, sponsors, contributes to or been obligated to contribute to (or has ever maintained, sponsored or contributed to or been obligated to contribute to) or has any obligation with respect to, (i) any employee benefit plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA, (ii) any Multiemployer Plan, (iii) any multiple employer plan (as defined in Section 413(c) of the Code), (iv) any voluntary employees’ beneficiary association described under Section 501(c)(9) of the Code or any “funded welfare plan” within the meaning of Section 419 of the Code, or (v) any multiple employer welfare arrangement (as defined under Section 3(40) of ERISA).
(d) Each Company Benefit Plan that provides deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code satisfies, in all material respects, in form and operation, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the guidance thereunder. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(d), no current or former employee or other service provider of the Company is entitled to receive any gross-up or additional payment in connection with any Tax (including those imposed under Section 409A or Section 4999 of the Code).
(e) No Company Benefit Plan, fiduciary of such plan or administrator of such plan has taken any action, or failed to take any action, which action or failure could subject Acquiror or any of its Affiliates, or any current or former employee or other service provider of the Company, to any material Tax, fine, Lien, penalty or other obligation imposed by ERISA, the Code or other applicable Laws, with respect to or in connection with any Company Benefit Plan. The Company is not bound by or otherwise subject to any agreement or Contract related to any obligation under Section 4204 of ERISA.
(f) The Company does not provide (or has not at any time provided) or have any obligation to provide post-employment health, life or other welfare benefits, other than as required under Section 4980B of the Code (the full cost of which is borne by the applicable recipient of such benefits).
(g) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14(g), neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, either alone or in combination with the occurrence of any other event, would be reasonably likely to result in (i) any material payment or benefit becoming due to, or a material increase in, or acceleration of the timing of payment, funding or vesting of, the compensation or benefits of, any current or former employee, officer, director or other individual service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) the receipt (whether in cash, property or the vesting of property) by any “disqualified individual” or any “parachute payment” (as such terms are defined in Section 280G of the Code), or (iii) any breach or violation of or default under or, except pursuant to applicable Law, limit the rights of the Company, Acquiror or their respective Subsidiaries, or Affiliates to amend, modify or terminate any Company Benefit Plan.
(h) As of the Closing, except as contemplated in the Separation Agreement, any applicable employee matters agreement agreed to by Acquiror, the Company and its Subsidiaries will have no liabilities (actual or contingent) or obligations with respect to any current or former employees or other individual service providers of SpinCo or under any Benefit Plans sponsored, contributed to or maintained by, or required to be sponsored, contributed to or maintained by, SpinCo.
4.15 Taxes.
(a) Each of SpinCo, the Company and their Subsidiaries has filed with the appropriate Tax Authority, or has caused to be filed on its behalf (taking into account any valid extension of time within which to file), all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it, and all such Tax Returns were and are true, correct and complete in all material respects. Each of SpinCo, the Company and their Subsidiaries has paid all material Taxes due and payable (whether or not shown on any Tax Return). No written claim has ever been made by a Tax Authority in a jurisdiction where SpinCo, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries does not file a Tax Return that such entity is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction in respect of Taxes that would be covered by or the subject of such Tax Return.
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(b) Each of SpinCo, the Company and their Subsidiaries has (i) withheld all material Taxes required to have been withheld by it in connection with amounts paid to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or any other third party, and (ii) remitted such amounts required to have been remitted to the appropriate Tax Authority, except where such failure would not reasonably be expected to result in a material liability.
(c) No claim, assessment, deficiency or proposed adjustment for any amount of Tax has been asserted or assessed in writing by any Tax Authority against SpinCo, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries that remains unresolved or unpaid. There is no Tax audit or other examination of SpinCo, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries presently in progress, and there are no waivers, extensions or requests for any waivers or extensions of any statute of limitations currently in effect with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns of SpinCo, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries, nor has any request been made in writing for any such extension or waiver.
(d) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries is or has been (i) a party to any Tax sharing, indemnification, allocation or similar agreement or arrangement (excluding any commercial Contract entered into in the ordinary course of business and not primarily related to Taxes), or (ii) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group for income tax purposes (other than any such Tax group the common parent of which was the Company).
(e) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries is or has been a party to any “listed transaction” under Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) (or any similar or corresponding provision of state, local or foreign Law).
(f) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries has any liability for Taxes of any other Person (other than any such Tax group the common parent of which is the Company) as a result of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by operation of Law by Contract or otherwise.
(g) Other than in connection with the Distribution, neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries has distributed stock of another Person, or had its stock distributed by another Person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code (or so much of Section 356 of the Code as relates to Section 355 of the Code).
(h) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries has taken any action, nor to the Knowledge of the Company are there any facts or circumstances, that would reasonably be expected to impede or prevent the Intended Tax Treatment.
(i) SpinCo, the Company and their Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable transfer pricing Laws and regulations. All intercompany agreements have been adequately documented, and such documents have been duly executed in a timely manner. The prices and terms for the provision of any property, services or licensing by or to SpinCo, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries are arm’s length for purposes of the relevant transfer pricing Laws, and all related documentation required by such Laws has been timely prepared or obtained and, if necessary, retained.
(j) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries is a partner for Tax purposes with respect to any joint venture, partnership or other arrangement or Contract which is treated as a partnership for Tax purposes.
(k) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries (i) has been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the past 5 years; (ii) has been a “personal holding company” as defined in Section 542 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law); or (iii) has engaged in a trade or business, had a permanent establishment (within the meaning of an applicable Tax treaty), or otherwise become subject to Tax jurisdiction in a country other than the country of its formation.
(l) There are no Liens with respect to Taxes on any of the assets of SpinCo, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries, other than Permitted Liens.
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(m) Neither SpinCo, the Company nor any of their Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any period (or any portion thereof) ending on or after the Closing Date as a result of any installment sale, open transaction or other transaction on or prior to the Closing Date, any accounting method change, improper use of an accounting method or agreement with any Tax Authority filed or made on or prior to the Closing Date or any deferred revenue or prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing.
4.16 Intellectual Property.
(a) Schedule 4.16(a) contains a true, complete and accurate list of all Registered IP, indicating for each item, as applicable, the record owner (and name of any other Person with an ownership interest in such item of Registered IP and the nature of such interest), the registration or application number, status, any actions known by the Company as of the date of this Agreement that are required to be taken within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the Closing Date (including the payment of any patent issuance, registration, maintenance or renewal fees or the filing of or response to any documents, applications or certificates, for the purposes of avoiding abandonment of any Registered IP), the applicable filing jurisdiction and the date of filing or issuance and, with respect to domain names, the applicable domain name registrar. The Registered IP is subsisting and, excluding any Registered IP which is the subject of a registration or an application for registration, is, to the Knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable (assuming registration where required for enforcement). All documents and instruments necessary to register or apply for or renew registration of Registered IP have been validly executed, delivered, and filed in a timely manner with the appropriate Governmental Authority except where failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all statements of use and paid all renewal and maintenance fees, annuities and other fees with respect to the Registered IP that are required to have been filed and paid as of the date of this Agreement except where failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each item of Registered IP has been maintained and the Company, and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable measures to avoid the abandonment, invalidation, cancellation, forfeiture, or relinquishment of any Owned Intellectual Property.
(b) To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company Intellectual Property constitutes all material Intellectual Property necessary for the Company to conduct the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted. Except as identified in Section 4.16(b) of the Company Schedules, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries are bound by, and no Company Intellectual Property is subject to, any Contract containing any covenant or other provision that in any material way limits or restricts the ability of the Company or any Subsidiaries to use, exploit, assert, or enforce any Company Intellectual Property currently, or immediately after the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder (except, with respect to Licensed Intellectual Property, the rights of the licensors).
(c) Except as identified in Section 4.16(c) of the Company Schedules, the Company exclusively owns all right, title, and interest to and in the Registered IP included within the Owned Intellectual Property, free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens. Except as identified in Section 4.16(c) of the Company Schedules, each Person who is or was an employee, contractor or consultant of the Company or its Subsidiaries and who is or was involved in the creation, discovery, reduction to practice, or development of any Owned Intellectual Property has signed a valid, enforceable written employment or consulting agreement presently assigning all right, title and interest in and to such Owned Intellectual Property to Company and confidentiality provisions protecting trade secrets and confidential information of the Company, except where failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no current or former member, officer, director, or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries has any claim, right (whether or not currently exercisable), or interest to or in any Owned Intellectual Property. No employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is, to the Knowledge of the Company, (i) bound by or otherwise subject to any Contract restricting him or her from performing his or her duties for the Company or (ii) in breach of any Contract with any former employer or other Person concerning Owned Intellectual Property or confidentiality provisions protecting trade secrets and confidential information comprising Owned Intellectual Property.
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(d) To the Knowledge of the Company, no funding, facilities, or personnel of any Governmental Authority were used, directly or indirectly, to develop or create, in whole or in part, any Company Intellectual Property, and no Governmental Authority or educational institution has any right to, or right to royalties for, or to impose any requirement on the manufacture or commercialization of any product incorporating, any Company Intellectual Property.
(e) To the Knowledge of the Company: (i) the operation of the Company Retained Business, and the manufacture, marketing, sale, offering for sale, importation, use or intended use or other disposal of any product as currently sold or under development by the Company in connection with the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted, does not infringe, misappropriate, dilute or otherwise violate, and since January 1, 2021, has not infringed, misappropriated, diluted or otherwise violated, any third-party Intellectual Property and (ii) no third party is infringing, misappropriating, diluting or otherwise violating, and no third party has infringed, misappropriated, diluted or otherwise violated since January 1, 2021, any Company Intellectual Property.
(f) As of the date hereof, there is no Action (excluding investigations unbeknownst to Company) pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened (including “cease and desist” letters or invitations to take a license) in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (i) challenging the ownership, validity, registrability, patentability, or enforceability of the Company Intellectual Property (excluding office actions and similar ex-parte proceedings in connection with the prosecution of applications for the registration or issuance of any Intellectual Property) or (ii) asserting that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated, diluted or otherwise violated any third-party Intellectual Property since January 1, 2021.
(g) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has taken commercially reasonable measures to protect and maintain (i) the confidentiality of all material confidential information that the Company and its Subsidiaries hold as a trade secret, and (ii) its ownership of, or rights in, all Company Intellectual Property. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has made any of its trade secrets or other material confidential or proprietary information that it intended to maintain as confidential information (including source code of any Company Software) available to any other Person except pursuant to written agreements requiring such Person to maintain the confidentiality of such confidential information except where failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.17 Data Protection.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and in the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries: (i) have been in compliance in all material respects with (A) all Privacy Laws; (B) Privacy Policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and (C) contractual requirements relating to the Company’s and Subsidiaries’ Processing of Personal Information (collectively, the “Privacy Commitments”); and (ii) have not been subject to any Action by any Governmental Authority relating to any Privacy Commitments. The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken all necessary and appropriate steps to ensure that all IT Systems, and Personal Information and Business Data Processed by the Company and its Subsidiaries, is protected in all material respects against loss or unauthorized Processing. In the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been no material loss, theft or unauthorized access to or misuse of any Personal Information.
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained written agreements from all subcontractors to which the Company and its Subsidiaries have provided or disclosed Personal Information or other Business Data that satisfy the requirements of applicable Privacy Commitments, and to the Knowledge of the Company, no such subcontractor is in material breach of any such agreement.
(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written requests, complaints or objections: (i) to its Processing of Personal Information or Business Data; or (ii) relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries compliance with any Privacy Commitment, from any Person. No Person has been awarded compensation from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any Privacy Commitments, and no written claim for such compensation is outstanding.
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(d) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries sells, rents or otherwise makes available to any Person any Personal Information, except in a manner that complies in all material respects with all Privacy Commitments. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transaction contemplated herein comply, and will comply with all Privacy Commitments.
(e) To the extent applicable, the Company and its Subsidiaries have all necessary authority, rights, consents and authorizations to Process any Personal Information or other Business Data maintained by or for the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with the operation of the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted.
4.18 Information Technology.
(a) The IT Systems operate and perform, and at all times during the past three (3) years, have operated and performed, as required in connection with the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted, free and clear from material bugs and other defects and have not experienced any material malfunctions or failures in the past three (3) years which have caused the IT Systems to be unavailable to the Company and its Subsidiaries and which have not been remedied in all material respects.
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented with respect to the IT Systems commercially reasonable backup, security and disaster recovery technology consistent with industry practices for a similar business to the Company Retained Business.
(c) At all times during the past three (3) years, there has been no security breach or unauthorized access to, or use of, the IT Systems, which has resulted in the unauthorized Processing of Personal Information or Business Data contained therein (“Security Incident”), nor any under internal review or investigation relating to the same. To the Knowledge of the Company, no subcontractor of the Company and its Subsidiaries has experienced any Security Incident or made or has been required to make any disclosure, notification or take any other action under any Privacy Commitment in connection with any Security Incident with respect to any Personal Information or other Business Data Processed by the subcontractor for or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
4.19 Real Property.
(a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries currently owns or has ever owned any land or other real property.
(b) [Reserved];
(c) Schedule 4.19(c) contains a complete and accurate list by property, city, state and country, of all land and real property leasehold or subleasehold estates and other rights to use or occupy any interest in land or real property held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement (the “Leased Company Properties”). The Leased Company Properties are the only properties used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in, or otherwise related to, the Company Retained Business as of the date of this Agreement, and subject to any permitted action pursuant to Section 6.01, as of the Closing Date. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries have legal, valid, good and marketable title to the Leased Company Properties. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries are the sole legal and beneficial owner of (or is solely legally and beneficially entitled to) a leasehold interest in, or a right to use or occupy, the Leased Company Properties. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.18(c), neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have leased or otherwise granted to any Person the right to use or occupy any Leased Company Properties or any portion thereof.
(d) Schedule 4.19(d) contains a complete and accurate list and description of all leases, subleases, licenses, concessions, and other Contracts, agreements and leasehold or land use arrangements and all related supplemental or ancillary documents pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries leases, licenses, subleases or otherwise occupies any Leased Company Property on the date hereof, except for any leases or licenses which arrange for a temporary occupancy arrangement of less than six months (collectively, the “Lease Documents”). The Company has delivered to Acquiror a true and complete copy of each such Lease Document. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party to any Lease Document is in material breach or material default under such Lease Document, nor has any event occurred which with notice or the passage of time or both would constitute a breach or default under any Lease Document.
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(e) To the Knowledge of the Company, each Lease Document is a written agreement in full force and effect, is valid, binding and enforceable, subject to proper authorization and execution of each Lease Document by the other parties thereto. The Company and its Subsidiaries have paid the rent and all other sums that are due and payable under such Lease Documents and there are no material arrears nor any sums which have been waived, deferred or accelerated, and no rent reviews are outstanding, in progress nor have been deferred. All consents, permits and approvals required for the grant of each Lease Document have been obtained and complied with in all material respects.
(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, there exists no restrictions, covenants or encumbrances which prevent any of the Leased Company Properties from being used now or in the future for their current use and at materially the same cost as at present or would prevent or require consent from a third party as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or would be material and adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as set forth on Schedule 4.19(f).
(g) There are no outstanding options, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal to purchase any Leased Company Properties or any portion thereof or interest therein (which are binding on or in favor of the Company or a Subsidiary). There are no Contracts relating to the right to receive any portion of the income or profits from the sale, operation or development of any Leased Company Properties or any portion thereof or interest therein. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or option to purchase any land or real property or interest therein, nor is in the process of negotiating any such agreement or option to purchase as at the date of this Agreement.
(h) To the Knowledge of the Company, as of the date hereof, each Leased Company Property and any structures built on them comply with all applicable Laws, the current use of each Leased Company Property is the lawful use, no Leased Company Property is subject to any restrictions relating to flood zoning limiting its use in any material respect, and there are no material outstanding or threatened disputes, actions, claims, demands, adverse notices or complaints to which the Company or its Subsidiaries has received notice or is a party in respect of any of the Leased Company Properties.
(i) As of the date hereof, there are no pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, material appropriation, condemnation, eminent domain, compulsory purchase or like proceedings relating to the whole or any part of any Leased Company Properties.
(j) Each Leased Company Property is adequately served by permanent drainage, sewage, water, electricity and gas services and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no imminent or likely interruption of the passage or provision of such services; and the principle means of access to each Leased Company Property is over a publicly maintained highway and no means of access is subject to rights of determination by any other party.
(k) No material item of expenditure in respect of works carried out at any Leased Company Properties by the Company or its Subsidiaries is outstanding. To the Knowledge of the Company, no material item of expenditure is expected to be incurred within the next 24 months in relation to the Leased Company Properties by the Company or its Subsidiaries, nor by the landlord of any Leased Company Properties which is recoverable from or payable by, in whole or part, the Company or its Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiaries have, in the past 12 months, received an adverse report in connection with the state and condition of any Leased Company Property.
(l) To the Knowledge of the Company, for so long as the Leased Company Properties have been occupied or used by the Company or its Subsidiaries, none of the Leased Company Properties have suffered from flooding, subsidence, heave, landslip, mining activities, infestation or major defects in drains and services serving Leased Company Properties, and no casualty event has occurred with respect to the Leased Company Property that has not been fully remedied.
(m) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiaries have any actual or contingent liability in respect of previously owned, leased, licensed, used or occupied land or buildings.
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4.20 Corrupt Practices; Sanctions.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20(a), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of its Representatives have directly or indirectly paid, offered or promised to pay, or authorized or ratified the payment, directly or indirectly, of any monies or anything of value to any national, provincial, municipal or other Government Official or any political party or candidate for political office for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of such official or of any Governmental Authority to obtain or retain business, or direct business to any Person or to secure any other improper benefit or advantage in each case in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws. The Company (x) has instituted policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Anti-Corruption Laws and other anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering Laws in each jurisdiction in which the Company operates and (y) has maintained such policies and procedures in force. No Government Official nor any of his or her immediate family members is an officer or director or owns any securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(b) Neither the Company or its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of its Representatives, has, or is presently or has agreed to become, engaged in any conduct that violates any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws.
(c) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is conducting and has not conducted, directly or indirectly, any business (including, without limitation, sales, reselling, licensing or sub-licensing arrangements, funding, making payments, procuring, insurance or otherwise providing assistance or support in connection with operations, business or any other activity) with or for the direct or indirect benefit of or on behalf of any Sanctioned Person, nor otherwise violated any applicable Sanctions or Ex-Im Law.
(d) Neither the Company nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or to the Knowledge of the Company, any other Persons acting for or on behalf of any of the foregoing is, or has been, a Sanctioned Person.
(e) There is no current investigation, allegation, request for information, or any other inquiry by any Governmental Authority regarding the actual or possible violation of Sanctions by the Company, and over the past five years, the Company has not received any notice that there is any investigation, allegation, request for information, or any other inquiry by any Governmental Authority regarding an actual or possible violation of Sanctions.
4.21 Competition and Trade Regulation.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries have been and currently are in compliance with relevant Sanctions and Ex-Im Laws and regulations in jurisdictions in which the Company and its Subsidiaries do business or to which the Company and its Subsidiaries are otherwise subject, including the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the Export Administration Regulations and United States sanctions Laws and regulations administered by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The Company also has policies and procedures in place designed to ensure compliance with the applicable Sanctions and Ex-Im Laws and are following such policies and procedures.
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Antitrust Laws in all material respects. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is not nor has been a party to or is or has been concerned in any agreement or arrangement with a Governmental Authority under any anti-trust, competition or similar legislation in any jurisdiction in which the Company or its Subsidiaries has assets or carries or intends to carry on business or where its activities may have an effect.
4.22 Environmental Matters.
(a) To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company and its Subsidiaries are and, over the past three (3) years have been, in compliance in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and, without limiting the foregoing, all Company Permits required under Environmental Laws in connection with the operation of the Company Retained Business or the Leased Company Properties, which Company Permits have been obtained by the Company and its Subsidiaries and are current and valid;
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(b) there are no Actions pending, or to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, against the Company or its Subsidiaries, and neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has received any written notification of, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, is the Company or its Subsidiaries otherwise responsible for any material violation of or material liability under, Environmental Laws, including for the contamination by or manufacture, generation, storage, treatment, use, transportation, disposal, Release or threatened Release at any location of, or exposure of any Person to, any Hazardous Material, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to form the basis of such an Action;
(c) there have been no Releases of any Hazardous Materials at, on, under, or from the current or former Leased Company Properties, or to the Knowledge of the Company, any third-party property in quantities that have triggered or could trigger the need for investigation, remediation, removal, cleanup or monitoring of Hazardous Materials pursuant to Environmental Laws;
(d) to the Knowledge of the Company, no material Liens pursuant to Environmental Laws have been imposed on the Leased Company Properties, and to the Knowledge of the Company, no such Liens have been threatened;
(e) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any Contract or other binding agreement pursuant to which it has retained or assumed any material liabilities or material obligations of any other Person arising under Environmental Laws; and
(f) the Company has furnished to Acquiror copies of all material environmental reports, assessments, audits, inspections and any communications or notices from or to any Governmental Authority concerning any material non-compliance of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with, or material liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, Environmental Law or any Company Permits required under Environmental Law in its possession relating to the past or current operations or facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
4.23 Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person, other than those set out in Schedule 4.23, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to an engagement letter entered into therewith, is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
4.24 Affiliate Agreements. After taking into account the effects of the Internal Reorganization and the Distribution, except (a) as contemplated by the Separation Agreement and (b) as set forth on Schedule 4.24, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is a party to any transaction, agreement, arrangement or understanding with any (i) present or former executive officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) beneficial owner (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of 5% or more of the capital stock or equity interests of Acquiror, Merger Sub or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) Affiliate, “associate” or member of the “immediate family” (as such terms are respectively defined in Rules 12b-2 and 16a-1 of the Exchange Act) of any of the foregoing.
4.25 Insurance. Schedule 4.25 sets forth a true and complete list of the material current insurance policies or binders of fire, liability, umbrella liability, real and personal property, workers’ compensation, vehicular, directors’ and officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other casualty and property insurance and other material policies or binders maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries (the “Insurance Policies”). To the Knowledge of the Company, there are no events, circumstances or other liabilities that give rise to a claim under the Insurance Policies in an amount of $500,000 or more. Except as has not had or would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Insurance Policies are in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, and the limits thereunder have not been impaired, exhausted or materially diminished. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of cancellation of, of a material premium increase (relative to others in the industry in which the Company operates) with respect to, or of a material alteration of coverage under, any Insurance Policy. Except as has not had or would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all of the Insurance Policies (i) are valid and binding in accordance with their terms, subject to Enforceability Exceptions and (ii) have not been subject to any lapse in coverage. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.25, there are no material claims related to the Company or its Subsidiaries or the assets, business, operations, employees, officers and directors of the Company or its Subsidiaries pending under any such Insurance Policies as to which coverage has been denied or disputed or in respect of which there is an outstanding reservation of rights.
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4.26 FDA and Health Care Regulatory Matters.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and for the past three (3) years have been, in material compliance with all applicable Health Care Laws. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice or other written communication from any Governmental Authority alleging any material violation of any applicable Health Care Law that remains unresolved. There are no investigations, suits, claims, actions or proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Company Retained Business or alleging any material violation by the Company of any such applicable Health Care Law. None of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of its respective directors, officers, and employees or, to the Knowledge of the Company, agents, are a party to or has any ongoing reporting obligations pursuant to any corporate integrity agreement, deferred or non-prosecution agreement, monitoring agreement, consent decree, settlement order, plan of correction or similar agreement imposed by any Governmental Authority.
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries hold, and are operating in material compliance with, such Permits of the FDA and any similar Governmental Authority required for the conduct of the Company Retained Business, as currently conducted (collectively, the “FDA Permits”). The Company and its Subsidiaries have fulfilled and performed all of their material obligations with respect to the FDA Permits, and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or results in any other material impairment of the rights of the holder of any FDA Permit.
(c) The clinical, pre-clinical and other studies and tests conducted by or on behalf of or sponsored by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or in which the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or their products or product candidates have participated were and, if still pending, are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all applicable Health Care Laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and its applicable implementing regulations at 21 C.F.R. Parts 50, 54, 56, 58 and 312. Except to the extent disclosed on Schedule 4.26(c), no investigational new drug application filed by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries with the FDA has been terminated or suspended by the FDA, and neither the FDA nor any other Governmental Authority has commenced, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened to initiate, any action to place a clinical hold order on, or otherwise terminate, delay or suspend, any proposed or ongoing clinical investigation conducted or proposed to be conducted by or on behalf of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries.
(d) None of the Company or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has during the past three (3) years, with respect to any Company product related to the Company Retained Business: (i) been subject to a shutdown or import or export prohibition imposed by any Governmental Authority; or (ii) received any FDA Form 483, or other written notice of inspectional observations, “warning letters,” “untitled letters” or any similar written correspondence from any Governmental Authority in respect of such entity or the Company Retained Business, alleging or asserting material noncompliance with any applicable Health Care Law or Permit, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no Governmental Authority has threatened such action.
(e) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (i) made an untrue statement of a material fact or fraudulent statement to any Governmental Authority, (ii) failed to disclose a material fact required to be disclosed to any Governmental Authority or (iii) committed an act, made a disclosure, or failed to commit an act or make a disclosure, including with respect to any scientific data or information, that, at the time of such action, failure to act, disclosure or failure to disclose (as applicable), would reasonably be expected to provide a basis for the FDA to invoke its policy respecting “Fraud, Untrue Statements of Material Facts, Bribery, and Illegal Gratuities,” set forth in 56 Fed. Reg. 46191 (September 10, 1991), and any amendments thereto, or for the FDA or any other Governmental Authority to invoke any similar policy. None of Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or, to the Knowledge of the Company, agents, is or has been (i) excluded, suspended or debarred from participation in any U.S. federal health care program or (ii) subject to a governmental inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or other similar action, or convicted of any crime or engaged in any conduct that has resulted in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, debarment from participation in any program related to pharmaceutical products pursuant to 21 U.S.C. Section 335a (a) or (b) or debarment, suspension or exclusion from participation in any federal health care program.
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4.27 COVID-19. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.27, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have participated in the federal Paycheck Protection Program or sought material benefits or relief thereunder.
4.28 No Other Representations or Warranties. The representations and warranties made by the Company in this Article IV are the exclusive representations and warranties made by the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives. Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article IV, neither the Company nor any other Person has made or makes any other express or implied representation or warranty, either written or oral, on behalf of the Company, to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding the Company available to the other parties or their respective Representatives and expressly disclaims any such other representations or warranties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company, its Affiliate and each of their respective Representative has not made and does not make any express or implied representation or warranty, either written or oral, with respect to the Company. In particular, without limiting the foregoing, neither the Company nor any other Person makes or has made any representation or warranty to the other parties hereto, and shall have no liability in respect of, (a) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to the Company or (b) any oral or, except for the representations and warranties expressly made by the Company in this Article IV, written information made available to the other parties hereto in the course of their evaluation of the Company and the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the Transactions.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF ACQUIROR AND MERGER SUB
Except as set forth in the Schedules to this Agreement (each of which qualifies (a) the correspondingly numbered representation, warranty or covenant if specified therein and (b) such other representations, warranties or covenants where its relevance as an exception to (or disclosure for purposes of) such other representation, warranty or covenant is reasonably apparent on its face) or in the Acquiror SEC Reports filed or furnished by Acquiror on or after January 14, 2022 (excluding (x) any disclosures in such Acquiror SEC Reports under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” or “Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and other disclosures that are predictive, cautionary or forward looking in nature and (y) any exhibits or other documents appended thereto) (it being acknowledged that nothing disclosed in such Acquiror SEC Reports will be deemed to modify or qualify the representations and warranties set forth (i) in Section 5.01, Section 5.02, Section 5.06, Section 5.07 and Section 5.13, or (ii) in the case of Acquiror and Merger Sub, in the disclosure letter delivered by Acquiror and Merger Sub to the Company), each of Acquiror and Merger Sub represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
5.01 Organization, Standing and Corporate Power.
(a) Acquiror is an entity duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the CACI (and following the Redomicile, shall be an entity duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the DGCL), and has all requisite legal entity power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. Acquiror is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership, leasing or operation of its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of Acquiror to consummate the Transactions or be material and adverse to Acquiror.
(b) Merger Sub is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of Delaware, with full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder. Other than the Merger Sub, Acquiror has no other Subsidiaries or any equity or other interests in any other Person.
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5.02 Corporate Authority; Approval; Non-Contravention.
(a) Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate or other legal entity power and authority, and has taken all corporate or other legal entity action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and, subject to satisfaction of the conditions to Closing contemplated hereby and the adoption of this Agreement by Acquiror as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, to consummate the Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance by Acquiror and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party, and the consummation by it of the Transactions, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate or other consent and authorizations on the part of Acquiror and Merger Sub, and no other corporate or other actions on the part of Acquiror or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by Acquiror or Merger Sub of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation by it of the Transactions, in each case, subject to receipt of the Acquiror Shareholder Approvals and the adoption of this Agreement by Acquiror as sole stockholder of Merger Sub. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Acquiror and Xxxxxx Sub and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other parties, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Acquiror and Merger Sub, enforceable against Acquiror and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms (subject to the Enforceability Exceptions).
(b) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which Acquiror and/or Merger Sub is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, and (in the case of Acquiror) subject to receipt of the Acquiror Shareholder Approvals, do not, and will not, constitute or result in (i) a breach or violation of, or a default under, the Acquiror Organizational Documents or any organizational documents of Merger Sub or (ii) with or without notice, lapse of time or both, a breach or violation of, a termination (or right of termination) of or default under, the creation or acceleration of any obligations under or the creation of a Lien on any of the assets of Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates pursuant to, any Contract to which Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates is a party or, assuming (solely with respect to performance of this Agreement and consummation of the Transactions) compliance with the matters referred to in Section 5.02(a), under any Law to which Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates is subject, except (in the case of clause (ii) above) for such violations, breaches or defaults which has not had or would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into, perform its obligations under this Agreement and consummate the Transactions.
(c) The Acquiror Support Agreement executed and delivered contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Xxxxxxxx and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other parties, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Acquiror and, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, the other parties thereto, enforceable against Acquiror and the other parties thereto in accordance with its terms (subject to the Enforceability Exceptions).
5.03 Litigation.
(a) Neither Acquiror nor, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, any of its officers, in their capacities as such, is the subject of or engaged in any material Action before a Governmental Authority, arbitration or other dispute resolution process before a third party unrelated to the dispute, whether as claimant, defendant or otherwise, and no such litigation, arbitration or dispute resolution process is pending or threatened in writing on the date hereof, in each case, that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into, perform its obligations under this Agreement and consummate the Transactions. As of the date hereof, Acquiror is not, nor to the Knowledge of Acquiror is any of its officers, in their capacities as such, subject to any settlement agreements or arrangements, whether written or oral, or is in discussions for a settlement or arrangement, regarding any material disputes or material claims.
(b) As of the date of this Agreement, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub is a party to or subject to the provisions of any outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree or award of any Governmental Authority (except if generally applicable without Acquiror or a Merger Sub being named therein) that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into, perform its obligations under this Agreement and consummate the Transactions.
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5.04 Compliance with Laws. Acquiror and Merger Sub are, and since their respective dates of incorporation, have been, operating in all material respects in a manner that is customary for businesses similar to Acquiror and Merger Sub, and each of Acquiror and Merger Sub is conducting and, since their respective dates of incorporation, has conducted its business in material compliance with all Laws.
5.05 Employee Benefit Plans. Except as may be contemplated by the Acquiror Equity Plan Proposal, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub maintains, contributes to or has any obligation or liability, or could reasonably be expected to have any obligation or liability, under, any Benefit Plan with respect to which Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates have any remaining obligations or liabilities and neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or in combination with another event) will (i) result in any payment (including severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any stockholder, director, officer or employee of Acquiror or Merger Sub, or (ii) result in the acceleration, vesting or creation of any rights of any stockholder, director, officer or employee of Acquiror or Merger Sub to payments or benefits or increases in any existing payments or benefits or any loan forgiveness.
5.06 Financial Ability; Trust Account.
(a) As of the date hereof, the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated January 11, 2022, by and between Acquiror and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York corporation, acting as trustee (the “Trustee”) (the “Trust Agreement”), in connection with the trust account at X.X. Xxxxxx Xxxxx Bank, N.A. (the “Trust Account”), maintained by the Trustee, is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Acquiror and, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, the Trustee, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity. Except solely to the extent necessary in connection with an Extension Proxy Statement, an Extension Proposal, an Extension Meeting or the approval of an Extension Proposal, the Trust Agreement has not been terminated, repudiated, rescinded, amended or supplemented or modified, in any respect, and, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, no such termination, repudiation, rescission, amendment, supplement or modification is contemplated. To the Knowledge of Acquiror, there are no side letters and there are no agreements, Contracts, arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, with the Trustee or any other Person that would (i) cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the Acquiror SEC Reports to be inaccurate or (ii) entitle any Person (other than any Acquiror Shareholder who is a Redeeming Shareholder) to any portion of the proceeds 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, Acquiror Organizational Documents and Acquiror’s final prospectus dated January 11, 2022, as amended. 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 of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Acquiror 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. There are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, threatened with respect to the Trust Account. Since January 14, 2022, Xxxxxxxx has not released any money from the Trust Account (other than interest income earned on the principal held in the Trust Account to pay the tax obligations of the Acquiror as permitted by the Trust Agreement or in connection with payments to Redeeming Shareholders). As of the Effective Time, the obligations of Acquiror to dissolve or liquidate pursuant to the Acquiror Organizational Documents shall terminate, and, as of the Effective Time, Acquiror shall have no obligation whatsoever pursuant to the Acquiror Organizational Documents to dissolve and liquidate the assets of Acquiror by reason of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Following the Effective Time, no Acquiror Shareholder shall be entitled to receive any amount from the Trust Account except to the extent such Acquiror Shareholder is a Redeeming Shareholder and solely to the extent receipt of any such amount is for an Acquiror Share Redemption.
(b) As of the date hereof, Acquiror does not have, or have any present intention, agreement, arrangement or understanding to enter into or incur, any obligations with respect to or under any Indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000, excluding any Working Capital Loans.
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5.07 Taxes.
(a) Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub has filed with the appropriate Tax Authority, or has caused to be filed on its behalf (taking into account any valid extension of time within which to file), all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it, and all such Tax Returns were and are true, correct and complete in all material respects. Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub has paid all material Taxes due and payable (whether or not shown on any Tax Return). No written claim has ever been made by a Tax Authority in a jurisdiction where Acquiror or Merger Sub does not files a Tax Return that such entity is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction in respect of Taxes that would be covered by or the subject of such Tax Return.
(b) Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub, as applicable, has (i) withheld all Taxes required to have been withheld by it in connection with amounts paid to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or any other third party, and (ii) remitted such amounts required to have been remitted to the appropriate Tax Authority, except where such failure would not reasonably be expected to result in a material liability.
(c) No claim, assessment, deficiency or proposed adjustment for any amount of Tax has been asserted or assessed in writing by any Tax Authority against Acquiror or Merger Sub that remains unresolved or unpaid. There is no Tax audit or other examination of Acquiror or Merger Sub presently in progress, and there are no waivers, extensions or requests for any waivers or extensions of any statute of limitations currently in effect with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns of Acquiror or Merger Sub, nor has any request been made in writing for any such extension or waiver.
(d) Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub is or has been (i) a party to any Tax sharing, indemnification, allocation or similar agreement or arrangement (excluding any commercial Contract entered into in the ordinary course of business and not primarily related to Taxes), (ii) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group for income tax purposes (other than any such Tax group the common parent of which was Acquiror), or (iii) a party to any “listed transaction” under Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2) (or any similar or corresponding provision of state, local or foreign Law).
(e) Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub has any liability for Taxes of any other Person (other than any such Tax group the common parent of which is Acquiror) as a result of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by operation of Law, by Contract or otherwise.
(f) Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub has distributed stock of another Person, or had its stock distributed by another Person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code (or so much of Section 356 of the Code as relates to Section 355 of the Code).
(g) Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub has taken any action, nor to the Knowledge of Acquiror are there any facts or circumstances, that would reasonably be expected to impede or prevent the Intended Tax Treatment.
(h) There are no Liens with respect to Taxes on any of the assets of Acquiror or Merger Sub, other than Permitted Liens.
(i) Merger Sub has been classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes at all times since its formation, and there is no election pending to treat Merger Sub as other than a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
5.08 Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other Person, other than those set out in Schedule 5.08, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by Acquiror or Merger Sub pursuant to an engagement letter entered into therewith, is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Acquiror, Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates.
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5.09 Acquiror SEC Reports; Financial Statements; Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act.
(a) Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.09(a) hereto, Acquiror has filed in a timely manner all required registration statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since January 11, 2022 (collectively, as they have been amended since the time of their filing and including all exhibits thereto, the “Acquiror SEC Reports”). Except as set forth on Schedule 5.09(a) hereto, none of the Acquiror SEC Reports, as of their respective dates (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date, then on the date of such filing), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.09(a) hereto, the audited financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements (including, in each case, the notes and schedules thereto) included in the Acquiror SEC Reports complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC), and fairly present (subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements included therein, to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of complete footnotes) in all material respects the financial position of Acquiror as of the respective dates thereof and the results of their operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended.
(b) Acquiror has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to Acquiror and other material information required to be disclosed by Acquiror in the reports and other documents that it files or furnishes under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such material information is accumulated and communicated to Acquiror’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act. Such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting Xxxxxxxx’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to material information required to be included in Acquiror’s periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.
(c) Acquiror has established and maintained a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Such internal controls are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of Acquiror’s financial reporting and the preparation of Acquiror’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
(d) There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by Acquiror to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of Acquiror. Acquiror has not taken any action prohibited by Section 402 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act.
(e) Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.09(e), neither Acquiror (including any employee thereof) nor Acquiror’s independent auditors has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by Acquiror, (ii) any Fraud, whether or not material, that involves Acquiror’s management or other employees who have a role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by Acquiror or (iii) any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.
(f) To the Knowledge of Acquiror, as of the date hereof, there are no outstanding SEC comments from the SEC with respect to the Acquiror SEC Reports. To the Knowledge of Acquiror, none of the Acquiror SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date hereof.
(g) Each director and executive officer of Xxxxxxxx has filed with the SEC on a timely basis all statements required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
5.10 Business Activities; Absence of Changes.
(a) Since its incorporation, Acquiror has not conducted any business activities other than activities directed toward the accomplishment of a Business Combination. Except as set forth in the Acquiror Organizational Documents, there is no agreement, commitment or Governmental Order binding upon Acquiror or to which Acquiror is a party which has had or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice of Acquiror or any acquisition of property by Acquiror or the conduct of business by Acquiror as currently conducted or as contemplated to be conducted as of the Closing other than such effects, individually or in the aggregate, which have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into, perform its obligations under this Agreement and consummate the Transactions.
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(b) Acquiror does not own or have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment (whether equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, trust or other entity. Except for this Agreement and the Transactions, Acquiror has no interests, rights, obligations or liabilities with respect to, and is not party to, bound by or has its assets or property subject to, in each case whether directly or indirectly, any Contract or transaction which is, or could reasonably be interpreted as constituting, a Business Combination.
(c) Except for (i) this Agreement and the agreements expressly contemplated hereby (including any agreements permitted by Section 7.03), (ii) as set forth on Schedule 5.10(c) and (iii) with respect to fees and expenses of Acquiror’s legal, financial and other advisors, Acquiror is not party to any Contract with any other Person that would require payments by Acquiror in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate with respect to any individual Contract or when taken together with all other Contracts (other than this Agreement and the agreements expressly contemplated hereby (including any agreements permitted by Section 7.03) and Contracts set forth on Schedule 5.10(c)).
(d) Except for any Indebtedness incurred by Acquiror or a Merger Sub with the consent of the Company as a result of or in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, there is no liability, debt or obligation against Acquiror or Merger Sub, except for liabilities and obligations (i) reflected or reserved for on Acquiror’s consolidated balance sheet for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023 or disclosed in the notes thereto (other than any such liabilities not reflected, reserved or disclosed as are not and would not be, in the aggregate, material to Acquiror and the Merger Sub, taken as a whole), (ii) that have arisen since the date of Acquiror’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 in the ordinary course of the operation of business (including Working Capital Loans) of Acquiror and the Merger Sub (other than any such liabilities as are not and would not be, in the aggregate, material to Acquiror and the Merger Sub, taken as a whole) or (iii) disclosed in Schedule 5.10(d).
(e) Since its organization, the Merger Sub has not conducted any business activities other than activities directed toward the accomplishment of the Merger.
(f) Except as set forth in the Merger Sub’s organizational documents, there is no agreement, commitment, or Governmental Order binding upon Merger Sub or to which Merger Sub is a party which has had or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice of Merger Sub or any acquisition of property by Xxxxxx Sub or the conduct of business by Xxxxxx Sub as currently conducted or as contemplated to be conducted as of the Closing other than such effects, individually or in the aggregate, which have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Merger Sub to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(g) Merger Sub does not own or have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment (whether equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, trust or other entity.
(h) Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of effecting the Merger and has not engaged in any business activities or conducted any operations other than in connection with the Merger and has no, and at all times prior to the Effective Time except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, will have no, assets, liabilities or obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever other than those incident to its formation.
(i) Since the date of Acquiror’s incorporation, there has not been any change, development, condition, occurrence, event or effect relating to Acquiror or Merger Sub that, individually or in the aggregate, resulted in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a material adverse effect on the ability of Acquiror or Merger Sub to enter into, perform its obligations under this Agreement and consummate the Transactions.
5.11 Registration Statement. As of the time the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, the Registration Statement (together with any amendments or supplements thereto) will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that Acquiror makes no representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to Acquiror by or on behalf of the Company specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement.
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5.12 No Outside Reliance. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article V or any other provision hereof, Acquiror and its Affiliates and any of its and their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, members or Representatives, acknowledge and agree that Acquiror has made its own investigation of the Company and that neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, members, agents or Representatives is making any representation or warranty whatsoever, express or implied, beyond those expressly given by the Company in Article IV or any certificate delivered in accordance with Section 9.02(c), including any implied warranty or representation as to condition, merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose or trade as to any of the assets of the Company, and each of Acquiror and Merger Sub, on its own behalf and on behalf of their Affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, partnership, members or Representatives, disclaim reliance on any representations and warranties, express or implied, other than those expressly given by the Company in Article IV or any certificate delivered in accordance with Section 9.02(c). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is understood that any cost or other estimates, financial or other projections or other predictions that may be contained or referred to in the Schedules or elsewhere, as well as any information, documents or other materials (including any such materials contained in any “data room” (whether or not accessed by Acquiror or its Representatives) or reviewed by Acquiror pursuant to the Confidentiality Agreement) or management presentations that have been or shall hereafter be provided to Acquiror or any of its Affiliates, agents or Representatives are not and will not be deemed to be representations or warranties of the Company, and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the foregoing except as may be expressly set forth in Article IV of this Agreement or any certificate delivered in accordance with Section 9.02(c). Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, Acquiror understands and agrees that any assets, properties and business of the Company are furnished “as is”, “where is” and subject to and except as otherwise provided in the representations and warranties contained in Article IV or any certificate delivered in accordance with Section 9.02(c), with all faults and without any other representation or warranty of any nature whatsoever.
5.13 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized share capital of Acquiror consists of (i) 500,000,000 Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares, of which (A) 5,209,190 Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, (B) 576,500 Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of 576,500 outstanding Existing Acquiror Private Placement Warrants as of the date of this Agreement, at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, (C) 15,000,000 Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of 15,000,000 outstanding Existing Acquiror Public Warrants as of the date of this Agreement, at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, and (D) 10,000,000 Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares are reserved for issuance upon the conversion of Acquiror Class B Ordinary Shares, (ii) 50,000,000 Acquiror Class B Ordinary Shares, of which 10,000,000 Acquiror Class B Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding, and (iii) 1,000,000 preference shares of Acquiror, par value $0.0001, none of which are issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding Acquiror Ordinary Shares (w) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, (x) were offered, sold and issued in compliance with applicable Law and the Acquiror Organizational Documents, (y) were not issued in breach or violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right, or any similar right under any applicable Law, Acquiror Organizational Document or Contract and (z) are fully vested and not otherwise subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture within the meaning of Code Section 83. The total amount in the Trust Account as of the date of this Agreement is at least $43,001,518.57.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of the Warrant Agreement, as of immediately after the Closing, each Acquiror Warrant will be exercisable, after giving effect to the Merger, for one share of Acquiror Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, beginning 30 days after the Closing. All outstanding Acquiror Warrants (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and constitute valid and binding obligations of Acquiror, enforceable against Acquiror in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, (ii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance with applicable Law, including federal and state Securities Laws, and all requirements set forth in (A) the Acquiror Organizational Documents and (B) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such securities to which Acquiror is a party or otherwise bound and (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Acquiror Organizational Documents or any Contract to which Acquiror is a party or otherwise bound.
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(c) Except for this Agreement, the Acquiror Warrants, the Acquiror Class B Ordinary Shares, Working Capital Loans or as disclosed on Schedule 5.13(c), there are (i) no subscriptions, calls, options, warrants, rights, restricted stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Acquiror Ordinary Shares or the equity interests of Acquiror, or any other Contracts to which Acquiror is a party or by which Acquiror is bound obligating Acquiror to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, other equity interests in or debt securities of, Acquiror, and (ii) no equity equivalents, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock ownership interests or similar rights in Acquiror. Except as disclosed in the Acquiror SEC Reports or the Acquiror Organizational Documents, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of Acquiror to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any securities or equity interests of Acquiror. There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Acquiror having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which Acquiror Shareholders may vote. Except as disclosed in the Acquiror SEC Reports, there are no registration rights, and Acquiror is not a party to any stockholders agreement, voting agreement or registration rights agreement, rights plan, anti-takeover plan or similar agreements relating to Acquiror Ordinary Shares or any other equity interests of Acquiror. Other than the Merger Sub, Acquiror does not own any capital stock or any other equity interests in any other Person or has any right, option, warrant, conversion right, stock appreciation right, redemption right, repurchase right, agreement, arrangement or commitment of any character under which a Person is or may become obligated to issue or sell, or give any right to subscribe for or acquire, or in any way dispose of, any shares of the capital stock or other equity interests, or any securities or obligations exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into any shares of the capital stock or other equity interests, of such Person.
(d) As of the date hereof, the authorized share capital of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of which one share is issued and outstanding and beneficially held (and held of record) by Xxxxxxxx as of the date of this Agreement.
(e) Subject to approval of the Proposals, the Acquiror Common Stock to be issued by Acquiror in connection with the Transactions, upon issuance in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (i) will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, (ii) will have been issued in compliance with applicable Law and the Acquiror Organizational Documents, (iii) will not be subject to any preemptive rights of any other shareholder of Acquiror and (iv) will be capable of effectively vesting in the Company Stockholders title to all such securities, free and clear of all Liens (other than Liens arising pursuant to applicable Securities Laws).
5.14 NYSE Stock Market Quotation. As of the date hereof, the issued and outstanding Acquiror Public Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol “VCXB”. As of the date hereof, except for the Private Placement Units, the issued and outstanding units of Acquiror, each unit consisting of one Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share and one-half of one Acquiror Warrant, are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol “VCXB. U”. As of the date hereof, the issued and outstanding Acquiror Warrants are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol “VCXB WS”. As of the date hereof, except as disclosed on Schedule 5.14, Acquiror is in compliance in all material respects with the rules of the NYSE and there is no action or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, threatened against Acquiror by the NYSE, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares or Acquiror Warrants or terminate the listing of Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares or Acquiror Warrants on the NYSE. None of Acquiror or its Affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to terminate the registration of the Acquiror Class A Ordinary Shares or Acquiror Warrants under the Exchange Act. At the Closing, each then issued and outstanding unit of Acquiror, which consists of Acquiror Class A Ordinary Share and one-half of one Existing Acquiror Public Warrant, shall, to the extent not already split by the holder thereof, be separated and convert automatically into one share of Acquiror Common Stock and one-half of one Domesticated Acquiror Public Warrant.
5.15 Contracts; No Defaults.
(a) The Acquiror SEC Reports disclose every “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) (other than confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and this Agreement) to which, as of the date of this Agreement, Acquiror or Merger Sub is a party or by which any of their respective assets are bound (the “Acquiror Material Contracts”). True, correct and complete copies of the Acquiror Material Contracts have been delivered to or made available to the Company or its agents or Representatives.
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(b) Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub is, nor has it received written notice that any other party to any such Acquiror Material Contract is, in material violation or material breach of or material default (immediately or upon notice or lapse of time) under any such Acquiror Material Contract to which it is a party or any of its properties or other assets is subject. No such Acquiror Material Contract is the subject of a notice to terminate, except for any expiration of the term of such Contract following the date of this Agreement in accordance with its terms. Each Acquiror Material Contract is in full force and effect and, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, is legal, valid and binding on Acquiror or a Merger Sub, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, each other party thereto, except as would not be material and adverse to Acquiror and Merger Sub, taken as a whole. There is no default under any such Acquiror Material Contract by Acquiror or Merger Sub, or, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, any other party thereto, and no event has occurred that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default thereunder by Acquiror or Merger Sub, or, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, any other party thereto, in each case, except as would be material and adverse to Acquiror and Merger Sub, taken as a whole.
5.16 Title to Property. Neither the Acquiror nor Merger Sub (a) owns or leases any real or personal property or (b) is a party to any agreement or option to purchase any real property, personal property or other material interest therein.
5.17 Investment Company Act. Neither the Acquiror nor Merger Sub is an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.
5.18 Affiliate Agreements. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.18, neither of the Acquiror nor Merger Sub is a party to any transaction, agreement, arrangement or understanding with any (a) present or former executive officer or director of either of the Acquiror or Merger Sub, (b) beneficial owner (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of 5% or more of the capital stock or equity interests of Acquiror or (c) Affiliate, “associate” or member of the “immediate family” (as such terms are respectively defined in Rules 12b-2 and 16a-1 of the Exchange Act) of any of the foregoing (each of the foregoing, an “Acquiror Affiliate Agreement”).
5.19 Corrupt Practices.
(a) Since their respective dates of incorporation, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub, nor any of their respective Representatives, have directly or knowingly indirectly paid, offered or promised to pay, or authorized or ratified the payment, directly or knowingly indirectly, of any monies or anything of value to any national, provincial, municipal or other Government Official or any political party or candidate for political office for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of such official or of any Governmental Authority to obtain or retain business, or direct business to any person or to secure any other improper benefit or advantage in each case in violation in any material respect any Anti-Corruption Laws. Acquiror (x) has instituted policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Anti-Corruption Laws and other anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering Laws in each jurisdiction in which Acquiror operates and (y) has maintained such policies and procedures in force. To the Knowledge of Acquiror, no Government Official nor any of his or her immediate family members is an officer or director or owns any securities of Acquiror.
(b) Since their respective dates of incorporation, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub nor, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, any of their respective Representatives, has, or is presently or has agreed to become, engaged in any conduct that violates in any material respect any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws.
(c) Since their respective dates of incorporation, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub is conducting and has not conducted, directly or knowingly indirectly, any business (including, without limitation, sales, reselling, licensing or sub-licensing arrangements, funding, making payments, procuring, insurance or otherwise providing assistance or support in connection with operations, business or any other activity) with or for the benefit of or on behalf of any Sanctioned Person, nor otherwise violated any applicable Sanction or Ex-Im Law.
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5.20 Takeover Statutes and Charter Provisions. The Acquiror Board has, and represents that it has, and the Acquiror has taken all action necessary so that the restrictions on a “business combination” (as such term is used in Section 203 of the DGCL) contained in Section 203 of the DGCL or any similar restrictions under any foreign Laws will be inapplicable to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger and the issuance of the Merger Consideration. As of the date of the Redomicile and through the Effective Time, no “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition” or other anti-takeover statute or similar domestic or foreign Law applies with respect to Acquiror or Merger Sub in connection with this Agreement, the Merger, the issuance of the Merger Consideration or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby. As of the date of the Redomicile and through the Effective Time, there is no stockholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar anti-takeover agreement or plan in effect to which Acquiror or Merger Sub is subject, party or otherwise bound.
5.21 No Other Representations or Warranties. The representations and warranties made by Acquiror and Xxxxxx Sub in this Article V are the exclusive representations and warranties made by Acquiror, Merger Sub, their Affiliates, and their respective Representatives. Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article V, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub, nor any other Person, has made or makes any other express or implied representation or warranty, either written or oral, on behalf of Acquiror or Merger Sub, to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding Acquiror or Merger Sub available to the other parties or their respective Representatives and expressly disclaims any such other representations or warranties. Without limiting the foregoing, neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub, nor any other Person, makes or has made any representation or warranty to the other parties hereto with respect to, and shall have no liability in respect of, (a) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospect information relating to Acquiror or Merger Sub or (b) any oral or, except for the representations and warranties expressly made by Acquiror or a Merger Sub in this Article V, written information made available to the other parties hereto in the course of their evaluation of Acquiror and the Merger Sub and the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the Transactions.
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
6.01 Conduct of Business. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Interim Period”), the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, except as set forth on Schedule 6.01, as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, in connection with the Internal Reorganization and Distribution or as consented to by Acquiror in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), or as may be required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures), (i) use its commercially reasonable efforts to conduct and operate the Company Retained Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects, (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact the current business organization and Company Retained Business, and maintain the existing relations and goodwill of the Company and its Subsidiaries with customers, suppliers, distributors and creditors of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (iii) carry on the Company Retained Business in compliance in all respects with all applicable Laws, including without limitation, all applicable Health Care Laws, (iv) notify and consult with Acquiror prior to meeting with, or submitting any material correspondence to, the FDA or any other comparable Governmental Authority, other than routine correspondence as may be required in connection with any Permit and (v) use commercially reasonable efforts to keep available the services of its present officers; provided, that, in the case of each of the preceding clauses (i)-(v), during any period of full or partial suspension of operations related to COVID-19, or any similar national or international health concern, the Company may, in connection with therewith, take such actions in good faith as are reasonably necessary (A) to protect the health and safety of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees and other individuals having business dealings with the Company or its Subsidiaries’ or (B) to respond to third-party supply or service disruptions caused thereby, including, but not limited to COVID-19 Measures, and any such actions taken (or not taken) as a result of, in response to, or otherwise related to such health concerns shall be deemed to be taken in the “ordinary course of business” for all purposes of this Section 6.01 and not be considered a breach of this Section 6.01; provided, further, that following any such suspension, to the extent that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries took any actions pursuant to the immediately preceding proviso that caused deviations from its business being conducted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, to resume conducting its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in all material respects as soon as reasonably practicable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth on Schedule 6.01, as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as consented to by Acquiror in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), or as may be required by Law (including COVID-19 Measures), the Company shall not, and the Company shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, during the Interim Period:
(a) change or amend the certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
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(b) declare, make or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, equity or property, including any deemed distribution for Tax purposes) to stockholders of the Company or repurchase or redeem any Company Stock;
(c) other than issuances of shares of Company Stock (x) upon exercises of Company Options or Company Warrants, or (y) in accordance with the Preferred Stock Conversion, create, allot, issue, redeem or repurchase or agree to create, allot, issue, redeem or repurchase any shares or other securities of whatsoever nature convertible into shares (or any option to subscribe for the same) of the Company, (excluding repurchases in connection with termination of employment pursuant to an existing repurchase right);
(d) enter into, or amend or modify any material term of, terminate, or waive or release any material rights, claim or benefits under any Material Contract (or any Contract, that if existing on the date hereof, would be a Material Contract), to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound, other than entry into, amendments of, modifications of, terminations of, or waivers or releases under, such Contracts either (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (ii) involving an annual aggregate payment of less than $500,000;
(e) enter into, or amend or modify any material term of, terminate, or waive or release any material rights, claim or benefits under any Material Contract, Lease Document or any document governing the occupation of real property, or other arrangement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on one hand, and a Company Stockholder or its Affiliate, on the other hand, are parties or by which they are bound or which is for the benefit of a Company Stockholder or its Affiliates, other than issuances, settlements or exercises of Company Options or Company Warrants, as the case may be, and other than entry into, amendments of, modifications of, terminations of, or waivers or releases under, such Contracts or arrangements either (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (ii) involving an annual aggregate payment of less than $250,000;
(f) sell, transfer, lease, abandon, cancel, fail to maintain, let lapse or convey, surrender or dispose of any assets, properties or business of the Company or its Subsidiaries (including Company Intellectual Property and Company Software), except for (i) dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets, or equipment that does not employ the most current available technologies or is otherwise not useful for the Company’s ongoing business activities, (ii) sales of inventory or grants of non-exclusive licenses in the ordinary course of business and (iii) sales, abandonment, lapses of assets or items or materials (other than Owned Intellectual Property and Owned Company Software) in an amount not in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate;
(g) except as otherwise required pursuant to applicable Law, (i) grant any increase in compensation, benefits or severance to any current or former executive officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than increases to base salary in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) adopt, enter into, amend, modify, or terminate any material Company Benefit Plan or any CBA or similar agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound, (iii) grant or provide any material severance or termination payments, deferred compensation, or transaction, retention or change in control payments or benefits to any current or former director, employee, officer or other individual service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except in connection with the promotion, hiring or firing (in each case, to the extent permitted by clause (v)) of any employee in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or which is less than $250,000 in aggregate value, (iv) recognize or certify any labor union, works council, other labor organization or group of employees as the bargaining Representative for any employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except to the extent already in existence, (v) implement or announce any employee layoffs, plant closings, reductions-in-force, furloughs, temporary layoffs, reduction in terms and conditions of employment, or other actions that could trigger notice obligations under any WARN Act, or (vi) waive or release any noncompetition, nonsolicitation, nondisclosure, noninterference, nondisparagement or other restrictive covenant obligation of any current or former employee or independent contractor;
(h) (i) fail to maintain its existence or acquire by merger or consolidation with, or merge or consolidate with, or purchase a material portion of the assets or equity of, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other business organization or division thereof, other than such acquisitions and purchases that would not require financial statements of the acquired business to be included in the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act; or (ii) adopt or enter into a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement);
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(i) make any capital expenditures (or commitment to make any capital expenditures) that in the aggregate exceed $2,500,000, other than any capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) consistent in all material respects with historical practices and the Company’s annual capital expenditure budget for periods following the date hereof, made available to Acquiror prior to the date hereof or expenditures for new equipment in an amount not to exceed in the aggregate $5,000,000, as proposed in the proposed budget provided to Acquiror;
(j) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person (including to any of its officers, directors, agents or consultants), or enter into any agreement in respect of the acquisition of real property, make any material change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of such Persons, or enter into any “keep well” or similar agreement to maintain the financial condition of any other Person, except (i) advances to employees or officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) extended payment terms for customers in the ordinary course of business and (iii) those that do not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate;
(k) make, revoke or change any material Tax election, adopt or change any material Tax accounting method or period, file any amendment to a material Tax Return, enter into any agreement with a Governmental Authority with respect to material Taxes, settle or compromise any examination, audit or other Action with a Governmental Authority of or relating to Taxes, consent to any extension or waiver of the statutory period of limitations applicable to any claim or assessment in respect of material Taxes (other than in connection with an extension to file any Tax Return in the ordinary course of business), incur any material liability for Taxes outside the ordinary course of business, or enter into any material Tax sharing, indemnification, allocation or similar agreement or arrangement (excluding pursuant to customary provisions in any commercial Contract entered into in the ordinary course of business and not primarily related to Taxes);
(l) waive, release, compromise, settle or satisfy any pending or threatened material claim (which shall include, but not be limited to, any pending or threatened Action) or compromise or settle any related liability, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or where such waiver, release, compromise, settlement or satisfaction involves monetary damages not to exceed $2,500,000 in the aggregate;
(m) incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness, or in any material respect, modify any Indebtedness, other than (x) intercompany and related party Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business and not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate, (y) Indebtedness of the type referred to in clauses (i), (j) or (k) of the definition thereof incurred in the ordinary course of business, of a nature and in amounts consistent with past practice and (z) Indebtedness for which the net proceeds will fund capital expenditures approved in Section 6.01(i) above, in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.
(n) enter into any material new line of business outside of the Company Retained Business other than natural extensions of existing lines of business;
(o) make any material change in financial accounting methods, principles or practices, except insofar as may have been required by the SEC, by a change in GAAP (including pursuant to standards, guidelines and interpretations of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or any similar organization), or by applicable Law;
(p) voluntarily fail to maintain, cancel or materially change coverage under, in a manner detrimental to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any insurance policy maintained with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries and their assets and properties;
(q) become a party to, establish, adopt, amend, commence participation in or enter into any CBA or other labor union Contract;
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(r) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep current and in full force and effect, or to comply with the requirements of, or to apply for or renew, any Permit that is material to the conduct of the Company Retained Business, taken as a whole;
(s) fail to implement the Internal Reorganization consistent with the Steps Plan, except as otherwise permitted under the terms of the Separation Agreement; and
(t) enter into any agreement or undertaking to do any action prohibited under this Section 6.01.
6.02 Inspection. Subject to confidentiality obligations and similar restrictions that may be applicable to information furnished to the Company or its Subsidiaries by third parties that may be in the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ possession from time to time, and except for any information which (a) relates to interactions with prospective buyers of the Company or the negotiation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or (b) in the judgment of legal counsel (including in-house counsel) of the Company would result in the loss of attorney-client privilege or other privilege from disclosure or would conflict with any applicable Law or confidentiality obligations to which the Company is bound, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, afford to Acquiror and its Representatives reasonable access during the Interim Period, during normal business hours and with reasonable advance written notice, in such manner as to not interfere with the normal operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, to all of their respective properties, books, projections, plans, systems, Contracts, commitments, Tax Returns, records, commitments, analyses and appropriate officers and employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and shall furnish such Representatives with all financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries and that are in the possession of the Company or its Subsidiaries as such Representatives may reasonably request; provided, that such access shall not include any unreasonably invasive or intrusive investigations or other testing, sampling or analysis of any environmental media at any of the properties, facilities or equipment of the Company or its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make alternative arrangements for such disclosure where the restrictions in the preceding sentence apply. All information obtained by Acquiror and its Representatives under this Agreement shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement prior to the Effective Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to provide to Acquiror or any of its Representatives any information (i) if and to the extent doing so would (A) violate any Law to which Company is subject, (B) result in the disclosure of any trade secrets of third parties in breach of any Contract with such third party, (C) violate any legally-binding obligation of any Company with respect to confidentiality, non-disclosure or privacy, if Company shall have used commercially reasonable efforts (without payment of any consideration, fees or expenses) to obtain the consent of such third party to such inspection or disclosure or (D) jeopardize protections afforded to Company under the attorney-client privilege or the attorney work product doctrine (provided that, in case of each of clauses (A) through (D)).
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6.03 HSR Act and Regulatory Approvals
In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, promptly, but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the receipt of comments on the Registration Statement from the SEC, comply with the notification and reporting requirements of the HSR Act. The Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to submit, as soon as practicable, any other required applications or filings pursuant to any Antitrust Laws and furnish to Acquiror as promptly as reasonably practicable all information required for any application or other filing required to be made by Acquiror pursuant to any Antitrust Law. The Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, substantially comply with any Information or Document Requests. The Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, exercise its reasonable best efforts to (x) obtain termination or expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act and any required consents or approvals pursuant to any other applicable Antitrust Laws, (y) prevent the entry in any Action brought by a Governmental Authority or any other Person of any Governmental Order which would prohibit, make unlawful or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (z) if any such Governmental Order is issued in any such Action, cause such Governmental Order to be lifted. The Company shall promptly notify Acquiror of any substantive communication with any Governmental Authority or third party with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and furnish to Acquiror upon request copies of any notices or written communications received by the Company or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the Company shall permit counsel to Acquiror an opportunity to review in advance, and the Company shall consider in good faith the views of such counsel in connection with, any proposed written communications by the Company or its Affiliates to any Governmental Authority concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that the Company shall not extend any waiting period or comparable period under the HSR Act, or enter into any agreement with any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, without the written consent of Acquiror (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Company agrees to provide, to the extent permitted by the applicable Governmental Authority, Acquiror and its counsel the opportunity, on reasonable advance notice, to participate in any substantive meetings or discussions, either in person or by telephone, between the Company or any of its Affiliates, agents or advisors, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, concerning or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. Any materials exchanged in connection with this Section 6.03 may be redacted or withheld as necessary to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns of legal counsel of the Company, and to remove competitively sensitive material; provided, that the Company may, as it deems advisable and necessary, designate any materials provided to Acquiror under this Section 6.03 as “outside counsel only.” Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Section 6.03 or any other provision of this Agreement shall require or obligate the Company or any of its Affiliates to, and the Company and its Affiliates shall not, without the prior written consent of Acquiror, offer, propose, negotiate, consent to, agree to or effect (i) any action, including selling, divesting, or otherwise disposing of, licensing, holding separate, or taking or committing to take any action or enter into any agreement that limits in any respect its freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to retain, any business, products, rights, services, licenses, assets or properties of the Company or any interest therein or (ii) any other remedy, condition or commitment of any kind. The Company and the Acquiror shall equally bear all filing fees payable pursuant to Antitrust Laws in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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6.04 No Claim Against the Trust Account. The Company acknowledges that Acquiror is a blank check company with the power and privileges to effect a Business Combination, and the Company has read Acquiror’s final prospectus, dated January 11, 2022 and other Acquiror SEC Reports, the Acquiror Organizational Documents, and the Trust Agreement and understands that Acquiror has established the Trust Account described therein for the benefit of Acquiror, Acquiror’s public shareholders and the underwriters of Acquiror’s initial public offering and that disbursements from the Trust Account are available only in the limited circumstances set forth therein. The Company further acknowledges and agrees that Xxxxxxxx’s sole assets consist of the cash proceeds of Acquiror’s initial public offering and private placements of its securities, and that substantially all of these proceeds have been deposited in the Trust Account for the benefit of Acquiror, its public shareholders and the underwriters of Acquiror’s initial public offering. The Company further acknowledges that, if the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or, in the event of termination of this Agreement, another Business Combination, are not consummated by such date as approved by the shareholders of Acquiror to complete a Business Combination, Acquiror will be obligated to return to its public shareholders the amounts being held in the Trust Account. For and in consideration of Acquiror entering into this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company hereby irrevocably waives any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (whether based on Contract, tort, equity or otherwise) that it has or may have in the future in or to any monies or other assets in the Trust Account and agrees not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds distributed therefrom as a result of, or in connection with, this Agreement or any negotiations, Contracts or agreements or transactions with Acquiror. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, (a) nothing herein shall limit or prohibit the Company’s right to pursue any claim against Acquiror for (i) legal relief against monies or other assets held outside the Trust Account or (ii) specific performance to consummate the Closing (including any claim for Acquiror to specifically perform its obligations under this Agreement to cause the disbursement of the balance of the cash remaining in the Trust Account (after giving effect to the Acquiror Share Redemption) at the Closing to the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Trust Agreement), so long as such claim would not affect Acquiror’s ability to fulfill its obligation to effectuate the Acquiror Share Redemption or otherwise violate the Trust Agreement and (b) nothing herein shall limit or prohibit any claim that the Company may have following the Closing against Acquiror’s assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account (including any such funds that have been released from the Trust Account and any assets that have been purchased or acquired with any such funds). This Section 6.04 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.
6.05 Proxy Solicitation; Other Actions.
(a) The Company shall be available to, and the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to make its officers and employees available to, in each case, during normal business hours and upon reasonable advanced notice, Acquiror and its counsel in connection with (i) the drafting of the Registration Statement and (ii) responding in a timely manner to comments on the Registration Statement from the SEC. The Company agrees to provide Acquiror as promptly as practicable following the date hereof, the Audited Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP and Regulation S-X and audited in accordance with the auditing standards of the PCAOB including a signed audit opinion, which signed audit opinion shall be delivered upon the initial filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, (iii) unaudited financial statements, including consolidated condensed balance sheets and consolidated condensed statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholder’s equity and cash flows, of the Company and its Subsidiaries for each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2023 and ending at least 45 days prior to the date on which the Registration Statement is effective, in each case, prepared in accordance with GAAP and Regulation S-X and (iv) auditor’s reports and consents to use such financial statements and reports in the Registration Statement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall reasonably cooperate with Acquiror in connection with Acquiror’s preparation for inclusion in the Registration Statement of pro forma financial statements that comply with the requirements of Regulation S-X under the rules and regulations of the SEC (as interpreted by the staff of the SEC) to the extent such pro forma financial statements are required by Form S-4.
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(b) From and after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act until the Closing Date, the Company will give Acquiror prompt written notice of any action taken or not taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any development regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries, in any such case which is known by the Company, that would cause the Registration Statement to contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, that, if any such action shall be taken or fail to be taken or such development shall otherwise occur, Acquiror and the Company shall cooperate fully to cause an amendment or supplement to be made promptly to the Registration Statement, such that the Registration Statement no longer contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, further, however, that no information received by Acquiror pursuant to this Section 6.05 shall operate as a waiver or otherwise affect any representation, warranty or agreement given or made by the party who disclosed such information, and no such information shall be deemed to change, supplement or amend the Schedules.
(c) Prior to the Closing, the Company shall keep Acquiror reasonably informed of the status of the Internal Reorganization, including the Company’s progress in obtaining any necessary third-party consents or Regulatory Approvals, and shall reasonably consult with Acquiror regarding the terms of any arrangement established pursuant to the Separation Agreement.
(d) The Company shall take all actions necessary to cause the Preferred Stock Conversion.
(e) Subject to the terms of the Separation Agreement, from time to time after the Closing, without additional consideration, each party hereto shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, execute and deliver such further instruments and take such other action as may be necessary or is reasonably requested by another party hereto to make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Separation Agreement.
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6.06 Non-Solicitation; Acquisition Proposals.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time or, if earlier, the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, the Company shall not, and shall use cause its Subsidiaries not to, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause their respective Representatives not to, directly or indirectly:
(i) initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or requests for information with respect to, or the making of, any inquiry regarding, or any proposal or offer that constitutes, or which is otherwise intended or is reasonably likely to result in or lead to, an Acquisition Proposal;
(ii) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide access to its properties, books and records or any confidential information or data to, any Person relating to any proposal, offer, inquiry or request for information that constitutes, or which is otherwise intended or is reasonably likely to result in or lead to, an Acquisition Proposal;
(iii) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, confidentiality agreement, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, exchange agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement for or relating to any Acquisition Proposal; or
(v) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.
The Company also agrees that immediately following the execution of this Agreement it shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use its reasonable best efforts to cause their respective Representatives to, cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person (other than the parties hereto and their respective Representatives) conducted heretofore in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or any inquiry or request for information that could reasonably be expected to lead to, or result in, an Acquisition Proposal. The Company also agrees that within three (3) Business Days of the execution of this Agreement, the Company shall request each Person (other than the parties hereto and their respective Representatives) that has prior to the date hereof executed a confidentiality agreement in connection with its consideration of acquiring the Company (and with whom the Company has had contact in twelve (12) months prior to the date of this Agreement regarding the acquisition of the Company) to return or destroy all confidential information furnished to such Person by or on behalf of it or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof and terminate access to any physical or electronic data room maintained by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company shall promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) notify, in writing, Acquiror of the receipt of any inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information received after the date hereof that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to result in or lead to, any Acquisition Proposal, which notice shall include a summary of the material terms of, and the identity of the Person or group of Persons making, such inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information and an unredacted copy of any Acquisition Proposal or inquiry, proposal or offer made in writing or, if not in writing, a written description of the material terms and conditions of such inquiry, proposal or offer. The Company shall promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) keep Acquiror reasonably informed of any material developments with respect to any such inquiry, proposal, offer, request for information or Acquisition Proposal (including any material changes thereto and copies of any additional written materials received by the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective Representatives). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may respond to any such proposal, offer or submission by indicating only that the Company is subject to an exclusivity agreement and is unable to provide any information related to the Company or entertain any proposals or offers or engage in any negotiations or discussions concerning an Acquisition Proposal for as long as that exclusivity agreement remains in effect. Without limiting the foregoing, it is understood that any violation of the restrictions contained in this Section 6.06 by any of the Company’s or the Company’s Subsidiaries’ Representatives acting on the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ behalf, shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 6.06 by the Company.
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(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:
(i) “Acquisition Proposal” means any proposal or offer from any Person or “group” (as defined in the Exchange Act) (other than Acquiror, Merger Sub or their respective Affiliates) relating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, (A) any direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business that constitutes 20% or more of the net revenues, net income or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (B) any direct or indirect acquisition of 20% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (based on the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Company Board), (C) acquisition of beneficial ownership, or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, of 20% or more of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Company, any tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person beneficially owning 20% or more of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Company, or any merger, reorganization, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving the Company or (D) any issuance or sale or other disposition (including by way of merger, reorganization, division, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction) of 20% or more of the total voting power of the equity securities of the Company.
6.07 Company Lock-up. At the Closing, the Company shall procure that the Company Lock-up Parties shall enter into a Lock-Up Agreement with Acquiror in substantially the form attached as Exhibit G hereto (the “Company Lock-Up Agreement”).
6.08 Litigation. In the event that the Company is subject to any litigation or material Action or other dispute resolution process before a third party unrelated to the dispute, whether as claimant, defendant or otherwise, or such Action or dispute resolution process is pending or threatened in writing, in each case, that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company shall promptly notify the Acquiror of any such litigation or Action and keep the Acquiror reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof.
6.09 Financial Statements.
(a) Within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Company will deliver to Acquiror true, complete and correct copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended (collectively, the “2023 Audited Financial Statements”), together with the accompanying independent auditors’ reports.
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(b) Within forty-five (45) days of the end of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company will deliver to Acquiror true, complete and correct copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of such fiscal quarter and the related prior period and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the periods then ended (the “Future Unaudited Financial Statements”).
(c) The 2023 Audited Financial Statements and Future Unaudited Financial Statements, when delivered (i) will be derived from the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) will be prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except (x) as otherwise noted therein to the extent permitted by Regulation S-X of the SEC) and, with respect to the 2023 Audited Financial Statements, the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and (y) in the case of Future Unaudited Financial Statements, subject to year-end adjustments and the absence of notes thereto, none of which would be material individually or in the aggregate, and (iii) will fairly present in all material respects the consolidated assets, liabilities, cash flow and financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the times and for the periods referred to therein. The 2023 Audited Financial Statements and Future Unaudited Financial Statements, when delivered by the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement for filing with the SEC following the date of this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.02, will comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and with the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Securities Act in effect as of such date.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS OF ACQUIROR
7.01 HSR Act and Regulatory Approvals.
(a) In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Acquiror shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, comply promptly, but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the receipt of comments on the Registration Statement from the SEC, with the notification and reporting requirements of the HSR Act. Acquiror shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to submit, as soon as practicable, any other required applications or filings pursuant to any Antitrust Laws and furnish to the Company as promptly as reasonably practicable all information required for any application or other filing required to be made by the Company pursuant to any Antitrust Law. Acquiror shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, substantially comply with any Information or Document Requests.
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(b) Acquiror shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, exercise its reasonable best efforts to (i) obtain termination or expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act and any required consents or approvals pursuant to any other applicable Antitrust Laws, (ii) prevent the entry in any Action brought by a Governmental Authority or any other Person of any Governmental Order which would prohibit, make unlawful or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (iii) if any such Governmental Order is issued in any such Action, cause such Governmental Order to be lifted.
(c) Acquiror shall cooperate in good faith with the appropriate Governmental Authorities and exercise its reasonable best efforts to undertake reasonably promptly any and all action required to complete lawfully the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as practicable (but in any event prior to the Termination Date) and any and all action necessary or advisable to avoid, prevent, eliminate or remove any impediment under Antitrust Law or the actual or threatened commencement of any proceeding in any forum by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority or the issuance of any Governmental Order that would materially delay, enjoin, prevent, restrain or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the Merger; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Section 7.01 or any other provision of this Agreement shall require or obligate Acquiror or any of its Affiliates, the Sponsor, the Sponsor’s Affiliates or any investment funds or investment vehicles affiliated with, or managed or advised by, Acquiror’s Affiliates, the Sponsor, or any portfolio company (as such this term is commonly understood in the private equity industry) to offer, propose, negotiate, consent to, agree to or effect (i) any action, including selling, divesting, or otherwise disposing of, licensing, holding separate, or taking or committing to take any action or enter into any agreement that limits in any respect its freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to retain, any business, products, rights, services, licenses, assets or properties or any interest therein or (ii) any other remedy, condition or commitment of any kind.
(d) Acquiror shall promptly notify the Company of any substantive communication with any Governmental Authority or third party with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and furnish to the Company copies of any notices or written communications received by Acquiror or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and Acquiror shall permit counsel to the Company an opportunity to review in advance, and Acquiror shall consider in good faith the views of such counsel in connection with, any proposed communications by Acquiror or its Affiliates to any Governmental Authority concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that Acquiror shall not extend any waiting period or comparable period under the HSR Act, or enter into any agreement with any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, without the written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Acquiror agrees to provide, to the extent permitted by the applicable Governmental Authority, the Company and its counsel the opportunity, on reasonable advance notice, to participate in any substantive meetings or discussions, either in person or by telephone, between Acquiror or any of its Affiliates, agents or advisors, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, concerning or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. Any materials exchanged in connection with this Section 7.01 may be redacted or withheld as necessary to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns of legal counsel of Acquiror, and to remove competitively sensitive material; provided, that Acquiror may, as it deems advisable and necessary, designate any materials provided to the Company under this Section 7.01 as “outside counsel only.”
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7.02 Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Acquiror and the Surviving Entity agree that they shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any Action, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent that the Company or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, would have been permitted under applicable Law and its certificate of incorporation, bylaws and indemnification agreements in effect on the date of this Agreement to indemnify such Person (including the advancing of expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law). Without limiting the foregoing, Acquiror shall, and shall cause the Surviving Entity and its Subsidiaries to, (i) maintain for a period of not less than six (6) years from the Effective Time provisions in its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and indemnification agreements, to the extent applicable, concerning the indemnification and exoneration (including provisions relating to expense advancement) of officers and directors that are no less favorable to those Persons than the provisions of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and indemnification agreements, to the extent applicable, as of the date of this Agreement and (ii) not amend, repeal or otherwise modify such provisions in any respect that would adversely affect the rights of those Persons thereunder, in each case, except as required by Law. Acquiror shall assume, and be liable for, and shall cause the Surviving Entity and their respective Subsidiaries to honor, each of the covenants in this Section 7.02.
(b) Prior to the Effective Time, Acquiror shall be permitted to obtain a “tail” insurance policy covering those Persons who are currently covered by the Acquiror’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, 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 “Tail Insurance”) that is substantially equivalent to and in any event not less favorable in the aggregate than Acquiror’s existing policy or, if substantially equivalent insurance coverage is unavailable, the best available coverage. If obtained, the Surviving Entity shall, for a period of six years after the Effective Time, maintain the Tail Insurance in full force and effect, and continue to honor the obligations thereunder, and the Surviving Entity shall timely pay or cause to be paid all premiums with respect to the Tail Insurance.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 7.02 shall survive the consummation of the Merger indefinitely and shall be binding, jointly and severally, on Acquiror and the Surviving Entity and all successors and assigns of Acquiror and the Surviving Entity. In the event that Acquiror, the Surviving Entity or any of their respective successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, Acquiror and the Surviving Entity shall ensure that proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Acquiror or the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall succeed to the obligations set forth in this Section 7.02. The obligations of Acquiror and the Surviving Entity under this Section 7.02 shall not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to materially and adversely affect any present and former director and officer of the Company without the consent of the affected Person.
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7.03 Conduct of Acquiror During the Interim Period.
(a) During the Interim Period, Acquiror and Merger Sub shall, subject to Section 7.11, carry on their business in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable Law. During the Interim Period, except as set forth on Schedule 7.03 or as expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including as contemplated by any Acquiror Pre-Closing Financing) or as consented to by the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), or as may be required by Law, Acquiror shall not and each shall not permit Merger Sub to:
(i) change, modify or amend the Trust Agreement, the Acquiror Organizational Documents or the organizational documents of Merger Sub; provided however; notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict the Acquiror from carrying out any Extension, and no consent of any other party shall be required in connection therewith;
(ii) other than as set forth on Schedule 7.03(a)(ii), (A) make, declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its outstanding capital stock or other equity interests; (B) split, combine, reclassify or otherwise change any of its capital stock or other equity interests; or (C) other than the redemption of any Acquiror Public Shares required by the Offer or as otherwise required by Acquiror’s Organizational Documents in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or any Extension, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Acquiror;
(iii) other than as set forth on Schedule 7.03(a)(iii), enter into, renew or amend in any material respect, any Acquiror Affiliate Agreement (or any Contract, that if existing on the date hereof, would have constituted an Acquiror Affiliate Agreement);
(iv) enter into, or amend or modify any material term of (in a manner adverse to Acquiror or Merger Sub (including the Company)), terminate (excluding any expiration in accordance with its terms), or waive or release any material rights, claims or benefits under, any Acquiror Material Contract or any CBA or similar agreement (including agreements with works councils and trade unions and side letters) to which Acquiror or Merger Sub is a party or by which it is bound;
(v) waive, release, compromise, settle or satisfy any pending or threatened claim (which shall include, but not be limited to, any pending or threatened Action relating to this Agreement or otherwise) or compromise or settle any material liability, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(vi) incur, create, assume, refinance, guarantee or otherwise become liable for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) any Indebtedness, other than Working Capital Loans;
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(vii) other than as set forth on Schedule 7.03(a)(vii), (A) offer, issue, deliver, grant or sell, or authorize or propose to offer, issue, deliver, grant or sell, any capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Acquiror or Merger Sub or any securities convertible into, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such capital stock or equity interests (other than in connection with the exercise of any Acquiror Warrants outstanding on the date hereof) or (B) amend, modify or waive any of the terms or rights set forth in, any Acquiror Warrant or the Warrant Agreement, including any amendment, modification or reduction of the warrant price set forth therein;
(viii) (A) adopt or materially amend any Benefit Plan, or enter into any employment Contract with any employee providing for an annual base salary in excess of $200,000 or any collective bargaining agreement other than the Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, (B) hire any employee or any other individual to provide services to Acquiror or its Subsidiaries (other than the Company) following Closing, (C) make or grant any severance, bonus, including any change-in-control, retention, transaction, or similar compensation or benefits, or any increase in base salary or wages to any director, executive, or other current or former employee or service provider (other than (i) increases in base salary or wages in the ordinary course of business (provided that such increases shall not exceed 3% in the aggregate or 5% for any individual with annual compensation)), (ii) payment of annual cash bonuses in respect of calendar year 2023 in the ordinary course of business and consistent with terms of the applicable Benefit Plan and (iii) payment of severance benefits to terminated employees in the ordinary course of business, or (D) take any action to accelerate the vesting of, or payment of, any compensation or benefit to any current or former employee or other service provider under any Benefit Plan, other than in the ordinary course of business;
(ix) (A) fail to maintain its existence or acquire by merger or consolidation with, or merge or consolidate with, or purchase a material portion of the assets or equity of, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other business organization or division thereof; or (B) adopt or enter into a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of Acquiror or the Merger Sub (other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto);
(x) make any capital expenditures;
(xi) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person (including to any of its officers, directors, agents or consultants), make any change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of such Persons, or enter into any “keep well” or similar agreement to maintain the financial condition of any other Person;
(xii) enter into any new line of business outside of the business currently conducted by Xxxxxxxx and the Merger Sub as of the date of this Agreement;
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(xiii) make any change in financial accounting methods, principles or practices, except insofar as may have been required by a change in GAAP (including pursuant to standards, guidelines and interpretations of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or any similar organization) or applicable Law;
(xiv) voluntarily fail to maintain, cancel or materially change coverage under any insurance policy in form and amount equivalent in all material respects to the insurance coverage currently maintained with respect to Acquiror and Merger Sub and their assets and properties; or
(xv) enter into any agreement or undertaking to do any action prohibited under this Section 7.03.
(b) During the Interim Period, Acquiror shall, and shall cause Merger Sub to comply with, and continue performing under, as applicable, the Acquiror Organizational Documents, the Trust Agreement and all other agreements or Material Contracts to which Acquiror or Merger Sub may be a party.
7.04 Trust Account. At or prior to the Closing (subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX), Acquiror shall make appropriate arrangements to cause the funds in the Trust Account to be disbursed in accordance with the Trust Agreement in the following order of priority: (a) first, for the redemption of any Acquiror Public Shares in connection with the Offer; (b) second, after giving effect to the payment contemplated by clause (a), for the payment of any due and payable deferred underwriting commissions incurred by Acquiror in connection with its initial public offering; and (c) third, the balance of the assets in the Trust Account, if any, after payment of the amounts required under the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), to be disbursed to Acquiror for payment of any remaining Outstanding Company Expenses and the Outstanding Acquiror Expenses in accordance with Section 3.07 and the balance to the Surviving Entity for the benefit of the Surviving Entity.
7.05 Inspection. Subject to confidentiality obligations and similar restrictions that may be applicable to information furnished to Acquiror or the Merger Sub by third parties that may be in Acquiror’s or the Merger Sub’s possession from time to time, and except for any information which in the opinion of legal counsel (including in-house counsel) of Acquiror would result in the loss of attorney-client privilege or other privilege from disclosure or would conflict with any applicable Law or confidentiality obligations to which Acquiror or Merger Sub is bound, Acquiror shall afford to the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives reasonable access during the Interim Period, during normal business hours and with reasonable advance notice, to all of their respective properties, books, projections, plans, systems, Contracts, commitments, Tax Returns, records, commitments, analyses and appropriate officers and employees of Acquiror, and shall furnish such Representatives with all financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of Acquiror that are in the possession of Acquiror as such Representatives may reasonably request. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make alternative arrangements for such disclosure where the restrictions in the preceding sentence apply. All information obtained by the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives under this Agreement shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement prior to the Effective Time.
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7.06 Acquiror National Exchange Listing. Acquiror shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Acquiror Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Transactions, or otherwise reserved for issuance, and for the Domesticated Acquiror Public Warrants, to be approved for listing on a National Exchange as promptly as practicable following the issuance thereof, subject to official notice of issuance, on or prior to the Closing Date, including by submitting prior to the Closing an initial listing application (the “Listing Application”) with such National Exchange with respect to such Acquiror Common Stock and Domesticated Acquiror Public Warrants. Each of the Company and Acquiror shall promptly furnish all information concerning itself and its Affiliates as may be reasonably requested by the other such party and shall otherwise reasonably assist and cooperate with the other such party in connection with the preparation and filing of the Listing Application. Acquiror will use reasonable best efforts to (i) cause the Listing Application, when filed, to comply in all material respects with all requirements applicable thereto, (ii) respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to and resolve all comments received from such National Exchange or its staff concerning the Listing Application and (iii) have the Listing Application approved by such National Exchange, as promptly as practicable after such filing. Acquiror shall not submit the Listing Application or any supplement or amendment thereto, or respond to comments received from such National Exchange with respect thereto, without the Company’s prior consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and without providing the Company a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon. Acquiror shall promptly notify the Company upon the receipt of any comments from such National Exchange, or any request from such National Exchange for amendments or supplements to the Listing Application and shall provide the Company with copies of all material correspondence between Acquiror or any of its Representatives, on the one hand, and such National Exchange, on the other hand, and all written comments with respect to the Listing Application received from such National Exchange, and advise the Company of any oral comments with respect to the Listing Application received from such National Exchange. Promptly after receiving notice thereof, Acquiror shall advise the Company of the time of the approval of the Listing Application and the approval for listing on such National Exchange of the Acquiror Common Stock to be issued in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company and Acquiror shall equally bear all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and filing of the Listing Application.
7.07 Acquiror Public Filings. From the date hereof through the Closing, Acquiror will use commercially reasonable efforts to keep current and timely file all reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under applicable Securities Laws.
7.08 Additional Insurance Matters. Prior to the Closing, Acquiror shall obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that shall be effective as of Closing and will cover those Persons who will be the directors and officers of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries (including the directors and officers of the Company) at and after the Closing on terms customary for a typical directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy for a company whose equity is listed on such National Exchange which policy has a scope and amount of coverage that is reasonably appropriate for a company of similar characteristics (including the line of business and revenues) as Acquiror and its Subsidiaries (including the Company).
7.09 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Closing, the Acquiror Board, or an appropriate committee of “non-employee directors” (as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) thereof, shall adopt a resolution consistent with the interpretive guidance of the SEC so that the acquisition of Acquiror Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby, by any person owning securities of the Company who is expected to become a director or officer (as defined under Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of Acquiror following the Closing shall be an exempt transaction for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3 thereunder.
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7.10 Director and Officer Appointments. Except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and Acquiror prior to the Closing, and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing, subject to any limitation imposed under applicable Laws and applicable National Exchange listing requirements, Acquiror shall take all actions necessary or appropriate to cause (a) the individuals designated in accordance with Section 2.05(b) to be elected as members of the Acquiror Board, effective as of the Closing and (b) the individuals designated in accordance with Section 2.05(c) to be the executive officers of Acquiror effective as of the Closing. On the Closing Date, Acquiror shall enter into customary indemnification agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Company with each of the post-Closing directors and officers of Acquiror, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective following the Closing.
7.11 Exclusivity.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time or, if earlier, the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, Acquiror shall not, and shall use cause its Subsidiaries not to, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause their respective Representatives not to, directly or indirectly:
(i) initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or requests for information with respect to, or the making of, any inquiry regarding, or any proposal or offer that constitutes any Competing Proposal;
(ii) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide access to its properties, books and records or any confidential information or data to, any Person relating to any proposal, offer, inquiry or request for information that constitutes any Competing Proposal;
(iii) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse or recommend, any Competing Proposal;
(iv) execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, confidentiality agreement, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, exchange agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement for or relating to any Competing Proposal; or
(v) resolve or agree to do any of the foregoing.
(b) Acquiror also agrees that immediately following the execution of this Agreement it shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use its reasonable best efforts to cause their respective Representatives to, cease any solicitations, discussions or negotiations with any Person (other than the parties hereto and their respective Representatives) conducted heretofore in connection with a Competing Proposal. Acquiror shall promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) notify, in writing, the Company of the receipt of any inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information received after the date hereof that constitutes any Competing Proposal, which notice shall include a summary of the material terms of, and the identity of the Person or group of Persons making, such inquiry, proposal, offer or request for information and an unredacted copy of any Competing Proposal or inquiry, proposal or offer made in writing or, if not in writing, a written description of the material terms and conditions of such inquiry, proposal or offer. Acquiror shall promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) keep the Company informed of any material developments with respect to any such inquiry, proposal, offer, request for information or Competing Proposal (including any material changes thereto and copies of any additional written materials received by Acquiror or its Representatives). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Acquiror may respond to any such proposal, offer or submission by indicating only that Acquiror is subject to an exclusivity agreement and is unable to provide any information related to Acquiror or entertain any proposals or offers or engage in any negotiations or discussions concerning a Competing Proposal for as long as that exclusivity agreement remains in effect. Without limiting the foregoing, it is understood that any violation of the restrictions contained in this Section 7.11 by any of Acquiror’s Representatives acting on Acquiror’s behalf, shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 7.11 by Xxxxxxxx.
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(c) For purposes of this Agreement, “Competing Proposal” means any Business Combination or any other transaction involving, directly or indirectly, any merger, share exchange, asset or equity acquisition or purchase, reorganization, consolidation or similar business combination with or involving the Acquiror with one or more businesses or entities or any inquiry or request for information that is intended to lead to, or result in, any such transaction or Business Combination.
7.12 Redomicile. Subject to the Supermajority Acquiror Shareholder Approval, Acquiror shall, at least one (1) day prior to the Effective Time, transfer by way of continuation and domesticate to the State of Delaware and become a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the DGCL and the CACI by filing a certificate of corporate domestication with respect to the Redomicile and the Acquiror Charter with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and by making all filings with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies required under the CACI for the deregistration of the Acquiror in the Cayman Islands. Acquiror shall effect the Redomicile in such a way that the representations and warranties set forth in Article V remain true and correct.
7.13 Management Incentive Package. Acquiror shall adopt the Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan, in the form agreed to by Acquiror and the Company.
7.14 Stockholder Litigation. In the event that any litigation or material Action related to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby is brought, or, to the Knowledge of Acquiror, threatened in writing, against Acquiror or the Acquiror Board by any of Acquiror’s equityholders prior to the Closing, Acquiror shall promptly notify the Company of any such Action and keep the Company reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof. Acquiror shall provide the Company the opportunity to participate in (subject to a customary joint defense agreement), but not control, the defense of any such Action, shall give due consideration to the Company’s advice with respect to such Action, including with respect to this Agreement.
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7.15 Extension of Time to Consummate a Business Combination.
(a) Acquiror shall cooperate in good faith with the Company and provide the Company (and its counsel) with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any Extension Proxy Statement, and any responses to comments from the SEC or its staff or the provision of additional information in connection therewith, prior to filing or delivery of the same with or to the SEC. Acquiror shall consider the comments of the Company in good faith. Acquiror will promptly respond to any SEC comments on such Extension Proxy Statement and will use reasonable best efforts to cause such Extension Proxy Statement to be cleared by the SEC as promptly as practicable. Acquiror will advise the Company promptly after: (A) in the event such Extension Proxy Statement is not reviewed by the SEC, the expiration of the waiting period in Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act; (B) in the event such Extension Proxy Statement is reviewed by the SEC, receipt of oral or written notification of the completion of the review by the SEC; (C) the filing of any supplement or amendment to such Extension Proxy Statement; (D) any request by the SEC for amendment of such Extension Proxy Statement; (E) any comments from the SEC relating to such Extension Proxy Statement and responses thereto (and shall provide the Company with a copy or, in the case of oral communications, summary of such comments); (F) requests by the SEC for additional information (and shall provide the Company with a copy or, in the case of oral communications, summary of such request); and (G) any other communication, whether written or oral, from the SEC (and shall provide the Company with a copy or, in the case of oral communications, summary of such communication).
(b) Acquiror shall promptly correct any information in any Extension Proxy Statement 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 Law.
(c) As promptly as practicable after any Extension Proxy Statement is cleared by the SEC, Acquiror shall (i) distribute such Extension Proxy Statement to the Acquiror Shareholders, (ii) subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, solicit proxies from the Acquiror Shareholders to vote in favor of the related Extension Proposal, (iii) duly convene and hold an Extension Meeting and (iv) provide the Acquiror Shareholders with the opportunity to elect to redeem their Acquiror Public Shares into a pro rata portion of the Trust Account in connection with such Extension as provided for in the Acquiror Organizational Documents. Acquiror shall bear all fees and expenses incurred in connection with any Extension Proposal.
ARTICLE VIII
JOINT COVENANTS
8.01 Support of Transaction. Without limiting any covenant contained in Article VI or Article VII, including the obligations of the Company and Acquiror with respect to the notifications, filings, reaffirmations and applications described in Section 6.03 and Section 7.01, respectively, which obligations shall control to the extent of any conflict with the succeeding provisions of this Section 8.01, Acquiror and the Company shall each, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to: (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to assemble, prepare and file any information (and, as needed, to supplement such information) as may be reasonably necessary to obtain as promptly as practicable all governmental and regulatory consents required to be obtained in connection with the Transactions, (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all material consents and approvals of third parties that any of Acquiror, the Company, or their respective Affiliates are required to obtain in order to consummate the Transactions, including any required approvals of parties to Material Contracts with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (c) use commercially reasonable efforts to take such other action as may reasonably be necessary or as another party may reasonably request to satisfy the conditions of Article IX or otherwise to comply with this Agreement and to consummate the Transactions as soon as practicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Acquiror, Merger Sub or the Company be obligated to bear any expense or pay any fee or grant any concession in connection with obtaining any consents, authorizations or approvals pursuant to the terms of any Contract to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party or otherwise in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.
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8.02 Preparation of Registration Statement; Extraordinary General Meeting; Solicitation of Company Stockholder Approvals.
(a) As promptly as practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Acquiror and the Company shall jointly prepare, and Acquiror shall cause to be filed with the SEC, a mutually-acceptable registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, and including the Proxy Statement contained therein and any exhibits thereto, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Acquiror Common Stock to be issued under this Agreement, which Registration Statement will also contain the Proxy Statement. Each of Acquiror and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Merger. Each of Acquiror and the Company shall furnish all information concerning itself and its Subsidiaries, officers, directors, and holders of equity securities as may reasonably be requested by the other party in connection with such actions and the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement. Promptly after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act, Acquiror will cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to shareholders of Acquiror. To the extent the issuance of Acquiror Common Stock to the Company Stockholders in accordance with Section 3.01(c) and Section 3.03(a) cannot be registered on the Registration Statement (as mutually determined by Acquiror and the Company) (such portion of the Acquiror Common Stock, the “Excluded Shares”), the parties agree that (i) the Excluded Shares will be deemed to be issued to the Company Stockholders on a private placement basis and (ii) Acquiror (a) shall (x) include such Excluded Shares in any registration statement on Form S-1 that registers the resale of the Acquiror Common Stock or (y) prepare, with the assistance of the Company, and (A) cause to be filed with the SEC within 30 days of the consummation of the Merger a resale registration statement on Form S-1, pursuant to which the resale of the Excluded Shares will be registered in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and (B) use best efforts to ensure that such resale registration statement is declared effective by the SEC within sixty (60) days of the filing thereof. Acquiror and Company shall equally bear all filing fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement and the receipt of stock exchange approval in connection with the listing of Acquiror Common Stock to be issued as Merger Consideration on the Closing Date. Notwithstanding anything to the foregoing, however, for any matters relating to Taxes, Section 8.03 shall control in the event of any conflict.
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(b) Each of Acquiror and the Company shall cooperate and mutually agree upon (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), any response to comments of the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement and any amendment to the Registration Statement filed in response thereto. If Acquiror or the Company becomes aware that any information contained in the Registration Statement shall have become false or misleading in any material respect or that the Registration Statement is required to be amended in order to comply with applicable Law, then (i) such party shall promptly inform the other party and (ii) Acquiror, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, shall cooperate and mutually agree upon (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement. Acquiror and the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement as so amended or supplemented, to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to the holders of Acquiror Ordinary Shares, as applicable, in each case pursuant to applicable Law and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Acquiror Organizational Documents. Each of the Company and Acquiror shall provide the other parties with copies of any written comments, and shall inform such other parties of any oral comments, that Acquiror receives from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement promptly after the receipt of such comments and shall give the other parties a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any proposed written or oral responses to such comments prior to responding to the SEC or its staff.
(c) Acquiror agrees to include provisions in the Proxy Statement and to take reasonable action related thereto, with respect to (i) approval of the Transactions, including the Business Combination, and the adoption and approval of this Agreement (the “Transaction Proposal”), (ii) approval of the Acquiror Charter and the bylaws of the Acquiror (the “Amendment Proposal”) and each change to the Acquiror Charter that is required to be separately approved (“Advisory Amendment Proposal”), (iii) approval of the issuance of the Acquiror Common Stock as Merger Consideration, and the issuance of Acquiror Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Acquiror Common Stock to be issued at the Closing in connection with any financing upon the mutual agreement of Acquiror and the Company, in accordance with the rules of the applicable National Exchange (the “National Exchange Proposal”), (iv) the approval and adoption of the Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan (the “Acquiror Equity Plan Proposal”), (v) adjournment of the Extraordinary General Meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies because there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt any of the foregoing proposals, (vi) approval of the Redomicile (the “Redomicile Proposal”), (vii) approval of the Name Change (the “Name Change Proposal”), and (viii) approval of any other proposals reasonably agreed by Acquiror and the Company to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the Transactions contemplated hereby (the “Additional Proposal” and together with the Transaction Proposal, the Amendment Proposal, the Advisory Amendment Proposal, the National Exchange Proposal, the Acquiror Equity Plan Proposal, the Redomicile Proposal and the Name Change Proposal, the “Proposals”). Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Proposals shall be the only matters (other than procedural matters) which Acquiror shall propose to be acted on by Acquiror Shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
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(d) Acquiror shall use reasonable best efforts to, as promptly as practicable after the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act, (i) establish the record date (which record date shall be mutually agreed with the Company) for, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with the Articles of Association and the CACI, (ii) cause the Proxy Statement to be disseminated to Acquiror Shareholders in compliance with applicable Law and (iii) solicit proxies from the holders of Acquiror Ordinary Shares to vote in favor of each of the Proposals. Acquiror shall, through the Acquiror Board, recommend to its shareholders that they approve the Proposals (the “Acquiror Board Recommendation”) and shall include the Acquiror Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement. The Acquiror Board shall not (and no committee or subgroup thereof shall) change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, or publicly propose to change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, the Acquiror Board Recommendation (an “Acquiror Change in Recommendation”); provided, that if, at any time prior to obtaining the Acquiror Shareholder Approval, the Acquiror Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that in response to an Intervening Event, the failure to make an Acquiror Change in Recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law, the Acquiror Board may, prior to obtaining the Acquiror Shareholder Approval, make an Acquiror Change in Recommendation; provided, however, that Acquiror shall not be entitled to make, or agree or resolve to make, an Acquiror Change in Recommendation unless (i) Acquiror delivers to the Company a written notice (an “Intervening Event Notice”) advising the Company that the Acquiror Board proposes to take such action and containing the material facts underlying the Acquiror Board’s determination that an Intervening Event has occurred, and (ii) at or after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fourth Business Day immediately following the day on which Acquiror delivered the Intervening Event Notice (such period from the time the Intervening Event Notice is provided until 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the fourth Business Day immediately following the day on which Acquiror delivered the Intervening Event Notice (it being understood that any material development with respect to an Intervening Event shall require a new notice but with an additional three Business Day (instead of four Business Day) period from the date of such notice, the “Intervening Event Notice Period”)), the Acquiror Board reaffirms in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that the failure to make an Acquiror Change in Recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law. If requested by the Company, Acquiror will, and will use its reasonable best efforts to cause its Representatives to, during the Intervening Event Notice Period, engage in good faith negotiations with the Company and its Representatives to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so as to obviate the need for an Acquiror Change in Recommendation.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.02(e), if on a date for which the Extraordinary General Meeting is scheduled, Acquiror has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of Acquiror Ordinary Shares to obtain the Required Acquiror Shareholder Approvals, as applicable, whether or not a quorum is present, Acquiror shall have the right to make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of the Extraordinary General Meeting; provided, that if a quorum is present, that the proposal for the adjournment of the Extraordinary General Meeting shall have been approved by a sufficient number of Acquiror Ordinary Shares; provided, further, that the Extraordinary General Meeting, without the prior written consent of the Company, (x) may not be adjourned to a date that is more than fifteen (15) Business Days after the date for which the Extraordinary General Meeting was originally scheduled or the most recently adjourned Extraordinary General Meeting (excluding any adjournments required by applicable Law) and (y) is held no later than four (4) Business Days prior to the Termination Date.
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(f) As promptly as practicable after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company shall solicit a consent in writing or by electronic transmission from the Company Stockholders entitled to vote approving and adopting this Agreement, the Merger and, to the extent required by Law, the Transactions. In connection therewith, the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to, as promptly as practicable, (i) establish the record date (which record date shall be mutually agreed with Acquiror) for determining the Company Stockholders entitled to provide such written consent and (ii) solicit written consents from such Company Stockholders to give the Company Stockholder Approvals. The Company shall, through the Company Board, recommend to the Company Stockholders entitled to vote that they adopt this Agreement (the “Company Board Recommendation”). The Company Board shall not (and no committee or subgroup thereof shall) change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, or publicly propose to change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, the Company Board Recommendation (such action, a “Company Change in Recommendation”). The Company will promptly provide Acquiror with copies of all stockholder consents it receives. If the Company Stockholder Approvals are obtained, then promptly following the receipt of the required consents in writing or by electronic transmission, the Company will prepare and deliver to its stockholders who have not consented the notice required by Sections 228(e) and 262 of the DGCL. Unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, the Company’s obligation to solicit written consents from the Company Stockholders entitled to vote to give the Company Stockholder Approvals in accordance with this Section 8.02(f) shall not be limited or otherwise affected by the making, commencement, disclosure, announcement or submission of any Acquisition Proposal or by any Company Change in Recommendation.
8.03 Tax Matters.
(a) Transfer Taxes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, all transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration, value added or other similar Taxes incurred in connection with the Transactions (“Transfer Taxes”) shall be borne by the Company. The Company and Acquiror further agree to reasonably cooperate to reduce or eliminate the amount of any such Transfer Taxes.
(b) Tax Treatment. The parties intend that, for United States federal income Tax purposes, (i) the Contribution and the Distribution, taken together, qualify as a “reorganization” pursuant to Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, (ii) the Redomicile qualifies as a “reorganization” pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, (iii) the Merger qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, (iv) the Merger (taking into account any Pre-Closing Financing) will not cause Section 355(e) of the Code to apply to the Distribution and (v) this Agreement and the Separation Agreement are intended to be, and are adopted as, a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354, 355, 361 and the 368 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g). The Redomicile, the Contribution, the Distribution and the Merger shall be reported by the parties for all applicable Tax purposes in accordance with the Intended Tax Treatment, unless otherwise required by a Tax Authority as a result of a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar or corresponding provision of applicable Law). The parties hereto shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, cooperate with each other and their respective counsel to document and support the Intended Tax Treatment.
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(c) None of Acquiror, Merger Sub, the Company, the Subsidiaries of the Company or the Company Stockholders shall take or cause to be taken, or knowingly fail to take or knowingly fail to cause to be taken any action, which action or failure to act prevents or impedes, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the Intended Tax Treatment.
(d) On the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to Acquiror (x) a certification from the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(c)(3) and (y) a notice of such certification to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.897-2(h)(2), in each case, in the form set forth on Exhibit H, dated as of the Closing Date and duly signed by a responsible corporate officer of the Company.
(e) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall obtain a written opinion from RSM International, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Acquiror (the “Company Distribution Tax Opinion”), to the effect that the Internal Reorganization, the Contribution and Distribution, when taken together, “should” qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355(a) of the Code, and the Merger and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Pre-Closing Financing) “should” not cause Section 355(e) of the Code to apply to the Distribution. In preparing such opinion, RSM International may rely on customary representations from the Company, SpinCo, and the Acquiror, as well as reasonable facts and assumptions that are set forth in such opinion. Each of the Company, SpinCo and the Acquiror shall reasonably cooperate with one another for the Company to obtain the Company Distribution Tax Opinion.
(f) If the SEC requires that a Tax opinion be prepared and submitted with respect to the Tax treatment of the Redomicile, the Contribution, the Distribution or the Merger, and if such a Tax opinion is being provided by a Tax counsel, each of the Company, Acquiror and their Affiliates agrees to deliver to such Tax counsel customary Tax representation letters reasonably satisfactory to such Tax counsel, dated and executed as of such date(s) as determined reasonably necessary by such Tax counsel in connection with the preparation of such Tax opinion; provided, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) if and to the extent a Tax opinion with respect to the treatment of the Redomicile is being requested or required, the Acquiror shall use its reasonable best efforts to have counsel to the Acquiror (upon receipt of customary Tax representation letters satisfactory to such counsel) provide a Tax opinion on the application of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code to the Redomicile, and (ii) if and to the extent a Tax opinion with respect to the treatment of the Internal Reorganization, the Contribution, the Distribution, the Merger or the F-Reorganization is being requested or required, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Company Counsel (upon receipt of customary Tax representation letters satisfactory to such counsel) provide a Tax opinion on the treatment of the Contribution, the Distribution, the Merger or the F Reorganization, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the covenants in this paragraph (f) shall apply regardless of the party to which any SEC inquiry or request is made and shall not be interpreted as a condition for the Closing; provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the obligation of the Company to obtain the Company Distribution Tax Opinion pursuant to Section 8.03(e) above.
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(g) The Company shall timely prepare the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation Agreement reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror and, at least thirty (30) days prior to the Distribution Date, shall submit the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation Agreement to Acquiror for Acquiror’s review, comment and approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld.
(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, prior to the Merger, the Company may elect to undergo a “reorganization” pursuant to Sections 368(a)(1)(F) (the “F-Reorganization”), whereby the Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of a newly formed domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the “NewCo”), with the Company converting from a Delaware corporation to a Delaware limited liability company.
(i) The Company, on behalf of itself and SpinCo, shall provide to Acquiror the Company Distribution Tax Opinion, any certificates of officers of Acquiror, the Company or SpinCo or other materials provided to the Company Counsel in connection with any Tax opinion issued in connection with the Internal Reorganization, the Contribution, the Distribution, the F-Reorganization or the Merger.
8.04 Confidentiality; Publicity.
(a) Acquiror acknowledges that the information being provided to it in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby is subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
(b) The parties agree that the initial press release to be issued with respect to the Transactions shall be in the form previously agreed by the parties. None of Acquiror, Merger Sub, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates shall make any public announcement or issue any public communication regarding this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or any matter related to the foregoing, without first obtaining the prior consent of the Company or Acquiror, as applicable (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except if such announcement or other communication is required by applicable Law or legal process (including pursuant to the Securities Law or the rules of any national securities exchange), in which case Acquiror or the Company, as applicable, shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to coordinate such announcement or communication with the other party, prior to announcement or issuance and allow the other party a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon (which shall be considered by Acquiror or the Company, as applicable, in good faith); provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) each party and its Affiliates may make announcements and may provide information regarding this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby to their respective owners, their Affiliates, and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, managers, advisors, direct and indirect investors and prospective investors without the consent of any other party hereto and (ii) the Company may exercise its rights and communicate with third parties as contemplated by Section 6.06; and provided, further, that subject to Section 6.02 and this Section 8.04, the foregoing shall not prohibit any party hereto from communicating with third parties to the extent necessary for the purpose of seeking any third party consent.
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8.05 Ratification of Covenants. Following the Closing, Acquiror shall ratify, confirm and approve in all respects the covenants in the Acquiror Support Agreement.
8.06 Post-Closing Cooperation; Further Assurances. Following the Closing, each party shall, on the request of any other party, execute such further documents, and perform such further acts, as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to give full effect to the allocation of rights, benefits, obligations and liabilities contemplated by this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
8.07 Financing Cooperation. From the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the Closing or (ii) the valid termination of this Agreement, each of the Company, the Acquiror and the Merger Sub agree to use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with each other in connection with the arrangement of any Pre-Closing Financing, including by (A) reasonably cooperating with the Company’s or Acquiror’s, as applicable, preparation of definitive financing documentation and the Schedules and exhibits thereto, in each case, customarily required to be delivered under such definitive financing documentation, (B) providing to the Company or Acquiror, as applicable, and its prospective sources of Pre-Closing Financing all reasonably necessary documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act and (C) cooperating in satisfying the conditions precedent set forth in the definitive Pre-Closing Financing documentation to the extent the satisfaction of such condition requires the cooperation of, or is within the control of, the Company, the Acquiror or Merger Sub, as applicable; provided, however, that neither party shall be obligated to repay any Pre-Closing Financing of the other party without such first party’s express written consent; provided, further, that any Pre-Closing Financing shall comply with the limitations set forth herein.
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
9.01 Conditions to Obligations of All Parties. The obligations of the parties hereto to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived (if legally permitted) in writing by all of such parties:
(a) Antitrust Law Approval. (i) All applicable waiting periods (and any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act in respect of the Transactions shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) all consents and approvals under the Antitrust Laws in the jurisdictions listed in Schedule 9.01(a) shall have been obtained, and (iii) any agreement with any Governmental Authority not to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall have expired or been terminated.
(b) No Prohibition. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law, judgment, decree, executive order or award which is then in effect and has the effect of making the Transactions, including the Merger, illegal or otherwise prohibiting or enjoining consummation of the Transactions, including the Merger; provided that the Governmental Authority enacting, issuing, promulgating, enforcing or entering such Law, judgment, decree, executive order or award has jurisdiction over the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
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(c) Offer Completion. The Offer shall have been completed in accordance with the terms hereof, Acquiror’s Organizational Documents, and the Proxy Statement.
(d) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn.
(e) Required Acquiror Shareholder Approvals. The Required Acquiror Shareholder Approvals shall have been obtained.
(f) Company Stockholder Approvals. The Company Stockholder Approvals shall have been obtained.
9.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror. The obligations of Acquiror to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by Acquiror:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4.01 (Organization, Standing and Corporate Power), Section 4.02(a) (Corporate Authority; Approval; Non-Contravention) and Section 4.23 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date, except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4.04 (Capitalization), shall be true and correct in all respects other than de minimis inaccuracies as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date, except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein) as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except (i) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (ii) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Closing Date or such earlier date), taken as a whole, does not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Agreements and Covenants. Each of the covenants of the Company to be performed or complied with as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed or complied with in all material respects.
(c) Officer’s Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to Acquiror a certificate signed by an officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date, certifying that, to the knowledge and belief of such officer, the conditions specified in Section 9.02(a) and Section 9.02(b) have been fulfilled.
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(d) Ancillary Agreements. The Company shall have delivered to Acquiror executed counterparts to all of the Ancillary Agreements to which the Company, or any Company Stockholder, is party, and each such agreement shall be in full force and effect, and to the extent applicable, performed the covenants to be performed by the Company thereunder prior to the Closing in all material respects.
(e) Internal Reorganization and Distribution. The Internal Reorganization and the Distribution shall have been consummated in all material respects in accordance with the Separation Agreement.
(f) No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Effect.
(g) Tax Opinion. Acquiror shall have received the Company Distribution Tax Opinion pursuant to Section 8.03(c) herein; provided, that if Acquiror waives this Section 9.02(g), then this Section 9.02(g) and Section 8.03(c) shall have no force and effect.
9.03 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by the Company:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Acquiror and Merger Sub contained in Section 5.01 (Organization, Standing and Corporate Power), Section 5.02(a) (Corporate Authority; Approval; Non-Contravention) and Section 5.08 (Brokers) shall each be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date, except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. The representations and warranties of Acquiror and Merger Sub contained in Section 5.10(i) (Business Activities; Absence of Changes) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date, except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. The representations and warranties of Acquiror and Merger Sub contained in Section 5.13 (Capitalization), shall be true and correct in all respects other than de minimis inaccuracies as of the Closing Date as though made on the Closing Date, except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date. All other representations and warranties of Acquiror and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect” or any similar limitation set forth therein) as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except (i) to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and (ii) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be true and correct (whether as of the Closing Date or such earlier date), taken as a whole, does not result in a material adverse effect on Acquiror.
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(b) Agreements and Covenants. Each of the covenants of Acquiror to be performed or complied with as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed or complied with in all material respects.
(c) Officer’s Certificate. Acquiror shall have delivered to the Company a certificate signed by an officer of Acquiror, dated the Closing Date, certifying that, to the knowledge and belief of such officer, the conditions specified in Section 9.03(a) and Section 9.03(b) have been fulfilled.
(d) National Exchange. The Acquiror Common Stock and Acquiror Warrants shall have been approved for listing on a National Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance thereof.
(e) Ancillary Agreements. Acquiror shall have delivered to the Company executed counterparts to all of the Ancillary Agreements to which Acquiror or Sponsor is party.
(f) Resignations. The directors and executive officers of Acquiror listed on Schedule 9.03(f) shall have been removed from their respective positions or tendered their irrevocable resignations, in each case effective as of the Effective Time.
(g) Indebtedness. Neither the Acquiror nor Merger Sub shall have any outstanding Indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000, other than the Acquiror Warrants or Working Capital Loans.
(h) Redomicile. The Redomicile shall have been completed as provided in Section 7.12 and a time-stamped copy of the certificate issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in relation thereto shall have been delivered to the Company.
(i) Acquiror Closing Cash. Acquiror shall have Available Closing Cash in an amount that equals or exceeds $25,000,000.
(j) Financing Certificate. Acquiror shall have delivered to the Company a certificate signed by an officer of Acquiror, dated the Closing Date, setting forth: (A) the aggregate number of Acquiror Public Shares that Redeeming Shareholders have duly elected to be subject to the Acquiror Share Redemption, (B) the number of Acquiror Public Shares that will be issued and outstanding after giving effect to the Acquiror Share Redemption and (C) its good faith estimate and calculation of the Available Closing Cash.
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION/EFFECTIVENESS
10.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby abandoned:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Company and Acquiror;
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(b) prior to the Closing, by written notice to the Company from Acquiror if (i) there is any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this Agreement, such that any condition specified in Section 9.02(a) or Section 9.02(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing (a “Terminating Company Breach”), except that, if any such Terminating Company Breach is curable by the Company through the exercise of its commercially reasonable efforts, then, for a period of up to 30 days (or any shorter period of the time that remains between the date Acquiror provides written notice of such violation or breach and the Termination Date) after receipt by the Company of notice from Acquiror of such breach, but only as long as the Company continues to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cure such Terminating Company Breach (the “Company Cure Period”), such termination shall not be effective, and such termination shall become effective only if the Terminating Company Breach is not cured within the Company Cure Period, (ii) the Closing has not occurred on or before October 14, 2023 (the “Termination Date”); provided, that if Acquiror seeks and obtains any additional Extension(s), Acquiror shall have the right by providing written notice thereof to the Company to extend the Termination Date for an additional period equal to the shortest of (x) the period ending on the last date for Acquiror to consummate its Business Combination pursuant to such Extension(s) and (y) such period as determined by Acquiror, or (iii) the consummation of the Merger is permanently enjoined, prohibited or made illegal by the terms of a final, non-appealable Governmental Order or other Law; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(b)(ii) shall not be available if Acquiror’s material breach of any obligation under this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Termination Date, or the final, non-appealable Governmental Order or other Law, as applicable; provided, further, that the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(b)(ii) shall not be available if Acquiror is in breach of this Agreement on such date, which breach could give rise to a right of the Company to terminate this Agreement;
(c) prior to the Closing, by written notice to Acquiror from the Company if (i) there is any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Acquiror set forth in this Agreement, such that any condition specified in Section 9.03(a) or Section 9.03(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing (a “Terminating Acquiror Breach”), except that, if any such Terminating Acquiror Breach is curable by Acquiror through the exercise of its commercially reasonable efforts, then, for a period of up to 30 days (or any shorter period of the time that remains between the date the Company provides written notice of such violation or breach and the Termination Date) after receipt by Acquiror of notice from the Company of such breach, but only as long as Acquiror continues to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cure such Terminating Acquiror Breach (the “Acquiror Cure Period”), such termination shall not be effective, and such termination shall become effective only if the Terminating Acquiror Breach is not cured within the Acquiror Cure Period, (ii) the Closing has not occurred on or before the Termination Date or (iii) the consummation of the Merger is permanently enjoined, prohibited or made illegal by the terms of a final, non-appealable Governmental Order or other Law or (iv) there has been any Acquiror Change in Recommendation; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(c)(ii) shall not be available if the Company’s material breach of any obligation under this Agreement has been the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before the Termination Date, or the final, non-appealable Governmental Order or other Law, as applicable; provided, further, that the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(c)(ii) or shall not be available if the Company is in breach of this Agreement on such date, which breach could give rise to a right of Acquiror to terminate this Agreement;
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(d) by written notice from the Company to Acquiror prior to obtaining the Acquiror Shareholder Approval if the Acquiror Board shall have (i) made an Acquiror Change in Recommendation or (ii) failed to include the Acquiror Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement;
(e) by written notice from the Company to Acquiror if the Acquiror Shareholder Approval is not obtained at the Extraordinary General Meeting (subject to any adjournment or recess of the meeting in accordance with Section 8.02(e)); or
(f) by written notice from Acquiror to the Company if the Company Stockholder Approvals have not been obtained within ten (10) Business Days following the date that the Registration Statement is disseminated by the Company to the Company Stockholders pursuant to Section 8.02(f).
10.02 Effect of Termination. Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 10.02, in the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any party hereto or its respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees or stockholders, other than liability of any party hereto for any Fraud or Willful Breach of this Agreement by such party occurring prior to such termination. The provisions of Sections 6.04, 8.04, 10.02 and Article XI (collectively, the “Surviving Provisions”) and the Confidentiality Agreement, and any other Section or Article of this Agreement referenced in the Surviving Provisions, to the extent required to survive in order to give appropriate effect to the Surviving Provisions, shall in each case survive any termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
11.01 Waiver. Any party to this Agreement may, at any time prior to the Closing, by action taken by its board of directors, or officers thereunto duly authorized, waive any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, or agree to an amendment or modification to this Agreement in the manner contemplated by Section 11.10 and by an agreement in writing executed in the same manner (but not necessarily by the same Persons) as this Agreement.
11.02 Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), addressed as follows:
(a) If to Acquiror or Merger Sub, to:
10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III
0 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxx
E-mail: xxxx@00xxxxxxxx.xxx
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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx (London) LLP
00 Xxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX0X 0XX
United Kingdom
Attn: X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
E-mail: xxxxx.xxxxxxx@xx.xxx
xxxx.xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx
(b) If to the Company to:
Addimmune Inc.
0000 X. Xxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Rockville, MD 20850
Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxx
E-mail: xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
DLA Piper LLP (US)
0000 X Xxxxxxxxx Xx
Suite #1000
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx XX
E-mail: Xxxxxxx.Xxxxxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx
for to such other address or addresses as the parties may from time to time designate in writing.
11.03 Assignment. No party hereto shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 11.03 shall be null and void, ab initio.
11.04 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the parties hereto, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing (a) in the event the Closing occurs, the present and former officers and directors of the Company and Acquiror (and their successors and Representatives) are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Section 7.02 and Section 7.10 and (b) the past, present and future directors, officers, employees, incorporators, members, partners, stockholders, Affiliates, agents, attorneys, advisors and Representatives of the parties, and any Affiliate of any of the foregoing (and their successors, heirs and Representatives), are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Sections 11.14 and 11.15.
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11.05 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided herein (including Section 3.07, Section 7.15 and Section 8.02), each party hereto shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions herein contemplated whether or not such transactions shall be consummated, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Closing occurs, Acquiror shall pay or cause to be paid, the Outstanding Company Expenses and the Outstanding Acquiror Expenses in accordance with Section 3.07 upon consummation of the Merger and release of proceeds from the Trust Account, from the proceeds of the Trust Account and any Pre-Closing Financing.
11.06 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction; provided that, the Redomicile shall be effected in accordance with both the DGCL and the CACI (as applicable), without giving effect to principles or rules of conflict of laws to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of Laws of another jurisdiction.
11.07 Captions; Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Agreement or in any other certificate, agreement or document related to this Agreement or the other Ancillary Agreements shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile or other electronic format (including, “pdf”, “tif” or “jpg”) and other electronic signatures (including, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the Delaware Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and any other applicable Law. Minor variations in the form of the signature page, including footers from earlier versions of this Agreement or any such other document, shall be disregarded in determining the party’s intent or the effectiveness of such signature.
11.08 Schedules and Exhibits. The Schedules and Exhibits referenced herein are a part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. All references herein to Schedules and Exhibits shall be deemed references to such parts of this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require. Any disclosure made by a party in the Schedules with reference to any section or schedule of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a disclosure with respect to all other sections or schedules to which such disclosure may apply solely to the extent the relevance of such disclosure is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure in such Schedule. Certain information set forth in the Schedules is included solely for informational purposes.
11.09 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement), the Ancillary Agreements and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the parties hereto or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. No representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, agreements, oral or otherwise, relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement exist between the parties except as expressly set forth or referenced in this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement.
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11.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed in the same manner as this Agreement (but not necessarily by the same natural persons who executed this Agreement) and which makes reference to this Agreement. The approval of this Agreement by the stockholders of any of the parties shall not restrict the ability of the board of directors of any of the parties to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01 or to cause such party to enter into an amendment to this Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.10.
11.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the parties.
11.12 Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. Any Action based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court lacks jurisdiction, the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware, and each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Action, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Action shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court; provided that the courts of the Cayman Islands shall have jurisdiction over the Redomicile to the extent required by the CACI. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law, or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Action brought pursuant to this Section 11.12. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY and unconditionally WAIVES to the fullest extent permitted by law ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. Each of the parties hereto certifies and acknowledges that (a) no representative of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, (b) each such party understands and has considered the implications of this waiver, (c) each such party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (d) each such party has been induced to enter into this Agreement and the Transactions by, among other things, the mutual waivers in this SECTION 11.12.
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11.13 Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that the parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder to consummate this Agreement) in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. The parties acknowledge and agree that (a) the parties shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement and (b) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and without that right, none of the parties would have entered into this Agreement. Each party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that the other parties have an adequate remedy at Law or that an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. The parties acknowledge and agree that any party seeking an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 11.13 shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such injunction.
11.14 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 hereto, and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such party. For the avoidance of doubt, Company Stockholders and Acquiror Shareholders are not named parties. Except to the extent a named party to this Agreement (and then only to the extent of the specific obligations undertaken by such named party in this Agreement), (a) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or Representative or Affiliate of any named party to this Agreement and (b) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, 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 Company, Acquiror, or Merger Sub under this Agreement of or for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
11.15 Non-survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. None of the representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or other agreements in this Agreement or in any certificate, statement or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, agreements and other provisions, shall survive the Closing, and each shall terminate and expire upon the occurrence of the Effective Time (and there shall be no liability after the Closing in respect thereof), except for (a) those covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms expressly apply in whole or in part after the Closing and then only with respect to any breaches occurring after the Closing and (b) this Article XI.
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11.16 Acknowledgements. Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees (on its own behalf and on behalf of its respective Affiliates and its and their respective Representatives) that: (i) it has conducted its own independent investigation of the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities, properties and projected operations of the other parties (and their respective Subsidiaries) and has been afforded satisfactory access to the books and records, facilities and personnel of the other parties (and their respective Subsidiaries) for purposes of conducting such investigation; (ii) the Company Representations constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby; (iii) the Acquiror and Merger Sub Representations constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of Acquiror and the Merger Sub; (iv) except for the Company Representations by the Company and the Acquiror and Merger Sub Representations by Acquiror and the Merger Sub, respectively, none of the parties hereto or any other Person makes, or has made, any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to any party hereto (or any party’s Affiliates) or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all other representations and warranties of any kind or nature expressed or implied (including (x) regarding the completeness or accuracy of, or any omission to state or to disclose, any information, including in the estimates, projections or forecasts or any other information, document or material provided to or made available to any party hereto or their respective Affiliates or Representatives in certain “data rooms,” management presentations or in any other form in expectation of the Transactions, including meetings, calls or correspondence with management of any party hereto (or any party’s Subsidiaries), and (y) any relating to the future or historical business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, prospects, assets or liabilities of any party hereto (or its Subsidiaries), or the quality, quantity or condition of any party’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets) are specifically disclaimed by all parties hereto and their respective Subsidiaries and all other Persons (including the Representatives and Affiliates of any party hereto or its Subsidiaries); and (v) each party hereto and its respective Affiliates are not relying on any representations and warranties in connection with the Transactions except the Company Representations by the Company, the Acquiror and Merger Sub Representations by Acquiror and Merger Sub and the other representations expressly made by a Person in the Ancillary Agreements.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Acquiror, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
10X CAPITAL VENTURE ACQUISITION Corp. III | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Name : | Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||
10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Title: | Secretary | ||
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit A
Separation Agreement
[See attached].
Execution Version
SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
by and between
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC.,
and
AGT HOLDINGS, INC.
Dated as of [________] [____], 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
Article I | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION | 6 |
Section 1.1 | General | 6 |
Section 1.2 | References; Interpretation | 23 |
Article II | THE SEPARATION | 23 |
Section 2.1 | General | 23 |
Section 2.2 | Pre-Distribution | 23 |
Section 2.3 | [Reserved] | 25 |
Section 2.4 | Limitation of Liability; Intercompany Contracts | 25 |
Section 2.5 | Transfers Not Effected at or Prior to the Distribution Time; Transfers Deemed Effective as of the Distribution Time | 25 |
Section 2.6 | Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments | 27 |
Section 2.7 | Further Assurances; Ancillary Agreements; Organizational Documents | 27 |
Section 2.8 | Novation of Liabilities; Indemnification | 29 |
Section 2.90 | Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties | 30 |
Section 2.10 | Cash Management; Consideration | 31 |
Section 2.11 | Termination of Agreements | 31 |
Article III | COMPLETION OF THE DISTRIBUTION | 31 |
Section 3.1 | Actions Prior to the Distribution | 31 |
Section 3.2 | Effecting the Distribution | 32 |
Section 3.3 | Conditions to the Distribution | 32 |
Section 3.4 | Release of Security Interests | 33 |
Section 3.5 | Discretion and Authority of the Company | 33 |
Article IV | CERTAIN COVENANTS | 33 |
Section 4.1 | Cooperation | 33 |
Section 4.2 | Transferred Names | 34 |
Section 4.4 | No Restriction on Competition | 35 |
Section 4.5 | Post-Distribution Time Conduct | 35 |
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Article V | INDEMNIFICATION | 35 |
Section 5.1 | Release of Pre-Distribution Claims | 35 |
Section 5.2 | Indemnification by the Company | 37 |
Section 5.3 | Indemnification by SpinCo | 38 |
Section 5.4 | Procedures for Indemnification | 38 |
Section 5.5 | Cooperation in Defense and Settlement | 40 |
Section 5.6 | Indemnification Payments | 41 |
Section 5.7 | Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts | 41 |
Section 5.8 | Contribution | 42 |
Section 5.9 | Additional Matters; Survival of Indemnities | 42 |
Article VI | PRESERVATION OF RECORDS; ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; PRIVILEGE | 43 |
Section 6.1 | Preservation of Corporate Records | 43 |
Section 6.2 | Access to Information | 43 |
Section 6.3 | Auditors and Audits | 44 |
Section 6.4 | Witness Services | 45 |
Section 6.5 | Reimbursement; Other Matters | 45 |
Section 6.6 | Confidentiality | 46 |
Section 6.7 | Privilege Matters | 47 |
Section 6.8 | Ownership of Information | 49 |
Section 6.9 | Processing of Personal Information | 49 |
Section 6.10 | Other Agreements | 49 |
Article VII | DISPUTE RESOLUTION | 50 |
Section 7.1 | Negotiation | 50 |
Section 7.2 | Relief in Court | 50 |
Section 7.3 | Continuity of Service and Performance | 50 |
Article VIII | INSURANCE | 50 |
Section 8.1 | Insurance Matters | 50 |
Article IX | MISCELLANEOUS | 52 |
Section 9.1 | Entire Agreement; Construction | 52 |
Section 9.2 | Ancillary Agreements | 53 |
Section 9.3 | Counterparts | 53 |
Section 9.4 | Survival of Agreements | 53 |
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Section 9.5 | Expenses | 53 |
Section 9.6 | Notices | 53 |
Section 9.7 | Consents | 53 |
Section 9.8 | Assignment | 53 |
Section 9.9 | Successors and Assigns | 54 |
Section 9.10 | Termination and Amendment | 54 |
Section 9.11 | Payment Terms | 54 |
Section 9.12 | Subsidiaries | 54 |
Section 9.13 | Third Party Beneficiaries | 55 |
Section 9.14 | Title and Headings | 55 |
Section 9.15 | Exhibits and Schedules | 55 |
Section 9.16 | Governing Law and Venue; Submission to Jurisdiction; Selection of Forum; Waiver of Trial by Jury | 55 |
Section 9.17 | Specific Performance | 56 |
Section 9.18 | Severability | 56 |
Section 9.19 | Interpretation | 57 |
Section 9.20 | No Duplication; No Double Recovery | 57 |
Section 9.21 | Tax Treatment of Payments | 57 |
Section 9.22 | No Waiver | 57 |
Section 9.23 | No Admission of Liability | 57 |
Schedules:
Schedule 1.1 | Company Retained Liabilities | |
Schedule 1.2(i) | SpinCo Assets – General | |
Schedule 1.2(iii) | SpinCo Assets – Leases/Subleases | |
Schedule 1.2(iv) | SpinCo Assets – Contracts | |
Schedule 1.2(v) | SpinCo Assets – Intellectual Property | |
Schedule 1.2(viii) | SpinCo Assets – IT Assets | |
Schedule 1.3(ii) | SpinCo Liabilities – General | |
Schedule 1.3(v) | SpinCo Liabilities – Actions | |
Schedule 1.4 | Transferred Name | |
Schedule 1.5 | Permitted Liens |
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Exhibits:
Exhibit A | Form of Employee Matters Agreement | |
Exhibit B | Reorganization Plan | |
Exhibit C | Form of License Agreement | |
Exhibit D | Investors’ Rights Agreement | |
Exhibit E | Amended and Restated Bylaws of SpinCo | |
Exhibit F | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of SpinCo | |
Exhibit G | Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement | |
Exhibit H | Voting Agreement | |
Exhibit I | Form of Tax Matters Agreement | |
Exhibit J | Form of Transition Services Agreement |
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SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
This SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [_________] [___], 2023 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and AGT Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (which will, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, assume the name of the Company following the Distribution Date, as more thoroughly described herein) (“SpinCo”). “Party” or “Parties” means the Company or SpinCo, individually or collectively, as the case may be. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company currently conducts the Company Retained Business and the Transferred Businesses;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to separate the Company into two separate companies, one for each of (i) the Company Retained Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries), and (ii) the Transferred Businesses, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by SpinCo and its Subsidiaries (the “Separation”);
WHEREAS, to effect the Separation, the Company shall contribute, convey, transfer, assign and deliver to SpinCo, and SpinCo shall accept and assume from the Company, all of the right, title and interest of the Company in, to and under certain assets and liabilities relating to the Transferred Businesses, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the “Contribution”);
WHEREAS, in order to effect the Separation, the Company Board has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the Company to undertake the Internal Reorganization and, in connection therewith, effect the Contribution to SpinCo;
WHEREAS, the Company Board has further determined that it is appropriate and desirable, on the terms and conditions contemplated hereby, following the Separation to make a distribution of the Transferred Businesses to the holders of shares of capital stock of the Company as of the Record Date, which will be effectuated through a distribution of all of the outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock and SpinCo Preferred Stock, having the same rights, preferences and privileges of the corresponding class of Company Stock (the “SpinCo Stock”), to stockholders of the Company on a one-for-one basis in accordance with their respective holdings of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock (the “Company Stock”), as applicable (the “Distribution”), in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;
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WHEREAS, in connection with the Distribution, the Company will also cause SpinCo to issue warrants to purchase SpinCo Common Stock and SpinCo Preferred Stock to the holders of Company Warrants as of the Record Date, on a one-for-one basis as more thoroughly described in in Section 3.2(b) of this Agreement;
WHEREAS, immediately following the Distribution, the Company will hold none of the outstanding shares of SpinCo Stock;
WHEREAS, the Company Board and the Board of Directors of SpinCo (the “SpinCo Board”) have approved the Separation, the Contribution and the Distribution;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Separation and the Distribution, and certain other agreements relating to the relationship of the Company and SpinCo and their respective Subsidiaries following the Distribution; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties that the Contribution and Distribution, together with certain related transactions, will qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and this Agreement is hereby adopted as a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 355, 361 and 368 of the Code and within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
Article
I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1 General. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Action” shall mean any demand, action, claim, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, case, litigation, proceeding or investigation (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) by or before any court or grand jury, any Governmental Entity or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.
“Adjustment Ratio” shall mean the adjustment ratio to the exercise price of the SpinCo Warrants adopted by the Company Board for purposes of making equitable adjustments to the exercise price of SpinCo Warrants.
“Affiliate” shall mean, when used with respect to a specified Person and at a point in, or with respect to a period of, time, a Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person at such point in or during such period of time. For the purposes of this definition, “control”, when used with respect to any specified Person shall mean 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 or other interests, by Contract or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that, from and after the Distribution Time, solely for purposes of this Agreement, (i) no member of the SpinCo Group shall be deemed an Affiliate of any member of the Company Group, and (ii) no member of the Company Group shall be deemed an Affiliate of any member of the SpinCo Group.
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“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Amended Financial Report” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
“Ancillary Agreements” shall mean the License Agreement, Transition Services Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the any and all Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments, and any other agreements to be entered into by and between any member of the Company Group, on one hand, and any member of the SpinCo Group, on the other hand, at, prior to or after the Distribution Time in connection with the Separation, the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Assets” shall mean all rights (including Intellectual Property), title and ownership interests in and to all properties, claims, Contracts, businesses, or assets (including goodwill), wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other Third Parties or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, in each case, whether or not recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of any Person. Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, in the Employee Matters Agreement or in the Tax Matters Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to Taxes shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement and, therefore, Tax assets (including any Tax items, attributes or rights to receive any Refunds (as defined in the Tax Matters Agreement)) shall not be treated as Assets.
“Asset Transferors” shall mean the entities transferring Assets to SpinCo or one of its Subsidiaries in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
“Assume” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c); and the terms “Assumed” and “Assumption” shall have their correlative meanings.
“Business” shall mean the Company Retained Business or the Transferred Businesses, as applicable.
“Business Day” shall mean any day other than Saturday or Sunday and any other day on which commercial banking institutions located in New York, New York are required, or authorized by Law, to remain closed.
“Business Entity” shall mean any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity which may legally hold title to Assets.
“Cash Equivalents” shall mean (i) cash, and (ii) checks, certificates of deposit having a maturity of less than one year, money orders, marketable securities, money market funds, commercial paper, short-term instruments and other cash equivalents, funds in time and demand deposits or similar accounts, and any evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by any Governmental Entity, minus the amount of any outbound checks, plus the amount of any deposits in transit. For the purposes of Section 2.10, “Cash Equivalents” shall not include any cash in transit at the Distribution Time.
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“Chosen Courts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.16(b).
“Code” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Commission” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Company Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Company Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company.
“Company Equity Awards” shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
“Company Governing Documents” shall mean, collectively, those certain (i) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated December 3, 2021, (ii) Bylaws of the Company, adopted September 5, 2008, (iii) Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated December 3, 2021, by and among the Investors (as defined therein) and the Company; (iv) Amended and Restated Voting Agreement, dated December 3, 2021, by and among the Voting Parties (as defined therein) and the Company; and (v) Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated December 3, 2021, by and the Investors, the Key Holders (as defined therein) and the Company.
“Company Group” shall mean (i) the Company, the Company Retained Business and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company as of immediately following the Distribution Time, and (ii) each Business Entity that becomes a Subsidiary of the Company after the Distribution Time.
“Company Indemnitees” shall mean each member of the Company Group and each of their respective Affiliates from and after the Distribution Time and each member of the Company Group’s and such Affiliates’ respective current, former and future directors, officers, employees and agents (solely in their respective capacities as current, former and future directors, officers, employees or agents of any member of the Company Group or their respective Affiliates) and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing, except, for the avoidance of doubt, the SpinCo Indemnitees.
“Company Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term “Preferred Stock” in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
“Company Released Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a)(i).
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“Company Retained Assets” shall mean:
(i) any and all Assets of the Company or any other member of the Company Group relating to the Company Retained Business;
(ii) any and all Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be retained by the Company or any other member of the Company Group, including for the avoidance of doubt all the Company Retained IP;
(iii) any and all Assets that are owned, leased or licensed, at or prior to the Distribution Time, by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries, that are not SpinCo Assets; and
(iv) any and all Assets that are acquired or otherwise become an Asset of the Company Group after the Distribution Time.
“Company Retained Business” shall mean the Company’s business involving researching, developing, manufacturing and commercializing pharmaceuticals and other products for the diagnosis, treatment, management or prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (commonly known as “HIV”).
“Company Retained IP” shall mean all Intellectual Property owned or controlled by the Company Group other than SpinCo Intellectual Property.
“Company Retained Liabilities” shall mean:
(i) any and all Liabilities that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Liabilities to be retained or assumed by the Company or any other member of the Company Group, and all agreements, obligations and other Liabilities of the Company or any member of the Company Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;
(ii) any and all Liabilities of a member of the Company Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any the Company Retained Assets;
(iii) the Liabilities listed on Schedule 1.1; and
(iv) any and all Liabilities of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that are not SpinCo Liabilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company Retained Liabilities shall not include any Liabilities for Taxes that are governed by the Tax Matters Agreement or the Employee Matters Agreement.
“Company Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Company Warrants” shall mean warrants to purchase Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock.
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“Confidential Information” shall mean all non-public, confidential or proprietary Information to the extent concerning a Party, its Group and/or its Subsidiaries or with respect to SpinCo, the Transferred Businesses, any SpinCo Assets or any SpinCo Liabilities or with respect to the Company, the Company Retained Business, any the Company Retained Assets or any the Company Retained Liabilities, including any such Information that was acquired by any Party after the Distribution Time pursuant to Article VI or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, or that was provided to a Party by a Third Party in confidence, including (a) any and all technical information relating to the design, operation, testing, test results, development, and manufacture of any Party’s products, compounds, technologies or biological, chemical or other materials or that of a Party’s partners (including specifications and documentation; engineering, design, and manufacturing drawings, diagrams, layouts, maps and illustrations; formulations and material specifications; laboratory studies and benchmark tests; preclinical and clinical data; quality assurance policies, procedures and specifications; evaluation and validation studies; process control and/or shop-floor control strategy, logic or algorithms; assembly code, Software, firmware, programming data, databases, and all information referred to in the same); costs, margins and pricing; as well as product marketing studies and strategies; all other methodologies, procedures, techniques and Know-How related to discovery, research, engineering, development and manufacturing; (b) information, documents and materials relating to the Party’s financial condition, management and other business conditions, prospects, plans, procedures, partners, infrastructure, security, information technology procedures and systems, and other business or operational affairs; (c) pending unpublished patent applications and Trade Secrets; and (d) any other data or documentation resident, existing or otherwise provided in a database or in a storage medium, permanent or temporary, intended for confidential, proprietary and/or privileged use by a Party; except for any Information that is (i) in the public domain or known to the public through no fault of the receiving Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) lawfully acquired after the Distribution Time by such Party or its Subsidiaries from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such Information, or (iii) independently developed by the receiving Party after the Distribution Time without reference to any Confidential Information. As used herein, by example and without limitation, Confidential Information shall include any information of a Party intended or marked as confidential, proprietary and/or privileged.
“Consents” shall mean any consents, waivers, notices, reports or other filings to be obtained from or made, including with respect to any Contract, or any registrations, licenses, permits, authorizations to be obtained from, or approvals from, or notification requirements to, any Third Parties, including any Third Party to a Contract and any Governmental Entity.
“Contract” shall mean any agreement, contract, subcontract, obligation, binding understanding, note, indenture, instrument, option, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, license, sublicense, insurance policy, benefit plan, purchase order or legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature (whether written or oral and whether express or implied).
“Contribution” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments” shall mean, collectively, the various Contracts, including the related local asset transfer agreements and local stock transfer agreements, and other documents entered into prior to the Distribution Time and to be entered into to effect the Transfer of Assets and the Assumption of Liabilities in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, or otherwise relating to, arising out of or resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in such form or forms as the applicable Parties thereto agree, including but not limited to assignment agreements relating to the assignment of any Patents.
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“Covered Matter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(i).
“Dispute Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
“Disputes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
“Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Distribution Date” shall mean the date on which the Company distributes all of the issued and outstanding shares of SpinCo Stock to holders of the Company Stock in the Distribution, and “Distribution Time” shall mean the time at which the Distribution occurs on the Distribution Date, which shall be deemed to be 12:01 a.m., New York time on the Distribution Date.
“Employee Matters Agreement” shall mean that certain Employee Matters Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, to be entered into between the Company and SpinCo or any members of their respective Groups in connection with the Separation, the Distribution, or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as such agreement may be modified or amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.
“Environmental Laws” shall mean all Laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or safety or the environment, including Laws relating to the exposure to, or Release, threatened Release or the presence of Hazardous Substances, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, transport or handling of Hazardous Substances and all Laws with regard to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous Substances, and all laws relating to endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants and the management or use of natural resources.
“Environmental Liabilities” shall mean Liabilities relating to Environmental Law or the Release or threatened Release of or exposure to Hazardous Substances, including, without limitation, the following: (i) actual or alleged violations of or non-compliance with any Environmental Law, including a failure to obtain, maintain or comply with any Environmental Permits; (ii) obligations arising under or pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law or Environmental Permit; (iii) the presence of Hazardous Substances or the introduction of Hazardous Substances to the environment at, in, on, under or migrating from any of the building, facility, structure or real property, including Liabilities relating to, resulting from or arising out of the investigation, remediation, or monitoring of such Hazardous Substances; (iv) natural resource damages, property damages, personal or bodily injury or wrongful death relating to the presence of or exposure to Hazardous Substances (including asbestos-containing materials), at, in, on, under or migrating to or from any building, facility, structure or real property; (v) the transport, disposal, recycling, reclamation, treatment or storage, Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Substances at Off-Site Locations; and (vi) any agreement, decree, judgment, or order relating to the foregoing. The term “Environmental Liabilities” does not include Liabilities arising in connection with claims for injuries to persons or property from products sold by or services provided by the SpinCo Group, the Company Group or their predecessors.
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“Environmental Permit” shall mean any permit, license, approval or other authorization under any applicable Law or of any Governmental Entity relating to Environmental Laws or Hazardous Substances.
“Final Determination” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
“Governmental Approvals” shall mean any notices or reports to be submitted to, or other registrations or filings to be made with, or any consents, approvals, licenses, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, any Governmental Entity.
“Governmental Filing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(c).
“Governmental Entity” shall mean any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau or court, whether domestic, foreign, multinational, or supranational exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any executive official thereof.
“Group” shall mean (i) with respect to the Company, the Company Group, and (ii) with respect to SpinCo, the SpinCo Group.
“Hazardous Substance” shall mean (i) any substances defined, listed, classified or regulated as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “hazardous materials,” “extremely hazardous wastes,” “restricted hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,” “contaminants,” “pollutants,” “wastes,” “radioactive materials,” “petroleum,” “oils” or designations of similar import under any Environmental Law, or (ii) any other chemical, material or substance that is regulated or for which liability can be imposed under any Environmental Law.
“Indebtedness” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) the principal amount, prepayment and redemption premiums and penalties (if any), unpaid fees and other monetary obligations in respect of any indebtedness for borrowed money, whether short term or long term, and all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, other debt securities or similar instruments, (ii) any indebtedness arising under any capital leases (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any real estate leases), whether short term or long term, (iii) all liabilities secured by any Security Interest on any assets of such Person, (iv) all liabilities under any interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements, (v) all liabilities under any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement or other similar agreement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates, (vi) all interest bearing indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (vii), all interest, fees and other expenses owed with respect to indebtedness described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), and (viii) without duplication, all guarantees of indebtedness referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii), excluding in each case any obligations related to Taxes.
“Indemnifiable Loss” and “Indemnifiable Losses” shall mean any and all damages, losses, deficiencies, Liabilities, obligations, penalties, judgments, settlements, claims, payments, fines, interest, costs and expenses (including the costs and expenses of any and all Actions and demands, assessments, judgments, settlements and compromises relating thereto and the costs and expenses of attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’ and other professionals’ fees and expenses incurred in the investigation or defense thereof or the enforcement of rights hereunder).
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“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a).
“Indemnitee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a).
“Indemnity Payment” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.7(a).
“Information” shall mean information, content and data (including Personal Information) in written, oral, electronic, computerized, digital or other tangible or intangible media, including (i) books and records, whether accounting, legal or otherwise, ledgers, studies, reports, surveys, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, marketing plans, customer names and information (including prospects), technical information relating to the design, operation, testing, test results, development, and manufacture of any Party’s or its Group’s, or any of their partners’, products, compounds, technologies or biological, chemical or other materials or facilities (including specifications and documentation; engineering, design and manufacturing drawings, diagrams, layouts, maps and illustrations; formulations and material specifications; laboratory studies and benchmark tests; preclinical and clinical data; quality assurance policies, procedures and specifications; evaluation and validation studies; process control and/or shop-floor control strategy, logic or algorithms; assembly code, Software, firmware, programming data, databases, and all information referred to in the same); costs, margins and pricing; as well as product marketing studies and strategies; all other methodologies, procedures, techniques and Know-How related to discovery, research, engineering, development and manufacturing; communications, correspondence, materials, product literature, artwork, files, documents; and (ii) financial and business information, including earnings reports and forecasts, macro-economic reports and forecasts, all cost information (including partner and supplier records and lists), sales and pricing data, business plans, market evaluations, surveys, credit-related information, and other such information as may be needed for reasonable compliance with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements, including under applicable securities laws or regulations of securities exchanges.
“Insurance Proceeds” shall mean those monies: (i) received by an insured Person from any insurer, insurance underwriter, mutual protection and indemnity club or other risk collective; or (ii) paid on behalf of an insured Person by any insurer, insurance underwriter, mutual protection and indemnity club or other risk collective, on behalf of the insured, in either such case net of any costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof; provided, however, that with respect to a captive insurance arrangement, Insurance Proceeds shall only include net amounts received by the captive insurer from a Third Party in respect of any captive reinsurance arrangement.
“Intellectual Property” shall mean any and all intellectual property rights, whether registered or unregistered, as they exist anywhere in the world, including any and all states, United States, international and/or foreign or other territorial or regional rights in, arising out of or associated with any of the following: (i) United States, foreign, and international patents and patent applications (including any provisionals, non-provisionals, renewals, extensions, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues, invention disclosures, reexaminations and interferences thereof, substitutions and foreign counterparts relating to any such patents and patent applications, and industrial property rights); (ii) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade and brand names and logos and social media designations, together with all goodwill associated therewith and symbolized thereby and any registrations and applications for registration therefor; (iii) works of authorship (whether copyrightable or not), including exclusive exploitation rights, copyrights, mask works and designs and related moral rights, and any registrations and applications for registration therefor, and all renewals, extensions, restorations or reversions of the foregoing, including all rights of authorship, use, publication, publicity, reproduction, distribution, income, performance and transformation; (iv) internet domain names, URLs, or other names and locators associated with the internet; (v) trade secrets, know-how, inventions, processes, procedures, recipes, specifications, improvements, formulae, manufacturing and other procedures, operating procedures, methods, techniques and all research and development information, and other confidential and proprietary information rights and all documentation related to the foregoing; (vi) databases and data collections (including knowledge databases, customer lists and customer databases); (vii) Software; and (viii) all past, present and future rights to sue or recover and retain damages and costs and attorneys’ fees, claims and causes of action arising out of or related to infringement, dilution, misappropriation, or other violation of any of the foregoing.
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“Intellectual Property Documentation” shall mean: (i) all correct and complete physical and electronic copies of all prosecution and maintenance files and dockets, registration certificates, litigation files and related opinions of counsel and correspondence for all issued, registered and applied-for items of SpinCo Intellectual Property; (ii) all litigation files to the extent relating to any Actions brought for the infringement, dilution, misappropriation or other violation of any of the SpinCo Intellectual Property; (iii) all books, records, files, ledgers or similar documentation used to track, organize or maintain any of the SpinCo Intellectual Property; and (iv) copies of all acquisition agreements relating to the acquisition of any of the SpinCo Intellectual Property.
“Internal Reorganization” shall mean the allocation and transfer or assignment of Assets and Liabilities, including by means of the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments, resulting in (i) the SpinCo Group owning and operating the Transferred Businesses, and (ii) the Company Group continuing to own and operate the Company Retained Business, as described in the internal reorganization plan attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Reorganization Plan”), as may be amended prior to the Distribution Date only by written consent of the Company and SpinCo.
“IT Assets” shall mean all information technology, Software, computers, computer systems, communication systems, telecommunications equipment, databases, internet protocol addresses, data rights and documentation, reference, resource and training materials relating to any of the foregoing, and all Contracts (including Contract rights) relating to any of the foregoing (including Software license agreements, source code escrow agreements, support and maintenance agreements, electronic database access contracts, Domain Name registration agreements, website hosting agreements, Software or website development agreements, outsourcing agreements, service provider agreements, interconnection agreements, governmental permits, radio licenses and telecommunications agreements).
“Joint Claim” shall mean any claim or series of related claims under any insurance policy that results or could reasonably be expected to result in the payment of Insurance Proceeds to or for the benefit of both one or more members of the Company Group and one or more members of the SpinCo Group.
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“Law” shall mean any applicable U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, income tax treaty, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law) or other binding directives promulgated, issued, entered into or taken by any Governmental Entity.
“Liabilities” shall mean any and all Indebtedness, liabilities, costs, expenses, interest and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law (including Environmental Law), Action, whether asserted or unasserted, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Entity and those arising under any Contract or any fines, damages or equitable relief which may be imposed and including all costs and expenses related thereto. Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, in the Employee Matters Agreement or in the Tax Matters Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to Taxes shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement and, therefore, Taxes shall not be treated as Liabilities governed by this Agreement.
“Liable Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(b).
“License Agreement” means that certain license agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, pursuant to which SpinCo will grant a license under certain Patents to Company for the Company Retained Business.
“Litigation Hold” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“Negotiation Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
“Off-Site Location” shall mean any Third Party location that is not now nor has ever been owned, leased or operated by the Company Group or the SpinCo Group or any of their respective predecessors. “Off-Site Location” does not include any property that is adjacent to or neighboring any property formerly, currently or in the future owned, leased or operated by the Company Group, the SpinCo Group, or their respective predecessors that has been impacted by any Release of a Hazardous Substance from such properties.
“Other Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a).
“Party” and “Parties” shall have the meanings set forth in the Preamble.
“Permitted Liens” means (i) statutory or common law Security Interests of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, landlords, carriers, repairmen, construction contractors and other similar Security Interests (A) that arise in the ordinary course of business, (B) relate to amounts not yet delinquent or (C) that are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions and either are not material or appropriate reserves for the amount being contested have been established in accordance with GAAP on the Financial Statements, (ii) Security Interests arising under original purchase price conditional sales contracts and equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business, (iii) Security Interests for Taxes (A) not yet delinquent or (B) which are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions and for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (iv) non-monetary Security Interests, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including easements, covenants, rights of way and similar restrictions of record) that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the present uses or occupancy of such real property, or which do not materially detract from the value of the underlying asset, (v) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property, (vi) Security Interests that secure obligations that are reflected as liabilities on the balance sheet included in the Financial Statements (which such Security Interests are referenced or the existence of which such Security Interests is referred to in the notes to the balance sheet included in the Financial Statements), (vii) requirements and restrictions of zoning, building and other applicable Laws and municipal by-laws, and development, site plan, subdivision or other agreements with municipalities, which do not materially interfere with the current use or occupancy of any real property leased by the Company, or which do not materially detract from the value of the underlying asset, (viii) Security Interests arising under or relating to a convertible note financing of the Company and/or SpinCo, and (ix) Security Interests described on Schedule 1.5.
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“Person” shall mean any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, bank, land trust, trust company, company, limited liability company, partnership, or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any Governmental Entity.
“Personal Information” shall mean any data or information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular natural person or household (including any information related to the health of a person) and any information derived from any of the foregoing, in addition to any definition for “personal information” or any similar term provided by applicable Law or by the applicable Party’s privacy policies, notices or contracts (e.g., “personal data,” “personally identifiable information” or “PII”).
“Policies” or “Policy” shall mean insurance policies and insurance contracts of any kind, including primary, excess and umbrella, comprehensive general liability, fiduciary, directors and officers, automobile, products, workers’ compensation, employee dishonesty, property and crime insurance policies and self-insurance and captive insurance arrangements, and interests in insurance pools and programs held in the name of the Company or any of its Affiliates, together with the rights, benefits and privileges thereunder.
“Prime Rate” shall mean the rate last quoted as of the time of determination by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States or, if the Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate as of such time, or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Company) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Company).
“Privacy Laws” shall mean any and all applicable Laws, legal requirements and self-regulatory guidelines (including of any applicable foreign jurisdiction) relating to the Processing of any Personal Information.
“Privacy Requirements” shall mean all applicable Privacy Laws and all applicable policies, notices, and contractual obligations relating to the Processing of any Personal Information.
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“Privilege” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(a).
“Privileged Information” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(a).
“Processing” shall mean any operation or set of operations which is performed on any Personal Information or on any sets of any Personal Information, whether or not by automated means, such as, without limitation: receipt; collection; compilation; use; disposal; destruction; disclosure or transfer (including cross-border); recording; organization; structuring; safeguarding; storage; security (technical, physical and/or administrative); sharing; adaptation or alteration; retrieval; consultation; disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available; alignment or combination; restriction; erasure; and/or destruction.
“Record Date” shall mean 5:00 p.m. New York time on the date to be determined by the Company Board as the record date for determining stockholders of the Company entitled to receive shares of SpinCo Stock in the Distribution.
“Reimbursable Transaction-related Expenses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.
“Release” shall mean any release, spill, emission, discharge, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration into the indoor or outdoor environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata) or into or out of any property, including the movement of Hazardous Substances through or in the air, soil, surface water, groundwater or property.
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Security Interest” shall mean any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, claim, option, right to acquire, voting or other restriction, right-of-entry, covenant, condition, easement, encroachment, restriction on transfer, or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever, excluding restrictions on transfer under securities Laws.
“Separation” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Software” shall mean all: (i) computer programs, including all software implementations of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form; (ii) databases and compilations, including all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise; (iii) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons, icons, web content and links; and (iv) documentation relating to any of the foregoing, including user manuals and other training documentation.
“SpinCo” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“SpinCo Asset Transferee” shall mean any Business Entity that is or will be a member of the SpinCo Group or a Subsidiary of SpinCo to which SpinCo Assets shall be or have been transferred at or prior to the Distribution Time, or which is contemplated by the Internal Reorganization or this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements to occur after the Distribution Time, by an Asset Transferor in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
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“SpinCo Assets” shall mean, without duplication:
(i) the Assets set forth on Schedule 1.2(i) (which for the avoidance of doubt is not a comprehensive listing of all SpinCo Assets and is not intended to limit other clauses of this definition of SpinCo Assets);
(ii) any and all Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets which have been or are to be Transferred to or retained by any member of the SpinCo Group (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Transferred Name);
(iii) all rights, title and interest in, to and under the leases or subleases of the real property set forth on Schedule 1.2(iii) and other leases solely related to the Transferred Businesses, including, to the extent provided for in such leases or subleases, any land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements and appurtenances;
(iv) all Contracts set forth on Schedule 1.2(iv) and all other Contracts solely related to the Transferred Businesses or the SpinCo Intellectual Property and any rights or claims arising under any of the foregoing (the “SpinCo Contracts”);
(v) all Intellectual Property solely used, solely practiced, solely held for the use or practice, or otherwise solely related to the Transferred Businesses, including the Intellectual Property applications, registrations and issuances set forth on Schedule 1.2(v) (the “SpinCo Intellectual Property”), and all Intellectual Property Documentation relating to any of the foregoing;
(vi) all licenses, permits, registrations, approvals and authorizations which have been issued by any Governmental Entity and are held by a member of the SpinCo Group, or to the extent transferable, relate solely to or, are used solely in the Transferred Businesses (other than to the extent that any member of the Company Group benefits from such licenses, permits, registrations, approvals and authorizations in connection with the Company Retained Business);
(vii) all Information solely related to, or solely used in, the Transferred Businesses;
(viii) excluding any SpinCo Intellectual Property (which is addressed in Subsection (v) above), all IT Assets listed on Schedule 1.2(viii) and other IT Assets solely used or solely held for use in the Transferred Businesses;
(ix) all goodwill solely related to the Transferred Businesses;
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(x) all office equipment and furnishings located at the physical site of which the ownership or a leasehold or sub leasehold interest is being transferred to or retained by a member of the SpinCo Group, and which as of the Distribution Time is not subject to a lease or sublease back to a member of the Company Group (excluding any office equipment and furnishings owned by persons other than the Company and its Subsidiaries);
(xi) subject to Article VIII, any rights of any member of the SpinCo Group under any insurance policies held solely by one or more members of the SpinCo Group and which provide coverage solely to one or more members of the SpinCo Group (excluding any insurance policies issued by any captive insurance company of the Company Group); and
(xii) all other Assets (other than Assets that are of the type that would be listed in clauses (v), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi)) that are held by the SpinCo Group or the Company Group immediately prior to the Distribution Time and that are solely used and solely held for use in the Transferred Businesses as conducted immediately prior to the Distribution Time (the intention of this clause (xii) is only to rectify an inadvertent omission of transfer or assignment of any Asset that, had the Parties given specific consideration to such Asset as of the date of this Agreement, would have otherwise been classified as an SpinCo Asset based on the principles of this Subsection (xii)); provided that no Asset shall be an SpinCo Asset solely as a result of this clause (xii) unless a written claim with respect thereto is made by SpinCo on or prior to the date that is twenty-four (24) months after the Distribution Time.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the SpinCo Assets shall not include (i) any Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be retained by or Transferred to any member of the Company Group (including all the Company Retained Assets), or (ii) any Assets governed by the Tax Matters Agreement or Employee Matters Agreement.
“SpinCo Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“SpinCo Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the SpinCo Restated Charter.
“SpinCo Investment Documents” shall mean, collectively, the (i) SpinCo Investors’ Rights Agreement, (ii) SpinCo ROFR Agreement, and (iii) SpinCo Voting Agreement.
“SpinCo Investors’ Rights Agreement” shall mean that certain Investors’ Rights Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
“SpinCo Governing Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(f).
“SpinCo Group” shall mean SpinCo and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of SpinCo as of the Distribution Time (but after giving effect to the Internal Reorganization), and each Person that becomes a Subsidiary of SpinCo after the Distribution Time; provided, however, that for the avoidance of doubt, no member of the Company Group shall be treated as a member of the SpinCo Group.
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“SpinCo Indemnitees” shall mean each member of the SpinCo Group and each of their respective Affiliates from and after the Distribution Time and each member of the SpinCo Group’s and such respective Affiliates’ respective current, former and future directors, officers, employees and agents (solely in their respective capacities as current, former and future directors, officers, employees or agents of any member of the SpinCo Group or their respective Affiliates) and each of the heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing, except, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company Indemnitees.
“SpinCo Liabilities” shall mean:
(i) any and all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (a) the operation or conduct of the Transferred Businesses, as conducted at any time prior to, at or after the Distribution Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Person’s authority) of the SpinCo Group and any and all Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any unclaimed property); (b) the operation or conduct of any business conducted by any member of the SpinCo Group at any time after the Distribution Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Person’s authority) of the SpinCo Group and any and all Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any unclaimed property); or (c) any SpinCo Asset, whether arising before, at or after the Distribution Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from SpinCo Contracts, and any real property and leasehold interests):
(ii) the Liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.3(ii) and any and all other Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements as Liabilities to be assumed by SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;
(iii) any and all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of, or resulting from, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Time, any infringement, misappropriation or other violation of any Intellectual Property of any other Person related to the conduct of the Transferred Businesses;
(iv) any and all Environmental Liabilities arising out of or resulting from the Transferred Businesses;
(v) for the avoidance of doubt, and without limiting any other matters that may constitute SpinCo Liabilities, any Liabilities resulting from any Action to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Transferred Businesses, including all Actions listed on Schedule 1.3(v);
(vi) all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indebtedness of any member of the SpinCo Group or any Indebtedness secured solely by any of the SpinCo Assets; and
(vii) any and all other Liabilities that are held by the SpinCo Group or the Company Group immediately prior to the Distribution Time that were inadvertently omitted or assigned that, had the parties given specific consideration to such Liability as of the date of this Agreement, would have otherwise been classified as an SpinCo Liability based on the principles set forth in this definition; provided, that no Liability shall be an SpinCo Liability solely as a result of this clause (ix) unless a claim with respect thereto is made by the Company on or prior to the date that is twenty-four (24) months after the Distribution Time.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the SpinCo Liabilities shall not include any Liabilities that are (A) expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be Assumed by any member of the Company Group, (B) expressly discharged pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement, (C) the Company Retained Liabilities, or (D) for Taxes that are governed by the Tax Matters Agreement or Employee Matters Agreement.
“SpinCo Organizational Documents” shall mean, collectively, (i) the SpinCo Restated Charter, and (ii) the SpinCo Restated Bylaws.
“SpinCo Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the SpinCo Restated Charter.
“SpinCo Restated Bylaws” shall mean the Amended and Restated Bylaws of SpinCo in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.
“SpinCo Restated Charter” shall mean the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of SpinCo in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.
“SpinCo ROFR Agreement” shall mean that certain Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G.
“SpinCo Released Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a)(ii).
“SpinCo Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“SpinCo Voting Agreement” shall mean the Voting Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.
“SpinCo Warrants” shall mean warrants to purchase shares of SpinCo Stock.
“Subsidiary” shall mean with respect to any Person (i) a corporation, fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting or capital stock of which is, as of the time in question, directly or indirectly owned by such Person and (ii) any other Person in which such Person, directly or indirectly, owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity or economic interest thereof or has the power to elect or direct the election of fifty percent (50%) or more of the members of the governing body of such entity.
“Tax” or “Taxes” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
“Tax Contest” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
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“Tax Matters Agreement” shall mean that certain Tax Matters Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I, to be entered into by and between the Company and SpinCo in connection with the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as such agreement may be modified or amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.
“Tax Returns” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
“Taxing Authority” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
“Third Party” shall mean any Person other than the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries.
“Third Party Agreements” shall mean any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings between or among a Party (or any member of its Group) and any other Persons (other than either Party or any member of its respective Groups) (it being understood that to the extent that the rights and obligations of the Parties and the members of their respective Groups under any such Contracts constitute SpinCo Assets or SpinCo Liabilities, or the Company Retained Assets or the Company Retained Liabilities, such Contracts shall be assigned or retained pursuant to Article II).
“Third Party Claim” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(b).
“Third Party Proceeds” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.7(a).
“Transaction-related Expenses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.
“Transfer” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b)(i); and the term “Transferred” shall have its correlative meaning.
“Transferred Businesses” shall mean any businesses other than the Company Retained Business.
“Transferred Name” means the name “American Gene Technologies International Inc.” and any other names and markets set forth on Schedule 1.4, and any Trademarks containing or comprising of any such names or marks, and any Trademarks derivative thereof or confusingly similar thereto, or any telephone numbers or other alphanumeric addresses or mnemonics containing any of the foregoing names or marks.
“Transition Services Agreement” shall mean the Transition Services Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit J hereto or as otherwise agreed by the Company and SpinCo, entered into or to be entered into by and between the Company and SpinCo on or prior to the Distribution Date for a term not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.
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Section 1.2 References; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “include”, “includes” and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “hereof”, “hereby” and “herein” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of this Agreement. The words “written request” when used in this Agreement shall include email. Reference in this Agreement to any time shall be to New York City, New York time unless otherwise expressly provided herein. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Agreement to “Company” shall also be deemed to refer to the applicable member of the Company Group, references to “SpinCo” shall also be deemed to refer to the applicable member of the SpinCo Group and, in connection therewith, any references to actions or omissions to be taken, or refrained from being taken, as the case may be, by the Company or SpinCo shall be deemed to require the Company or SpinCo, as the case may be, to cause the applicable members of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, respectively, to take, or refrain from taking, any such action. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict which may arise in the application or interpretation of any of the definitions set forth in Section 1.1, for the purpose of determining what is and is not included in such definitions, any item explicitly included on a Schedule referred to in any such definition shall take priority over any provision of the text thereof.
Article
II
THE SEPARATION
Section 2.1 General. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties shall use, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to use, their respective commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the completion of the Internal Reorganization, a portion of which may have already been implemented prior to the Effective Date.
Section 2.2 Pre-Distribution.
(a) Internal Reorganization. Prior to the Distribution Time, except for Transfers contemplated by the Internal Reorganization or this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements to occur after the Distribution Time, the Parties shall complete the Internal Reorganization, including by taking the actions referred to in Sections 2.2(b) and 2.2(c) below.
(b) Transfer of Assets. At or prior to the Distribution Time (it being understood that some of such Transfers may occur following the Distribution Time in accordance with Section 2.2(a) and Section 2.5), pursuant to the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments and in connection with the Contribution:
(i) the Company shall, and shall cause the applicable Asset Transferors to, transfer, contribute, distribute, assign and/or convey or cause to be transferred, contributed, distributed, assigned and/or conveyed (“Transfer”) to SpinCo and/or the respective SpinCo Asset Transferees, all of its and the applicable Asset Transferors’ right, title and interest in and to the SpinCo Assets, and the applicable SpinCo Asset Transferees shall accept from the Company and the applicable members of the Company Group all of the Company’s and the other members of the Company Group’s respective direct or indirect rights, title and interest in and to the applicable Assets.
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(ii) Any costs and expenses incurred after the Distribution Time to effect any Transfer contemplated by this Section 2.2(b) (including any transfer effected pursuant to Section 2.5) shall be paid by the Parties as set forth in Section 9.5. Other than costs and expenses incurred in accordance with the foregoing sentence, nothing in this Section 2.2(b) shall require any member of any Group to incur any material obligation or grant any material concession for the benefit of any member of any other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by this Section 2.2(b).
(c) Assumption of Liabilities. Except as pursuant to this Agreement or as otherwise specifically set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, in connection with the Internal Reorganization and the Contribution or, if applicable, from and after, the Distribution Time, pursuant to this Agreement or the applicable Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments, (i) SpinCo shall, or shall cause a member of the SpinCo Group to accept, assume (or, as applicable, retain) and perform, discharge and fulfill, in accordance with their respective terms (“Assume”), all of the SpinCo Liabilities, and (ii) the Company shall, or shall cause a member of the Company Group to, Assume all of the Company Retained Liabilities, in each case, regardless of (A) when or where such Liabilities arose or arise, (B) whether the facts upon which they are based occurred prior to, at or subsequent to the Distribution Time, (C) whether accruals for such Liabilities have been transferred to SpinCo or included on a combined balance sheet of the Transferred Businesses or whether any such accruals are sufficient to cover such Liabilities, (D) where or against whom such Liabilities are asserted or determined, (E) whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as the case may be, or any of their past or present respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates, (F) which entity is named in any Action associated with any Liability, or (G) any benefits, or lack thereof, that have been or may be obtained by the Company Group or the SpinCo Group in respect of such Liabilities.
(d) Consents. The Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the Consents required to Transfer any Assets, Contracts, licenses, permits and authorizations issued by any Governmental Entity or parts thereof as contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Contract or other Asset shall be transferred if it would violate applicable Law or, in the case of any Contract, the rights of any Third Party to such Contract; provided that Section 2.5, to the extent applicable, shall apply thereto. The foregoing shall not preclude SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group from disputing in good faith with any Third Party (other than the Company or any member of the Company Group) the validity of any SpinCo Liabilities or raising any available defenses in connection therewith.
(e) It is understood and agreed by the Parties that certain of the Transfers referenced in Section 2.2(b) or Assumptions referenced in Section 2.2(c) have occurred prior to the Effective Date and, as a result, no additional Transfers or Assumptions by any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, shall be deemed to occur upon the execution of this Agreement with respect thereto. Moreover, to the extent that any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, is liable for any the Company Retained Liability or SpinCo Liability, respectively, by operation of law immediately following any Transfer in accordance with this Agreement or any Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments, there shall be no need for any other member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, to Assume such Liability in connection with the operation of Section 2.2(c) and, accordingly, no other member of such Group shall Assume any such Liability in connection with Section 2.2(c).
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Section 2.3 [Reserved]
Section 2.4 Limitation of Liability; Intercompany Contracts. No Party nor any Subsidiary thereof shall be liable to the other Party or any Subsidiary of the other Party based upon, arising out of or resulting from any Contract, arrangement, course of dealing or understanding between or among it and the other Party existing at or prior to the Distribution Time (other than pursuant to this Agreement, and any Ancillary Agreement, any Third Party Agreements, or pursuant to any other Contract entered into in connection herewith or in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby) and each Party hereby terminates any and all Contracts, arrangements, courses of dealing or understandings between or among it and the other Party effective as of the Distribution Time (other than as set forth in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement, any Third Party Agreements, or pursuant to any Contract entered into in connection herewith or in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby).
Section 2.5 Transfers Not Effected at or Prior to the Distribution Time; Transfers Deemed Effective as of the Distribution Time.
(a) To the extent that any Transfers or Assumptions contemplated by this Article II shall not have been consummated at or prior to the Distribution Time, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account any applicable restrictions or considerations, in each case relating to the contemplated Tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby) to effect such Transfers or Assumptions as promptly following the Distribution Time as shall be practicable. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require or constitute the Transfer of any Assets or the Assumption of any Liabilities which by their terms or operation of Law cannot be Transferred; provided, however, that the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall cooperate and use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain, in accordance with applicable Law, any necessary Consents or Governmental Approvals for the Transfer of all Assets and Assumption of all Liabilities contemplated to be Transferred and Assumed pursuant to this Article II to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law. In the event that any such Transfer of Assets or Assumption of Liabilities has not been consummated, from and after the Distribution Time, (i) the Party (or relevant member in its Group) retaining such Asset shall thereafter hold (or shall cause such member in its Group to hold) such Asset in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto (at the expense of the Party entitled thereto), and (ii) the Party intended to Assume such Liability shall, or shall cause the applicable member of its Group to, pay or reimburse the Party retaining such Liability for all amounts paid or incurred in connection with the retention of such Liability. To the extent the foregoing applies to any Contracts to be assigned for which any necessary Consents or Governmental Approvals are not received prior to the Distribution Time, the treatment of such Contracts shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 2.7 and Section 2.8, to the extent applicable. In addition, the Party retaining such Asset or Liability (or relevant member of its Group) shall (or shall cause such member in its Group to) treat, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, such Asset or Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the Party to which such Asset is to be Transferred or by the Party Assuming such Liability in order to place such Party, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, in the same position as if such Asset or Liability had been Transferred or Assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Asset or Liability, including possession, use, risk of loss, potential for income and gain, and dominion, control and command over such Asset or Liability, are to inure from and after the Distribution Time to the relevant member or members of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group entitled to the receipt of such Asset or required to Assume such Liability. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Parties agree that, as of the Distribution Time, subject to Section 2.2(c) and Section 2.8(b), each Party shall be deemed to have acquired complete and sole beneficial ownership over all of the Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges incident thereto, and shall be deemed to have Assumed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement all of the Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and responsibilities incident thereto, which such Party is entitled to acquire or required to Assume pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
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(b) If and when the Consents, Governmental Approvals and/or conditions, the absence or non-satisfaction of which caused the deferral of Transfer of any Asset or deferral of the Assumption of any Liability pursuant to Section 2.5(a), are obtained or satisfied, the Transfer, assignment, Assumption or novation of the applicable Asset or Liability shall be effected without further consideration in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement (including Section 2.2) and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement, and shall, to the extent legally possible and without the imposition of any undue cost on any Party, be deemed to have become effective as of the Distribution Time.
(c) The Party (or relevant member of its Group) retaining any Asset or Liability due to the deferral of the Transfer of such Asset or the deferral of the Assumption of such Liability pursuant to Section 2.5(a) or otherwise shall (i) not be obligated, in connection with the foregoing, to expend any money unless the necessary funds are advanced, assumed, or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by the Party (or relevant member of its Group) entitled to such Asset or the Person intended to be subject to such Liability, other than reasonable attorneys’ fees and recording or similar or other incidental fees, all of which shall be promptly reimbursed by the Party (or relevant member of its Group) entitled to such Asset or the Person intended to be subject to such Liability, and (ii) be indemnified for all Indemnifiable Losses or other Liabilities arising out of any actions (or omissions to act) of such retaining Party taken at the direction of the other Party (or relevant member of its Group) in connection with and relating to such retained Asset or Liability, as the case may be.
(d) After the Distribution Time, each Party (or any member of its Group) may receive mail, packages, electronic mail or other electronic communications and any other written communications properly belonging to another Party (or any member of its Group). Accordingly, at all times after the Distribution Time, each Party is hereby authorized to receive and, if reasonably necessary to identify the proper recipient in accordance with this Section 2.5(d), open all mail, packages, electronic mail or other electronic communication and any other written communications received by such Party that belongs to such other Party, and to the extent that they do not relate to the business of the receiving Party, the receiving Party shall promptly deliver such mail, packages, electronic mail or other electronic communication or any other written communications (or, in case the same also relates to the business of the receiving Party or another Party, copies thereof) to such other Party as provided for in Section 9.6; it being understood that if a Party receives a telephone call that relates to the business of the other Party, then the receiving Party shall inform the person making such telephone call to contact the other Party. The provisions of this Section 2.5(d) are not intended to, and shall not, be deemed to constitute an authorization by any Party to permit the other to accept service of process on its behalf and no Party is or shall be deemed to be the agent of any other Party for service of process purposes.
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(e) With respect to Assets and Liabilities described in Section 2.5(a), each of the Company and SpinCo shall, and shall cause the members of its respective Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes (A) the deferred Assets as assets having been Transferred to and owned by the Party entitled to such Assets not later than the Distribution Time and (B) the deferred Liabilities as liabilities having been Assumed and owned by the Person intended to be subject to such Liabilities not later than the Distribution Time and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by applicable Law or good faith resolution of a Tax Contest).
Section 2.6 Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments. In connection with, and in furtherance of, the Transfers of Assets and the Assumptions of Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement, the Parties shall execute or cause to be executed, on or after the Effective Date by the appropriate entities to the extent not executed prior to the Effective Date, any Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments necessary to evidence the valid Transfer to the applicable Party or member of such Party’s Group of all right, title and interest in and to its accepted Assets and the valid and effective Assumption by the applicable Party of its Assumed Liabilities for Transfers and Assumptions to be effected pursuant to Delaware Law or the Laws of one of the other states of the United States or, if not appropriate for a given Transfer or Assumption, and for Transfers or Assumptions to be effected pursuant to non-U.S. Laws, in such form as the Parties shall reasonably agree, including the Transfer of real property by mutually acceptable conveyance deeds as may be appropriate and in form and substance as may be required by the jurisdiction in which the real property is located; provided, that the allocation of Assets and Liabilities provided for in any Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments shall be consistent with the terms of this Agreement, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Parties. The Transfer of capital stock shall, to the extent necessary to evidence a valid Transfer, be effected by means of executed stock powers and notation on the stock record books of the corporation or other legal entities involved, or by such other means as may be required in any non-U.S. jurisdiction to Transfer title to stock and, only to the extent required by applicable Law, by notation on public registries.
Section 2.7 Further Assurances; Ancillary Agreements; Organizational Documents.
(a) In addition to and without limiting the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement and subject to the limitations expressly set forth in this Agreement, including Section 2.5, each of the Parties shall cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to use) commercially reasonable efforts, at and after the Distribution Time, to take, or to cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or to cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary on its part under applicable Law or contractual obligations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
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(b) Without limiting the foregoing, at and after the Distribution Time, each Party shall cooperate with the other Party, and without any further consideration, but at the expense of the requesting Party (except as provided in Sections 2.2(b)(ii) and 2.5(c)) from and after the Distribution Time, to execute and deliver, or use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of Transfer or title, and to make all filings with, and to obtain all Consents and/or Governmental Approvals, any permit, license, Contract, indenture or other instrument (including any Consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by any other Party from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the Transfers of the applicable Assets and the assignment and Assumption of the applicable Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall, at the reasonable request, cost and expense of any other Party (except as provided in Sections 2.2(b)(ii) and 2.5(c)), take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to vest in such other Party such title and such rights as possessed by the transferring Party to the Assets allocated to such other Party under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, free and clear of any Security Interest.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, in the event that any Party (or member of such Party’s Group) receives or retains any Assets (including the receipt of payments made pursuant to Contracts and proceeds from accounts receivable with respect to such Asset) or is liable for any Liability that is otherwise allocated to any Person that is a member of the other Group pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, such Party agrees to promptly Transfer, or cause to be Transferred such Asset or Liability to the other Party so entitled thereto (or member of such other Party’s Group as designated by such other Party) at such other Party’s expense. Prior to any such Transfer, such Asset or Liability, as the case may be, shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.5.
(d) At or prior to the Distribution Time, each of the Company and SpinCo shall enter into, and/or (where applicable) shall cause a member or members of their respective Group to enter into, the Ancillary Agreements and any other Contracts reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(e) On or prior to the Distribution Time, the Company and SpinCo in their respective capacities as direct or indirect stockholders of their respective Subsidiaries, if applicable, shall each ratify any actions that are reasonably necessary or desirable to be taken by any Subsidiary of the Company or Subsidiary of SpinCo, as the case may be, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
(f) On or prior to the Distribution Time, SpinCo shall cause to be implemented and effective the SpinCo Organizational Documents, which shall (i) increase the total number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock from [____] to [_________], and (ii) create the classes of SpinCo Preferred Stock and authorize the number of shares of each class of SpinCo Preferred Stock necessary to effect the Distribution, as more thoroughly described in the SpinCo Restated Charter.
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Section 2.8 Novation of Liabilities; Indemnification.
(a) Each Party, at the request of any member of the other Party’s Group (such other Party, the “Other Party”), shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account any applicable restrictions or considerations, in each case relating to the contemplated Tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby) to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any Consent, Governmental Approval, substitution or amendment required to novate or assign to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law all obligations under Contracts and Liabilities, but solely to the extent that the Parties are jointly or each severally liable with regard to any such Contracts or Liabilities and such Contracts or Liabilities have been, in whole, but not in part, allocated to the first Party, or, if permitted by applicable Law, to obtain in writing the unconditional release of the applicable Other Party so that, in any such case, the members of the applicable Group shall be solely responsible for such Contracts or Liabilities; provided, however, that no Party shall be obligated to pay any consideration therefor to any Third Party from whom any such Consent, Governmental Approval, substitution or amendment is requested (unless such Party is fully reimbursed by the requesting Party). In addition, with respect to any Action where any Party hereto is a defendant, when and if requested by such Party, the Other Party at its own cost will use commercially reasonable efforts to remove the requesting Party as a defendant to the extent that such Action relates solely to Assets or Liabilities that the Other Party (or any member of such requesting Party’s Group) has been allocated pursuant to this Article II, and the Other Party will cooperate and assist in any required communication with any plaintiff or other related Third Party.
(b) If the Parties are unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required Consent, Governmental Approval, release, substitution or amendment referenced in Section 2.8(a), the Other Party or a member of such Other Party’s Group shall continue to be bound by such Contract, license or other obligation that does not constitute a Liability of such Other Party and, unless not permitted by Law or the terms thereof, as agent or subcontractor for such Party, the Party or member of such Party’s Group who Assumed or retained such Liability as set forth in this Agreement (the “Liable Party”) shall, or shall cause a member of its Group to, pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such Other Party or member of such Other Party’s Group thereunder from and after the Distribution Time. For the avoidance of doubt, in furtherance of the foregoing, the Liable Party or a member of such Liable Party’s Group, as agent or subcontractor of the Other Party or a member of such Other Party’s Group, to the extent reasonably necessary to pay, perform and discharge fully any Liabilities, or retain the benefits (including pursuant to Section 2.5) associated with such Contract or license, is hereby granted the right to, among other things, (i) prepare, execute and submit invoices under such Contract or license in the name of the Other Party (or the applicable member of such Other Party’s Group), (ii) send correspondence relating to matters under such Contract or license in the name of the Other Party (or the applicable member of such Other Party’s Group), (iii) file Actions in the name of the Other Party (or the applicable member of such Other Party’s Group) in connection with such Contract or license, and (iv) otherwise exercise all rights in respect of such Contract or license in the name of the Other Party (or the applicable member of such Other Party’s Group); provided that (y) such actions shall be taken in the name of the Other Party (or the applicable member of such Other Party’s Group) only to the extent reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the foregoing, and (z) to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of this Section 2.8(b) and the provisions of any more specific arrangement between a member of such Liable Party’s Group and a member of such Other Party’s Group, such more specific arrangement shall control. The Liable Party shall indemnify each Other Party and hold each of them harmless against any Liabilities (other than Liabilities of such Other Party) arising in connection therewith; provided, that the Liable Party shall have no obligation to indemnify the Other Party with respect to any matter to the extent that such Liabilities arise from such Other Party’s willful breach, knowing violation of Law, fraud, misrepresentation or gross negligence in connection therewith, in which case such Other Party shall be responsible for such Liabilities; it being understood that any exercise of rights under this Agreement by such Other Party shall not be deemed to be willful breach, knowing violation of Law, fraud, misrepresentation or gross negligence. The Other Party shall, without further consideration, promptly pay and remit, or cause to be promptly paid or remitted, to the Liable Party or, at the direction of the Liable Party, to another member of the Liable Party’s Group, all money, rights and other consideration received by it or any member of its Group in respect of such performance by the Liable Party (unless any such consideration is an Asset of such Other Party pursuant to this Agreement). If and when any such Consent, Governmental Approval, release, substitution or amendment shall be obtained or such agreement, lease, license or other rights or obligations shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, the Other Party shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, promptly Transfer or cause the Transfer of all rights, obligations and other Liabilities thereunder of such Other Party or any member of such Other Party’s Group to the Liable Party or to another member of the Liable Party’s Group without payment of any further consideration and the Liable Party, or another member of such Liable Party’s Group, without the payment of any further consideration, shall Assume such rights and Liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law. Each of the applicable Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, take all actions and do all things reasonably necessary on its part, or such Subsidiaries’ part, under applicable Law or contractual obligations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Section 2.8.
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Section 2.9 Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties.
(a) EACH OF THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE COMPANY GROUP), AND SPINCO (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE SPINCO GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, AS TO THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES CONTRIBUTED, TRANSFERRED OR ASSUMED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, AS TO ANY CONSENTS OR GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH, AS TO THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY SECURITY INTERESTS (OTHER THAN THE PERMITTED LIENS) OF, AS TO NONINFRINGEMENT, VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OR BUSINESS OF SUCH PARTY, OR AS TO THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SETOFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY CONTRIBUTION, ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT, CERTIFICATE OR INSTRUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THIS SECTION 2.9 SHALL HAVE NO EFFECT ON ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY MADE HEREIN, OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN OR THEREIN, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM OR SIMILAR FORM DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (I) ANY CONVEYANCE SHALL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST AND (II) ANY NECESSARY CONSENTS OR GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH.
(b) Each of the Company (on behalf of itself and each member of the Company Group) and SpinCo (on behalf of itself and each member of the SpinCo Group) further understands and agrees that if the disclaimer of express or implied representations and warranties contained in Section 2.9(a) is held unenforceable or is unavailable for any reason under the Laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States or if, under the Laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, both the Company or any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group, on the other hand, are jointly or severally liable for any the Company Retained Liability or any SpinCo Liability, respectively, then, the Parties intend that, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary under the Laws of such foreign jurisdictions, the provisions of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (including the disclaimer of all representations and warranties (except as otherwise provided in any such agreements), allocation of Liabilities among the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, releases, indemnification and contribution of Liabilities) shall prevail for any and all purposes among the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries.
(c) SpinCo hereby waives compliance by the Company and each and every member of the Company Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the SpinCo Assets to SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group.
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Section 2.10 Cash Management.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 2.10, all cash and Cash Equivalents held by any member of the SpinCo Group as of the Distribution Time shall be a SpinCo Asset and all cash and Cash Equivalents held by any member of the Company Group as of the Distribution Time shall be a Company Retained Asset. To the extent that following the Distribution Time any Cash Equivalents are required to be transferred from any member of the Company Group to any member of the SpinCo Group or from any member of the SpinCo Group to any member of the Company Group to make effective the Internal Reorganization or the Contribution pursuant to this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (including if required by Law or regulation to effect the foregoing), the Party receiving such Cash Equivalents shall promptly transfer an amount in cash equal to such transferred Cash Equivalents back to the transferring Party so as not to override the allocations of Assets, Liabilities and expenses related to the Internal Reorganization and the Contribution contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, and except as otherwise provided in Section 9.5 (relating to Reimbursable Transaction-related Expenses) or the Tax Matters Agreement (relating to Taxes), (i) the Company shall have all rights to and shall retain all payments received or accrued by it, any member of the Company Group or any member of the SpinCo Group at any time up to and until the Distribution Time relating to current accounts receivable of any member of the SpinCo Group (such current accounts receivable being included in the Company Retained Assets), and (ii) the Company shall pay all costs and expenses relating to current accounts payable and current accrued liabilities of any member of the SpinCo Group that are outstanding or accrued at any time up to and until the Distribution Time (such current accounts payable and current accrued liabilities being included in the Company Retained Liabilities).
Section 2.11 Consideration. In exchange for the Contribution, SpinCo agrees, on or prior to the Distribution Date, to issue to the Company a number of newly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of SpinCo Stock as is necessary to effect the Distribution and such that immediately following the Distribution the Company will hold none of the outstanding shares of SpinCo Stock.
Article
III
COMPLETION OF THE DISTRIBUTION
Section 3.1 Actions Prior to the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution Time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Parties shall take, or cause to be taken, the following actions in connection with the Distribution:
(a) Authorized Number of Shares. Prior to the Distribution Time, the Parties shall take all necessary action required to file the SpinCo Restated Charter with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware so that SpinCo Stock then authorized shall be equal to the number of shares of SpinCo Stock necessary to effect the Distribution.
(b) Officers and Directors. At or prior to the Distribution Time, the Parties shall take all necessary action so that, as of the Distribution Time, the executive officers and directors of SpinCo will be as set forth in Schedule 3.1(b), each of whom shall serve in such capacity in accordance with the SpinCo Governing Documents following the Distribution Time.
(c) Satisfying Conditions to the Distribution. Each of the Company and SpinCo shall cooperate to cause the conditions to the Distribution set forth in Section 3.3 to be satisfied and to effect the Distribution at the Distribution Time.
(d) Resignations and Removals. On or prior to the Distribution Date, the Company shall deliver to SpinCo the resignation, effective as of the Distribution Time, of each Person who is a director or officer of the Company (other than those Persons identified as the directors and officers, respectively, of the Company after the Distribution Time).
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(e) Contribution. Prior to the Distribution Date, the Contribution shall have been made.
(f) SpinCo Governing Documents. The SpinCo Restated Charter, SpinCo Restated Bylaws, and SpinCo Investment Documents (collectively, the “SpinCo Governing Documents”) shall be in full force and effect. The SpinCo Governing Documents shall be in substantially the same form as the Company Governing Documents.
Section 3.2 Effecting the Distribution.
(a) Delivery of SpinCo Stock. Upon consummation of the Distribution, the Company shall deliver the SpinCo Stock to the holders of Company Stock as of the Record Date through the Carta online platform and shall take all such other actions (including delivering any other instruments of transfer required by applicable law) as may be necessary to effect the Distribution. Immediately after the Distribution Time, the shares of SpinCo Stock shall not be transferable and the transfer agent for the SpinCo Stock shall not transfer any shares of SpinCo Stock. The Distribution shall be deemed to be effective at the Distribution Time upon written authorization from the Company Board to proceed with the Distribution.
(b) Delivery of SpinCo Warrants. Upon consummation of the Distribution, SpinCo shall deliver the SpinCo Warrants to the holders of Company Warrants as of the Record Date, and such SpinCo Warrants shall have the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the corresponding Company Warrants immediately prior to the Distribution Time, except that each SpinCo Warrant shall have a per share exercise price (rounded to the nearest whole cent) equal to the quotient determined by dividing (i) the per-share exercise price of the corresponding Company Warrant; by (ii) the Adjustment Ratio.
Section 3.3 Conditions to the Distribution. The consummation of the Distribution shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion, of the following conditions:
(a) Completion of the Separation. The Separation shall have been completed substantially in accordance with the Reorganization Plan, other than any Transfers and Assumptions or other actions that may occur after the Distribution Time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Execution of Ancillary Agreements. Each of the Ancillary Agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
(c) Company Board Approval. The Company Board shall have authorized and approved the Distribution and not withdrawn such authorization and approval.
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(d) No Material Adverse Effect. No other events or developments shall have occurred that, in the sole discretion of the Company Board, would result in the Distribution having a material adverse effect on the Company or its stockholders, or not being in the best interest of the Company or its stockholders.
Section 3.4 Release of Security Interests. From and after the Distribution Time, except for Permitted Liens, the Company shall, at its sole cost and expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any Security Interests on and SpinCo Asset that may serve as collateral or security from any Indebtedness of any member of the Company Group to be unconditionally released and discharged (any such unconditional release and discharge, a “Discharge”) prior to the Distribution Time. If any such Security Interest is not so Discharged prior to the Distribution Time, the Company shall continue, at its sole cost and expense, to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Security Interest to be Discharged as promptly as possible thereafter and in all events until such Security Interest is Discharged.
Section 3.5 Discretion and Authority of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine the Distribution Date and all terms of the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transactions to effect the Distribution and the timing of and conditions to the consummation thereof. In addition, the Company may at any time and from time to time until the consummation of the Distribution, decide to abandon the Distribution or modify or change the terms of the Distribution, including by accelerating or delaying the timing of the consummation of all or party of the Distribution.
Article
IV
CERTAIN COVENANTS
Section 4.1 Cooperation. From and after the Distribution Time, and subject to the terms of and limitations contained in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, each Party shall, and shall cause each of its respective Affiliates and employees to, (i) provide reasonable cooperation and assistance to the other Party (and any member of its respective Group) in connection with the completion of the transactions contemplated herein and in each Ancillary Agreement, (ii) reasonably assist the other Party in the orderly and efficient transition in becoming a separate company to the extent set forth in the Transition Services Agreement or as otherwise set forth herein (including, but not limited to, complying with Articles V, VI and VIII), and (iii) reasonably assist the other Party to the extent such Party is providing or has provided services, as applicable, pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement in connection with requests for information from, audits or other examinations of, such other Party by a Governmental Entity; in each case, except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or may otherwise be agreed to by the Parties in writing, at no additional cost to the Party requesting such assistance other than for the actual out-of-pocket costs (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees of such Party or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees’ employer regardless of the employees’ service with respect to the foregoing) incurred by any such Party, if applicable.
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Section 4.2 Transferred Names.
(a) No later than ninety (90) days following the Distribution Date, the Company shall, and shall cause the members of the Company Group, to change their respective names and cause their certificates of incorporation and bylaws (or equivalent organizational documents), as applicable, to be amended to remove the Transferred Names.
(b) Subject to Section 4.2(c), following the Distribution Date, unless otherwise directed by the SpinCo in writing, the Company shall, and shall cause the members of the Company Group to, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than six (6) months following the Distribution Date, cease to make any use of any the Transferred Names. In furtherance thereof, as soon as reasonably practicable but in no event later than six (6) months following the Distribution Date, the Company shall, and shall cause the members of the Company Group, to remove, strike over, or otherwise obliterate all the Transferred Names from all assets and other materials owned by or in the possession of any member of the Company Group, including any vehicles, business cards, schedules, stationery, packaging materials, displays, signs, promotional materials, manuals, forms, websites, email, Software and other materials and systems.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.2, no member of the Company Group shall (i) be obligated to cease using or displaying any of the Transferred Names on any (A) non-public-facing, non-customer facing and non-vendor facing documents or materials, or (B) executed copies of any Contract, in each case of (A) and (B), in existence, used or disseminated as of the Distribution Date which bear any of the Transferred Names, or (ii) be in breach of this Section 4.2 if, after the Distribution Date, it (x) uses any of the Transferred Names in a nominative manner in textual sentences referencing the historical relationship between the Company and the Company Group, on the one hand, and the SpinCo Group, on the other hand, which references are factually accurate and reasonably necessary to describe such historical relationship, (y) retains any copies of any books, records or other materials that, as of the Distribution Date, contain or display any of the Transferred Names and such copies are used solely for internal or archival purposes (and not public display), or (z) uses any of the Transferred Names to comply with applicable Laws or stock exchange regulations or for litigation, regulatory or corporate filings and documents filed by a member of the Company Group or any of its Affiliates with any Governmental Entity.
(d) SpinCo hereby grants to the Company Group a non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-transferable, license to use and display the Transferred Names for the periods set forth in this Section 4.2 as permitted by this Section 4.2 in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.
(e) Any and all use of the Transferred Names by the Company Group and the goodwill afforded thereby shall inure to the sole benefit of the SpinCo. Any use by the members of the Company Group of any of the Transferred Names as permitted in this Section 4.2 is subject to their use of the Transferred Names in a form and manner, and with standards of quality, of that in effect for the Transferred Names as of the Distribution Date. The Company and the other members of the Company Group shall not use the Transferred Names in a manner that reflects negatively on the Transferred Names or on SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group. Upon expiration or termination of the rights granted to the Company pursuant to this Section 4.2, the Company hereby assigns, and shall cause the other members of the Company Group to assign, to the Company their respective rights (if any) to any Trademarks forming a part of the Transferred Names. SpinCo shall have the right to terminate the foregoing license, effective immediately, if any member of the Company Group fails to comply with the foregoing terms and conditions in this Section 4.2 in any material respect or otherwise fails to comply with any reasonable written direction of the SpinCo in relation to any member of the Company Group’s use of the Transferred Names, and, in each case, such member of the Company Group has not cured such failure within thirty (30) days after such member of the Company Group’s receipt of written notice from SpinCo of such failure. The Company shall indemnify, defend and hold SpinCo and the members of the SpinCo Group from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses arising from or relating to the use by any member of the Company Group of the Transferred Names pursuant to this Section 4.2.
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(f) Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that the remedy at Law for any breach of the requirements of this Section 4.2 would be inadequate and agrees and consents that without intending to limit any additional remedies that may be available, SpinCo and the members of the SpinCo Group shall be entitled to a temporary or permanent injunction, without proof of actual damage or inadequacy of legal remedy, and without posting any bond or other undertaking, in any Action which may be brought to enforce any of the provisions of this Section 4.2.
Section 4.3 No Restriction on Competition. It is the explicit intent of each of the Parties that the provisions of this Agreement shall not include any non-competition or other similar restrictive arrangements with respect to the range of business activities which may be conducted by the Parties. Accordingly, each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that nothing set forth in this Agreement shall be construed to create any explicit or implied restriction or other limitation on (i) the ability of any party hereto to engage in any business or other activity which competes with the business of any other Party hereto or (ii) the ability of any party to engage in any specific line of business or engage in any business activity in any specific geographic area.
Section 4.4 Post-Distribution Time Conduct. The Parties acknowledge that, after the Distribution Time, each Party shall be independent of the other Party, with responsibility for its own actions and inactions and its own Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the conduct of its business, operations and activities following the Distribution Time, except as may otherwise be provided herein or in any Ancillary Agreement, and each Party shall (except as otherwise provided in Article V) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent such Liabilities from being inappropriately borne by the other Party.
Article
V
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.1 Release of Pre-Distribution Claims.
(a) Except (i) as provided in Section 5.1(b), (ii) as may be otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, and (iii) for any matter for which any Party is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article V:
(i) the Company, for itself and each member of the Company Group, its Affiliates as of the Distribution Time and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time were directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Company Group (in their respective capacities as such), in each case, together with their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, does hereby remise, release and forever discharge SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group, its Affiliates and all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time were stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the SpinCo Group (in their respective capacities as such), in each case, together with their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all the Company Retained Liabilities, whether at Law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any Contract, by operation of Law or otherwise, in each case, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed at or before the Distribution Time, including in connection with the Internal Reorganization, the Separation, the Distribution, and any of the other transactions contemplated hereunder and under the Ancillary Agreements (such liabilities, the “Company Released Liabilities”) and in any event shall not, and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries not to, bring any Action against any member of the SpinCo Groups in respect of any the Company Released Liabilities; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.1(a)(i) shall relieve any Person released in this Section 5.1(a)(i) who, after the Distribution Time, is a director, officer or employee of any member of the SpinCo Group and is no longer a director, officer or employee of any member of the Company Group from Liabilities arising out of, relating to or resulting from his or her service as a director, officer or employee of any member of the SpinCo Group after the Distribution Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit the Company, any member of the Company Group, or their respective Affiliates from commencing any Actions against any SpinCo officer, director, agent or employee, or their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns with regard to matters arising from, or relating to, (i) theft of the Trade Secrets of the Company, or (ii) intentional criminal acts by any such officers, directors, agents or employees.
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(ii) SpinCo, for itself and each member of the SpinCo Group, its Affiliates as of the Distribution Time and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time were directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the SpinCo Group (in their respective capacities as such), in each case, together with their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, does hereby remise, release and forever discharge the Company and the other members of the Company Group, its Affiliates and all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time were stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Company Group (in their respective capacities as such), in each case, together with their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all SpinCo Liabilities, whether at Law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any Contract, by operation of Law or otherwise, in each case, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed at or before the Distribution Time, including in connection with the Internal Reorganization, the Separation, the Distribution, and any of the other transactions contemplated hereunder and under the Ancillary Agreements (such liabilities, the “SpinCo Released Liabilities”) and in any event shall not, and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries not to, bring any Action against any member of the Company Group in respect of any SpinCo Released Liabilities; provided, however that for purposes of this Section 5.1(a)(ii), the members of the SpinCo Group shall also release and discharge any officers or other employees of any member of the Company Group, to the extent any such officers or employees served as a director or officer of any members of the SpinCo Group prior to the Distribution Time, from any and all Liability, obligation or responsibility for any and all past actions or failures to take action, in each case in their capacity as a director or officer of any such member of the SpinCo Group, prior to the Distribution Time, including actions or failures to take action that may be deemed to have been negligent or grossly negligent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit SpinCo, any member of the SpinCo Group, or their respective Affiliates from commencing any Actions against any the Company officer, director, agent or employee, or their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns with regard to matters arising from, or relating to, (i) theft of Trade Secrets of SpinCo, or (ii) intentional criminal acts by any such officers, directors, agents or employees.
(b) Nothing contained in this Agreement, including Section 5.1(a) or Section 2.4, shall impair or otherwise affect any right of any Party and, as applicable, a member of such Party’s Group or any of its Affiliates, as well as their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings contemplated in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to continue in effect after the Distribution Time. In addition, nothing contained in Section 5.1(a) shall release any person from:
(i) any Liability Assumed, Transferred or allocated to a Party or a member of such Party’s Group pursuant to or as contemplated by, or any other Liability of any member of such Group under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, including (A) with respect to the Company, any the Company Retained Liability, and (B) with respect to SpinCo, any SpinCo Liability;
(ii) any Liability provided for in or resulting from any other Contract or arrangement that is entered into after the Distribution Time between any Party (and/or a member of such Party’s or Parties’ Group), on the one hand, and any other Party or Parties (and/or a member of such Party’s or Parties’ Group), on the other hand;
(iii) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise for Actions brought against the Parties by third Persons, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Agreement and, in particular, this Article V and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary Agreements;
(iv) any Liability the release of which would result in a release of any Person other than the Persons released in Section 5.1(a); provided that the Parties agree not to bring any Action or permit any other member of their respective Group or any of their Affiliates to bring any Action against a Person released in Section 5.1(a) with respect to such Liability.
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In addition, nothing contained in Section 5.1(a) shall release: (i) the Company from indemnifying any director, officer or employee of the SpinCo Group who was a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Distribution Time, as the case may be, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which he or she was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to then-existing obligations; it being understood that if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is an SpinCo Liability, SpinCo shall indemnify the Company for such Liability (including the Company’s costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article V; and (ii) SpinCo from indemnifying any director, officer or employee of the Company Group who was a director, officer or employee of SpinCo or any of its Affiliates prior to the Distribution Time, as the case may be, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which he or she was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to then-existing obligations; it being understood that if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a Company Retained Liability, the Company shall indemnify SpinCo for such Liability (including SpinCo’s costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article V.
(c) Each Party shall not, and shall not permit any member of its Group or any of their respective Affiliates to, make any claim for offset, or commence any Action, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against any other Party or any member of any other Party’s Group or their respective Affiliates, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 5.1(a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 5.1(a).
(d) If any Person associated with a Party (including any director, officer or employee of a Party) initiates any Action with respect to claims released by this Section 5.1, the Party with which such Person is associated shall be responsible for the fees and expenses of counsel of the other Party, as the case may be (and/or the members of such Party’s Group or their Affiliates, as applicable) and such other Party, as the case may be, shall be indemnified for all Liabilities incurred in connection with such Action in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article V.
Section 5.2 Indemnification by the Company. In addition to any other provisions of this Agreement requiring indemnification and except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary Agreement, following the Distribution Time, the Company shall, and shall cause the other members of the Company Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the SpinCo Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the SpinCo Indemnitees to the extent relating to, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (a) the Company Retained Liabilities, including the failure of any member of the Company Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any the Company Retained Liability in accordance with its respective terms, whether arising prior to, at or after the Distribution Time, (b) any Company Retained Asset or the Company Retained Business, whether arising prior to, at or after the Distribution Time, or (c) any breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein, in which case any such indemnification claims shall be made thereunder.
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Section 5.3 Indemnification by SpinCo. In addition to any other provisions of this Agreement requiring indemnification and except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary Agreement, following the Distribution Time, SpinCo shall and shall cause the other members of the SpinCo Group to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Company Indemnitees to the extent relating to, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (a) the SpinCo Liabilities, including the failure of any member of the SpinCo Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any SpinCo Liability in accordance with its respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Time, (b) any SpinCo Asset or the Transferred Businesses, whether arising prior to, at or after the Distribution Time, or (c) any breach by SpinCo of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein, in which case any such indemnification claims shall be made thereunder.
Section 5.4 Procedures for Indemnification.
(a) Direct Claims. Other than with respect to Third Party Claims, which shall be governed by Section 5.4(b), each the Company Indemnitee and SpinCo Indemnitee (each, an “Indemnitee”) shall notify in writing, with respect to any matter that such Indemnitee has determined has given or could give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party which is or may be required pursuant to this Article V or pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement to make such indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”), within forty-five (45) days of such determination, stating in such written notice the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss claimed, if known, and, to the extent practicable, method of computation thereof, and referring to the provisions of this Agreement in respect of which such right of indemnification is claimed by such Indemnitee or arises; provided, however, that the failure to provide such written notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. The Indemnifying Party will have a period of forty-five (45) days after receipt of a notice under this Section 5.4(a) within which to respond thereto. If the Indemnifying Party fails to respond within such period, the Liability specified in such notice from the Indemnitee shall be conclusively determined to be a Liability of the Indemnifying Party hereunder. If such Indemnifying Party responds within such period and rejects such claim in whole or in part, the disputed matter shall be resolved in accordance with Article VII.
(b) Third Party Claims. If a claim or demand is made against an Indemnitee by any Person who is not a member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group or their respective Affiliates (a “Third Party Claim”) as to which such Indemnitee is or may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnifying Party in writing (which notice obligation may be satisfied by providing copies of all notices and documents received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim), and in reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly (and in any event within the earlier of (x) forty-five (45) days, or (y) two (2) Business Days prior to the final date of the applicable response period under such Third Party Claim) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that the failure to provide notice of any such Third Party Claim pursuant to this or the preceding sentence shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim. For all purposes of this Section 5.4(b), each Party shall be deemed to have notice of the matters set forth on Schedule 1.3(v).
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(c) Other than in the case of Taxes addressed in the Tax Matters Agreement or Employee Matters Agreement, which shall be addressed as set forth therein or, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled, if it so chooses, to assume the defense thereof, and if it does not assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, to participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim in accordance with the terms of Section 5.5 at such Indemnifying Party’s own cost and expense and by such Indemnifying Party’s own counsel, that is reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of an indemnification notice from such Indemnitee; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim to the extent such Third Party Claim (x) is an Action by a Governmental Entity, (y) involves an allegation of a criminal violation, or (z) seeks injunctive relief against the Indemnitee. In connection with the Indemnifying Party’s defense of a Third Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement thereof, at its own expense and, in any event, shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in such defense and make available to the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, materials and information in such Indemnitee’s possession or under such Indemnitee’s control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the Indemnifying Party; provided, however, that in the event of a conflict of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the applicable Indemnitee(s), or in the event that any Third Party Claim seeks equitable relief which would restrict or limit the future conduct of the Indemnitee’s business or operations, such Indemnitee(s) shall be entitled to retain, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense, separate counsel as required by the applicable rules of professional conduct with respect to such matter; provided, further, that if the Indemnifying Party has assumed the defense of the Third Party Claim but has specified, and continues to assert, any reservations or exceptions to such defense or to its liability therefor, then, in any such case, the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for all Indemnitees shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to compromise or settle a Third Party Claim the defense of which it shall have assumed pursuant to this Section 5.4(c) and any such settlement or compromise made or caused to be made of a Third Party Claim in accordance with this Article V shall be binding on the Indemnitee, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Indemnifying Party shall not settle any such Third Party Claim without the written consent of the Indemnitee unless such settlement (A) completely and unconditionally releases the Indemnitee in connection with such matter, (B) provides relief consisting solely of money damages borne by the Indemnifying Party, and (C) does not involve any admission by the Indemnitee of any wrongdoing or violation of Law.
(d) If an Indemnifying Party fails for any reason to assume responsibility for defending a Third Party Claim within the period specified in this Section 5.4, such Indemnitee may defend such Third Party Claim at the cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party. If an Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense of the Third Party Claim within the time period specified in clause (c) above, it shall not be a defense to any obligation to pay any amount in respect of such Third Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party was not consulted in the defense thereof, that such Indemnifying Party’s views or opinions as to the conduct of such defense were not accepted or adopted, that such Indemnifying Party does not approve of the quality or manner of the defense thereof or that such Third Party Claim was incurred by reason of a settlement rather than by a judgment or other determination of liability.
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(e) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 6.6 and Section 7.3, or to the extent set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, absent fraud or willful misconduct by an Indemnifying Party, the indemnification provisions of this Article V shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of an Indemnitee for any monetary or compensatory damages or losses resulting from any breach of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement and each Indemnitee expressly waives and relinquishes any and all rights, claims or remedies such Person may have with respect to the foregoing other than under this Article V against any Indemnifying Party. For the avoidance of doubt, all disputes in respect of this Article V shall be resolved in accordance with Article VII.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any Ancillary Agreement provides procedures for indemnification that differ from the provisions set forth in this Section 5.4, the terms of the Ancillary Agreement will govern.
(g) The provisions of this Article V shall apply to Third Party Claims that are already pending or asserted as well as Third Party Claims brought or asserted after the date of this Agreement. There shall be no requirement under this Section 5.4 to give a notice with respect to any Third Party Claim that exists as of the Distribution Time. The Parties acknowledge that Liabilities for Actions (regardless of the parties to the Actions) may be partly Liabilities of the Company and partly Liabilities of SpinCo. If the Parties cannot agree on the allocation of any such Liabilities for Actions, they shall resolve the matter pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article VII. Neither Party shall, nor shall either Party permit its Subsidiaries to, file Third Party claims or cross-claims against the other Party or its Subsidiaries in an Action in which a Third Party Claim is being resolved.
Section 5.5 Cooperation in Defense and Settlement.
(a) With respect to any Third Party Claim that implicates both the SpinCo Group and the Company Group in any material respect due to the allocation of Liabilities, responsibilities for management of defense and related indemnities pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, SpinCo and the Company agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate fully and maintain a joint defense (in a manner that, to the extent reasonably practicable, will preserve for all Parties any Privilege with respect thereto). The Party that is not responsible for managing the defense of any such Third Party Claim shall, upon reasonable request, be consulted with respect to significant matters relating thereto and may, if necessary or helpful, retain counsel to assist in the defense of such claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 5.5(a) shall derogate from any Party’s rights to control the defense of any Action in accordance with Section 5.4.
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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to any Action (i) by a Governmental Entity against SpinCo relating to matters involving anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, export control and similar laws, where the facts and circumstances giving rise to the Action occurred prior to the Distribution Time, and (ii) where the resolution of such Action by order, judgment, settlement or otherwise, would reasonably be expected to include any condition, limitation or other stipulation that adversely impacts the conduct of the Company Retained Businesses, the Company shall have (to the extent legally permissible), at the Company’s expense, the reasonable opportunity to consult, advise and comment on preparation regarding any such Action, including with regard to any drafts of notices and other conferences and communications to be provided or submitted by SpinCo to any Third Party involved in such Action (including any Governmental Entity), to the extent that the Company’s participation does not affect the defense of any such Action or any privilege in an adverse manner; provided that to the extent that any such action requires the submission by SpinCo of any content relating to any current or former officer or director of the Company, such content will only be submitted in a form approved by the Company in its reasonable discretion.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to any notices or reports to be submitted to, or reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements to be made with, any Governmental Entity by SpinCo or its Subsidiaries (“Governmental Filing”) where the Governmental Filing requires disclosure of facts, information or data that relate, in whole or in part, to periods prior to the Distribution Time, the Company shall have (to the extent legally permissible) the reasonable opportunity to consult, advise and comment on the preparation and content of any such Governmental Filing in advance of its submission to a Governmental Entity, and SpinCo shall in good faith consider and take into account any comments so provided by the Company with respect to such Governmental Filing.
(d) Each of the Company and SpinCo agrees that at all times from and after the Distribution Time, if an Action is commenced by a Third Party naming two (2) or more Parties (or any member of such Parties’ respective Groups) as defendants and with respect to which one or more named Parties (or any member of such Party’s respective Group) is a nominal defendant and/or such Action is otherwise not a Liability allocated to such named Party under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, then the other Party or Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts at its own expense to cause such nominal defendant to be removed from such Action, as soon as reasonably practicable.
Section 5.6 Indemnification Payments. Indemnification required by this Article V shall be made by periodic payments of the amount of Indemnifiable Losses in a timely fashion during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or an Indemnifiable Loss incurred.
Section 5.7 Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts.
(a) Any recovery by any Indemnitee for any Indemnifiable Loss subject to indemnification pursuant to this Article V shall be calculated (i) net of Insurance Proceeds actually received by such Indemnitee with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss (which such proceeds shall be reduced by the present value, based on that Party’s then cost of short-term borrowing, of future premium increases known at such time), and (ii) net of any proceeds actually received by the Indemnitee from any unaffiliated third party with respect to any such Liability corresponding to the Indemnifiable Loss (“Third Party Proceeds”). Accordingly, the amount which any Indemnifying Party is required to pay pursuant to this Article V to any Indemnitee pursuant to this Article V shall be reduced by the amount of any Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds theretofore actually recovered by or on behalf of the Indemnitee corresponding to the related Indemnifiable Loss. If an Indemnitee receives a payment required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party corresponding to any Indemnifiable Loss (an “Indemnity Payment”) and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds, then the Indemnitee shall pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.
(b) Any Indemnity Payment shall be increased as necessary so that after making all payments corresponding to Taxes imposed on or attributable to such Indemnity Payment, the Indemnitee receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such Taxes been imposed.
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(c) The Parties hereby agree that an insurer or other Third Party that would otherwise be obligated to pay any amount shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or have any subrogation rights with respect thereto by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, and that no insurer or any other Third Party shall be entitled to a “windfall” (e.g., a benefit they would not otherwise be entitled to receive, or the reduction or elimination of an insurance coverage obligation that they would otherwise have, in the absence of the indemnification or release provisions) by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement. Each Party shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use commercially reasonable efforts to collect or recover, or allow the Indemnifying Party to collect or recover, or cooperate with each other in collecting or recovering, any Insurance Proceeds that may be collectible or recoverable respecting the Liabilities for which indemnification may be available under this Article V. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnifying Party may not delay making any indemnification payment required under the terms of this Agreement, or otherwise satisfying any indemnification obligation, pending the outcome of any Actions to collect or recover Insurance Proceeds, and an Indemnitee need not attempt to collect any Insurance Proceeds prior to making a claim for indemnification or receiving any Indemnity Payment otherwise owed to it under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
Section 5.8 Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Article V is unavailable for any reason to an Indemnitee (other than failure to provide notice with respect to any Third Party Claims in accordance with Section 5.4(b)) in respect of any Indemnifiable Loss, then the Indemnifying Party shall, in accordance with this Section 5.8, contribute to the Indemnifiable Losses incurred, paid or payable by such Indemnitee as a result of such Indemnifiable Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of SpinCo and each other member of the SpinCo Group, on the one hand, and the Company and each other member of the Company Group, on the other hand, in connection with the circumstances which resulted in such Indemnifiable Loss.
Section 5.9 Additional Matters; Survival of Indemnities.
(a) The indemnity agreements contained in this Article V shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee; and (ii) the knowledge by the Indemnitee of Indemnifiable Losses for which it might be entitled to indemnification hereunder. The indemnity obligations contained in this Article V shall not survive the Distribution.
(b) The rights and obligations of any member of the Company Group, any member of the SpinCo Group, in each case, under this Article V shall survive (i) the sale or other Transfer by any Party or its Affiliates of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities and (ii) any merger, consolidation, business combination, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction involving either Party or any of its Subsidiaries.
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Article
VI
PRESERVATION OF RECORDS; ACCESS TO INFORMATION;
CONFIDENTIALITY; PRIVILEGE
Section 6.1 Preservation of Corporate Records. Except as otherwise required or agreed in writing, or as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, with regard to any Information referenced in Section 6.2, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, at such Party’s sole cost and expense, to retain, until the latest of, as applicable, (i) the date on which such Information is no longer required to be retained pursuant to the applicable record retention policy of the Company or such other member of the Company Group, respectively, as in effect immediately prior to the Distribution Time, including, without limitation, pursuant to any “Litigation Hold” issued by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Distribution Time, (ii) the concluding date of any period as may be required by any applicable Law, (iii) the concluding date of any period during which such Information relates to a pending or threatened Action which is known to the members of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, in possession of such Information at the time any retention obligation with regard to such Information would otherwise expire, and (iv) the concluding date of any period during which the destruction of such Information could interfere with a pending or threatened investigation by a Governmental Entity which is known to the members of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, in possession of such Information at the time any retention obligation with regard to such Information would otherwise expire; provided that with respect to any pending or threatened Action arising after the Distribution Time, clause (iii) of this sentence applies only to the extent that whichever member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, is in possession of such Information has been notified in writing pursuant to a “Litigation Hold” by the other Party of the relevant pending or threatened Action. The Parties agree that upon written request from the other that certain Information relating to the Transferred Businesses, the Company Retained Businesses or the transactions contemplated hereby be retained in connection with an Action, the Parties shall use reasonable efforts to preserve and not to destroy or dispose of such Information without the consent of the requesting Party.
Section 6.2 Access to Information. Other than in circumstances in which indemnification is sought pursuant to Article V (in which event the provisions of such Article V shall govern) or for matters related to provision of Tax records (in which event the provisions of the Tax Matters Agreement and Employee Matters Agreement shall govern) and subject to appropriate restrictions for Privileged Information or Confidential Information:
(a) After the Distribution Time, and subject to compliance with the terms of the Ancillary Agreements, upon the prior written reasonable request by, and at the expense of, SpinCo for specific and identified Information:
(i) that (x) relates to SpinCo or the Transferred Businesses, as the case may be, prior to the Distribution Time, or (y) is necessary for SpinCo to comply with the terms of, or otherwise perform under, any Ancillary Agreement to which the Company and/or SpinCo are parties, the Company shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if SpinCo has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items so relate and are not already in the possession or control of SpinCo; provided that, to the extent any originals are delivered to SpinCo pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, SpinCo shall, at its own expense, return them to the Company within a reasonable time after the need to retain such originals has ceased; provided, further, that, such obligation to provide any requested Information shall terminate and be of no further force and effect on the date that is the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement; provided further that, in the event that the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that any such access or the provision of any such Information (including information requested under Section 6.3) would violate any Law or Contract with a Third Party or could reasonably result in the waiver of any Privilege, the Company shall not be obligated to provide such Information requested by SpinCo;
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(ii) that (x) is required by SpinCo with regard to reasonable compliance with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements imposed on SpinCo (including under applicable securities laws) by a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over SpinCo, or (y) is for use in any other judicial, regulatory, administrative or other proceeding or in order to satisfy audit, accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation, Action or other similar requirements, as applicable, the Company shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if SpinCo has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items so relate and are not already in the possession or control of SpinCo; provided that, to the extent any originals are delivered to SpinCo pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, SpinCo shall, at its own expense, return them to the Company within a reasonable time after the need to retain such originals has ceased; provided, further that, in the event that the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that any such access or the provision of any such Information (including information requested under Section 6.3) would violate any Law or Contract with a Third Party or waive any Privilege, the Company shall not be obligated to provide such Information requested by SpinCo; or
(b) After the Distribution Time, and subject to compliance with the terms of the Ancillary Agreements, upon the prior written reasonable request by, and at the expense of, the Company for specific and identified Information:
(i) that (x) relates to matters prior to the Distribution Time, or (y) is necessary for the Company to comply with the terms of, or otherwise perform under, any Ancillary Agreement to which the Company and/or SpinCo are parties, SpinCo shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if the Company has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of SpinCo or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items so relate and are not already in the possession or control of the Company; provided that, to the extent any originals are delivered to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, the Company shall, at its own expense, return them to SpinCo within a reasonable time after the need to retain such originals has ceased; provided, further that, in the event any such access or the provision of any such Information (including information requested under Section 6.3) would violate any Law or Contract with a Third Party or waive any Privilege, SpinCo shall not be obligated to provide such Information requested by the Company.
(ii) that (x) is required by the Company with regard to reasonable compliance with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements imposed on the Company (including under applicable securities laws) by a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the Company, or (y) is for use in any other judicial, regulatory, administrative or other proceeding or in order to satisfy audit, accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation, Action or other similar requirements, as applicable, SpinCo shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if the Company has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of SpinCo or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items so relate and are not already in the possession or control of the Company; provided that, to the extent any originals are delivered to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, the Company shall, at its own expense, return them to SpinCo within a reasonable time after the need to retain such originals has ceased.
(c) Each of the Company and SpinCo shall inform their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, authorized accountants, counsel and other designated representatives who have or have access to the other Party’s Confidential Information or other information provided pursuant to this Article VI of their obligation to hold such information confidential in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.3 Auditors and Audits.
(a) Until the first SpinCo fiscal year end occurring after the Distribution Time and for a reasonable period of time afterwards as required for each Party to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for the fiscal year during which the Distribution Date occurs, each Party shall provide or provide access to the other Party on a timely basis, all information reasonably required to meet its schedule for the preparation, printing, filing, and public dissemination of its annual financial statements and for management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Items 307 and 308, respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Commission and, to the extent applicable to such Party, its auditor’s audit of its internal control over financial reporting and management’s assessment thereof in accordance with Section 404 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 and the Commission’s and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s rules and auditing standards thereunder.
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(b) In the event a Party restates any of its financial statements that include such Party’s audited or unaudited financial statements with respect to any balance sheet date or period of operation as of the end of and for the 2022 fiscal year and the five (5) year period ending December 31, 2022 (collectively, the “Financial Statements”), such Party will deliver to the other Party a substantially final draft, as soon as the same is prepared, of any report to be filed by such first Party with the Commission that includes such restated audited or unaudited financial statements (the “Amended Financial Report”); provided, however, that such first Party may continue to revise its Amended Financial Report prior to its filing thereof with the Commission, which changes will be delivered to the other Party as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, further, however, that such first Party’s financial personnel will actively consult with the other Party’s financial personnel regarding any changes which such first Party may consider making to its Amended Financial Report and related disclosures prior to the anticipated filing of such report with the Commission, with particular focus on any changes which would have an effect upon the other Party’s financial statements or related disclosures. Each Party will reasonably cooperate with, and permit and make any necessary employees available to, the other Party, in connection with the other Party’s preparation of any Amended Financial Reports.
Section 6.4 Witness Services. At all times from and after the Distribution Time, each of the Company and SpinCo shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other, upon reasonable written request, its and its Subsidiaries’ officers, directors, employees and agents (taking into account the business demands of such individuals) as witnesses to the extent that (i) such Persons may reasonably be required to testify in connection with the prosecution or defense of any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved (except for claims, demands or Actions in which one or more members of one Group is adverse to one or more members of the other Group), and (ii) there is no conflict in the Action between the requesting Party and the other Party. A Party providing a witness to the other Party under this Section 6.4 shall be entitled to receive from the recipient of such witness services, upon the presentation of invoices therefor, payments for such amounts, relating to supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees who are witnesses or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees’ employer regardless of the employees’ service as witnesses), as may be reasonably incurred and properly paid under applicable Law.
Section 6.5 Reimbursement; Other Matters. Except to the extent otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, a Party providing Information or access to Information to the other Party under this Article VI shall be entitled to receive from the recipient, upon the presentation of invoices therefor, payments for such amounts, relating to supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees of such Party or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees’ employer regardless of the employees’ service with respect to the foregoing), as may be reasonably incurred in providing such Information or access to such Information.
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Section 6.6 Confidentiality.
(a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as otherwise provided in the Ancillary Agreements, each of the Company and SpinCo shall hold, and shall cause their respective Affiliates and their officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in strict confidence (and not to disclose or release or, except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, use, including for any ongoing or future commercial purpose, without the prior written consent of the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates (which may be withheld in such Party’s sole and absolute discretion, except where disclosure is required by applicable Law)), any and all Confidential Information concerning or belonging to the other Party or its Affiliates; provided that each Party may disclose, or may permit disclosure of, Confidential Information (i) to its respective auditors, attorneys, financial advisors, bankers and other appropriate consultants and advisors who have a need to know such Information for auditing and other non-commercial purposes and are informed of the obligation to hold such Information confidential and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, the applicable Party will be responsible, (ii) if any Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries is required or compelled to disclose any such Confidential Information by judicial or administrative process or by other requirements of Law or stock exchange rule or is advised by outside counsel in connection with a proceeding brought by a Governmental Entity that it is advisable to do so, (iii) as required in connection with any legal or other proceeding by one Party against the other Party or in respect of claims by one Party against the other Party brought in a proceeding, (iv) as necessary in order to permit a Party to prepare and disclose its financial statements in connection with any regulatory filings or Tax Returns, (v) as necessary for a Party to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, (vi) to Governmental Entities in accordance with applicable procurement regulations and contract requirements, or (vii) to other Persons in connection with their evaluation of, and negotiating and consummating, a potential strategic transaction, to the extent reasonably necessary in connection therewith, provided an appropriate and customary confidentiality agreement has been entered into with the Person receiving such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any demand or request for disclosure of Confidential Information is made by a Third Party pursuant to clause (ii), (iii), (v) or (vi) above, each Party, as applicable, shall promptly notify (to the extent permissible by Law) the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates of the existence of such request, demand or disclosure requirement and shall provide such affected Party a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other remedy, which such Party will cooperate in obtaining to the extent reasonably practicable. In the event that such appropriate protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Party which faces the disclosure requirement shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed and shall take commercially reasonable steps to ensure that confidential treatment is accorded such Confidential Information.
(b) Each Party acknowledges that it and the other members of its Group may have in its or their possession confidential or proprietary Information of Third Parties that was received under confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with such Third Party while such Party and/or members of its Group were part of the Company Group. Each Party shall comply, and shall cause the other members of its Group to comply, and shall cause its and their respective officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors (or potential buyers) to comply, with all terms and conditions of any such third-party agreements entered into prior to the Distribution Time, with respect to any confidential and proprietary Information of Third Parties to which it or any other member of its Group has had access.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) the Parties shall be deemed to have satisfied their obligations hereunder with respect to Confidential Information if they exercise at least the same degree of care that applies to the Company’s confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Distribution Time, and (ii) confidentiality obligations provided for in any Contract between each Party or its Subsidiaries and their respective employees shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Confidential Information of any Party in the possession of and used by any other Party as of the Distribution Time may continue to be used by such Party in possession of the Confidential Information in and only in the operation of the Transferred Businesses (in the case of the SpinCo Group) or the Company Retained Business (in the case of the Company Group); provided that such Confidential Information may only be used by such Party and its officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors in the specific manner and for the specific purposes for which it is used as of the date of this Agreement, and may only be shared with additional officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors of such Party on a need-to-know basis exclusively with regard to such specified use; provided, further that such Confidential Information may be used only so long as the Confidential Information is maintained in confidence and not disclosed in violation of Section 6.6(a).
(d) The Parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Section 6.6 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.6, (i) the disclosure and sharing of Privileged Information shall be governed solely by Section 6.7, and (ii) Information that is subject to any confidentiality provision or other disclosure restriction in any Ancillary Agreement shall be governed by the terms of such Ancillary Agreement.
(f) For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.6, following the Distribution Time, the confidentiality obligations under this Agreement shall continue to apply to any and all Confidential Information concerning or belonging to each Party or its Affiliates that is shared or disclosed with the other Party or its Affiliates, whether or not such Confidential Information is shared pursuant to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise.
Section 6.7 Privilege Matters.
(a) Pre-Distribution Services. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Distribution Time have been and will be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the Company Group and the SpinCo Group, and that each of the members of the Company Group and the SpinCo Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such pre-Distribution services for the purposes of asserting all privileges, immunities, or other protections from disclosure which may be asserted under applicable Law, including, but not limited to, the attorney-client privilege, business strategy privilege, joint defense privilege, common interest privilege, and protection under the work-product doctrine (“Privilege”). The Parties shall have a shared Privilege with respect to all Information subject to Privilege (“Privileged Information”) which relates to such pre-Distribution services. For the avoidance of doubt, Privileged Information within the scope of this Section 6.7 includes, but is not limited to, services rendered by legal counsel retained or employed by any Party (or any member of such Party’s respective Group), including outside counsel and in-house counsel.
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(b) Post-Distribution Services. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided following the Distribution Time to each of the Company and SpinCo. The Parties further recognize that certain of such post-Distribution services will be rendered solely for the benefit of the Company or SpinCo, as the case may be, while other such post-Distribution services may be rendered with respect to claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes, or other matters which involve both the Company and SpinCo. With respect to such post-Distribution services and related Privileged Information, the Parties agree as follows:
(i) All Privileged Information relating to any claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes or other matters which involve both the Company and SpinCo shall be subject to a shared Privilege among the Parties involved in the claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes, or other matters at issue; and
(ii) Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.7(c)(i), Privileged Information relating to post-Distribution services provided solely to one of the Company or SpinCo shall not be deemed shared between the Parties, provided, that the foregoing shall not be construed or interpreted to restrict the right or authority of the Parties (x) to enter into any further agreement, not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, concerning the sharing of Privileged Information, or (y) otherwise to share Privileged Information in a manner that would waive any Privilege which could be asserted under applicable Law.
(c) The Parties agree as follows regarding all Privileged Information with respect to which the Parties shall have a shared Privilege under Section 6.7(a) or (b):
(i) Subject to Section 6.7(c)(iii), neither Party may waive, allege or purport to waive, any Privilege which could be asserted under any applicable Law, and in which the other Party has a shared Privilege, without the written consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
(ii) If a dispute arises between or among the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries regarding whether a Privilege should be waived to protect or advance the interest of any Party, each Party agrees that it shall negotiate in good faith, and shall endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party. Neither party shall unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by the other Party, and each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold consent to waive for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate interests; and
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(iii) In the event of any litigation or dispute between the Parties, or any members of their respective Groups, either such Party may waive a Privilege in which the other Party or member of such Group has a shared Privilege, without obtaining the consent of the other Party; provided that such waiver of a shared Privilege shall be effective only as to the use of Privileged Information with respect to the litigation or dispute between the Parties and/or the applicable members of their respective Groups, and shall not operate as a waiver of the shared Privilege with respect to Third Parties.
(d) The transfer of all Information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of the Company and SpinCo as set forth in Section 6.6 and this Section 6.7, to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain any applicable Privilege. The access to Information being granted pursuant to Section 5.5, Section 6.1, Section 6.2 and Section 6.3, the agreement to provide witnesses and individuals pursuant to Section 5.5 and Section 6.4, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts contemplated by Section 5.5, and the transfer of Privileged Information between the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of any Privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise.
Section 6.8 Ownership of Information. Any Information owned by one Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to this Article VI shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing Party. Unless expressly set forth herein, or unless expressly agreed in a subsequent and separate agreement, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting a license or other rights to any Party with respect to any such Information, whether by implication, estoppel or otherwise.
Section 6.9 Processing of Personal Information.
(a) Both Parties shall cooperate to ensure that their respective Processing of Personal Information hereunder does and will materially comply with all applicable Privacy Requirements and take all reasonable precautions to avoid acts that place the other Party in breach of its obligations under any applicable Privacy Requirements. Nothing in this Section 6.9 shall be deemed to prevent any Party from taking the steps it reasonably deems necessary to comply with any applicable Privacy Laws.
(b) To the extent required to do so by applicable Privacy Requirements as a result of or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the completion of the Internal Reorganization, the Parties agree to enter into such data processing agreements as required to comply with applicable Privacy Laws and shall act reasonably and in good faith in doing so.
(c) It is understood and agreed by the Parties that the transfer of Personal Information in connection with the Transfer of Assets will not violate any Privacy Requirements in any material respect.
Section 6.10 Other Agreements. The rights and obligations granted under this Article VI are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange or confidential treatment of Information set forth in any Ancillary Agreement.
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Article
VII
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 7.1 Negotiation. Except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, in the event of a controversy, dispute or Action arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby, including any Action based on contract, tort, statute or constitution (collectively, “Disputes”), where such Dispute is between the Parties or between the Company, the general counsels or chief legal officers of the parties to the Dispute (or such other individuals designated by the respective general counsels or chief legal officers) and/or the executive officers designated by the parties to the Dispute shall negotiate for a reasonable period of time to settle such Dispute; provided, that such reasonable period shall not, unless otherwise agreed by the parties to such Dispute in writing, exceed sixty (60) days (the “Negotiation Period”) from the time of receipt by a party to such Dispute of written notice of such Dispute (“Dispute Notice”) and settlement of such Dispute pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall be confidential, and no written or oral statements or offers made by the parties to the Dispute during such settlement negotiations shall be admissible for any purpose in any subsequent proceedings.
Section 7.2 Relief in Court. If the Dispute has not been resolved for any reason after the Negotiation Period, each party to such Dispute shall be entitled to seek relief in a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to Section 9.16.
Section 7.3 Continuity of Service and Performance. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall continue to provide service and honor all other commitments under this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement during the course of dispute resolution pursuant to the provisions of this Article VII with respect to all matters not subject to such dispute resolution.
Article
VIII
INSURANCE
Section 8.1 Insurance Matters. The provisions of this Section 8.1 shall apply only to the extent not otherwise provided for in the Employee Matters Agreement.
(a) The Parties intend by this Agreement that, to the extent permitted under the terms of any applicable insurance policy, SpinCo, each other member of the SpinCo Group and each of their respective directors, officers and employees will be successors in interest and/or additional insureds and will have and be fully entitled to continue to exercise all rights that any of them may have as of the Distribution Time (with respect to events occurring or claimed to have occurred before the Distribution Time) as a Subsidiary, Affiliate, division, director, officer or employee of the Company before the Distribution Time under any insurance policy, including any rights that SpinCo, any other member of the SpinCo Group or any of its or their respective directors, officers, or employees may have as an insured or additional named insured, Subsidiary, Affiliate, division, director, officer or employee to avail itself, himself or herself of any policy of insurance or any agreements related to the policies in effect before the Distribution Time, with respect to events occurring before the Distribution Time.
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(b) After the Distribution Time, the Company (and each other member of the Company Group) and SpinCo (and each other member of the SpinCo Group) shall not, without the consent of SpinCo or the Company, respectively (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), provide any insurance carrier with a release or amend, modify or waive any rights under any insurance policy if such release, amendment, modification or waiver thereunder would materially adversely affect any rights of any member of the Group of the other Party with respect to insurance coverage otherwise afforded to such other Party for pre-Distribution claims; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not (i) preclude any member of any Group from presenting any claim or from exhausting any policy limit, (ii) require any member of any Group to pay any premium or other amount or to incur any Liability, or (iii) require any member of any Group to renew, extend or continue any policy in force.
(c) The provisions of this Agreement are not intended to relieve any insurer of any Liability under any policy.
(d) No member of the Company Group or any the Company Indemnitee will have any Liabilities whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies as in effect at any time before the Distribution Time, including as a result of (i) the level or scope of any insurance, (ii) the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, (iii) the terms and conditions of any policy, or (iv) the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim.
(e) Except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 8.1(b), in no event will the Company, any other member of the Company Group or any the Company Indemnitee have any Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the SpinCo Group if any insurance policy is terminated or otherwise ceases to be in effect for any reason, is unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the SpinCo Group for any reason whatsoever or is not renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date of any such insurance policy.
(f) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any members of the Company Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.
(g) Nothing in this Agreement will be deemed to restrict any member of the SpinCo Group from acquiring at its own expense any other insurance policy in respect of any Liabilities or covering any period. After the Distribution Time, SpinCo will acquire its own insurance policies covering the SpinCo Group and each of their respective directors, officers and employees.
(h) To the extent that any insurance policy provides for the reinstatement of policy limits, and both the Company and SpinCo desire to reinstate such limits, the cost of reinstatement will be shared by the Company and SpinCo as the Parties may agree. If either Party, in its sole discretion, determines that such reinstatement would not be beneficial, that Party shall not contribute to the cost of reinstatement and will not make any claim thereunder nor otherwise seek to benefit from the reinstated policy limits.
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(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Covered Matter” shall mean any matter, whether arising before or after the Distribution Time, with respect to which any SpinCo Indemnitee may seek to exercise any right under any insurance policy pursuant to this Section 8.1. If SpinCo receives notice or otherwise learns of any Covered Matter, SpinCo shall promptly give the Company written notice thereof. Any such notice shall describe the Covered Matter in reasonable detail. With respect to each Covered Matter and any Joint Claim, SpinCo shall have sole responsibility for reporting the claim to the insurance carrier and will provide a copy of such report to SpinCo. If the Company or another member of the Company Group fails to notify SpinCo within fifteen (15) days that it has submitted an insurance claim with respect to a Covered Matter or Joint Claim, SpinCo shall be permitted to submit (on behalf of the applicable SpinCo Indemnitee) such insurance claim.
(j) Each of SpinCo and the Company will share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit the other Party to manage and conduct its insurance matters in an orderly fashion and provide the other Party with any assistance that is reasonably necessary or beneficial in connection with such Party’s insurance matters.
Article
IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.1 Entire Agreement; Construction.
(a) This Agreement, including the Exhibits and Schedules, and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule hereto, the Schedule shall prevail. In the event and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of (i) this Agreement and the provisions of any Ancillary Agreement, such Ancillary Agreement shall control (except with respect to any Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments, in which case this Agreement shall control), and (ii) this Agreement and any agreement which is not an Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement shall control unless specifically stated otherwise in such agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments are intended to be ministerial in nature and only to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the applicable local jurisdiction and shall not expand or modify the rights and obligations of the Parties or their respective Affiliates under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements that are not Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments.
(b) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement: (i) all matters relating to Taxes and Tax Returns of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall be governed exclusively by the Tax Matters Agreement; (ii) for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Tax Matters Agreement), on the one hand, and the Tax Matters Agreement, on the other hand, with respect to such matters, the terms and conditions of the Tax Matters Agreement shall govern, except as otherwise provided in the Tax Matters Agreement; (iii) all matters relating to employment matters between the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall be governed exclusively by the Employee Matters Agreement; and (iv) for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Employee Matters Agreement), on the one hand, and the Employee Matters Agreement, on the other hand, with respect to such matters, the terms and conditions of the Employee Matters Agreement shall govern, except as otherwise provided in the Employee Matters Agreement.
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Section 9.2 Ancillary Agreements. Except as expressly set forth herein, this Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements.
Section 9.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to each of the Parties.
Section 9.4 Survival of Agreements. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall survive the Distribution Time and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms.
Section 9.5 Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, or as otherwise agreed in writing among the Company and SpinCo, the Company and SpinCo shall each be responsible for its own fees, costs and expenses paid or incurred in connection with this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement and the consummation of the Internal Reorganization, the Contribution and the Distribution (the “Transaction-related Expenses”). SpinCo shall reimburse the Company for all documented, out-of-pocket Transaction-related Expenses of SpinCo that have been paid by the Company through and including the Distribution Date (the “Reimbursable Transaction-related Expenses”) by the Company’s deducting such amount from the cash portion of the Contribution to be made by it in connection with the Separation.
Section 9.6 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), or by email (provided confirmation of transmission is electronically generated and kept on file by the sending party and so long as the sender of such email does not receive an automatic reply from the recipient’s email server indicating that the recipient did not receive such email), to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.6):
To the Company:
American Gene Technologies International Inc.
0000 X. Xxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Rockville, MD 20850
Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxx
E-mail: xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
DLA Piper LLP (US)
0000 X Xxxxxxxxx Xx
Suite #1000
Phoenix, AZ 85016Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx XX
E-mail: Xxxxxxx.Xxxxxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx
To SpinCo:
[INSERT]
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
[INSERT]
Section 9.7 Consents. Any consent required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Party under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party, as the case may be, giving such consent and shall be effective only against such Party (and its Group), as the case may be.
Section 9.8 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consents shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to any restrictions on assignment pursuant to Article IV of the Tax Matters Agreement, this Agreement shall be assignable to a bona fide Third Party in connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a party hereto so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant party hereto by operation of law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other parties to this Agreement; provided, however, that no assignment permitted by this Section 9.8 shall release the assigning Party, as the case may be, from liability for the full performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
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Section 9.9 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Section 9.10 Termination and Amendment. This Agreement may not be terminated, modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Company and SpinCo.
Section 9.11 Payment Terms.
(a) Except as set forth in Article V or as otherwise expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, any amount to be paid or reimbursed by a Party (and/or a member of such Party’s Group or its Affiliates), on the one hand, to the other Party (and/or a member of such Party’s Group or its Affiliate), on the other hand, under this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed hereunder within forty-five (45) days after presentation of an invoice or a written demand therefor and setting forth, or accompanied by, reasonable documentation or other reasonable explanation supporting such amount.
(b) Except as set forth in Article V or as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement (and any amount billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that is not paid within forty-five (45) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate, from time to time in effect, calculated for the actual number of days elapsed, accrued from the date on which such payment was due up to the date of the actual receipt of payment.
(c) Without the consent of the Party, as the case may be, receiving any payment under this Agreement specifying otherwise, all payments to be made by either Party under this Agreement shall be made in US Dollars. Except as expressly provided herein, any amount which is not expressed in US Dollars shall be converted into US Dollars by using the exchange rate published on Bloomberg at 5:00 pm Eastern Standard time (EST) on the day before the relevant date or in the Wall Street Journal on such date if not so published on Bloomberg. Except as expressly provided herein, in the event that any indemnification payment required to be made hereunder or under any Ancillary Agreement may be denominated in a currency other than US Dollars, the amount of such payment shall be converted into US Dollars on the date in which notice of the claim is given to the Indemnifying Party.
Section 9.12 Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary of such Party, as the case may be, or by any entity that becomes a Subsidiary of such Party, as the case may be, at and after the Distribution Time, to the extent such Subsidiary remains a Subsidiary of the applicable Party, as the case may be.
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Section 9.13 Third Party Beneficiaries. Except (a) as provided in Article V relating to Indemnitees and for the release under Section 5.1 of any Person provided therein, and (b) as specifically provided in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon Third Parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of Action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, no stockholder of the Company or SpinCo shall be third-party beneficiaries for any purpose prior to the Distribution, and no such stockholder (or Party on behalf of their respective stockholders) shall be entitled to bring any claim for damages prior to the Distribution based on a decrease in share value or lost premiums.
Section 9.14 Title and Headings. Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 9.15 Exhibits and Schedules. The Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein. Nothing in the Exhibits or Schedules constitutes an admission of any liability or obligation of any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group or any of their respective Affiliates to any Third Party, nor, with respect to any Third Party, an admission against the interests of any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group or any of their respective Affiliates. The inclusion of any item or liability or category of item or liability on any Exhibit or Schedule is made solely for purposes of allocating potential liabilities among the Parties and shall not be deemed as or construed to be an admission that any such liability exists.
Section 9.16 Governing Law and Venue; Submission to Jurisdiction; Selection of Forum; Waiver of Trial by Jury.
(a) This Agreement and any dispute arising out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.
(b) Each of the Parties agrees that any Action related to this agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if under applicable Law, exclusive jurisdiction over such matter is vested in the federal courts, any federal court in the State of Delaware and any appellate court from any thereof (the “Chosen Courts”). By executing and delivering this Agreement, each of the Parties irrevocably: (i) accepts generally and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for any Action relating to this Agreement, including any Action brought for any remedy contemplated by Section 9.17; (ii) waives any objections which such Party, as the case may be, may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such Action contemplated by this Section 9.16(b) and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim that any such Action has been brought in an inconvenient forum; (iii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat the personal jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts by motion or other request for leave from any such court; (iv) agrees that it will not bring any Action contemplated by this Section 9.16(b) in any court other than the Chosen Courts; (v) agrees that service of all process, including the summons and complaint, in any Action may be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to such party at their respective addresses provided in accordance with Section 9.6 or in any other manner permitted by Law; and (vi) agrees that service as provided in the preceding clause (v) is sufficient to confer personal jurisdiction over such Party in the Action, and otherwise constitutes effective and binding service in every respect. Each of the Parties agrees that a final judgment in any Action in a Chosen Court as provided above may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Xxx, and each Party further agrees to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for the enforcement or execution of any such judgment.
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(c) EACH OF THE COMPANY AND SPINCO HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING IN ANY COURT RELATING TO ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING ANY SCHEDULE OR EXHIBIT HERETO AND THERETO) OR THE BREACH, TERMINATION OR VALIDITY OF SUCH AGREEMENT, INSTRUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS OR THE NEGOTIATION, EXECUTION OR PERFORMANCE OF SUCH AGREEMENTS, INSTRUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS. NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR SPINCO SHALL SEEK A JURY TRIAL IN ANY LAWSUIT, PROCEEDING, COUNTERCLAIM OR ANY OTHER LITIGATION PROCEDURE BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY RELATED INSTRUMENTS OR DOCUMENTS. NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR SPINCO WILL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL HAS BEEN WAIVED WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT BEEN WAIVED. EACH OF THE COMPANY AND SPINCO CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE IN THIS SECTION 9.16(c). NONE OF THE COMPANY OR SPINCO HAS IN ANY WAY AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO ANY OF THE OTHERS THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 9.16(c) WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.
Section 9.17 Specific Performance. From and after the Distribution Time, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Parties agree that the Party or Parties to this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement who are or are to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its or their rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that, from and after the Distribution Time, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any Indemnifiable Loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.
Section 9.18 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
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Section 9.19 Interpretation. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party, as the case may be, drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
Section 9.20 No Duplication; No Double Recovery. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer to or impose upon any Party a duplicative right, entitlement, obligation or recovery with respect to any matter arising out of the same facts and circumstances (including with respect to the rights, entitlements, obligations and recoveries that may arise out of one or more of the following Sections: Section 5.2; Section 5.3; and Section 5.4).
Section 9.21 Tax Treatment of Payments. Unless otherwise required by a Final Determination, this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement or otherwise agreed to among the Parties, for U.S. federal Tax purposes, any payment made pursuant to this Agreement (other than any payment of interest pursuant to Section 9.11) by: (a) SpinCo to the Company shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by SpinCo to the Company with respect to the SpinCo Stock occurring on or immediately before the Distribution Time; or (b) the Company to SpinCo shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by the Company to SpinCo with respect to its stock occurring on or immediately before the Distribution Time; and in each case, no Party shall take any position inconsistent with such treatment. In the event that a Taxing Authority asserts that a Party’s treatment of a payment pursuant to this Agreement should be other than as set forth in the preceding sentence, such Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to contest such challenge.
Section 9.22 No Waiver. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under the other Ancillary Agreements shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
Section 9.23 No Admission of Liability. The allocation of Assets and Liabilities herein (including on the Schedules hereto) is solely for the purpose of allocating such Assets and Liabilities between the Company and SpinCo and is not intended as an admission of liability or responsibility for any alleged Liabilities vis-à-vis any Third Party, including with respect to the Liabilities of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or SpinCo.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and SpinCo and have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC., a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
AGT HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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EXHIBIT A
Form of Employee Matters Agreement
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT B
Reorganization Plan
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT C
Form of License Agreement
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT D
Investors’ Rights Agreement
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT E
Amended and Restated Bylaws (SpinCo)
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT F
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (SpinCo)
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT G
Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT H
Voting Agreement
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT I
Form of Tax Matters Agreement
[Attached]
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EXHIBIT J
Form of Transition Services Agreement
[Attached]
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Exhibit B
Form of Company Support Agreement
[See attached].
FORM OF COMPANY SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This COMPANY SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of [ ● ], 2023, by and among 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“10X”), [ ● ], a [ ● ] (the “Stockholder”), and, solely with respect to Sections 1 - 3 hereof, American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Each of 10X, the Stockholder and the Company is sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement (defined below).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, 10X, the Company, and 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub”), propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”), a copy of which has been made available to the Stockholder, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of which, among other things, the Company will merge with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Xxxxxx Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned Subsidiary of 10X;
WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, by virtue of the Merger each share of Company Common Stock (including shares of Company Preferred Stock converted to Company Common Stock in connection with the Preferred Stock Conversion) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive Acquiror Common Stock, as provided more particularly in the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner of the number and type of equity securities of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto (together with any other equity securities of the Company of which the Stockholder acquires record or beneficial ownership after the date hereof, collectively, the “Subject Company Stock”);
WHEREAS, in consideration for the benefits to be received by the Stockholder under the terms of the Merger Agreement and as a material inducement to 10X agreeing to enter into, and consummate the transactions contemplated by, the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder agrees to enter into this Agreement and to be bound by the agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge and agree that 10X and Xxxxxx Sub will not enter into, and agree to consummate the transactions contemplated by, the Merger Agreement without the Stockholder entering into this Agreement and agreeing to be bound by the agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, each intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Preferred Stock Conversion. Subject to the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, and upon solicitation by the Company, the Stockholder, to the extent it holds Company Preferred Stock, shall duly execute and deliver to the Company such votes or consents, under which it shall irrevocably and unconditionally consent to the Preferred Stock Conversion.
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2. Distribution. Subject to the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, and upon solicitation by the Company, the Stockholder, including to the extent the Stockholder holds Company Preferred Stock, shall duly execute and deliver to the Company such votes or consents, under which it shall irrevocably and unconditionally consent to the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement.
3. Company Stockholder Consent and Related Matters. Subject to the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, (a) as promptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) following the time at which the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act and the Company solicits the remaining Company Stockholder Approvals, the Stockholder shall duly execute and deliver to the Company such Company Stockholder Approvals under which it shall irrevocably and unconditionally consent to the matters, actions and proposals contemplated by Section 8.02(f) of the Merger Agreement, including the Merger and, to the extent required by Law, any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement to occur at or immediately prior to the Closing, and (b) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, prior to the Closing, the Stockholder shall, at any meeting of the Company Stockholders (and at any adjournment or postponement thereof), however called, and in any actions by written consent of the Company Stockholders, vote (or cause to be voted) the Subject Company Stock against (i) any Acquisition Proposal or (ii) any other matter, action or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in (A) a breach of any of the Company’s covenants, agreements or obligations under the Merger Agreement or (B) any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Sections 9.01, 9.02 or 9.03 of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied; provided that in the case of either (a) or (b), the Merger Agreement shall not have been amended or modified without the Stockholder’s consent (1) to decrease the consideration payable under the Merger Agreement, or (2) to change the form of merger consideration in a manner adverse to the Stockholder.
4. Other Covenants and Agreements.
(a) The Stockholder shall be bound by and subject to (i) Section 8.04 (Confidentiality; Publicity) of the Merger Agreement to the same extent as such provisions apply to the parties to the Merger Agreement, and (ii) Section 6.04 (No Claim Against the Trust Account), Section 6.06 (Non-Solicitation; Acquisition Proposals) and Section 8.01(c) (Support of Transaction) of the Merger Agreement to the same extent as such provisions apply to the Company, in each case, mutatis mutandis, as if the Stockholder is directly party thereto. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (x) the Stockholder shall not be responsible for the actions of the Company or the board of directors of the Company (or any committee thereof) or any officers, directors (in their capacity as such), employees and professional advisors of any of the foregoing (the “Company Related Parties”), including with respect to any of the matters contemplated by this Section 4(a), (y) the Stockholder is not making any representations or warranties with respect to the actions of any of the Company Related Parties, and (z) any breach by the Company of its obligations under the Merger Agreement shall not be considered a breach of this Section 4(a) (it being understood for the avoidance of doubt that the Stockholder shall remain responsible for any breach by it of this Section 4(a)).
(b) The Stockholder acknowledges and agrees that 10X and Merger Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Stockholder entering into this Agreement and agreeing to be bound by, and perform, or otherwise comply with, as applicable, the agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement and but for the Stockholder entering into this Agreement and agreeing to be bound by, and perform, or otherwise comply with, as applicable, the agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement 10X and Merger Sub would not have entered into, or agreed to consummate the transactions contemplated by, the Merger Agreement.
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5. Stockholder Representations and Warranties. The Stockholder represents and warrants to 10X as follows:
(a) The Stockholder, if an entity, is a corporation, limited liability company or other applicable business entity duly organized or formed, as applicable, validly existing and in good standing (or the equivalent thereof, if applicable, in each case, with respect to the jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing or any equivalent thereof) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation or organization (as applicable).
(b) The Stockholder (i) if an entity, has the requisite corporate, limited liability company or other similar power and authority or (ii) if a natural person, has the requisite power and legal capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its covenants, agreements and obligations hereunder (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those covenants, agreements and obligations hereunder that relate to the provisions of the Merger Agreement), and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is an entity, the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate (or other similar) action on the part of the Stockholder. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid, legal and binding agreement of the Stockholder (assuming that this Agreement is duly authorized, executed and delivered by 10X), enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other Laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights and subject to general principles of equity).
(c) No consent, approval or authorization of, or designation, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required on the part of the Stockholder with respect to the Stockholder’s execution, delivery or performance of its covenants, agreements or obligations under this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those covenants, agreements and obligations under this Agreement that relate to the provisions of the Merger Agreement) or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for any consents, approvals, authorizations, designations, declarations, waivers or filings, the absence of which would not adversely affect the ability of the Stockholder to perform, or otherwise comply with, any of its covenants, agreements or obligations hereunder in any material respect, or which have already been obtained in advance of the Stockholder’s entry into this Agreement.
(d) None of the execution or delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the performance by the Stockholder of any of its covenants, agreements or obligations under this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those covenants, agreements and obligations under this Agreement that relate to the provisions of the Merger Agreement) or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will, directly or indirectly (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) (i) result in any breach of any provision of the Stockholder’s organizational and governing documents (if applicable), (ii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute a default or give rise to any right of termination, consent, cancellation, amendment, modification, suspension, revocation or acceleration under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which the Stockholder is a party, (iii) violate, or constitute a breach under, any Governmental Order or applicable Law to which the Stockholder or any of its properties or assets are bound or (iv) other than the restrictions contemplated by this Agreement, result in the creation of any Lien upon the Subject Company Stock, except, in the case of any of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, as would not adversely affect the ability of the Stockholder to perform, or otherwise comply with, any of its covenants, agreements or obligations hereunder in any material respect.
(e) The Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner of the Subject Company Stock and has valid, good and marketable title to the Subject Company Stock, free and clear of all Liens (other than transfer restrictions under applicable Securities Law or under the Company Organizational Documents). Except for the equity securities of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto, together with any other equity securities of the Company that the Stockholder acquires record or beneficial ownership of after the date hereof that is either permitted pursuant to, or acquired in accordance with, Section 6.01 of the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder does not own, beneficially or of record, any equity securities of the Company. The Stockholder does not own any right to acquire any equity securities of the Company (except in its capacity as a stockholder). The Stockholder has the right to vote (and provide consent in respect of, as applicable) the Subject Company Stock and, except for this Agreement and the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder is not party to or bound by (i) any option, warrant, purchase right, or other Contract that would (either alone or in connection with one or more events, developments or events (including the satisfaction or waiver of any conditions precedent)) require the Stockholder to Transfer any of the Subject Company Stock or (ii) any voting trust, proxy or other Contract with respect to the voting or Transfer of any of the Subject Company Stock, in each case, that could reasonably be expected to (y impair the ability of the Stockholder to perform its obligations under this Agreement or (z) prevent, impede or delay the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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(f) There is no Action pending or, to the Stockholder’s knowledge, threatened against the Stockholder that, if adversely decided or resolved, would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ability of the Stockholder to perform, or otherwise comply with, any of its covenants, agreements or obligations under this Agreement in any material respect.
(g) The Stockholder, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Representatives, acknowledges, represents, warrants and agrees that (i) it has conducted its own independent review and analysis of, and, based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, the business, assets, condition, operations and prospects of, 10X and (ii) it has been furnished with or given access to such documents and information about 10X and its respective businesses and operations as it and its Representatives have deemed necessary to enable it to make an informed decision with respect to the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Ancillary Agreements to which it is or will be a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(h) In entering into this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements to which it is or will be a party, the Stockholder has relied solely on its own investigation and analysis and the representations and warranties expressly set forth in the Ancillary Agreements to which it is or will be a party and no other representations or warranties of 10X or Merger Sub (including, for the avoidance of doubt, none of the representations or warranties of 10X set forth in the Merger Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement), any of their respective Affiliates or any other Person, either express or implied, and the Stockholder, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Representatives, acknowledges, represents, warrants and agrees that, except for the representations and warranties expressly set forth in the Ancillary Agreements to which it is or will be a party, none of 10X, Merger Sub, any of their respective Affiliates or any other Person makes or has made any representation or warranty, either express or implied, in connection with or related to this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements to which it is or will be a party or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
6. Transfer of Subject Securities. Except as expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement or with the prior written consent of 10X (such consent to be given or withheld in its sole discretion), from and after the date hereof, the Stockholder agrees not to (a) Transfer any of the Subject Company Stock, (b) enter into (i) any option, warrant, purchase right, or other Contract that would (either alone or in connection with one or more events or developments (including the satisfaction or waiver of any conditions precedent)) require the Stockholder to Transfer the Subject Company Stock or (ii) any voting trust, proxy or other Contract with respect to the voting or Transfer of the Subject Company Stock, or (c) take any actions in furtherance of any of the matters described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b). For purposes of this Agreement, “Transfer” means any, direct or indirect, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, mortgage, exchange, hypothecation, grant of a security interest in or disposition or encumbrance of an interest (whether with or without consideration, whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of law or otherwise). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may transfer its Subject Company Stock (w) for Transfers which the net proceeds will be used to pay income tax obligations owed by the Stockholder, as provided on a tax return or tax statement provided to 10X in form reasonably acceptable to 10X, subject to any such transferee signing a joinder hereto agreeing to be bound by all provisions hereof to the same extent as the Stockholder, (x) to its Affiliates, (y) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such individual’s immediate family, an affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order with prior written notice to (but without the consent of) 10X, or by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual, subject to any such transferee signing a joinder hereto agreeing to be bound by all provisions hereof to the same extent as the Stockholder, or (z) to another Company Stockholder that is a party to an agreement with 10X and the Company in form and substance substantially similar to this Agreement.
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7. Termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without any notice or other action by any Party, and be void ab initio upon the earliest of (a) the Effective Time, (b) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, (c) the amendment or modification of the Merger Agreement without the Stockholder’s consent (i) to decrease the consideration payable under the Merger Agreement, or (ii) to change the form of merger consideration in a manner adverse to the Stockholder and (d) the effective date of a written agreement of the parties hereto terminating this Agreement. Upon termination of this Agreement as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, none of the Parties shall have any further obligations or liabilities under, or with respect to, this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (x) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7(b) shall not affect any liability on the part of any Party for a Willful Breach of any covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement prior to such termination or Fraud, (y) Section 4(a)(i) (solely to the extent that it relates to Section 8.04 (Confidentiality; Publicity) of the Merger Agreement) and the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 5(g) and (h) shall each survive any termination of this Agreement and (z) Section 4(a)(ii) (solely to the extent that it relates to Section 6.04 (No Claim Against the Trust Account) of the Merger Agreement) shall survive the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7(b).
8. Fiduciary Duties. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) the Stockholder makes no agreement or understanding herein in any capacity other than in the Stockholder’s capacity as a record holder and beneficial owner of the Subject Company Stock, and not in the Stockholder’s capacity as a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries and (b) nothing herein will be construed to limit, prevent or affect any action or inaction by the Stockholder or any representative of the Stockholder serving in its capacity as a member of the board of directors of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or as an officer, employee or fiduciary of the Company, in each case, acting in such person’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof.
7. No Recourse. Except for claims pursuant to the Merger Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement by any party(ies) thereto against any other party(ies) thereto, each Party agrees that (a) this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any action for breach of this Agreement may only be made against, the Parties, and no claims of any nature whatsoever (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising under or relating to this Agreement, the negotiation hereof or its subject matter, or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be asserted against the Company, 10X or any Affiliate of 10X, and (b) none of the Company, 10X or any Affiliate of 10X shall have any liability arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the negotiation hereof or its subject matter, or the transactions contemplated hereby, including with respect to any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Agreement or in respect of any written or oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, as expressly provided herein, or for any actual or alleged inaccuracies, misstatements or omissions with respect to any information or materials of any kind furnished in connection with this Agreement, the negotiation hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.
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8. Notices. All notices and other communications among the Parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (d) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), addressed as follows:
(a) | If to 10X, to: | ||
10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III | |||
0 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 85th Floor | |||
New York, NY 10007 | |||
Attn: | Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
E-mail: | xxxx@00xxxxxxxx.xxx | ||
with a copy to: | |||
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP | |||
99 Bishopsgate | |||
London EC2M 3XF | |||
United Kingdom | |||
Attn: | X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
E-mail: | x.xxxxx.xxxxxxx@xx.xxx | ||
xxxx.xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx | |||
(b) | If to Stockholder, to: | ||
[ ● ] | |||
[ ● ] | |||
Attn: | [ ● ] | ||
E-mail: | [ ● ] | ||
(c) | If to the Company, to: | ||
American Gene Technologies International Inc. | |||
Rockville, MD 20850 | |||
Attn: | Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
E-mail: | xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx | ||
with a copy to: | |||
DLA Piper LLP (US) | |||
0000 X Xxxxxxxxx Xx | |||
Suite #1000 | |||
Attn: | Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
E-mail: | Xxxxx.Xxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx | ||
xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx |
or to such other address or addresses as the Parties may from time to time designate in writing.
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9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be for the sole benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and is not intended, nor shall be construed, to give any Person, other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever by reason this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall constitute the Parties acting as partners or participants in a joint venture.
10. Miscellaneous. Sections 1.02 (Construction), 11.03 (Assignment), 11.06 (Governing Law), 11.07 (Captions; Counterparts), 11.09 (Entire Agreement), 11.10 (Amendments), 11.11 (Severability), 11.12 (Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY), 11.13 (Enforcement) and 11.15 (Non-survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants) of the Merger Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and shall apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed and delivered this Company Support Agreement as of the date first above written.
10X CAPITAL VENTURE ACQUISITION CORP. III | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Company Support Agreement]
[STOCKHOLDER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Company Support Agreement]
Solely with respect to Sections 1 - 3 hereof, | ||
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Company Support Agreement]
SCHEDULE A
Stockholder | Title of Shares | Number of Shares | ||
[ ● ] | [ ● ] | [ ● ] |
Exhibit C
Form of Acquiror Support Agreement
[See attached].
FORM OF ACQUIROR SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This ACQUIROR SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [ ● ], 2023, is made by and among 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“10X” or “Acquiror”), American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AGT”), 10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), and the undersigned directors and officers of 10X (collectively with the Sponsor, the “Class B Holders”). 10X, AGT and the Class B Holders shall be referred to herein from time to time collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.” Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).
WHEREAS, 10X, AGT and 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub”), entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Class B Holders are the record and beneficial owners of 10,000,000 issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of 10X (the “10X Class B Shares”); and
WHEREAS, the Merger Agreement contemplates that the Parties will enter into this Agreement concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement by the parties thereto, pursuant to which, among other things, each Class B Holder will vote in favor of approval of the Proposals and agree to certain transfer restrictions with respect to such Class B Holder’s Acquiror Common Stock.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, each intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Agreement to Vote. Each Class B Holder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees (a) to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of 10X, and in any action by written resolution of the shareholders of 10X, all of such Class B Holder’s 10X Class B Shares (together with any other equity securities of 10X that such Class B Holder holds of record or beneficially, as of the date of this Agreement, or acquires record or beneficial ownership after the date hereof, collectively, the “Subject 10X Equity Securities”) (i) in favor of the Proposals and (ii) against, and withhold consent with respect to, any other matter, action or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in (A) a breach of any of 10X’s or Merger Sub’s covenants, agreements or obligations under the Merger Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or (B) any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Sections 9.01, 9.02 or 9.03 of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied, (b) if a meeting is held in respect of the matters set forth in clause (a), to appear at the meeting, in person or by proxy, or otherwise cause all of such Class B Holder’s Subject 10X Equity Securities to be counted as present thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum, (c) not to redeem, elect to redeem or tender or submit any of its Subject 10X Equity Securities for redemption in connection with such shareholder approval, the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (d) not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage (including by means of furnishing or disclosing information), knowingly facilitate, discuss or negotiate, directly or indirectly, any inquiry, proposal or offer (written or oral) that constitutes a Competing Proposal; (ii) furnish or disclose any non-public information about 10X to any Person in connection with a Competing Proposal; (iii) enter into any Contract or other arrangement or understanding regarding a Competing Proposal; or (iv) otherwise cooperate in any way with, or assist or participate in, or knowingly facilitate or encourage any effort or attempt by any Person to do or seek to do any of the foregoing. The Class B Holder shall (y) notify AGT promptly upon receipt of any Competing Proposal by the Class B Holder, and describe the material terms and conditions of any such offer in reasonable detail (including the identity of the Persons making such Competing Proposal) and (z) keep AGT reasonably informed on a current basis of any modifications to such offer or information.
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Prior to any valid termination of the Merger Agreement, each Class B Holder shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary under applicable Laws to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein.
2. Lock-Up.
a. For purposes of this Agreement:
(i) the term “First Tranche” means an amount of shares equal to one-half of the Lock-Up Shares;
(ii) the term “Lock-Up Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is thirty six (36) months after the Closing Date; provided, that the Parties may mutually agree to shorten the duration of or otherwise waive the Lock-Up Period;
(iii) the term “Lock-Up Shares” means an amount of shares equal to the aggregate number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock held by the Class B Holder(s) immediately following the Closing (excluding the (i) shares of Acquiror Common Stock underlying (a) the private placement units issued to the Sponsor in connection with its initial public offering or (b) any private placement units issued on conversion of Working Capital Loans and (ii) Acquiror Common Stock acquired after the date hereof in the public market, together with any securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such securities or into which such securities are exchanged or converted); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, shares owned by the Class B Holders at Closing but which have been committed to be delivered following Closing to a third party shall not be considered “Lock-Up Shares”;
(iv) the term “Permitted Transferees” means any Person to whom a Class B Holder is permitted to transfer Lock-Up Shares prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period pursuant to Section 2.c;
(v) the term “Prospectus” means the final prospectus of 10X, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 333-253868) on January 11, 2022;
(vi) the term “Second Tranche” means an amount of shares equal to the remaining one-half of the Lock-Up Shares; and
(vii) the term “Transfer” means the (A) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, with respect to, any security, (B) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (C) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (A) or (B).
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b. The Class B Holders hereby agree that each shall not, and shall cause any of its respective Permitted Transferees not to, Transfer any Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period (the “Transfer Restriction”), except in accordance with the following:
(i) with respect to the First Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire with respect to twenty-five percent (25%) of the First Tranche on the date that is thirty (30) calendar days after the Closing Date;
(ii) with respect to the First Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire with respect to the remaining seventy-five percent (75%) on the date that is one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the Closing Date, provided that, if at any point the closing price of the Acquiror Common Stock exceeds $12.00 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any consecutive thirty (30) Trading Day period, the Transfer Restriction shall expire with respect to an amount of Lock-Up Shares subject to this Section 2.b(ii) equal to the number of shares unlocked in Section 2.b(i) on a date that may be earlier than one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the Closing Date;
(iii) with respect to one-sixth of the Second Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire upon the date on which the volume-weighted average trading sale price of one share of Acquiror Common Stock quoted on a National Exchange (or such other exchange on which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $15.00 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period;
(iv) with respect to one-sixth of the Second Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire upon the date on which the volume-weighted average trading sale price of one share of Acquiror Common Stock quoted on a National Exchange (or such other exchange on which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $17.50 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period;
(v) with respect to one-sixth of the Second Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire upon the date on which the volume-weighted average trading sale price of one share of Acquiror Common Stock quoted on a National Exchange (or such other exchange on which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are then listed) is greater than or equal to $20.00 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any thirty (30) consecutive Trading Day period;
(vi) with respect to one-sixth of the Second Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire upon the date on which Triggering Event IV occurs;
(vii) with respect to one-sixth of the Second Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire upon the date on which Triggering Event V occurs;
(viii) with respect to one-sixth of the Second Tranche, the Transfer Restriction shall expire upon the date on which Triggering Event VI occurs; and
(ix) on the date on which post-merger 10X completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or other similar transaction that results in a majority of post-merger 10X’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, or where the majority of post-merger Acquiror shareholders have the right to receive a dividend or distribution related to a sale or transfer of assets or other similar transactions, the Transfer Restriction will terminate with respect to all Lock-Up Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, no Transfer Restrictions shall apply to any of the Lock-Up Shares after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period.
C-3
c. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 2.b, a Class B Holder or its Permitted Transferees may Transfer the Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period (i) to 10X’s officers or directors, (ii) to any Affiliates of the Sponsor; (iii) in respect of subclauses (i) or (ii) above, in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of such individual’s immediate family, an Affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization; (iv) in respect of subclauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above, in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual; (v) by virtue of the laws of the Cayman Islands or the Sponsor limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of the Sponsor, in each case, subject to any such transferee signing a joinder hereto agreeing to be bound by all provisions hereof to the same extent as the Sponsor and (vi) in the event that Acquiror completes a subsequent public offering of Acquiror Common Stock following Closing, the Class B Holders may Transfer in connection with such public offering an amount of Lock-Up Shares no greater than five percent (5%) of the size of such subsequent public offering, and the amount of Lock-Up Shares in the Second Tranche shall be reduced by the same amount (provided that the Class B Holders may allocate such reduction at their option between the Lock-Up Shares referenced in Section 2.b(iii) through Section 2.b(viii)).
d. The per share stock prices referenced in this Agreement will be equitably adjusted on account of any changes in the equity securities of 10X by way of stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification, or through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or business combination, or by any other means.
e. If any Transfer is made or attempted contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, such Transfer shall be null and void ab initio, and 10X shall refuse to recognize any such transferee of the Lock-Up Shares as one of its equity holders for any purpose. In order to enforce this Section 2, 10X may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Lock-Up Shares (and any Permitted Transferees and assigns thereof) until the end of the Lock-Up Period.
f. During the applicable Lock-Up Period, each certificate (if any are issued) evidencing any Lock-Up Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form, in addition to any other applicable legends:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN A SUPPORT AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF [ ● ], 2023, BY AND AMONG THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES (THE “ISSUER”) AND THE ISSUER’S SECURITY HOLDER NAMED THEREIN, AS AMENDED. A COPY OF SUCH SUPPORT AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE BY THE ISSUER TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.”
g. For the avoidance of any doubt, the Class B Holders shall retain all of their respective rights as a shareholder of 10X with respect to the Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period, including the right to vote any Lock-Up Shares.
3. Other Covenants.
a. Each Class B Holder hereby agrees to be bound by and subject to (i) Section 8.04 (Confidentiality; Publicity) of the Merger Agreement to the same extent as such provisions apply to the parties to the Merger Agreement, as if such Class B Holder is directly a party thereto, and (ii) Section 7.11 (Exclusivity) and Section 8.01(c) (Support of Transaction) of the Merger Agreement to the same extent as such provisions apply to 10X, as if such Class B Holder is directly party thereto.
C-4
b. Each Class B Holder acknowledges and agrees that AGT is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Class B Holder entering into this Agreement and agreeing to be bound by, and perform, or otherwise comply with, as applicable, the agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement and but for such Class B Holder entering into this Agreement and agreeing to be bound by, and perform, or otherwise comply with, as applicable, the agreements, covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement, AGT would not have entered into, or agreed to consummate the transactions contemplated by, the Merger Agreement.
4. Termination of 10X Class B Shares IPO Lock-Up Period. Each Class B Holder and 10X hereby agree that effective as of the consummation of the Closing (and not before), Section 3 of that certain Letter Agreement, dated January 11, 2022, by and among 10X, the Class B Holders and certain other parties thereto (the “Class B Holder Agreement”), shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
“3. Reserved.”
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Class B Holder Agreement, the restrictions set forth in Section 3 thereof shall be effective until the Closing.
The amendment and restatement set forth in this Section 4 shall be void and of no force and effect with respect to the Class B Holder Agreement if the Merger Agreement shall be terminated for any reason in accordance with its terms.
5. Representations and Warranties.
a. Sponsor represents and warrants to AGT as follows: (i) it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within Sponsor’s, corporate, limited liability company or organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary actions on the part of Sponsor; (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sponsor does not, and the performance by Sponsor of its obligations hereunder will not, (A) conflict with or result in a violation of the organizational documents of Sponsor, or (B) require any consent or approval that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any third party (including under any Contract binding upon Sponsor or Sponsor’s Subject 10X Equity Securities), in each case, to the extent such consent, approval or other action would prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by Sponsor of its obligations under this Agreement; and (iii) there are no Actions pending against Sponsor or, to the knowledge of Sponsor, threatened against Sponsor, before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by Sponsor of its obligations under this Agreement.
b. The undersigned directors and officers of 10X each represent and warrant to AGT that he has full legal capacity, right and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his obligations hereunder.
c. Each Class B Holder represents and warrants to AGT as follows: (i) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Class B Holder and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties to this Agreement, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of such Class B Holder, enforceable against such Class B Holder in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy Laws, other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies), (ii) such Class B Holder has not entered into, and shall not enter into, any agreement that would restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of such Class B Holder’s obligations hereunder, and (iii) such Class B Holder is the record and beneficial owner (as defined in the Securities Act) of, and has good title to, the respective Subject 10X Equity Securities set forth on Exhibit A hereto opposite such Class B Holder’s name, and, except as disclosed in the Acquiror SEC Reports there exist no Liens or any other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Subject 10X Equity Securities (other than transfer restrictions under the Securities Act)) or preemptive or other right or privilege for the purchase, acquisition or transfer from such Class B Holder affecting any such Subject 10X Equity Securities, other than Liens pursuant to (A) this Agreement, (B) the 10X organizational documents, (C) the Merger Agreement, (D) the Class B Holder Agreement, or (E) any applicable Securities Laws.
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6. Termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without any notice or other action by any Party, and be void ab initio upon the earlier of (a) the Effective Time and (b) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms. Upon termination of this Agreement as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, none of the Parties shall have any further obligations or liabilities under, or with respect to, this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6(b) shall not affect any liability on the part of any Party for a Willful Breach of any covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement prior to such termination or Fraud, (ii) Sections 2, 4, 10 (solely to the extent related to Sections 2, 4 or 10) and 11 shall each survive the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6(a), and (iii) Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 (solely to the extent related to the following Sections 7 or 9) shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
7. No Recourse. Except for claims pursuant to the Merger Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement by any party(ies) thereto against any other party(ies) thereto, each Party agrees that (a) this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any action for breach of this Agreement may only be made against, the Parties, and no claims of any nature whatsoever (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising under or relating to this Agreement, the negotiation hereof or its subject matter, or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be asserted against any Affiliate of AGT or any Affiliate of 10X (other than the Class B Holders, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein), and (b) none of the Affiliates of AGT or the Affiliates of 10X (other than the Class B Holders, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein) shall have any liability arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the negotiation hereof or its subject matter, or the transactions contemplated hereby, including with respect to any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Agreement or in respect of any written or oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, as expressly provided herein, or for any actual or alleged inaccuracies, misstatements or omissions with respect to any information or materials of any kind furnished in connection with this Agreement, the negotiation hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.
8. Fiduciary Duties. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) each Class B Holder makes no agreement or understanding herein in any capacity other than in its capacity as a record holder and beneficial owner of the Subject 10X Equity Securities and (b) nothing herein will be construed to limit or affect any action or inaction by any representative of the Sponsor in its capacity as a member of the board of directors (or other similar governing body) of 10X or any of its Affiliates or as an officer, employee or fiduciary of 10X or any of its Affiliates, in each case, acting in such person’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or fiduciary of 10X or such Affiliate.
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be for the sole benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and is not intended, nor shall be construed, to give any Person, other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever by reason this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall constitute the Parties, partners or participants in a joint venture.
C-6
10. Incorporation by Reference. Sections 1.02 (Construction), 11.03 (Assignment), 11.06 (Governing Law), 11.07 (Captions; Counterparts), 11.09 (Entire Agreement), 11.10 (Amendments), 11.11 (Severability), 11.12 (Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury), 11.13 (Enforcement) and 11.15 (Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants) of the Merger Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis.
11. Waiver of Anti-dilution Protection. The Sponsor and each Class B Holder hereby irrevocably (a) waives, subject to, and conditioned upon, the occurrence of the Closing, to the fullest extent permitted by law, and (b) agrees not to assert or perfect, any rights to adjustment or other anti-dilution protections in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
[signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf as of the day and year first above written.
10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: | |||
10X CAPITAL VENTURE ACQUISITION CORP. III | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Acquiror Support Agreement]
American Gene Technologies International Inc. | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Acquiror Support Agreement]
OTHER CLASS B HOLDERS: | ||
Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
[Signature Page to Acquiror Support Agreement]
Exhibit A
Class B Holder | Subject 10X Equity Securities | |||
10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC | 10,000,000 | |||
Xxxx Xxxxxx | 0 | |||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | 0 | |||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | 0 | |||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | 0 | |||
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | 0 | |||
Kash Sheikh | 0 | |||
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | 0 |
Exhibit D
Form of Registration Rights Agreement
[See attached].
FORM OF
AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [ ● ], 2023, is made and entered into by and among Addimmune Inc. (f/k/a 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), 10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), Cantor Xxxxxxxxxx & Co. (“Cantor”) and each of the undersigned parties listed under Xxxxxx on the signature pages hereto (each such party, together with the Sponsor, Xxxxxx, the Supporting Stockholders (as defined below) together with any person or entity who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement, a “Holder” and collectively the “Holders”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III (“10X”) and the Sponsor previously entered into that certain Securities Subscription Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2021, pursuant to which the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 11,672,500 shares (the “Founder Shares”) of 10X’s Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class B Ordinary Shares”), 10,000,000 of which are held by the Sponsor as of the date hereof;
WHEREAS, the Founder Shares were convertible into Class A ordinary shares of 10X, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”), on the terms and conditions provided in 10X’s second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association;
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, 10X and the Sponsor entered into that certain Private Placement Units Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Sponsor agreed to purchase 822,500 private placement units (or 881,225 units in the aggregate if the over-allotment option in connection with 10X’s initial public offering (the “IPO”) was exercised in full) (the “Sponsor Private Placement Units”) in a private placement transaction occurring simultaneously with the closing of the IPO;
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, 10X and Xxxxxx entered into that certain Private Placement Units Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Xxxxxx agreed to purchase 272,000 private placement units (the “Underwriter Private Placement Units” and, collectively with the Sponsor Private Placement Units, the “Private Placement Units”), each Private Placement Unit consisting of one Class A Ordinary Share (each share underlying a Private Placement Unit, a “Private Placement Share”) and one-half of one redeemable warrant (the “Private Placement Warrants”) in a private placement transaction occurring simultaneously with the closing of the IPO;
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, 10X, the Sponsor, Xxxxxx and the other holders party thereto (each such party, together with the Sponsor and Cantor, the “Existing Holders”) entered into that certain Registration Rights Agreement (the “Existing Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which 10X granted the Sponsor, Cantor and the Existing Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of 10X held by the Existing Holders;
[WHEREAS, in order to finance 10X’s transaction costs in connection with its search for and consummation of an initial business combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of 10X’s officers and directors could loan to 10X funds as 10X required, of which up to $1,500,000 of such loans are convertible into private placement-equivalent units (“Working Capital Units”), at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender;]1
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 9, 2023 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among 10X, 10X AGT Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of 10X (“Merger Sub”), and American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AGT”), AGT became a wholly owned subsidiary of 10X (the “Merger”);
WHEREAS, certain stockholders of AGT entered into support agreements, whereby each such stockholder is bound to vote in favor of the Merger (the “Supporting Stockholders”);
WHEREAS, prior to the Merger, 10X domesticated as a Delaware corporation in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and Part XII of the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Domestication”), and in connection with the Domestication and the Merger, changed its name to Addimmune Inc. As part of the Domestication and the Merger, (i) each Class B Ordinary Share and each Class A Ordinary Share converted, on a one-for-one basis, into one share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of 10X (after the Domestication) (“Common Stock”), and (ii) by virtue of the Domestication and the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder, each outstanding warrant of 10X (including the warrants issued in the IPO and the Private Placement Warrants) became exercisable for one share of Common Stock in lieu of one Class A Ordinary Share (the “Warrants”);
1 | NTD: To be removed if no Working Capital Units are issued at Closing. |
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WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Existing Registration Rights Agreement, the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth therein may be amended or modified upon the written consent of 10X and the Existing Holders of a majority-in-interest of the “Registrable Securities” (as such term was defined in the Existing Registration Rights Agreement) at the time in question (which majority interest must include Cantor if such amendment or modification affects in any way the rights of Cantor thereunder); and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Existing Holders desire to amend and restate the Existing Registration Rights Agreement, in order to provide the Holders certain registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities (as defined below) on the terms set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, covenants and agreements contained herein, and certain other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Section 1.1 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement:
“Adverse Disclosure” shall mean any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the principal executive officer or principal financial officer of the Company, after consultation with counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any Misstatement, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, declared effective, or used, as the case may be, and (iii) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.
“AGT” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Block Trade” means an offering and/or sale of Registrable Securities by any Holder on a coordinated or underwritten basis (whether firm commitment or otherwise) without substantial marketing efforts prior to pricing, including, without limitation, a same day trade, overnight trade or similar transaction, but excluding a variable price reoffer.
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Class A Ordinary Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Class B Ordinary Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Commission” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Stock” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Company” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.
“Demanding Holder” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.
“Domestication” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“XXXXX” shall have the meaning set forth in subsection 3.1.3.
“Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Existing Holder” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Form S-1 Shelf” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.
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“Form S-3 Shelf” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.2.
“Founder Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto shall be deemed to include the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.
“Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.
“IPO” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Lock-Up Period” shall mean the lock-up period specified with respect to a party in the Company Lock-Up Agreement, dated [ ● ], 2023 or the Acquiror Support Agreement, dated August 9, 2023.
“Maximum Number of Securities” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.5.
“Merger” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Merger Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Merger Sub” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Misstatement” shall mean an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus (in the case of a Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.
“Permitted Transferees” shall mean a Person to whom a Holder of Registrable Securities is permitted to transfer such Registrable Securities prior to the expiration of the applicable Lock-up Period pursuant to the Company Lock-up Agreement or Acquiror Support Agreement, as applicable.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.
“Piggyback Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.
“Piggyback Registration Rights Holders” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.
“Private Placement Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Private Placement Units” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Private Placement Warrants” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.
“Registrable Security” shall mean (a) the Founder Shares (including any Class A Ordinary Shares, shares of Common Stock or other equivalent equity security issued or issuable upon the conversion of any such Founder Shares or exercisable for Class A Ordinary Shares or shares of Common Stock), (b) the Private Placement Shares (including any Class A Ordinary Shares or shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion or exchange of the Private Placement Shares), (c) the Private Placement Warrants (including any Class A Ordinary Shares or shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any such Private Placement Warrants), [(d) the Working Capital Units (including any securities underlying such Working Capital Units upon their split and any securities issued or issuable upon the exchange or conversion of the securities contained in the Working Capital Units)], (e) all shares of Common Stock issued to the equityholders of AGT in the Merger, including the Supporting Stockholders, (f) any outstanding Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares, shares of Common Stock, Warrants, or any other equity security (including the Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares and shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of any other equity security) of the Company held by a Holder as of the date of this Agreement, but only to the extent such securities are “restricted securities” or are held by an “affiliate” (each as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act), and (g) any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any such Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares or shares of Common Stock by way of a stock dividend, stock split, share capitalization or share sub-division or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, that, as to any particular Registrable Security, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; (ii) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates or book entry positions for such securities not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (iii) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (iv) such securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction; or (v) with respect to a Holder, when all such securities held by such Holder could be sold without registration under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission) without restriction on volume or manner of sale.
D-3
“Registration” shall mean a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.
“Registration Expenses” shall mean the documented, out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, excluding Selling Expenses, but including, without limitation, the following:
(A) all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.) and any national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed;
(B) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of outside counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);
(C) printing, messenger and delivery expenses;
(D) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company;
(E) reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration; and
(F) reasonable fees and expenses, not to exceed $75,000, of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Shelf Takedown (the “Selling Holder Counsel”).
“Registration Statement” shall mean any registration statement under the Securities Act that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.
“Requesting Holders” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.5.
“Rule 415” shall mean Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule then in effect).
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
“Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for any Holder, except for the fees and disbursements of the Selling Holder Counsel borne and paid by the Company as provided in Section 3.2.
“Shelf Registration” shall mean a registration of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 415.
“Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.
“Shelf Takedown Notice” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.
“Shelf Threshold” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.
“Sponsor” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.2.
“Supporting Stockholders” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Underwriter” shall mean a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.
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“Underwritten Registration” or “Underwritten Offering” shall mean a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public.
“Underwritten Shelf Takedown” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.4.
“Warrants” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
“Withdrawal Notice” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.6.
“Working Capital Units” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.
ARTICLE II
REGISTRATIONS
2.1 Shelf Registrations.
2.1.1 Initial Registration. The Company shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) calendar days after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, use its commercially reasonable efforts to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Holders (and certain other outstanding equity securities of the Company as may be required by registration rights granted in favor of other stockholders or in the Company’s sole discretion) from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 (a “Shelf Registration Statement”) on the terms and conditions specified in this subsection 2.1.1 and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective as promptly as reasonably practicable after the initial filing thereof, but in no event later than sixty (60) business days following the filing deadline (the “Effectiveness Deadline”); provided, that the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended to ninety (90) days after the filing deadline if the Registration Statement is reviewed by, and receives comments from, the Commission. The Shelf Registration Statement filed with the Commission pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 shall be filed on Form S-1 (a “Form S-1 Shelf”) or such other form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of such Registrable Securities, covering such Registrable Securities, and shall contain a Prospectus in such form as to permit any Holder to sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 at any time beginning on the effective date for such Shelf Registration Statement. A Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 shall provide for the resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested prior to effectiveness by, the Holders, including the registration of the distribution to its shareholders, partners, members or other affiliates. The Company agrees to provide in a Shelf Registration Statement (and in any prospectus or prospectus supplement forming a part of such Shelf Registration Statement) that all assignees, successors or transferees under this Agreement shall, by virtue of such assignment, be deemed to be selling stockholders under the Shelf Registration Statement (or any such prospectus or prospectus supplement) with respect to such Registrable Securities. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause a Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Shelf Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Shelf Registration Statement is available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Holders until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. The Company’s obligations under this subsection 2.1.1, shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 3.4.
2.1.2 Subsequent Registration Statement. If the Shelf Registration Statement required by subsection 2.1.1 ceases to be effective under the Securities Act for any reason at any time while Registrable Securities are still outstanding, the Company shall, subject to Section 3.4, use its commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as is reasonably practicable, cause such Shelf Registration Statement to again become effective under the Securities Act (including using its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement), and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as is reasonably practicable, amend such Shelf Registration Statement in a manner reasonably expected to result in the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or file an additional Registration Statement (a “Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement”) registering the resale of all Registrable Securities (determined as of two business days prior to such filing), and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder named therein. If a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is filed, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is reasonably practicable after the filing thereof (it being agreed that the Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) at the most recent applicable eligibility determination date) and (ii) keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, available for use to permit the Holders named therein to sell their Registrable Securities included therein and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as all such Registrable Securities included therein have ceased to be Registrable Securities. Any such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 (a “Form S-3 Shelf”) or any similar short-form registration statement that may be available at such time to the extent that the Company is eligible to use such form. Otherwise, such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be on another appropriate form. The Company’s obligation under this Section 2.1.2, shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 3.4.
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2.1.3 Conversion to Form S-3. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert a Form S-1 Shelf into a Form S-3 Shelf as soon as practicable after the Company is eligible to use Form S-3. The Company’s obligations under this subsection 2.1.3, shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 3.4.
2.1.4 Shelf Takedown. At any time and from time to time following the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement required by subsection 2.1.1 or 2.1.2, and following any applicable Lock-up Period, any Holder (being in such case, a “Demanding Holder”) may request to sell all or a portion of their Registrable Securities in an underwritten offering that is registered pursuant to such shelf registration statement (an “Underwritten Shelf Takedown”), provided, that such Holder(s) reasonably expect aggregate gross proceeds in excess of $50 million from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (the “Shelf Threshold”). All requests for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall be made by giving written notice to the Company (the “Shelf Takedown Notice”). Each Shelf Takedown Notice shall specify the approximate number of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the expected price range (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) of such Underwritten Shelf Takedown. The Company shall have the right to select the Underwriter or Underwriters for any Underwritten Shelf Takedown, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement in a form as is customary in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Company with the managing Underwriter or Underwriters selected by the Company and shall take all such other commercially reasonable actions as are requested by the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities. In connection with any Underwritten Shelf Takedown contemplated by this subsection 2.1.4, subject to Section 3.3 and ARTICLE IV, the underwriting agreement into which each Holder and the Company shall enter shall contain such representations, covenants, indemnities and other rights and obligations of the Company and the selling stockholders as are customary in underwritten offerings of securities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if the Board determines in its reasonable good faith judgment that such Underwritten Shelf Takedown would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate organization, financing, securities offering or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act. The Holders, in the aggregate, may not demand more than two (2) Underwritten Shelf Takedowns in any twelve (12) month period.
2.1.5 Reduction of Underwritten Shelf Takedown. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Holders requesting piggy back rights pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (the “Requesting Holders”) (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell and all other shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with Persons other than the Piggyback Registration Rights Holders hereunder, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, (i) first, before including any shares of Common Stock or other equity securities proposed to be sold by the Company or by other holders of Common Stock or other equity securities, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders have requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities, (ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities and (iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of other Persons that the Company is obligated to register in a Registration pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such Persons and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.
D-6
2.1.6 Withdrawal. Prior to the filing of the applicable “red xxxxxxx” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall have the right to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification (a “Withdrawal Notice”) to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown. Following the receipt of any Withdrawal Notice, the Company shall promptly forward such Withdrawal Notice to any other Holders that had elected to participate in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown. If withdrawn, a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall constitute a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown for purposes of Section 2.1.4 and the Holder shall reimburse the Company for all Registration Expenses with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown.
2.2 Piggyback Registration.
2.2.1 Piggyback Rights. Subject to subsection 2.4.3, if the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (or by the Company and by the stockholders of the Company, including, without limitation, an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to subsection 2.1.4), other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that related to a transaction subject to Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), (iii) for a rights offering or an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing stockholders, (iv) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company, (v) for a registered offering not involving a “road show” or other substantial marketing efforts or a widespread distribution of securities, such as a “registered direct” offering (whether or not underwritten), including a Block Trade, (vi) for an “at the market” or similar registered offering through a broker, sales agent or distribution agent, whether as agent or principal, or (vii) for a dividend reinvestment plan, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities as soon as reasonably practicable but not less than five (5) business days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities the opportunity to register the sale of such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within three (3) business days after the sending of such written notice (such Registration a “Piggyback Registration”, and each such Holder that includes all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Registration, the “Piggyback Registration Rights Holders”); provided, further, that if the Company has been advised in writing by the managing Underwriter(s) that the inclusion of Registrable Securities for sale for the benefit of the Holders will have an adverse effect on the price, timing, or distribution of the Common Stock in an Underwritten Offering, then (1) if no Registrable Securities can be included in the Underwritten Offering in the opinion of the managing Underwriter(s), the Company shall not be required to offer such opportunity to such Holders or (2) if any Registrable Securities can be included in the Underwritten Offering in the opinion of the managing Underwriter(s), then the amount of Registrable Securities to be offered for the accounts of Holders shall be determined based on the provisions of subsection 2.2.2. Subject to subsection 2.2.2, the Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and, if applicable, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Piggyback Registration Rights Holders pursuant to this subsection 2.2.1 to be included therein on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such Registration and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. All such Piggyback Registration Rights Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.2.1 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the Company. The notice periods set forth in this subsection 2.2.1 shall not apply to an Underwritten Shelf Takedown conducted in accordance with Section 2.4. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any Registration Statement initiated by it under this subsection 2.2.1 before the effective date of such Registration, whether or not any Piggyback Registration Rights Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such Registration.
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2.2.2 Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, taken together with (i) the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, and (iii) the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:
(a) If the Registration is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1, pro rata, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, as to which Registration has been requested or demanded pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights of Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(b) If the Registration is pursuant to a request by Persons other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting Persons, other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1, pro rata, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Offering and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Holders have requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities for the account of other Persons that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such Persons, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.
(c) if the Underwritten Shelf Takedown is pursuant to a request by Xxxxxx(s) of Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.1.4 hereof, then the Company shall include in any such Underwritten Shelf Takedown securities in the priority set forth in subsection 2.1.5.
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2.2.3 Piggyback Registration Withdrawal. Any Holder of Registrable Securities (other than a Demanding Holder, whose right to withdraw from an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, and related obligations, shall be governed by subsection 2.1.6) shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of his, her or its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration (or in the case of a Piggyback Registration pursuant to a Shelf Registration, at least five (5) business days prior to the time of pricing of the applicable offering). The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by Persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (other than subsection 2.1.6), the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.2.3.
2.2.4 Joinder of Piggyback Registration Rights Holders. If so indicated on its signature page hereto, a Holder that is not a Demanding Holder may be designated solely as a Piggyback Registration Rights Holder hereunder, in which case such Piggyback Registration Rights Holder agrees that it shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the applicable terms, conditions, representations and warranties and other provisions of this Registration Rights Agreement as a “Piggyback Registration Rights Holder” under this Section 2.2, with all attendant rights, benefits, duties, restrictions and obligations thereunder, and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the applicable terms, conditions, representations and warranties and other provisions of this Registration Rights Agreement as a “Holder” for purposes of ARTICLE III, ARTICLE IV and ARTICLE V hereto, with all attendant rights, benefits, duties, restrictions and obligations thereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, any Piggyback Registration Rights Holder designated solely as such shall not be a “Holder” for any other purpose hereunder.
2.3 Market Stand-off. In connection with any Underwritten Offering of equity securities of the Company (other than a Block Trade), if requested by the managing Underwriter(s), each Holder that is (a) an executive officer, (b) a director or (c) Holder in excess of five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Stock who is selling securities in the Underwritten Offering (and for which it is customary for such a Holder to agree to a lock-up) agrees that it shall not transfer any shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company (other than those included in such offering pursuant to this Agreement and other than to Permitted Transferees prior to the expiration of the Lock-up Period), without the prior written consent of the Company, during the sixty (60)-day period (or such shorter time agreed to by the managing Underwriter(s)) beginning on the date of pricing of such offering, except as expressly permitted by such lock-up agreement or in the event the managing Underwriter(s) otherwise agree by written consent. Each such Holder agrees to execute a customary lock-up agreement in favor of the Underwriters to such effect (in each case on substantially the same terms and conditions as all such Holders).
2.4 Block Trades.
2.4.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of ARTICLE II, but subject to Section 3.4, at any time and from time to time when an effective Shelf Registration Statement is on file with the Commission, if a Demanding Holder or Holders wishes to engage in a Block Trade with a total offering price reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, either (x) $50 million or (y) if such Demanding Holder or Holders wish to engage in a Block Trade of all remaining Registrable Securities held by the Demanding Holder or Holders, $25 million, such Demanding Holder(s) shall provide written notice to the Company at least ten (10) business days prior to the date such Block Trade will commence. As promptly as reasonably practicable, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Block Trade. The Demanding Holder(s) shall use reasonable best efforts to work with the Company and the Underwriter(s) (including by disclosing the maximum number of Registrable Securities proposed to be the subject of such Block Trade) in order to facilitate preparation of the Registration Statement, Prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Block Trade and any related due diligence and comfort procedures.
2.4.2 Prior to the filing of the applicable “red xxxxxxx” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade, a majority-in-interest of the Holders initiating such Block Trade shall have the right to submit a Withdrawal Notice to the Company, the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) and any brokers, sale agents or placement agents (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Block Trade. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Block Trade prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.4.2.
2.4.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 2.2 shall not apply to a Block Trade initiated by one or more Demanding Holders pursuant to subsection 2.4.1.
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2.4.4 A majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders in a Block Trade shall have the right to select the Underwriters and any brokers, sale agents or placement agents (if any) for such Block Trade (in each case, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks).
2.4.5 A Holder in the aggregate may demand no more than one (1) Block Trade pursuant to this Section 2.4 in any twelve (12) month period. For the avoidance of doubt, any Block Trade effected pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be counted as a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to subsection 2.1.4.
ARTICLE III
COMPANY PROCEDURES
3.1 General Procedures. If the Company is required to effect the Registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:
3.1.1 prepare and file with the Commission as soon as reasonably practicable a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective pursuant to the terms of this Agreement until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution of such Registrable Securities or have ceased to be Registrable Securities;
3.1.2 prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus or have ceased to be Registrable Securities;
3.1.3 prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and each Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Holder’s legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters and each Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders; provided, that the Company shall have no obligation to furnish any documents publicly filed or furnished with the Commission and publicly available pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System (“XXXXX”);
3.1.4 prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may reasonably request (or provide evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Holders that the Registrable Securities are exempt from such registration or qualification) and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable any Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;
3.1.5 use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
3.1.6 provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;
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3.1.7 advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;
3.1.8 notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4;
3.1.9 in the event of an Underwritten Offering, a Block trade, or a sale by a broker, placement agent, or sales agent pursuant to such Registration Statement, in each of the foregoing cases solely to the extent customary for a transaction of its type, permit a representative of the Holders (such representative to be selected by a majority in interest of the participating Holders), the Underwriters, if any, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter to participate, at each such person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that any such representatives or Underwriters enter into a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;
3.1.10 obtain a “cold comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Registration, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters for a transaction of its type as the managing Underwriter(s) may reasonably request;
3.1.11 on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, in the event of an Underwritten Registration, obtain an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the Underwriters, the placement agent or sales agent, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the Underwriters, placement agent or sales agent may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to such Underwriters, placement agent or sales agent;
3.1.12 in the event of any Underwritten Offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form and as agreed to by the Company, with the managing Underwriter of such offering;
3.1.13 make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission), which requirement will be deemed satisfied if the Company timely files Forms 10-Q and 10-K, as may be required to be filed under the Exchange Act and otherwise complies with Rule 158 under the Securities Act;
3.1.14 if the Registration involves the Registration of Registrable Securities involving gross proceeds in excess of $50,000,000, use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in any Underwritten Offering; and
3.1.15 otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the participating Holders, consistent with the terms of this Agreement, in connection with such Registration.
3.2 Registration Expenses. The Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay for any expenses of any registration proceeding begun pursuant to subsection 2.1.4 if the registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Demanding Holders (in which case the Demanding Holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based upon the number of Registrable Securities that were to be included in the withdrawn registration), unless if, at the time of such withdrawal, the Demanding Holders shall have learned of a material adverse change in the condition, business, or prospects of the Company not known (and not reasonably available upon request from the Company or otherwise) to the Demanding Holders at the time of their request and have withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness after learning of such information, then the Demanding Holders shall not be required to pay any of such expenses. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the Holders shall bear all Selling Expenses, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” and all reasonable fees and expenses of Selling Holder Counsel.
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3.3 Requirements for Inclusion as a Selling Stockholder. At least ten (10) business days prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement pursuant to this ARTICLE III, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify each Holder in writing (which may be by email) of the information reasonably necessary about the Holder to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities to the extent the Company has not received such information, and received any other reasonably requested agreements or certificates, on or prior to the fifth business day prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement pursuant to this ARTICLE III. Further, no Person may participate in any Underwritten Offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.
3.4 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure.
3.4.1 Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, or in the opinion of counsel for the Company it is necessary to supplement or amend such Prospectus to comply with applicable law, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that the Company hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed.
3.4.2 If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any Registration at any time (i) would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure, (ii) would require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to the Company for reasons beyond the Company’s control, (iii) in the good faith judgment of a majority of the Board, would be seriously detrimental to the Company and the Board concludes, as a result, that it is necessary to defer such filing, initial effectiveness, or continued use at such time, or (iv) if the majority of the Board, in its good faith judgment, determines to delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend the use of, a Registration Statement and such delay or suspension arises out of or is a result of, or is related to or is in connection with any publicly-available written guidance of the Commission, or any comments, requirements, or requests of the Commission Staff related to accounting, disclosure, or other matters, then the Company may, upon giving reasonably prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time determined in good faith by the Company to be necessary for such purpose. In the event the Company exercises its rights under the preceding sentences, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities until such Holder receives written notice from the Company that such sales or offers of Registrable Securities may be resumed, and in each case maintain the confidentiality of such notice and its contents.
3.4.3 Subject to subsection 3.4.4, during the period starting with the date thirty (30) days prior to the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date ninety (90) days (or such shorter time as the managing Underwriters may agree) after the effective date of, a Company-initiated Registration and provided that the Company continues to actively employ, in good faith, all commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the applicable Shelf Registration Statement, or if, pursuant to subsection 2.1.4, Holders have requested an Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the Company and Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite such offering, the Company may, upon giving reasonably prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay any other registered offering pursuant to subsection 2.1.4 or Section 2.4.
3.4.4 The right to delay or suspend any filing, initial effectiveness of a registered offering pursuant to subsection 3.4.3 shall be exercised by the Company, in the aggregate, for not more than ninety (90) consecutive calendar days or more than one hundred twenty (120) total calendar days in each case during any twelve (12)-month period.
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3.5 Reporting Obligations. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, shall file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission, to the extent that such rule or such successor rule is available to the Company), including providing any customary legal opinions. Upon the request of any Holder, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.
3.6 Limitations on Registration Rights. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) Cantor may not exercise their demand registration rights and piggyback registration rights hereunder after five (5) and seven (7) years, respectively, after the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Company’s initial public offering and (ii) Cantor may not exercise its demand registration rights more than one time.
ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION
4.1 Indemnification.
4.1.1 In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, the Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each such Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers and directors and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable and documented outside attorneys’ fees) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnity agreement contained in this subsection 4.1.1 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.
4.1.2 In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and agents and each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and any other Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Registration, against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including without limitation reasonable and documented outside attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained, or incorporated by reference in accordance with the requirements of Form S-1 or Form S-3, in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in light of the circumstances in which they were made), but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in (or not contained in, in the case of an omission) any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each Person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.
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4.1.3 Any Person entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided, that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any Person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party’s ability to defend such action) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement), which settlement includes a statement or admission of fault or culpability on the part of such indemnified party, or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.
4.1.4 The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling Person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Xxxxxx’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.
4.1.5 If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and documented out-of-pocket expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and documented out-of-pocket expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by (or not made by, in the case of an omission), or relates to information supplied by (or not supplied by, in the case of an omission), such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this subsection 4.1.5 shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability except in the case of fraud or willful misconduct by such Holder. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in subsections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 above, any legal or other fees, charges or documented out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this subsection 4.1.5. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
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ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Notices. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be in writing and given by (i) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (ii) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (iii) transmission by hand delivery, electronic mail, telecopy, telegram or facsimile. Each notice or communication that is mailed, delivered, or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received, in the case of mailed notices, on the third business day following the date on which it is mailed and, in the case of notices delivered by courier service, hand delivery, electronic mail, telecopy, telegram or facsimile, at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the delivery receipt or the affidavit of messenger) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed, if to the Company, to: Addimmune, Inc., 0000 X. Xxx, 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxx, Chief Executive Officer, email: xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx; and a copy (which shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to DLA Piper LLP (US), 0000 X Xxxxxxxxx Xx. Suite #1000, Phoenix, AZ 85016, Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, email: Xxxxx.Xxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx, xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx, if to the Sponsor to: 10X Capital, 1 World Trade Center, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000, Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxx, with copy to: (i) Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP, 00 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Attn: X. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx and (ii) Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxx, 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, and, if to any Holder, at such Xxxxxx’s address or facsimile number as set forth in the Company’s books and records. Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties hereto, and such change of address shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice as provided in this Section 5.1.
5.2 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries.
5.2.1 This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company in whole or in part.
5.2.2 Prior to the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, no Holder may assign or delegate such Holder’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, except in connection with a transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder to a Permitted Transferee.
5.2.3 Following the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, a Holder may assign or delegate such Xxxxxx’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any transferee of Registrable Securities;
5.2.4 This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and its successors and the permitted assigns of the Holders, which shall include Permitted Transferees.
5.2.5 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any Persons that are not parties hereto, other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement and this Section 5.2.
5.2.6 No assignment by any party hereto of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless and until the Company shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment as provided in Section 5.1 hereof and (ii) the written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement). Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 5.2 shall be null and void.
5.3 Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible that is valid and enforceable.
5.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including facsimile or PDF counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute the same instrument, but only one of which need be produced.
5.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all agreements entered into pursuant hereto and all certificates and instruments delivered pursuant hereto and thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, understandings, negotiations and discussions between the parties, whether oral or written. This Agreement will amend and restate the Existing Registration Rights Agreement to read as set forth herein, when it has been duly executed by parties having the right to so amend and restate the Existing Registration Rights Agreement.
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5.6 Governing Law; Venue. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PLACE WHERE THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXECUTED BY ANY OF THE PARTIES HERETO, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of Delaware and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the state courts of Delaware or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, 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 suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.
5.7 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, COUNTERCLAIM OR OTHER PROCEEDING (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, OR THE ACTIONS OF THE SPONSOR IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
5.8 Amendments and Modifications. Upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities at the time in question, compliance with any of the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement may be waived, or any of such provisions, covenants or conditions may be amended or modified; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that adversely affects one Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of the shares of the Company, in a manner that is materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder so affected; provided, further, that no consent of any Piggyback Registration Rights Holder shall be required with respect to any such waiver, amendment or modification, except with respect to any waiver, amendment or modification that adversely affects such Piggyback Registration Rights Holder, solely in its capacity as a holder of Registrable Securities, in a manner that is materially different from the other Holders (in such capacity). No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party hereto or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party. Any amendment, termination, or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 5.8 shall be binding on each party hereto and all of such party’s successors and permitted assigns, regardless of whether or not any such party, successor or assignee entered into or approved such amendment, termination, or waiver.
5.9 Titles and Headings. Titles and headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of any provision of this Agreement.
5.10 Waivers and Extensions. Any party to this Agreement may waive any right, breach or default which such party has the right to waive, provided, that such waiver will not be effective against the waiving party unless it is in writing, is signed by such party, and specifically refers to this Agreement. Waivers may be made in advance or after the right waived has arisen or the breach or default waived has occurred. Any waiver may be conditional. No waiver of any breach of any agreement or provision herein contained shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach thereof nor of any other agreement or provision herein contained. No waiver or extension of time for performance of any obligations or acts shall be deemed a waiver or extension of the time for performance of any other obligations or acts.
5.11 Remedies Cumulative. In the event that the Company fails to observe or perform any covenant or agreement to be observed or performed under this Agreement, the Holders may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity or action at law, whether for specific performance of any term contained in this Agreement or for an injunction against the breach of any such term or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Agreement or to enforce any other legal or equitable right, or to take any one or more of such actions, without being required to post a bond. None of the rights, powers or remedies conferred under this Agreement shall be mutually exclusive, and each such right, power or remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any other right, power or remedy, whether conferred by this Agreement or now or hereafter available at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
5.12 Other Registration Rights. The Company represents and warrants that, no Person, other than a Holder of Registrable Securities, has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other Person. Further, the Company represents and warrants that (1) this Agreement supersedes the Existing Registration Rights Agreement and any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail.
5.13 Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement and (ii) the date as of which no Registrable Securities remain outstanding; provided, that with respect to any Holder, this Agreement shall terminate on the date such Holder no longer holds any Registrable Securities. The provisions of Section 3.5 and ARTICLE IV shall survive any termination.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.
COMPANY: | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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SPONSOR: | ||
10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC | ||
By: | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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CANTOR: | ||
Cantor Xxxxxxxxxx & Co. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxx Xxxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxx Xxxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER: | ||
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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HOLDER:2 | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
2 | To include the stockholders subject to a Company Support Agreement. |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]
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Exhibit E
Form of Certificate of Incorporation of Acquiror
[See attached].
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
ADDIMMUNE INC.
[___________], 2023
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the corporation is Addimmune Inc. (the “Corporation”).
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
ARTICLE III
REGISTERED AGENT
The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Corporation Trust Center in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware, 19801, and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITALIZATION
Section 4.1 Authorized Capital Stock. The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock.” The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue is [___] shares, consisting of (a) [___] shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share and (b) [___] shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding plus, if applicable, the number of shares of such class or series reserved for issuance) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock or the Common Stock, respectively, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Preferred Stock Designation (as defined below).
Section 4.2 Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) is hereby expressly authorized to provide for the issue of all or any of the unissued and undesignated shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and to fix the number of shares and to determine for each such series the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional, or other rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including without limitation, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such series and included in a certificate of designation (a “Preferred Stock Designation”) and filed in accordance with the DGCL.
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Section 4.3 Common Stock.
(a) Voting.
(i) Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of the shares of Common Stock shall exclusively possess all voting power with respect to the Corporation.
(ii) Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation on which the holders of the shares of Common Stock are entitled to vote.
(iii) Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the holders of the shares of Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of the shares of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any amendment to any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series of Preferred Stock are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the DGCL.
(b) Dividends. Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, the holders of the shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions (payable in cash, property or capital stock of the Corporation) when, as and if declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time out of any assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor and shall share equally on a per share basis in such dividends and distributions.
(c) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up of the Corporation. Subject to applicable law, the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, the holders of the shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them.
ARTICLE V
INCORPORATOR
The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator is as follows:
Name: |
Address: | |
[●] | [●] |
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ARTICLE VI
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 6.1 Board Powers. The management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by statute, this Certificate of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation, and any Bylaws adopted by the stockholders of the Corporation; provided, however, that no Bylaws hereafter adopted by the stockholders of the Corporation shall invalidate any prior act of the Board of Directors that would have been valid if such Bylaws had not been adopted.
Section 6.2 Number, Election and Term.
(a) Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation or any Preferred Stock Designation, the number of directors of the Corporation, which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors, shall be as specified from time to time in the Bylaws (but in any event shall not be fewer than five nor greater than nine1, the exact number of which shall be fixed exclusively by resolution adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office).
(b) Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the directors shall be divided into three classes, designated as Class I, Class II, and Class III, respectively. Each class shall consist, as nearly as practicable, of a number of directors equal to one third of the number of members of the Board of Directors authorized as provided in Section 6.2(a). The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to such classes at the time the classification becomes effective. At the first annual meeting of stockholders following the initial classification of the Board of Directors, the term of office of the Class I directors shall expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following such initial classification, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following such initial classification, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, each director shall serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall remove or shorten the term of any incumbent director.
(c) The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.
Section 6.3 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors or fill vacancies in respect of such directors, newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause may be filled solely and exclusively by a majority vote of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by stockholders), and any director so chosen shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors to which the new directorship was added or in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.
1 | Note to DLA: Our understanding is that the business agreement was 7 directors, so consider more flexibility in case there is a need to increase board size. |
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Section 6.4 Removal. Subject to the rights of any one or more series of Preferred Stock to remove directors elected by such series of Preferred Stock, any individual director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Section 6.5 Preferred Stockholders Election Rights. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article VI, and except as otherwise required by law, whenever the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately by class or series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect one or more directors at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, the election, the term of office, the filling of vacancies, the removal from office and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of such series of the Preferred Stock as set forth in this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation). The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof, and the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
ARTICLE VII
BYLAWS
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by law, the Board of Directors shall have the power and is expressly authorized to adopt, amend, alter or repeal any provisions of the Bylaws without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or this Certificate of Incorporation. The stockholders shall also have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however, that in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), such action by the stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
ARTICLE VIII
ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT; ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 8.1 Action by Written Consent. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (and may not be taken by consent of the stockholders in lieu of a meeting).
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Section 8.2 Annual Meetings. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held at such date, time and place, if any, as shall be determined exclusively by resolution of the Board of Directors in its sole and absolute discretion.
Section 8.3 Special Meetings. Subject to the special rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called for any purpose or purposes, at any time, only by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or President, in each case, in accordance with the Bylaws, and shall not be called by any other person or persons. Any such special meeting so called may be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled by the Board of Directors or other person calling the meeting.
Section 8.4 Advance Notice. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of other business proposed to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws. Any business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes identified in the notice of meeting.
ARTICLE IX
LIMITED LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
Section 9.1 Limitation of Director Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, a director or officer of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any amendment, modification or repeal of the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.
Section 9.2 Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who is or was made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, XXXXX excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) incurred by an indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of the indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 9.2 or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Section 9.2 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.2(a), except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses, the Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to an indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.
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(b) The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred on any indemnitee by this Section 9.2 shall not be exclusive of any other rights that any indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under law, this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, an agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
(c) Any repeal or amendment of this Section 9.2 by the stockholders of the Corporation or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Section 9.2, shall, unless otherwise required by law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and shall not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision in respect of any proceeding (regardless of when such proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.
(d) This Section 9.2 shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than indemnitees.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENT OF
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Section 10.1 Amendment. The Corporation reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force that may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by this Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL. Except as set forth in Article IX, all rights, preferences and privileges of whatever nature herein conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Article X.
Section 10.1 Vote Required. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of applicable law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by this Certificate of Incorporation or any Preferred Stock Designation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend, or repeal (whether by merger, consolidation, conversion or otherwise), or adopt any provision inconsistent with, Articles V, VI, VII, VIII and IX.
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ARTICLE XI
Exclusive forum for certain lawsuits
Section 11.1 Forum. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel except any action (A) as to which the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as to which the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 11.1 will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
Section 11.2 Consent to Jurisdiction. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Section 11.1 immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Section 11.1 immediately above (an “FSC Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such FSC Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
ARTICLE XII
Section 12.1 DGCL 203 Opt-Out. The Corporation hereby expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of DGCL, and instead the provisions of this Article XII shall apply for so long as the Corporation’s Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act.
Section 12.2 Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. The Corporation shall not engage in any business combination (as defined below) with any interested stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
(a) prior to such time, the Board of Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
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(b) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by (i) persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
(c) at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of sixty-six and two thirds percent (66 2/3%) of all of the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
Section 12.3 Exceptions. The restrictions contained in Section 12.2 shall not apply if:
(a) a stockholder becomes an interested stockholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the stockholder ceases to be an interested stockholder and (ii) would not, at any time, within the three-year period immediately prior to the business combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, have been an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership; or
(b) the business combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required hereunder of a proposed transaction which (i) constitutes one of the transactions described in the second sentence of this Section 12.3, (ii) is with or by a person who either was not an interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an interested stockholder with the approval of the Board of Directors and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors then in office (but not less than one) who were directors prior to any person becoming an interested stockholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such directors. The proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are limited to (x) a merger or consolidation of the Corporation (except for a merger in respect of which, pursuant to Section 251(f) of DGCL, no vote of the stockholders of the Corporation is required), (y) a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (other than to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary or to the Corporation) having an aggregate market value equal to fifty percent or more of either that aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the Corporation or (z) a proposed tender or exchange offer for fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation. The Corporation shall give not less than 20 days’ notice to all interested stockholders prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in clause (x) or (y) of the second sentence of this Section 12.3.
Section 12.4. Definitions. For purposes of this Article XII, references to:
(a) “affiliate” means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another person.
(b) “associate,” when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means: (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the voting power thereof; (ii) any trust or other estate in which such person has at least a twenty percent (20%) beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such person.
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(c) “business combination,” when used in reference to the Corporation and any interested stockholder of the Corporation, means:
(i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (i) with the interested stockholder, or (ii) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the interested stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation Section 12.2 of this Article XII is not applicable to the surviving entity;
(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the interested stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to twenty-five percent (25%) or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the Corporation;
(iii) any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the interested stockholder, except: (i) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the interested stockholder became such; (ii) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL; (iii) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the interested stockholder became such; (iv) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (v) any issuance or transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (iii) through (v) of this subsection shall there be an increase in the interested stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments);
(iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary which is owned by the interested stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or
(v) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (a) through (d) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.
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(d) “control,” including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. A person who is the owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Section 12.4 of Article XII, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.
(e) “interested stockholder” means any person (other than the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, or (ii) is an affiliate or associate of the Corporation and was the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is an interested stockholder; and the affiliates and associates of such person; provided, however, that the term “interested stockholder” shall not include (a) any Principal Stockholder or any of its affiliates or successors or any “group,” or any member of any such group, to which such persons are a party under Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act, or (b) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of the fifteen percent (15%) limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation; provided, further, that in the case of clause (b) such person shall be an interested stockholder if thereafter such person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person. For the purpose of determining whether a person is an interested stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.
(f) “owner,” including the terms “own” and “owned,” when used with respect to any stock, means a person that individually or with or through any of its affiliates or associates:
(i) | beneficially owns such stock, directly or indirectly; |
(ii) has (1) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such person or any of such person’s affiliates or associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (2) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such person’s right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more persons; or
(iii) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in item (ii) of subsection (b) above), or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock.
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(g) “person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity.
(h) “Principal Stockholder” means Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, the Sponsor and affiliates of the Sponsor.
(i) “Sponsor” means 10X Capital SPAC Sponsor III LLC.
(j) “stock” means, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest.
(k) “voting stock” means stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference to a percentage of voting stock shall be calculated on the basis of the aggregate number of votes applicable to all shares of such voting stock, and by allocating to each share of voting stock, that number of votes to which such share is entitled.
ARTICLE XIII
SEVERABILITY
If any provision or provisions (or any part thereof) of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person, entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Addimmune Inc. has caused this Certificate of Incorporation to be duly executed and acknowledged in its name and on its behalf by an authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
ADDIMMUNE INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Exhibit F
Form of Bylaws of Acquiror
[See attached].
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BYLAWS
OF
ADDIMMUNE INC.
Article
1
Offices
Section 1.1. Registered Office. The registered office of Addimmune Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware, and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address, shall be as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
Section 1.2. Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
Article
2
Meetings of Stockholders
Section 2.1. Time and Place of Meetings. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, on such date and at such time as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors (or the Chairperson of the Board of Directors in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors). The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (“Delaware Law”) and Section 2.9 below. The Board of Directors may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled meeting of stockholders.
Section 2.2. Annual Meetings. An annual meeting of stockholders shall be held for the election of directors and to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
Section 2.3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may only be called in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and may be held either within or without the State of Delaware.
Section 2.4. Notice of Meetings and Adjourned Meetings; Waivers of Notice.
(a) Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of each meeting of the stockholders shall be given which shall state the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such record date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at any such meeting. Unless otherwise provided by Delaware Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, such notice shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. The Board of Directors or the Chairperson of the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another time or place (whether or not a quorum is present), and notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, are announced at the meeting at which such adjournment is made or provided in any other manner permitted by Delaware Law. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
(b) Notice of the date, time, place, if any, and purpose of any meeting of the stockholders (to the extent required) may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled thereto, or by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, either before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.
Section 2.5. Quorum. Unless otherwise provided under the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws and subject to Delaware Law, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding securities of the Corporation generally entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the Chairperson of the meeting or a majority in voting interest of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy may adjourn the meeting, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.
Section 2.6. Voting.
(a) Stockholders of the Corporation shall possess such voting power and such entitlements to vote as are set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Any share of capital stock of the Corporation held by the Corporation shall have no voting rights. Except as otherwise required by law, by applicable stock exchange rules or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, in which case such different or minimum vote shall be the applicable vote on the matter, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted as votes cast. Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock to elect additional directors under specific circumstances, as may be set forth in the certificate of designations for such class or series of preferred stock, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
(b) Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to a corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, appointed by an instrument in writing, subscribed by such stockholder or by his or her attorney thereunto authorized, or by proxy sent by cable, telegram or by any means of electronic communication permitted by law, which results in a writing from such stockholder or by his or her attorney, and delivered to the secretary of the meeting. No proxy shall be voted after three (3) years from its date, unless said proxy provides for a longer period.
Section 2.7. Organization. At each meeting of stockholders, a person designated by the Board of Directors shall act as chairperson of the meeting of the stockholders. If no chairperson of the meeting of the stockholders is so designated, then the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, if one shall have been elected, or if no Chairperson has been elected, is absent or refuses to act, the director designated by the vote of the majority of the directors present at such meeting, shall act as Chairperson of the meeting. The Secretary of the Corporation (the “Secretary”) (or in the Secretary’s absence or inability to act, the person whom the Chairperson of the meeting shall appoint secretary of the meeting) shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof.
Section 2.8. Order of Business. The order of business at all meetings of stockholders shall be as determined by the Chairperson of the meeting.
Section 2.9. Nomination of Directors and Proposal of Other Business.
(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
(i) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors or the proposal of other business to be transacted by the stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made only (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, (C) as may be provided in the certificate of designations for any class or series of preferred stock, or (D) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in paragraph (ii) of this Section 2.9(a) and at the time of the annual meeting, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.9(a), and, except as otherwise required by law, any failure to comply with these procedures shall result in the nullification of such nomination or proposal. For the avoidance of doubt and subject to Section 2.9(c)(vi), the foregoing clause (D) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or propose other business at an annual meeting of stockholders (other than a proposal included in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act (as defined herein)).
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(ii) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder pursuant to clause (D) of paragraph (i) of this Section 2.9(a), (1) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary and any such proposed business (other than the nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors) must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action, (2) the stockholder must have complied in all respects with the requirements of Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder), the “Exchange Act”), as amended, including, without limitation, the requirements of Rule 14a-19 (as such rules and regulations may be amended from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including any SEC Staff interpretations relating thereto), and (3) the Board of Directors or an executive officer designated thereby shall determine that the stockholder has satisfied the requirements of this clause (ii), including without limitation the satisfaction of any undertaking delivered under paragraph (iii) below. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to such anniversary date or delayed more than 70 days after such anniversary date then to be timely such notice must be received by the Corporation no earlier than 120 days prior to such annual meeting and no later than the later of 70 days prior to the date of the meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the meeting was first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of any meeting, or any announcement thereof, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. A stockholder may not provide notice with respect to the nomination of a greater number of director candidates than are subject to election by stockholders at the applicable meeting.
(iii) A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary pursuant to Section 2.9(a)(ii) or Section 2.9(b) shall set forth (A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director: (1) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement and form of proxy as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected, (2) a reasonably detailed description of any compensatory, payment or other financial agreement, arrangement or understanding that such person has with any other person or entity other than the Corporation including the amount of any payment or payments received or receivable thereunder, in each case in connection with candidacy or service as a director of the Corporation (a “Third-Party Compensation Arrangement”), and (3) the information required under Section 2.9(c), (B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the text of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made and (C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made:
(1) the name and address of such stockholder (as they appear on the Corporation’s books), and the name and address of any such beneficial owner, and of any affiliates, associates, or others acting in concert with such stockholder or such beneficial owner (any such person other than the stockholder, a “Stockholder Associated Person”);
(2) for each class or series, the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are held of record or are beneficially owned by such stockholder and by any Stockholder Associated Person;
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(3) a description of any agreement, arrangement, relationship or understanding (whether written or oral) between or among such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person and any other person in connection with the proposal of such nomination or other business;
(4) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including, regardless of the form of settlement, any derivative, long or short positions, profit interests, forwards, futures, swaps, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into by or on behalf of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person, or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person with respect to the Corporation’s securities;
(5) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the meeting;
(6) a representation as to whether such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person intends or is part of a group that intends to (i) deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or to elect each such nominee, (ii) otherwise solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination and/or (iii) solicit holders of shares representing at least 67% of the outstanding securities of the Corporation generally entitled to vote on the election of directors in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees in accordance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the Exchange Act;
(7) a representation as to whether such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person has complied with all applicable legal requirements in connection with its acquisition of shares or other securities of the Corporation, and any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation, including with respect to determining whether such person has complied with this Section 2.9(a);
(8) any other information relating to such stockholder, Stockholder Associated Person, if any, or director nominee or proposed business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies in support of such nominee or proposal pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act; and
(9) such other information relating to any proposed item of business as the Corporation may reasonably require to determine whether such proposed item of business is a proper matter for stockholder action.
If requested by the Corporation, the information required under Section 2.9(a)(iii) shall be further updated and supplemented by such stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting and as of the date that is 10 days prior to the date of meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than 10 days after the record date for the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date) and not later than eight days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this Section 2.9 shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies under this Section 2.9 or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted a stockholder’s notice to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business, and/or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of stockholders.
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(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. If the election of directors is included as business to be brought before a special meeting in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, then nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting of stockholders may be made by any stockholder who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.9(b) and at the time of the special meeting, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.9(b). For nominations to be properly brought by a stockholder before a special meeting of stockholders pursuant to this Section 2.9(b), the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (A) not earlier than 150 days prior to the date of the special meeting nor (B) later than the later of 120 days prior to the date of the special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the special meeting was first made. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall comply with the notice and other requirements of Section 2.9(a)(iii).
(c) General.
(i) To be eligible to be a nominee for election as a director, the proposed nominee must provide to the Secretary in accordance with the applicable time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 2.9(a)(ii) or Section 2.9(b): (1) a completed D&O questionnaire (in the form provided by the Secretary at the request of the nominating stockholder) containing information regarding the nominee’s background and qualifications and such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation or to serve as an independent director of the Corporation, (2) a written representation that, unless previously disclosed to the Corporation, the nominee is not and will not become a party to any voting agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity as to how such nominee, if elected as a director, will vote on any issue or that could interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director, with his/her fiduciary duties under applicable law, (3) a written representation and agreement that, unless previously disclosed to the Corporation pursuant to Section 2.9(a)(iii)(A)(2), the nominee is not and will not become a party to any Third-Party Compensation Arrangement and (4) a written representation that, if elected as a director, such nominee would be in compliance and will continue to comply with the Corporation’s corporate governance guidelines as disclosed on the Corporation’s website, as amended from time to time. At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary the information that is required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination that pertains to the nominee.
(ii) No person shall be eligible to be nominated by a stockholder to serve as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.9. No business proposed by a stockholder shall be conducted at a stockholder meeting except in accordance with this Section 2.9.
(iii) The Chairperson of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these Bylaws or that business was not properly brought before the meeting, and if he/she should so determine, he/she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded or such business shall not be transacted, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.9, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or other proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded or such proposed business shall not be transacted, as the case may be, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation and counted for purposes of determining a quorum. For purposes of this Section 2.9, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, unless otherwise required by law, if any stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person (i) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to any proposed nominee and (ii) subsequently fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(2) or Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act (or fails to timely provide reasonable evidence sufficient to satisfy the Corporation that such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act in accordance with the following sentence), then the nomination of each such proposed nominee shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of the election of such proposed nominees may have been received by the Corporation (which proxies and votes shall be disregarded except for the purpose of determining a quorum). If any stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person shall deliver to the Corporation, no later than ten (10) days prior to the applicable meeting, reasonable evidence that it has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
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(iv) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.9, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.9; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.9, and compliance with paragraphs (a)(i)(D) and (b) of this Section 2.9 shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than as provided in Section 2.9(c)(v) and Section 2.9(a)(i)(E)).
(v) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the notice requirements set forth herein with respect to the proposal of any business pursuant to this Section 2.9 other than a nomination of persons for election to the Board of Directors shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder if such stockholder has submitted a proposal to the Corporation in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for the meeting of stockholders.
Section 3.0. Conduct of Business. The chairperson of each annual and special meeting of stockholders shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (if he or she shall be a director) or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chief Executive Officer or if the Chief Executive Officer is not a director, the President (if he or she shall be a director) or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the President or if the President is not a director, such other person as shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the chairperson of the meeting. The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with these Bylaws or such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and to adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairperson of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (a) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (b) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (c) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairperson of the meeting shall determine; (d) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (e) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. The secretary of each annual and special meeting of stockholders shall be the Secretary or, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary so appointed to act by the chairperson of the meeting. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Secretary and all Assistant Secretaries, the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
Article
3
Directors
Section 3.1. General Powers. Except as otherwise provided by Delaware Law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Section 3.2. Number, Election and Term of Office. Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, the total number of directors shall be determined from time to time exclusively by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors; provided that any determination by the Board of Directors to increase or decrease the total number of directors shall require the approval of 66 2/3% of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Directors shall be elected by stockholders at their annual meeting, and the term of each director shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each director shall hold office until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be stockholders.
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Section 3.3. Quorum; Required Vote. A majority of the Board of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.
Section 3.4. Time and Place of Meetings. The Board of Directors shall hold its meetings at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors (or the Chairperson of the Board of Directors in the absence of a determination by the Board of Directors).
Section 3.5. Regular Meetings. Regularly scheduled, periodic meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such times, dates and places (within or without the State of Delaware) as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 3.6. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Secretary or a majority of directors then in office. Notice of special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given to each director at least 48 hours before the date of the meeting in such manner as is determined by the Board of Directors. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting.
Section 3.7. Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (a) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by Delaware Law to be submitted to the stockholders for approval or (b) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.
Section 3.8. Consent in Lieu of Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions, are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 3.9. Meetings by Electronic Communications Equipment.
Unless otherwise restricted by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any member of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
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Section 3.10. Resignation. Any director may resign from the Board of Directors at any time by giving notice to the Board of Directors or to the Secretary. Any such notice must be in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or to the Secretary. The resignation of any director shall take effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice; and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 3.11. Vacancies. Vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, removal or otherwise and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall be filled in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, when one or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office shall have the power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office as provided in the filling of the other vacancies.
Section 3.12. Removal. Directors of the Corporation may be removed from office only in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 3.13. Compensation. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have authority to fix the compensation of directors, including fees and reimbursement of expenses.
Article
4
Officers
Section 4.1. Officers. The officers of the Corporation elected by the Board of Directors shall be a Chairperson of the Board of Directors, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, a Secretary and such other officers (including without limitation, Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and a Treasurer) as the Board of Directors from time to time may determine. Officers elected by the Board of Directors shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this Article 4. Such officers shall also have such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer or President may also appoint such other officers (including without limitation one or more Vice Presidents and Controllers) as may be necessary or desirable for the conduct of the business of the Corporation. Such other officers shall have such powers and duties and shall hold their offices for such terms as may be provided in these Bylaws or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or, if such officer has been appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or President, as may be prescribed by the appointing officer.
(a) Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall preside when present at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall supervise the activities of the Corporation subject to the ultimate authority of the Board of Directors. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (if he or she shall be a director) shall preside when present at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The position of Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer may be held by the same person.
(b) Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation and general control of all of its business subject to the ultimate authority of the Board of Directors, and shall be responsible for the execution of the policies of the Board of Directors with respect to such matters. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (if he or she shall be a director) shall preside when present at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The position of Chief Executive Officer and President may be held by the same person.
(c) President. The President shall make recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer on all operational matters that would normally be reserved for the final executive responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, the President (if he or she shall be a director) shall preside when present at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The President shall also perform such duties and have such powers as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. The position of President and Chief Executive Officer may be held by the same person.
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(d) Vice Presidents. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the President, the Vice President (or in the event there be more than one Vice President, the Vice Presidents in the order designated by the Board of Directors) shall perform the duties and have the powers of the President. Any one or more of the Vice Presidents may be given an additional designation of rank or function.
(e) Secretary.
(i) The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and (as required) committees of the Board of Directors and shall record the proceedings of such meetings in books to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer or President. The Secretary shall have custody of the corporate seal of the Corporation and the Secretary, or any Assistant Secretary, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and when so affixed, it may be attested by his or her signature or by the signature of such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing thereof by his or her signature.
(ii) The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at the office of the Corporation’s transfer agent or registrar, if one has been appointed, a stock ledger, or duplicate stock ledger, showing the names of the stockholders and their addresses, the number and classes of shares held by each and, with respect to certificated shares, the number and date of certificates issued for the same and the number and date of certificates cancelled.
(f) Assistant Secretaries. The Assistant Secretary or, if there be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors shall, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Secretary, perform the duties and have the powers of the Secretary.
(g) Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform all duties commonly incident to that office (including, without limitation, the care and custody of the funds and securities of the Corporation, which from time to time may come into the Chief Financial Officer’s hands and the deposit of the funds of the Corporation in such banks or trust companies as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may authorize).
(h) Treasurer. The Treasurer shall, in the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chief Financial Officer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chief Financial Officer.
Section 4.2. Term of Office; Removal; Vacancies. The elected officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified by the Board of Directors or until their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal from office. Any officer may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the Board of Directors. Any officer appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or President may also be removed, with or without cause, by the Chief Executive Officer or President, as the case may be, unless the Board of Directors otherwise provides. Any vacancy occurring in any elected office of the Corporation may be filled by the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office appointed by the Chief Executive Officer or President may be filled by the Chief Executive Officer, or President, as the case may be, unless the Board of Directors then determines that such office shall thereupon be elected by the Board of Directors, in which case the Board of Directors shall elect such officer.
Section 4.3. Other Officers. The Board of Directors may delegate the power to appoint such other officers and agents, and may also remove such officers and agents or delegate the power to remove same, as it shall from time to time deem necessary or desirable.
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Section 4.4. Multiple Officeholders; Stockholder and Director Officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person unless the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws otherwise provide. Officers need not be stockholders or residents of the State of Delaware.
Article
5
Capital Stock
Section 5.1. Certificated and Uncertificated Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation may be evidenced by certificates in such form as the appropriate officers of the Corporation may from time to time prescribe, or shall be uncertificated if so provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors.
Section 5.2. Transfer of Shares. The shares of the stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation, in the case of certificated shares of stock, by the holder thereof in person or by such person’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender for cancellation of certificates for at least the same number of shares, with an assignment and power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require; and, in the case of uncertificated shares of stock, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of the shares or by such person’s attorney duly authorized in writing, and upon compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring shares in uncertificated form. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred. The certificates of stock, if any, shall be signed, countersigned and registered in such manner as the Board may by resolution prescribe, which resolution may permit all or any of the signatures on such certificates to be in facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, at all times that the Corporation’s stock is listed on a stock exchange, the shares of the stock of the Corporation listed on any such exchange shall comply with all direct registration system eligibility requirements established by such exchange, including any requirement that shares of the Corporation’s stock be eligible for issue in book-entry form. All issuances and transfers of shares of the Corporation’s stock subject to such requirements shall be entered on the books of the Corporation with all information necessary to comply with such direct registration system eligibility requirements, including the name and address of the person to whom the shares of stock are issued, the number of shares of stock issued and the date of issue. The Board shall have the power and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper concerning the issue, transfer and registration of shares of stock of the Corporation in both certificated and uncertificated form.
Section 5.3. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. A new certificate or certificates shall be issued in place of any certificate alleged to have been lost, destroyed or stolen, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed, and as the Board of Directors or any officer may in its or such person’s discretion require, upon the delivery to the Corporation of a bond of indemnity in such amount, upon such terms and secured by such surety.
Section 5.4. Record Owners. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Section 5.5. Transfer and Registry Agents. The Corporation may from time to time maintain one or more transfer offices or agencies and registry offices or agencies at such place or places as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer or President.
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ARTICLE 6
indemnification
Section 6.1. Right to Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to Indemnitees (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 6.2. Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 6.1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within 60 days after a written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 20 days, the Indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Indemnitee shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (a) any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by an Indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses), and (b) in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in Delaware Law. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Delaware Law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including a determination by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the Indemnitee, shall be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article 6 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
Section 6.3. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights provided to any Indemnitee pursuant to this Article 6 shall not be exclusive of any other right, which such Indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, an agreement, a vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
Section 6.4. Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and/or any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Delaware Law.
Section 6.5. Indemnification of Other Persons. This Article 6 shall not limit the right of the Corporation to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than Indemnitees. Without limiting the foregoing, the Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation and to any other person who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article 6 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of Indemnitees under this Article 6.
Section 6.6. Amendments. Any repeal or amendment of this Article 6 by the Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Corporation or by changes in applicable law, or the adoption of any other provision of these Bylaws inconsistent with this Article 6, will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in applicable law permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights to Indemnitees on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and will not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision; provided however, that amendments or repeals of this Article 6 shall require the affirmative vote of the stockholders holding at least 66.7% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation.
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Section 6.7. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article 6, references to “other enterprise” shall include any employee benefit plan, and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service that imposes duties on, or involves services by, a person with respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries.
Section 6.8. Contract Rights. The rights provided to Indemnitees pursuant to this Article 6 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, agent or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.
Section 6.9. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Article 6 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article 6 shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article 6 (including, without limitation, each such portion of this Article 6 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
Article
7
General Provisions
Section 7.1. Fixing the Record Date.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing such record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided that the Board of Directors may in its discretion or as required by law fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall fix the same date or an earlier date as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting.
(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
Section 7.2. Dividends. Subject to limitations contained in Delaware Law and the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of capital stock of the Corporation, which dividends may be paid either in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock of the Corporation.
Section 7.3. Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.
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Section 7.4. Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed or otherwise reproduced.
Section 7.5. Voting of Stock Owned by the Corporation. The Board of Directors may authorize any person, on behalf of the Corporation, to attend, vote at and grant proxies to be used at any meeting of stockholders of any corporation (except this Corporation) in which the Corporation may hold stock.
Section 7.6. Books and Records. The books and records of the Corporation may be kept within or outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors.
Section 7.7. Amendments. These Bylaws or any of them, may be altered, amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be made, by the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at any annual or special meeting thereof or by the Board of Directors. Unless a higher percentage is required by the Certificate of Incorporation as to any matter that is the subject of these Bylaws, all such amendments must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding securities of the Corporation, generally entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, or by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office.
* * * * *
Exhibit G
Form of Company Lock-Up Agreement
[See attached].
FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT
THIS LOCK-UP AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [ ● ], 2023 between [ ● ], a [ ● ] (the “Stockholder”)1, and Addimmune Inc. (f/k/a 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III), a Delaware corporation (“Addimmune”). The Stockholder and Addimmune are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).
WHEREAS, Addimmune, American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation, and 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of [ ● ], 2023 (as it may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Merger Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Merger Agreement contemplates that the Stockholder will receive [ ● ] ([ ● ]) shares of Acquiror Common Stock (as defined in the Merger Agreement) at Closing, including [ ● ] shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued and subject to vesting (the “Stockholder Shares”)2; and
WHEREAS, the Merger Agreement contemplates that the Parties will enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Acquiror Common Stock held by the Stockholder immediately after the Effective Time (together with any securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such securities or into which such securities are exchanged or converted) shall become subject to limitations on disposition as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, which are incorporated in this Agreement as if fully set forth below, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) the term “Lock-Up Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months after the Closing Date; provided, that the Parties may mutually agree to shorten the duration of or otherwise waive the Lock-up Period;
(b) the term “Lock-Up Shares” means the shares of Acquiror Common Stock held by the Stockholder (including for the avoidance of doubt shares issued and subject to vesting) immediately following the Closing (for the avoidance of doubt, (x) including the Stockholder Shares, and (y) excluding shares of Acquiror Common Stock acquired in the public market, together with any securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such securities or into which such securities are exchanged or converted); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, shares not owned by the Stockholder at Closing shall not be considered “Lock-Up Shares”;
(c) the term “Permitted Transferees” means any Person to whom the Stockholder is permitted to transfer Lock-Up Shares prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period pursuant to Section 2(a);
(d) the term “Prospectus” means the final prospectus of Addimmune, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 333-253868) on January 11, 2022; and
(e) the term “Transfer” means the (A) sale of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agreement to dispose of or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, with respect to, any security, (B) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or (C) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (A) or (B).
1 | NTD: To be executed by each AGT director, executive officer and any post-Closing PubCo stockholder who owns more than 0.5% upon Closing. |
2 | NTD: to be updated based on earnout structure. |
2. Lock-Up Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 2(b), the Stockholder or its Permitted Transferees may Transfer the Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period (i) to Addimmune’s officers or directors, (ii) to any Affiliates of the Stockholder; (iii) in respect of (i) or (ii), in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is the Stockholder, a member of such individual’s immediate family, an Affiliate of such individual or to a charitable organization; (iv) in respect of (i), (ii) or (iii), in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual; or (v) by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware, in each case, subject to any such transferee signing a joinder hereto agreeing to be bound by all provisions hereof to the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) The Stockholder hereby agrees that it shall not, and shall cause any of its Permitted Transferees not to, Transfer any Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period (the “Transfer Restriction”), except in accordance with the following:
(i) | the Transfer Restriction shall expire with respect to an aggregate of [ ● ]3 ([ ● ]) Lock-Up Shares upon the date on which the closing price of the Acquiror Common Stock exceeds $12.00 for any fifteen (15) Trading Days within any consecutive thirty (30) Trading Day period; and |
(ii) | on the date on which Addimmune completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of post-merger Addimmune’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property, the Transfer Restriction will terminate with respect to all Lock-Up Shares. |
(c) The per share stock prices referenced in this Agreement will be equitably adjusted on account of any changes in the equity securities of Addimmune by way of stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification, or through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or business combination, or by any other means.
(d) If any Transfer is made or attempted contrary to the provisions of this Agreement, such Transfer shall be null and void ab initio, and Addimmune shall refuse to recognize any such transferee of the Lock-Up Shares as one of its equity holders for any purpose. In order to enforce this Section 2, Addimmune may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Lock-Up Shares (and any Permitted Transferees and assigns thereof) until the end of the Lock-Up Period.
(e) During the applicable Lock-Up Period, each certificate (if any are issued) evidencing any Lock-Up Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form, in addition to any other applicable legends:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN A LOCK-UP AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF [ ● ], 2023, BY AND AMONG THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES (THE “ISSUER”) AND THE ISSUER’S SECURITY HOLDER NAMED THEREIN, AS AMENDED. A COPY OF SUCH LOCK-UP AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE BY THE ISSUER TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.”
(f) For the avoidance of any doubt, the Stockholder shall retain all of its rights as a stockholder of Addimmune with respect to the Lock-Up Shares during the Lock-Up Period, including the right to vote any Lock-Up Shares, if applicable.
3 | 12.5% |
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3. Miscellaneous.
(a) Effective Date. Section 2 of this Agreement shall become effective at the Effective Time.
(b) Termination of the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement and all rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect.
(c) 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 e-mail (having obtained electronic delivery confirmation thereof), (iii) one (1) 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, provided, however, that notice given pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall not be effective unless a duplicate copy of such notice is also given in person or by e-mail (having obtained electronic delivery confirmation thereof), 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 Addimmune, to: | With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice): | |
Addimmune Inc. | DLA Piper LLP (US) | |
0000 X. Xxx, 0xx Xxxxx | 0000 X Xxxxxxxxx Xx | |
Rockville, MD 20850 | Suite #1000 | |
Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxx, Chief Executive Officer | Phoenix, AZ 85016 | |
E-mail: xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx | Attn: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
E-mail: Xxxxx.Xxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx | ||
xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xx.xxxxxxxx.xxx | ||
If to the Stockholder, to: | With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice): | |
[ ● ] | [ ● ] | |
[ ● ] | [ ● ] | |
[ ● ] | [ ● ] | |
[ ● ] | [ ● ] | |
Attn: [ ● ] | Attn: [ ● ] | |
E-mail: [ ● ] | E-mail: [ ● ] |
(d) Incorporation by Reference. Sections 1.02 (Construction), 11.03 (Assignment), 11.06 (Governing Law), 11.07 (Captions; Counterparts), 11.09 (Entire Agreement), 11.10 (Amendments), 11.11 (Severability), 11.12 (Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY), 11.13 (Enforcement) and 11.15 (Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants) of the Merger Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and shall apply to this Agreement mutatis mutandis.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Pages Follow]
G-3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
STOCKHOLDER: | ||
[ ● ] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
ADDIMMUNE: | ||
Addimmune Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]
Exhibit H
Form of FIRPTA Certificate
[See attached].
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL INC.
STATEMENT UNDER TREASURY REGULATIONS SECTIONS 1.897-2(h) AND 1.1445-2(c)(3) RELATING TO STATUS OF INTERESTS AS “UNITED STATES REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS”
Reference is made to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 9, 2023 (the “Agreement”), by and among 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Acquiror”), 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub”), and American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).
Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) provides that a transferee of a “United States real property interest” (as defined in Section 897(c) of the Code) must withhold tax if the transferor is a foreign person. This certificate is being provided pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.897-2(h) and 1.1445-2(c)(3) and Section 8.03(d) of the Agreement. To inform Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Sub that withholding of tax is not required under Section 1445 of the Code in connection with the transactions contemplated under the Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies the following on behalf of the Company:
1. | The Company is not, and has not been, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code. |
2. | Interests in the Company are not “United States real property interests” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(1) of the Code. |
3. | The Company’s registered office is at 0000 Xxx Xxxx Xxx, 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000. |
4. | The Company’s U.S. employer identification number is 00-0000000. |
5. | The Company understands that this certification may be disclosed to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service by Acquiror or Merger Sub and that any false statement contained herein could be punished by fine, imprisonment or both. |
Under penalties of perjury, the undersigned, a responsible officer of the Company, declares that (i) the undersigned has examined this certification and, to the best of the undersigned’s knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete and (ii) the undersigned has the authority to sign this document on behalf of the Company.
American Gene Technologies International Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | [ ● ] |
Title: | [ ● ] | |
Date: | [ ● ], 2023 |
[Letterhead of Company providing FIRPTA Certificate]
[Date]
CERTIFIED MAIL & RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Internal Revenue Service
Ogden Service Center
P.O. Box 409101
Ogden, UT 84409
Re: NOTICE OF STATEMENT UNDER TREASURY REGULATIONS SECTIONS 1.897-2(h)(2) AND 1.1445-2(c)(3)
Dear Sir or Madam:
At the request of 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III, a Cayman Islands exempted company (and predecessor of American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation following the consummation of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement (defined below)) (“Acquiror”) and 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Merger Sub”), in connection with the merger contemplated under the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of August 9, 2023 (the “Agreement”) by and among Acquiror, Merger Sub and American Gene Technologies International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Company provided the attached statement (the “Statement”) to Acquiror and Merger Sub on [ ● ], 2023. The undersigned, being a duly authorized officer of the Company, hereby affirms the following:
(i) | This notice is being provided to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.897-2(h)(2) and 1.1445-2(c)(3); |
(ii) | The following information relates to the Company providing this notice: |
Name: | American Gene Technologies International Inc. |
Address: | 0000 Xxx Xxxx Xxx, 0xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 |
U.S. Employer Identification
Number: | 00-0000000 |
H-2
(iii) | The attached statement was not requested by a foreign interest holder. The attached statement was voluntarily provided by the Company in response to a request from Acquiror and Merger Sub in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(c)(3)(i). The following information relates to Acquiror and Merger Sub, respectively: |
Name: | 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III |
Address: | 0 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 |
U.S. Employer Identification
Number: | 00-0000000 |
Name: | 10X AGT Merger Sub, LLC |
Address: | 0 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 |
U.S. Employer Identification
Number: | [ ● ] |
(iv) The Company has provided to Acquiror and Merger Sub the attached Statement, certifying that: (A) the Company is not and has not been a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the applicable Treasury Regulations during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code and (B) interests in the Company are not “United States real property interests” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(1) of the Code.
Under penalties of perjury, the undersigned, a responsible officer of the Company, declares that (i) the undersigned has examined this affidavit and the attached Statement and, to the best of the undersigned’s knowledge and belief, this affidavit and the attached Statement is true, correct and complete and (ii) the undersigned has the authority to execute this document on behalf of the Company.
American Gene Technologies International Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | [ ● ] | |
Title: | [ ● ] | |
Date: | [ ● ], 2023 |
H-3
Exhibit I
Form of Acquiror Equity Incentive Plan
[See attached].
ADDIMMUNE INC.
2023 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Table of Contents
Page | |||
1. | History; Effective Date. | 3 | |
2. | Purposes of the Plan. | 3 | |
3. | Terminology. | 3 | |
4. | Administration. | 3 | |
(a) | Administration of the Plan | 3 | |
(b) | Powers of the Administrator | 3 | |
(c) | Delegation of Administrative Authority | 4 | |
(d) | Non-Uniform Determinations | 5 | |
(e) | Limited Liability; Advisors | 5 | |
(f) | Indemnification | 5 | |
(g) | Effect of Administrator’s Decision | 5 | |
5. | Shares Issuable Pursuant to Awards. | 5 | |
(a) | Initial Share Pool | 5 | |
(b) | Adjustments to Share Pool | 5 | |
(c) | ISO Limit | 6 | |
(d) | Source of Shares | 6 | |
6. | Participation. | 6 | |
7. | Awards. | 7 | |
(a) | Awards, In General | 7 | |
(b) | Stock Options | 7 | |
(c) | Limitation on Reload Options | 7 | |
(d) | Stock Appreciation Rights | 8 | |
(e) | Repricing | 8 | |
(f) | Stock Awards | 9 | |
(g) | Stock Units | 10 | |
(h) | Performance Shares and Performance Units | 10 | |
(i) | Other Stock-Based Awards | 12 | |
(j) | Awards to Participants Outside the United States | 12 | |
(k) | Limitation on Dividend Reinvestment and Dividend Equivalents | 12 | |
8. | Withholding of Taxes. | 12 | |
9. | Transferability of Awards. | 13 | |
10. | Adjustments for Corporate Transactions and Other Events. | 13 | |
(a) | Mandatory Adjustments | 13 | |
(b) | Discretionary Adjustments | 14 | |
(c) | Adjustments to Performance Goals | 14 | |
(d) | Statutory Requirements Affecting Adjustments | 14 | |
(e) | Dissolution or Liquidation | 14 |
I-1
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page | |||
11. | Change in Control Provisions. | 14 | |
(a) | Termination of Awards | 14 | |
(b) | Continuation, Assumption or Substitution of Awards | 15 | |
(c) | Other Permitted Actions | 16 | |
(d) | Section 409A Savings Clause | 16 | |
12. | Substitution of Awards in Mergers and Acquisitions. | 17 | |
13. | Compliance with Securities Laws; Listing and Registration. | 17 | |
14. | Section 409A Compliance. | 18 | |
15. | Plan Duration; Amendment and Discontinuance. | 18 | |
(a) | Plan Duration | 18 | |
(b) | Amendment and Discontinuance of the Plan | 19 | |
(c) | Amendment of Awards | 19 | |
16. | General Provisions. | 19 | |
(a) | Non-Guarantee of Employment or Service | 19 | |
(b) | No Trust or Fund Created | 19 | |
(c) | Status of Awards | 20 | |
(d) | Subsidiary Employees | 20 | |
(e) | Governing Law and Interpretation | 20 | |
(f) | Use of English Language | 20 | |
(g) | Recovery of Amounts Paid | 20 | |
17. | Glossary. | 21 |
I-2
1. History; Effective Date. ADDIMMUNE INC., a Delaware corporation (“Addimmune”), has established the ADDIMMUNE INC. 2023 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN, as set forth herein, and as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Plan”). The Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of Addimmune (the “Board”) on ___________, 2023. The Plan shall become and is effective as of the date that it is approved by the stockholders of Company (the “Effective Date”).
2. Purposes of the Plan. The Plan is designed to:
(a) promote the long-term financial interests and growth of Addimmune and its Subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) by attracting and retaining management and other personnel and key service providers with the training, experience and ability to enable them to make a substantial contribution to the success of the Company’s business;
(b) motivate management personnel by means of growth-related incentives to achieve long-range goals; and
(c) further the alignment of interests of Participants with those of the stockholders of Addimmune through opportunities for increased stock or stock-based ownership in Addimmune.
Toward these objectives, the Administrator may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards to eligible individuals on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan.
3. Terminology. Except as otherwise specifically provided in an Award Agreement, capitalized words and phrases used in the Plan or an Award Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the glossary at Section 17 of the Plan or as defined the first place such word or phrase appears in the Plan.
4. Administration.
(a) Administration of the Plan. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. The Administrator shall, except as otherwise provided under the Plan, have plenary authority, in its sole and absolute discretion, to grant Awards pursuant to the terms of the Plan to Eligible Individuals and to take all other actions necessary or desirable to carry out the purpose and intent of the Plan. Among other things, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its sole and absolute discretion, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan to:
(i) determine the Eligible Individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards shall be granted;
(ii) determine the types of Awards to be granted any Eligible Individual;
(iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by or used for reference purposes for each Award or the value to be transferred pursuant to any Award;
(iv) determine the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to each Award (which need not be identical) and any shares acquired pursuant thereto, including, without limitation, (A) the purchase price of any shares of Common Stock, (B) the method of payment for shares purchased pursuant to any Award, (C) the method for satisfying any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with any Award, including by the withholding or delivery of shares of Common Stock, (D) the timing, terms and conditions of the exercisability, vesting or payout of any Award or any shares acquired pursuant thereto, (E) the Performance Goals applicable to any Award and the extent to which such Performance Goals have been attained, (F) the time of the expiration of any Award, (G) the effect of the Participant’s Termination of Service on any of the foregoing, and (H) all other terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any Award or shares acquired pursuant thereto as the Administrator shall consider to be appropriate and not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan;
I-3
(v) subject to Sections 7(e), 7(j), 10(c) and 15, modify, amend or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award;
(vi) accelerate or otherwise change the time at or during which an Award may be exercised or becomes payable and waive or accelerate the lapse, in whole or in part, of any restriction, condition or risk of forfeiture with respect to such Award; provided, however, that, except in connection with death, disability or a Change in Control, no such change, waiver or acceleration shall be made to any Award that is considered “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code if the effect of such action is inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code;
(vii) determine whether an Award will be paid or settled in cash, shares of Common Stock, or in any combination thereof and whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash or shares of Common Stock payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant;
(viii) for any purpose, including but not limited to, qualifying for preferred or beneficial tax treatment, accommodating the customs or administrative challenges or otherwise complying with the tax, accounting or regulatory requirements of one or more jurisdictions, adopt, amend, modify, administer or terminate sub-plans, appendices, special provisions or supplements applicable to Awards regulated by the laws of a particular jurisdiction, which sub-plans, appendices, supplements and special provisions may take precedence over other provisions of the Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to such sub-plans, supplements and special provisions;
(ix) establish any “blackout” period, during which transactions affecting Awards may not be effectuated, that the Administrator in its sole discretion deems necessary or advisable;
(x) determine the Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock or other property for any purpose under the Plan or any Award;
(xi) administer, construe and interpret the Plan, Award Agreements and all other documents relevant to the Plan and Awards issued thereunder, and decide all other matters to be determined in connection with an Award;
(xii) establish, amend, rescind and interpret such administrative rules, regulations, agreements, guidelines, instruments and practices for the administration of the Plan and for the conduct of its business as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable;
(xiii) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award or Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent the Administrator shall consider it desirable to carry it into effect; and
(xiv) otherwise administer the Plan and all Awards granted under the Plan.
(c) Delegation of Administrative Authority. The Administrator may designate officers or employees of the Company to assist the Administrator in the administration of the Plan and, to the extent permitted by applicable law and stock exchange rules, the Administrator may delegate to officers or other employees of the Company the Administrator’s duties and powers under the Plan, subject to such conditions and limitations as the Administrator shall prescribe, including without limitation the authority to execute agreements or other documents on behalf of the Administrator; provided, however, that such delegation of authority shall not extend to the granting of, or exercise of discretion with respect to, Awards to Eligible Individuals who are officers under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
I-4
(d) Non-Uniform Determinations. The Administrator’s determinations under the Plan (including without limitation, determinations of the persons to receive Awards, the form, amount and timing of such Awards, the terms and provisions of such Awards and the Award Agreements evidencing such Awards, and the ramifications of a Change in Control upon outstanding Awards) need not be uniform and may be made by the Administrator selectively among Awards or persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, Awards under the Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.
(e) Limited Liability; Advisors. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no member of the Administrator shall be liable for any action taken or decision made in good faith relating to the Plan or any Award thereunder. The Administrator may employ counsel, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers or other persons. The Administrator, Company, and the officers and directors of Company shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons.
(f) Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by law, by Addimmune’s charter and by-laws, and by any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage which may be in effect from time to time, the members of the Administrator and any agent or delegate of the Administrator who is a director, officer or employee of Addimmune or an Affiliate shall be indemnified by Addimmune against any and all liabilities and expenses to which they may be subjected by reason of any act or failure to act with respect to their duties on behalf of the Plan.
(g) Effect of Administrator’s Decision. All actions taken and determinations made by the Administrator on all matters relating to the Plan or any Award pursuant to the powers vested in it hereunder shall be in the Administrator’s sole and absolute discretion, unless in contravention of any express term of the Plan, including, without limitation, any determination involving the appropriateness or equitableness of any action. All determinations made by the Administrator shall be conclusive, final and binding on all parties concerned, including Addimmune, its stockholders, any Participants and any other employee, consultant, or director of Addimmune and its Affiliates, and their respective successors in interest. No member of the Administrator, nor any director, officer, employee or representative of Addimmune shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or Awards.
5. Shares Issuable Pursuant to Awards.
(a) Initial Share Pool. As of the Effective Date, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Awards that may be granted under the Plan (the “Share Pool”) shall be equal to the sum of (i) _________ shares.1
(b) Adjustments to Share Pool. On and after the Effective Date, the Share Pool shall be adjusted, in addition to any adjustments to be made pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan, as follows:
(i) The Share Pool shall be increased automatically, without further action of the Board, on January 1st of each calendar year commencing after the Effective Date and ending on (and including) January 1, 2033, by a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (A) three percent (3%) of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31st of the immediately preceding calendar year, excluding for this purpose any such outstanding shares of Common Stock that were granted under this Plan and remain unvested and subject to forfeiture as of the relevant December 31st, or (B) a lesser number of shares of Common Stock determined by the Board or Compensation Committee prior to the relevant January 1st.
1 | NTD: To be equal to 10% of the fully distributed shares at Closing. |
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(ii) The Share Pool shall be reduced, on the date of grant, by one share for each share of Common Stock made subject to an Award granted under the Plan;
(iii) The Share Pool shall be increased, on the relevant date, by the number of unissued shares of Common Stock underlying or used as a reference measure for any Award or portion of an Award that is cancelled, forfeited, expired, terminated, unearned or settled in cash, in any such case without the issuance of shares, and by the number of shares of Common Stock used as a reference measure for any Award that are not issued upon settlement of such Award either due to a net settlement or otherwise; and
(iv) The Share Pool shall be increased, on the forfeiture date, by the number of shares of Common Stock that are forfeited back to Addimmune after issuance due to a failure to meet an Award contingency or condition with respect to any Award or portion of an Award.
(c) Company ISO Limit. Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to stock options granted under the Plan that are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code shall be equal to the number of shares in the Share Pool as of the Effective Date of the Plan.
(d) Source of Shares. The shares of Common Stock with respect to which Awards may be made under the Plan shall be shares authorized for issuance under Addimmune’s charter but unissued, or issued and reacquired, including without limitation shares purchased in the open market or in private transactions.
(e) Non-Employee Director Award Limit. In addition, the Administrator may establish compensation for non-employee directors from time to time, subject to the limitations in the Plan. The Administrator will from time to time determine the terms, conditions and amounts of all such non-employee director compensation in its discretion and pursuant to the exercise of its business judgment, taking into account such factors, circumstances and considerations as it shall deem relevant from time to time, provided that the sum of any cash compensation and the grant date fair value of Awards (as determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) granted under the Plan to a non-employee director as compensation for services as a non-employee director during any calendar year of the Company may not exceed $750,000 . The Administrator may make exceptions to this limit for individual non-employee directors in extraordinary circumstances, as the Administrator may determine in its discretion, provided that the non-employee director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation or in other compensation decisions involving non-employee directors.
6. Participation. Participation in the Plan shall be open to all Eligible Individuals, as may be selected by the Administrator from time to time. The Company may also recommend to the Administrator that Awards be granted to prospective Eligible Individuals in connection with hiring, recruiting or otherwise, prior to the date the individual first performs services for Addimmune or a Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Awards shall not be granted or otherwise become effective, vested or exercisable, and no shares shall be issued to such individual prior to the date the individual first commences performance of such services.
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7. Awards.
(a) Awards, In General. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall establish the terms of all Awards granted under the Plan consistent with the terms of the Plan. Awards may be granted individually or in tandem with other types of Awards, concurrently with or with respect to outstanding Awards. All Awards are subject to the terms and conditions provided in the Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant receiving such Award upon, or as promptly as is reasonably practicable following, the grant of such Award. Unless otherwise specified by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, or otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, an Award shall not be effective unless the Award Agreement is signed or otherwise accepted by Xxxxxxxxx and the Participant receiving the Award (including by electronic delivery and/or electronic signature).
(b) Stock Options.
(i) Grants. A stock option means a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock from Addimmune at a specified price during a specified period of time. The Administrator may from time to time grant to Eligible Individuals Awards of Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options; provided, however, that Awards of Incentive Stock Options shall be limited to employees of Addimmune or of any current or hereafter existing “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation,” as defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively, of Addimmune, and any other Eligible Individuals who are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. No stock option shall be an Incentive Stock Option unless so designated by the Administrator at the time of grant or in the applicable Award Agreement.
(ii) Exercise. Stock options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that Awards of stock options may not have a term in excess of ten years’ duration unless required otherwise by applicable law. The exercise price per share subject to a stock option granted under the Plan shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the stock option, except as provided under applicable law or with respect to stock options that are granted in substitution of similar types of awards of a company acquired by Company or a Subsidiary or with which Company or a Subsidiary combines (whether in connection with a corporate transaction, such as a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock, or otherwise) to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards.
(iii) Termination of Service. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Administrator, to the extent stock options are not vested and exercisable, a Participant’s stock options shall be forfeited upon his or her Termination of Service.
(iv) Additional Terms and Conditions. The Administrator may, by way of the Award Agreement or otherwise, determine such other terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, of any Award of stock options, provided they are not inconsistent with the Plan.
(c) Limitation on Reload Options. The Administrator shall not grant stock options under this Plan that contain a reload or replenishment feature pursuant to which a new stock option would be granted automatically upon receipt of delivery of Common Stock to Addimmune in payment of the exercise price or any tax withholding obligation under any other stock option.
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(d) Stock Appreciation Rights.
(i) Grants. The Administrator may from time to time grant to Eligible Individuals Awards of stock appreciation rights. A stock appreciation right entitles the Participant to receive, subject to the provisions of the Plan and the Award Agreement, a payment having an aggregate value equal to the product of (i) the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of one share of Common Stock over (B) the base price per share specified in the Award Agreement, times (ii) the number of shares specified by the stock appreciation right, or portion thereof, which is exercised. The base price per share specified in the Award Agreement shall not be less than the lower of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant or the exercise price of any tandem stock option to which the stock appreciation right is related, or with respect to stock appreciation rights that are granted in substitution of similar types of awards of a company acquired by Addimmune or a Subsidiary or with which Addimmune or a Subsidiary combines (whether in connection with a corporate transaction, such as a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock, or otherwise) such base price as is necessary to preserve the intrinsic value of such awards.
(ii) Exercise. Stock appreciation rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan may not have a term in excess of ten years’ duration unless required otherwise by applicable law. The applicable Award Agreement shall specify whether payment by Addimmune of the amount receivable upon any exercise of a stock appreciation right is to be made in cash or shares of Common Stock or a combination of both, or shall reserve to the Administrator or the Participant the right to make that determination prior to or upon the exercise of the stock appreciation right. If upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right a Participant is to receive a portion of such payment in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares shall be determined by dividing such portion by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date. No fractional shares shall be used for such payment and the Administrator shall determine whether cash shall be given in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares shall be eliminated.
(iii) Termination of Service. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Administrator, to the extent stock appreciation rights are not vested and exercisable, a Participant’s stock appreciation rights shall be forfeited upon his or her Termination of Service.
(iv) Additional Terms and Conditions. The Administrator may, by way of the Award Agreement or otherwise, determine such other terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, of any Award of stock appreciation rights, provided they are not inconsistent with the Plan.
(e) Repricing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, except in connection with a corporate transaction involving Addimmune (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares), the terms of options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan may not be amended, after the date of grant, to reduce the exercise price of such options or stock appreciation rights, nor may outstanding options or stock appreciation rights be canceled in exchange for (i) cash, (ii) options or stock appreciation rights with an exercise price or base price that is less than the exercise price or base price of the original outstanding options or stock appreciation rights, or (iii) other Awards, unless such action is approved by Addimmune’s stockholders.
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(f) Stock Awards.
(i) Grants. The Administrator may from time to time grant to Eligible Individuals Awards of unrestricted Common Stock or Restricted Stock (collectively, “Stock Awards”) on such terms and conditions, and for such consideration, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by law, as the Administrator shall determine. Stock Awards shall be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator may deem appropriate, including via book-entry registration.
(ii) Vesting. Restricted Stock shall be subject to such vesting, restrictions on transferability and other restrictions, if any, and/or risk of forfeiture as the Administrator may impose at the date of grant or thereafter. The Restriction Period to which such vesting, restrictions and/or risk of forfeiture apply may lapse under such circumstances, including without limitation upon the attainment of Performance Goals, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Administrator may determine. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, during the Restriction Period, the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber shares of Restricted Stock.
(iii) Rights of a Stockholder; Dividends. Except to the extent restricted under the Award Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock, a Participant granted Restricted Stock shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of Common Stock including, without limitation, the right to vote Restricted Stock. Cash dividends declared payable on Common Stock shall be paid, with respect to outstanding Restricted Stock, either as soon as practicable following the dividend payment date or deferred for payment to such later date as determined by the Administrator, and shall be paid in cash or as unrestricted shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends or may be reinvested in additional shares of Restricted Stock as determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that dividends declared payable on Restricted Stock that is granted as a Performance Award shall be held by Xxxxxxxxx and made subject to forfeiture at least until achievement of the applicable Performance Goal related to such shares of Restricted Stock. Stock distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and other property distributed as a dividend, shall be subject to restrictions and a risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the Restricted Stock with respect to which such Common Stock or other property has been distributed. As soon as is practicable following the date on which restrictions on any shares of Restricted Stock lapse, Xxxxxxxxx shall deliver to the Participant the certificates for such shares or shall cause the shares to be registered in the Participant’s name in book-entry form, in either case with the restrictions removed, provided that the Participant shall have complied with all conditions for delivery of such shares contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise reasonably required by Addimmune.
(iv) Termination of Service. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, upon Termination of Service during the applicable Restriction Period, Restricted Stock and any accrued but unpaid dividends that are at that time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited; provided that, the Administrator may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and the Administrator may in other cases waive in whole or in part the forfeiture of Restricted Stock.
(v) Additional Terms and Conditions. The Administrator may, by way of the Award Agreement or otherwise, determine such other terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, of any Award of Restricted Stock, provided they are not inconsistent with the Plan.
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(g) Stock Units.
(i) Grants. The Administrator may from time to time grant to Eligible Individuals Awards of unrestricted stock Units or Restricted Stock Units on such terms and conditions, and for such consideration, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by law, as the Administrator shall determine. Restricted Stock Units represent a contractual obligation by Company to deliver a number of shares of Common Stock, an amount in cash equal to the Fair Market Value of the specified number of shares subject to the Award, or a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement.
(ii) Vesting and Payment. Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such vesting, risk of forfeiture and/or payment provisions as the Administrator may impose at the date of grant. The Restriction Period to which such vesting and/or risk of forfeiture apply may lapse under such circumstances, including without limitation upon the attainment of Performance Goals, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Administrator may determine. Shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash, as applicable, payable in settlement of Restricted Stock Units shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable, but no later than 30 days, after the date on which payment is due under the terms of the Award Agreement provided that the Participant shall have complied with all conditions for delivery of such shares or payment contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise reasonably required by Addimmune, or in accordance with an election of the Participant, if the Administrator so permits, that meets the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
(iii) No Rights of a Stockholder; Dividend Equivalents. Until shares of Common Stock are issued to the Participant in settlement of stock Units, the Participant shall not have any rights of a stockholder of Addimmune with respect to the stock Units or the shares issuable thereunder. The Administrator may grant to the Participant the right to receive Dividend Equivalents on stock Units, on a current, reinvested and/or restricted basis, subject to such terms as the Administrator may determine provided, however, that Dividend Equivalents payable on stock Units that are granted as a Performance Award shall, rather than be paid on a current basis, be accrued and made subject to forfeiture at least until achievement of the applicable Performance Goal related to such stock Units.
(iv) Termination of Service. Upon Termination of Service during the applicable deferral period or portion thereof to which forfeiture conditions apply, or upon failure to satisfy any other conditions precedent to the delivery of shares of Common Stock or cash to which such Restricted Stock Units relate, all Restricted Stock Units and any accrued but unpaid Dividend Equivalents with respect to such Restricted Stock Units that are then subject to deferral or restriction shall be forfeited; provided that, the Administrator may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock Units will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specified causes, and the Administrator may in other cases waive in whole or in part the forfeiture of Restricted Stock Units.
(v) Additional Terms and Conditions. The Administrator may, by way of the Award Agreement or otherwise, determine such other terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, of any Award of stock Units, provided they are not inconsistent with the Plan.
(h) Performance Shares and Performance Units.
(i) Grants. The Administrator may from time to time grant to Eligible Individuals Awards in the form of Performance Shares and Performance Units. Performance Shares, as that term is used in this Plan, shall refer to shares of Common Stock or Units that are expressed in terms of Common Stock, the issuance, vesting, lapse of restrictions on or payment of which is contingent on performance as measured against predetermined objectives over a specified Performance Period. Performance Units, as that term is used in this Plan, shall refer to dollar-denominated Units valued by reference to designated criteria established by the Administrator, other than Common Stock, the issuance, vesting, lapse of restrictions on or payment of which is contingent on performance as measured against predetermined objectives over a specified Performance Period. The applicable Award Agreement shall specify whether Performance Shares and Performance Units will be settled or paid in cash or shares of Common Stock or a combination of both, or shall reserve to the Administrator or the Participant the right to make that determination prior to or at the payment or settlement date.
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(ii) Performance Criteria. The Administrator shall, prior to or at the time of grant, condition the grant, vesting or payment of, or lapse of restrictions on, an Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units upon (A) the attainment of Performance Goals during a Performance Period or (B) the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the Participant. The length of the Performance Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, and the measure of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained shall be conclusively determined by the Administrator in the exercise of its absolute discretion. Performance Goals may include minimum, maximum and target levels of performance, with the size of the Award or payout of Performance Shares or Performance Units or the vesting or lapse of restrictions with respect thereto based on the level attained. Performance Goals may be applied on a per share or absolute basis and relative to one or more Performance Metrics, or any combination thereof, and may be measured pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), non-GAAP or other objective standards in a manner consistent with Company’s or its Subsidiary’s established accounting policies, all as the Administrator shall determine at the time the Performance Goals for a Performance Period are established. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide that one or more objectively determinable adjustments shall be made to the manner in which one or more of the Performance Goals is to be calculated or measured to take into account, or ignore, one or more of the following: (1) items related to a change in accounting principle; (2) items relating to financing activities; (3) expenses for restructuring or productivity initiatives; (4) other non-operating items; (5) items related to acquisitions; (6) items attributable to the business operations of any entity acquired by the Company during the Performance Period; (7) items related to the sale or disposition of a business or segment of a business; (8) items related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; (9) items attributable to any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of stock occurring during the Performance Period; (10) any other items of significant income or expense which are determined to be appropriate adjustments; (11) items relating to unusual or extraordinary corporate transactions, events or developments, (12) items related to amortization of acquired intangible assets; (13) items that are outside the scope of the Company’s core, on-going business activities; (14) changes in foreign currency exchange rates; (15) items relating to changes in tax laws; (16) certain identified expenses (including, but not limited to, cash bonus expenses, incentive expenses and acquisition-related transaction and integration expenses); (17) items relating to asset impairment charges; or (18) items relating to gains or unusual or nonrecurring events or changes in applicable law, accounting principles or business conditions. An Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units shall be settled as and when the Award vests or at a later time specified in the Award Agreement or in accordance with an election of the Participant, if the Administrator so permits, that meets the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
(iii) Additional Terms and Conditions. The Administrator may, by way of the Award Agreement or otherwise, determine such other terms, conditions, restrictions, and/or limitations, if any, of any Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units, provided they are not inconsistent with the Plan.
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(i) Other Stock-Based Awards. The Administrator may from time to time grant to Eligible Individuals Awards in the form of Other Stock-Based Awards. Other Stock-Based Awards in the form of Dividend Equivalents may be (A) awarded on a free-standing basis or in connection with another Award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right, (B) paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, including the reinvestment of such credited amounts in Common Stock equivalents, to be paid on a deferred basis, and (C) settled in cash or Common Stock as determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that Dividend Equivalents payable on Other Stock-Based Awards that are granted as a Performance Award shall, rather than be paid on a current basis, be accrued and made subject to forfeiture at least until achievement of the applicable Performance Goal related to such Other Stock-Based Awards. Any such settlements, and any such crediting of Dividend Equivalents, may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Administrator shall establish.
(j) Awards to Participants Outside the United States. The Administrator may grant Awards to Eligible Individuals who are foreign nationals, who are located outside the United States or who are not compensated from a payroll maintained in the United States, or who are otherwise subject to (or could cause Addimmune or a Subsidiary to be subject to) tax, legal or regulatory provisions of countries or jurisdictions outside the United States, on such terms and conditions different from those specified in the Plan as may, in the judgment of the Administrator, be necessary or desirable in order that any such Award shall conform to laws, regulations, and customs of the country or jurisdiction in which the Participant is then resident or primarily employed or to xxxxxx and promote achievement of the purposes of the Plan.
(k) Limitation on Dividend Reinvestment and Dividend Equivalents. Reinvestment of dividends in additional Restricted Stock at the time of any dividend payment, and the payment of shares of Common Stock with respect to dividends to Participants holding Awards of stock Units, shall only be permissible if sufficient shares are available under the Share Pool for such reinvestment or payment (taking into account then outstanding Awards). In the event that sufficient shares are not available under the Share Pool for such reinvestment or payment, such reinvestment or payment shall be made in the form of a grant of stock Units equal in number to the shares of Common Stock that would have been obtained by such payment or reinvestment, the terms of which stock Units shall provide for settlement in cash and for Dividend Equivalent reinvestment in further stock Units on the terms contemplated by this Section 7(k).
8. Withholding of Taxes. Participants and holders of Awards shall pay to Addimmune or its Affiliate, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any Tax Withholding Obligation in respect of Awards granted under the Plan no later than the date of the event creating the tax or social insurance contribution liability. The obligations of Addimmune under the Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements. If determined by the Administrator, Tax Withholding Obligations may be settled in whole or in part with shares of Common Stock, including unrestricted outstanding shares surrendered to Addimmune and unrestricted shares that are part of the Award that gives rise to the Tax Withholding Obligation, having a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender or withholding equal to the statutory minimum amount required, (or such greater amount permitted under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, for equity-classified awards) to be withheld for tax or social insurance contribution purposes, all in accordance with such procedures as the Administrator establishes. Addimmune or its Affiliate may deduct, to the extent permitted by law, any such Tax Withholding Obligations from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant or holder of an Award.
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9. Transferability of Awards.
(a) General Nontransferability Absent Administrator Permission. Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, and in any event in the case of an Incentive Stock Option or a tandem stock appreciation right granted with respect to an Incentive Stock Option, no Award granted under the Plan shall be transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Administrator shall not permit any transfer of an Award for value. An Award may be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant or, during the period the Participant is under a legal disability, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator. Awards granted under the Plan shall not be subject in any manner to alienation, anticipation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, or encumbrance, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator; provided, however, that the restrictions in this sentence shall not apply to the shares of Common Stock received in connection with an Award after the date that the restrictions on transferability of such shares set forth in the applicable Award Agreement have lapsed. Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted or construed as overriding the terms of any Addimmune stock ownership or retention policy, now or hereafter existing, that may apply to the Participant or shares of Common Stock received under an Award.
(b) Administrator Discretion to Permit Transfers Other Than For Value. Except as otherwise restricted by applicable law, the Administrator may, but need not, permit an Award, other than an Incentive Stock Option or a tandem stock appreciation right granted with respect to an Incentive Stock Option, to be transferred to a Participant’s Family Member (as defined below) as a gift or pursuant to a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights. The Administrator shall not permit any transfer of an Award for value. For purposes of this Section 9, “Family Member” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than fifty percent of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Participant) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Participant) own more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting interests. The following transactions are not prohibited transfers for value: (i) a transfer under a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights; and (ii) a transfer to an entity in which more than fifty percent of the voting interests are owned by Family Members (or the Participant) in exchange for an interest in that entity.
10. Adjustments for Corporate Transactions and Other Events.
(a) Mandatory Adjustments. In the event of a merger, consolidation, stock rights offering, statutory share exchange or similar event affecting Addimmune (each, a “Corporate Event”) or a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, separation, spinoff, reorganization, extraordinary dividend of cash or other property, share combination or subdivision, or recapitalization or similar event affecting the capital structure of Addimmune (each, a “Share Change”) that occurs at any time after adoption of this Plan by the Board (including any such Corporate Event or Share Change that occurs after such adoption and coincident with or prior to the Effective Date), the Administrator shall make equitable and appropriate substitutions or proportionate adjustments to (i) the aggregate number and kind of shares of Common Stock or other securities on which Awards under the Plan may be granted to Eligible Individuals, (ii) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock or other securities that may be issued with respect to Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan, (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities covered by each outstanding Award and the exercise price, base price or other price per share, if any, and other relevant terms of each outstanding Award, and (iv) all other numerical limitations, if any, relating to Awards, whether contained in this Plan or in Award Agreements; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated.
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(b) Discretionary Adjustments. In the case of Corporate Events, the Administrator may make such other adjustments to outstanding Awards as it determines to be appropriate and desirable, which adjustments may include, without limitation, (i) the cancellation of outstanding Awards in exchange for payments of cash, securities or other property or a combination thereof having an aggregate value equal to the value of such Awards (if any), as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion (it being understood that in the case of a Corporate Event with respect to which stockholders of Addimmune receive consideration other than publicly traded equity securities of the ultimate surviving entity, any such determination by the Administrator that the value of a stock option or stock appreciation right shall for this purpose be deemed to equal the excess, if any, of the value of the consideration being paid for each share of Common Stock pursuant to such Corporate Event over the exercise price or base price of such stock option or stock appreciation right shall conclusively be deemed valid and that any stock option or stock appreciation right may be cancelled for no consideration upon a Corporate Event if its exercise price or base price equals or exceeds the value of the consideration being paid for each share of Common Stock pursuant to such Corporate Event), (ii) the substitution of securities or other property (including, without limitation, cash or other securities of Addimmune and securities of entities other than Addimmune) for the shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards, and (iii) the substitution of equivalent awards, as determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator, of the surviving or successor entity or a parent thereof (“Substitute Awards”).
(c) Adjustments to Performance Goals. The Administrator may, in its discretion, adjust the Performance Goals applicable to any Awards to reflect any unusual or non-recurring events and other extraordinary items, impact of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations and the cumulative effects of accounting or tax changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles or as identified in Xxxxxxxxx’s consolidated financial statements, notes to the consolidated financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis or other Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If the Administrator determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of Addimmune or the applicable subsidiary, business segment or other operational unit of Addimmune or any such entity or segment, or the manner in which any of the foregoing conducts its business, or other events or circumstances, render the Performance Goals to be unsuitable, the Administrator may modify such Performance Goals or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement, in whole or in part, as the Administrator deems appropriate and equitable.
(d) Statutory Requirements Affecting Adjustments. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (A) any adjustments made pursuant to Section 10 to Awards that are considered “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; (B) any adjustments made pursuant to Section 10 to Awards that are not considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment, the Awards either (1) continue not to be subject to Section 409A of the Code or (2) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code; (C) in any event, the Administrator shall not have the authority to make any adjustments pursuant to Section 10 to the extent the existence of such authority would cause an Award that is not intended to be subject to Section 409A of the Code at the date of grant to be subject thereto; and (D) any adjustments made pursuant to Section 10 to Awards that are Incentive Stock Options shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code.
(e) Dissolution or Liquidation. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, all Awards outstanding under the Plan shall terminate upon the dissolution or liquidation of Addimmune.
11. Change in Control Provisions.
(a) Termination of Awards. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11(b), in the event that any transaction resulting in a Change in Control occurs, outstanding Awards will terminate upon the effective time of such Change in Control unless provision is made in connection with the transaction for the continuation or assumption of such Awards by, or for the issuance therefor of Substitute Awards of, the surviving or successor entity or a parent thereof (for the avoidance of doubt, which continuation or assumption of such Awards by, or for the issuance therefor of Substitute Awards, may occur without the consent of any Participant). Solely with respect to Awards that will terminate as a result of the immediately preceding sentence and except as otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement:
(i) the outstanding Awards of stock options and stock appreciation rights that will terminate upon the effective time of the Change in Control shall, immediately before the effective time of the Change in Control, become fully exercisable and the holders of such Awards will be permitted, immediately before the Change in Control, to exercise the Awards;
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(ii) the outstanding shares of Restricted Stock the vesting or restrictions on which are then solely time-based and not subject to achievement of Performance Goals shall, immediately before the effective time of the Change in Control, become fully vested, free of all transfer and lapse restrictions and free of all risks of forfeiture;
(iii) the outstanding shares of Restricted Stock the vesting or restrictions on which are then subject to and pending achievement of Performance Goals shall, immediately before the effective time of the Change in Control and unless the Award Agreement provides for vesting or lapsing of restrictions in a greater amount upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, become vested, free of transfer and lapse restrictions and risks of forfeiture in such amounts as if the applicable Performance Goals for the unexpired Performance Period had been achieved at the target level set forth in the applicable Award Agreement;
(iv) the outstanding Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units the vesting, earning or settlement of which is then solely time-based and not subject to or pending achievement of Performance Goals shall, immediately before the effective time of the Change in Control, become fully earned and vested and shall be settled in cash or shares of Common Stock (consistent with the terms of the Award Agreement after taking into account the effect of the Change in Control transaction on the shares) as promptly as is practicable, subject to any applicable limitations imposed thereon by Section 409A of the Code; and
(v) the outstanding Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units the vesting, earning or settlement of which is then subject to and pending achievement of Performance Goals shall, immediately before the effective time of the Change in Control and unless the Award Agreement provides for vesting, earning or settlement in a greater amount upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, become vested and earned in such amounts as if the applicable Performance Goals for the unexpired Performance Period had been achieved at the target level set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and shall be settled in cash or shares of Common Stock (consistent with the terms of the Award Agreement after taking into account the effect of the Change in Control transaction on the shares) as promptly as is practicable, subject to any applicable limitations imposed thereon by Section 409A of the Code.
Implementation of the provisions of this Section 11(a) shall be conditioned upon consummation of the Change in Control.
(b) Continuation, Assumption or Substitution of Awards. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, if a Change in Control occurs under which provision is made in connection with the transaction for the continuation or assumption of outstanding Awards by, or for the issuance therefor of Substitute Awards of, the surviving or successor entity or a parent thereof and the Participant’s continuous service is terminated without Cause within 12 months following such Change in Control, then:
(i) any outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan to the Participant or any such Substitute Awards which are not then exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested;
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(ii) the restrictions and transferal limitations applicable to any shares of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan to the Participant or any such Substitute Awards shall lapse and such shares of Restricted Stock shall become free of all restrictions and become fully vested and transferable;
(iii) all Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units granted under the Plan to the Participant or any such Substitute Awards shall be considered to be earned and payable at target level, any deferral or other restriction thereon shall lapse, any Restriction Period thereon shall terminate, and such Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units or any such Substitute Awards shall be settled in cash or shares of Common Stock (consistent with the terms of the Award Agreement after taking into account the effect of the Change in Control transaction on the shares) as promptly as is practicable;
(iv) each outstanding Performance Award granted under the Plan to the Participant or any such Substitute Award shall be deemed to satisfy any applicable Performance Goals as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement; and
(v) subject to Section 15, the Administrator may also make additional adjustments and/or settlements of outstanding Awards granted to the Participant or any Substitute Awards as it deems appropriate and consistent with the Plan’s purposes.
(c) Other Permitted Actions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any transaction resulting in a Change in Control occurs, the Administrator may take any of the actions set forth in Section 10 with respect to any or all Awards granted under the Plan.
(d) Section 409A Savings Clause. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Award is considered to be a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, this Section 11 shall apply to such Award only to the extent that its application would not result in the imposition of any tax or interest or the inclusion of any amount in income under Section 409A of the Code.
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12. Substitution of Awards in Mergers and Acquisitions. Awards may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for assumed awards held by employees, officers, consultants or directors of entities who become employees, officers, consultants or directors of Addimmune or a Subsidiary as the result of a merger or consolidation of the entity for which they perform services with Addimmune or a Subsidiary, or the acquisition by Addimmune of the assets or stock of such entity. The terms and conditions of any Awards so granted may vary from the terms and conditions set forth herein to the extent that the Administrator deems appropriate at the time of grant to conform the Awards to the provisions of the assumed awards for which they are substituted and to preserve their intrinsic value as of the date of the merger, consolidation or acquisition transaction. To the extent permitted by applicable law and marketplace or listing rules of the primary securities market or exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading, any available shares under a stockholder-approved plan of an acquired company (as appropriately adjusted to reflect the transaction) may be used for Awards granted pursuant to this Section 12 and, upon such grant, shall not reduce the Share Pool.
13. Compliance with Securities Laws; Listing and Registration.
(a) The obligation of Addimmune to sell or deliver Common Stock with respect to any Award granted under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including all applicable federal, state securities laws, and the obtaining of all such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. If at any time the Administrator determines that the delivery of Common Stock under the Plan is or may be unlawful under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction, or federal, state or foreign (non-United States) securities laws, the right to exercise an Award or receive shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Award shall be suspended until the Administrator determines that such delivery is lawful. If at any time the Administrator determines that the delivery of Common Stock under the Plan would or may violate the rules of any exchange on which Addimmune’s securities are then listed for trade, the right to exercise an Award or receive shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Award shall be suspended until the Administrator determines that such delivery would not violate such rules. If the Administrator determines that the exercise or nonforfeitability of, or delivery of benefits pursuant to, any Award would violate any applicable provision of securities laws or the listing requirements of any stock exchange upon which any of Addimmune’s equity securities are listed, then the Administrator may postpone any such exercise, nonforfeitability or delivery, as applicable, but Addimmune shall use all reasonable efforts to cause such exercise, nonforfeitability or delivery to comply with all such provisions at the earliest practicable date.
(b) Each Award is subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Administrator determines, in its absolute discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Plan is required by any securities exchange or under any state, federal or foreign (non-United States) law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of an Award or the issuance of Common Stock, no such Award shall be granted or payment made or Common Stock issued, in whole or in part, unless listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Administrator.
(c) In the event that the disposition of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan is not covered by a then current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and is not otherwise exempt from such registration, such Common Stock shall be restricted against transfer to the extent required by the Securities Act or regulations thereunder, and the Administrator may require a person receiving Common Stock pursuant to the Plan, as a condition precedent to receipt of such Common Stock, to represent to Addimmune in writing that the Common Stock acquired by such person is acquired for investment only and not with a view to distribution and that such person will not dispose of the Common Stock so acquired in violation of federal, state or foreign securities laws and furnish such information as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be appropriate to permit the Company to issue the Common Stock in compliance with applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws.
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14. Section 409A Compliance. It is the intention of Addimmune that any Award that constitutes a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall comply in all respects with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imposition of any tax or interest or the inclusion of any amount in income pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, and the terms of each such Award shall be construed, administered and deemed amended, if applicable, in a manner consistent with this intention. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Addimmune nor any of its Affiliates nor any of its or their directors, officers, employees, agents or other service providers will be liable for any taxes, penalties or interest imposed on any Participant or other person with respect to any amounts paid or payable (whether in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property) under any Award, including any taxes, penalties or interest imposed under or as a result of Section 409A of the Code. Any payments described in an Award that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise. For purposes of any Award, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided to a Participant that constitutes deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, the payment of Dividend Equivalents under any Award shall be construed as earnings and the time and form of payment of such Dividend Equivalents shall be treated separately from the time and form of payment of the underlying Award. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, with respect to any Award that constitutes a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, any payments (whether in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property) to be made with respect to the Award that become payable on account of the Participant’s separation from service, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, while the Participant is a “specified employee” (as determined in accordance with the uniform policy adopted by the Administrator with respect to all of the arrangements subject to Section 409A of the Code maintained by Xxxxxxxxx and its Affiliates) and which would otherwise be paid within six months after the Participant’s separation from service shall be accumulated (without interest) and paid on the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s separation from service or, if earlier, within 15 days after the appointment of the personal representative or executor of the Participant’s estate following the Participant’s death. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or an Award Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall the Administrator exercise its discretion to accelerate the payment or settlement of an Award where such payment or settlement constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Code section 409A unless, and solely to the extent that, such accelerated payment or settlement is permissible under Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-3(j)(4).
15. Plan Duration; Amendment and Discontinuance.
(a) Plan Duration. The Plan shall remain in effect, subject to the right of the Board or the Compensation Committee to amend or terminate the Plan at any time, until the earlier of (a) the earliest date as of which all Awards granted under the Plan have been satisfied in full or terminated and no shares of Common Stock approved for issuance under the Plan remain available to be granted under new Awards or (b) _______, 20332. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after such termination date. Subject to other applicable provisions of the Plan, all Awards made under the Plan on or before _______, 20333, or such earlier termination of the Plan, shall remain in effect until such Awards have been satisfied or terminated in accordance with the Plan and the terms of such Awards.
2 | NTD: To insert the date that is one day prior to the tenth anniversary of the date on which the Plan is approved by the Board. |
3 | NTD: To insert the date that is one day prior to the tenth anniversary of the date on which the Plan is approved by the Board. |
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(b) Amendment and Discontinuance of the Plan. The Board or the Compensation Committee may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation shall be made which would materially impair the rights of a Participant with respect to a previously granted Award without such Participant’s consent, except such an amendment made to comply with applicable law or rule of any securities exchange or market on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading or to prevent adverse tax or accounting consequences to Addimmune or the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment shall be made without the approval of Addimmune’s stockholders to the extent such amendment would (A) materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, (B) materially increase the number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the Plan or to a Participant, (C) materially expand the eligibility for participation in the Plan, (D) eliminate or modify the prohibition set forth in Section 7(e) on repricing of stock options and stock appreciation rights, (E) lengthen the maximum term or lower the minimum exercise price or base price permitted for stock options and stock appreciation rights, or (F) modify the prohibition on the issuance of reload or replenishment options. Except as otherwise determined by the Board or Compensation Committee, termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
(c) Amendment of Awards. Subject to Section 7(e), the Administrator may unilaterally amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, but no such amendment shall materially impair the rights of any Participant with respect to an Award without the Participant’s consent, except such an amendment made to cause the Plan or Award to comply with applicable law, applicable rule of any securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading, or to prevent adverse tax or accounting consequences for the Participant or the Company or any of its Affiliates. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, an amendment to an Award that results in a change in the tax consequences of the Award to the Participant shall not be considered to be a material impairment of the rights of the Participant and shall not require the Participant’s consent.
16. General Provisions.
(a) Non-Guarantee of Employment or Service. Nothing in the Plan or in any Award Agreement thereunder shall confer any right on an individual to continue in the service of Addimmune or any Affiliate or shall interfere in any way with the right of Addimmune or any Affiliate to terminate such service at any time with or without cause or notice and whether or not such termination results in (i) the failure of any Award to vest or become payable; (ii) the forfeiture of any unvested or vested portion of any Award; and/or (iii) any other adverse effect on the individual’s interests under any Award or the Plan. No person, even though deemed an Eligible Individual, shall have a right to be selected as a Participant, or, having been so selected, to be selected again as a Participant. To the extent that an Eligible Individual who is an employee of a Subsidiary receives an Award under the Plan, that Award shall in no event be understood or interpreted to mean that Xxxxxxxxx is the Participant’s employer or that the Participant has an employment relationship with Xxxxxxxxx.
(b) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between Xxxxxxxxx and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any Participant or other person acquires a right to receive payments from Addimmune pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of Addimmune.
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(c) Status of Awards. Awards shall be special incentive payments to the Participant and shall not be taken into account in computing the amount of salary or compensation of the Participant for purposes of determining any pension, retirement, death, severance or other benefit under (a) any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, bonus, insurance, severance or other employee benefit plan of Addimmune or any Affiliate now or hereafter in effect under which the availability or amount of benefits is related to the level of compensation or (b) any agreement between (i) Addimmune or any Affiliate and (ii) the Participant, except as such plan or agreement shall otherwise expressly provide.
(d) Subsidiary Employees. In the case of a grant of an Award to an Eligible Individual who provides services to any Subsidiary, Addimmune may, if the Administrator so directs, issue or transfer the shares of Common Stock, if any, covered by the Award to the Subsidiary, for such lawful consideration as the Administrator may specify, upon the condition or understanding that the Subsidiary will transfer the shares of Common Stock to the Eligible Individual in accordance with the terms of the Award specified by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. All shares of Common Stock underlying Awards that are forfeited or canceled after such issue or transfer of shares to the Subsidiary shall revert to Addimmune.
(e) Governing Law and Interpretation. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan, of Award Agreements entered into pursuant to the Plan, and of any rules, regulations, determinations or decisions made by the Administrator relating to the Plan or such Award Agreements, and the rights of any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest therein or thereunder, shall be determined exclusively in accordance with applicable United States federal laws and the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. The captions of the Plan are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. Except where the context otherwise requires: (i) the singular includes the plural and vice versa; (ii) a reference to one gender includes other genders; (iii) a reference to a person includes a natural person, partnership, corporation, association, governmental or local authority or agency or other entity; and (iv) a reference to a statute, ordinance, code or other law includes regulations and other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or replacements of any of them.
(f) Use of English Language. The Plan, each Award Agreement, and all other documents, notices and legal proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant to an Award shall be written in English, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator. If a Participant receives an Award Agreement, a copy of the Plan or any other documents related to an Award translated into a language other than English, and if the meaning of the translated version is different from the English version, the English version shall control.
(g) Recovery of Amounts Paid. Except as otherwise provided by the Administrator, Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to any and all policies, guidelines, codes of conduct, or other agreement or arrangement adopted by the Board or Compensation Committee with respect to the recoupment, recovery or clawback of compensation (collectively, the “Recoupment Policy”) and/or to any provisions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement under which Addimmune may recover from current and former Participants any amounts paid or shares of Common Stock issued under an Award and any proceeds therefrom under such circumstances as the Administrator determines appropriate. The Administrator may apply the Recoupment Policy to Awards granted before the policy is adopted to the extent required by applicable law or rule of any securities exchange or market on which shares of Common Stock are listed or admitted for trading, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
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17. Glossary. Under this Plan, except where the context otherwise indicates, the following definitions apply:
“Addimmune” means Addimmune Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Administrator” means the Compensation Committee, or such other committee(s) or officer(s) duly appointed by the Board or the Compensation Committee to administer the Plan or delegated limited authority to perform administrative actions under the Plan, and having such powers as shall be specified by the Board or the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that at any time the Board may serve as the Administrator in lieu of or in addition to the Compensation Committee or such other committee(s) or officer(s) to whom administrative authority has been delegated. With respect to any Award to which Section 16 of the Exchange Act applies, the Administrator shall consist of either the Board or a committee of the Board, which committee shall consist of two or more directors, each of whom is intended to be, to the extent required by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and an “independent director” to the extent required by the rules of the national securities exchange that is the principal trading market for the Common Stock; provided, that with respect to Awards made to a member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company, “Administrator” means the Board. Any member of the Administrator who does not meet the foregoing requirements shall abstain from any decision regarding an Award and shall not be considered a member of the Administrator to the extent required to comply with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
“Affiliate” means any entity, whether now or hereafter existing, which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Addimmune or any successor to Addimmune. For this purpose, “control” (including the correlative meanings of the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) shall mean ownership, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities issued by such entity, or the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of such entity, by contract or otherwise.
“Award” means any stock option, stock appreciation right, stock award, stock unit, Performance Share, Performance Unit, and/or Other Stock-Based Award.
“Award Agreement” means the written document(s), including an electronic writing acceptable to the Administrator, and any notice, addendum or supplement thereto, memorializing the terms and conditions of an Award granted pursuant to the Plan and which shall incorporate the terms of the Plan.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of Addimmune.
“Cause” means, with respect to a Participant, except as otherwise provided in the relevant Award Agreement (i) the Participant’s plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or commission of, (A) a felony (or its equivalent in a non-United States jurisdiction) or (B) other crime or conduct of a criminal nature involving moral turpitude, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, or that legally prohibits the Participant from working for Addimmune, any of its Subsidiaries or a successor to Addimmune or a Subsidiary; (ii) a breach by the Participant of a regulatory rule that adversely affects the Participant’s ability to perform the Participant’s employment duties to Addimmune, any of its Subsidiaries or a successor to Addimmune or a Subsidiary, in any material respect; or (iii) the Participant’s failure to (A) perform in any material respect the Participant’s employment duties, (B) comply with the applicable policies of Addimmune, or of its Subsidiaries, or a successor to Addimmune or a Subsidiary, or (C) comply with covenants contained in any contract or Award Agreement to which the Participant is a party; provided, however, that the Participant shall be provided a written notice describing in reasonable detail the facts which are considered to give rise to a breach described in this clause (iii) and the Participant shall have 10 days following receipt of such written notice (the “Cure Period”) during which the Participant may remedy the condition and, if so remedied, no Cause for Termination of Service shall exist.
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“Change in Control” means the first of the following to occur: (i) a Change in Ownership of Xxxxxxxxx, (ii) a Change in Effective Control of Addimmune, or (iii) a Change in the Ownership of Assets of Addimmune, as described herein and construed in accordance with Code section 409A.
(i) A “Change in Ownership of Addimmune” shall occur on the date that any one Person acquires, or Persons Acting as a Group acquire, ownership of the capital stock of Addimmune that, together with the stock held by such Person or Group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of Addimmune. However, if any one Person is, or Persons Acting as a Group are, considered to own more than 50%, on a fully diluted basis, of the total fair market value or total voting power of the capital stock of Addimmune, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person or Persons Acting as a Group is not considered to cause a Change in Ownership of Addimmune or to cause a Change in Effective Control of Addimmune (as described below). An increase in the percentage of capital stock owned by any one Person, or Persons Acting as a Group, as a result of a transaction in which Addimmune acquires its stock in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock.
(ii) A “Change in Effective Control of Addimmune” shall occur on the date either (A) a majority of members of Xxxxxxxxx’s Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of Xxxxxxxxx’s Board before the date of the appointment or election, or (B) any one Person, or Persons Acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) ownership of stock of Addimmune possessing 50% or more of the total voting power of the stock of Addimmune.
(iii) A “Change in the Ownership of Assets of Addimmune” shall occur on the date that any one Person acquires, or Persons Acting as a Group acquire (or has or have acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons), assets from Addimmune that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of Addimmune immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of Addimmune, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
The following rules of construction apply in interpreting the definition of Change in Control:
(A) A “Person” means any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other than employee benefit plans sponsored or maintained by Addimmune and by entities controlled by Addimmune or an underwriter, initial purchaser or placement agent temporarily holding the capital stock of Addimmune pursuant to a registered public offering.
(B) Persons will be considered to be Persons Acting as a Group (or Group) if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the corporation. If a Person owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar transaction, such shareholder is considered to be acting as a Group with other shareholders only with respect to the ownership in that corporation before the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Persons will not be considered to be acting as a Group solely because they purchase assets of the same corporation at the same time or purchase or own stock of the same corporation at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering.
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(C) A Change in Control shall not include a transfer to a related person as described in Code Section 409A or a public offering of capital stock of Addimmune.
(D) For purposes of the definition of Change in Control, Section 318(a) of the Code applies to determine stock ownership. Stock underlying a vested option is considered owned by the individual who holds the vested option (and the stock underlying an unvested option is not considered owned by the individual who holds the unvested option). For purposes of the preceding sentence, however, if a vested option is exercisable for stock that is not substantially vested (as defined by Treasury Regulation §1.83-3(b) and (j)), the stock underlying the option is not treated as owned by the individual who holds the option.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto, the Treasury Regulations thereunder and other relevant interpretive guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service or the Treasury Department. Reference to any specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include such regulations and guidance, as well as any successor section, regulations and guidance.
“Common Stock” means shares of common stock of Addimmune, par value $0.0001 per share, and any capital securities into which they are converted.
“Company” means Addimmune and its Subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires. For purposes of determining whether a Change in Control has occurred, Company shall mean only Addimmune.
“Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
“Dividend Equivalent” means a right, granted to a Participant, to receive cash, Common Stock, stock Units or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of Common Stock.
“Effective Date” means the date on which adoption of the Plan is approved by the stockholders of Addimmune.
“Eligible Individuals” means officers and employees of, and other individuals, including non-employee directors, who are natural persons providing bona fide services to or for, Addimmune or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that such services are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for Addimmune’s securities.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto. Reference to any specific section of the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include such regulations and guidance issued thereunder, as well as any successor section, regulations and guidance.
“Fair Market Value” means, on a per share basis as of any date, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator:
(i) if the principal market for the Common Stock (as determined by the Administrator if the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading on more than one exchange or market) is a national securities exchange or an established securities market, the official closing price per share of Common Stock for the regular market session on that date on the principal exchange or market on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading or, if no sale is reported for that date, on the last preceding day on which a sale was reported, all as reported by such source as the Administrator may select;
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(ii) if the principal market for the Common Stock is not a national securities exchange or an established securities market, but the Common Stock is quoted by a national quotation system, the average of the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock on that date as reported on a national quotation system or, if no prices are reported for that date, on the last preceding day on which prices were reported, all as reported by such source as the Administrator may select; or
(iii) if the Common Stock is neither listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange or an established securities market, nor quoted by a national quotation system, the value determined by the Administrator in good faith by the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method, which method may, but need not, include taking into account an appraisal of the fair market value of the Common Stock conducted by a nationally recognized appraisal firm selected by the Administrator.
Notwithstanding the preceding, for foreign, federal, state and local income tax reporting purposes and for such other purposes as the Administrator deems appropriate, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by it from time to time.
“Full Value Award” means an Award that results in Addimmune transferring the full value of a share of Common Stock under the Award, whether or not an actual share of stock is issued. Full Value Awards shall include, but are not limited to, stock awards, stock units, Performance Shares, Performance Units that are payable in Common Stock, and Other Stock-Based Awards for which Addimmune transfers the full value of a share of Common Stock under the Award, but shall not include Dividend Equivalents.
“Incentive Stock Option” means any stock option that is designated, in the applicable Award Agreement or the resolutions of the Administrator under which the stock option is granted, as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and otherwise meets the requirements to be an “incentive stock option” set forth in Section 422 of the Code.
“Nonqualified Option” means any stock option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Other Stock-Based Award” means an Award of Common Stock or any other Award that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is otherwise based upon, shares of Common Stock, including without limitation Dividend Equivalents and convertible debentures.
“Participant” means an Eligible Individual to whom one or more Awards are or have been granted pursuant to the Plan and have not been fully settled or cancelled and, following the death of any such person, his successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.
“Performance Award” means a Full Value Award, the grant, vesting, lapse of restrictions or settlement of which is conditioned upon the achievement of performance objectives over a specified Performance Period and includes, without limitation, Performance Shares and Performance Units.
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“Performance Goals” means the performance goals established by the Administrator in connection with the grant of Awards based on Performance Metrics or other performance criteria selected by the Administrator.
“Performance Metrics” means criteria established by the Administrator relating to any of the following, as it may apply to an individual, one or more business units, divisions, or Affiliates, or on a company-wide basis, and in absolute terms, relative to a base period, or relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies, peer groups, or an index covering multiple companies:
(i) Earnings or Profitability Metrics: any derivative of revenue; earnings/loss (gross, operating, net, or adjusted); earnings/loss before interest and taxes (“EBIT”); earnings/loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”); profit margins; operating margins; expense levels or ratios; provided that any of the foregoing metrics may be adjusted to eliminate the effect of any one or more of the following: interest expense, asset impairments or investment losses, early extinguishment of debt or stock-based compensation expense;
(ii) Return Metrics: any derivative of return on investment, assets, equity or capital (total or invested);
(iii) Investment Metrics: relative risk-adjusted investment performance; investment performance of assets under management;
(iv) Cash Flow Metrics: any derivative of operating cash flow; cash flow sufficient to achieve financial ratios or a specified cash balance; free cash flow; cash flow return on capital; net cash provided by operating activities; cash flow per share; working capital;
(v) Liquidity Metrics: any derivative of debt leverage (including debt to capital, net debt-to-capital, debt-to-EBITDA or other liquidity ratios);
(vi) Stock Price and Equity Metrics: any derivative of return on stockholders’ equity; total stockholder return; stock price; stock price appreciation; market capitalization; earnings/loss per share (basic or diluted) (before or after taxes); and/or
(vii) Strategic Metrics: __________________.
“Performance Period” means that period established by the Administrator during which any Performance Goals specified by the Administrator with respect to such Award are to be measured.
“Performance Shares” means a grant of stock or stock Units the issuance, vesting or payment of which is contingent on performance as measured against predetermined objectives over a specified Performance Period.
“Performance Units” means a grant of dollar-denominated Units the value, vesting or payment of which is contingent on performance against predetermined objectives over a specified Performance Period.
“Plan” means this Addimmune Inc. 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as set forth herein and as it may be amended from time to time.
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“Restricted Stock” means an Award of shares of Common Stock to a Participant that may be subject to certain transferability and other restrictions and to a risk of forfeiture (including by reason of not satisfying certain Performance Goals).
“Restricted Stock Unit” means a right granted to a Participant to receive shares of Common Stock or cash at the end of a specified deferral period, which right may be conditioned on the satisfaction of certain requirements (including the satisfaction of certain Performance Goals).
“Restriction Period” means, with respect to Full Value Awards, the period commencing on the date of grant of such Award to which vesting or transferability and other restrictions and a risk of forfeiture apply and ending upon the expiration of the applicable vesting conditions, transferability and other restrictions and lapse of risk of forfeiture and/or the achievement of the applicable Performance Goals (it being understood that the Administrator may provide that vesting shall occur and/or restrictions shall lapse with respect to portions of the applicable Award during the Restriction Period).
“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity in an unbroken chain of corporations or other entities beginning with Addimmune if each of the corporations or other entities, or group of commonly controlled corporations or other entities, other than the last corporation or other entity in the unbroken chain then owns stock or other equity interests possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or other equity interests in one of the other corporations or other entities in such chain or otherwise has the power to direct the management and policies of the entity by contract or by means of appointing a majority of the members of the board or other body that controls the affairs of the entity; provided, however, that solely for purposes of determining whether a Participant has a Termination of Service that is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code or whether an Eligible Individual is eligible to be granted an Award that in the hands of such Eligible Individual would constitute a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, a “Subsidiary” of a corporation or other entity means all other entities with which such corporation or other entity would be considered a single employer under Sections 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.
“Tax Withholding Obligation” means any federal, state, local or foreign (non-United States) income, employment or other tax or social insurance contribution required by applicable law to be withheld in respect of Awards.
“Termination of Service” means the termination of the Participant’s employment, engagement or consultancy with, or performance of services for, Addimmune and its Subsidiaries. Temporary absences from employment because of illness, vacation or leave of absence and transfers among Addimmune and its Subsidiaries shall not be considered Terminations of Service. With respect to any Award that constitutes a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, “Termination of Service” shall mean a “separation from service” as defined under Section 409A of the Code to the extent required by Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imposition of any tax or interest or the inclusion of any amount in income pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. A Participant has a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code if the Participant terminates employment with Addimmune and all Subsidiaries for any reason. A Participant will generally be treated as having terminated employment with Addimmune and all Subsidiaries as of a certain date if the Participant and the entity that employs the Participant reasonably anticipate that the Participant will perform no further services for Addimmune or any Subsidiary after such date or that the level of bona fide services that the Participant will perform after such date (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) will permanently decrease to no more than 20 percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of services if the Participant has been providing services for fewer than 36 months); provided, however, that the employment relationship is treated as continuing while the Participant is on military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of leave does not exceed six months or, if longer, so long as the Participant retains the right to reemployment with Addimmune or any Subsidiary.
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“Total and Permanent Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, except as otherwise provided in the relevant Award Agreement, that a Participant is (i) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last until the Participant’s death or result in death, or (ii) determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration or other governmental or quasi-governmental body that administers a comparable social insurance program outside of the United States in which the Participant participates and which conditions the right to receive benefits under such program on the Participant being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last until the Participant’s death or result in death. The Administrator shall have sole authority to determine whether a Participant has suffered a Total and Permanent Disability and may require such medical or other evidence as it deems necessary to judge the nature and permanency of the Participant’s condition.
“Unit” means a bookkeeping entry used by Xxxxxxxxx to record and account for the grant of the following types of Awards until such time as the Award is paid, cancelled, forfeited or terminated, as the case may be: stock units, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, and Performance Shares that are expressed in terms of units of Common Stock.
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